Strategy games have long been a beloved genre in the world of PC gaming, offering players the opportunity to test their strategic thinking, decision-making, and tactical prowess. From building vast empires to commanding armies in epic battles, strategy games immerse players in worlds where every move counts. In this article, we will explore the top 20 strategy games for PC, encompassing a wide range of sub-genres and providing countless hours of immersive gameplay.
1. Civilization VI
Civilization VI, developed by Firaxis Games, is a turn-based strategy game that allows players to build and expand their civilization from ancient times to the modern era. With intricate diplomacy, city management, and military strategies, it offers a deeply engaging and addictive experience.
2. Total War: Warhammer II
Total War: Warhammer II, developed by Creative Assembly, combines turn-based empire management with real-time battles set in the rich fantasy world of Warhammer. Players can choose from various factions, each with unique units and abilities, and engage in massive, visually stunning battles.
3. Crusader Kings III
Crusader Kings III, developed by Paradox Development Studio, puts players in the shoes of a medieval ruler, tasked with managing their dynasty, forging alliances, and expanding their influence through politics, warfare, and diplomacy. The game offers deep character-driven gameplay and a dynamic world.
4. XCOM 2
XCOM 2, developed by Firaxis Games, is a turn-based tactical game where players lead a guerrilla force against an alien occupation. With intense battles, resource management, and strategic decision-making, it challenges players to save humanity from extraterrestrial domination.
5. Stellaris
Stellaris, developed by Paradox Development Studio, is a grand strategy game set in space, where players can build and manage their interstellar empire. With diplomacy, exploration, and complex intergalactic politics, it offers a vast and immersive experience.
6. Company of Heroes 2
Company of Heroes 2, developed by Relic Entertainment, takes players to the brutal battlefields of World War II. With intense tactical combat, dynamic weather systems, and a strong emphasis on squad-based gameplay, it captures the essence of war with gripping realism.
7. Homeworld Remastered Collection
Homeworld Remastered Collection, developed by Gearbox Software, offers a space-based real-time strategy experience. Players command fleets of ships, engage in epic space battles, and explore a captivating story set in a beautifully remastered universe.
8. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, developed by Forgotten Empires, is a remastered version of the classic real-time strategy game. With improved graphics, new civilizations, and refined gameplay mechanics, it remains a timeless favorite among strategy enthusiasts.
9. Europa Universalis IV
Europa Universalis IV, developed by Paradox Development Studio, lets players guide a nation through centuries of history, from the Renaissance to the Age of Enlightenment. With intricate diplomacy, trade, and warfare mechanics, it offers a deep and immersive historical strategy experience.
10. Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II, developed by Relic Entertainment, is a real-time strategy game set in the dark and grim future of the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Players command elite squads, engage in intense tactical battles, and make crucial choices that shape the outcome of the war.
11. Command & Conquer: Remastered Collection
Command & Conquer: Remastered Collection, developed by Petroglyph Games, brings the classic Command & Conquer games to modern audiences. With improved graphics, enhanced multiplayer features, and the iconic gameplay that defined the genre, it offers a nostalgic trip for fans and a solid strategy experience for newcomers.
12. Warhammer: Vermintide 2
Warhammer: Vermintide 2, developed by Fatshark, is a cooperative action game set in the Warhammer Fantasy universe. Players join forces to combat hordes of enemies, utilizing unique abilities and teamwork to survive the relentless onslaught.
13. Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance
Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance, developed by Gas Powered Games, offers an epic scale real-time strategy experience. Players command armies of massive futuristic units, engage in strategic warfare, and unleash devastating weapons of mass destruction.
14. Sid Meier’s Alpha Centauri
Sid Meier’s Alpha Centauri, developed by Firaxis Games, takes players to a distant planet, where factions vie for dominance in a science-fiction world. With deep strategic gameplay, complex diplomacy, and unique faction abilities, it remains a cult classic among strategy enthusiasts.
15. Endless Legend
Endless Legend, developed by Amplitude Studios, is a turn-based strategy game set in a rich fantasy world. Players lead a civilization and engage in diplomacy, exploration, and warfare, while navigating a dynamic and ever-changing landscape.
16. Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak
Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak, developed by Blackbird Interactive, is a prequel to the Homeworld series, offering a ground-based real-time strategy experience. Players command a fleet of vehicles across a hostile desert environment, engaging in tactical combat and uncovering a captivating story.
17. Rise of Nations: Extended Edition
Rise of Nations: Extended Edition, developed by Big Huge Games, combines elements of real-time strategy and turn-based strategy. Players guide their nation from the ancient times to the modern era, managing resources, waging wars, and making critical decisions to ensure their civilization’s success.
18. Anno 1800
Anno 1800, developed by Blue Byte, is a city-building and economic simulation game set during the Industrial Revolution. Players establish and expand their cities, manage resources, engage in trade, and navigate the challenges of an evolving society.
19. Total War: Three Kingdoms
Total War: Three Kingdoms, developed by Creative Assembly, takes players to ancient China, where warlords battle for supremacy in a turbulent era. With a rich historical setting, strategic depth, and intricate diplomacy, it offers an immersive and engaging experience.
20. They Are Billions
They Are Billions, developed by Numantian Games, combines strategy and survival elements in a post-apocalyptic steampunk world. Players must build and defend their colonies against swarms of infected creatures, utilizing strategic placement and resource management to withstand the onslaught.
Conclusion
The world of strategy games on PC offers a diverse range of experiences, from historical epics to futuristic sci-fi adventures. The top 20 games listed here represent the pinnacle of strategic gameplay, where players can immerse themselves in worlds of immense depth, challenge their intellect, and hone their strategic thinking. Whether you’re a fan of turn-based tactics, real-time battles, or empire-building, these games are sure to provide countless hours of exhilarating gameplay and cement their place in the pantheon of strategy gaming greatness.