Strategy games challenge your mind, test your patience, and reward your planning skills. Whether you enjoy building empires, leading armies, or managing resources, Steam has some of the best strategy titles in gaming history. Here’s a detailed look at the Top 10 Strategy Games on Steam that every strategy fan should try.
1. Sid Meier’s Civilization VI #
Genre: Turn-Based Strategy
Developer: Firaxis Games
Civilization VI is one of the most popular strategy games ever created. In this game, you take control of a historical leader and build a civilization from the Stone Age to the Information Age. You’ll manage resources, expand your empire, engage in diplomacy, and wage war against other civilizations. Every decision matters — whether it’s where to build a city or how to negotiate peace. With dozens of civilizations to choose from and randomly generated maps, every game offers a unique challenge and new story.
2. Total War: Warhammer III #
Genre: Grand Strategy & Real-Time Tactics
Developer: Creative Assembly
If you enjoy large-scale battles and fantasy worlds, Total War: Warhammer III is a masterpiece. This game blends turn-based empire building with real-time tactical combat in the Warhammer Fantasy universe. You can command terrifying armies, including demons, dragons, and legendary heroes. The massive campaign map is packed with diplomatic intrigue, resource management, and intense warfare.
3. Age of Empires IV #
Genre: Real-Time Strategy
Developer: Relic Entertainment
Age of Empires IV is a return to the golden age of real-time strategy. It offers a fresh take on the classic formula of gathering resources, building bases, and leading armies to victory. Set across various historical periods, you can choose from multiple civilizations, each with unique units and abilities. The game also includes engaging single-player campaigns based on real historical events.
4. Crusader Kings III #
Genre: Grand Strategy & Role-Playing
Developer: Paradox Interactive
Crusader Kings III is not just a strategy game; it’s a medieval soap opera. You take control of a noble dynasty, making decisions about war, marriage, diplomacy, and religion. Every member of your dynasty has unique traits and ambitions, and you can manipulate, scheme, or even murder your way to power.
5. XCOM 2 #
Genre: Turn-Based Tactics
Developer: Firaxis Games
XCOM 2 is a tense, tactical strategy game where every choice matters. You lead a resistance force fighting against alien invaders who have taken over Earth. The game features challenging turn-based combat, where positioning, line of sight, and cover are crucial. Additionally, you’ll manage your base, research alien technology, and recruit soldiers.
6. Stellaris #
Genre: Grand Strategy / 4X
Developer: Paradox Interactive
Stellaris takes strategy gaming to the stars. It’s a grand strategy game where you control a space-faring civilization and lead it to galactic dominance. You’ll explore the galaxy, colonize new planets, establish diplomatic relations, and engage in massive space battles.
7. Company of Heroes 2 #
Genre: Real-Time Tactics
Developer: Relic Entertainment
Company of Heroes 2 is a World War II real-time strategy game that focuses on tactical combat rather than base building. You’ll command squads of infantry, tanks, and artillery in dynamic and destructible environments. The game emphasizes cover, flanking, and resource control.
8. Factorio #
Genre: Factory Building / Strategy
Developer: Wube Software
Factorio is a strategy game with a twist — instead of commanding armies, you build massive automated factories. You crash-land on an alien planet and must gather resources, research technologies, and defend yourself from hostile creatures. The challenge is in optimizing production lines and logistics systems.
9. Frostpunk #
Genre: City Builder / Survival Strategy
Developer: 11 bit studios
Frostpunk is a survival city-builder with a dark, emotional twist. Set in a frozen, post-apocalyptic world, you must build and manage the last city on Earth. Resources are scarce, and every decision has moral consequences — will you enforce child labor to keep your city alive?
10. Northgard #
Genre: Real-Time Strategy
Developer: Shiro Games
Northgard is a Viking-themed real-time strategy game that blends classic RTS gameplay with survival and exploration elements. You control a clan of Vikings who have discovered a mysterious new land. You’ll need to manage resources, expand your territory, and deal with harsh winters and mythical creatures.
🔥 Final Thoughts #
Strategy games on Steam offer endless hours of challenging, rewarding gameplay. Whether you enjoy building empires, leading armies, or managing survival, these 10 games represent the best the genre has to offer. From historical warfare to futuristic space adventures, there’s something here for every strategist.