Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 54 (click to see context) from:
* The ''VideoGame/{{Suikoden}}'' series of games has at least one strategist per game, whose help the KidHero must seek out. The Silverbergs are a family of strategists who have helped shape the history of the games. Lucretia Merces, the advisor for ''VideoGame/SuikodenV'', dresses in robes and often carries a feather fan (perhaps as a ShoutOut to her spiritual predecessor, Zhuge Liang). She's also the only strategist in the series with no known connection to the Silverberg family at all.
to:
* The ''VideoGame/{{Suikoden}}'' series of games has at least one strategist per game, whose help the KidHero must seek out. The Silverbergs are a family of strategists who have helped shape the history of the games. Lucretia Merces, the advisor for ''VideoGame/SuikodenV'', dresses in robes and often carries a feather fan (perhaps as a ShoutOut to her spiritual predecessor, Zhuge Liang). She's also the only strategist in the series with no known connection to the Silverberg family at all.all.
* ''VideoGame/TotalWarPharaoh'': Tausret is portrayed as a strategic genius, and both her quotes and things others say to her emphasize this. Mechanically, this is represented by economic strength and by a superior ability to manipulate the court and turn intrigues against her back on their originators.
* ''VideoGame/TotalWarPharaoh'': Tausret is portrayed as a strategic genius, and both her quotes and things others say to her emphasize this. Mechanically, this is represented by economic strength and by a superior ability to manipulate the court and turn intrigues against her back on their originators.
Changed line(s) 56,57 (click to see context) from:
* In-universe, Listrata from ''VideoGame/WarOfOmens'' is this. As of this update, she has faced a dozen or more enemies, and has beaten them all.
* The original ''VideoGame/ValkyriaChronicles'' has Welkin Gunther. Who knew a guy who prefers to spend hours watching and drawing animals and plants could make use of his vast knowledge of nature to transform a RagtagBunchOfMisfits in a BadassArmy?
* The original ''VideoGame/ValkyriaChronicles'' has Welkin Gunther. Who knew a guy who prefers to spend hours watching and drawing animals and plants could make use of his vast knowledge of nature to transform a RagtagBunchOfMisfits in a BadassArmy?
to:
* ''VideoGame/ValkyriaChronicles'': The original
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIV'': The Scholar Job is one of the Healer Jobs, and it's flavored as this: the Scholar is a military historian that uncovers the military tactics and combat-healing magics on the ancient Nymian tacticians. Aparently the Nymians were such good strategists that, combined with their healing magic, could succesfully defend their small city state from much larger, more powerful empires [[spoiler: until a plague wiped them out]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* In ''VideoGame/{{XCOM}}'', PlayerCharacter [[NonEntityGeneral The Commander]] was renowned for their tactical genius, to the point that they were abducted by the aliens in ''VideoGame/XCOM2'' and used as a WetwareCPU to guide their troops.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* ''VideoGame/Warhammer40000RogueTrader'': The Officer, Master Tactician, and Grand Strategist archetypes all fit this role, based around creating party buffs, netting extra turns, and unleashing powerful stratagems. The Commissar, Navy Officer, and Astra Militarum Commander origins also fit this role strongly, with abilities to make the most out of the party's skills and keep them moving.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* ''VideoGame/TriangleStrategy'': Benedict, Steward of House Wolfort, is this for the player character's team, both in gameplay and story. Gameplay-wise, his end-game class is "Master Strategist", and he focuses on boosting your units and allowing them to act more often or sooner. Story-wise, he is the one who comes up with plans, and the narration itself presents him as a cunning tactician, thoroughly dedicated to House Wolffort.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* This is the role of Vertin, the protagonist of ''VideoGame/Reverse1999''. As the Timekeeper, she is immune to the effects of the reality destroying and warping "Storm" which helps her lead and coordinate others who are more vulnerable, she can get the aide of several others across time periods (represented by the gacha "Summoning" feature), and has access to special "Tunings" that can turn the tide of combat. In the midst of a fight, she never attacks directly ([[GameplayAndStorySegregation outside of story cutscenes]]), instead coordinating her up to 3-4 person team's incantations to maximum effect; this is represented by the player shuffling and playing cards, with the character's voice lines implying that they're being given orders directly by Vertin and are willing to comply.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Deleted line(s) 1 (click to see context) :
* The first ''VideoGame/AdvanceWars'' casts the player as a "special advisor". Nell, Commander-in-Chief of [[{{Eagleland}} Orange Star]] has this reputation in the first three games, but it's implied that her abilities have about as much to do with her [[BornLucky absurd luck]] as her tactical skill. The bad guys have [[TheDragon Hawke]], who does virtually all of Black Hole's tactical heavily lifting. He's so good that, while his subordinates are getting their asses handed to them by the nations they're trying to take over, he's ''single-handedly'' crushing Green Earth, and it takes a coalition of all three of the other nations to stop him.
Added DiffLines:
* ''VideoGame/NintendoWars'': The first ''Advance Wars'' casts the player as a "special advisor". Nell, Commander-in-Chief of [[{{Eagleland}} Orange Star]] has this reputation in the first three games, but it's implied that her abilities have about as much to do with her [[BornLucky absurd luck]] as her tactical skill. The bad guys have [[TheDragon Hawke]], who does virtually all of Black Hole's tactical heavily lifting. He's so good that, while his subordinates are getting their asses handed to them by the nations they're trying to take over, he's ''single-handedly'' crushing Green Earth, and it takes a coalition of all three of the other nations to stop him.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 41 (click to see context) from:
* The lore of the ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}'' games is a world of SpiritedCompetitor and BloodKnight monsters where humans earn their keep through superior technology and providing tactics to win battle. In practice, most players just raise one monster to a high level and slaughter all opposition until it runs out of energy, [[ScissorsCutRock type matchups]] and [[CuttingTheKnot other finesses be damned]]. ''VideoGame/PokemonBlackAndWhite'' combated this practice by making experience gain proportional to the level of the monsters battling, making raising a monster's level much higher than the opposition a ''very'' time-consuming process, making more players rely on tactics.
to:
* The lore of the ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}'' games is a world of SpiritedCompetitor and BloodKnight monsters where humans earn their keep through superior technology and providing tactics to win battle. In practice, most players just raise one monster to a high level and slaughter all opposition until it runs out of energy, [[ScissorsCutRock [[ScissorsCutsRock type matchups]] and [[CuttingTheKnot other finesses be damned]]. ''VideoGame/PokemonBlackAndWhite'' combated this practice by making experience gain proportional to the level of the monsters battling, making raising a monster's level much higher than the opposition a ''very'' time-consuming process, making more players rely on tactics.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 41 (click to see context) from:
* The lore of the ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}'' games is a world of SpiritedCompetitor and BloodKnight monsters where humans earn their keep through superior technology and providing tactics to win battle. In practice, most players just raise one monster to a high level and slaughter all opposition until it runs out of energy. ''VideoGame/PokemonBlackAndWhite'' combated this practice by making experience gain proportional to the level of the monsters battling, making raising a monster's level much higher than the opposition a ''very'' time-consuming process, making more players rely on tactics.
to:
* The lore of the ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}'' games is a world of SpiritedCompetitor and BloodKnight monsters where humans earn their keep through superior technology and providing tactics to win battle. In practice, most players just raise one monster to a high level and slaughter all opposition until it runs out of energy.energy, [[ScissorsCutRock type matchups]] and [[CuttingTheKnot other finesses be damned]]. ''VideoGame/PokemonBlackAndWhite'' combated this practice by making experience gain proportional to the level of the monsters battling, making raising a monster's level much higher than the opposition a ''very'' time-consuming process, making more players rely on tactics.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
*** Excellus is ''supposed'' to serve as this for [[TheConqueror Walhart]]; however, he's a SmugSnake whose strategies tend to involve copious amounts of [[IHaveYourWife threatening his foe's loved ones]] to force compliance, he's respected by no one on his side, he's almost transparently TheStarscream [[spoiler:and TheMole for the [[ReligionOfEvil Grimleal]] meant to sabotage Walhart from the inside]], and Walhart tells him to his face that not only is Robin his superior in every way but that he was well-aware of his duplicity [[spoiler:in both senses]] and only kept him around because it was funny to watch him scheme and fail.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 31 (click to see context) from:
** Byleth, the Avatar of ''VideoGame/FireEmblemThreeHouses'', quickly proves themselves to be one of Fódlan's finest tacticians, and it's ultimately their involvement that decides which faction comes out on top. Additionally, Hubert is the tactician of the Black Eagles house (second only to the Avatar should they join them), [[spoiler:and becomes the chief strategist for the Adrestian Empire after the TimeSkip]]. Claude also gains a reputation for this, gradually becoming known for using unconventional tactics to accomplish his goals [[spoiler:and gaining the nickname of "Master Tactician" ("Tabletop Demon" in Japanese) after the TimeSkip, though he's thoroughly exasperated by it]].
to:
** Byleth, the Avatar of ''VideoGame/FireEmblemThreeHouses'', quickly proves themselves to be one of Fódlan's finest tacticians, and it's ultimately their involvement that decides which faction comes out on top. Additionally, Hubert is the tactician of the Black Eagles house (second only to the Avatar should they join them), [[spoiler:and becomes the chief strategist for the Adrestian Empire after the TimeSkip]]. Claude of the Golden Deer house also gains a reputation for this, gradually becoming known for using unconventional tactics to accomplish his goals [[spoiler:and gaining the nickname of "Master Tactician" ("Tabletop Demon" in Japanese) after the TimeSkip, though he's thoroughly exasperated by it]].it]]. The fact that the Blue Lions house ''lacks'' a dedicated strategist outside of Byleth on their route (and to a lesser extent Rhea [[spoiler:on the Crimson Flower route]]) is a plot point [[spoiler:as without one willing to give Dimitri in his AxCrazy state pushback, he'll lead the Kingdom of Faerghus straight to its destruction.]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 31 (click to see context) from:
** Byleth, the Avatar of ''VideoGame/FireEmblemThreeHouses'', quickly proves themselves to be one of Fódlan's finest tacticians, and it's ultimately their involvement that decides which faction comes out on top. Additionally, Hubert is the tactician of the Black Eagles house (second only to the Avatar should they join them), [[spoiler:and becomes the chief strategist for the Adrestian Empire after the TimeSkip]].
to:
** Byleth, the Avatar of ''VideoGame/FireEmblemThreeHouses'', quickly proves themselves to be one of Fódlan's finest tacticians, and it's ultimately their involvement that decides which faction comes out on top. Additionally, Hubert is the tactician of the Black Eagles house (second only to the Avatar should they join them), [[spoiler:and becomes the chief strategist for the Adrestian Empire after the TimeSkip]]. Claude also gains a reputation for this, gradually becoming known for using unconventional tactics to accomplish his goals [[spoiler:and gaining the nickname of "Master Tactician" ("Tabletop Demon" in Japanese) after the TimeSkip, though he's thoroughly exasperated by it]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* The Doctor, the player character in ''{{VideoGame/Arknights}}'', is the strategist for Rhodes Island. Even though the Doctor has amnesia, Amiya is so confident in their skills that she puts them in command a few minutes after they wake up.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* The first ''VideoGame/AdvanceWars'' casts the player as a "special advisor". Nell, Commander-in-Chief of [[{{Eagleland}} Orange Star]] has this reputation in the first three games, but it's implied that her abilities have about as much to do with her [[BornLucky absurd luck]] as her tactical skill. The bad guys have [[TheDragon Hawke]], who does virtually all of Black Hole's tactical heavily lifting. He's so good that, while his subordinates are getting their asses handed to them by the nations they're trying to take over, he's ''single-handedly'' crushing Green Earth, and it takes a coalition of all three of the other nations to stop him.
* [[BigBad Lord Recluse]] of ''VideoGame/CityOfHeroes'' can turn any band of thugs into EliteMooks with some anally precise tactical movments -- which is what lead him to take-over a country with what was originally less than half-a-dozen assassins. In battle this means giving his allies/minions about 10 different buffs passivly, in the narrative this means said epic battle you are engaging in with him... [[InfractionDistraction is just a distraction]].
* The demon Azmodan from the ''Videogame/{{Diablo}}'' franchise is described as one of the finest battlefield commanders in Hell, possibly all of Creation, who has honed his knowledge of warfare through millennia of battles between demons and angels. [[InformedAttribute The key words there being "described as"]]. When you actually get to face his army in ''Videogame/{{Diablo III}}'' most of his forces will simply throw themselves at you and hope to crush you with [[WeHaveReserves sheer numbers]], and while he has a few moments of tactical genius (such as burrowing his forces into a keep and sneak attacking it from below), his habit of [[IShallTauntYou telepathically sending you arrogant taunts]] often results in him giving away his plans before he puts them into action.
** Makes more sense when you consider he is the Aspect of Sin, namely, ''Pride''. He assumes he has already won once he invades Sanctuary, and all that's happening is the mop-up of Sanctuary's remaining defenders, when in fact he's actually battling [[OneManArmy their real army]].
* As leader of the Inquisition's military, this is Cullen's job in ''VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition''. In particular, he advises the [[PlayerCharacter Inquisitor]] about how to successfully breach the defenses of Adamant Fortress, and personally oversees the effort to bring the battle to the Venatori in the Arbor Wilds.
* ''Videogame/DwarfFortress:'' Ever since the Tactics skill got actual use in Worldgen battles, and the player became capable of sending raids off-site, having a dwarf with high level in it to act as this trope is a valuable thing for both NPC empires and your fortress. While the actual process is heavily abstracted, the game tells how far one side outsmarts the other, and the combat rolls are skewed appropriately; a thorough [[OutGambitted out-gambitting]] can lead to even trashy conscripts carving a sizeable dent in an actual army. And skilled, well-equipped warriors at a good Tactician's command can slowly whittle a city to a lifeless ruin with a little insistence.
* The ''VideoGame/DynastyWarriors'' series of games (based on ''Literature/RomanceOfTheThreeKingdoms''), has a number of strategist characters that has expanded into an ensemble as the series has gone on:
** Shu has Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong, Xu Shu, and Fa Zheng.
*** Jiang Wei, true to history, tries to be this but fails pretty miserably.
** Wu has Zhou Yu, Lu Su, Lu Meng (sort of), and Lu Xun.
** Wei has Guo Jia, Jia Xu, Xun Yu, Man Chong, and Xun You. In Wei's hypothetical route in 8, Xu Shu also defects to Wei.
*** Sima Yi was the 'main' strategist for Wei until the Jin faction was introduced, after which point this role was taken by Guo Jia and Jia Xu.
** Jin has Sima Yi and Jia Chong.
*** Sima Yi's sons Sima Shi and Sima Zhao both have an almost innate understanding of tactics, though each with their own flaws. Shi is inflexible, and Zhao is lazy.
** Among the "Other" characters, Chen Gong served as Lu Bu's strategist even as a generic NPC. As of 8: Xtreme Legends, he's been upgraded to a full character and takes a more prominent role as this.
* ''[[VideoGame/ExtrapowerAttackOfDarkforce EXTRAPOWER Attack of Darkforce]]'': Werner on Gerstenbüttel fulfills this role as commander of SPICA, and for the heroes when they combine forces. His tactical experience, intelligence and cool-headedness gives him a privileged position to see the bigger picture in a situation to direct the next course of action.
* ''Franchise/FireEmblem'':
** The series' first army tactician is Malledus in ''VideoGame/FireEmblemShadowDragonAndTheBladeOfLight'', a confidant of Marth's father and his adviser during the war. In ''VideoGame/FireEmblemMysteryOfTheEmblem'', Malledus has fallen ill, and his role is replaced by [[CrutchCharacter Jagen]].
** Despite being a TagalongKid, Oifey proves himself a capable strategist in the first half of ''VideoGame/FireEmblemGenealogyOfTheHolyWar''. In the second part, Lewyn takes over the role.
** August in ''VideoGame/FireEmblemThracia776'' is hired by Lewyn to advice Leif and his army. He is later joined by Dryan [[spoiler:until the latter is killed]]. The game also has the court bishop of Velthomer, Saias.
** ''VideoGame/FireEmblemTheBlazingBlade'' has the ''player'' themself (by means of a character simply called "the tactician", though their default name is Mark) taking on this role, with the other characters directly addressing and asking them for advice. The tactician refrains from battle and only directs others.
** ''VideoGame/FireEmblemTheSacredStones'' has [[CrutchCharacter Seth]] act as one, particularly after the route split (in a time where you've finally got an army at your disposal), and his role actually changes depending on which of the two main siblings you're with. With the much less militarily savvy Eirika, he's ''the'' primary tactician (though he is later joined with Innes, who is also a strategist). With Ephraim, who is quite the tactician himself, he's more of an assistant, and the two even debate the proper course of action in the cutscenes.
** Soren in ''VideoGame/FireEmblemPathOfRadiance'' and ''VideoGame/FireEmblemRadiantDawn'' serves as the tactician for the Greil Mercenaries.
** The remake of ''Mystery of the Emblem'' places Katarina as the Seventh Platoon's tactician [[spoiler:until she reveals her true allegiance (though she can be turned back to the heroes' side)]].
** ''VideoGame/FireEmblemAwakening'':
*** The customizable Avatar, default name Robin, serves as the Shepherds' primary tactician, to the point that their initial class (which can use [[MagicKnight both swords and magic tomes]]) is even ''named'' "Tactician".
*** The Avatar's child Morgan can also become a Tactician, and is a devoted student of tactics who wants to become a strategist like their parent.
*** Virion is a gifted strategist who's even able to defeat the Avatar in wargames. However, his victories typically have much higher casualties and would be [[PyrrhicVictory unsustainable in a real-life conflict]]; as such, he happily leaves the business of tactics and strategy to the Avatar.
** In ''VideoGame/FireEmblemFates'', Yukimura serves as the primary strategist for the Kingdom of Hoshido; while Iago technically fills this role for the Kingdom of Nohr, Prince Leo is the kingdom's true strategic genius.
** Byleth, the Avatar of ''VideoGame/FireEmblemThreeHouses'', quickly proves themselves to be one of Fódlan's finest tacticians, and it's ultimately their involvement that decides which faction comes out on top. Additionally, Hubert is the tactician of the Black Eagles house (second only to the Avatar should they join them), [[spoiler:and becomes the chief strategist for the Adrestian Empire after the TimeSkip]].
** The [[PlayerCharacter Summoner]], default name Kiran, from ''VideoGame/FireEmblemHeroes'' quickly proves themself to be one for the Kingdom of Askr. And since the game is a CrisisCrossover between ''Franchise/FireEmblem'' games, the heroes summoned on Askr rely on the Summoner for strategy during battle. Many characters also speak highly of their strategic abilities, to the point where some claim that their skills rival that of other legendary ''Fire Emblem'' tacticians, such as [[VideoGame/FireEmblemThracia776 Saias]] and [[VideoGame/FireEmblemAwakening Robin]].
* ''Franchise/{{Halo}}'':
** [[TheDreaded Thel 'Vadam(ee)]] was considered one of the most dangerous members of the [[ScaryDogmaticAliens Covenant]] for this very reason. One of the few advantages Humanity had against the Covenant during the war was how the latter stubbornly refused to use innovative tactics against the former, relying on the sheer technological edge and overpowering legions. Thel 'Vadam was among the few leaders in the Covenant who ignored this handicap by matching/often surpassing the human strategists with unpredictability, leading to multiple victories against them, and he likely would have been one of the driving forces behind humanity's extinction if he hadn't pulled a HeelFaceTurn. This is even more impressive when one realizes the [[ProudWarriorRaceGuy Sangheili race]] he's a part of usually ostracizes traits like innovation and creativity, yet he managed to develop them on his own.
** On the human side, Admiral Preston Cole is considered one of the main reasons why humanity lasted as long as it did against the vastly superior Covenant; he never lost a major battle, and his battle record is considered even more impressive than those of the [[OneManArmy Spartan-IIs]].
* ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfSpyroTheEternalNight'': Among the trio leading the SkyPirates, Scratch is the main brains of the outfit when it comes to directing the pirates' operations, while Sniff is the one who directs the group during combat. Skabb is instead the DumbMuscle and transportation.
* ''Franchise/MassEffect'': Commander Shepard is considered this by reputation; [[MultipleChoicePast depending on the background]], s/he could have single-handedly lead an impromptu defense against an army of SpacePirates, single-handedly survived a [[SandWorm Thresher Maw]] on foot, or have lead an army of soldiers into a successful suicide ZergRush victory. In-game, s/he is praised by his/her squadmates and superiors for being [[TheLeader an excellent leader]], though that comes down to the player's skill, especially in the [[VideoGame/MassEffect2 second game]] when you take on the suicide mission. In the ''Omega'' [=DLC=] for ''VideoGame/MassEffect3'', notorious and egotistical criminal warlord Aria T'Loak justifies [[YouAreInCommandNow putting herself under Shepard's command]] by saying his/her tactical skill is the reason she brought them along.
* In ''VideoGame/MitsumeteKnight'', [[HandicappedBadass Meehilbis]] [[RedBaron of the Ghosts]] is the strategist of the enemy mercenary brigade, Valpha-Valaharian ; he's so skilled, even when he loses the battle he personnally fights in (even eventually losing his life by your character's hands), he manages to pull off a master BatmanGambit that decimates one third of Dolphan's army, making this battle a PyrrhicVictory for Dolphan.
* ''VideoGame/{{Myth}} 2: Soulblighter'' has you find The Deceiver, an enemy from the first game. He is responsible for a number of seemingly insane plans which both radically improve your side's power and cripple the enemy.
* The lore of the ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}'' games is a world of SpiritedCompetitor and BloodKnight monsters where humans earn their keep through superior technology and providing tactics to win battle. In practice, most players just raise one monster to a high level and slaughter all opposition until it runs out of energy. ''VideoGame/PokemonBlackAndWhite'' combated this practice by making experience gain proportional to the level of the monsters battling, making raising a monster's level much higher than the opposition a ''very'' time-consuming process, making more players rely on tactics.
* Similarly, ''VideoGame/SamuraiWarriors'' has several:
** Ieyasu Tokugawa grows into one as he becomes a more skilled general, masterminding his eventual rise to power, culminating in his planning of the Siege of Osaka, ending the last Toyotomi threat to his rule.
** Father and son team Motonari Mori and Takakage Kobayakawa are shown to be so prodigiously talented that they can hold their own against Hideyoshi Toyotomi Hideyoshi himself.
** Hanbei Takenaka and Kanbei Kuroda both count and act as another strategist team.
** Sakon Shima for Shingen Takeda, and then for Mitsunari Ishida.
** Shingen Takeda was feared for his cunning in battle.
** Kojuro Katakura is this for the Date clan. His strategies keep Masamune from getting killed due to his recklessness.
** Masayuki Sanada is said to be one of the great strategists in the Sengoku era. His strategies during the Battle of Ueda Castle gave Hidetada Tokugawa a crushing defeat and prevented him from aiding his father in Sekigahara.
* In ''VideoGame/SengokuBasara'', we have Hanbe and Kanbe, strategists of the Toyotomi army (since their boss is better at punching than thinking). Kanbe also has the dubious honor of being titled "The [[SmugSnake Inadequate]] [[GeneralFailure Tactician]]". Otherwise, Kojuro comes up with most of the Date army's strategies, and Motonari is more known for his genius than for his fighting skills.
* In ''VideoGame/StarCraftI'' and its expansion pack ''Brood War'', this is what the player character is. During mission briefings you will routinely be spoken to directly, with Raynor, the Overmind, Fenix, and [[spoiler:Kerrigan]] being particularly fond of doing so. While most of these 'characters' are never referenced outside of your role as them, if you look deep enough into the lore, it becomes clear that your character in the original Protoss campaign is Artanis (a hero unit in ''BW'' and ''VideoGame/StarCraftII'') and that in ''Brood War'' you play as Selendis (another ''[=SC2=]'' hero).
* The ''VideoGame/{{Suikoden}}'' series of games has at least one strategist per game, whose help the KidHero must seek out. The Silverbergs are a family of strategists who have helped shape the history of the games. Lucretia Merces, the advisor for ''VideoGame/SuikodenV'', dresses in robes and often carries a feather fan (perhaps as a ShoutOut to her spiritual predecessor, Zhuge Liang). She's also the only strategist in the series with no known connection to the Silverberg family at all.
* In-universe, Listrata from ''VideoGame/WarOfOmens'' is this. As of this update, she has faced a dozen or more enemies, and has beaten them all.
* The original ''VideoGame/ValkyriaChronicles'' has Welkin Gunther. Who knew a guy who prefers to spend hours watching and drawing animals and plants could make use of his vast knowledge of nature to transform a RagtagBunchOfMisfits in a BadassArmy?
%%* Labyrinthia from ''{{Wild ARMs XF}}''. She even carries around a battle fan, just like Zhuge Liang.
* ''VideoGame/XenobladeChronicles3'': Taion is the strategist among the main heroes. He's always the guy thinking ahead, formulating plans, and is usually the first of the group to see through any tricks or traps the enemy tries on them. His default class is even called "Tactician". There is a downside to it though: his natural inclination towards suspicion and caution also means he's the slowest of the group to open up and learn to trust the others.
* In ''VideoGame/YggdraUnion'', Bly is a textbook example. He refuses to go with the Royal Army because he's too old for war and travel, but his granddaughter Mistel goes with you in his place. The Imperial Army has Nessiah, who also serves this role in ''VideoGame/BlazeUnion''; Mistel and Nessiah are both more than willing to take to the battlefield and participate in achieving victory.
* [[BigBad Lord Recluse]] of ''VideoGame/CityOfHeroes'' can turn any band of thugs into EliteMooks with some anally precise tactical movments -- which is what lead him to take-over a country with what was originally less than half-a-dozen assassins. In battle this means giving his allies/minions about 10 different buffs passivly, in the narrative this means said epic battle you are engaging in with him... [[InfractionDistraction is just a distraction]].
* The demon Azmodan from the ''Videogame/{{Diablo}}'' franchise is described as one of the finest battlefield commanders in Hell, possibly all of Creation, who has honed his knowledge of warfare through millennia of battles between demons and angels. [[InformedAttribute The key words there being "described as"]]. When you actually get to face his army in ''Videogame/{{Diablo III}}'' most of his forces will simply throw themselves at you and hope to crush you with [[WeHaveReserves sheer numbers]], and while he has a few moments of tactical genius (such as burrowing his forces into a keep and sneak attacking it from below), his habit of [[IShallTauntYou telepathically sending you arrogant taunts]] often results in him giving away his plans before he puts them into action.
** Makes more sense when you consider he is the Aspect of Sin, namely, ''Pride''. He assumes he has already won once he invades Sanctuary, and all that's happening is the mop-up of Sanctuary's remaining defenders, when in fact he's actually battling [[OneManArmy their real army]].
* As leader of the Inquisition's military, this is Cullen's job in ''VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition''. In particular, he advises the [[PlayerCharacter Inquisitor]] about how to successfully breach the defenses of Adamant Fortress, and personally oversees the effort to bring the battle to the Venatori in the Arbor Wilds.
* ''Videogame/DwarfFortress:'' Ever since the Tactics skill got actual use in Worldgen battles, and the player became capable of sending raids off-site, having a dwarf with high level in it to act as this trope is a valuable thing for both NPC empires and your fortress. While the actual process is heavily abstracted, the game tells how far one side outsmarts the other, and the combat rolls are skewed appropriately; a thorough [[OutGambitted out-gambitting]] can lead to even trashy conscripts carving a sizeable dent in an actual army. And skilled, well-equipped warriors at a good Tactician's command can slowly whittle a city to a lifeless ruin with a little insistence.
* The ''VideoGame/DynastyWarriors'' series of games (based on ''Literature/RomanceOfTheThreeKingdoms''), has a number of strategist characters that has expanded into an ensemble as the series has gone on:
** Shu has Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong, Xu Shu, and Fa Zheng.
*** Jiang Wei, true to history, tries to be this but fails pretty miserably.
** Wu has Zhou Yu, Lu Su, Lu Meng (sort of), and Lu Xun.
** Wei has Guo Jia, Jia Xu, Xun Yu, Man Chong, and Xun You. In Wei's hypothetical route in 8, Xu Shu also defects to Wei.
*** Sima Yi was the 'main' strategist for Wei until the Jin faction was introduced, after which point this role was taken by Guo Jia and Jia Xu.
** Jin has Sima Yi and Jia Chong.
*** Sima Yi's sons Sima Shi and Sima Zhao both have an almost innate understanding of tactics, though each with their own flaws. Shi is inflexible, and Zhao is lazy.
** Among the "Other" characters, Chen Gong served as Lu Bu's strategist even as a generic NPC. As of 8: Xtreme Legends, he's been upgraded to a full character and takes a more prominent role as this.
* ''[[VideoGame/ExtrapowerAttackOfDarkforce EXTRAPOWER Attack of Darkforce]]'': Werner on Gerstenbüttel fulfills this role as commander of SPICA, and for the heroes when they combine forces. His tactical experience, intelligence and cool-headedness gives him a privileged position to see the bigger picture in a situation to direct the next course of action.
* ''Franchise/FireEmblem'':
** The series' first army tactician is Malledus in ''VideoGame/FireEmblemShadowDragonAndTheBladeOfLight'', a confidant of Marth's father and his adviser during the war. In ''VideoGame/FireEmblemMysteryOfTheEmblem'', Malledus has fallen ill, and his role is replaced by [[CrutchCharacter Jagen]].
** Despite being a TagalongKid, Oifey proves himself a capable strategist in the first half of ''VideoGame/FireEmblemGenealogyOfTheHolyWar''. In the second part, Lewyn takes over the role.
** August in ''VideoGame/FireEmblemThracia776'' is hired by Lewyn to advice Leif and his army. He is later joined by Dryan [[spoiler:until the latter is killed]]. The game also has the court bishop of Velthomer, Saias.
** ''VideoGame/FireEmblemTheBlazingBlade'' has the ''player'' themself (by means of a character simply called "the tactician", though their default name is Mark) taking on this role, with the other characters directly addressing and asking them for advice. The tactician refrains from battle and only directs others.
** ''VideoGame/FireEmblemTheSacredStones'' has [[CrutchCharacter Seth]] act as one, particularly after the route split (in a time where you've finally got an army at your disposal), and his role actually changes depending on which of the two main siblings you're with. With the much less militarily savvy Eirika, he's ''the'' primary tactician (though he is later joined with Innes, who is also a strategist). With Ephraim, who is quite the tactician himself, he's more of an assistant, and the two even debate the proper course of action in the cutscenes.
** Soren in ''VideoGame/FireEmblemPathOfRadiance'' and ''VideoGame/FireEmblemRadiantDawn'' serves as the tactician for the Greil Mercenaries.
** The remake of ''Mystery of the Emblem'' places Katarina as the Seventh Platoon's tactician [[spoiler:until she reveals her true allegiance (though she can be turned back to the heroes' side)]].
** ''VideoGame/FireEmblemAwakening'':
*** The customizable Avatar, default name Robin, serves as the Shepherds' primary tactician, to the point that their initial class (which can use [[MagicKnight both swords and magic tomes]]) is even ''named'' "Tactician".
*** The Avatar's child Morgan can also become a Tactician, and is a devoted student of tactics who wants to become a strategist like their parent.
*** Virion is a gifted strategist who's even able to defeat the Avatar in wargames. However, his victories typically have much higher casualties and would be [[PyrrhicVictory unsustainable in a real-life conflict]]; as such, he happily leaves the business of tactics and strategy to the Avatar.
** In ''VideoGame/FireEmblemFates'', Yukimura serves as the primary strategist for the Kingdom of Hoshido; while Iago technically fills this role for the Kingdom of Nohr, Prince Leo is the kingdom's true strategic genius.
** Byleth, the Avatar of ''VideoGame/FireEmblemThreeHouses'', quickly proves themselves to be one of Fódlan's finest tacticians, and it's ultimately their involvement that decides which faction comes out on top. Additionally, Hubert is the tactician of the Black Eagles house (second only to the Avatar should they join them), [[spoiler:and becomes the chief strategist for the Adrestian Empire after the TimeSkip]].
** The [[PlayerCharacter Summoner]], default name Kiran, from ''VideoGame/FireEmblemHeroes'' quickly proves themself to be one for the Kingdom of Askr. And since the game is a CrisisCrossover between ''Franchise/FireEmblem'' games, the heroes summoned on Askr rely on the Summoner for strategy during battle. Many characters also speak highly of their strategic abilities, to the point where some claim that their skills rival that of other legendary ''Fire Emblem'' tacticians, such as [[VideoGame/FireEmblemThracia776 Saias]] and [[VideoGame/FireEmblemAwakening Robin]].
* ''Franchise/{{Halo}}'':
** [[TheDreaded Thel 'Vadam(ee)]] was considered one of the most dangerous members of the [[ScaryDogmaticAliens Covenant]] for this very reason. One of the few advantages Humanity had against the Covenant during the war was how the latter stubbornly refused to use innovative tactics against the former, relying on the sheer technological edge and overpowering legions. Thel 'Vadam was among the few leaders in the Covenant who ignored this handicap by matching/often surpassing the human strategists with unpredictability, leading to multiple victories against them, and he likely would have been one of the driving forces behind humanity's extinction if he hadn't pulled a HeelFaceTurn. This is even more impressive when one realizes the [[ProudWarriorRaceGuy Sangheili race]] he's a part of usually ostracizes traits like innovation and creativity, yet he managed to develop them on his own.
** On the human side, Admiral Preston Cole is considered one of the main reasons why humanity lasted as long as it did against the vastly superior Covenant; he never lost a major battle, and his battle record is considered even more impressive than those of the [[OneManArmy Spartan-IIs]].
* ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfSpyroTheEternalNight'': Among the trio leading the SkyPirates, Scratch is the main brains of the outfit when it comes to directing the pirates' operations, while Sniff is the one who directs the group during combat. Skabb is instead the DumbMuscle and transportation.
* ''Franchise/MassEffect'': Commander Shepard is considered this by reputation; [[MultipleChoicePast depending on the background]], s/he could have single-handedly lead an impromptu defense against an army of SpacePirates, single-handedly survived a [[SandWorm Thresher Maw]] on foot, or have lead an army of soldiers into a successful suicide ZergRush victory. In-game, s/he is praised by his/her squadmates and superiors for being [[TheLeader an excellent leader]], though that comes down to the player's skill, especially in the [[VideoGame/MassEffect2 second game]] when you take on the suicide mission. In the ''Omega'' [=DLC=] for ''VideoGame/MassEffect3'', notorious and egotistical criminal warlord Aria T'Loak justifies [[YouAreInCommandNow putting herself under Shepard's command]] by saying his/her tactical skill is the reason she brought them along.
* In ''VideoGame/MitsumeteKnight'', [[HandicappedBadass Meehilbis]] [[RedBaron of the Ghosts]] is the strategist of the enemy mercenary brigade, Valpha-Valaharian ; he's so skilled, even when he loses the battle he personnally fights in (even eventually losing his life by your character's hands), he manages to pull off a master BatmanGambit that decimates one third of Dolphan's army, making this battle a PyrrhicVictory for Dolphan.
* ''VideoGame/{{Myth}} 2: Soulblighter'' has you find The Deceiver, an enemy from the first game. He is responsible for a number of seemingly insane plans which both radically improve your side's power and cripple the enemy.
* The lore of the ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}'' games is a world of SpiritedCompetitor and BloodKnight monsters where humans earn their keep through superior technology and providing tactics to win battle. In practice, most players just raise one monster to a high level and slaughter all opposition until it runs out of energy. ''VideoGame/PokemonBlackAndWhite'' combated this practice by making experience gain proportional to the level of the monsters battling, making raising a monster's level much higher than the opposition a ''very'' time-consuming process, making more players rely on tactics.
* Similarly, ''VideoGame/SamuraiWarriors'' has several:
** Ieyasu Tokugawa grows into one as he becomes a more skilled general, masterminding his eventual rise to power, culminating in his planning of the Siege of Osaka, ending the last Toyotomi threat to his rule.
** Father and son team Motonari Mori and Takakage Kobayakawa are shown to be so prodigiously talented that they can hold their own against Hideyoshi Toyotomi Hideyoshi himself.
** Hanbei Takenaka and Kanbei Kuroda both count and act as another strategist team.
** Sakon Shima for Shingen Takeda, and then for Mitsunari Ishida.
** Shingen Takeda was feared for his cunning in battle.
** Kojuro Katakura is this for the Date clan. His strategies keep Masamune from getting killed due to his recklessness.
** Masayuki Sanada is said to be one of the great strategists in the Sengoku era. His strategies during the Battle of Ueda Castle gave Hidetada Tokugawa a crushing defeat and prevented him from aiding his father in Sekigahara.
* In ''VideoGame/SengokuBasara'', we have Hanbe and Kanbe, strategists of the Toyotomi army (since their boss is better at punching than thinking). Kanbe also has the dubious honor of being titled "The [[SmugSnake Inadequate]] [[GeneralFailure Tactician]]". Otherwise, Kojuro comes up with most of the Date army's strategies, and Motonari is more known for his genius than for his fighting skills.
* In ''VideoGame/StarCraftI'' and its expansion pack ''Brood War'', this is what the player character is. During mission briefings you will routinely be spoken to directly, with Raynor, the Overmind, Fenix, and [[spoiler:Kerrigan]] being particularly fond of doing so. While most of these 'characters' are never referenced outside of your role as them, if you look deep enough into the lore, it becomes clear that your character in the original Protoss campaign is Artanis (a hero unit in ''BW'' and ''VideoGame/StarCraftII'') and that in ''Brood War'' you play as Selendis (another ''[=SC2=]'' hero).
* The ''VideoGame/{{Suikoden}}'' series of games has at least one strategist per game, whose help the KidHero must seek out. The Silverbergs are a family of strategists who have helped shape the history of the games. Lucretia Merces, the advisor for ''VideoGame/SuikodenV'', dresses in robes and often carries a feather fan (perhaps as a ShoutOut to her spiritual predecessor, Zhuge Liang). She's also the only strategist in the series with no known connection to the Silverberg family at all.
* In-universe, Listrata from ''VideoGame/WarOfOmens'' is this. As of this update, she has faced a dozen or more enemies, and has beaten them all.
* The original ''VideoGame/ValkyriaChronicles'' has Welkin Gunther. Who knew a guy who prefers to spend hours watching and drawing animals and plants could make use of his vast knowledge of nature to transform a RagtagBunchOfMisfits in a BadassArmy?
%%* Labyrinthia from ''{{Wild ARMs XF}}''. She even carries around a battle fan, just like Zhuge Liang.
* ''VideoGame/XenobladeChronicles3'': Taion is the strategist among the main heroes. He's always the guy thinking ahead, formulating plans, and is usually the first of the group to see through any tricks or traps the enemy tries on them. His default class is even called "Tactician". There is a downside to it though: his natural inclination towards suspicion and caution also means he's the slowest of the group to open up and learn to trust the others.
* In ''VideoGame/YggdraUnion'', Bly is a textbook example. He refuses to go with the Royal Army because he's too old for war and travel, but his granddaughter Mistel goes with you in his place. The Imperial Army has Nessiah, who also serves this role in ''VideoGame/BlazeUnion''; Mistel and Nessiah are both more than willing to take to the battlefield and participate in achieving victory.
