Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The Lamplighters League is a pulp adventure set in an alternate 1930s, blending real-time infiltration, turn-based tactical combat and management of a team of recruited agents. Harebrained Schemes and Paradox Interactive revealed it on March 6, 2023; it launched for PC and Xbox Series X|S on October 3, 2023.
What is The Lamplighters League?
Developed by Seattle-based Harebrained Schemes and originally announced with publisher Paradox Interactive, The Lamplighters League and the Tower at the End of the World is an original pulp adventure. Its story follows a group of recruited misfits fighting the Banished Court, a sinister cult intent on world domination in an alternate 1930s.
The game shifts between stealthy, real-time infiltration and turn-based tactical battles. Between missions, players manage their growing team and make choices as the enemy’s plans advance. Game Director Christopher Rogers described the studio’s aim as combining tactical play with an engaging story and characters: “Harebrained Schemes is all about weaving tactical gameplay that challenges your mind with narrative and characters that engage your heart,” Paradox said in its March 2023 announcement.
How do its missions and team systems work?
Infiltrate, then fight
Agents can enter mission areas in real time, creating an opportunity to scout and position the team before combat begins. When a fight starts, the action switches to turn-based tactics, where each agent’s role and distinctive moves matter. The launch announcement described missions for up to four agents.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Stratego is the strategic game where you challenge your opponents in the heat of battle
- Your task is to capture your opponent’s flag while defending your own
- Lead your men into battle, every move is crucial
- Includes 2 x 40 pre-printed playing pieces, Game board, Screen and 2 sorting trays for the pieces
- Suitable for 2 players, aged 8+
Recruit and develop agents
Players recruit agents with different abilities, equip them with gear and augmentations, and develop their skills through missions. Success can bring resources and improve agents, while stress and injury can also affect the team. Between-mission expeditions offer ways to gain Intel, find allies and pursue leads on heists that matter to the campaign.
Manage the wider campaign
The Banished Court continues to pursue its plans while the team works through missions. Players make global choices and decide how to use what they have gathered; Paradox also said the game’s difficulty adapts to player actions. The result is a campaign loop that connects tactical encounters to decisions about team readiness and the threat unfolding beyond any one mission.
Rank #2
- TACTICAL TOY TROOP BATTLES: Lead your toy troops across land, sea, clouds, and space, capturing enemy HQs or controlling regions for victory.
- UNIQUE TERRAIN VARIETY: Play on 8 different terrains like Castle Field, Volcanic Jungle, and City of Clouds, each offering dynamic challenges and strategy.
- FAST-PACED & STRATEGIC: Designed for 2 players, this game combines quick thinking and tactical tile placement, with games lasting just 15 minutes.
- FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN: Perfect for ages 8 and up, Toy Battle is an accessible and exciting game for casual players, families, and strategy enthusiasts.
- HIGH-QUALITY COMPONENTS: Includes 48 troop tiles, 4 double-sided boards, 16 medal markers, and more for an engaging and replayable experience.
When did The Lamplighters League release, and where can you play it?
The game launched on October 3, 2023, for PC and Xbox Series X|S. At launch, Paradox listed Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox and Microsoft Store as purchase channels, and said the game was available on Xbox Game Pass. These are launch-era details, not confirmation of current regional availability, subscription status or price. The official Steam listing and Xbox listing are places to check current editions and availability.
Paradox’s October 2023 launch announcement gave suggested launch prices of $49.99 in the US, £41.99 in the UK and €49.99 in euro markets. Those were historical launch prices, not current price guidance.
Rank #3
- ELEMENTAL STRATEGY SHOWDOWN: Riftforce is a competitive strategy board game designed for two players, where elemental factions battle across shifting locations using unique powers. Every decision matters as players manage positioning, timing, and momentum to control the rift and outscore their opponent.
- ASYMMETRIC FACTIONS AND POWERS: Each faction in Riftforce offers distinct abilities and play styles, creating deep asymmetric gameplay. Players must master how different elements interact, combine strengths, and counter opponents through smart planning, careful sequencing, and tactical adaptation during every match.
- TACTICAL DEPTH WITH FAST PLAY: Riftforce delivers meaningful strategic choices in a streamlined format, allowing players to enjoy deep tactical gameplay without long downtime. Games play efficiently while still offering layered decisions, making it ideal for repeated sessions and focused head to head competition.
- HIGH REPLAY VALUE DESIGN: With multiple faction combinations and evolving board states, Riftforce offers strong replay value. No two games feel the same as players experiment with different strategies, adapt to opponents, and explore new tactical approaches within a balanced and competitive framework.
- DESIGNED FOR STRATEGY FANS: Created for players ages 10 and up, Riftforce is easy to learn yet challenging to master. It appeals to hobby gamers who enjoy thoughtful decision making, interactive gameplay, and intense two player experiences packed into a compact tabletop format.
Who owns The Lamplighters League now?
Paradox announced on October 17, 2023, that it and Harebrained Schemes would part ways effective January 1, 2024. Paradox said it would retain ownership of The Lamplighters League and other games developed by the studio. Harebrained Schemes’ official website currently presents GRAFT, a story-driven survival-horror RPG, as its project and says Paradox owns and supports The Lamplighters League.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- CONTROL CASTLES IN THE SENGOKU ERA: Step into the shoes of a powerful warlord during the Sengoku period of feudal Japan, fighting to conquer regions and claim castles.
- STRATEGIC DICE ROLLING: Roll 3 dice and place your soldiers strategically on the map to outmaneuver your opponents and secure regions.
- USE TACTICS AND WARLORD CARDS: Tactic and Warlord cards provide new gameplay options, allowing you to shift the tide of battle and outwit your rivals.
- CHALLENGING STRATEGY GAME: Nothing is ever set in stone—every region is contested and the outcome is never guaranteed, making each game unique and exciting.
- GREAT FOR FAMILY GAME NIGHT: Perfect for family game nights or competitive sessions with friends, providing tactical depth and quick gameplay.
Rank #4
- Immersive Strategy Experience: This strategy board game delivers a deep and engaging tabletop strategy game experience where players make meaningful decisions in every turn. Designed as a thinking board game, it challenges planning, adaptability, and tactical awareness for a rewarding gameplay session.
- Competitive Two-Player Gameplay: Built as a 2-player strategy game, this duel strategy game creates intense head-to-head competition. Each move in this tactical board game influences the outcome, making it ideal for players who enjoy competitive board game experiences with strategic depth and smart decision-making.
- Modern Tabletop Design: This tabletop board game blends modern board game mechanics with a refined Euro-style board game approach. The gameplay offers a balanced and engaging tabletop strategy experience, perfect for players who appreciate advanced board game systems and structured gameplay.
- Flexible Play Options: Designed for versatility, this solo strategy game also supports cooperative board game play styles. Whether playing solo or sharing the experience, this brain strategy game keeps players engaged with evolving strategies and dynamic tactical choices throughout each session.
- Deep Strategy for Adults: Perfect as an adult board game, this deep strategy game delivers a layered and rewarding experience. Ideal for board games for adults, it combines tactical strategy game elements with thoughtful gameplay, making it a standout choice for game nights and strategic challenges.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
