What is Tactics?

Tactics in game design are the moment-to-moment decisions players make to respond to immediate threats, optimize outcomes, or seize short-term advantages.

If strategy is the plan, tactics are the moves. It's how you adapt, execute, and survive — turn by turn, second by second.

1️⃣ Definition

Tactics refer to short-term, context-specific actions that players take during gameplay to address the current situation. They often involve positioning, resource use, ability timing, and response to dynamic events.

📍Tactics = “What should I do right now, in this exact situation?” Good tactical design keeps this question interesting — every turn.

2️⃣ Why Tactics Matter

Role	What It Enables	Example
Skill expression	Moment-by-moment mastery	Into the Breach’s micro-precision
Engagement	Constant decision-making keeps players active	XCOM 2’s overwatch + flanking choices
Replayability	Same scenario → different responses	Fire Emblem critical choices under pressure
Execution layer	Turns plans into action	StarCraft II: positioning marines during a rush
Emergent variety	Reactivity creates dynamic outcomes	The Witcher 3’s potion/Sign usage per enemy type

📍Tactics are where mastery feels earned. Great tactical systems make you say, “That was tight — but I did it.”

3️⃣ Characteristics of Tactical Play

Characteristic	Description	Game Example
Reactive	Responding to changing threats	Hearthstone responding to opponent’s board
Local scope	Operates within a turn, room, or moment	Celeste dash decisions mid-air
Optimizing under pressure	Best choice given constraints	Into the Breach’s damage trade-offs
Precision over planning	Less about long-term, more about execution	Street Fighter frame-by-frame reads
Multiple viable solutions	Not one "correct" move	Divinity: Original Sin 2 sandbox combat

📍Design tactical space so every turn has tension — and every mistake has a lesson.

‣

…

4️⃣ Tactics vs Strategy

Aspect	Tactics	Strategy
Scope	Local, immediate	Global, long-term
Timeframe	One turn / encounter	Entire match / campaign
Example	Flank a sniper this turn	Build stealth units as your core comp
Focus	Execution	Planning
Driven by	Current situation	Game state and goals

📍A strategy invites you into the match. But tactics keep you locked in every minute.

✅ Tactical Design Checklist

Are players consistently making meaningful short-term decisions?

Do actions feel reactive and context-sensitive?

Is there room for mastery in positioning, timing, or resource use?

Are tactical tools readable, fair, and combinable?

Does the game reward good tactics — or punish too rigid a plan?

📍Good tactical systems teach adaptability. The best ones reward it instantly.

Summary

Term	Tactics
What it is	Moment-to-moment decision-making based on current state
Why it matters	Engages players through responsiveness, tension, and execution
How it’s shaped	Through movement, abilities, encounters, resources, and enemy behavior
Design goal	Make every moment feel like it counts

📍Tactics are the heartbeat of moment-to-moment gameplay. If strategy builds the map — tactics make every step across it feel alive.