If you love tactical RPGs that let you build an army from the ground up, Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga is one of those under-the-radar gems worth a closer look. This 2D strategy RPG drops you into a war-scarred empire where every battle is about smart positioning, squad composition, and adapting to the conditions on the field.
Released on June 10, 2022, Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga was developed by American studio Dancing Dragon Games and published by indie.io. The story takes place in the world of Tahnra, where the Empire of Veridia appears to be recovering after years of conflict—until a shocking betrayal throws everything back into chaos. A general kidnaps Empress Florina and sparks a revolt, and you step in as a young academy graduate tasked with raising a fighting force capable of holding the empire together.
The campaign is substantial, typically running around 30 to 40 hours, and it’s built around commanding squads of up to nine soldiers as you push across the map. Battles encourage you to think beyond raw damage numbers: terrain and positioning can help you set ambushes, defend key routes, or retake cities at the right moment. You’ll also need to pay attention to weather, which can influence how fights play out and force you to adjust your tactics instead of relying on a single winning approach.
One of the biggest draws is the army-building. With more than 50 different classes, the game gives you plenty of room to create balanced squads or experiment with specialized lineups. Between fights, there’s also a relationship element, letting you bond with various characters and add a more personal layer to the campaign beyond the battlefield.
Player reception has been notably strong. The game holds a 94% positive rating from 14,272 user reviews, with fans frequently highlighting the combat system and the variety in gameplay. That said, it isn’t flawless. Some players point to a story that doesn’t always land, menus that can be confusing, and difficulty that can feel random or uneven at times.
Even with those issues, the value proposition right now is hard to ignore for tactical RPG fans. The game has dropped back to its lowest price, matching a previous low from February 16, 2026. It’s currently discounted by 70%, priced at $5.99 instead of $19.99, with the sale running until April 17, 2026. There’s also DLC discounted during the same period for anyone looking to expand the experience.
For anyone searching for a deep 2D tactical RPG with squad-based battles, tons of class options, and a lengthy single-player campaign, Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga is an easy one to put on your radar—especially at this price.
