Your search for the best strategy games for PC & Android ends here! This is the list that has all-time best games. There are the best 10 for PC and the other best 10 for android. Get ready to devise grand strategy from real-time to turn-based combat, even turn-based-tactical games. We are bringing you everything you’d need.
After all, the ‘strategy’ games category could be quite expansive. Some people even consider FPS with tactical combat as strategy games. But that’s not what this one is about. We decided to bring you actual strategy gaming that is spread across the map. Many of these are RTS games. Others focus on empire-building aspects. That’s what we have tried to capture in this list. With that in mind, let’s check out the list:
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Best Strategy Games for PC:
Here is a list of the best Strategy Games for PC.
1. Crusader Kings III
If you want to experience how it feels to be a king in the medieval world, this is the best game available. Crusader Kings 2 brought you all of that, but Crusader Kings III expands on it entirely on a different level. At this point, it isn’t just about leading a royal life as a King but taking different approaches. You can decide how you want to take over the nation.
It can be through straightforward conquers or clever religious tricks and politics. The game is one of the best strategies and a ‘royal life’ simulator simultaneously. After all, you would have to keep your affairs in order. If you ever had a fantasy about leading a royal life and wondered how you would be if you were a king, this is the game.
It is initially free to play, but there are many expansion packages and in-game purchases to diversify and enrich the game. If you want to take that route, it is very much open and available.
2. XCOM 2
XCOM 2 received a lot of critical acclaim after its initial release. Almost every PC player, and even a console player, wanted to get their hands on one of these. After all, it was one of the turn-based strategy games that combines the elements of RPG and your choices in a single story. That’s right! The more you choose, the more complex the story can become.
Just when you think you get the hang of the game, new alien threats await you with an entirely diverse and complex array of abilities. The challenge is never-ending, from choosing how to explore to the team you build. Overall, it is one of the best strategy games with tactical aspects. If you love military actions, you are bound to admire this one.
More importantly, it has several mods. However, ‘War Of The Chosen’ expansion truly enriches the game and its experience. Even developers knew it couldn’t get any better than that. It truly is a magnificent addition to the list.
3. Total War: Three Kingdoms
The Total War franchise has always delivered us some of the best strategy games of all time. This time, they brought us the Three Kingdoms era of the Chinese Dynasty. Given that Creative Assembly took a while to get us this game, it was certainly worth the wait. The authentic experience of strategy games blended with the War Hammer’s mechanics.
As a result, we received a strategy game with superhumans, a Chinese empire, and much more. The combat system, trade, and other mechanics also received a considerable tweak. The game feels fresh, and the Chinese storyline is more than appealing. It makes you want to grasp the power. That’s not the best part. You get a lot of DLC. Arguably, some of the best DLC content games have ever been introduced include Three Kingdoms.
4. Civilization VI
There have been arguments about if Civilization V is a better game. There’s no doubt that it brought a lot to the table, but Civilization VI stands as the true expansion and also the one worth mentioning on the list. It expands onto everything the previous installments brought you. Now, your decision matters much more than ever before.
There is a new mechanism of Dark Age And Golden Age, which makes the game more appealing. More importantly, every decision you make will impact your trades, resources, and much more. Overall, it isn’t just about building civilization and attacking another one. Now the game is more about making the right strategic decisions that would impact the world.
Overall, it has many DLC content for you to explore, and the game stands at the pinnacle. It goes without saying that the list would’ve been incomplete without at least 1 Civilization game on the list.
5. Company Of Heroes 2: Ardennes Assault
Company Of Heroes has brought you the authentic Hollywood-like appeal in a real-time strategy game. Company Of Heroes 2 managed to deliver, but it wasn’t quite up to the mark. Finally, we received Company Of Heroes 2: Ardennes Assault and the stakes got pretty high real fast.
In this RTS game, you will have choices to swap between three companies that take over the map in a single-player campaign. You can very-well focus on the single company as you progress with the game, as well. However, you can only play as the US-military, but that’s not the point. The game, while historical in approach, would rely on you to make the decision.
If you make the wrong decision, you will very much end up getting the entire company wiped with just two more remains. Yes, the stakes are quite real-time, which makes it capture the true spirit of the Company Of heroes games.
6. Starcraft II: Wings OF Liberty
Starcraft II became the best game of the decade in the category of strategy games, rightfully so. It is another real-time game that focuses on base-building. There are RPG elements and world exploration. While there is also a story, it is multiplayer. Thus, you have PVP and PVE elements both in a single game.
Starcraft II: Wings Of Liberty decided to expand on the original game’s eminent formula and brought you an even better setting. Now you have aliens, zombies, even planetary threats, and elements to take care of. All of these made the game indeed turn into something brilliant.
Gather resources, build armies, decide to do things by force, or use diplomacy. Whatever you do, Starcraft II is holistic in its approach.
7. Age Of Empires
There’s no doubt about it, Age Of Empires is one reason most of us learned about strategy games. More importantly, the real-time strategy games brought a lot for us to the table. Therefore, Age Of Empires deserves to be on the list with its intricate storytelling of real-life world history and much more. From various campaigns to free games, you can do a lot.
With each new Age Of Empires Installation, the gaming franchise grew bigger. For those who seek quick games, they can just play a quick match with other AIs. There are even multiplayer games. Of course, the latest and 4th installment will take the lead. However, it has yet to be released.
It would be challenging to point a finger on which one is the best. After all, Microsoft has brought you remastered and HD versions of the old games. There have been significant improvements. Let’s not forget that the Age Of empires is one of those gaming series you have to play once in your lifetime.
8. Endless Legend
What if you could have the current world military, medieval settings, even sci-fi empires in a single sitting? That’s what Endless Legend is about. It has everything from fantasy races (Vampire ghosts) to aliens (giant insects killing people) and even the standard civilizations (humans). You will come across dragons and much more.
Endless Legend is one ridiculous game that still gives each faction (there are around 13) to stand their ground. You will have a lot to expand upon as you can decide who you want to be. This is one of those strategy games that can bring you the best of all worlds, as long as you know what you’re doing. There are plenty of side quests and main story for you to follow or just have ridiculous fun in one of the best strategy games out there.
9. Total War: Warhammer 2
Another fantastic Total War title is on the list that brings you everything that Warhammer would, but even better. The first installment was good, no doubt. However, the sequel made it all significantly better. You have more heroes, better armies, factions, and improved overall mechanisms. There isn’t anything it slacks on.
Creativity Assembly and Game workshop came together to bring you one of the best strategy games. The lore, along with the enticing gameplay, will keep you going for a long time. Honestly, if you didn’t have the previous installment, it is okay. You can start with this one, and you will notice how great the game is. Believe it, there are many Total War Games, but only two made it to the list, so they are very well worth it.
10. Europa Universalis 4
Do you wonder if only you could go back in time with all the knowledge you have? Well, Europa Universalis 4 allows you to go back to the 1800s and decide the actions you want to take. It isn’t just about waging war. It has everything from diplomacy to trade. You would have to decide where you want to take the nation.
This game is great because of its intricate gameplay that perfectly blends with the fantastic strategy game. It doesn’t have any specific winning state, either. You would have to decide whether you win or lose by taking the actions. The course of history will change according to that. So if you ever want to take things into your hands, this is the one game among all of the strategy games you should certainly play.
Best Strategy Games for Android:
Here is a list of the best Strategy Games for Android.
1. Tropico
There are very few games that can match the actual performance, immersive nature, and expansive gameplay of a PC on an Android device. Tropico brings you one of the best strategy games of all time available for your Android mobile. It has everything from politics to war, your decisions will impact your nation, and that’s what this is about.
Initially, you get to customize your avatar as you’re a dictator of a nation named El Presidente. You can decide which route you want to take with your country and where you want it to progress. Of course, your government may crumble early, or you may end up getting really far. Whether you want to be a tyrannical dictator or a compassionate one, it is all up to you.
Tropico allows you to control the game as you like it ultimately, and that’s what makes it indeed a charming addition. Of course, it is a paid game, but that doesn’t keep it from being among the best.
2. XCOM: Enemy Within
XCOM gaming series doesn’t need any introduction, especially since you have XCOM 2 listed above. Here you have a mobile version of one of the best turn-based strategy games available in the world. This one is for the mobile and for that platform, it does an incredible job in capturing the true essence of the game.
You have complete customizations, and it feels like the game was ported specifically for the Android console, so it doesn’t seem to be slacking into any aspect. Of course, this is for those who already love the original strategy game. However, even if you’re looking just to pass the time and have a turn-based strategy, you will like the deep gameplay and rich experience it brings to the table.
Of course, much like the previous game on the list, it is also paid. That is to be expected. After all, it is authentic and not a cheap knock-off. One more thing, it is an expansion pack of the previous ‘Enemy Unknown’ game, which makes it fantastic.
3. ROME: Total War
It shouldn’t even be surprised anymore that we have another Total War title on the list. What’s surprising is that Feral Interactivity decided to introduce one for android. ROME: Total War captures the original series’s complete spirit and brings it to you on a portable device.
There are two modes in the game. You have real-time tactical battle and turn-based strategy games both in a single selection. It is 3D and immersive, there’s no way it feels slacking in any manner, and it isn’t. With a smooth interface and each touch control, you will feel like you’re playing the PC version on your android.
Many historical figures and events will take place. Ancient weapons will feel genuine as you get the opportunity to reign as a supreme emperor. That’s truly a remarkable experience that no other game could provide optimally.
4. Clash Of Clans
It is doubtful that you haven’t heard of Clash Of Clans. This is one of the all-time high-grossing and top-ranked games available on Android. It has existed for a long time, and consistent updates with intricate gameplay keep it going strong. Clash of Clans is one of those turn-based online strategy games that work with matchups for combat and raid villages of other players.
You collect resources, money and upgrade your village while you also have to train your army to ensure it remains protected. Of course, the mechanics aren’t too deep for someone to take time to learn. You can easily understand it with first-time gameplay. After that, it will all be a breeze.
Clash Of Clans is free to play, initially. However, if you truly want to experience its brilliance, it would be better to purchase the in-game content, making it quite a fantastic game to play.
5. Civilization Revolution 2
Civilization Revolution 2 is another mobile-version of the all-time best Civilization game franchise. Here you have another turn-based strategy game available for the android platform. Now, you will take the role of the leader as you aim to dominate the world. There are four different ways of winning the game. You can aim for world domination, acquire cities, conquer, collect gold to win.
It is indeed a more simplified version of the original Civilization for PC. However, you still have the freedom to build your military units and control them as you like them. You can advance to modern technologies and develop your empire. Significantly, it is in 3D graphics, so there isn’t any slack there.
As it is a pair game, you won’t have to worry about advertisements ruining your experience, either.
6. Fire Emblem Heroes
Fire Emblem is one of the longest-running and most successful strategy game series from Nintendo. You can find several games, and the company has decided to invest in one game and bring the same turn-based gameplay with tactics to mobile phones. What’s more? It is completely free!
Fire Emblem Heroes brings all of your favorite heroes in a single game. A new empire is out there to take over, and it is up to you to prevent it from getting world domination. There is a story mode that will keep you entertained. If you are aware of the Fire Emblem series, you will love it. If you’re new to it, then you should try it as you will fall in love with it.
As it is free, you can invest the money to buy in-game items to make the game richer for you. Either way, it is still open to play, and you can pave your way.
7. The Escapist 2: Pocket Breakout
Many of these strategy games are about being an emperor, president, dictator, and controlling the entire nation. But what if you want something more casual and fun for android? Here you have The Escapist 2: Pocket Breakout. It has been one of the best strategy games available for a long time. The game is multiplayer and single-player. Essentially, you’re a prisoner in a jail, and you have to work your way into jailbreaking.
Countless obstacles are awaiting you as this strategy game will test your wits, decisions, and much more. Its unique element is one of the best strategy games for Android that deserves to be on the list. It isn’t just a quick campaign to get out. You can spend a lot of time deciding how you will get out of prison. Planning is all part of the game.
Did you watch the famous Prison Break and wanted to experience that? The game’s playful graphics also keep things quite entertaining. Overall, it is a must-play game available on the play store.
8. Mushroom Wars 2
Mushroom Wars 2 is an award-winning game that is available for you to download and play for free. There are different mushroom clans, and you can choose to lead one of those. On the surface, it looks like an easy play, but as you go into the game, you learn a lot. There are morales of the army, growth of your clan, and much more. The strategy is the prominent aspect of this game if you want to thrive.
It has a single-player and multiplayer online game. If you seek something unique, playful, and ‘strategic’ without being intense like other war of empire games, this would be a great pick.
9. War Commander: Rogue Assault
War Commander: Rogue Assault is one of those lesser-known jewels which deserve all the attention they can get. This intricate and brilliantly planned war-strategy game is over the top with details and controls. The controls, in-game sound, and graphics make you feel like it is a real-world out there. You command the troops, and you have to win the war.
If you were looking for another real-time war game, this is the one. It has everything you could ask for a mobile. There are tanks, helicopters, fighter jets, missiles, and an army to control as you march towards victory. It has both PVP and single-player campaigns available for you.
10. Lords Mobile: Kingdom Wars
Clash Of Clans was one of the fantastic games, no doubt. However, here you are, getting another one of the best war games available for android mobiles. Lords Mobile is holding the #1 rank for quite some time on the play store now and for all the right reasons, too. It isn’t just about fighting other kingdoms and clans. There are monsters!
It is up to you to build your massive empire and strengthen your army. You will not only attack but also defend your kingdom from time to time. Of course, you can also play multiplayer and compete with others, including your friends. It all comes down to how you can strategize and take over.
Economy, trade, business, everything takes priority in this well-laid-out game.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is There A Difference Between Real-Time Strategy And Turn-Based Tactics Game?
Yes. Real-time strategy games don’t wait for your turn to arrive. You play them as you go, and there isn’t any gap or break. All players or AIs progress in the actual time without waiting for others to take their turn. Meanwhile, turn-based tactics mean that each participant will take their turn with grand strategy as the game progresses, and others can’t do much about it.
Can You Play These Games On Consoles Like Nintendo Switch, PS4, And So On?
We strictly brought you games that are available for PC and Android. However, it is highly likely that as some of these are very popular and among the best, they would have a console version lying around.
Nintendo is known for mostly bringing you turn-based games and fantasy universes. There are many available in that spectrum. Meanwhile, games like Age Of Empires might be available for Xbox and PS. You would have to wait for or check another list.
Which Console Is Best To Play Strategy Games?
A strategy game set requires you to look over everything and make decisions quickly. Sometimes, you have to switch screens quickly, and other times, you have to activate specific commands quickly. In these aspects, the PC has always been a superior choice. Therefore, a PC is one of the best consoles available to play the best strategy games. It can’t get any better than this. If you invest enough, a PC is perhaps the most powerful console, even better than the latest Next-gen consoles like PS5 or Xbox Series X.
Conclusion:
So, that covers up the list. From RTS games to those that would need more tactical battles, we have attempted to bring you the best list. Now you can play these on your android phone or the PC gear without any problem. Most of these won’t require too expansive or powerful a system, either. As long as you have the standard of today’s world, you will be able to have authentic fun without any problem.
