The 25 best strategy games to play right now

Here, you'll find our pick of the top 25 strategy games around right now across all platforms.

When it comes to great strategy games, the genre is absolutely teeming with options. From some of the best city building games that will put your management skills to the test, to some of the best tactical RPGs that will have you considering your moves in battle, there's all sorts of experiences out there to explore if you're looking for adventures that put your strategic prowess to the test.

So, to help you easily find the highlights, I've put my head together with the GamesRadar+ team to bring you a varied selection of strategy games we'd recommend for one reason or another. Taking into consideration some of the classics of the genre, as well as long-time favorites and some of the latest new games, you're sure to find something here to try out. And if you're after more recommendations, we also have dedicated lists for the best 4X games or the best RTS games around. For if you're ready to explore the best strategy games, read on to find our top 25 ranking.

The best strategy games to play today, starting with...

25. SteamWorld Heist 2

Sometimes, all you need is a change in perspective, and that's the secret sauce to this strategic branch of the genre-defying series. In SteamWorld Heist II, these turn-based scraps as you infiltrate locations take place in 2D, from a side-on perspective.

While you may think it limiting, it actually allows you to better play with the environment on a granular level than would be possible in 3D. You're able to make minute adjustments to placements and utilize ricochet shots and the like. This sequel even adds a neat sea-faring overworld. As can be the risk in these types of games, missions can get repetitive, but the core combat on show here is some of the best you'll find in the space and different enough to tease in genre newcomers and veterans alike. Learn more in our SteamWorld Heist 2 review.

24. Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden

If you like XCOM, there is really no reason you wouldn't like Mutant Year Zero. It’s the same brand of round-based tactics, with a dash of post-apocalyptic weirdness in the form of your usual broken-down city environments and… anthropomorphic animals?

Yes, Mutant Year Zero's absolutely unique selling points are its mutated protagonists, who can learn new skills through further mutations and who drive the interesting story. Add to that a good (and at times absolutely necessary) stealth system, and you get a game that successfully combines old and new. It’s also a real challenge, mildly unfair at times, but definitely worth a try for all who already know XCOM like the back of their hand. Check out our list of the best games like XCOM to play next.

23. Wildermyth

More RPG-tinged than the rest of the entries on the list, Wildermyth still ends up being one of our favorite strategy games not just for when you enter the battle arena, but for how loads of little decisions you make help to shape those encounters.

While it plays similarly to a lightweight XCOM, it's a different flavor as instead of just tweaking your builds you're helping to craft a story. The party members you deploy can't simply be optimized, they're often carrying the real consequence of constant tiny decisions to make for a squad that feels like it could only ever be your own, and skirmishes that feel like they take place within a personal journey. Learn more in our Wildermyth impressions on the console launch, where we said it's "still a certified classic."

22. Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era

Currently out in the Early Access, Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era brings the classic strategy series back in a fantastic turn-based RPG prequel that packs some classic modes long-time fans will recognize, as well as fresh additions. Playing like a strategy sandbox at times, every match you sink into sees you set up resource-gathering buildings to gather necessary supplies to keep expanding your army.

With various factions to choose from in its fantastic setting, each one has its own unique units which makes this a very replayable strategy experience, too. As blend of RTS meets turn-based RPG, you also have have recruitable party member heroes, stats to enhance, and gear to play around with. While the story is still being updated, there's already a lot to explore, which our Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era review delves into if you're keen to learn more.

21. Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2 

If you enjoy big explosions and battles in space, this is just the ticket. Based on Game Workshop’s tabletop game, this RTS lets you play out massive naval spaceship battles in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Building up from the first in the series, Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2 lets you choose from 12 factions from the tabletop game, such as the likes of the Imperial Navy, Drukhair, Necrons, and many more.

With tons of customization options for your ships, you can command and conquer your way through enemy fleets and have a blast while doing it. If you want to just dive into a battle, you can, but there are also three main faction solo campaigns to strategize your way through with the Tyranids, Necrons, or the Imperium. For the Emperor! Read our list of the best Warhammer games if you're looking for more recommendations.

20. Endless Legend

Endless Legend is a great go-to for a 4X game in a fantasy setting. Because it boasts a large number of different factions and procedurally generated maps, you’ll be sure to lose plenty of sleep over the many side quests that can pop up as you’re out exploring.

Like several entries of the Total War franchise, it gives you hero units that are vital to battles and also offers several diplomatic options for handling different races that don't have to end with someone losing their head. Basically Endless Legend has all the good traits from genre colleagues such as Civ and Total War, wrapped in a delicious fantasy burrito for you to enjoy.

19. Total War: Three Kingdoms 

Total War: Three Kingdoms wears its post-Total War: Warhammer influences on its sleeve in that it's primarily rooted in history but likewise dabbles in occasional bursts of fantasy portrayed via age-old legend. The Chinese Civil War is the event of the day here, and the idiosyncrasies of complex relationships fuel just about everything you can shake a cursor at.

From diplomacy behind the scenes, trade ahead of war, and dynamics between factions on the battlefield, it's all here. All of those customizable elements have been tweaked against previous Total War installments, and Three Kingdoms’ expansive DLC gives this one even more life beyond its standard campaign. Love charging into danger? Read our list of the best action games.

18. Desperados 3

The return of the Desperados franchise was a surprise, but the team at Mimimi Games approached it with the same finesse they brought to their other round-based tactics smash Shadow Tactics. Desperados 3 is a beautiful, challenging, round-based action game that perfectly captures the look and feel of the Wild West.

It’s appeal is similar to that of Endless Legends, as it manages to take everything that works well in the genre, like characters with interesting skills, several possible ways to approach each challenge, and quite considerable difficulty, and adds to that a well-acted and engaging story. If you like round-based games and have always wanted to play one in a Wild West setting, don't let Desperados 3 pass you by.

17. Invisible, Inc.

The concept of Invisible, Inc. was made for turn-based games – try to sneak into an office undetected, get what you came for, and sneak out. All Invisible, Inc. really needs to spread its charm are its hyper-alert guards and the fact that you don't know where what you're looking for actually is.

It’s a stylish heist adventure with a large roster of agents and plenty of different ways to tackle missions, and a really cool evolution of the popular XCOM formula.

16. Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew

Shiver me timbers. These undead pirates aren't your enemies. For once, in Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew, they're yours to command as you bonk the Inquisition on the noggin using increasingly inventive methods. This crew wants a way back from the undead, which means collecting soul essence to do so.

In the meantime, though, their deceased status has gifted them with unique powers that can be used in concert for wildly inventive kills that can, at times, make this feel like an isometric Hitman as much as a turn-based strategy. Pinkus, for example, can possess enemies and blend in, while Suleidy can plant bushes that sprout for instant cover, and Gaelle can blast friend and foe alike from a large cannon. Which squad of three you deploy for which mission can open up loads of creative possibilities. Learn more in our Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew review.

15. Star Wars Zero Company

If you're looking for a strategy experience set in a galaxy far, far away, look no further than Star Wars Zero Company. The tactical turn-based single-player game sees you lead the eponymous Zero Company as Hawks, a custom protagonist and former Republic officer. Set during the tail end of the Clone Wars, you'll have to command your squad through strategic battles as you try to put a stop to an ever-emerging threat.

To give you an even better idea of what you're in for, our Star Wars Zero Company review stated that its like XCOM with lightsabers. Of course, you won't only be fighting with Jedi, since there are recruitable operatives of various classes to command, from battle droids to scoundrels, and Mandalorians. Nailing the feel of Star Wars with cinematic visuals, the campaign has plenty to offer, with satisfying tactical play.

14. Tactical Breach Wizards

Tactical Breach Wizards is undoubtedly one of the most likable games on this list. From Suspicious Developments, the creator of wonderfully funny and playfully innovative games like Gunpoint and Heat Signature, this takes the same approach and applies it to something more XCOM-like. Your renegade wizard team includes a retired Navy Seer, a Freelance Storm Witch, a Necro Medic, and a Rebel Riot Priest.

It's all very tongue-in-cheek and will have you chortling even as you puzzle out some tricky encounters. Yet, just as approachable as it is funny, it's very generous at allowing you to retry turns. This might put off hardcore genre veterans, but it makes this a warm and delightful entry point into the space or just something casual to relax with. For more laid-back picks, read our list of the best feel-good games of all time.

13. Stellaris 

As a grand strategy RTS, Stellaris lets you explore the vast expanses of space and puts you in control of an interstellar empire you get to customize. With a choice of various different alien races, government systems and faction traits to choose from, you can decide how you want your empire to run and how you’ll likely approach different situations.

Whether you want to wage war or peacefully explore space and be the voice of diplomacy, there are plenty of ways to go about things. There are also opportunities to strengthen your empire and expand its reach by colonizing other planets and joining forces with fellow alien species throughout the galaxies. In the starry skies of space, Stellaris rewards you for your exploration efforts and presents you with challenging strategic spaceship battles and management systems.

12. Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition

Age of Empires 2 is an absolute classic and still continues to be one of the very best strategy games around. Allowing you to build up your own settlement across the ages and see your empire grow and advance with the times, there's a satisfying level of strategy in resource management and military prowess.

With fantastic campaigns to get stuck into solo, it's also a fantastic strategy game to get stuck into in co-op with pals. If you get a taste for the series after tucking into this entry, then the latest is well worth checking out, too, and you can read our Age of Empires 4 review for more on why! Learn more in our recent Age of Empires 2 impressions, where we said "it's amazing to think that after all these years, it's still bringing us together."

11. Marvel's Midnight Suns

Marvel's Midnight Suns is a different type of strategy game from Firaxis. While the studio is best known for spearheading the reboot of the XCOM franchise, this all-new experience has you partnering up with some of Earth's Mightiest Heroes.

You'll be managing small decks of cards to unleash powerful abilities against hordes of enemies and spending any spare time out of battle becoming friends with Ghost Rider, Captain Marvel, and Dr. Strange. Marvel's Midnight Suns is part XCOM 2 and part Fire Emblem: Three Houses, and it's a wicked mix. Read our Marvel's Midnight Suns review to see what me made of the game at launch.

10. Age of Wonders 4

After almost a decade away and a brief but excellent detour to space in Age of Wonders: Planetfall, developer Triumph Studios returned to their fantasy-inspired 4X roots for Age of Wonders 4. Taking on the role of a powerful spellcaster who can shape the world to their whim with powerful magic, the choice is less "which species to lead" and more "what do you want to create"?

You weave your own fantasy races into existence, which can come back to bite you (literally) just as much as it can help you conquer the land in the moment. Pretty much everything about the way a match flows, the units, and the rulers are all affected by the choices you make in creation. As a result, no two matches, games, or moments feel the same, and rather than feel random, it all feels like your own fault. We wonder how you'll feel about that – but we can't get enough.

9. Sid Meier's Civilization 6 

Considered to be one of the best 4X turn-based style strategy series around, Civilization 6 is the latest offering that builds on its predecessor to bring us something slightly more refined and polished. While it’s great for veterans because it brings some new elements into play, it’s also more accessible for newcomers thanks to its tutorials that will help you get to grips with the general concepts of Civilization.

From the Stone Age to the Information Age, you control and determine the rise of an entire civilization, which now physically expands across the map to show you how big it’s grown. With new features like active research in technology and culture, 20 leaders to choose from who all have different agendas to pursue, and multiple ways to emerge victorious, there are plenty of tactical approaches and playstyles to get stuck into. Check out our guide on everything you need to know about Civilization 7 to keep up to date with the series.

8. Total War: Warhammer 3

Total War: Warhammer 3 improves upon just about every aspect of its ground-breaking predecessors. Whether you're coming in fresh or have been with this Total War spin-off series since the beginning, there's no denying that this Total War spin-off series is among the best in the strategy genre.

It's more in-depth, intuitive, and varied – both on and off the battlefield – than Total War: Warhammer 2, and there's a frankly absurd amount of content packed into the wonderful package. Read our Total War: Warhammer review for more insights! Or you can also see where it ranks in our list of the best Total War games next.

7. Crusader Kings 3 

Simply put, Crusader Kings 3 is one of the biggest, more sophisticated grand strategy RPGs out there – somehow even bigger than its predecessor, Crusader Kings 2. Similar to the evolution of Total War: Warhammer, as noted above, CK3 is prettier, easier to navigate, and much, much more complex than anything that's come before – both in battle and in storytelling.

And the latter point is what stands CK3 apart from so many games of a similar ilk, because it is a pretty much unparalleled in its scope for period drama storytelling. Weave this into its warring factions, political turmoil, and bouts of enduring civil war, and you're onto a winner.

6. XCOM 2

If you're after a challenge, XCOM 2's alien-invaded world doesn't pull any punches. Turn-based in style with expansive terrains to navigate, the sequel is much bigger in scope than its predecessor. After XCOM: Enemy Unknown saw you try to prevent an alien invasion, the second sees you command the last remaining XCOM forces. Perma-death adds an extra level of difficulty to every decision you make because every choice could have disastrous consequences for your troops.

Taking control of the alien supply craft known as the Avenger, you're up against impossible odds as you set out on missions with unique challenges, facing new foes and tactically approaching each fight. You must also try and rescue fallen comrades and research and upgrade your weapons and armor. And if this sounds like your cup of tea, there's also an excellent XCOM 2: War of the Chosen DLC that adds new classes and a challenging new enemy known as "The Chosen." This is one sci-fi strategy number that will push your tactical mind to the limit. Learn more in our XCOM 2 review, where we called it "a deep and engrossing strategy game."

5. StarCraft 2

There are games that just turn out to be pillars of the genre, oft-copied but never quite reached. StarCraft was one such game for the RTS genre, so it makes sense that its successor really just offers more of the same in a shinier package. Even a decade after it was first released, StarCraft 2's presentation still astounds. The campaign makes good use of each of its races, by now beloved by StarCraft fans.

The bombastic battles are certainly the heart of the experience, all-out assaults that are satisfying to watch after you've put time into building your armies. Missions are varied and offer enough unlocks to keep you playing for a long time. If you start playing now, you'll likely discover a lot of systems you’re already familiar with, established by the likes of StarCraft and Age of Empires long ago. Well, no need to fix what isn't broken. Read our StarCraft 2 review for more information.

4. Into the Breach

Subset Games’ isometric sci-fi roguelite is a nice compact turn-based affair that takes place on an 8x8 grid. Highly replayable thanks to its varying procedurally generated challenges, it pushes you to think carefully about your strategic approach each turn. Alien nasties known as the Vek are breeding underneath the earth and pose a serious threat to humankind. It’s up to you to save the world by beating every challenge it presents you.

By controlling different mechs and weapons, you encounter unique mech pilots and find more weapons throughout your battles to give yourself the upper hand. Different civilian buildings power your mechs, so you also have to be mindful of their welfare and make sure you don’t accidentally blow them up yourself. With an appealing pixelated style, it also has a pretty interesting storyline, and its procedurally generated challenges put your tactical skills to the test. And with the release of the Advanced Edition, there's never been a better time to get stuck in.

3. Europa Universalis 5

In terms of grand strategy games, you won't find any on the scope and scale of Europa Universalis 5. Paradox Interactive's latest entry in their flagship strategy game offers not only a stunning map, but is one of the most complex and detailed historical simulators that will have you juggling multiple things at once as you try to expand your empire. The strategy in this one really comes with every aspect of the game.

Not only do you have to manage your military conquest, but you'll have to utilize trade, diplomacy, and even engage in the race for colonization with exploration. While it may seem overwhelming at first (even for veteran EU4 players) what truly makes this game shine as one of the best games of 2025 is it's detail. There are more nations than EU4, and each has had an incredible amount of work put into it. No matter who you are playing as, you'll have a great time and a unique set of challenges to face.

2. Warcraft 3

The big caveat here is we don't mean Warcraft 3: Reforged; we mean the original release, Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos, and its best-in-class expansion, Warcraft 3: The Frozen Throne. The why is too long to get into, but trust us here! Simply put, the epic fantasy tale that leads you through the missions in Warcraft 3 remains one of the best in gaming period, making the stakes of these huge clashes feel both world-altering and personal at once.

The same goes for units, which were overhauled with heroes and the like to add unique skills. You're not just managing nameless, faceless units but weaving an epic saga together under your own command. Too old for you to get into? There's a chance. Warcraft 3: Reforged was so bad that even after refunds, it got a huge 2.0 update that could improve it. Learn more in our Warcraft 3 review.

1. Command and Conquer Remastered Collection

The setup and delivery may seem a little naff from today's point of view, but there's a reason classics like this get remade after decades. This collection is perhaps not for you if you're looking for an intricate RTS game with many features, but it's the best version of a game that still has many fans decades on from its original release – you'll find quality-of-life UI improvements, better graphics, content that previously was only available on console, and over 100 missions you can now replay individually.

Since the game itself hasn't been changed save for some additional difficulty options, you may have your issues with the AI, but like many RTS games C&C has a great multiplayer. This is, of course, a game for fans first and foremost, but if you want to go to the beginnings of the genre or just enjoy one of the best remasters around, there's no way past this collection.

See what future releases are on the way with our roundup of upcoming PC games.