The Best Strategy Games: Released & Upcoming PC/Console(2025)

Strategy games are the ultimate test of your brain’s power, where your every decision make impacts your gameplay as well as the results and consequences of those decisions.

These games give you complete freedom and also give gamers a lot of options to manage the gameplay in their own way using their critical thinking. Whether you’re building empires, commanding armies, or outsmarting rivals, plan deep tactics, all of these games allows you to use your critical thinking, decision making and the power of your mind to a great extent to get the best results.

In 2025, we have a lot of options of Strategy games on the table to choose from, From fresh releases like Civilization VII, Age of Darkness: Final Stand, Battlefall: State of Conflict, Tropico 6 etc to timeless classics like Age of Empires IV, Crusader Kings III, StarCraft II & more.

Thanks to continual advancements of technology & AI, strategy games are more detailed, immersive, and challenging than ever before. Cloud saves, cross-platform multiplayer, and deep customization keep players coming back for more.

Whether you’re on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, or PC, here’s our curated list of the top strategy games to master. With cross-platform play, deeper narratives, and innovative gameplay, these games cater to both newcomers and seasoned tacticians

Get ready to Plan, Conquer, and Dominate with these must-play titles.

Masterpieces Released and Upcoming: The Full 2025 Strategy Games Lineup

Age of Darkness: Final Stand

Developer: PlaySide Studios
Platforms: PC (Steam)
Release Date: January 15, 2025 (Full Release, Early Access began October 7, 2021)
Genre: Real-Time Strategy (RTS), Survival, Tower Defense

Age of Darkness: Final Stand is a gripping dark fantasy RTS where you build and defend humanity’s last stronghold against endless waves of Nightmares. Set in a world shrouded by a deadly fog called The Veil, you gather resources and expand by day, then brace for brutal enemy hordes at night. The game blends strategy, survival, and roguelite elements, making every playthrough intense and unique.

What Makes It Great!

Dynamic Gameplay
Epic Nightfall Battles
Dark Fog Mechanic
Hero Units with Special Abilities

Anno 117: Pax Romana

Developer: Ubisoft Mainz
Platforms: PC (Steam, Ubisoft Connect, Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Release Date: November 13, 2025
Genre: City-Building, Real-Time Strategy (RTS), Economic Simulation

Anno 117: Pax Romana takes the beloved Anno city-building series into the heart of the Roman Empire. Set during the height of Rome’s power, you’ll manage provinces, expand your influence, and maintain peace across a vast empire. It’s a deep strategy experience focused on economic growth, diplomacy, and cultural development rather than war.

What Makes It Great!

Dual Provinces Gameplay
Focus on Peace & Prosperity
Stunning Visual Detail
Flexible Gameplay

Slay the Spire 2

Developer: Mega Crit
Platforms: PC, macOS, Linux (Steam Early Access, with planned releases for PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, iOS, and Android post-Early Access)
Release Date: 2025 (Early Access, exact date TBD; full release expected 2026–2027)
Genre: Roguelike Deck-Builder, Card Battler, Turn-Based Strategy

Slay the Spire 2 is the sequel to the iconic roguelike deck-builder, set 1,000 years after the original. You’ll climb a revamped Spire, battling bizarre creatures with a unique deck you craft along the way. New and returning characters, like the Necrobinder and Ironclad, bring fresh strategies, while enhanced visuals and new mechanics keep every run thrilling. It’s a challenging, addictive adventure that builds on the original’s brilliance.

What Makes It Great!

Stunning Visuals
Community-Driven
All-New Characters & Cards
Multiplatform Potential

Manor Lords

Developer: Slavic Magic
Platforms: PC (Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, PC Game Pass), Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S (console release TBD)
Release Date: April 26, 2024 (Early Access)
Genre: City-Builder, Real-Time Strategy (RTS), Colony Simulation

Manor Lords puts you in the boots of a medieval lord, tasked with growing a humble village into a thriving city. You’ll manage resources, build intricate production chains, and lead your people through seasons and battles. Inspired by 14th-century Franconia, the game emphasizes historical accuracy, with organic city layouts and tactical combat. It’s a deep, immersive strategy experience that feels alive and challenging.

What Makes It Great!

Organic City-Building
Cinematic Real-Time Battles
Deep Economic Simulation
Historical Immersion

Europa Universalis V

Developer: Paradox Tinto
Platforms: PC (Steam)
Release Date: TBD (Estimated 2026–2027, potential Early Access in 2025)
Genre: Grand Strategy, Historical Simulation

Europa Universalis V invites you to shape the fate of a nation from 1337 to the Age of Revolution. Command hundreds of countries, balancing diplomacy, trade, and warfare in a richly detailed world. New systems like population management and automation make every choice feel weighty. It’s a deep, complex strategy game that challenges you to rewrite history.

What Makes It Great!

More Immersive Diplomacy Systems
Next-Gen Visual Improvements
Unmatched Depth
Streamlined UI & Tutorials

Endless Legend 2

Developer: Amplitude Studios
Platforms: PC (Steam, Early Access)
Release Date: September 22, 2025 (Early Access)
Genre: 4X, Turn-Based Strategy, Fantasy

Endless Legend 2 transports you to Saiadha, a dynamic ocean world on the brink of collapse. As a leader of unique factions, you build empires, forge alliances, or wage war amidst shifting seasons and dramatic tidefalls that reshape the map. With powerful heroes and deep storytelling, you’ll uncover ancient secrets while navigating a hex-based world. It’s an engaging, strategic journey that evolves with every choice.

What Makes It Great!

Unique Factions
Narrative Depth
Refined Mechanics
Enhanced Tactical Combat

Battlefall: State of Conflict

Developer: Kyoto Video Game Concern
Platforms: PC (Steam, Epic Games Store), Windows Store Gamepass
Release Date: March 11, 2025 (Early Access)
Genre: Real-Time Strategy (RTS), Action, Base-Building

Battlefall: State of Conflict is a fast-paced RTS set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland where three factions—Earth Forces Network, Scrappers, and SEL—battle for dominance. You build bases, gather resources, and command armies with no population limits, allowing creative freedom in strategy. The game offers intense single-player campaigns, co-op missions, and online skirmishes, all enhanced by a unique upgrade system. It’s a gritty, chaotic tribute to classic RTS games like Command & Conquer.

What Makes It Great!

Diverse Gameplay Modes
Retro Vibes, Modern Twist
Community-Driven Development
Limitless Customization

Anvil Empires

Developer: Siege Camp
Platforms: PC (Steam, Early Access)
Release Date: TBD (Pre-Alpha, playtests ongoing; potential Early Access 2025)
Genre: Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO), Strategy, Sandbox, Medieval War

Anvil Empires is a massively multiplayer medieval strategy game where thousands of players collaborate and compete across a shared, persistent world. You’ll help grow player-run settlements into fortified towns, manage logistics and supply lines, and engage in massive real-time sieges alongside up to 1,000 players. The world never resets until win conditions are met, so every victory—and defeat—feels meaningful and enduring.

What Makes It Great!

Deep Logistics and Settlement Simulation
Player-Driven Siege Warfare
Epic Scale Battles
Dynamic World

Age of Wonders 4

Developer: Triumph Studios
Platforms: PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Release Date: May 2, 2023
Genre: 4X, Turn-Based Strategy, Fantasy, Tactical

Age of Wonders 4 lets you craft and rule a magical empire of your own making, blending empire-building, diplomacy, and tactical battles. From customizing races with unique traits to evolving your people via powerful Tomes of Magic, each choice matters. The game unfolds across diverse fantasy realms, filled with events and strategic challenges that shape your story as you explore and conquer. Battles are turn-based, deeply strategic, and packed with thematic flair—from morale to terrain effects, every fight feels alive.

What Makes It Great!

Engaging Combat
Beautiful & Immersive Fantasy World
Limitless Customization at Every Level
Tactical Depth Meets 4X Replayability

Total War: Warhammer III

Developer: Creative Assembly
Platforms: PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store), macOS, Linux, Xbox Game Pass (PC, until September 2023)
Release Date: February 17, 2022
Genre: Turn-Based Strategy, Real-Time Tactics, Fantasy

Total War: Warhammer III is the epic finale of the Total War: Warhammer trilogy, set in the dark, fantastical world of Warhammer Fantasy. You lead one of seven unique factions, like the icy Kislev, mystical Grand Cathay, or chaotic Daemons of Chaos, in a massive campaign to conquer the Realm of Chaos. Combining turn-based empire management with real-time battles, it’s a thrilling mix of strategy and spectacle. The Immortal Empires mode unites all three games’ maps for an unmatched sandbox experience.

What Makes It Great!

Rich Narrative
Epic Realm-of-Chaos Campaign Mode
Immortal Empires & Multiplayer Upgrades
Massive New Factions & Realms

Crusader Kings III

Developer: Paradox Interactive
Platforms: PC (Steam, Microsoft Store, Xbox Game Pass), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Release Date: September 1, 2020
Genre: Grand Strategy, Role-Playing, Historical Simulation

Crusader Kings III is a grand strategy game where you don’t just rule a kingdom—you shape a dynasty. Set during the Middle Ages, you lead a noble house through generations, using diplomacy, war, marriage, and intrigue to expand your legacy. Every character in your realm has traits, ambitions, and secrets, making every playthrough a unique story of power, betrayal, and survival.

What Makes It Great!

Dynasty & Legacy System
Dynamic Storytelling
Massive Modding & Community Support
Character-Driven Drama

Sid Meier’s Civilization VII

Developer: Firaxis Games
Platforms: PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Meta Quest 3/3S (VR/AR)
Release Date: February 11, 2025 (Nintendo Switch 2: June 5, 2025; VR/AR: April 9, 2025)
Genre: 4X, Turn-Based Strategy, Historical Simulation

Sid Meier’s Civilization VII lets you build an empire across three distinct Ages—Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern—choosing a new civilization each time while keeping your chosen leader. You’ll expand cities, research technologies, and pursue victory through military might, science, culture, or diplomacy. With a revamped Ages system and streamlined mechanics, it’s a fresh yet familiar journey to forge a legacy. The game’s vibrant world and deep strategy make every turn addictive.

What Makes It Great!

Streamlined Gameplay
Immersive Presentation
Stunning Visuals & Modern UI Enhancements
Leader‑Civilization Flexibility

StarCraft II

Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Platforms: PC (Battle.net), macOS
Release Date: July 27, 2010 (Wings of Liberty); Heart of the Swarm (March 12, 2013); Legacy of the Void (November 10, 2015)
Genre: Real-Time Strategy (RTS), Science Fiction

StarCraft II is a legendary sci-fi RTS where you command one of three factions—Terrans, Zerg, or Protoss—in a gripping saga of interstellar war. Build bases, manage resources, and lead armies in fast-paced battles across diverse campaigns or competitive multiplayer. With a deep story following heroes like Jim Raynor and Sarah Kerrigan, it’s a thrilling mix of strategy and narrative. The game’s esports scene and custom maps keep it vibrant years later.

What Makes It Great!

Engaging & Epic Campaigns
Legendary Esports Legacy
Three Distinct Factions
Stunning Production

Into the Breach

Developer: Subset Games
Platforms: PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, Microsoft Store), macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android (Netflix subscription required for mobile)
Release Date: February 27, 2018 (PC); August 28, 2018 (macOS, Switch); April 2020 (Linux); July 19, 2022 (iOS, Android)
Genre: Turn-Based Strategy, Roguelite, Tactical, Sci-Fi

Into the Breach is a compact but deeply strategic sci-fi tactics game where you command a squad of giant mechs to protect humanity by defending power grids and civilian structures. Each mission takes place on a small 8×8 grid where enemy attacks are telegraphed ahead of time, making positioning and planning vital. When you fail, you send fighters back in time—a clever roguelike twist that makes every defeat feel meaningful.

What Makes It Great!

Puzzle-Like Tactics
Time-Travel Twist
High Replayability Through Variety
Elegant, Filtered Design

Gilded Destiny

Developer: Aquila Interactive
Platforms: PC (Steam, Early Access)
Release Date: 2025 (Early Access, exact date TBD)
Genre: Grand Strategy, Historical Simulation, Real-Time Strategy (Pausable)

Gilded Destiny is a grand strategy game set during the Industrial Revolution, where you lead a nation from an agrarian society to an industrial powerhouse. You’ll manage diplomacy, trade, and warfare on a massive 3D globe with over a million hexes, reflecting real-world terrain and biomes. From building railways to commanding armies, your choices shape a dynamic world of societal change. It’s a deep, immersive experience that blends history with strategic freedom.

What Makes It Great!

A Massive, Real‑Scale 3D Globe
Historical Immersion
Dynamic Societal & Policy Simulation
Powerful Modding & World Builder Support

Nova Roma

Developer: Lion Shield
Platforms: PC (Steam, Epic Games Store)
Release Date: 2025 (Early Access, exact date TBD)
Genre: City-Builder, Strategy, Simulation, Real-Time with Pause

Nova Roma is a city-building strategy game set in a decaying Roman Empire, where you lead a group of citizens to create a thriving new settlement. Starting from a small village, you’ll construct homes, manage intricate supply chains, and appease the gods with grand temples to ensure prosperity. The game’s dynamic water and weather systems challenge you to adapt to floods and shifting soil fertility, making every decision critical. It’s a detailed, engaging sim that captures the essence of Roman life with a modern twist.

What Makes It Great!

Innovative Water Mechanics
Mixed‑Use Buildings Inspired by History
Deep Supply Chains & Citizen Needs
Divine Influence & Political Strategy

Frostpunk 2

Developer: 11 Bit Studios
Platforms: PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, Microsoft Store, PC Game Pass), macOS, PlayStation 5 (2025), Xbox Series X|S (2025)
Release Date: September 20, 2024 (PC, macOS); console release Summer 2025
Genre: City-Builder, Survival, Strategy, Post-Apocalyptic

Set 30 years after the original Frostpunk, Frostpunk 2 places you in charge of New London amid another relentless ice age. This time rebuilding isn’t just about surviving the cold—it’s about managing people. You’ll design entire districts, rally support across political factions, and steer technological and societal change. The game introduces a new council system where laws must be voted on, and sandbox mode (“Utopia Builder”) expands replay options.

What Makes It Great!

Stunning Visuals
Scale and Expansion
Factions & Political Depth
Morally Complex Choices

Tropico 6

Developer: Limbic Entertainment
Platforms: PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, macOS, Linux
Release Date: March 29, 2019 (PC, macOS, Linux); September 27, 2019 (PS4, Xbox One); November 6, 2020 (Switch); March 31, 2022 (PS5, Xbox Series X|S)
Genre: City-Builder, Management Simulation, Strategy

Tropico 6 puts you back in the sandals of El Presidente, ruling over your own banana republic across four distinct eras—from colonial times to the modern day. For the first time in the series, you manage an entire archipelago instead of a single island: build bridges, tunnels, and regional transport networks while balancing citizen demands, diplomacy, and economic whims. Expect humorous satire embedded in missions, spies and pirate raids, and absurd world-wonder thefts—all wrapped in colorful visuals and sharp political commentary.

What Makes It Great!

Era-Spanning Gameplay
Deep Customization
Ran Raids for World Wonders
Archipelago Gameplay & Infrastructure

Cities: Skylines II

Developer: Colossal Order Ltd.
Platforms: PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store, PC Game Pass), macOS, PlayStation 5 (TBD), Xbox Series X|S (TBD)
Release Date: October 24, 2023 (PC, macOS); console release delayed indefinitely from October 2024
Genre: City-Builder, Simulation, Strategy

Cities: Skylines II is a next-generation city-building simulator where you create and manage a sprawling metropolis from scratch. With a massive 441-tile map, you design roads, zones, and services like power and water to grow your city while balancing citizen needs and a dynamic economy. Enhanced by realistic weather, seasons, and citizen lifepaths, every choice shapes your city’s growth and challenges. Despite its depth, the game has faced criticism for performance issues, but its ambitious scope keeps builders hooked.

What Makes It Great!

Deep Simulation
Dynamic Environment
Massive Expandable Map & Rich Simulation
Flexible Playstyles: Build or Dig In

Stellaris

Developer: Paradox Development Studio
Platforms: PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store, GOG), macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Release Date: May 9, 2016 (PC, macOS, Linux); February 26, 2019 (Console Edition)
Genre: 4X, Grand Strategy, Real-Time Strategy, Sci-Fi

Stellaris is a sprawling sci-fi grand strategy game where you lead a civilization into the stars, starting in 2200 after discovering faster-than-light travel. Explore a procedurally generated galaxy, colonize planets, and engage with diverse alien races through diplomacy, trade, or war. With deep customization, you shape your empire’s ethics, species, and tech, facing dynamic events like galactic crises or ancient mysteries. It’s an immersive, endlessly replayable space opera that blends exploration with complex empire management.

What Makes It Great!

Infinite Customization
Dynamic Galaxy
Longevity Through DLC & Community Mods
Immersive Emergent Storytelling

Dune: Spice Wars

Developer: Shiro Games
Platforms: PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store, PC Game Pass), Xbox Series X|S
Release Date: April 26, 2022 (Early Access); September 14, 2023 (Full Release); November 28, 2023 (Xbox)
Genre: 4X, Real-Time Strategy (RTS), Sci-Fi

Dune: Spice Wars drops you into the harsh desert world of Arrakis, where spice—the galaxy’s most valuable commodity—is power. You choose a faction (like the Atreides, Harkonnen, or Fremen), then expand your dominion through resource management, political maneuvering in the Landsraad, espionage, and military conquest. While conquest mode offers structured objectives, the core gameplay thrives on emergent interaction, sandworms lurking beneath dunes, and rivalries shaped by both economy and intrigue.

What Makes It Great!

Rich Dune Atmosphere
Hybrid Gameplay
Deep Political and Economic Strategy
Dynamic RTS with 4X Scope

Total War: Three Kingdoms

Developer: Creative Assembly
Platforms: PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store, PC Game Pass), macOS, Linux, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Release Date: May 23, 2019
Genre: Turn-Based Strategy, Real-Time Tactics, Historical

Total War: Three Kingdoms is a sweeping strategy game set in ancient China during the chaotic Three Kingdoms period (190–280 CE). You lead one of 12 legendary warlords, like Cao Cao or Liu Bei, to unify a fractured empire through diplomacy, espionage, and epic battles. The game blends turn-based empire management with real-time battles, offering two modes: Romance, where heroes wield superhuman powers, and Records, a more historical take. It’s a gripping mix of character-driven drama and tactical depth, with every decision shaping your dynasty’s fate.

What Makes It Great!

Tense Campaigns
Dual Campaign Modes: Romance & Records
Stunning Visual & Strategic Depth
Advanced Diplomacy & Campaign Flow

Tips for Mastering Strategy Games in 2025

Focus on Learning, Not Always Winning: Every loss teaches new tactics. Many games have deep tutorials—don’t rush!
Experiment With Different Styles: Some games blend genres—try city-builders, 4X, and real-time tactics to find your favorite.
Join Strategy Game Communities: Playing online, reading tips, or watching streams gives you inspiration and connections.
Keep Up with Updates: Modern strategy games get new content often. Check for patches and expansions for fresh features