Narcos: Rise of the Cartels is a turn-based action strategy game set in 1980s Colombia during the rise of the Medellín Cartel. Players take control of squads in tactical missions drawn from the events of the first season of the Netflix series, choosing to align with either the DEA or the Narcos themselves. The experience centers on squad management, positioning, and decision-making in grid-based combat across recognizable locations from the show.
Gameplay
Combat follows a turn-based structure where players select units one at a time to move across the map and perform actions. Positioning matters heavily because cover provides protection while line-of-sight and distance affect accuracy and damage output. Each unit belongs to a class with distinct weapons and abilities, and players can upgrade skills between missions to improve performance. Leaders drawn from the series, such as Steve Murphy or Pablo Escobar associates, bring unique perks that influence team tactics. A standout feature lets players switch to third-person control of a unit for direct engagements, enabling critical hits through precise timing. Actions carry permanent consequences, including the loss of team members who cannot be replaced once eliminated.
Resource management plays a supporting role, with earnings from completed missions used to prepare for future operations. Maps feature varied objectives that go beyond simple elimination, requiring careful planning to succeed without excessive casualties.
Game Modes
The game offers two distinct single-player campaigns that cover the same timeline from opposing perspectives. One follows DEA agents working to dismantle the cartel, while the other places players in charge of building and defending the Narcos operation. Each campaign consists of a series of missions set in different environments, with objectives that include eliminating targets, planting surveillance devices, gathering evidence, destroying contraband, and escorting individuals to safety. Side missions provide additional opportunities to earn resources and test squad compositions before tackling main story objectives.
Progression ties directly to mission completion, unlocking new units, upgrades, and story developments. There are no multiplayer options or additional modes beyond these campaigns.
Setting and Characters
The narrative unfolds in Colombia during the early years of the war on drugs, with missions tied to pivotal events from the television series. Players encounter iconic figures who serve as controllable leaders, each offering specialized abilities that shape battle outcomes. Factions include DEA operatives on one side and Medellín Cartel members on the other, with units reflecting their respective roles and equipment. The focus remains on the conflict between law enforcement and the expanding drug empire, emphasizing the personal stakes involved in each decision.
Is It Worth Playing?
This title appeals most to players who enjoy squad-based tactical strategy games and have an interest in the Narcos story. The dual campaigns provide a chance to experience events from both viewpoints, and the core combat loop rewards thoughtful positioning and ability use. Reception has been mixed, with praise for the thematic integration and some innovative mechanics alongside criticism for repetition and limited tactical depth in longer sessions. The game stands as a complete, self-contained experience without ongoing updates or seasonal content. Those seeking a challenging single-player strategy title tied to a familiar license may find it engaging, while players expecting high production values or extensive variety could find it falls short of expectations.
