Inspired by tabletop games such as chess and backgammon, strategy video games have been a staple in the gaming industry since their inception. You can spot a strategy game through its most common elements like having units to command, resource and economic challenges, settlement construction, a technology tree, and a world map. Strategy games are often divided into several subtypes. They can be real-time or turn-based and focused on strategy or tactics. The common factor is the need for superior planning skills in order to win. While turn-based strategy games were more common in earlier years since they were less graphically demanding, real-time games have become more popular in recent years. These days, however, a combination of both subgenres can be found in most popular strategy games, as exemplified by the Total War franchise. Since most strategy games are released predominantly for the PC, we decided to include games that were released mostly for Windows and macOS for this list. We also made sure to note if a game was available for other platforms. Check out our list of the 10 best strategy games of all time.

  1. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty (2010)

This was the long-awaited sequel to the 1998 cult-classic StarCraft and its expansion, BroodWar. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty takes place a few years after the story of BroodWar and features the return of major characters like Jim Raynor and Sarah Kerrigan. Unlike the original game, StarCraft II introduces a non-linear campaign for the Terran faction, with Raynor’s Rebels taking mercenary jobs to raise funds and purchase additional units and upgrades. The sequel also introduces 3D graphics as opposed to the original that was limited to 2D. StarCraft II was critically acclaimed and is widely considered to be one of the best video games on the market. Its expansions, Heart of the Swarm and Legacy of the Void were released in 2013 and 2015 respectively.

  1. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition (2019)

Another cult classic, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings, received a remastered version with the release of Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition in 2019 to celebrate the original’s 20th anniversary. While Age of Kings was a must-play game for all fans of strategy games, this remastered version improves on every aspect while retaining all the elements that made the original so beloved by gamers. The Definitive Edition supports 4K graphics, better visuals for troops and structures, as well as a spectator mode. Developers also added several new factions and campaigns that will surely entice classic fans and new players alike. All previous expansions of the original were also remastered. Although it was only released for Windows, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition was received well by critics and players. It received a score of 84 out of 100 from Metacritic and 78 out of 100 from PC Gamer (UK).

  1. Sid Meier’s Civilization V (2010)

Civilization V is the fifth installment in Sid Meier’s Civilization series. Released in 2010 for Windows, macOS, and Linux, this instant classic is widely regarded as the best game of the franchise and the quintessential turn-based strategy game. You take control of one civilization with the task of guiding its development from prehistoric times to the far future. You will manage both civilian and military units, commanding them to perform tasks such as finding new cities, developing land, and going to war. Players will also have to handle production, construction, diplomacy, and directing the growth in technology. You will have to meet a victory condition or be the top-scoring civilization by the end of the last game turn to win the game. Civilization V received a 9 out of 10 rating from IGN and 93 out of 100 from PC Gamer (US). It also won the 2010 BAFTA for Best Strategy Game.

  1. XCOM 2 (2016)

The sequel to 2012’s XCOM: Enemy Unknown, XCOM 2 has been one of the most popular turn-based tactics games since its release. Its prequel was a reboot of the classic 1994 title X-COM: UFO Defense. Taking place 20 years after the events of Enemy Unknown, former military organization XCOM is now the head of the resistance against the alien invaders. You will use your strategy skills to manage the XCOM base ship and command your units during turn-based battles set in varying maps. In these battles, your team will have to eliminate a squad of aliens within a set number of turns and accomplish secondary objectives. Like most strategy games, it also includes a technology tree for upgrades. XCOM 2 sold more than 500,000 copies on Steam during its first week and was nominated for multiple Game of the Year awards in 2016 and 2017. GameSpot rated the game a 9 out of 10 while IGN gave it a 9.3 out of 10. For fans of science fiction and strategy games alike, this is quite the perfect combination. It was also released for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Linux.

  1. Northgard (2018)

One of the most underrated games on our list, Northgard was developed by indie company Shiro Games who are most known for Evoland. In this Norse mythology-inspired real-time strategy game, you take control of a Viking clan and work to conquer a newfound continent. You will build a settlement, assign clan members to different roles, and manage your clan’s resources. In Northgard, there will be different victory conditions you will need to complete to win. Originally released for the PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 4, the game also released a mobile version for iOS on April 13, 2021. While not as popular as the other games on this list, this game is certainly a great entry to strategy games for fans of Norse mythology.  

See more about - The 10 best role-playing games of all time

  1. Total War: Warhammer II (2017)

Games in the Warhammer series are the only Total War games with a fantasy setting. While other games in the franchise take on feudal Japan, medieval Europe, Ancient Rome, and other historical settings, Warhammer is set in the Warhammer fantasy world created by Games Workshop.  The turn-based campaigns with real-time battles that the Total War franchise has become famous for are still featured in this game. In this sequel, the storyline covers the conflict between the Dark Elves, High Elves, Lizardmen, and Skaven races as each seeks to take control of the Great Vortex. Metacritic scored it an 87 out of 100 while IGN gave it a 9.1 out of 10. Warhammer II was also nominated for several Best PC Game of the Year awards by several media outlets. Warhammer II was later released for Linux in 2018.

  1. Europa Universalis IV (2013)

Published by Paradox Interactive, this 2013 release is the fourth installment of the Europa Universalis series. Released for Windows, macOS, and Linux, Europa Universalis IV is one of the most successful Paradox games to date. This grand strategy game allows you to choose a nation to govern, controlling its trade, diplomacy, and warfare. The main interface is the entire map of Earth, divided into nations and provinces. You will need to raise a strong military force while maintaining your country’s economy and diplomacy with other countries. This sandbox-type game allows you to establish dominance through military might, trade control, or colonizing as many countries as you can. Religion is also an important element in the game as it can give bonuses to certain provinces you own. While Europa Universalis IV does not have on-site battle gameplay that has become popular in franchises like Total War, its strategy-heavy gameplay was enough to garner more than 2 million sales by February 2021. Destructoid rated the game a 95 out of 100 while PC Gamer (US) gave it 91 out of 100.

  1. Tropico 6 (2019)

The latest installment of the Tropico series that started in 2001, Tropico 6 is a satirical take on political simulation. As El Presidente, you will have to lead the Caribbean nation of Tropico throughout four different eras: The Colonial Era, the World Wars, the Cold War, and the modern era. Tropico has a humorous take on the politics of banana republics, including issues like electoral fraud, espionage, and dictatorships. In this game, if your citizenry disapproves of your decisions, they may vote you out or revolt against you. Tropico 6 is the fastest-selling installment of the Tropico franchise and was nominated for Best Strategy Game in both the 2017 Gamescom Awards and 2019 The Game Awards. It was also released for Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and more recently, Nintendo Switch.

  1. Into The Breach (2018)

Developed by indie studio Subset Games, Into the Breach is a turn-based strategy game set in a dystopian future where you will control human soldiers operating giant mechs to fight against monsters that seek to destroy your power grid structures. Armed with three different mechs, you will defend island after island, obtaining new pilots and mechs as you go accomplish more objectives. If you lose a battle, you will be able to send one pilot back in time, retaining their experience and abilities. One of the most acclaimed games on our list, Into The Breach was nominated for more than twenty awards and won several awards including Best Strategy Game at the 2018 The Game Awards. Into The Breach was released for Windows, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, and Stadia.

  1. Age of Mythology (2002)

A spinoff from the Age of Empire series, Age of Mythology is a  real-time strategy game that plays out essentially the same way as the other games in the franchise, with the main difference being that it takes on mythology instead of history. You will choose between playing as Norse, the Greeks, or the Egyptians. You will also have to choose a major god from three deities after choosing your culture, providing you with unique technology, units, and a special power. After you advance to another age, a minor god may be selected. Unlike the Age of Empires games, however, Age of Mythology only has one main campaign. Game Informer rated the game 9.5 out of 10 while IGN gave it 9.3 out of 10. GameSpot also named it the best computer game of November 2002. Its expansion, The Titans, was released in 2003 and added the Atlanteans as a playable culture and the Titans as one of several new units. Another expansion, Tale of the Dragon, which added Chinese mythological culture along with a whole new campaign, maps, and other features, was released in 2016. Age of Mythology is available for Windows and macOS.

See more about - The 11 best online multiplayer games to play in 2021

Inspired by tabletop games such as chess and backgammon, strategy video games have been a staple in the gaming industry since their inception. You can spot a strategy game through its most common elements like having units to command, resource and economic challenges, settlement construction, a technology tree, and a world map. Strategy games are often divided into several subtypes. They can be real-time or turn-based and focused on strategy or tactics. The common factor is the need for superior planning skills in order to win. While turn-based strategy games were more common in earlier years since they were less graphically demanding, real-time games have become more popular in recent years. These days, however, a combination of both subgenres can be found in most popular strategy games, as exemplified by the Total War franchise. Since most strategy games are released predominantly for the PC, we decided to include games that were released mostly for Windows and macOS for this list. We also made sure to note if a game was available for other platforms. Check out our list of the 10 best strategy games of all time.

  1. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty (2010)

This was the long-awaited sequel to the 1998 cult-classic StarCraft and its expansion, BroodWar. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty takes place a few years after the story of BroodWar and features the return of major characters like Jim Raynor and Sarah Kerrigan. Unlike the original game, StarCraft II introduces a non-linear campaign for the Terran faction, with Raynor’s Rebels taking mercenary jobs to raise funds and purchase additional units and upgrades. The sequel also introduces 3D graphics as opposed to the original that was limited to 2D. StarCraft II was critically acclaimed and is widely considered to be one of the best video games on the market. Its expansions, Heart of the Swarm and Legacy of the Void were released in 2013 and 2015 respectively.

  1. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition (2019)

Another cult classic, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings, received a remastered version with the release of Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition in 2019 to celebrate the original’s 20th anniversary. While Age of Kings was a must-play game for all fans of strategy games, this remastered version improves on every aspect while retaining all the elements that made the original so beloved by gamers. The Definitive Edition supports 4K graphics, better visuals for troops and structures, as well as a spectator mode. Developers also added several new factions and campaigns that will surely entice classic fans and new players alike. All previous expansions of the original were also remastered. Although it was only released for Windows, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition was received well by critics and players. It received a score of 84 out of 100 from Metacritic and 78 out of 100 from PC Gamer (UK).

  1. Sid Meier’s Civilization V (2010)

Civilization V is the fifth installment in Sid Meier’s Civilization series. Released in 2010 for Windows, macOS, and Linux, this instant classic is widely regarded as the best game of the franchise and the quintessential turn-based strategy game. You take control of one civilization with the task of guiding its development from prehistoric times to the far future. You will manage both civilian and military units, commanding them to perform tasks such as finding new cities, developing land, and going to war. Players will also have to handle production, construction, diplomacy, and directing the growth in technology. You will have to meet a victory condition or be the top-scoring civilization by the end of the last game turn to win the game. Civilization V received a 9 out of 10 rating from IGN and 93 out of 100 from PC Gamer (US). It also won the 2010 BAFTA for Best Strategy Game.

  1. XCOM 2 (2016)

The sequel to 2012’s XCOM: Enemy Unknown, XCOM 2 has been one of the most popular turn-based tactics games since its release. Its prequel was a reboot of the classic 1994 title X-COM: UFO Defense. Taking place 20 years after the events of Enemy Unknown, former military organization XCOM is now the head of the resistance against the alien invaders. You will use your strategy skills to manage the XCOM base ship and command your units during turn-based battles set in varying maps. In these battles, your team will have to eliminate a squad of aliens within a set number of turns and accomplish secondary objectives. Like most strategy games, it also includes a technology tree for upgrades. XCOM 2 sold more than 500,000 copies on Steam during its first week and was nominated for multiple Game of the Year awards in 2016 and 2017. GameSpot rated the game a 9 out of 10 while IGN gave it a 9.3 out of 10. For fans of science fiction and strategy games alike, this is quite the perfect combination. It was also released for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Linux.

  1. Northgard (2018)

One of the most underrated games on our list, Northgard was developed by indie company Shiro Games who are most known for Evoland. In this Norse mythology-inspired real-time strategy game, you take control of a Viking clan and work to conquer a newfound continent. You will build a settlement, assign clan members to different roles, and manage your clan’s resources. In Northgard, there will be different victory conditions you will need to complete to win. Originally released for the PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 4, the game also released a mobile version for iOS on April 13, 2021. While not as popular as the other games on this list, this game is certainly a great entry to strategy games for fans of Norse mythology.  

See more about - The 10 best role-playing games of all time

  1. Total War: Warhammer II (2017)

Games in the Warhammer series are the only Total War games with a fantasy setting. While other games in the franchise take on feudal Japan, medieval Europe, Ancient Rome, and other historical settings, Warhammer is set in the Warhammer fantasy world created by Games Workshop.  The turn-based campaigns with real-time battles that the Total War franchise has become famous for are still featured in this game. In this sequel, the storyline covers the conflict between the Dark Elves, High Elves, Lizardmen, and Skaven races as each seeks to take control of the Great Vortex. Metacritic scored it an 87 out of 100 while IGN gave it a 9.1 out of 10. Warhammer II was also nominated for several Best PC Game of the Year awards by several media outlets. Warhammer II was later released for Linux in 2018.

  1. Europa Universalis IV (2013)

Published by Paradox Interactive, this 2013 release is the fourth installment of the Europa Universalis series. Released for Windows, macOS, and Linux, Europa Universalis IV is one of the most successful Paradox games to date. This grand strategy game allows you to choose a nation to govern, controlling its trade, diplomacy, and warfare. The main interface is the entire map of Earth, divided into nations and provinces. You will need to raise a strong military force while maintaining your country’s economy and diplomacy with other countries. This sandbox-type game allows you to establish dominance through military might, trade control, or colonizing as many countries as you can. Religion is also an important element in the game as it can give bonuses to certain provinces you own. While Europa Universalis IV does not have on-site battle gameplay that has become popular in franchises like Total War, its strategy-heavy gameplay was enough to garner more than 2 million sales by February 2021. Destructoid rated the game a 95 out of 100 while PC Gamer (US) gave it 91 out of 100.

  1. Tropico 6 (2019)

The latest installment of the Tropico series that started in 2001, Tropico 6 is a satirical take on political simulation. As El Presidente, you will have to lead the Caribbean nation of Tropico throughout four different eras: The Colonial Era, the World Wars, the Cold War, and the modern era. Tropico has a humorous take on the politics of banana republics, including issues like electoral fraud, espionage, and dictatorships. In this game, if your citizenry disapproves of your decisions, they may vote you out or revolt against you. Tropico 6 is the fastest-selling installment of the Tropico franchise and was nominated for Best Strategy Game in both the 2017 Gamescom Awards and 2019 The Game Awards. It was also released for Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and more recently, Nintendo Switch.

  1. Into The Breach (2018)

Developed by indie studio Subset Games, Into the Breach is a turn-based strategy game set in a dystopian future where you will control human soldiers operating giant mechs to fight against monsters that seek to destroy your power grid structures. Armed with three different mechs, you will defend island after island, obtaining new pilots and mechs as you go accomplish more objectives. If you lose a battle, you will be able to send one pilot back in time, retaining their experience and abilities. One of the most acclaimed games on our list, Into The Breach was nominated for more than twenty awards and won several awards including Best Strategy Game at the 2018 The Game Awards. Into The Breach was released for Windows, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, and Stadia.

  1. Age of Mythology (2002)

A spinoff from the Age of Empire series, Age of Mythology is a  real-time strategy game that plays out essentially the same way as the other games in the franchise, with the main difference being that it takes on mythology instead of history. You will choose between playing as Norse, the Greeks, or the Egyptians. You will also have to choose a major god from three deities after choosing your culture, providing you with unique technology, units, and a special power. After you advance to another age, a minor god may be selected. Unlike the Age of Empires games, however, Age of Mythology only has one main campaign. Game Informer rated the game 9.5 out of 10 while IGN gave it 9.3 out of 10. GameSpot also named it the best computer game of November 2002. Its expansion, The Titans, was released in 2003 and added the Atlanteans as a playable culture and the Titans as one of several new units. Another expansion, Tale of the Dragon, which added Chinese mythological culture along with a whole new campaign, maps, and other features, was released in 2016. Age of Mythology is available for Windows and macOS.

See more about - The 11 best online multiplayer games to play in 2021

Inspired by tabletop games such as chess and backgammon, strategy video games have been a staple in the gaming industry since their inception. You can spot a strategy game through its most common elements like having units to command, resource and economic challenges, settlement construction, a technology tree, and a world map.

Strategy games are often divided into several subtypes. They can be real-time or turn-based and focused on strategy or tactics. The common factor is the need for superior planning skills in order to win. While turn-based strategy games were more common in earlier years since they were less graphically demanding, real-time games have become more popular in recent years.

These days, however, a combination of both subgenres can be found in most popular strategy games, as exemplified by the Total War franchise. Since most strategy games are released predominantly for the PC, we decided to include games that were released mostly for Windows and macOS for this list. We also made sure to note if a game was available for other platforms. Check out our list of the 10 best strategy games of all time.

  1. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty (2010)

This was the long-awaited sequel to the 1998 cult-classic StarCraft and its expansion, BroodWar. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty takes place a few years after the story of BroodWar and features the return of major characters like Jim Raynor and Sarah Kerrigan. Unlike the original game, StarCraft II introduces a non-linear campaign for the Terran faction, with Raynor’s Rebels taking mercenary jobs to raise funds and purchase additional units and upgrades. The sequel also introduces 3D graphics as opposed to the original that was limited to 2D. StarCraft II was critically acclaimed and is widely considered to be one of the best video games on the market. Its expansions, Heart of the Swarm and Legacy of the Void were released in 2013 and 2015 respectively.

  1. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition (2019)

Another cult classic, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings, received a remastered version with the release of Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition in 2019 to celebrate the original’s 20th anniversary. While Age of Kings was a must-play game for all fans of strategy games, this remastered version improves on every aspect while retaining all the elements that made the original so beloved by gamers. The Definitive Edition supports 4K graphics, better visuals for troops and structures, as well as a spectator mode. Developers also added several new factions and campaigns that will surely entice classic fans and new players alike. All previous expansions of the original were also remastered. Although it was only released for Windows, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition was received well by critics and players. It received a score of 84 out of 100 from Metacritic and 78 out of 100 from PC Gamer (UK).

  1. Sid Meier’s Civilization V (2010)

Civilization V is the fifth installment in Sid Meier’s Civilization series. Released in 2010 for Windows, macOS, and Linux, this instant classic is widely regarded as the best game of the franchise and the quintessential turn-based strategy game. You take control of one civilization with the task of guiding its development from prehistoric times to the far future. You will manage both civilian and military units, commanding them to perform tasks such as finding new cities, developing land, and going to war. Players will also have to handle production, construction, diplomacy, and directing the growth in technology. You will have to meet a victory condition or be the top-scoring civilization by the end of the last game turn to win the game. Civilization V received a 9 out of 10 rating from IGN and 93 out of 100 from PC Gamer (US). It also won the 2010 BAFTA for Best Strategy Game.

  1. XCOM 2 (2016)

The sequel to 2012’s XCOM: Enemy Unknown, XCOM 2 has been one of the most popular turn-based tactics games since its release. Its prequel was a reboot of the classic 1994 title X-COM: UFO Defense. Taking place 20 years after the events of Enemy Unknown, former military organization XCOM is now the head of the resistance against the alien invaders. You will use your strategy skills to manage the XCOM base ship and command your units during turn-based battles set in varying maps. In these battles, your team will have to eliminate a squad of aliens within a set number of turns and accomplish secondary objectives. Like most strategy games, it also includes a technology tree for upgrades. XCOM 2 sold more than 500,000 copies on Steam during its first week and was nominated for multiple Game of the Year awards in 2016 and 2017. GameSpot rated the game a 9 out of 10 while IGN gave it a 9.3 out of 10. For fans of science fiction and strategy games alike, this is quite the perfect combination. It was also released for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Linux.

  1. Northgard (2018)

One of the most underrated games on our list, Northgard was developed by indie company Shiro Games who are most known for Evoland. In this Norse mythology-inspired real-time strategy game, you take control of a Viking clan and work to conquer a newfound continent. You will build a settlement, assign clan members to different roles, and manage your clan’s resources. In Northgard, there will be different victory conditions you will need to complete to win. Originally released for the PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 4, the game also released a mobile version for iOS on April 13, 2021. While not as popular as the other games on this list, this game is certainly a great entry to strategy games for fans of Norse mythology.  

See more about - The 10 best role-playing games of all time

  1. Total War: Warhammer II (2017)

Games in the Warhammer series are the only Total War games with a fantasy setting. While other games in the franchise take on feudal Japan, medieval Europe, Ancient Rome, and other historical settings, Warhammer is set in the Warhammer fantasy world created by Games Workshop.  The turn-based campaigns with real-time battles that the Total War franchise has become famous for are still featured in this game. In this sequel, the storyline covers the conflict between the Dark Elves, High Elves, Lizardmen, and Skaven races as each seeks to take control of the Great Vortex. Metacritic scored it an 87 out of 100 while IGN gave it a 9.1 out of 10. Warhammer II was also nominated for several Best PC Game of the Year awards by several media outlets. Warhammer II was later released for Linux in 2018.

  1. Europa Universalis IV (2013)

Published by Paradox Interactive, this 2013 release is the fourth installment of the Europa Universalis series. Released for Windows, macOS, and Linux, Europa Universalis IV is one of the most successful Paradox games to date. This grand strategy game allows you to choose a nation to govern, controlling its trade, diplomacy, and warfare. The main interface is the entire map of Earth, divided into nations and provinces. You will need to raise a strong military force while maintaining your country’s economy and diplomacy with other countries. This sandbox-type game allows you to establish dominance through military might, trade control, or colonizing as many countries as you can. Religion is also an important element in the game as it can give bonuses to certain provinces you own. While Europa Universalis IV does not have on-site battle gameplay that has become popular in franchises like Total War, its strategy-heavy gameplay was enough to garner more than 2 million sales by February 2021. Destructoid rated the game a 95 out of 100 while PC Gamer (US) gave it 91 out of 100.

8. Tropico 6 (2019)

The latest installment of the Tropico series that started in 2001, Tropico 6 is a satirical take on political simulation. As El Presidente, you will have to lead the Caribbean nation of Tropico throughout four different eras: The Colonial Era, the World Wars, the Cold War, and the modern era. Tropico has a humorous take on the politics of banana republics, including issues like electoral fraud, espionage, and dictatorships. In this game, if your citizenry disapproves of your decisions, they may vote you out or revolt against you. Tropico 6 is the fastest-selling installment of the Tropico franchise and was nominated for Best Strategy Game in both the 2017 Gamescom Awards and 2019 The Game Awards. It was also released for Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and more recently, Nintendo Switch.

  1. Into The Breach (2018)

Developed by indie studio Subset Games, Into the Breach is a turn-based strategy game set in a dystopian future where you will control human soldiers operating giant mechs to fight against monsters that seek to destroy your power grid structures. Armed with three different mechs, you will defend island after island, obtaining new pilots and mechs as you go accomplish more objectives. If you lose a battle, you will be able to send one pilot back in time, retaining their experience and abilities. One of the most acclaimed games on our list, Into The Breach was nominated for more than twenty awards and won several awards including Best Strategy Game at the 2018 The Game Awards. Into The Breach was released for Windows, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, and Stadia.

  1. Age of Mythology (2002)

A spinoff from the Age of Empire series, Age of Mythology is a  real-time strategy game that plays out essentially the same way as the other games in the franchise, with the main difference being that it takes on mythology instead of history. You will choose between playing as Norse, the Greeks, or the Egyptians. You will also have to choose a major god from three deities after choosing your culture, providing you with unique technology, units, and a special power. After you advance to another age, a minor god may be selected. Unlike the Age of Empires games, however, Age of Mythology only has one main campaign. Game Informer rated the game 9.5 out of 10 while IGN gave it 9.3 out of 10. GameSpot also named it the best computer game of November 2002. Its expansion, The Titans, was released in 2003 and added the Atlanteans as a playable culture and the Titans as one of several new units. Another expansion, Tale of the Dragon, which added Chinese mythological culture along with a whole new campaign, maps, and other features, was released in 2016. Age of Mythology is available for Windows and macOS.

See more about - The 11 best online multiplayer games to play in 2021

1. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty (2010)

This was the long-awaited sequel to the 1998 cult-classic StarCraft and its expansion, BroodWar. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty takes place a few years after the story of BroodWar and features the return of major characters like Jim Raynor and Sarah Kerrigan.

Unlike the original game, StarCraft II introduces a non-linear campaign for the Terran faction, with Raynor’s Rebels taking mercenary jobs to raise funds and purchase additional units and upgrades. The sequel also introduces 3D graphics as opposed to the original that was limited to 2D.

StarCraft II was critically acclaimed and is widely considered to be one of the best video games on the market. Its expansions, Heart of the Swarm and Legacy of the Void were released in 2013 and 2015 respectively.

2. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition (2019)

Another cult classic, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings, received a remastered version with the release of Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition in 2019 to celebrate the original’s 20th anniversary. While Age of Kings was a must-play game for all fans of strategy games, this remastered version improves on every aspect while retaining all the elements that made the original so beloved by gamers.

The Definitive Edition supports 4K graphics, better visuals for troops and structures, as well as a spectator mode. Developers also added several new factions and campaigns that will surely entice classic fans and new players alike. All previous expansions of the original were also remastered.

Although it was only released for Windows, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition was received well by critics and players. It received a score of 84 out of 100 from Metacritic and 78 out of 100 from PC Gamer (UK).

3. Sid Meier’s Civilization V (2010)

Civilization V is the fifth installment in Sid Meier’s Civilization series. Released in 2010 for Windows, macOS, and Linux, this instant classic is widely regarded as the best game of the franchise and the quintessential turn-based strategy game.

You take control of one civilization with the task of guiding its development from prehistoric times to the far future. You will manage both civilian and military units, commanding them to perform tasks such as finding new cities, developing land, and going to war. Players will also have to handle production, construction, diplomacy, and directing the growth in technology.

You will have to meet a victory condition or be the top-scoring civilization by the end of the last game turn to win the game. Civilization V received a 9 out of 10 rating from IGN and 93 out of 100 from PC Gamer (US). It also won the 2010 BAFTA for Best Strategy Game.

4. XCOM 2 (2016)

The sequel to 2012’s XCOM: Enemy Unknown, XCOM 2 has been one of the most popular turn-based tactics games since its release. Its prequel was a reboot of the classic 1994 title X-COM: UFO Defense.

Taking place 20 years after the events of Enemy Unknown, former military organization XCOM is now the head of the resistance against the alien invaders. You will use your strategy skills to manage the XCOM base ship and command your units during turn-based battles set in varying maps.

In these battles, your team will have to eliminate a squad of aliens within a set number of turns and accomplish secondary objectives. Like most strategy games, it also includes a technology tree for upgrades.

XCOM 2 sold more than 500,000 copies on Steam during its first week and was nominated for multiple Game of the Year awards in 2016 and 2017. GameSpot rated the game a 9 out of 10 while IGN gave it a 9.3 out of 10. For fans of science fiction and strategy games alike, this is quite the perfect combination. It was also released for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Linux.

5. Northgard (2018)

One of the most underrated games on our list, Northgard was developed by indie company Shiro Games who are most known for Evoland. In this Norse mythology-inspired real-time strategy game, you take control of a Viking clan and work to conquer a newfound continent.

You will build a settlement, assign clan members to different roles, and manage your clan’s resources. In Northgard, there will be different victory conditions you will need to complete to win.

Originally released for the PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 4, the game also released a mobile version for iOS on April 13, 2021. While not as popular as the other games on this list, this game is certainly a great entry to strategy games for fans of Norse mythology.

 

See more about - The 10 best role-playing games of all time

See more about - The 10 best role-playing games of all time

6. Total War: Warhammer II (2017)

Games in the Warhammer series are the only Total War games with a fantasy setting. While other games in the franchise take on feudal Japan, medieval Europe, Ancient Rome, and other historical settings, Warhammer is set in the Warhammer fantasy world created by Games Workshop. 

The turn-based campaigns with real-time battles that the Total War franchise has become famous for are still featured in this game. In this sequel, the storyline covers the conflict between the Dark Elves, High Elves, Lizardmen, and Skaven races as each seeks to take control of the Great Vortex.

Metacritic scored it an 87 out of 100 while IGN gave it a 9.1 out of 10. Warhammer II was also nominated for several Best PC Game of the Year awards by several media outlets. Warhammer II was later released for Linux in 2018.

7. Europa Universalis IV (2013)

Published by Paradox Interactive, this 2013 release is the fourth installment of the Europa Universalis series. Released for Windows, macOS, and Linux, Europa Universalis IV is one of the most successful Paradox games to date.

This grand strategy game allows you to choose a nation to govern, controlling its trade, diplomacy, and warfare. The main interface is the entire map of Earth, divided into nations and provinces.

You will need to raise a strong military force while maintaining your country’s economy and diplomacy with other countries. This sandbox-type game allows you to establish dominance through military might, trade control, or colonizing as many countries as you can. Religion is also an important element in the game as it can give bonuses to certain provinces you own.

While Europa Universalis IV does not have on-site battle gameplay that has become popular in franchises like Total War, its strategy-heavy gameplay was enough to garner more than 2 million sales by February 2021. Destructoid rated the game a 95 out of 100 while PC Gamer (US) gave it 91 out of 100.

The latest installment of the Tropico series that started in 2001, Tropico 6 is a satirical take on political simulation. As El Presidente, you will have to lead the Caribbean nation of Tropico throughout four different eras: The Colonial Era, the World Wars, the Cold War, and the modern era.

Tropico has a humorous take on the politics of banana republics, including issues like electoral fraud, espionage, and dictatorships. In this game, if your citizenry disapproves of your decisions, they may vote you out or revolt against you.

Tropico 6 is the fastest-selling installment of the Tropico franchise and was nominated for Best Strategy Game in both the 2017 Gamescom Awards and 2019 The Game Awards. It was also released for Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and more recently, Nintendo Switch.

9. Into The Breach (2018)

Developed by indie studio Subset Games, Into the Breach is a turn-based strategy game set in a dystopian future where you will control human soldiers operating giant mechs to fight against monsters that seek to destroy your power grid structures.

Armed with three different mechs, you will defend island after island, obtaining new pilots and mechs as you go accomplish more objectives. If you lose a battle, you will be able to send one pilot back in time, retaining their experience and abilities.

One of the most acclaimed games on our list, Into The Breach was nominated for more than twenty awards and won several awards including Best Strategy Game at the 2018 The Game Awards. Into The Breach was released for Windows, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, and Stadia.

10. Age of Mythology (2002)

A spinoff from the Age of Empire series, Age of Mythology is a  real-time strategy game that plays out essentially the same way as the other games in the franchise, with the main difference being that it takes on mythology instead of history.

You will choose between playing as Norse, the Greeks, or the Egyptians. You will also have to choose a major god from three deities after choosing your culture, providing you with unique technology, units, and a special power. After you advance to another age, a minor god may be selected. Unlike the Age of Empires games, however, Age of Mythology only has one main campaign.

Game Informer rated the game 9.5 out of 10 while IGN gave it 9.3 out of 10. GameSpot also named it the best computer game of November 2002. Its expansion, The Titans, was released in 2003 and added the Atlanteans as a playable culture and the Titans as one of several new units.

Another expansion, Tale of the Dragon, which added Chinese mythological culture along with a whole new campaign, maps, and other features, was released in 2016. Age of Mythology is available for Windows and macOS.

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