Apps & Games Help You Choose
Are you a fan of strategic gameplay? If so, you’re in the right place. Strategy games are known for their immersive game mechanics and in-depth gameplay, making them a favorite among gamers worldwide. From the early days of board games to the current generation of video games, strategy games have come a long way. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best strategy games of all time.Strategy games require players to use their analytical and critical thinking skills to make decisions and solve problems. The games usually involve managing resources, building structures, and commanding armies to defeat enemies. The genre is vast and diverse, offering players a range of options to choose from. From real-time strategy games to turn-based strategy games, there’s something for everyone.
Top 10 Best Strategy Games
In this section, we’ll take a look at the top 10 best strategy games of all time. The games are listed in no particular order and are chosen based on their popularity, critical acclaim, and lasting impact on the genre.
Civilization VI
Civilization VI is a turn-based strategy game developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K Games. The game is the sixth installment in the Civilization series and was released in 2016. In Civilization VI, players take on the role of a leader of a civilization and work to expand their empire while competing against other leaders. The game has received critical acclaim for its depth, complexity, and addictive gameplay.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Deep and complex gameplay | Steep learning curve for new players |
| Endless replayability | AI can be predictable at times |
| Beautiful graphics and sound design | Can be time-consuming |
Starcraft II
Starcraft II is a real-time strategy game developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment. The game was released in 2010 and is the sequel to the original Starcraft game. In Starcraft II, players choose between three factions and compete against each other to achieve victory. The game has a strong competitive scene and is known for its fast-paced gameplay and high skill ceiling.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast-paced and intense gameplay | Steep learning curve for new players |
| Strong competitive scene | Can be overwhelming for some players |
| Well-balanced factions | Story campaign can be lackluster |
XCOM 2
XCOM 2 is a turn-based strategy game developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K Games. The game is the sequel to XCOM: Enemy Unknown and was released in 2016. In XCOM 2, players take on the role of the commander of a resistance force fighting against an alien invasion. The game has received critical acclaim for its challenging gameplay, deep customization options, and engaging story.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Challenging and rewarding gameplay | Can be punishing for new players |
| Deep customization options | Some missions can feel repetitive |
| Engaging story and characters | Performance issues on some systems |
Total War: Warhammer II
Total War: Warhammer II is a turn-based strategy game developed by Creative Assembly and published by Sega. The game is set in the Warhammer fantasy universe and was released in 2017. In Total War: Warhammer II, players take on the role of one of four factions and wage war against each other to control the world. The game has received critical acclaim for its massive battles, deep strategy, and immersive setting.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Massive and epic battles | Some factions can be overpowered |
| Immersive setting and lore | Can be overwhelming for new players |
| Deep strategy and gameplay mechanics | Performance issues on some systems |
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is a real-time strategy game developed by Forgotten Empires and published by Xbox Game Studios. The game is a remastered version of the original Age of Empires II game and was released in 2019. In Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, players take on the role of a leader of a civilization and work to build an empire and defeat their enemies. The game has received critical acclaim for its improved graphics, updated gameplay mechanics, and extensive modding community.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Improved graphics and updated gameplay mechanics | AI can be predictable at times |
| Extensive modding community | Some campaign missions can be tedious |
| Endless replayability | Can be overwhelming for new players |
Crusader Kings III
Crusader Kings III is a grand strategy game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. The game was released in 2020 and is the third installment in the Crusader Kings series. In Crusader Kings III, players take on the role of a medieval ruler and work to expand their dynasty and influence. The game has received critical acclaim for its deep gameplay mechanics, extensive modding community, and engaging story.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Deep gameplay mechanics | Steep learning curve for new players |
| Engaging story and characters | Can be overwhelming for some players |
| Extensive modding community | Performance issues on some systems |
Stellaris
Stellaris is a 4X grand strategy game developed and published by Paradox Interactive. The game was released in 2016 and is set in a futuristic space setting. In Stellaris, players take on the role of a leader of an interstellar empire and work to explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate other civilizations. The game has received critical acclaim for its vast scope, deep gameplay mechanics, and immersive setting.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Immense scope and scale | Steep learning curve for new players |
| Deep gameplay mechanics | Can be overwhelming for some players |
| Immersive setting and lore | Performance issues on some systems |
Company of Heroes 2
Company of Heroes 2 is a real-time strategy game developed by Relic Entertainment and published by Sega. The game was released in 2013 and is set in World War II. In Company of Heroes 2, players take on the role of a commander of an army and work to defeat their enemies in a variety of different missions. The game has received critical acclaim for its tactical gameplay, immersive setting, and engaging story.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Tactical and engaging gameplay | Single-player campaign can be short |
| Immersive setting and atmosphere | Multiplayer can be unbalanced at times |
| Engaging story and characters | Some factions can be overpowered |
Command and Conquer: Red Alert 2
Command and Conquer: Red Alert 2 is a real-time strategy game developed by Westwood Pacific and published by Electronic Arts. The game was released in 2000 and is set in an alternate timeline where the Soviet Union invades the United States. In Command and Conquer: Red Alert 2, players take on the role of a commander of an army and work to defeat their enemies in a variety of different missions. The game has received critical acclaim for its fast-paced gameplay, engaging story, and memorable characters.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast-paced and intense gameplay | Graphics and sound design are outdated |
| Engaging story and memorable characters | Some factions can be overpowered |
| Well-balanced factions | Can be difficult to run on modern systems |
Rise of Nations: Extended Edition
Rise of Nations: Extended Edition is a real-time strategy game developed by Big Huge Games and published by Microsoft Studios. The game was originally released in 2003 and was remastered in 2014. In Rise of Nations: Extended Edition, players take on the role of a leader of a civilization and work to build an empire and defeat their enemies. The game has received critical acclaim for its unique blend of real-time and turn-based strategy gameplay, extensive tech tree, and engaging campaign mode.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unique blend of real-time and turn-based gameplay | Graphics and sound design are outdated |
| Extensive tech tree and research options | Multiplayer can be unbalanced at times |
| Engaging campaign mode | Some factions can be overpowered |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Strategy Game
With so many strategy games available, it can be challenging to know which one to choose. Here are some factors to consider when deciding which strategy game to play.
Gameplay Mechanics
The gameplay mechanics of a strategy game can vary widely. Some games are turn-based, while others are real-time. Some games focus on micromanagement, while others are more macro-focused. Consider what type of gameplay mechanics you enjoy and look for games that offer those mechanics.
Setting and Story
The setting and story of a strategy game can be just as important as the gameplay mechanics. Some games are set in historical periods, while others are set in fictional universes. Consider what type of setting and story you prefer and look for games that offer those elements.
Replayability
Replayability refers to how much a game can be played and enjoyed after the initial playthrough. Some games offer endless replayability, while others can become repetitive after a few playthroughs. Consider how important replayability is to you and look for games that offer high replayability.
Multiplayer
Some strategy games offer multiplayer modes that allow players to compete against each other online. If you enjoy playing games with others, consider looking for games that offer multiplayer modes.
Graphics and Sound Design
Graphics and sound design can greatly impact the overall experience of a strategy game. Consider what type of graphics and sound design you prefer and look for games that offer those elements.
Other Great Strategy Games
In addition to the top 10 best strategy games listed above, there are many other great strategy games worth checking out. Here are some honorable mentions:
- Europa Universalis IV
- Homeworld
- WarCraft III: Reign of Chaos
- Command and Conquer: Generals
- Total War: Shogun 2
- Heroes of Might and Magic III
- Sid Meier’s Alpha Centauri
People Also Ask
What is the best strategy game of all time?
The best strategy game of all time is subjective and varies from person to person. However, some of the most popular and critically acclaimed strategy games include Civilization VI, Starcraft II, and XCOM 2.
What makes a good strategy game?
A good strategy game should have engaging gameplay mechanics, a compelling setting and story, high replayability, and solid graphics and sound design.
Are strategy games good for your brain?
Yes, strategy games are good for your brain. They require players to use their analytical and critical thinking skills, which can improve cognitive function and problem-solving abilities.
Conclusion
Strategy games offer an immersive and engaging gaming experience that requires players to use their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Whether you prefer turn-based or real-time gameplay, historical or fictional settings, or single-player or multiplayer modes, there’s always a strategy game for you. We hope this guide has helped you discover some new games to play and provided some insight into what makes a great strategy game.
