Best Strategy Games of All Time: Uncover the Ultimate List!

Here is a list of some of the best strategy games available on PC:

• Grand strategy
• Total War: Warhammer 3
• Crusader Kings 3
• Total War: Three Kingdoms
• Europa Universalis 4
• Supremacy 1914
• Against the Storm
• Total War: Pharaoh
• Marvel\'s Midnight Suns
• Offworld Trading Company
• XCOM 2
• Homeworld
• Into The Breach
• FTL: Faster Than Light
• Desperados III

These games offer a variety of strategic gameplay experiences, from grand strategy to turn-based tactics. Each game has its own unique features and mechanics, allowing players to immerse themselves in complex strategies and decision-making. Whether you prefer managing empires, commanding armies, or navigating through challenging scenarios, these strategy games offer a wealth of content and depth.

The realm of PC gaming offers an incredible variety of strategy games, catering to virtually every taste and strategic preference. From real-time battles to intricate turn-based titles, here are some of the top strategy games that have captured the hearts and minds of gamers around the world.

1. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty - A real-time strategy classic that combines fast-paced action with deep strategic gameplay, set in a rich science fiction universe.
2. Civilization VI - A turn-based strategy game that challenges players to build an empire that will stand the test of time, offering endless paths to victory through technological advancement, cultural dominance, and military conquest.
3. Total War: Three Kingdoms - This title combines turn-based strategy and real-time tactics in a mesmerizing setting based on the historical period of the Three Kingdoms in ancient China.
4. XCOM 2 - A tactical, turn-based strategy game where players command a global defense force in a guerrilla war against alien invaders, emphasizing cover, positioning, and team synergy.
5. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition - An updated classic that brings together all of the original game’s content with modernized gameplay, graphical enhancements, and expanded content.
6. Crusader Kings III - A grand strategy game set in the Middle Ages, where players manage a dynasty through centuries of history, focusing on politics, religion, and intrigue.
7. Stellaris - A grand strategy game set in space, offering deep strategic gameplay, rich lore, and an array of alien species to encounter, befriend, or conquer.
8. Gears Tactics - A fast-paced, turn-based strategy game that combines intense squad-based tactics with the visceral action of the Gears of War universe.
9. Company of Heroes 2 - Focusing on the Eastern Front of World War II, this real-time strategy game emphasizes tactical control of units and resource management in intense, squad-based battles.
10. Homeworld Remastered Collection - Combining space combat and strategic resource management, this collection brings the epic space strategy games Homeworld and Homeworld 2 to modern PCs with updated graphics and audio.

Whether you’re looking to command armies, manage empires, or outsmart opponents in tactical battles, the PC platform offers some of the most engaging and immersive strategy gaming experiences available.

Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games are the epitome of strategic and tactical warfare where quick decision-making pairs with the thrill of real-time action. Here\"s a list of the best RTS games that have defined the genre and continue to offer immersive and challenging gameplay experiences.

1. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty - A cornerstone of the RTS genre, offering a deep strategic layer, balanced gameplay, and a compelling story across its campaign and multiplayer modes.
2. Warcraft III: Reforged - This remastered edition of the classic Warcraft III brings modernized graphics and improved gameplay mechanics, retaining its legendary combination of strategy and role-playing elements.
3. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition - An updated version of the classic game with enhanced graphics, new content, and the same deeply strategic and engaging gameplay that made the original a hit.
4. Company of Heroes 2 - Set in WWII, this game focuses on the Eastern Front, offering a mix of intense real-time battles, strategic resource management, and a dynamic weather system.
5. Total War: WARHAMMER II - A unique blend of real-time tactical battles and grand strategy set in the vibrant world of Warhammer, offering a multitude of races each with unique playstyles and units.
6. Homeworld Remastered Collection - Offering a unique experience of space RTS, combining epic fleet battles, strategic resource management, and a gripping storyline across two classic games and their expansions.
7. Command & Conquer: Remastered Collection - Bringing back the classic C&C games with updated graphics, modernized UI, and a remastered soundtrack, this collection is a tribute to the series that helped define the RTS genre.
8. Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance - Renowned for its massive scale battles, this game offers a strategic depth where managing resources and commanding huge armies across vast landscapes are key to victory.
9. Age of Mythology: Extended Edition - Combining the strategic elements of the Age of Empires series with the lore of ancient mythology, offering unique civilizations and gods to command.
10. Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion - Merging RTS with 4X elements, set in space where players can conquer star systems, manage economies, and engage in large-scale fleet battles.

These games have not only perfected the art of real-time strategy but have also pushed the boundaries of what the genre can offer, providing hours of strategic gameplay and compelling narratives.

Turn-based strategy games offer a more deliberate pace of play compared to their real-time counterparts, allowing players to think through each move and strategy meticulously. This list showcases some of the most acclaimed turn-based strategy games that have captivated players with their depth, storytelling, and tactical gameplay.

1. Civilization VI - Lead your civilization from the Stone Age to the Information Age, strategizing to advance your society, conduct diplomacy, and engage in warfare with other nations.
2. XCOM 2 - Command a global resistance force against alien occupation, managing resources, developing new technologies, and tactically combating alien forces in turn-based battles.
3. Divinity: Original Sin 2 - A critically acclaimed RPG with deep turn-based combat, offering a rich narrative, cooperative multiplayer, and a highly interactive world.
4. Fire Emblem: Three Houses - A blend of tactical turn-based combat and story-driven gameplay set in a fantasy world, where your choices significantly impact the game\"s outcome.
5. Gears Tactics - A turn-based strategy game set in the Gears of War universe, focusing on squad tactics, character customization, and visceral combat.
6. The Banner Saga series - Combines turn-based tactical gameplay with a strong narrative driven by player choices, set in a beautiful, hand-drawn Viking fantasy world.
7. Into the Breach - A minimalist turn-based strategy game where players control powerful mechs fighting off an alien threat, with each battle presenting unique challenges and strategic opportunities.
8. Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions - A classic strategy RPG that combines tactical gameplay with an epic storyline, set in the fantasy world of Ivalice.
9. Wargroove - A charming strategy game with pixel art graphics, offering deep tactical gameplay, a campaign mode, multiplayer, and the ability to create and share custom maps.
10. Shadowrun: Dragonfall - Director\"s Cut - A unique blend of cyberpunk and fantasy in a turn-based tactical RPG setting, offering a rich story and deep character customization.

These games stand out for their strategic depth, engaging stories, and unique gameplay mechanics, offering varied experiences that cater to both newcomers and veterans of the genre.

4X strategy games, standing for explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate, are known for their complex gameplay and deep strategic elements. These games challenge players to build empires, manage resources, and conquer adversaries through a combination of diplomacy, warfare, and exploration. Below are some of the top 4X strategy games that have set benchmarks in the genre.

1. Stellaris - A dynamic space exploration game where you can forge a galactic empire through colonization, military conquests, and diplomacy with myriad alien species.
2. Sid Meier\"s Civilization VI - Offers players the opportunity to expand their empire across the map, advance their culture, and compete against history’s greatest leaders to build a civilization that will stand the test of time.
3. Endless Legend - A fantasy-themed 4X game that combines deep strategic gameplay with an immersive world and story, offering unique factions each with their own playstyle and storyline.
4. Endless Space 2 - Set in the same universe as Endless Legend, this game takes the 4X formula to space, where players can control every aspect of their civilization’s journey among the stars.
5. Age of Wonders: Planetfall - Combines traditional 4X strategy with tactical turn-based combat, set in a sci-fi universe, offering a rich campaign and complex empire building.
6. Galactic Civilizations III - A space-based 4X strategy game where players can lead their civilizations to dominance through cultural, technological, diplomatic, or military means.
7. Distant Worlds: Universe - An incredibly detailed and comprehensive space strategy game, offering a unique blend of 4X and real-time strategy, where every aspect of managing an empire is at the player’s control.
8. Europa Universalis IV - Offers a complex and detailed strategy experience, focusing on the period of exploration and colonization, allowing players to guide a nation through centuries of development.
9. Total War: WARHAMMER II - While primarily a real-time tactics game, it incorporates elements of 4X gameplay in its campaign, blending grand strategy and epic battles in a fantasy setting.
10. Master of Orion: Conquer the Stars - A reboot of the classic space 4X game, offering modernized graphics and gameplay while retaining the depth and complexity that fans loved about the original series.

These 4X strategy games provide some of the most engaging and comprehensive strategic experiences available, challenging players to think ahead, plan with precision, and conquer with cunning.

Strategy tactics games combine the foresight of strategic planning with the precision of tactical execution, offering a deeply engaging gameplay experience. These games often require players to manage resources, control territories, and outmaneuver their opponents on the battlefield. Below are some of the leading titles in the strategy tactics genre that have captivated players with their depth, complexity, and innovative gameplay.

1. XCOM 2 - A masterpiece in tactical strategy, where players command a guerrilla force against an alien occupation, making critical decisions in both combat and management.
2. Fire Emblem: Three Houses - Offers a blend of tactical battles and story-driven gameplay, where players shape the fate of their characters in a war-torn world.
3. Into the Breach - A unique take on the tactics genre, where players control mechs fighting against an alien threat in turn-based combat that emphasizes strategy over brute force.
4. Gears Tactics - A fast-paced, turn-based tactics game that combines the Gears of War universe with deep strategic gameplay, character customization, and visceral combat.
5. Divinity: Original Sin 2 - A critically acclaimed RPG with a focus on tactical combat, rich storytelling, and an interactive world, offering both solo and cooperative multiplayer experiences.
6. The Banner Saga series - Known for its beautiful hand-drawn art, engaging story, and strategic turn-based battles, this series emphasizes the impact of player choices on the narrative and gameplay.
7. Shadowrun Returns series - A combination of cyberpunk and fantasy in a tactical RPG setting, offering deep storylines, character customization, and strategic combat.
8. Battletech - A turn-based mech combat game set in the classic Battletech universe, focusing on mercenary management, mech customization, and tactical battlefield decisions.
9. Invisible, Inc. - A stealth and tactics game where players control agents infiltrating corporations to steal valuable information, combining strategic planning with tactical execution.
10. Darkest Dungeon - A dark and challenging turn-based RPG focusing on psychological stresses of adventuring, where strategy and resource management are key to surviving its brutal trials.

These leading strategy tactics games offer a diverse range of settings and mechanics, challenging players to think critically, plan strategically, and execute tactics flawlessly to achieve victory.

Multiplayer strategy games provide a platform for players to test their tactical acumen against others, offering a dynamic and competitive gameplay experience. From real-time skirmishes to turn-based wars, these games are the pinnacle of strategic competition. Here are some of the best strategy games that shine in the multiplayer arena.

1. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty - A real-time strategy titan, StarCraft II is renowned for its competitive multiplayer modes, balancing three distinct factions with unique units and strategies.
2. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition - This classic game offers a deep and engaging multiplayer experience, with countless civilizations to master and strategies to deploy in battle against online opponents.
3. Total War: Three Kingdoms - Combining grand strategy with real-time tactics, Total War: Three Kingdoms allows players to engage in epic historical battles and multiplayer campaigns.
4. Civilization VI - A turn-based strategy game where players can compete or cooperate with others to build the most powerful civilization, from the Stone Age to the Information Age.
5. Company of Heroes 2 - Known for its intense WWII real-time battles, this game offers a deeply strategic multiplayer experience, focusing on resource management, tactical unit control, and environmental strategy.
6. Warcraft III: Reforged - This remastered classic brings back the beloved real-time strategy game with updated graphics and a vibrant multiplayer community, offering both competitive and cooperative play.
7. Stellaris - A grand strategy game set in space, where players can forge alliances, wage war, and explore the galaxy in multiplayer matches that can span hundreds of years of in-game time.
8. Rainbow Six Siege - While primarily a tactical shooter, Rainbow Six Siege requires strategic team play, careful planning, and precise execution, offering a unique blend of strategy and action in multiplayer.
9. League of Legends - A multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) that, while not a traditional strategy game, emphasizes strategic thinking, teamwork, and tactical gameplay.
10. Dota 2 - Another leading MOBA that combines real-time strategy with role-playing elements, offering a deeply competitive multiplayer experience with a steep learning curve and strategic depth.

These games represent the best of multiplayer strategy gaming, providing diverse experiences across various genres and settings, where strategic thinking and teamwork are key to victory.

Entering the world of strategy games can be daunting for newcomers, but certain titles stand out for their accessibility, introducing players to complex concepts in an approachable manner. Here are the top strategy games that offer a great starting point for beginners, providing engaging gameplay without overwhelming complexity.

1. Plants vs. Zombies - A fun and engaging introduction to strategy gaming, combining simple tower defense mechanics with quirky humor and a gradual difficulty curve.
2. Civilization VI - While known for its depth, Civilization VI offers an intuitive tutorial system and scalable difficulty levels, making it accessible for newcomers eager to learn grand strategy.
3. Into the Breach - This game\"s clear objectives and turn-based system allow players to think through their moves carefully, making it an excellent entry point for those new to strategy games.
4. Fire Emblem: Three Houses - With its blend of turn-based tactical battles and engaging story, this game introduces strategy elements in a digestible format, supported by a helpful tutorial and difficulty settings for all levels of players.
5. Stardew Valley - While not a traditional strategy game, Stardew Valley introduces resource management and planning in a relaxed, open-ended farming simulation environment.
6. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition - Offers comprehensive tutorials and campaigns designed to guide new players through the basics of real-time strategy, set in a historical context.
7. StarCraft II - Features an extensive single-player campaign and training modes that serve as a practical introduction to the mechanics of real-time strategy games.
8. XCOM: Enemy Unknown - With its manageable scale and clear, turn-based combat, XCOM: Enemy Unknown is an excellent way for beginners to dive into tactical strategy without feeling overwhelmed.
9. Pikmin 3 Deluxe - Combines real-time strategy with puzzle-solving elements, offering a gentle learning curve and a charming world that\"s welcoming for beginners.
10. Overcooked! 2 - While primarily a cooperative cooking simulation, Overcooked! 2 requires strategic planning and teamwork, making it a fun and accessible introduction to strategy and resource management.

These games are not only accessible to beginners but also provide a solid foundation in strategic thinking and gameplay mechanics, making them perfect starting points for anyone looking to explore the strategy genre.

Strategy games with historical themes not only provide an engaging gameplay experience but also offer a fascinating glimpse into various periods of human history. From ancient civilizations to modern conflicts, these games challenge players to rewrite history or follow in the footsteps of great leaders. Here are some of the best strategy games that bring history to life.

1. Civilization VI - Players lead their chosen nation from the Stone Age to the Information Age, making decisions that will affect their civilization\"s development across centuries.
2. Total War: Three Kingdoms - Set in ancient China, this game combines turn-based strategy with real-time battles, focusing on the epic conflict of the Three Kingdoms period.
3. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition - Offers players the chance to command one of many civilizations through the ages, from the Dark Ages to the Imperial Age, in their quest for domination.
4. Crusader Kings III - A grand strategy game that lets players manage a medieval dynasty through war, diplomacy, and intrigue, with a deep focus on historical accuracy and detail.
5. Europa Universalis IV - Allows players to control a nation and guide it through the late Middle Ages and into the modern era, dealing with political, economic, and military challenges.
6. Hearts of Iron IV - Focuses on the period of World War II, giving players command of any nation involved in the conflict, with the goal of leading them to victory through strategic planning and tactical execution.
7. Victoria II - Covers the global events of the 19th and early 20th centuries, challenging players to navigate the complex political, social, and economic landscapes of the time.
8. Assassin\"s Creed: Brotherhood - While primarily an action-adventure game, it offers strategic elements in managing the Brotherhood of Assassins during the Renaissance, blending historical events and figures with fiction.
9. Empire: Total War - Set in the 18th century, focusing on the early modern period of history with a detailed strategic map, real-time battles, and a rich historical atmosphere.
10. The Banner Saga series - Inspired by Viking history and mythology, this series combines tactical battles with a strong narrative driven by player choices, set in a beautifully hand-drawn world.

These games not only test your strategic abilities but also immerse you in detailed recreations of historical periods, offering insights into the challenges and decisions faced by leaders throughout history.

Sci-fi themed strategy games take players on interstellar adventures, offering a blend of futuristic warfare, space exploration, and complex empire-building. These games provide a unique setting for strategic gameplay, set against the backdrop of the vast expanse of space or dystopian futures. Here are some of the top strategy games that explore these exciting sci-fi themes.

1. Stellaris - A grand strategy game set in space, where you can explore new worlds, encounter alien species, and forge a galactic empire through diplomacy, warfare, or technology.
2. StarCraft II - Known for its fast-paced real-time strategy gameplay, StarCraft II pits three powerful factions against each other in a battle for dominance across the galaxy.
3. XCOM 2 - Combines turn-based tactics with a rich sci-fi narrative, where players lead a resistance force against alien occupiers on a post-apocalyptic Earth.
4. Endless Space 2 - Players navigate the mysteries of the universe, expand their galactic empire, and engage in strategic battles against other civilizations or mysterious entities.
5. Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion - A real-time strategy game with 4X elements, focusing on large-scale space battles and empire management across star systems.
6. Halo Wars 2 - Offers a real-time strategy experience in the Halo universe, featuring epic battles between the UNSC forces and the new alien faction known as the Banished.
7. Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III - Combines explosive real-time strategy battles with the dark, futuristic universe of Warhammer 40,000.
8. Homeworld Remastered Collection - This collection brings the epic space strategy games Homeworld and Homeworld 2 to modern players, with updated graphics and audio.
9. Battletech - A turn-based tactics game set in the MechWarrior universe, focusing on mech combat and mercenary company management in a distant future.
10. Frostpunk - A survival strategy game set in a frozen world, where players manage the last city on Earth and make tough decisions to ensure the survival of their citizens.

These games immerse players in futuristic worlds and galaxies far beyond our own, providing a perfect blend of strategic depth and sci-fi storytelling.

Free-to-play strategy games offer the thrill of strategic warfare, resource management, and empire building without the upfront cost, making them accessible to a wide audience. These games often feature deep strategic gameplay, engaging multiplayer modes, and regular updates. Here are some of the best free-to-play strategy games available that promise hours of entertainment without any financial commitment.

1. Clash of Clans - A mobile strategy game where players build and defend their villages while raising an army to attack others, encouraging strategic planning and community engagement.
2. StarCraft II - Blizzard made the core of StarCraft II free to play, offering one of the most competitive and engaging real-time strategy experiences at no cost.
3. League of Legends - While primarily a MOBA, League of Legends requires strategic team play, careful champion selection, and in-match tactical decisions, making it a hit in the strategy genre.
4. Dota 2 - Another leading MOBA that blends strategic depth with real-time action, offering a vast array of heroes and endless tactical possibilities in each match.
5. Warframe - Combines shooting and strategy as players control powerful warframes, undertaking missions that require careful planning and execution in a sci-fi setting.
6. Hearthstone - A digital card game that demands strategic deck building and on-the-fly decision-making, set in the Warcraft universe.
7. Heroes of the Storm - Blizzard\"s take on the MOBA genre, featuring characters from across its various franchises in strategic team-based battles.
8. World of Tanks - A tactical, team-based MMO where players battle it out in historically accurate tanks, requiring careful planning and execution to succeed.
9. Gwent: The Witcher Card Game - A strategy card game based on the Witcher series, where players duel with decks they\"ve built from a vast collection of cards, each with unique abilities.
10. Planetside 2 - An MMOFPS that incorporates large-scale, strategic battles where thousands of players fight over territories on massive open-world maps.

These free-to-play strategy games prove that high-quality, engaging strategic gameplay can be enjoyed without spending money, offering varied experiences across different sub-genres and settings.

Strategy games are not just about battles and conquests; they can also offer deeply engaging narratives that pull players into their worlds. The best strategy games with compelling storylines combine strategic gameplay with rich, immersive storytelling, creating an unforgettable gaming experience. Here are some top strategy games known for their exceptional narratives.

1. StarCraft II - Beyond its acclaimed gameplay, StarCraft II presents a gripping story of interstellar warfare, political intrigue, and personal sacrifice, told across three expansive campaigns.
2. Fire Emblem: Three Houses - Offers multiple narrative paths and deep character development, set against the backdrop of a continent on the brink of war, where your choices significantly impact the story.
3. XCOM 2 - Features a compelling storyline where humanity must rise and rebel against alien occupiers, with each mission driving the narrative of resistance and survival forward.
4. Total War: Three Kingdoms - Blends historical events with engaging storytelling, allowing players to experience the epic tales of legendary heroes and villains from the Three Kingdoms period of China.
5. The Banner Saga series - Renowned for its beautiful hand-drawn art and a narrative that responds to player decisions, set in a Viking-inspired fantasy world facing an apocalyptic threat.
6. Civilization VI - While not a linear story, Civilization VI allows players to create their own narratives through the choices they make in leading their civilization through the ages.
7. Divinity: Original Sin 2 - Combines deep tactical gameplay with a richly detailed world and a complex story full of meaningful choices and consequences, set in a fantasy universe.
8. This War of Mine - A survival strategy game that tells the harrowing story of civilians trapped in a besieged city, focusing on the human cost of war.
9. Frostpunk - Offers a narrative-driven survival strategy experience, where players lead the last city on Earth against a backdrop of freezing temperatures and moral dilemmas.
10. Crusader Kings III - While offering sandbox-style gameplay, it allows players to craft their own dynastic stories through strategic marriages, political intrigue, and warfare, set in the Middle Ages.

These games stand out for weaving intricate stories that enhance the strategic gameplay, offering players not just a challenge but also a compelling narrative journey.

The strategy game genre continues to thrive, with several highly anticipated titles on the horizon. These upcoming games promise to push the boundaries of strategic gameplay, offering new worlds to conquer, stories to unfold, and challenges to overcome. While specific release dates may vary, the excitement for these games is building. Here\"s a look at some of the most awaited strategy games.

1. Galactic Civilizations IV - Expanding on the grand strategy space opera, promising deeper diplomacy, expanded civilization management, and enhanced AI.
2. Age of Wonders: Planetfall 2 - A sequel that aims to build on its predecessor\"s successful blend of 4X strategy and tactical combat, set in a rich sci-fi universe.
3. Total War: Elysium - The latest in the Total War series, rumored to explore new historical periods or possibly venture into entirely new, speculative settings.
4. Homeworld 3 - Continuing the epic space strategy saga, focusing on large-scale space battles and an immersive story.
5. Endless Dungeon - While details are scarce, this title is expected to combine the Endless universe\"s lore with dungeon crawler and strategic elements.
6. Civilization VII - Speculation abounds about the next installment in this iconic series, with fans hoping for even more depth in civilization development and world-building.
7. Project Haven - A tactical RPG with a gritty, cyberpunk setting, offering a unique blend of strategy and story in a dystopian future.
8. Starfield Strategy Spin-Off - Rumored to be in development, this game would tie into Bethesda\"s upcoming Starfield universe, focusing on space exploration and combat.
9. Warcraft IV - Long-awaited by fans, any news of a Warcraft IV would spark massive interest, hoping to blend classic RTS elements with modern gaming technology.
10. New Paradox Interactive Title - Known for their grand strategy games, any new release from Paradox is highly anticipated, expected to offer complex gameplay and deep historical detail.

These upcoming titles are poised to redefine the strategy gaming landscape, offering new experiences and challenges for gamers around the world.

Embark on a journey through strategic depths and epic narratives with these top strategy games, offering endless hours of engagement. Whether you\"re a veteran or a newcomer, there\"s a world waiting to be conquered.