51 Strategy Games That Will Test Your Tactical Skills

Last updated on September 14th, 2024 at 04:18 am

Strategy games are a perfect way to engage your mind and test your tactical prowess. Whether you’re a fan of intricate board games or enjoy the challenge of complex video games, there’s something for everyone in this genre. This article explores 51 game strategy games across various platforms that will push your strategic thinking to the limits.

1. Chess

Chess is the epitome of strategy games. This classic board game requires players to think several moves ahead, considering both offensive and defensive strategies. The complexity of chess lies in its endless combinations of moves and counter-moves, making each game a unique challenge.

2. Go

Another ancient game, Go, is known for its deep strategic elements. Played on a 19×19 grid, the goal is to control more territory than your opponent. The simplicity of the rules contrasts with the complexity of the strategies involved, making Go a fascinating game of skill and patience.

3. StarCraft II

A modern classic in real-time strategy (RTS), StarCraft II challenges players to build and manage resources, create units, and execute tactical maneuvers in fast-paced battles. With a diverse range of factions and strategies, the game offers endless replayability.

4. Age of Empires IV

This historical RTS game lets players build civilizations from the ground up, manage resources, and engage in epic battles. Age of Empires IV combines historical accuracy with strategic depth, providing a rich and immersive experience.

5. Sid Meier’s Civilization VI

Civilization VI is a turn-based strategy game where players guide a civilization from the ancient era to the modern age. The game involves managing cities, conducting diplomacy, and waging wars. The complexity of its systems ensures that every decision can have far-reaching consequences.

6. XCOM 2

In XCOM 2, players lead a squad of soldiers in a fight against an alien invasion. The game is known for its challenging tactical combat, where positioning and cover are crucial. Strategic decision-making extends beyond the battlefield, as players must manage resources and research technologies.

7. Total War: Three Kingdoms

Total War: Three Kingdoms combines turn-based strategy with real-time tactics. Set in ancient China, the game features large-scale battles and complex diplomacy. Players must manage their empire’s internal politics while engaging in strategic warfare.

8. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

A tactical RPG with a strong narrative, Fire Emblem: Three Houses requires players to make strategic decisions in both battles and character interactions. The game features a deep class system and branching storylines, adding layers of strategy to every choice.

9. Company of Heroes 2

Company of Heroes 2 is a WWII RTS game that emphasizes tactical gameplay and cover mechanics. Players must make strategic use of their environment and units to achieve victory in intense battles across a variety of terrains.

10. The Banner Saga

This tactical RPG combines strategic combat with a rich narrative. Players must manage their resources and make critical decisions that affect the outcome of their journey. The game’s unique art style and challenging battles make it a standout in the genre.

11. Darkest Dungeon

Darkest Dungeon is a turn-based strategy game with a focus on psychological stress. Players must manage a roster of heroes as they delve into dangerous dungeons, facing both physical and mental challenges. The game’s difficulty and unique stress mechanics create a truly strategic experience.

12. Into the Breach

From the creators of FTL, Into the Breach is a turn-based strategy game where players control mechs fighting off alien invaders. The game’s grid-based combat and limited turns require careful planning and strategic thinking to prevent destruction and save cities.

13. Total War: Warhammer II

This entry in the Total War series combines the traditional strategy mechanics with a fantasy setting. Players can choose from various factions, each with unique units and abilities, to conquer and control a vibrant fantasy world.

14. Europa Universalis IV

Europa Universalis IV is a grand strategy game that covers the period from the late Middle Ages to the early modern period. Players manage a nation’s politics, economy, and military, navigating complex diplomatic relations and warfare.

15. Halo Wars 2

Halo Wars 2 is an RTS set in the Halo universe. It features a variety of units and strategies, with an emphasis on both base-building and tactical combat. The game’s distinct sci-fi setting offers a fresh take on traditional RTS mechanics.

16. Planet Coaster

Planet Coaster challenges players to design and manage their own amusement parks. While it may not be a traditional strategy game, it requires careful planning of park layouts, rides, and guest satisfaction to create a successful park.

17. RimWorld

RimWorld is a colony simulation game where players manage a group of survivors on an alien planet. The game’s dynamic story generation and complex systems of resource management and colonist needs create a unique strategic challenge.

18. The Civilization Series

Beyond Civilization VI, earlier entries in the Civilization series also offer rich strategic gameplay. Each game in the series has its unique mechanics and settings, allowing players to explore different historical periods and strategies.

19. Wargroove

Wargroove is a turn-based strategy game inspired by classic titles like Advance Wars. It features a variety of factions and a robust map editor, allowing players to create and share their own strategic challenges.

20. Advanced Wars

Advanced Wars is a classic turn-based strategy game with a focus on tactical combat and unit management. Its engaging gameplay and strategic depth have made it a beloved title among strategy enthusiasts.

21. Banished

Banished is a city-building strategy game where players manage a group of exiled settlers building a new town. The game’s focus on resource management and survival adds a challenging layer to the city-building genre.

22. Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2

Red Alert 2 is a classic RTS game with a focus on fast-paced combat and base management. Its engaging story and diverse factions offer a range of strategic options for players.

23. Crusader Kings III

Crusader Kings III is a grand strategy game set in the medieval period. Players control a dynasty, navigating political intrigue, warfare, and succession crises. The game’s depth and complexity make it a true test of strategic skill.

24. Total War: Shogun II

Set in feudal Japan, Total War: Shogun II combines real-time battles with turn-based strategy. Players must manage their clans, build armies, and engage in warfare to unify Japan under their rule.

25. BattleTech

BattleTech is a turn-based strategy game set in a futuristic universe where players control mechs in tactical combat. The game’s focus on mech customization and strategic positioning offers a rich tactical experience.

26. Crusader Kings II

Before Crusader Kings III, the second installment set the standard for grand strategy games with its complex political systems and character interactions. The game’s deep mechanics and dynamic world make it a classic in the genre.

27. The Settlers III

The Settlers III is a real-time strategy game with a focus on building and resource management. Players must develop their settlements and engage in trade and warfare to expand their empire.

28. Anno 1800

Anno 1800 is a city-building and economic simulation game set during the Industrial Revolution. Players must manage production chains, trade routes, and city infrastructure to build a thriving metropolis.

29. Endless Legend

Endless Legend is a turn-based strategy game set in a fantasy world. Players control one of several unique factions, each with its own abilities and strategies, as they explore, expand, and conquer.

30. Offworld Trading Company

Offworld Trading Company is an economic strategy game set on Mars. Players must compete in a dynamic market, exploiting resources and outmaneuvering rivals to dominate the Martian economy.

31. Gal Civ III

Galactic Civilizations III is a 4X strategy game set in space. Players must explore the galaxy, manage their empire, and engage in diplomacy and warfare with other civilizations.

32. Homeworld Remastered

Homeworld Remastered is a remastered version of the classic space RTS game. It features updated graphics and gameplay while retaining the strategic depth of the original.

33. Plague Inc: Evolved

In Plague Inc: Evolved, players simulate the spread of a global pandemic. The game’s focus on evolving and adapting your disease to outsmart global efforts to contain it provides a unique strategic challenge.

34. Total War: Rome II

Total War: Rome II combines turn-based strategy with real-time tactical battles. Players manage a Roman faction, building armies, managing territories, and engaging in large-scale warfare.

35. Battle for Wesnoth

Battle for Wesnoth is a turn-based strategy game with a focus on fantasy warfare. The game features a variety of campaigns and multiplayer options, offering a deep strategic experience.

36. Supreme Commander

Supreme Commander is an RTS game known for its large-scale battles and strategic depth. Players must manage massive armies and resources to outmaneuver their opponents.

37. Northgard

Northgard is a real-time strategy game set in a Viking-themed world. Players manage a clan of Vikings, exploring new territories, gathering resources, and engaging in combat to ensure their survival.

38. Age of Wonders: Planetfall

Age of Wonders: Planetfall combines turn-based strategy with sci-fi elements. Players must explore a post-apocalyptic world, manage their empire, and engage in tactical battles.

39. Invisible, Inc.

Invisible, Inc. is a turn-based tactics game with a focus on stealth and espionage. Players control a team of agents infiltrating high-security facilities, requiring careful planning and strategic thinking.

40. Total War: Attila

Total War: Attila explores the fall of the Roman Empire with a focus on resource management and warfare. The game’s combination of grand strategy and tactical battles provides a challenging experience.

41. Endless Space 2

Endless Space 2 is a 4X strategy game set in space. Players must manage their empire, engage in diplomacy, and explore the galaxy while dealing with various challenges and threats.

42. Shadowrun Returns

Shadowrun Returns is a tactical RPG with a cyberpunk setting. Players control a team of mercenaries in turn-based combat, navigating a rich narrative and making strategic decisions along the way.

43. Total War: Medieval II

Set in the medieval period, Total War: Medieval II combines real-time battles with turn-based strategy. Players manage their kingdoms, build armies, and engage in epic warfare.

44. Civilization V

Civilization V, like its successor, offers a rich strategic experience. The game’s hex-based grid and emphasis on city management and diplomacy provide a deep and engaging strategy experience.

45. Stellaris

Stellaris is a grand strategy game set in space, focusing on empire management, exploration, and diplomacy. The game’s dynamic universe and complex systems offer a rich strategic challenge.

46. Dark Souls

While not a traditional strategy game, Dark Souls requires strategic thinking in its approach to combat and resource management. Players must carefully plan their moves and adapt their strategies to overcome challenging enemies and bosses.

47. Heroes of Might and Magic III

A classic in the turn-based strategy genre, Heroes of Might and Magic III combines tactical combat with exploration and resource management. Its blend of fantasy elements and strategic depth has made it a beloved game among strategy enthusiasts.

48. Total War: Napoleon

Total War: Napoleon focuses on the Napoleonic Wars, combining real-time battles with turn-based strategy. Players manage their empire and engage in large-scale conflicts, requiring careful planning and strategic execution.

49. Endwar

Endwar is an RTS game set in a near-future conflict. Players command military units in large-scale battles, using voice commands for tactical control and engaging in strategic warfare.

50. Warframe

Warframe combines elements of action and strategy, allowing players to customize their characters and engage in cooperative missions. The game’s focus on teamwork and strategic use of abilities adds a tactical layer to its fast-paced combat.

51. Majesty II

Majesty II is a real-time strategy game with a focus on fantasy elements. Players manage a kingdom and rely on their heroes to complete quests and handle threats, requiring strategic planning and resource management.

Conclusion

Strategy games offer a diverse range of challenges and experiences, from managing civilizations to commanding armies. Each game on this list presents unique tactical puzzles and strategic depth, ensuring that your skills will be tested in new and engaging ways. Whether you prefer the complexity of grand strategy or the immediacy of real-time tactics, there’s a game here to challenge and entertain.