The 11 Best Strategy Games to Play in 2024

Strategy games give you the chance to recreate epic historic battles, either in medieval, futuristic, or fantasy worlds. These titles are defined by their core gameplay elements: managing resources, controlling units or armies, and tactical decisions impacting the outcome of a scenario.

Diverse settings allow gamers to explore different themes. Regardless of the setting, all strategy games are challenging experiences where you’re expected to think critically, plan your actions, and manage an empire. Similarly to RPG games, strategy titles require more depth of thought than your typical triple-A, often resulting in a more rewarding experience.

If you’re in the market for a new strategy game, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. There are certainly many choices, but not all strategy games are worth your time. Take a look at the 11 best strategy titles available to see which is the best fit for you. 

The best strategy games to play on PC in 2024

1. Total War: Warhammer III

• Genre: Real-time strategy (RTS), turn-based, grand strategy
• Release date: February 17, 2022
• Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
• Age rating: Teen (T)
• Gameplay features: Epic fantasy battles, turn-based campaigns, diverse factions, multiplayer, real-time strategy
• Price: $59.99
• Developer: Creative Assembly
• Best for: Fantasy enthusiasts, strategy lovers, Warhammer fans

If turn-based strategy games on PC are your thing, Total War: Warhammer III is a must for you in 2024. Following Total War: Warhammer and Total War: Warhammer II, it is the third and final game to be set in the Warhammer Fantasy universe.
If you’re a complete beginner to the Warhammer Fantasy universe, all you need to know is that it’s a dark, medieval-inspired world filled with magic, mythical creatures and epic battles. It has all the usual story beats of a fantasy world, so if that’s something you’re into, this strategy game will be a perfect fit.

Total War: Warhammer III evolves the series past traditional real-time strategy mechanics into a grand strategy experience combining turn-based empire management with real-time tactical battles. With a cutting-edge graphics engine, all your units will be rendered in great detail, holding up to the quality of even more recent strategy game releases. 

The game remains fresh by virtue of the DLC (downloadable content) packs, which include Ogre Kingdoms, Champions of Chaos, and Blood for the Blood God III, with added playable races, new warriors, and blood and gore effects.

As one of the best real-time strategy games, Total War: Warhammer III has such a wide scope that you will probably still be playing the game in 2025!

2. Pharaoh: A New Era

• Genre: City-building, simulation, strategy
• Release date: February 15, 2023
• Platforms: Windows, macOS
• Age rating: Everyone (E)
• Gameplay features: City building, historical campaigns, resource management, monument construction, economic simulation
• Price: $29.99
• Developer: Triskell Interactive
• Best for: History buffs, city-building fans, casual gamers

How about a remake of a cult classic among strategy video games? Pharaoh: A New Era is a 4K reboot of the city-builder video game Pharaoh that was released in 1999. The 2023 version includes over 50 missions and hundreds of hours of gameplay, a major graphics upgrade, and a modernized UI.

If you’re a strategy gamer who enjoys the city-building subgenre and is a fan of Ancient Egypt, then there is no more suitable title than Pharaoh: A New Era. You’ll focus on creating a sustainable economy, constructing monuments, and facing increasingly difficult challenges of Egyptian life. 

Progression of the game mirrors the historical progression of Ancient Egypt, with more technologically advanced buildings available the longer you play. City-builder historical buffs will be right at home with this title.

3. Crusader Kings III

• Genre: Grand strategy, RPG, historical simulation
• Release date: September 1, 2020
• Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5
• Age rating: Mature (M)
• Gameplay features: Dynasty management, role-playing, diplomacy, intrigue, historical simulation
• Price: $49.99
• Developer: Paradox Interactive
• Best for: Role-playing fans, history buffs, grand strategy enthusiasts

The grand scale of Crusader Kings III demonstrates the versatility of war strategy games as you travel back to the Middle Ages to take command of your own dynasty and explore a medieval world consisting of knights, peasants, spies, and jesters.
You can choose between ruling by fear or becoming a leader beloved by your subjects. Alongside the large-scale battles typical of military strategy games, you will need to apply cunning to emerge victorious. Fans of games that require grinding will likely prefer this title over the other strategy games listed, as the grind factor is high.

Six expansions are available on PC, including the most recent Tours and Tournaments, which features the titular gameplay elements as well as royal weddings, a risk vs. reward travel system, knight accolades, and more.

Much of Crusader Kings III’s success can be attributed to its refinement of the mechanics of its predecessor and its ability to make the strategy genre more accessible to newcomers. The developer, Paradox Interactive, frequently engages with the fanbase through forums, social media, and regular updates, which keeps the community positive and committed to the game even years later. If you prefer to stick to more popular strategy games with dedicated communities, a title like Crusader Kings III will certainly fit that bill.

4. Total War: Three Kingdoms

• Genre: RTS, turn-based, grand strategy
• Release date: May 23, 2019
• Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
• Age rating: Teen (T)
• Gameplay features: Historical warfare, turn-based strategy, real-time battles, character-driven campaigns, diplomacy
• Price: $59.99
• Developer: Creative Assembly
• Best for: History enthusiasts, strategy aficionados, epic battle fans

Military strategy games take us on historical adventures to eras we may have been unaware of. Total War: Three Kingdoms does exactly that while combining the best of turn-based strategy games and real-time strategy games.

The 12th game in the Total War game franchise, Total War: Three Kingdoms is set in China in the period of 220-280. Your mission is to crush your enemies and unite China under your rule. Using turn-based strategy in real time, you will battle and ally with other factions, engaging in as much political maneuvering as you do combat.

With two modes to choose between (Romance and Records), you are given much more control over the way you play — either play with heroes possessing unique abilities or opt for a more realistic historical experience.

DLCs include Yellow Turban Rebellion with three additional playable factions, Mandate of Heaven which adds a prequel campaign, and Fates Divided with a campaign in the Battle of Guandu.

Total War: Three Kingdoms is one of the best grand strategy games to play — a perfect blend of historical authenticity, strategic gameplay, and compelling character-driven stories.

5. StarCraft II

• Genre: RTS
• Release date: July 27, 2010
• Platforms: Windows, macOS
• Age rating: Teen (T)
• Gameplay features: Multiplayer battles, campaign mode, co-op missions, custom maps, eSports
• Price: $39.99 for the base game, with expansions sold separately
• Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
• Best for: Fans of sci-fi, competitive strategy gamers, and eSports enthusiasts

StarCraft is a veteran of the RTS genre, and StarCraft II builds upon the original iteration with greater mechanics and better graphics. However, with a 2010 release, you might find it a little dated compared to other entries on the list. In StarCraft II, you’ll control both units and structures that you can move around the map as you battle it out in either 1v1 or 4v4 games.

Unlike other strategy games, StarCraft II allows all players to move their pieces at the same time. This lack of turn-based setup means you’ll need quick reactions and razor-sharp monitoring of the map at large in order to prevent your forces from being disadvantaged.

Fans of sci-fi and space opera who have some experience playing strategy games will feel most at home with StarCraft II, one of the best strategy RPGs ever released. If you’re a beginner in strategy games, don’t fret — you’ll be able to find a lot of resources for the game online thanks to its long history.

6. Civilization VI

• Genre: 4X
• Release date: October 21, 2016
• Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, iOS, Android
• Age rating: Everyone 10+ (E 10+)
• Gameplay features: City building, diplomacy, technological advancements, multiplayer, expansive maps
• Price: $59.99
• Developer: Firaxis Games
• Best for: Gamers who enjoy history, 4X gameplay, new fans of strategy

Even as Civilization VII draws closer to release, Civilization VI is still going strong as one of the top turn-based strategy games, with its wonderfully engaging gameplay proving to be as addictive as ever. Take an empire from the dawn of civilization to the age of information and try to create the strongest country in the world.

The variety in playable characters, civilizations, and game settings means that no two games are the same. Trailblaze your way as Genghis Khan and dominate the world with your troops, or project technological superiority as Korea — the possibilities are endless.

Since its release, Civilization VI has been bolstered with several expansions and DLCs. The most recent Leader Pass DLC, Rulers of England, added Queen Elizabeth I as a playable character, along with new personas for Queen Victoria and Harold Hardrada of Norway.

7. XCOM 2

• Genre: Turn-based tactical strategy
• Release date: February 5, 2016
• Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, iOS, Android
• Age rating: Teen (T)
• Gameplay features: Tactical combat, base management, procedural maps, soldier customization, alien invasion story
• Price: $59.99
• Developer: Firaxis Games
• Best for: Gamers who enjoy difficulty, tactics, character customization, permadeath

The aliens have taken Earth, and XCOM 2 has taken a spot on our list as one of the best strategy games in 2024. After an alien invasion has subjugated humanity, it is up to you to take back control of XCOM and lead the resistance against them.

XCOM 2 benefits from extremely varied mission scenarios paired with immensely satisfying and challenging tactical gameplay. The feeling of glee from dispatching an alien pack in one turn can quickly turn into heartbreak as your best soldier gets critically hit in the next.

And if the base game wasn’t enough, the excellent War of the Chosen expansion pack adds hero characters, enemies, and the Chosen — three elite aliens who have one mission above all: destroy XCOM for good. If that still isn’t enough to satiate your XCOM obsession, it also has a popular board game counterpart.

8. Age of Empires IV

• Genre: RTS
• Release date: October 28, 2021
• Platforms: Windows, Xbox Series X/S
• Age rating: Teen (T)
• Gameplay features: Historical campaigns, multiplayer mode, resource management, empire building
• Price: $59.99
• Developer: Relic Entertainment
• Best for: History enthusiasts, strategy game fans, casual and competitive players

The first mainline new release since 2005, Age of Empires IV builds upon the formula of the classic Age of Empires II and modernizes it for 2024. With a gameplay loop centered around exploring, resource-building, economy management, and war,  you’ll lose days to this vibrant and varied RTS game. While it doesn’t force a story on you, the stories it allows you to create will build a narrative rivaling even the best RPG games out there.

What's most impressive about Age of Empires IV is the distinction it builds between various campaigns and factions, ensuring you never play the same game twice. Not only are there varied campaigns, but there are also scenarios and challenges you can customize in order to challenge yourself.

Topping off this solid war-based RTS is an educational element on history that never feels invasive or documentary-esque. For history buff strategy gamers, Age of Empires IV is a must!

9. Company of Heroes 2

• Genre: RTS
• Release date: June 25, 2013
• Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
• Age rating: Mature 17+ (M)
• Gameplay features: Tactical warfare, dynamic weather system, base building, multiplayer, authentic World War II settings
• Price: $19.99
• Developer: Relic Entertainment
• Best for: Gamers who enjoy WW2 history, RTS mechanics, explosions

For more of a military strategy game, Company of Heroes 2 has aged particularly well and is a perfect choice for gamers looking to relive the brutal campaigns of World War II's Eastern Front while playing a ruthless yet oddly charming squad-based RTS.

Company of Heroes 2 has excellent multiplayer gameplay, and downloadable maps allow for near-infinite replayability. Choose a commander midway through a match to give yourself access to devastating actions and bonus troops to turn the tide of the conflict.

The game also has several notable DLC packs. Ardennes Assault adds a new campaign from the perspective of the Western Front, while other expansions build on the already fantastic multiplayer experience with playable American and British factions. Military buffs looking for the top real-time strategy games will find themselves at home with this endearing title.

10. Stellaris

• Genre: Grand strategy, 4X
• Release date: May 9, 2016
• Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Age rating: Everyone 10+ (E 10+)
• Gameplay features: Galaxy exploration, empire building, diplomacy, space warfare, procedural generation
• Price: $34.99
• Developer: Paradox Development Studio
• Best for: Gamers who enjoy space, sci-fi, exploration, roleplay

If you’re looking for more of a futuristic setting for your strategy game, Stellaris is the premier choice as you take your empire from its humble beginnings to the distant stars within the galaxy.

The variety of customization options for your empire, along with the plethora of storytelling opportunities and challenging gameplay decisions, define Stellaris as the space strategy juggernaut it is today.

Refreshed with free content updates and DLC since 2016, with the most recent (The Machine Age) expanding synthetic empires and implementing scientific ascendancy, the feature-rich Stellaris is a must-have for sci-fi fanatics and strategy gamers alike.

11. Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos

• Genre: RTS
• Release date: July 3, 2002
• Platforms: Windows, macOS
• Age rating: Teen (T)
• Gameplay features: Hero units, campaign mode, multiplayer, custom maps, base building
• Price: $29.99
• Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
• Best for: Fantasy fans, strategy enthusiasts, players who enjoy RPG elements

One of the most well-received entries in the Warcraft universe, Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos still holds up as a comprehensive RTS with a solid fantasy story despite being over 20 years old.

With seven full-length campaigns, multiple distinct races that bring their own playstyle, and rich lore to delve into, you can easily find yourself completely immersed in the game for months at a time. Warcraft III’s hero system, where characters can learn abilities through experience that awards them powerful moves, results in a compelling mechanic. You have to focus not only on the army at large that you control but also individual units that can turn the tide of your battles.

But Warcraft III doesn’t stop at gameplay mechanics; there's also immersive storytelling through cutscenes. These cutscenes and in-game dialogue keep you hooked on the story and add weight to the gameplay. Warcraft III is a classic for any RTS fan who also likes fantasy, but you might want to pick up the remastered version (Warcraft III: Reforged) to benefit from better graphics. Note that the original version is no longer supported by Blizzard.

The Best Strategy Games at a Glance

Pressed for time and want a quick overview of the best strategy games available that suit you best? Here's a quick rundown of our top strategy games and the platforms they run on:

How To Choose the Best Strategy Game

Since you won't know which is your favorite strategy game until you try it, here are a few aspects to consider before you buy:

• Character development: If you find yourself putting emphasis on the characters you control and interact with in games, you’ll appreciate the strategy titles who develop characters. Luckily, plenty of strategy games covered throughout do this!
• Gameplay mechanics: How immersed you are in a game can largely depend on how much you’re enjoying the mechanics. Titles like XCOM 2, Age of Empires IV, and others boast impressive gameplay mechanics that keep you on your toes.
• Time investment: Do you want a game you can sink your teeth into? Worlds you can get lost into? While all strategy games are solid for this, titles like Stellaris, Civilization VI, and Crusader Kings III are sure to keep you hooked for weeks on end.
• Cross-platform: Got friends you want to play with that have a different platform than you? Strategy games that allow for cross-platform gameplay will be an important factor in your choice.
• Replayability: With so many games releasing as shorter experiences, strategy games are valuable in their replayability. Consider how much of the overall experience your strategy game of choice excites you when weighing up its replayability.
• Story quality: Maybe you want to immerse yourself in a compelling narrative that makes you feel a part of the tale? Titles like XCOM 2 are great at keeping a linear story as the main focus, even if there’s a lot of variance in the details.

Crusader Kings III and XCOM 2 are great at character development, for instance, but if you value replayability more, you’d be better served with Civilisation VI or Stellaris. Similarly, if story quality is most important, then Warcraft III may be your pick over something like Total War: Warhammer III.

Ultimately, the strategy game that meets your platform requirements and taste and is closest to the gaming element you’re specifically searching for is going to be your best option. 

Strategy Games FAQ

Still have questions about strategy games before you make your choice? Here are the most commonly asked questions on the topic to help you choose your next obsession. 

Are Strategy Games Good for Your Brain?

Yes. Strategy games encourage you to strategize your next move and consider both the long- and short-term consequences of your actions. This encourages forward-thinking, retention, and tactical thinking.

What Are RTS, TBS, and 4X?

Real-time strategy (RTS) is a genre of games that happen in real time. They encourage fast-paced reactions and multitasking. Turn-based strategy (TBS) games offer a slower-paced experience where either you or your opponent(s) make their move alone. 4X refers to Exploration, Expansion, Exploitation, and Extermination. These games encourage complex strategic planning and empire management.

How Much Replayability Do Strategy Games Have?

Individual strategy games differ in how much replayability they offer, but they all have some level of replayability. Titles like Age of Empires IV offer multiple full-length campaigns as well as customizable scenarios, whereas Civilization VI offers procedural generation to create unique maps and scenarios.

In addition to native replayability mechanics, most strategy games have dedicated PC modding communities to help keep them fresher.

How Important Are DLCs to Strategy Games?

They can be quite important. DLCs in strategy games add longevity by introducing new factions, campaigns, or scenarios. They also make balance fixes if necessary. DLCs are an integral part of the lifespan in strategy games and help encourage players to return.