The Top 10 Strategy Games To Play Right Now
Looking for some exciting strategy games that offer great gameplay?
Strategy games provide great challenges and experiences! From real-time tactics to turn-based battles and immersive city-building simulations, there’s something for every strategist. In this list, we’ve compiled the 10 best strategy games that you can dive into today!
10. Tropico 6
Tropico 6 allows players to step into the shoes of a dictator on a tropical island, combining city-building elements with political strategy. Players manage their island’s economy, infrastructure, and relationships with superpowers, all while trying to maintain control over their citizens. The game features a vibrant art style and humorous narrative elements that bring the tropical paradise to life. Players can build an archipelago by constructing bridges and managing multiple islands, adding complexity to city planning. With various political ideologies to adopt and the option to manipulate elections, the game provides a sandbox for creativity. Tropico 6 offers a unique blend of humor and strategy, making it a delightful experience for fans of simulation games. Tropico 6 is a great addition to the world of strategy games.
9. Factorio
Factorio is a unique simulation game that challenges players to build and manage complex factories on an alien planet. The core gameplay revolves around resource gathering, automation, and optimization as players create production lines to manufacture increasingly advanced items. With a focus on engineering and logistics, the game offers an unparalleled level of freedom in how you design your factory. Players must also defend their builds from alien creatures while expanding their operations. The multiplayer mode allows friends to collaborate or compete in building massive factories. With its addictive gameplay and deep mechanics, Factorio has built a dedicated community that thrives on sharing designs and strategies. The game’s blend of creativity, problem-solving, and exploration makes it a must-play for fans of simulation and strategy.
8. XCOM 2
XCOM 2 is a tactical, turn-based strategy game that puts players in command of a resistance force fighting against alien occupation. Building upon its predecessor, the game features deeper mechanics, including a base management system and a strong emphasis on soldier customization. Players must plan their missions carefully, balancing risk and reward as they engage in tactical combat against advanced alien forces. The game’s permadeath feature adds emotional weight to every decision, making it crucial to protect your soldiers. With procedurally generated maps and a dynamic campaign, no two playthroughs are the same. The blend of strategy, resource management, and intense combat makes XCOM 2 a standout title among strategy games, challenging players to lead a resistance against an alien occupation.
7. Stellaris
Stellaris is a grand strategy game set in the depths of space, where players take on the role of an interstellar empire. From the moment you create your species and customize your starting conditions, you are thrust into a universe filled with exploration, diplomacy, and warfare. The game’s procedural generation ensures that no two playthroughs are the same, with diverse star systems, alien civilizations, and unique events to encounter. Players must manage resources, conduct research, and forge alliances while also dealing with the challenges of governing a vast empire. The depth of gameplay mechanics, combined with a rich narrative and stunning visuals, creates an immersive experience. With regular expansions introducing new content, Stellaris continually evolves, making it a captivating choice for strategy enthusiasts.
6. Age of Empires IV
Age of Empires IV revitalizes the genre of strategy games, bringing historical battles and civilizations to life with modern graphics and gameplay mechanics. Players can choose from various civilizations, each with unique units and abilities, and engage in dynamic battles across beautifully crafted maps. The game features a robust campaign mode that immerses players in historical events, alongside multiplayer modes for competitive play. With a focus on resource management, technological advancement, and strategic warfare, Age of Empires IV captures the essence of the series while introducing fresh features. The combination of nostalgia and innovation makes it a must-play for both veterans and newcomers to the genre.
5. Civilization VI
Civilization VI is a turn-based strategy game that invites players to build and expand their own civilization from the ground up. As the leader of a chosen nation, you will navigate through history, making decisions that shape your empire. The game features a rich variety of civilizations, each with unique abilities, units, and buildings. Players must manage resources, conduct diplomacy, and engage in warfare to outsmart rival civilizations. The innovative “District” system allows for more strategic city planning, encouraging players to think critically about urban development. With diverse victory conditions—be it military conquest, cultural dominance, or scientific advancement—Civilization VI provides endless replayability. The game’s stunning visuals and engaging mechanics, combined with regular expansions, keep players returning to this intricate world-building experience. Civilization VI is considered one of the finest strategy games, allowing players to build and expand their own empires.
4. Frostpunk
Frostpunk is a city-building survival game set in a post-apocalyptic world where players must manage a city amid a frozen wasteland. As the ruler, you are tasked with making tough moral decisions that affect your citizens’ survival. The game combines resource management with a compelling narrative, forcing players to balance the needs of their people against the harsh realities of survival. With a unique heating system that dictates how you build and expand your city, players must constantly adapt to changing conditions. The art style and atmospheric sound design enhance the immersive experience. With challenging scenarios and an emphasis on ethical dilemmas, Frostpunk is a thought-provoking strategy game that keeps players engaged until the last moment.
3. Northgard
Northgard is a real-time strategy game that transports players to a Norse-inspired world where they lead a clan of Vikings to establish a new settlement. The game beautifully combines resource management with strategic warfare, as players must gather food, wood, and stone while also defending against rival clans and mythical creatures. Each season brings unique challenges, such as harsh winters that affect food supply and health. Players can choose from different clans, each with its strengths and unique abilities, allowing for varied gameplay styles. The beautifully designed landscapes and engaging mechanics create an immersive experience. With its blend of strategy and lore, Northgard offers a captivating journey into Viking culture and survival. Northgard is a captivating title in the world of strategy games.
2. Crusader Kings III
Crusader Kings III is a grand strategy game that puts players in the role of a medieval ruler, focusing on the intricacies of dynastic politics. Unlike traditional strategy games, the emphasis here is on character-driven storytelling, where relationships, alliances, and betrayals can make or break a kingdom. Players must manage not only their realm but also their family dynamics, navigating through marriages, plots, and wars. The game features a richly detailed map of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, filled with historical figures and events. With its depth of role-playing elements and a robust narrative system, each playthrough feels unique. The blend of strategy, diplomacy, and RPG mechanics makes Crusader Kings III a captivating experience for those looking to shape their legacy in a tumultuous era. Crusader Kings III stands out as one of the most engaging strategy games.
1. Anno 1800
Anno 1800 is a city-building and economic simulation game set during the Industrial Revolution. Players take on the role of an industrialist, tasked with creating a thriving metropolis while managing resources, trade routes, and the well-being of their citizens. The game features a stunningly detailed world with a vibrant art style that captures the essence of the era. Players must balance the demands of their growing population with the need for production efficiency. The introduction of new mechanics, such as tourism and the political landscape, adds depth to gameplay. With its engaging single-player campaign and multiplayer options, Anno 1800 provides hours of strategic planning and city management. The combination of economic strategies and beautiful visuals makes it a standout title in the city-building genre.