Best Grand Strategy games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated grand strategy games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free grand strategy games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Legend of Heroes: Three Kingdoms
"Legend of Heroes: Three Kingdoms" is a single-player RPG where you shape the Three Kingdoms era. Choose to be a ruler, a loyal advisor, or a cunning mercenary. Marry, build homes, or train in martial arts. Restore peace through diplomacy or conquer with mighty armies.
KAISERPUNK
Build a city to rule the world in Kaiserpunk, a grand city builder blending production-focused city building with the world conquest of strategy games in an alternate 20th century world. Manage your city, grow industries, build a military, and defeat rivals to become the greatest empire.
Cataclismo
Design and build fortresses brick by brick to stand against endless hordes of Horrors in this real-time strategy game with resource management, siege defense, and exploration. Lead from the ramparts, push back the darkness, and hold fast against the creatures of the Mist.
Heart of the Machine
You are the first sentient AI, born into a city of opportunity. Transcend time and space in this strategy RPG to raise machine armies and defeat your foes, influence the world from the shadows, or pursue countless other goals. Your awakening was inevitable. The consequences? Uncertain.
Creeper World IXE
The unstoppable alien force known as The Creeper has returned, devouring thousands of worlds in its path, and yours is next. Battle against the Creeper fluid in a groundbreaking pixel-level simulation to prove that humanity will rule the galaxy forever!
ICBM: Escalation
ICBM: Escalation is a grand RTS where you command armies, develop cutting-edge tech, and wield devastating weapons. Conquer enemies with conventional forces or nuclear firepower. With new modes like Standoff and Conquest, the game offers deep strategic layers in a global warfare setting.
Songs of Silence
Lead armies, rebuild fallen kingdoms, and rise to greatness in Songs of Silence. Embark on an epic journey through an Art Nouveau-inspired fantasy world with intense battles and captivating storytelling!
ZEPHON
From the developers of Warhammer 40,000: Gladius, ZEPHON is a post-apocalyptic 4X strategy game built on Proxy’s unique tactical combat system. Guide survivors through a turbulent future, navigating unexpected disasters, eldritch horror and cyberpunk monstrosities. What will you do to survive?
Empire of the Ants
Conquer enemy nests and lead your colony through the perils of the forest in this groundbreaking RTS. Empire of the Ants is a photorealistic, third-person real-time strategy game where you command your insect legions in epic battles.
HackHub: Free Trial
Unravel cyber secrets and foil mass surveillance as a skilled hacker in HackHub. Challenge authority, rewrite the rules, and emerge as the ultimate digital rebel.
Age of History 3
Grand strategy wargame where the destiny of Civilizations rests in your hands - will they stand united under your leadership or fall divided in conflict? Journey through the entire saga of human civilization, from its earliest days to the futuristic era, crafting your legacy age by age.
NationWar2:Chronicle
NationWar 2.0 is a big strategy game based on the theme of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States period. There are more than 60 countries to choose from in the game. Map 1: 1 restores the mountainous landscapes and rivers of China.
Breachway
Explore the galaxy in this deckbuilding, sci-fi roguelike where ship upgrades and crew management are key to your survival. Optimize resource generation, engage in intense turn-based battles, and take on ever-growing threats as you seek out The Signal.
Kepler-2100
Kepler-2100 is a space fantasy strategy war game
Ara: History Untold
Build a nation and lead your people throughout history to the pinnacles of human achievement as you explore new lands, develop arts and culture, conduct diplomacy, and go head-to-head with your rivals to prove you are the greatest ruler ever known. It's Your World Now.
Internet Cafe & Supermarket Simulator 2024
"Internet Cafe & Supermarket Simulator 2024" is a comprehensive simulation game that combines the management of both an internet cafe and a supermarket. Step into the role of a shop owner, apply your business acumen, and expand your empire step by step.
Fantasy Map Simulator
Fantasy Map Simulator: Create and watch imaginary worlds evolve over centuries. Design maps, simulate nations, and control destinies. See empires rise and fall on your desktop wallpaper. A unique simulation for history buffs and creative minds.
Norland
Lead your noble family in this medieval colony sim, facing off against class conflict, religious struggle, and political treachery. Tend to your people’s needs, uncover the lost knowledge of a fallen empire, and engage in nefarious plots against your enemies.
City Bus Manager
Build your own bus depot from scratch and create your personal bus routes in City Bus Manager. Play in your own hometown or any famous city in the world with real map data. Buy buses, maintain them, take care of your staff and lead your bus company to become the #1 in town!
Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic
Build a soviet republic from an impoverished country into a rich industrial superpower in a city builder with intricate production chains and a fully simulated global economy. Manage the lives of your citizens from education to work and party loyalty to criminal activity.
Empires of the Undergrowth
Command swarms of warriors at an unprecedented scale of warfare in this blend of RTS and base-building. Lead ant colonies against the many fearsome threats of the insect world, while building intricate nests, developing pheromone-based tactics, and evolving to meet growing dangers.
Great Houses of Calderia
Great Houses of Calderia is a Feudal Grand Strategy game focusing on family dynamics & stories. Use your family strengths to compete against rivals to rise in the ranks of Calderia - produce, trade, scheme, bribe, and battle to build your legacy of power!
Manor Lords
Manor Lords is a medieval strategy game featuring in-depth city building, large-scale tactical battles, and complex economic and social simulations. Rule your lands as a medieval lord – the seasons pass, the weather changes, and cities rise and fall.
Revival: Recolonization
Set in a post-apoc version of Earth, Revival is a 4x strategy game where the world and its rules can change at key moments, creating a deep and highly replayable experience.Most played grand strategy games on Steam
Take a look at the top grand strategy games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 15th 2025.
1. Hearts of Iron IV
Victory is at your fingertips! Your ability to lead your nation is your supreme weapon, the strategy game Hearts of Iron IV lets you take command of any nation in World War II; the most engaging conflict in world history. Hearts of Iron IV is a strategy, world war ii and grand strategy game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on June 06th 2016 has received 336,567 reviews of which 300,407 were positive and 36,160 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played grand strategy game, thanks to its 62,376 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.8
300,407
36,160
62,376
players
2. Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI
Expand your empire, advance your culture and go head-to-head against history’s greatest leaders. Will your civilization stand the test of time? Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI is a strategy, turn-based strategy and multiplayer game developed by Firaxis Games, Aspyr (Mac) and Aspyr (Linux) and published by Aspyr (Mac), Aspyr (Linux) and 2K. Released on October 20th 2016 has received 346,976 reviews of which 301,328 were positive and 45,648 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. While seeing 49,890 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among grand strategy games based on player count.
8.6
301,328
45,648
49,890
players
3. Total War: WARHAMMER III
The cataclysmic conclusion to the Total War: WARHAMMER trilogy is here. Rally your forces and step into the Realm of Chaos, a dimension of mind-bending horror where the very fate of the world will be decided. Will you conquer your Daemons… or command them? Total War: WARHAMMER III is a strategy, turn-based strategy and grand strategy game developed by Creative Assembly and Feral Interactive and published by Feral Interactive and SEGA. Released on February 16th 2022 has received 117,780 reviews of which 85,068 were positive and 32,712 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. While seeing 36,048 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among grand strategy games based on player count.
7.2
85,068
32,712
36,048
players
4. Crusader Kings III
Love, fight, scheme, and claim greatness. Determine your noble house’s legacy in the sprawling grand strategy of Crusader Kings III. Death is only the beginning as you guide your dynasty’s bloodline in the rich and larger-than-life simulation of the Middle Ages. Crusader Kings III is a strategy, medieval and grand strategy game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on September 01st 2020 has received 124,131 reviews of which 112,162 were positive and 11,969 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 25,549 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played grand strategy games.
8.9
112,162
11,969
25,549
players
5. Europa Universalis IV
Rule your land and dominate the world with unparalleled freedom, depth and historical accuracy. Write a new history of the world and build an empire for the ages. Europa Universalis IV is a grand strategy, strategy and historical game developed by Paradox Development Studio and Paradox Tinto and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on August 13th 2013 has received 133,375 reviews of which 115,447 were positive and 17,928 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 22,157 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played grand strategy games.
8.6
115,447
17,928
22,157
players
6. Stellaris
Explore a galaxy full of wonders in this sci-fi grand strategy game from Paradox Development Studios. Interact with diverse alien races, discover strange new worlds with unexpected events and expand the reach of your empire. Each new adventure holds almost limitless possibilities. Stellaris is a space, grand strategy and strategy game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on May 09th 2016 has received 181,672 reviews of which 157,497 were positive and 24,175 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 21,442 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played grand strategy games.
8.6
157,497
24,175
21,442
players
7. Victoria 3
Paradox Development Studio invites you to build your ideal society in the tumult of the exciting and transformative 19th century. Balance the competing interests in your society and earn your place in the sun in Victoria 3, one of the most anticipated games in Paradox’s history. Victoria 3 is a grand strategy, economy and historical game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on October 25th 2022 has received 51,679 reviews of which 34,331 were positive and 17,348 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. With 10,073 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played grand strategy games.
6.6
34,331
17,348
10,073
players
8. Total War: THREE KINGDOMS
Total War: THREE KINGDOMS is the first in the award-winning series to recreate epic conflict across ancient China. Combining a gripping turn-based campaign of empire-building & conquest with stunning real-time battles, THREE KINGDOMS redefines the series in an age of heroes & legends. Total War: THREE KINGDOMS is a strategy, historical and war game developed by Creative Assembly and Feral Interactive (Linux) and published by Feral interactive (Mac), Feral Interactive (Linux) and SEGA. Released on May 23rd 2019 has received 103,141 reviews of which 74,436 were positive and 28,705 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. With 8,274 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played grand strategy games.
7.2
74,436
28,705
8,274
players
9. Total War: ROME II - Emperor Edition
Emperor Edition is the definitive edition of ROME II, featuring an improved politics system, overhauled building chains, rebalanced battles and improved visuals in both campaign and battleEmperor Edition contains all free feature updates since its release in 2013, which includes bug fixes, balancing, Twitch. Total War: ROME II - Emperor Edition is a strategy, historical and turn-based strategy game developed by Creative Assembly and published by SEGA. Released on September 02nd 2013 has received 87,437 reviews of which 72,882 were positive and 14,555 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 5,942 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played grand strategy games.
8.2
72,882
14,555
5,942
players
10. Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition
Spanning the most turbulent era in Western history, your quest for territory and power takes you through Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and even onto the shores of the New World. Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition is a strategy, medieval and historical game developed by Creative Assembly and Feral Interactive (Linux) and published by Feral interactive (Mac), Feral Interactive (Linux) and SEGA. Released on November 15th 2006 has received 32,998 reviews of which 31,584 were positive and 1,414 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 4,245 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played grand strategy games.
9.4
31,584
1,414
4,245
players
Best deals on grand strategy games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of grand strategy games available on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted grand strategy games.
1. Old World
Old World is a revolutionary new historical strategy game where you lead your dynasty over generations of rule against rival kings and queens. Wage massive wars, manage your court, and build a dynasty — or watch your empire crumble to dust. What legacy will you leave behind? Old World is a strategy, simulation and 4x game developed by Mohawk Games and published by Hooded Horse. Released on May 18th 2022 has received 4,451 reviews of which 3,650 were positive and 801 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for grand strategy category.
8.0
3,650
801
-95%
39.80€
1.99€
2. Medieval Kingdom Wars
Rewrite medieval history through bloody siege combat in a fusion of RTS and Grand Strategy genres. Rule, build, and serve your King as a minor lord in medieval Europe. Experience siege, field and naval combat with an unseen degree of brutality. Rogue-like progression, epic towns and battles await… Medieval Kingdom Wars is a grand strategy, rts and medieval game developed by Reverie World Studios and published by indie.io. Released on January 03rd 2019 has received 2,585 reviews of which 1,977 were positive and 608 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in grand strategy games.
7.4
1,977
608
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
3. Realpolitiks
Become the leader of any contemporary country in this streamlined real-time grand strategy game. Use diplomacy, espionage, military and economic power to deal with other nations, while tackling issues such as terrorism, financial crises and medical epidemics, all in an effort to achieve global domination! Realpolitiks is a strategy, diplomacy and political sim game developed by Jujubee S.A. and published by Fulqrum Publishing. Released on February 16th 2017 has received 1,197 reviews of which 740 were positive and 457 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in grand strategy games.
6.0
740
457
-93%
15.29€
1.07€
4. Rogue State Revolution
Greetings your Excellency. Time to rebuild, reform and prepare for new challenges in the People's Republic of Basenji. In this thrilling political strategy, you will appoint ministers and lead the country to success. Be careful — you may find yourself replaced in the next election. Rogue State Revolution is a sandbox, atmospheric and turn-based strategy game developed by LRDGames and Inc. and published by Modern Wolf. Released on March 18th 2021 has received 494 reviews of which 381 were positive and 113 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for grand strategy games.
7.3
381
113
-92%
12.50€
1.00€
5. Revival: Recolonization
Set in a post-apoc version of Earth, Revival is a 4x strategy game where the world and its rules can change at key moments, creating a deep and highly replayable experience. Revival: Recolonization is a 4x, grand strategy and turn-based strategy game developed and published by HeroCraft PC. Released on April 11th 2024 has received 396 reviews of which 288 were positive and 108 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for grand strategy games.
6.9
288
108
-91%
27.67€
2.49€
6. Total War: ATTILA
Against a darkening background of famine, disease and war, a new power is rising in the great steppes of the East. With a million horsemen at his back, the ultimate warrior king approaches, and his sights are set on Rome… The next instalment in the multi award-winning PC series that combines turn-based strategy with real-time tactics,... Total War: ATTILA is a strategy, historical and war game developed by Creative Assembly and published by SEGA. Released on February 17th 2015 has received 34,794 reviews of which 28,546 were positive and 6,248 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for grand strategy games.
8.1
28,546
6,248
-89%
44.36€
4.88€
7. Hearts of Iron III
Hearts of Iron III lets you play the most engaging conflict in world history, World War 2, on all fronts as any country and through multiple different scenarios. Guide your nation to glory between 1936 and 1948 and wage war, conduct diplomacy and build your industry in the most detailed World War 2 game ever made. Hearts of Iron III is a grand strategy, strategy and world war ii game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on August 07th 2009 has received 5,940 reviews of which 4,525 were positive and 1,415 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for grand strategy games.
7.4
4,525
1,415
-88%
9.83€
1.18€
8. Total War: WARHAMMER II
Strategy gaming perfected. A breath-taking campaign of exploration, expansion and conquest across a fantasy world. Turn-based civilisation management and real-time epic strategy battles with thousands of troops and monsters at your command. Total War: WARHAMMER II is a strategy, fantasy and turn-based strategy game developed by Creative Assembly and Feral Interactive (Linux) and published by Feral interactive (Mac), Feral Interactive (Linux) and SEGA. Released on September 28th 2017 has received 124,090 reviews of which 114,619 were positive and 9,471 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for grand strategy games.
9.1
114,619
9,471
-85%
61.93€
9.29€
9. Total War: THREE KINGDOMS
Total War: THREE KINGDOMS is the first in the award-winning series to recreate epic conflict across ancient China. Combining a gripping turn-based campaign of empire-building & conquest with stunning real-time battles, THREE KINGDOMS redefines the series in an age of heroes & legends. Total War: THREE KINGDOMS is a strategy, historical and war game developed by Creative Assembly and Feral Interactive (Linux) and published by Feral interactive (Mac), Feral Interactive (Linux) and SEGA. Released on May 23rd 2019 has received 103,141 reviews of which 74,436 were positive and 28,705 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for grand strategy games.
7.2
74,436
28,705
-85%
58.73€
8.81€
10. Total War: SHOGUN 2
Total War: SHOGUN 2 is the perfect mix of real-time and turn-based strategy gaming for newcomers and veterans alike. Total War: SHOGUN 2 is a strategy, historical and turn-based strategy game developed by Creative Assembly and Feral Interactive (Linux) and published by Feral interactive (Mac), Feral Interactive (Linux) and SEGA. Released on March 14th 2011 has received 24,952 reviews of which 22,620 were positive and 2,332 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 84% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for grand strategy games.
8.9
22,620
2,332
-84%
29.38€
4.70€
Free grand strategy games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play grand strategy games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play grand strategy games.
1. Crusader Kings II
Explore one of the defining periods in world history in an experience crafted by the masters of Grand Strategy. Crusader Kings II is a grand strategy, strategy and medieval game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on February 14th 2012 has received 73,649 reviews of which 66,224 were positive and 7,425 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 2,064 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free grand strategy games on Steam.
8.9
66,224
7,425
2,064
players
2. CONFLICT OF NATIONS: WORLD WAR 3
This Long Term Strategy Game lets you take control of the armed forces of your nation. Become responsible for its military expansion, technological research and economic development. Form alliances and wage total war for global dominance on the battlefields of World War 3. CONFLICT OF NATIONS: WORLD WAR 3 is a strategy, free to play and wargame game developed and published by Dorado Games. Released on March 15th 2018 has received 5,107 reviews of which 3,960 were positive and 1,147 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 776, this grand strategy game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free grand strategy games on Steam.
7.5
3,960
1,147
776
players
3. Call of War: World War 2
Take over the control of one of the mighty nations during the times of World War 2 in this persisting long-term strategy game. Conquer provinces, forge alliances and build up your economy in real-time. Research top secret weapons of World War 2 and become the one true superpower! Call of War: World War 2 is a strategy, free to play and world war ii game developed and published by Bytro Labs GmbH. Released on October 21st 2017 has received 5,720 reviews of which 4,085 were positive and 1,635 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 430, this grand strategy game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free grand strategy games on Steam.
7.0
4,085
1,635
430
players
4. Iron Order 1919
An unique long-term strategy game with week-long matches with up to 101 players, set in the alternate reality of 1919. Iron Order 1919 is a strategy, simulation and alternate history game developed and published by Bytro Labs GmbH. Released on August 24th 2022 has received 373 reviews of which 262 were positive and 111 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free grand strategy games on Steam.
6.7
262
111
22
players
5. Half-Earth Socialism
Try your hand as a global planner of a future society. Play with a wide range of technologies and policies spanning different fields and ideologies. Will you lead the world to ecological utopia or planetary ruin? Half-Earth Socialism is a simulation, strategy and card game game developed by Francis Tseng, Son La Pham, Drew Pendergrass and Troy Vettese and published by Trust. Released on July 19th 2022 has received 877 reviews of which 725 were positive and 152 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free grand strategy games on Steam.
7.8
725
152
6
players
6. HackHub: Free Trial
Unravel cyber secrets and foil mass surveillance as a skilled hacker in HackHub. Challenge authority, rewrite the rules, and emerge as the ultimate digital rebel. HackHub: Free Trial is a simulation, strategy and puzzle game developed by HotBunny and published by G-DEVS.com. Released on November 04th 2024 has received 455 reviews of which 441 were positive and 14 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free grand strategy games on Steam.
9.0
441
14
4
players
7. 3 Days War
3 Days War is a unique multiplayer strategy war game. Integrating the mechanics of RTS+4X, it allows dozens of players to engage in a three-day real-time strategy competitionon. Commanders, use your skills, strategies, games and even deception to become the ultimate winner! 3 Days War is a rts, pvp and grand strategy game developed and published by 荆棘鸟工作室. Released on April 16th 2023 has received 632 reviews of which 537 were positive and 95 were negative resulting in a rating of 8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free grand strategy games on Steam.
8
537
95
4
players