Strategy games are really fun and make you think hard. These games have always captivated me with their mix of tactical thinking, resource management, and long-term planning. People enjoy strategy games because they pose mental challenges and require critical thinking skills. These games also let you plan and execute your own strategies, giving you a sense of control and accomplishment.
No matter if you’re just like me, a beginner diving into the genre, or a seasoned pro looking to test your skills, there’s something for everyone. Here are the top 15 best strategy games. They include best strategy board games and real-time strategies. If you want to find the perfect game to sharpen your strategic mind and enjoy as much as I do then, this blog is for you.
1. Civilization VI
No list of the best strategy games would be complete without Civilization VI. It is a turn-based strategy game where players build and manage an empire across different eras. It offers multiple ways to win through the power of military, scientific advancement, or cultural influence.
In this game, you can fight your enemies with armies, advance through research, or you can also shape global opinion with culture. Civilization VI is a game that challenges your decision-making skills while city planning, diplomacy, and resource management, ensuring every choice has an impact on the path of civilization. With its historical context and narrative depth, Civilization VI provides engaging gameplay that rewards strategic thinking and planning.
2. StarCraft II
StarCraft II is a key game in the real-time strategy genre. If you are a strategy fan, then you should make sure to not miss this amazing game because it has intense gameplay, balanced factions, and competitive multiplayer. This game requires quick thinking and accurate performance, which is loved by both beginners and pro players.
The multiplayer mode in StarCraft II is where strategic creativity and skill can grow. This game will allow you to engage in intense matches where split-second decisions and strategic planning are crucial. You will experience an amazing journey across the galaxy where you will deal with political intrigue, space battles, and tough choices. The regular updates in this game will keep your competitive sense alive.
3. Risk: Global Domination
Isn’t it amazing to have the classic board game Risk on your digital devices? Of course, it is. Right? This free online strategy game Risk keeps the fun of the original board game for you. This game will allow you to use strategic planning and partnerships to win the territories. Risk: Global domination is a perfect fit for both beginners and pro players.
In this game, you will pick your army and place place it on different territories on the world map. This game is turn-based, so you will take turns attacking nearby territories to have control. The dice roll will determine the outcome. It all depends on your luck and strategy. This fun mix of skill and chance keeps the game unpredictable.
4. XCOM 2
There is no doubt in it that XCOM 2 has the top game strategy for you. This game will challenge you to lead a resistance force against an alien takeover of Earth. All the strategy fans love this game because of its turn-based strategy and intense challenges.
In this game, Earth is controlled by aliens. You play as the commander of the XCOM organization, now a guerrilla force fighting to reclaim the planet. The story is very engaging and adds urgency to every mission. If you want to defeat the alien rulers then you must gather resources, recruit soldiers, and make smart choices.
This game is turn-based, so you plan each move of your squad carefully. Each mission involves placing soldiers, using cover, and making critical decisions. No matter if you’re new to XCOM or a fan returning for more, XCOM 2 has an exciting and strategic adventure for you.
5. The Settlers of Catan
The Settlers of Catan is one of the best strategy board games. If you are looking for a board game that is interactive and enjoyable then, this one is for you.
In this game, you gather resources, trade, and build settlements and cities on the island of Catan. The goal is to place settlements strategically to collect resources efficiently and upgrade them to cities for more points. If you are aiming to build the longest road or trying to gain the largest army then you have to stay sharp and think several moves ahead to come out on top.
The Settlers of Catan isn’t just a game about building settlements. This game is about negotiating, strategizing, and having fun with friends or family.
6. Total War: Three Kingdoms
Total War: Three Kingdoms is considered one of the best strategy games available today. This game combines grand strategy with real-time battles set in ancient China. You will manage the kingdom’s economy, diplomacy, and military. This game allows you to command troops in epic battles that shape history.
The diversity will let you try different tactics and ways to play. You can focus on military victories, political deals, or becoming rich.
Total War: Three Kingdoms is famous for its true-to-history details and great stories. It gives a complete strategy game experience. The mix of big strategy and real-time battles draws in history lovers and strategy fans, making it a top strategy game.
7. Clash of Clans
Clash of Clans is a popular free online strategy game. In this game, you can build your village, train troops, and raid other players. It combines base-building with tactical combat. This game is very appealing to both beginners and pro players.
In Clash of Clans, you act as the village chief, who is responsible for constructing and expanding his settlements. You will gather resources like gold, elixir, and dark elixir to upgrade buildings and train troops for defense and raiding.
Regular updates in this game add new content and events that keep the game fun and exciting. These updates bring new challenges. These challenges will make you change your strategies so that you can stay interested and enjoy the game.
8. Pandemic
Pandemic is well known best strategy board game. 2-4 players can play this game at a time. In this game, you will work together to stop global disease outbreaks. Each player has a unique role with special abilities. Teamwork is important for success which makes it a favorite among strategy game fans.
In the Pandemic, you will collaborate to contain and cure diseases spreading across the world. You travel between cities while treating infections, researching cures, and setting up research stations to manage outbreaks effectively.
This game offers a dynamic blend of strategy and cooperation that challenges you to work together to save the world from deadly diseases.
9. Warcraft III: Reforged
Warcraft III: Reforged is a new version of the famous real-time strategy game, Warcraft III. This new version keeps the loved gameplay and deep story of the original. It also has better graphics and new features to attract both old fans and new players.
This game offers competitive multiplayer modes where you can test your skills against others in intense battles of strategy and tactics. The game’s balance and depth make sure every match is different and challenging. It rewards smart planning and quick decisions.
10. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is a loved real-time strategy game updated for today’s strategy fans. This game has improved graphics and new content while maintaining its rich historical gameplay.
This game allows you to command civilizations through various eras, gather resources, build cities, and engage in strategic warfare to expand the empires. Historical campaigns and competitive multiplayer add depth to this game. It gives a balanced and engaging top strategy game experience.
11. Dominion
Dominion is a deck-building board game where you compete to build powerful kingdoms efficiently. This game offers endless replayability and strategic depth with expansions adding new cards and strategies. You acquire cards from a central supply, using them to generate resources, draw cards, and score points, requiring tactical decisions and long-term planning for success.
This game will challenge you to think critically, adapt your strategies, and compete tactically to build the most powerful and efficient kingdom. Dominion’s lasting popularity and ongoing expansions make it a key part of modern board gaming. True strategy game fans love its engaging and strategic gameplay.
12. Command & Conquer: Remastered Collection
Command & Conquer: Remastered Collection revives the classic real-time strategy series with modern upgrades which gives you a nostalgic yet improved gaming experience. This game will put you in intense real-time strategy gameplay. You can manage resources, build bases, and command armies to conquer opponents.
The game keeps its mix of strategy and fast action. You must balance growing your economy with military strength.
This game features a strong multiplayer mode where you can battle friends or compete online. It has modern matchmaking and supports custom games, building a lively community of competitive players.
13. Gloomhaven
If you are looking for the best strategy board games then Gloomhaven is the one for you. it is a complex and immersive cooperative board game set in a dark, fantastical world full of adventure and strategic challenges. This game was designed by Isaac Childres. This game has earned praise for its innovative gameplay mechanics, deep strategy, and compelling narrative experience.
The gameplay unfolds through a series of connected scenarios, each with its own challenges, goals, and story paths. You must work together to explore dungeons, battle monsters, discover treasures, and uncover the secrets hidden within the world of Gloomhaven.
14. Chess
Chess is a classic strategy game that’s been played for centuries. It’s played on an 8×8 board where each player controls 16 pieces. The goal is to checkmate the opponent’s king, using different moves for each piece.
Chess demands planning, foresight, and tactical thinking. Whether played casually or competitively, it remains a timeless game that challenges you to think ahead and strategize to outplay your opponent.
Beyond its gameplay, chess is revered for its cultural and historical significance. It has been played and studied by scholars, philosophers, and strategists throughout history. It has a great influence on art, literature, and even military strategy. No wonder it is one of the best strategy games of all time.
15. Anno 1800
Anno 1800 is a captivating city-building and economic simulation game set during the Industrial Revolution. It was developed by Ubisoft Blue Byte. This game will put you in a crucial historical era, where technological progress and global trade changed societies and economies.
The depth of this game also includes its technological advancements and research system, where you can unlock new buildings, technologies, and production methods as they advance through different eras.
Anno 1800 also challenges you with events, quests, and challenges that test your management skills. It is a real-time strategy game that is loved by so many strategy game fans.
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