GIRLS' FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM has carved a unique niche in the gaming landscape with its blend of strategic turn-based combat, compelling character collection, and a visually striking anime aesthetic. For players who have fallen in love with its tactical depth and engaging narrative, the quest for similar experiences is a natural next step. While EXILIUM offers a distinctive flavor, several other titles on mobile and PC deliver comparable gameplay loops and thematic elements. This article explores the top 5 best games that capture the spirit of GIRLS' FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM, offering hours of strategic fun and captivating worlds.
1. Arknights
Arknights is arguably the closest contemporary to GIRLS' FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM in terms of gameplay and overall feel. It presents a unique tower defense hybrid where players deploy a roster of 'Operators' with distinct classes and abilities to fend off waves of enemies. Like EXILIUM, Arknights boasts a deep strategic layer, requiring careful placement and timing of skills. The character designs are iconic, and the game features a rich, ongoing narrative with a mature, dystopian sci-fi setting. The gacha system for acquiring new Operators is fair, and the gameplay is incredibly rewarding for those who enjoy mastering complex challenges.
2. Blue Archive
Blue Archive offers a charming anime aesthetic and a high school setting, but don't let its seemingly lighthearted presentation fool you. Beneath the surface lies a surprisingly deep turn-based combat system. Players take on the role of a sensei guiding a group of students with unique combat skills. The gameplay involves forming squads, utilizing tactical abilities, and managing resources. The character collection and development aspects are robust, and the story, while often humorous, also delves into more serious themes. Its visual style and character interactions might appeal to fans of EXILIUM's moe elements.
3. Girls' Frontline (Original)
It's impossible to discuss games similar to GIRLS' FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM without mentioning its predecessor. The original Girls' Frontline is a tactical RPG that focuses on squad-based combat where players manage formations of 'Tactical Dolls' (T-Dolls). The core gameplay loop involves positioning your squads on a grid, utilizing unique unit skills, and managing resources like ammo and morale. While its graphics are older, the strategic depth and extensive lore are unparalleled. If you enjoy the core mechanics of EXILIUM, diving into the original offers a wealth of content and a foundational understanding of the series' universe.
4. Honkai: Star Rail
From the developers of Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail brings turn-based combat to a science-fiction universe. While it leans more into traditional JRPG mechanics than EXILIUM, its emphasis on team building, strategic ability usage, and character synergies will feel familiar. Players assemble a team of diverse characters, each with unique elemental affinities and combat roles, to overcome challenging encounters. The game features stunning visuals, a captivating story that spans across different worlds, and a well-paced progression system. The strategic elements are present in optimizing your team's composition and understanding enemy weaknesses.
5. Alchemy Stars
Alchemy Stars offers a visually stunning experience with a unique combat system that blends puzzle elements with RPG combat. Players draw lines on a grid to connect similarly colored Luminary paths, activating attacks and special abilities for their team of characters. This line-drawing mechanic requires significant foresight and planning, echoing the tactical decision-making found in EXILIUM. The game features a vibrant fantasy world, a diverse cast of characters with distinct designs and backstories, and a compelling narrative. Mastering the path-drawing system and optimizing your team's elemental synergy is key to success.
Conclusion
While GIRLS' FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM stands out for its unique blend of elements, these five games offer excellent alternatives for players seeking similar strategic depth, engaging character collection, and captivating aesthetics. Whether you prefer the tower defense challenges of Arknights, the high school tactical battles of Blue Archive, the classic squad management of the original Girls' Frontline, the turn-based JRPG adventure of Honkai: Star Rail, or the unique puzzle-combat of Alchemy Stars, there's a fulfilling experience waiting for you in 2026.
