Top 10 Best Strategy Games PC Gamers Must Play (2024)

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In an era where the digital landscape constantly evolves, strategy games remain a cornerstone of PC gaming, offering a blend of critical thinking, tactical planning, and empire building that captivates gamers worldwide. Among these, a select few stand out as the best strategy games PC enthusiasts must explore to truly appreciate the depth and diversity the genre has to offer. From commanding vast armies to managing intricate civilizations, these games challenge the intellect and provoke strategic mastery in ways few other genres can match, making them a testament to the enduring appeal of strategy-based gameplay.

This article presents a comprehensive list of the best strategy games PC gamers should not miss, including legendary titles such as "Total War: Warhammer 3," "Civilization 6," and "Age of Empires 4," as well as other gems like "StarCraft 2" and "Crusader Kings 3." Each game chosen epitomizes the pinnacle of strategic depth, offering unique experiences ranging from historical empire building, interstellar exploration in "Stellaris," to the riveting tactical combat of "XCOM 2" and "Company of Heroes 2." Whether you're a veteran strategist looking for your next challenge or new to the genre's charms, this list aims to guide you through the rich tapestry of the best strategy games PC has to offer, ensuring hours of engaging gameplay.

Total War: Warhammer 3

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"Total War: Warhammer III," developed by Creative Assembly and published by Sega, is a seminal entry in the "Total War" series, and notably the third set within Games Workshop's "Warhammer Fantasy" universe. Following its predecessors from 2016 and 2017, this game was officially announced on February 3, 2021, and launched on February 17, 2022

Release Date and Developer

"Total War: Warhammer III" was released across multiple platforms with specific dates for each; it debuted on PC on February 17, 2022, followed by releases on Mac and Linux on May 5, 2022, and June 16, 2022, respectively 44. The game is accessible on various online storefronts including Steam, Epic Games Store, and Windows Store, requiring an account on one of these platforms to play. It is also available on Xbox Game Pass for PC.

Unique Features

The game introduces several unique races and factions, including the human civilizations of Grand Cathay, inspired by Imperial China, and Kislev, mirroring Medieval Russia. Additionally, it features five Chaos factions each dedicated to one of the Chaos Gods—Khorne, Tzeentch, Nurgle, Slaanesh—and the Daemons of Chaos, led by a customizable Daemon Prince

The Ogre Kingdoms were also added as a special feature for early adopters of the game. The main campaign stretches from the enigmatic Lands of the East to the daemon-infested Realms of Chaos, the source of all magic in the Warhammer Fantasy setting.

Why It's Great

"Total War: Warhammer III" is acclaimed for its intricate and expansive campaign map, described as twice the size of the Eye of the Vortex map from "Total War: Warhammer II." This vast playground offers a dynamic strategy sandbox, ensuring no two campaigns are the same. Players can lead armies across a world of breathtaking scale and spectacle, engaging in epic real-time battles with a diverse array of units and seven unique races at their command

The game's narrative depth is enhanced by the ability to play as 10 Legendary Lords, including a choice to align with the Chaos Gods, defend Kislev, or lead the transformative dragons of Grand Cathay

"Total War: Warhammer III" stands out not only for its strategic depth but also for its innovative approach to the Total War formula, inviting players to a realm where strategy and fantasy converge spectacularly.

Crusader Kings 3

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Release Date and Developer

"Crusader Kings III," a grand strategy role-playing game set in the Middle Ages, was developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. It is the sequel to "Crusader Kings" (2004) and "Crusader Kings II" (2012). The game was initially released on PC on September 1, 2020, and later on Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 on March 29, 2022, in most regions.

Unique Features

"Crusader Kings III" enhances the dynasty simulation of its predecessors, allowing players to start as a character in either 867 or 1066 and continue playing as their heirs upon death or deposition. The game introduces full-body, 3D-rendered character models, which can be customized in the Barbershop menu. Players manage a dynasty over centuries, with the game concluding in 1453. Notably, the game features a genetics system allowing characters to pass traits to descendants and a complex system of government types, including feudal, tribal, and clan, with republics and theocracies present but unplayable.

Why It's Great

"Crusader Kings III" is celebrated for its intricate map, approximately four times more detailed than that of "Crusader Kings II," covering areas from Europe to Tibet and from the Nordic lands to the Horn of Africa. The game's strategic depth is enriched by the ability to conduct holy wars, undergo pilgrimages, and even create custom heresies with chosen Tenets and Doctrines. The game's complex interaction of religion and culture allows leaders to achieve their goals through warfare, diplomacy, or subterfuge, making it a dynamic simulation of medieval politics and personal ambition.

Civilization 6

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Release Date and Developer

Sid Meier's Civilization VI was developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K, marking a significant continuation in the acclaimed Civilization series. Initially released for Windows and macOS in October 2016, the game saw subsequent releases on Linux in February 2017, iOS in December 2017, and expanded to the Nintendo Switch in November 2018, with PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions following in November 2019, and finally reaching Android users in 2020.

Unique Features

Civilization VI introduces a groundbreaking feature where cities expand physically across the map, making the geographical placement of cities more strategic than ever. This iteration of the game also features a dual technology tree, which splits into a tech tree for scientific advancements and a civics tree for cultural improvements, enhancing the game's depth and complexity. The introduction of districts, which must be strategically placed outside the city center, adds another layer of strategy as each district houses specific types of buildings and provides various bonuses depending on its surroundings.

Why It's Great

The game received widespread acclaim for its innovative gameplay elements and strategic depth. It was awarded Best Strategy Game at The Game Awards 2016 and Strategy/Simulation Game of the Year at the 20th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards. Critics and players alike praised the introduction of districts and the expanded city management options, which require more planning and strategic thinking compared to previous versions. The game's AI also received improvements, offering new challenges with computer-controlled opponents who have secret goals and randomized engagements.

StarCraft 2

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Release Date and Developer

StarCraft II, a military science fiction video game, was developed by Blizzard Entertainment as a sequel to the original StarCraft. Announced on May 19, 2007, at the Blizzard Worldwide Invitational in Seoul, South Korea, the game was released in three installments: Wings of Liberty in 2010, Heart of the Swarm in 2013, and Legacy of the Void in 2015.

Unique Features

StarCraft II is renowned for its deep strategic gameplay and balance across three distinct races: Protoss, Terran, and Zerg. Each installment introduced new units and campaign mechanics, enhancing the strategic options available to players. Notably, the game's multiplayer is free, including all Co-op Commanders up to level 5, fostering a strong competitive scene

Why It's Great

StarCraft II has been pivotal in shaping the RTS genre, celebrated for its intricate gameplay and as a staple in competitive gaming. The game's legacy includes influencing the esports scene and its role in the development of streaming platforms like Twitch. Its strategic depth, combined with a robust multiplayer community, ensures its place as one of the top strategy games on PC.

XCOM 2

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Release Date and Developer

XCOM 2, the sequel to the acclaimed XCOM: Enemy Unknown, was developed by Firaxis Games and released on February 5, 2016, for Windows PC, Macintosh, and Linux. The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions followed in September 2016.

Unique Features

XCOM 2 introduces several innovative features that enhance strategic gameplay. The game is set in 2035, with Earth under alien rule, providing a fresh narrative and thematic depth. Players command the Avenger, a converted alien supply craft, and engage in guerrilla tactics against the alien regime. The game offers enhanced customization options for soldiers, including extensive hairstyles, tattoos, and armor designs, which contribute to a richer player experience. Tactical gameplay is varied with environments that are affected by the world's state, adding complexity to each mission. Procedurally generated levels ensure no two missions are the same, offering a high replay value.

Why It's Great

XCOM 2 is critically acclaimed for its deep strategic layers and robust tactical gameplay. It received the "Best Strategy Game of 2016" awards from PC Gamer and IGN due to its compelling narrative and challenging missions that often include timers, pushing players to adopt aggressive strategies. The game's design allows for a variety of tactical approaches, facilitated by a new concealment system that lets players ambush enemy patrols, adding an element of surprise to combat. The diverse enemy types and the introduction of new soldier classes with unique abilities, like the Grenadier and Sharpshooter, provide players with multiple tactical options to explore.

Age of Empires 4

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Release Date and Developer

Age of Empires IV was developed by Relic Entertainment in collaboration with World's Edge and published by Xbox Game Studios. This marks a significant development as it is the first installment in the series not created by Ensemble Studios. The game launched on October 28, 2021, for Windows, and later expanded to Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S on August 22, 2023.

Unique Features

The game introduces several innovative features that distinguish it from its predecessors. Notably, Age of Empires IV includes four Ages similar to those in Age of Empires II — Dark Age, Feudal Age, Castle Age, and Imperial Age. However, advancing through these Ages does not occur at the Town Center but through constructing unique Landmarks. Each civilization, except the Abbasid Dynasty, can build six Landmarks (two in each of the first three Ages) to progress, adding strategic depth and variety to gameplay. Additionally, all civilizations have at least one unique unit that replaces a generic unit, providing unique advantages and altering standard play strategies.

Why It's Great

Age of Empires IV excels in delivering a rich, strategic experience combined with a historical narrative. The game's introduction of distinct civilization features and the requirement to build specific Landmarks for advancement injects a fresh strategic layer. Furthermore, the game's accessibility has been enhanced to cater to both new and veteran players. This approach not only lowers the entry barrier for newcomers but also retains depth and complexity for seasoned players, making it a well-rounded strategy game. The strategic diversity offered by unique units and the dynamic nature of Landmark-based progression ensures that each session provides a new and engaging experience.

Company of Heroes 2

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Release Date and Developer

"Company of Heroes 2" was developed by Relic Entertainment and published by Sega, marking its release on June 25, 2013, for Microsoft Windows, with subsequent availability on Linux and macOS platforms. This game serves as the sequel to the highly acclaimed 2006 game, "Company of Heroes," and continues to build on its predecessor's success by introducing advanced technological features and a more immersive World War II experience.

Unique Features

The game is distinguished by its dynamic weather system, innovative TrueSight line-of-sight technology, and a realistic damage model that significantly impacts gameplay 25. One of the standout features, the ColdTech weather-simulation system, plays a crucial role, as severe winter conditions can lead to frostbite casualties among troops if not managed carefully 27. Additionally, "Company of Heroes 2" utilizes the Essence 3.0 engine, which enhances graphical fidelity and introduces new gameplay mechanics like the Theatre of War, a series of single-player and cooperative missions that explore different facets of the Eastern Front campaign.

Why It's Great

Critics and players alike have lauded "Company of Heroes 2" for its deep strategic gameplay and attention to historical accuracy. The game has been recognized as one of the best real-time strategy games of its generation, thanks to its engaging mechanics and visually impressive design. The integration of weather effects and realistic visibility through the TrueSight system offers a unique tactical layer, where players must adapt their strategies based on environmental conditions and unit positioning.

Total War: Three Kingdoms

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Release Date and Developer

Total War: Three Kingdoms was developed by Creative Assembly and published by Sega. This entry, significant as the 12th mainline (13th overall) in the Total War series, was released for Windows on May 23, 2019. On the same day, versions for Linux and macOS were also made available by Feral Interactive.

Unique Features

Total War: Three Kingdoms offers a dual gameplay mode: Classic and Romance. Classic Mode adheres closely to historical authenticity, focusing on grand-scale conquest and empire management without the influence of single-entity hero units. In contrast, Romance Mode enhances the role of these heroes, granting them significant battlefield impact and special abilities like Xu Chu's "Earth Shattering Strike". The game introduces the "guanxi" system, emphasizing the importance of characters and their relationships, which significantly influences gameplay dynamics.

Why It's Great

The game's strategic depth is significantly enriched by its character-driven gameplay and the dynamic "guanxi" system, which models the intricate social hierarchies and relationships of the period. Critics have lauded Total War: Three Kingdoms for its blend of rich narrative and deep strategic gameplay, highlighting its ability to balance 4X strategy elements with engaging character-focused development. This approach has not only received positive reviews but has also set new standards for narrative integration in strategy games.

Stellaris

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Release Date and Developer

Stellaris was developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive, making its debut on Windows, macOS, and Linux on May 9, 2016. It later expanded to console platforms with Stellaris: Console Edition, released for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on February 26, 2019

Unique Features

Stellaris combines real-time strategy with elements of 4X and grand strategy genres, set in a Milky Way galaxy map comprised of two-dimensional star system tiles. Players manage a civilization capable of faster-than-light travel, focusing on exploring the galaxy, colonizing habitable planets, and expanding economic, military, or technological power. The game's design allows players to customize their empire with unique traits, origins, and government structures, significantly influencing gameplay dynamics. A notable feature is the Gestalt Consciousness ethic introduced in later DLCs, which allows players to operate as a unified hive mind or AI network, offering a distinct gameplay experience.

Why It's Great

The strategic depth of Stellaris is enhanced by its procedural generation of galaxies and the dynamic nature of its gameplay, where no two playthroughs are the same. Players can engage in complex diplomacy or warfare with a variety of alien species, each playthrough offering new challenges and opportunities. The game's ability to allow players to craft their unique stories through expansive customization and multiple strategic paths makes it a standout title in the strategy genre.

Conclusion

Throughout this exploration of paramount strategy games, we've delved into realms where strategic depth, historical richness, and futuristic battles converge to challenge minds and provoke strategic mastery. From the intricacies of empire management in "Civilization 6" and "Stellaris" to the tactical combat finesse required in "XCOM 2" and "Total War: Warhammer III," each title exemplifies the pinnacle of strategic gaming. These games not only offer a testament to the genre's evolution but also stand as beacons for players seeking intellectual challenge and deep, immersive experiences.

As we reflect on the journey through these dynamic virtual landscapes, it becomes clear that the world of strategy gaming is more vibrant and diverse than ever before. Whether through commanding grand armies, managing civilizations, or exploring the vast reaches of space, these games continuously shape our understanding of strategy and its application in digital environments. The significance of these titles extends beyond mere entertainment; they engage the mind, encourage critical thinking, and open new avenues for creativity within the boundless realms they present. Engaging with these games is not just a pastime but a journey into the depths of strategic thought and innovation.