The best strategy games are ones that will stick with you for a lifetime, no matter how their age. Whether they're nitty gritty grand strategy titles, 4X, or RTS, or something more zoomed-in on skirmishes they're all about rules. And, like chess, a good set of rules can be timeless. Once learned, it takes a lot longer to master the minutiae of tactically managing the decisions of an army, or how to move a squad of unique warriors in concert. Even when you're not playing them, they're sets of rules your brain will come back to noodle with time and time again.
Which also makes any list about them deeply personal. And also a hard genre to contribute towards. With so many stalwart classics that have stood the test of time, how to do something new? While we have separate breakout lists to really dig deep into the best 4X games and best RTS games, overall here you'll find our picks for the best strategy games that should welcome new players to try the genre, or give veterans looking for something new some options to think about.
25. SteamWorld Heist 2
Developer: Thunderful Development
Platform(s): PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Switch
Release date: August 8, 2024
Sometimes all you need is a change in perspective, and that's the secret sauce to this strategic branch of the genre-defying series. In SteamWorld Heist II, these turn-based scraps as you infiltrate locations take place in 2D, from a side-on perspective. While you may think it limiting, it actually allows you to better play with the environment on a granular level than would really be possible in 3D, able to make minute adjustments to placement and utilize ricochet shots and the like. This sequel even adds a neat sea-faring overworld. As can be the risk in these types of games, missions can get repetitive, but the core combat on show here is some of the best you'll find in the space, and different enough to tease in genre newcomers and veterans alike.
Learn more in our SteamWorld Heist 2 review where we called it "sillier than XCOM's po-faced sci-fi, its mechanics are no less serious"
24. Battletech
Developer: Harebrained Schemes
Platform(s): PC
Release date: April 24, 2018
Despite its technical clumsiness, Battletech, based on a popular tabletop game, takes a novel approach to round-based mech combat. It’s not enough to simply hit your opponent, instead you have to disable specific limbs, something that due to the game’s random number generator is often down to luck. While gameplay can veer between annoying and really exciting that way, what makes Battletech stand out in particular is its story, which isn’t only great for a genre that doesn’t always put a lot of stock in its narratives. Thanks to a lot of effort put in the general presentation and idea, Battletech is a truly unique game you should definitely give a chance.
23. Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden
Developer: The Bearded Ladies
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Release date: December 4, 2018
If you like XCOM, there is really no reason you wouldn’t like Mutant Year Zero. It’s the same brand of round-based tactics, with a dash of post-apocalyptic weirdness in the form of your usual broken-down city environments and… anthropomorphic animals? Yes, Mutant Year Zero’s absolutely unique selling points are its mutated protagonists, who can learn new skills through further mutations, and who drive the interesting story. Add to that a good (and at times absolutely necessary) stealth system and you get a game that successfully combines old and new. It’s also a real challenge, mildly unfair at times, but definitely worth a try for all who already know XCOM like the back of their hand.
22. Wildermyth
Developer: Worldwalker Games
Platform(s): PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Switch
Release date: June 15, 2021
More RPG-tinged than the rest of the entries on the list, Wildermyth still ends up being one of our favorite strategy games not just for when you enter the battle arena, but how loads of little decisions you make help to shape those encounters. While it plays similarly to a lightweight XCOM, it's a different flavor as instead of just tweaking your builds you're helping to craft a story. The party members you deploy can't simply be optimized, they're often carrying the real consequence of constant tiny decisions to make for a squad that feels like it could only ever be your own, and skirmishes that feel like they take place within a personal journey.
Learn more in our Wildermyth impressions on the console launch, where we said it's "still a certified classic"
21. Gears Tactics
Developer: Splash Damage, The Coalition
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Release date: April 28, 2020
It’s not far from cover shooter to tactics game, this or similar must have been what Xbox Game Studios thought when they developed Gears Tactics. As gory as the rest of the franchise, Gears Tactics offers interesting skill combinations between your squad members and rewards risk-taking. It also doesn’t hurt that Gears Tactics looks absolutely stunning and tends to turn the usually rather quiet and tense tactics genre into quite a spectacle. An absolute must for Gears fans, it’s also a worth addition to the library of any fans of turn-based tactics.
Learn more in our Gears Tactics review, where we called it "a smart, fast, and aggressive strategy game"
20. Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2
Developer: Tindalos Interactive
Platform(s): PC
Release date: January 24, 2019
If you enjoy big explosions and battles in space, this is just the ticket. Based on Game Workshop’s tabletop game, this RTS lets you play out massive naval spaceship battles in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Building up from the first in the series, Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2 lets you choose from 12 factions from the tabletop game, such as the likes of the Imperial Navy, Drukhair, Necrons and many more. With tons of customisation options for your ships, you can command and conquer your way through enemies fleets and have a blast while you’re doing it. If you want to just dive into a battle you can, but there are also three main faction solo campaigns to strategize your way through with the Tyranids, Necrons or the Imperium.
19. Endless Legend
Developer: Amplitude Studios
Platform(s): PC
Release date: September 18, 2014
Endless Legend is a great go-to for a 4X game in a fantasy setting. Because it boasts a large number of different factions and procedurally generated maps, you’ll be sure to lose plenty of sleep over the many side quests that can pop up as you’re out exploring. Like several entries of the Total War franchise, it gives you hero units that are vital to battles, and also offers several diplomatic options of handling different races that don’t have to end with someone losing their head. Basically Endless Legend has all the good traits from genre colleagues such as Civ and Total War, wrapped in a delicious fantasy burrito for you to enjoy.
18. Total War: Three Kingdoms
Developer: Creative Assembly / Feral Interactive
Platform(s): PC
Release date: May 23, 2019
Total War: Three Kingdoms wears its post-Total War: Warhammer influences on its sleeve, in that its primarily rooted in history, but likewise dabbles in occasional bursts of fantasy, portrayed via age-old legend. The Chinese civil war is the event of the day here, and the idiosyncrasies of complex relationships fuel just about everything you can shake a cursor at – from diplomacy behind the scenes, trade ahead of war, and dynamics between factions on the battlefield. All of those customisable elements have been tweaked against previous Total War instalments, and Three Kingdoms’ expansive DLC gives this one even more life beyond its standard campaign.
17. Desperados 3
Developer: Mimimi Games
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One
Release date: 16 June 2020
The return of the Desperados franchise was a surprise, but the team at Mimimi Games approached it with the same finesse they brought to their other round-based tactics smash Shadow Tactics. Desperados 3 is a beautiful, challenging round-based action game that perfectly captures the look and feel of the Wild West. It’s appeal is similar to that of Endless Legends, as it manages to take everything that works well in the genre, like characters with interesting skills, several possible ways to approach each challenge and quite considerable difficulty, and adds to that a well-acted and engaging story. If you like round-based games and always wanted to play one in a wild west setting, don’t let Desperados 3 pass you by.
16. Invisible, Inc.
Developer: Klei Entertainment
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Switch, Mobile
Release date: May 12, 2015
The concept of Invisible, Inc. was made for turn-based games – try to sneak into an office undetected, get what you came for and sneak out. All Invisible, Inc. really needs to spread its charm are its hyper-alert guards and the fact that you don’t know where what you’re looking for actually is. It’s a stylish heist adventure with a large roster of agents and plenty of different ways to tackle missions, and a really cool evolution of the popular XCOM formula.
15. Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew
Developer: Mimimi Games
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X
Release date: August 17, 2023
Shiver me timbers. These undead pirates aren't your enemies. For once, in Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew, they're yours to command as you bonk the Inquisition on the noggin using increasingly inventive methods. This crew wants a way back from the undead, which means collecting soul essence to do so. In the meantime, though, their deceased status has gifted them with unique powers that can be used in concert for wildly inventive kills that can at times make this feel like an isometric Hitman as much as a turn-based strategy. Pinkus, for example, can possess enemies and blend in, while Suleidy can plant bushes that sprout for instant cover, and Gaelle can blast friend and foe alike from a large cannon. Which squad of three you deploy for which mission can open up loads of creative possibilities.
Learn more in our Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew review where we called it "a fiendishly fun stealth strategy game"
14. Heroes of Might and Magic 3: Complete
Developer: New World Computing
Platform(s): PC
Release date: March 3, 1999
Perhaps the most feature rich entry in this lengthy series, especially when you include all of its expansion packs (and long history of fan created content). Those aren't present in the more recently released HD version, but Heroes of Might and Magic 3: Complete is available in its original form through GOG. With gorgeous 2D artwork, players take on the role of commander of towns inspired by myth and legend with upgradeable units to match. Recruited heroes assemble squads made from those units and strike out across (sometimes massive) maps to claim resources while rivals do the same. Heroes take a backseat in battle, units trundling around a side-on hex grid instead, but spells can be learnt to provide vital support that can turn the tide in your favor. There are a lot of balls to juggle, but it's satisfying when the machine of war kicks into gear and everything goes according to plan.
13. Tactical Breach Wizards
Developer: Suspicious Developments
Platform(s): PC
Release date: August 22, 2024
Tactical Breach Wizards is undoubtedly one of the most likable games on this list. From Suspicious Developments, the creator of wonderfully funny and playfully innovative games like Gunpoint and Heat Signature, this takes the same approach and applies it to something more XCOM-like. Your renegade wizard team includes a retired Navy Seer, a Freelance Storm Witch, a Necro Medic, and a Rebel Riot Priest. It's all very tongue-in-cheek, and will have you chortling even as you puzzle out some tricky encounters. Yet, just as approachable as it is funny, it's very generous at allowing you to retry turns. This might put off hardcore genre veterans, but it makes this a warm and delightful entry point into the space, or just something casual to relax with.
12. Stellaris
Developer: Paradox Development Studio
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4
Release date: May 9, 2016
As a grand strategy RTS, Stellaris lets you explore the vast expanses of space and puts you in control of an interstellar empire you get to customise. With a choice of various different alien races, government systems and faction traits to choose from, you can decide how you want your empire to run and how you’ll likely approach different situations. Whether you want to wage war, or peacefully explore space and be the voice of diplomacy, there are plenty of ways to go about things. There also opportunities to strengthen your empire and expand its reach by colonizing other planets and joining forces with fellow alien species throughout the galaxies. In the starry skies of space, Stellaris rewards you for your exploration efforts and presents you with challenging strategic spaceship battles and management systems.
11. Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition
Developer: Forgotten Empires, Tantalus Media, Wicked Witch
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox One
Release date: November 14, 2019 (Original: September 27, 1999)
Age of Empires 2 is an absolute classic and still continues to be one of the very best strategy games around. Allowing you to build up your own settlement across the ages and see your empire grow and advance with the times, there's a satisfying level of strategy in resource management and military prowess. With fantastic campaigns to get stuck into solo, it's also a fantastic strategy game to get stuck into in co-op with pals. If you get a taste for the series after tucking into this entry, then latest is well worth checking out too, and you can read our Age of Empires 4 review for more on why!
Learn more in our recent Age of Empires 2 impressions, where we said that "it's amazing to think that after all these years, it's still bringing us together"
10. Marvel's Midnight Suns
Developer: Firaxis
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X
Release date: December 2, 2022
Marvel's Midnight Suns is a different type of strategy game from Firaxis. While the studio is best known for spearheading the reboot of the XCOM franchise, this all-new experience has you partnering up with some of Earth's Mightiest Heroes, managing small decks of cards to unleash powerful abilities against hordes of enemies, and spending any spare time out of battle becoming friends with Ghost Rider, Captain Marvel, and Dr. Strange. Marvel's Midnight Suns is part XCOM 2 and part Fire Emblem: Three Houses, and it's a wicked mix.
Learn more in our Marvel's Midnight Suns review, where we said that "all the pieces serve a purpose within the richly detailed whole"
9. Age of Wonders 4
Developer: Triumph Studios
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X
Release date: May 2, 2023
After almost a decade away and a brief but excellent detour to space in Age of Wonders: Planetfall, developer Triumph Studios returned to their fantasy-inspired 4X roots for Age of Wonders 4. Taking on the role of a powerful spellcaster who can shape the world to their whim with powerful magic, the choice is less "which species to lead" and more "what do you want to create"? You weave your own fantasy races into existence, which can come back to bite you (literally) just as much as it can help you conquer the land in the moment. Pretty much everything about the way a match flows, the units, and rulers, are all affected by the choices you make in creation. As a result no two matches, games, or moments feel the same, and rather than feel random it all feels like your own fault. We wonder how you'll feel about that – but we can't get enough.
8. Sid Meier's Civilization 6
Developer: Firaxis Games, Aspyr
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch
Release date: October 21, 2016
Considered to be one of the best 4X turn-based style strategy series around, Civilization 6 is the latest offering that builds on its predecessor to bring us something slightly more refined and polished. While it’s great for veterans because it brings some new elements into play, it’s also more accessible for newcomers thanks to its tutorials that will help you get to grips with the general concepts of Civilization.
From the Stone Age to the Information Age, you control and determine the rise of an entire civilization, which now physically expands across the map to show you just how big it’s grown. With new features like active research in technology and culture, 20 leaders to choose from who all have different agendas to pursue, and multiple ways to emerge victorious, there are plenty of tactical approaches and playstyles to get stuck into. And the recent Gathering Storm expansion (which is just one of the many DLCs) introduces a climate change system that presents additional challenges to your growing civilization.
7. Total War: Warhammer 3
Developer: Creative Assembly
Platform(s): PC
Release date: February 17, 2022
Total War: Warhammer 3 improves upon just about every aspect of its ground-breaking predecessors. Whether you're coming in fresh or have been with this Total War spin-off since the beginning, there's no denying that this Total War spin-off series is among the best in the strategy genre. It's more in-depth, intuitive, and varied – both on and off the battlefield – than Total War: Warhammer 2, and there's a frankly absurd amount of content packed into the wonderful package.
6. Crusader Kings 3
Developer: Paradox Development Studio
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5
Release date: September 1, 2020
Simply put, Crusader Kings 3 is one of the biggest, more sophisticated grand strategy RPGs out there – somehow even bigger than its predecessor, Crusader Kings 2. Similar to the evolution of the Total War: Warhammer as noted above, CK3 is prettier, easier to navigate, and much, much more complex than anything that’s come before – both in battle and in storytelling. And the latter point is what stands CK3 apart from so many games of a similar ilk, because it is a pretty much unparalleled in its scope for period drama storytelling. Weave this into its warring factions, political turmoil and bouts of enduring civil war, and you’re onto a winner.
5. XCOM 2
Developer: Firaxis Games / Feral Interactive
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch
Release date: February 5, 2016
If you’re after a challenge, XCOM 2’s alien invaded world doesn’t pull any punches. Turn-based in style with expansive terrains to navigate, the sequel is much bigger in scope than its predecessor. After XCOM: Enemy Unknown saw you try to prevent an alien invasion, the second sees you command the last remaining XCOM forces - who are the last line of defence against the aliens that now rule the Earth. Perma-death adds an extra level of difficulty to every decision you make because every choice could have disastrous consequences for your troops.
Taking control of the alien supply craft known as the Avenger, you’re up against impossible odds as you set out on missions with unique challenges, facing new foes and tactically approaching each fight . You also need to try and rescue fallen comrades and research and upgrade your weapons and armor. And if this sounds like your cup of tea, last year saw the release of the excellent jam-packed XCOM 2: War of the Chosen DLC, which is a game in and of itself that adds new classes and a challenging new enemy known as “ The Chosen”. This is one sci-fi strategy number that will push your tactical mind to the limit.
Learn more in our XCOM 2 review where we called it "a deep and engrossing strategy game"
4. StarCraft 2
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Platform(s): PC
Release date: July 27, 2010
There are games that just turn out to be pillars of the genre, oft-copied but never quite reached. StarCraft was one such game for the RTS genre, so it makes sense that its successor really just offers more of the same in a shinier package. Even a decade after it was first released, StarCraft 2’s presentation still astounds. The campaign makes good use of each of its races, by now beloved by StarCraft fans. The bombastic battles are certainly the heart of the experience, all-out assaults that are satisfying to watch after you’ve put time into building your armies. Missions are varied and offer enough unlocks to keep you playing for a long time, and if you start playing now, you’ll likely discover a lot of systems you’re already familiar with, established by the likes of StarCraft and Age of Empires long ago. Well, no need to fix what isn’t broken.
Learn more in our StarCraft 2 review where we called it "the new standard"
3. Into the Breach
Developer: Subset Games
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, Switch
Release date: February 27, 2018
Subset Games’ isometric sci-fi roguelite is a nice compact turn-based affair that takes place on an 8x8 grid. Highly replayable thanks to its varying procedurally generated challenges, it pushes you to think carefully about your strategic approach each turn. Alien nasties known as the Vek are breeding underneath the earth and pose a serious threat to humankind. It’s up to you to save the world by beating every challenge it presents you.
If you fail, you essentially reverse the timeline to try and conquer the challenge again. By controlling different mechs and weapons, you encounter unique mech pilots and find more weapons throughout your battles to give yourself the upper-hand the next time around. Different civilian buildings power your mechs, so you also have to be mindful of their welfare and make sure you don’t accidentally blow them up yourself. With an appealing pixelated style, it also has a pretty interesting story-line, and its procedurally generated challenges puts your tactical skills to the test and keeps it feeling fresh. And with the release of the Advanced Edition, there's never been a better time to get stuck in.
2. Warcraft 3
Developer: Suspicious Developments
Platform(s): PC
Release date: July 3, 2002
The big caveat here is we don't mean Warcraft 3: Reforged, we mean the original release Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos and its best-in-class expansion Warcraft 3: The Frozen Throne. The why is too long to get into, but trust us here! Simply put, the epic fantasy tale that leads you through the missions in Warcraft 3 remains one of the best in gaming period, making the stakes of these huge clashes feel both world-altering and personal at once. The same goes for units, which were overhauled with heroes and the like to add unique skills. You're not just managing nameless, faceless units, but weaving an epic saga together under your own command. Too old for you to get into? There's a chance. Warcraft 3: Reforged was so bad that even after refunds it's now getting a huge 2.0 update that could improve it.
Learn more in our Warcraft 3 review where we called it a "breathtaking affair of betrayal, epic combat and a world's desperate bid to fend off an unstoppable evil"
1. Command and Conquer Remastered Collection
Developer: Petroglyph / Lemon Sky Studios
Platform(s): PC
Release date: June 5, 2020 (Original: September 26, 1995)
The setup and delivery may seem a little naff from today’s point of view, but there’s a reason classics like this get remade after decades. This collection is perhaps not for you if you’re looking for an intricate RTS game with many features, but it’s the best version of a game that still has many fans after 25 years since its original release – you’ll find quality of life UI improvements, better graphics, content that previously was only available on console, and over 100 missions you can now replay individually. Since the game itself hasn’t been changed save for some additional difficulty options, you may have your issues with the AI, but like many RTS games C&C has a great multiplayer. This is of course a game for fans first and foremost, but if you want to go to the beginnings of the genre or just enjoy one of the best remasters around, there’s no way past this collection.
Looking for more great recommendations? Check out our list of upcoming games that should be on your radar!
