Strategy games have a unique appeal in the gaming world. These games depend on the player’s decision-making. They require careful planning, resource management, quick thinking, and long-term planning. These games mostly involve controlling armies in battle or building large empires.
The decisions gamers make can change the outcome of the game. Strategy games are challenging and you also get a deep satisfaction on completing them. The thrill of winning by smart planning and execution is what makes strategy games so appealing.
Top Strategy Games Of 2024
In 2024, PC gamers have a lot of strategy games to choose from. There are many sub-genres in strategy games: turn-based, real-time, grand strategy, and role-playing games (RPG). Based on your playstyle, our list offers a variety of options. If you are craving a challenge, strategy games are just what you need to play.
You will see a recurring theme of ancient empire-building in most of these games. So go ahead, indulge yourself in these best strategy games:
1. Total War: Warhammer III
Developed by Creative Assembly, Total War: Warhammer III is a turn-based strategy and real-time tactics video game. As the name suggests, a turn-based game is where players take turns making moves. Players take turns controlling factions to compete for resources, territory, or objectives in the Warhammer universe. This is a great game for those who want real-time battles without the fast action of other games.
The game has campaigns where players get to manage a faction, build armies and cities, and spend resources to conquer enemies. Total War: Warhammer III is an impressive game and has a separate fan base.
2. Civilisation VI
Civilization is a long-running series, and Civilization VI is the latest entry released in 2016. It is a turn-based strategy game developed by Firaxis Games. In the game, players can manage civilizations and develop their technology, culture, government structures, and diplomatic relations that stand the test of time.
The player starts in the ancient era and guides their civilization through various technological, cultural, and military developments. It has many victory measures, such as domination, culture or science. This game is a popular one in the strategy genre.
3. Baldur’s Gate 3
Released in 2023, Baldur’s Gate 3 developed by Larian Studios is mainly a role-playing game (RPG) but it also has strong strategy elements. In an RPG, players take on the role of a character in a fictional environment.
The game uses turn-based combat, where players must carefully plan each move, manage abilities, and use the environment to their advantage. A part of the game was released for access earlier in 2020 before its full release in 2023. The story is set in the Forgotten Realms based on a classic Dungeons & Dragons universe with highly tactical combat.
Players control a group of characters as they navigate this richly detailed world, with story-driven choices and battles. You are sure to fall in love with this game.
4. Age of Wonders 4
Released in May 2023, Age of Wonders 4 is a turn-based 4X strategy video game developed by Triumph Studios. Set in a fantasy world, players can build fantasy empires, explore randomly generated maps, and engage in diplomacy, research, and military conquest.
Players lead powerful empires made up of different fantasy races, such as elves, orcs, and humans. You can create custom factions, build cities, engage in battles, and use magic to influence the world.
The combat is turn-based, where players control their armies on a battlefield, deciding on positioning and abilities. Players can mix and match different traits and abilities to build their unique factions.
5. Stellaris
Developed by Paradox Development Studio and released in 2016, Stellaris is a grand strategy video game. It combines 4X elements (explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate) with real-time gameplay. The game is set in space where players can choose a species and manage its empire, explore the galaxy, and colonize planets.
Players can customize their empires, technology paths, and ethics. Stellaris offers a lot of strategies for players to follow. It is one of the most wide-ranging space strategy experiences that is available.
6. Crusader Kings III
Crusader Kings III, developed by Paradox Interactive and released in 2020, is a grand strategy game that is set in the medieval period. In the game, players control a dynasty, guiding their family through generations by managing marriages, politics, and wars. Each ruler has special traits that directly affect their abilities to govern and interact with other characters.
Players must balance diplomacy and military conquest to expand their influence and maintain control of their territories.
7. Old World
Old World, developed by Mohawk Games and released in 2021, is a turn-based strategy game set in the ancient world. Players control a dynasty rather than just a nation. Each ruler has unique traits and abilities, and as time passes, they age and die, and their heirs will take their place.
This means that players must manage not only their empire but also the personal lives of their rulers and family members. Each ruler has to lead their empire through generations balancing military, diplomacy, and domestic affairs.
8. Company of Heroes 3
Developed by Relic Entertainment and first released in 2006, Company of Heroes is a real-time strategy game set during World War II. The game has tactical combat and battlefield control rather than resource management. This makes it different from many other strategy games.
Players can command squads of soldiers, tanks, and other military units to capture objectives and defeat enemies. Units can hide behind buildings and walls to take less damage. This use of cover and positioning adds strategy to battles.
The series has many sequels, and its mix of tactics and action makes it popular among strategy fans.
9. XCOM
Released in 2012 by Firaxis Games, XCOM is a turn-based tactical strategy game. Players command a squad of soldiers who are defending Earth from getting invaded by aliens.
The game has a challenging combat, where players must carefully manage the movements and actions of their units on the battlefield. Soldiers can be customized, but once they die during combat, they are lost forever. This adds a little tension to the mission.
The game also has a strategic layer where players manage resources, research new technologies, and build facilities to defend their area.
10. Endless Space 2
Developed by Amplitude Studios and released in 2017, Endless Space 2 is a space strategy game. Players get to control one of many factions, each having its own gameplay and storyline, as they explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate across the galaxy.
The goal is to explore the galaxy, colonize planets, and build an empire. The game has turn-based space exploration and real-time battles. Battles are real-time but are influenced by decisions made before the fight begins, such as choosing the right tactics and ships.
Players can engage in diplomacy, trade, and scientific research, and balance their resources to expand their empire.
11. Age of Empires IV
Developed by Relic Entertainment and released in 2021, Age of Empires IV is a real-time strategy game that brings players into historical battles and empire-building.
The game covers many periods, from the Middle Ages to the early modern era, allowing players to control different civilizations like the English, Mongols, and Chinese. Each civilization has its own unique units and strategies, making every playthrough different.
The gameplay revolves around gathering resources, building structures, and creating armies to defeat their enemies or complete objectives.
12. Total War: Three Kingdoms
Developed by Creative Assembly and released in 2019, Total War: Three Kingdoms is a real-time strategy game set in ancient China during the Three Kingdoms era. It blends turn-based strategy with real-time combat.
On the campaign map, players manage their empires, build armies, and engage in diplomacy. The real-time battles allow players to control thousands of soldiers on the battlefield, using tactics and positioning.
The game gives you a mix of rich history, strategic planning, and epic battles.
Bottom Line
In 2024, strategy games give you a variety of experiences to choose from. From managing empires and exploring space, to leading armies and making tactical decisions in battle. Whether you are playing classics like Civilization VI or exploring new releases like Old World and Age of Wonders IV, these games will challenge you to think critically and plan ahead. Strategy gaming on PC remains strong. Whether you’re a long-time fan of strategy games or new to the genre, 2024 presents plenty of options that promise hours of engaging and rewarding gameplay.
Read More: Best Offline Multiplayer PS4 Games To Play With Friends
