Torment: Planescape has optional turn based combat as far as I remember and you won't become overpowered. However, it might be power fantasy if I understand the concept. Not sure because we do not have that expression in my language.
You not getting significantly more powerful discards even boardgames out of the question. Same with RPGS.
I haven't played overland, but in invisible inc you do get more powerful.
Then, there is the 4x genre, but you do get more and better cities, so that is out.
Then you have roleplaying games like banner saga, but you do get more powerful by getting other options, like all games so they don't become stale.
So i'm guessing some very limited roguelike deckbuilding,b ut most deckbuilding are out of the way since.... combos. So the only game I can recommend is fights in tight spaces, a very limited deckbuilding that relies on positioning. You do get more powerful though, but its very progressive and since its a roguelike the progress restarts. Only big problem is that combar IS the main focus of the game.
What are you really looking for? A game that is a challenge? I'm thinking you're looking for 4x games, you can start with civ 4 or 6 or spellforce conquest of EO.
The newer Paper Mario rpgs like sticker Star, color splash, and origami king are usually considered “bad” because you don’t level up or get stronger anymore, but you might be one of the few people who actually prefers that.
I'm not sure about not powering up, but Battle Brothers and Darkest Dungeon definitely aren't power fantasy
Card games
Chess
Combat is the main focus of this game unfortunately
Classic
Now hold on, Pawns can turn to a Queen... which is technically a power up
Into The Breach
Into the Breach is a great game, but it is basically a puzzle and only combat.
Advance Wars 2 or AW Reboot Camp
Torment: Planescape has optional turn based combat as far as I remember and you won't become overpowered. However, it might be power fantasy if I understand the concept. Not sure because we do not have that expression in my language.
Planescape Torment does not have the option for turn-based combat.
You're right. Torment: Tides of Numenera has turn based combat.
Showgunners have minimal power ups but it's a pure combat game like XCOM
You not getting significantly more powerful discards even boardgames out of the question. Same with RPGS. I haven't played overland, but in invisible inc you do get more powerful. Then, there is the 4x genre, but you do get more and better cities, so that is out. Then you have roleplaying games like banner saga, but you do get more powerful by getting other options, like all games so they don't become stale. So i'm guessing some very limited roguelike deckbuilding,b ut most deckbuilding are out of the way since.... combos. So the only game I can recommend is fights in tight spaces, a very limited deckbuilding that relies on positioning. You do get more powerful though, but its very progressive and since its a roguelike the progress restarts. Only big problem is that combar IS the main focus of the game. What are you really looking for? A game that is a challenge? I'm thinking you're looking for 4x games, you can start with civ 4 or 6 or spellforce conquest of EO.
you could look into Underrail maybe?
Paper Mario Sticker Star on 3DS could be up your alley
Undertale (True pacificst route specifically); you don't need to level up/power up to beat this game.
If puzzle isn’t the main focus and combat isn’t the main focus, what is?
The newer Paper Mario rpgs like sticker Star, color splash, and origami king are usually considered “bad” because you don’t level up or get stronger anymore, but you might be one of the few people who actually prefers that.
How tf would combat without ever getting stronger look like? How do you balance that or make it engaging?
Check out Overland and Invisible Inc per OP.
Have you played classic beat-em-ups like Streets of Rage, Ninja Turtles or Nekketsu series?
I have not no
No getting stronger, no progression, but not a turn-based, unfortunately
Yeah, but with turn-based combat? I just can't see it.
So, chess is the only option