What Are The Best Strategy Games?
Are you ready to exercise your strategic thinking skills and embark on thrilling virtual adventures? Look no further! In this article, we will unveil a plethora of exhilarating strategy games that are bound to keep you on the edge of your seat. From building empires to leading armies, these captivating games offer endless hours of entertainment and brain-teasing challenges. Get ready to conquer new realms, outsmart opponents, and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of strategy gaming. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or a newcomer to the genre, this article will guide you towards the best strategy games that will leave you craving for more!
Real-Time Strategy Games
Real-time strategy games are a popular genre that tests players’ decision-making and tactical skills in a fast-paced environment. These games require quick thinking and strategizing on the fly. Here are some of the best real-time strategy games that have captured the hearts of gamers worldwide.
StarCraft II
StarCraft II is one of the most iconic real-time strategy games ever created. Developed by Blizzard Entertainment, it offers a compelling sci-fi storyline, intense multiplayer battles, and strategic depth that keeps players engaged for hours on end. With three unique factions to choose from, players must navigate through a complex web of strategies to outmaneuver their opponents and achieve victory.
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is a remastered version of the classic historical RTS game. Set in the Middle Ages, players can choose from various civilizations and lead them to greatness. With a strong focus on resource management, building cities, and commanding armies, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition provides an immersive and strategic experience for strategy game enthusiasts.
Total War: Warhammer II
Total War: Warhammer II combines the strategic depth of the Total War series with the rich lore and fantastical elements of the Warhammer universe. Players can choose from different factions, each with their own unique playstyles and units. From epic battles on a grand scale to intricate diplomacy and empire management, Total War: Warhammer II offers a compelling strategy experience for fans of both Warhammer and the Total War series.
Company of Heroes 2
Company of Heroes 2 takes players to the brutal battlefields of World War II. As the commander of a company of soldiers, players must make tactical decisions, manage resources, and coordinate their troops to achieve victory. With a strong emphasis on realistic combat mechanics, destructible environments, and strategic positioning, Company of Heroes 2 offers an immersive and intense strategy experience set in one of history’s most iconic conflicts.
Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos
Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos is a classic RTS game that laid the foundation for the immensely popular Warcraft universe. With a gripping story, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay features, Warcraft III offers a strategic experience like no other. Players can choose from multiple factions, each with their unique units and abilities, and engage in epic battles and challenging campaigns.
Turn-Based Strategy Games
Turn-based strategy games offer a more measured and deliberate approach to strategy gaming. Players take turns making decisions, allowing for a more thoughtful and strategic gameplay experience. Here are some of the best turn-based strategy games that have captivated players worldwide.
Civilization VI
Civilization VI is the latest installment in the legendary Civilization series. As the leader of a civilization, players must guide their people from the Stone Age to the Information Age, balancing aspects such as diplomacy, warfare, culture, and scientific progress. With its deep gameplay mechanics, extensive historical research, and addictive “one more turn” gameplay loop, Civilization VI ensures countless hours of strategic fun.
XCOM 2
XCOM 2 is a thrilling turn-based strategy game that puts players in command of a squad of elite soldiers fighting against an alien invasion. With a blend of tactical combat, base management, and resource allocation, XCOM 2 offers a challenging and tense strategic experience. Players must make difficult decisions under pressure, balancing risk and reward as they strive to save humanity from extraterrestrial threats.
Sid Meier’s Pirates!
Sid Meier’s Pirates! is a classic turn-based strategy game that combines elements of exploration, trading, and naval combat. Players assume the role of a pirate captain in the Caribbean, embarking on exciting quests, looting treasures, and engaging in swashbuckling battles. With its open-world gameplay, charming visuals, and immersive atmosphere, Sid Meier’s Pirates! offers a unique and enjoyable strategy gaming experience.
Total War: Three Kingdoms
Total War: Three Kingdoms transports players to ancient China, where they can experience the grandeur and turmoil of the Three Kingdoms period. As a warlord, players must forge alliances, build armies, and engage in epic battles to conquer the land. With its strategic depth, captivating storytelling, and impressive visuals, Total War: Three Kingdoms captivates strategy game enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Endless Legend
Endless Legend is a beautifully crafted turn-based strategy game set in a rich fantasy world. With its unique blend of 4X gameplay (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate) and innovative mechanics, Endless Legend offers a refreshing take on the genre. Players can choose from various factions, each with their own distinct playstyles and abilities, and immerse themselves in a captivating narrative as they strive for dominance.
Grand Strategy Games
Grand strategy games offer players a deep and immersive experience, allowing them to shape the destiny of nations and civilizations. These games involve complex mechanics and require long-term planning and strategic thinking. Here are some of the best grand strategy games that offer players the chance to rewrite history.
Europa Universalis IV
Europa Universalis IV is a grand strategy game that allows players to take control of a nation and guide it through centuries of history. With a vast array of gameplay options, from diplomatic alliances to military conquests, Europa Universalis IV offers unparalleled depth and complexity. Players must navigate through a dynamic world, making political decisions, managing resources, and leading their nation to prosperity or conquest.
Crusader Kings II
Crusader Kings II takes players on a journey through the medieval era, where they can shape the destiny of their dynasty. As a ruler, players must navigate through the treacherous world of politics, arrange strategic marriages, wage wars, and ensure the survival and prosperity of their family. With its intricate character-based mechanics and immersive storytelling, Crusader Kings II offers an engrossing grand strategy experience.
Hearts of Iron IV
Hearts of Iron IV puts players in command of nations during World War II, offering a detailed and authentic simulation of the global conflict. Players must manage their nation’s economy, military, and diplomacy as they navigate the intricacies of wartime strategy. With its attention to historical accuracy and complex gameplay mechanics, Hearts of Iron IV provides a challenging and in-depth grand strategy experience.
Total War: Rome II
Total War: Rome II takes players to the height of the Roman Empire, allowing them to relive the epic battles and political struggles of ancient Rome. With a focus on both turn-based strategy and real-time battles, Total War: Rome II offers a comprehensive and immersive grand strategy experience. Players must manage their empire, forge alliances, and wage wars as they strive for dominance in the ancient world.
Stellaris
Stellaris is a grand strategy game set in space, where players can create their own interstellar empire and explore the vastness of the cosmos. With its emphasis on exploration, diplomacy, and technological progression, Stellaris offers a unique and expansive gaming experience. Players can customize their empire, interact with a diverse range of alien species, and shape the destiny of their civilization among the stars.
Tactical Strategy Games
Tactical strategy games focus on small-scale engagements and emphasize careful planning and execution of military operations. These games require players to think strategically and make quick decisions under pressure. Here are some of the best tactical strategy games that offer intense and thrilling gameplay experiences.
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege is a tactical shooter that puts players in the shoes of elite counter-terrorism operators. With its emphasis on teamwork, communication, and precise execution, Rainbow Six Siege offers a highly strategic and competitive gaming experience. Players must carefully plan their attacks or defenses, coordinating their actions to outsmart and outmaneuver their opponents.
Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun
Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is a stealth-based tactical game set in feudal Japan. Players control a team of skilled assassins and must navigate through complex levels, utilizing stealth and tactical planning to eliminate enemies and complete objectives. With its challenging gameplay and immersive atmosphere, Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun offers a strategic experience that rewards careful planning and execution.
XCOM: Enemy Unknown
XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a turn-based tactical game that puts players in command of an elite multinational military organization tasked with defending Earth from alien invaders. Players must manage resources, research new technologies, and lead their squad in intense battles against the extraterrestrial threat. With its strategic depth, challenging combat, and permadeath mechanics, XCOM: Enemy Unknown offers a thrilling and rewarding tactical strategy experience.
Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden
Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden is a post-apocalyptic tactical game that combines turn-based combat with stealth and exploration. Players take control of a squad of mutated creatures and must navigate through a desolate world, using strategy and tactical planning to survive and uncover the mysteries of their existence. With its unique blend of stealth, combat, and immersive storytelling, Mutant Year Zero offers a compelling tactical strategy experience.
Darkest Dungeon
Darkest Dungeon is a challenging and atmospheric turn-based strategy game that tests players’ resilience and decision-making. Players must recruit, train, and lead a team of heroes as they explore dark and treacherous dungeons. With its emphasis on resource management, party composition, and psychological stress, Darkest Dungeon offers a strategic and immersive experience that keeps players on the edge of their seats.
Card-Based Strategy Games
Card-based strategy games combine the elements of strategy and deck-building, challenging players to build powerful decks and make strategic decisions in card-based battles. These games offer deep gameplay and allow for endless customization and strategic planning. Here are some of the best card-based strategy games that offer engaging and strategic experiences.
Gwent: The Witcher Card Game
Gwent: The Witcher Card Game is a standalone card game based on the popular card game within The Witcher series. Players must strategically build a deck of cards representing different units, spells, and abilities and engage in intense battles against other players. With its unique mechanics, strategic depth, and immersive world, Gwent offers a refreshing and challenging card-based strategy experience.
Artifact
Artifact is a digital collectible card game developed by Valve Corporation. With its intricate mechanics, deep strategic gameplay, and unique three-lane board system, Artifact offers a complex and rewarding experience for card game enthusiasts. Players must carefully manage their resources, plan their moves, and outwit their opponents in order to secure victory.
Slay the Spire
Slay the Spire is a rogue-like deck-building game that combines card-based battles with strategic decision-making. Players must navigate through a series of randomly generated levels, collecting cards and relics to build powerful decks. With its challenging gameplay, variety of character classes, and endless replayability, Slay the Spire offers a unique and addictive card-based strategy experience.
Hearthstone
Hearthstone is a digital collectible card game set in the Warcraft universe. Players must build decks of cards representing different classes, spells, and minions and engage in strategic battles against opponents. With its accessible gameplay, vibrant visuals, and frequent content updates, Hearthstone offers a fun and addictive card-based strategy experience for players of all skill levels.
Faeria
Faeria is a strategic digital card game that combines elements of board games and collectible card games. Players must strategically place land tiles on a dynamic playing field, enabling them to summon creatures and cast spells. With its unique gameplay mechanics, strategic depth, and beautiful art style, Faeria offers a refreshing and engaging card-based strategy experience.
War Strategy Games
War strategy games offer players the chance to command armies and wage epic battles on a large scale. These games focus on military tactics, resource management, and strategic planning. Here are some of the best war strategy games that immerse players in the chaos and intensity of warfare.
Civilization V
Civilization V is a renowned turn-based strategy game that allows players to lead a civilization from its humble beginnings to global dominance. With its focus on diplomacy, research, and warfare, Civilization V offers a comprehensive war strategy experience. Players must carefully manage their resources, develop advanced technologies, and engage in tactical battles to secure victory.
Hearts of Iron III
Hearts of Iron III is a grand strategy game that simulates the Second World War with meticulous attention to detail. As the leader of a nation, players must manage every aspect of their country’s war effort, from military operations to production and logistics. With its complex mechanics, historical accuracy, and deep strategic gameplay, Hearts of Iron III offers an immersive war strategy experience.
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 is a real-time war strategy game that pits players against each other in a high-stakes conflict between world powers. With its fast-paced gameplay, diverse factions, and memorable units and abilities, Red Alert 2 offers a thrilling and competitive war strategy experience. Players must gather resources, build bases, and develop their armies to outmaneuver and defeat their opponents.
Rome: Total War
Rome: Total War is a classic strategy game that allows players to command massive armies in large-scale battles set in ancient Rome. With a combination of turn-based strategy and real-time tactics, Rome: Total War delivers an immersive war strategy experience. Players must manage their cities, build armies, and engage in epic battles to expand their empire and secure victory.
Steel Division 2
Steel Division 2 is a real-time war strategy game that focuses on the frontline battles of World War II. With its emphasis on realistic combat mechanics, extensive unit customization, and large-scale battles, Steel Division 2 offers a highly immersive war strategy experience. Players must strategically deploy their troops, manage their resources, and coordinate their actions to gain the upper hand in intense and chaotic warfare.
Fantasy Strategy Games
Fantasy strategy games transport players to imaginative worlds filled with mythical creatures, magic, and epic battles. These games offer players the chance to embark on heroic quests, build empires, and shape the destiny of fantastical realms. Here are some of the best fantasy strategy games that captivate players with their rich lore and strategic depth.
Total War: Warhammer
Total War: Warhammer combines the strategic depth of the Total War series with the rich lore and fantastical elements of the Warhammer universe. With its diverse factions, legendary heroes, and massive battles, Total War: Warhammer immerses players in a world of high fantasy warfare. Players must navigate political intrigue, wage wars, and harness arcane forces to claim dominion over the Warhammer world.
Heroes of Might and Magic III
Heroes of Might and Magic III is a classic turn-based strategy game that takes place in a mythical fantasy world. Players can choose from multiple factions, each with its own unique heroes, creatures, and abilities. With its blend of exploration, resource management, and tactical battles, Heroes of Might and Magic III offers a strategic and immersive fantasy experience.
Age of Wonders III
Age of Wonders III is a turn-based strategy game that combines fantasy elements with empire building and tactical combat. Players must manage their cities, research powerful technologies, recruit armies of mythical creatures, and engage in strategic battles to expand their dominion. With its immersive world, diverse factions, and complex gameplay, Age of Wonders III offers an engaging and strategic fantasy experience.
Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War
Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War is a 4X strategy game set in the grim darkness of the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Players must choose from various factions, each with its unique playstyle and units, and strive to conquer the planet of Gladius. With its deep mechanics, tactical battles, and immersive atmosphere, Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War offers a strategic experience that draws players into the dark and brutal world of Warhammer 40,000.
King’s Bounty: The Legend
King’s Bounty: The Legend is a turn-based strategy game that blends tactical combat with exploration and RPG elements. Players assume the role of a hero tasked with restoring peace and order to the kingdom. With its immersive world, diverse creatures, and strategic battles, King’s Bounty: The Legend offers a captivating fantasy experience that keeps players engaged from start to finish.
City-Building Strategy Games
City-building strategy games allow players to design, construct, and manage thriving cities and civilizations. These games require players to balance resources, infrastructure, and the needs of their population. Here are some of the best city-building strategy games that offer players the chance to create and shape their own virtual metropolises.
Cities: Skylines
Cities: Skylines is a modern take on the classic city-building genre. Players must plan and construct their own cities, taking into account factors such as zoning, infrastructure, utilities, and transportation. With its realistic simulation mechanics, extensive modding support, and limitless creative possibilities, Cities: Skylines offers a comprehensive and immersive city-building experience.
Banished
Banished is a city-building strategy game that emphasizes resource management and survival in a harsh and unforgiving environment. Players must guide a group of settlers as they establish a new settlement and overcome various challenges such as food shortages, harsh weather conditions, and disease. With its focus on strategy, planning, and decision-making, Banished offers a challenging and strategic city-building experience.
Tropico 6
Tropico 6 allows players to step into the shoes of a dictator and build their own tropical paradise. With its unique blend of city-building, politics, and humorous storytelling, Tropico offers a refreshing and lighthearted approach to the genre. Players must balance the needs of their citizens, manage resources, and navigate through political challenges to create a thriving and prosperous nation.
Frostpunk
Frostpunk is a city-building survival game set in a frozen post-apocalyptic world. Players must lead a group of survivors and establish the last bastion of humanity in a world engulfed by ice. With its emphasis on decision-making, moral dilemmas, and resource management, Frostpunk offers a challenging and thought-provoking city-building experience that pushes players to their limits.
SimCity 4
SimCity 4 is a classic city-building game that allows players to create and manage their own virtual cities. With its focus on urban planning, infrastructure development, and economic management, SimCity 4 offers a comprehensive and immersive city-building experience. Players must respond to the needs and demands of their citizens, balancing growth and sustainability to create successful and thriving cities.
Multiplayer Strategy Games
Multiplayer strategy games provide players with the opportunity to compete or cooperate with others, testing their strategic skills against real opponents. These games offer intense and dynamic gameplay experiences that require quick thinking and adaptability. Here are some of the best multiplayer strategy games that offer exciting and competitive gameplay.
League of Legends
League of Legends is a massively popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game that pits teams of players against each other in intense and strategic matches. With its diverse roster of champions, deep gameplay mechanics, and dynamic team-based combat, League of Legends offers a highly competitive and strategic multiplayer experience. Players must communicate, coordinate, and make strategic decisions to outmaneuver and defeat their opponents.
Dota 2
Dota 2 is another highly popular MOBA game that challenges players to work together in teams to destroy the enemy’s base. With its wide selection of heroes, intricate gameplay mechanics, and strategic depth, Dota 2 offers a highly strategic and competitive multiplayer experience. Players must master their chosen heroes, communicate effectively with their teammates, and make critical decisions on the battlefield to achieve victory.
Age of Empires III
Age of Empires III features a robust multiplayer mode that allows players to compete against each other in strategic battles. With its diverse civilizations, unique units, and dynamic gameplay, Age of Empires III offers a thrilling and strategic multiplayer experience. Players must gather resources, build armies, and outwit their opponents to claim victory on the battlefield.
StarCraft: Brood War
StarCraft: Brood War is an iconic real-time strategy game that revolutionized the multiplayer gaming scene. With its three distinct factions, complex strategies, and fast-paced gameplay, StarCraft: Brood War continues to attract competitive players even decades after its release. Players must manage their resources, build armies, and execute precise strategies to outmaneuver and defeat their opponents in intense battles.
Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars
Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars is a real-time strategy game that offers engaging and competitive multiplayer gameplay. With its fast-paced gameplay, diverse factions, and array of unique units and abilities, Tiberium Wars provides an exciting and strategic multiplayer experience. Players must adapt to the ever-changing battlefield, make split-second decisions, and outmaneuver their opponents to achieve victory.
Historical Strategy Games
Historical strategy games allow players to immerse themselves in specific historical periods, commanding armies, managing nations, and shaping the course of history. These games offer a blend of realism, complexity, and strategic thinking, providing players with a unique perspective on past events. Here are some of the best historical strategy games that captivate history enthusiasts and strategy gamers alike.
Medieval II: Total War
Medieval II: Total War takes players to the tumultuous medieval era, offering a comprehensive and immersive strategy experience. As a ruler, players must manage their empire, wage wars, and engage in large-scale battles to expand their dominion. With its attention to historical detail, deep gameplay mechanics, and epic battles, Medieval II: Total War provides a captivating historical strategy experience.
Crusader Kings III
Crusader Kings III is a grand strategy game that allows players to shape the destiny of their dynasty during the medieval era. With its intricate character-based mechanics, complex political systems, and immersive storytelling, Crusader Kings III offers an engrossing historical strategy experience. Players must navigate through the treacherous world of politics, secure alliances, and ensure the survival and prosperity of their family dynasty.
Victoria II
Victoria II is a grand strategy game set during the Victorian era, offering players the chance to shape the destiny of their nation during a time of profound change and progress. With its focus on industrialization, colonization, and geopolitics, Victoria II provides a unique and immersive historical strategy experience. Players must manage their resources, expand their empire, and navigate through complex diplomatic relations to secure their nation’s place in history.
Empire: Total War
Empire: Total War takes players to the 18th century, allowing them to relive the grand conflicts and political struggles of the era. With its blend of turn-based strategy and real-time battles, Empire: Total War offers a comprehensive and immersive historical strategy experience. Players must manage their economies, engage in diplomacy, and command armies in epic battles to shape the destiny of their nation.
Ancient Cities
Ancient Cities is an upcoming historical strategy game that promises to immerse players in the dawn of civilization. Set in prehistoric times, players must guide a nomadic tribe and help them settle and develop into a thriving city. With its emphasis on realism, resource management, and historical authenticity, Ancient Cities aims to provide a unique and engaging historical strategy experience.
In conclusion, the world of strategy games offers a wide array of options for players seeking strategic thinking, tactical decision-making, and immersive experiences. From real-time strategy games to turn-based classics, grand strategy epics to intense tactical battles, and card-based duels to city-building simulations, there is a strategy game out there for everyone. Whether players prefer to rewrite history, command powerful armies, build mighty civilizations, or engage in strategic card battles, these games provide hours of captivating gameplay and endless strategic possibilities. So gather your wits, assemble your forces, and prepare to conquer the virtual worlds of strategy gaming. The battle for victory begins now!
