Best 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 strategy games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free strategy games are available at the bottom of the page.
Children of the Sun
On a deadly road trip into darkness, control the path of a single bullet and unleash a fury of vengeance on the sinister cult that ruined your life in this tactical puzzle-shooter.The Lost Village
Once there was a prosperous village of Martials, now none of it remains. As the son of the former Master, you will lead your followers to rebuild this village. Recruit followers and enter the mysterious illusional domain, acquire lost wonders. Will you see the rebirth of ancestors’ glory again?Dice Kingdoms
Compete against friends in games filled with unpredictable twists and turns. Roll the dice to gather resources and test your adaptability. Lead your kingdom to success through military power, religious knowledge, or architectural ingenuity.Sons of Valhalla
Sons of Valhalla is a combat and base-building game set in the Viking Age. Build fortresses and lay siege to enemy strongholds, gather warriors and board longboats, and engage in personal combat as you raid and conquer across England.Buckshot Roulette
Play Russian roulette with a 12-gauge shotgun. Four enter. One leaves. Roll the dice with your life. Good luck!No Plan B
Carefully plan your team's tactics in close quarters battles. Use the timeline to synchronize each door breach, grenade throw and room entry with precision. Watch your team execute your plan autonomously in epic cinematic replays. Take on challenging roguelike campaigns or standalone missions.Sinister Night 2
Nine Streamers enter an ancient Chinese mansion, hoping to attract a huge following and become famous through livestreaming. However, two of them are tragically possessed by evil spirits. These possessed will slaughter their companions, and complete a malevolent ritual of a ghostly wedding.Dave's Fun Algebra Class: Remastered
Dave's Fun Algebra Class: Remastered is a strategy-based indie game inspired by Baldi's Basics, featuring chaotic and intense gameplay mixed with an old-school psychedelic artstyle. Solve math problems, meet Dave's friends, and uncover the secrets of Dave's school.Pathless Woods
Embark on a cozy open-world survival journey inspired by ancient China's heritage. Gather resources, cultivate crops, build your dream home, and defend it from marauders. Team up with friends to explore and uncover a world where adventure meets serenity.From Glory To Goo
From Glory To Goo is a Sci-Fi survival RTS set on an alien world. Serve as humanity's bulwark by establishing a colony and supporting your colonists still in orbit. But beware, for The Goo, a relentless and shape-shifting force approaches from all sides, even above and below.Shadow Corridor 2 雨ノ四葩
Lost forever in the pitch black! But that's what makes it fun! The vast corridors covered in darkness change with each play. All you can do is run or hide from the frightening Apparitions. Use unique items and Karuta cards with special powers in your desperate search for an escape from the darkness!MY DESTINY GIRLS
Xiao Bao opened his eyes, he was surrounded by six women. He embarked on an immersive journey of love with them. Amongst them were a gaming enthusiast, a sultry dancer, a childhood crush, a sexy doctor, an innocent schoolgirl, and a wealthy businesswoman. Who would be his true love?CD 2: Trap Master
Become THE Trap Master - play your deck of lethal traps to mow down waves of bizarre creatures and protect your altars! Craft a unique deck of traps and powers, discover treasure of surprise effects, and guard a different base each time until you are ready for the unforgiving boss.Just Another Night Shift
Just Another Night Shift is a casual competitive 1v1 or 2v2 PvP stealth strategy game. Play as a Thief and as a Security Guard. Steal the statue and try to prevent it in this 3D indie game. Grab a friend and work THE NIGHT SHIFT of your life. Join us for hours of fun gameplay with your friends!Doll Impostor
Doll Impostor is a horror game where 1-4 players take on the role of guardians of possessed dolls. Work together to identify the impostor doll before 9 a.m, or face dire consequences. Every hour counts in this tense, fear-filled race against time.Necrosmith 2
Like a dead man reanimated by dark sorcery, the necromancer simulator is back! Give the undead the ability to fly over mountains and swim across rivers, explore a fully generated world at night and fend off enemy hordes during the day. Start a new, uhm, life.AutoForge
A 2D automation sandbox adventure. Build an automated factory with Mana-powered machines, progress through an expansive tech tree, explore a vast and wonderful world, upgrade yourself with ancient technologies, and defend it all from invasions.Outpost: Infinity Siege
Command Mobile Outpost and take XEN Firearm to venture deep into the Signet surveillance off-limit area. Collect unique Weapon Units. Amp up the firepower of the Outpost that fights with you. This is an FTD game - FPS, Tower Defense, Base Building and much more all at the same time.Bulwark Evolution: Falconeer Chronicles
Bulwark: Evolution mixes elements of a chill builder with grand strategy and exploration elements. It's a genre bending experimental game that can be both a peaceful building experience or a total conquest with airships, warbirds and fortresses. It's up to the player to decide.Strategy games are all about planning, tactics, and making smart decisions to outsmart your opponents. Whether you're building empires, commanding armies, or solving complex puzzles, these games offer a unique blend of challenge and fun. In this list, we've gathered the best strategy games on Steam, based on user scores and reviews, to help you find your next favorite game.
What Makes a Great Strategy Game?
Engaging Gameplay Mechanics
The game should offer a variety of strategies and tactics to keep players engaged.
Graphics and Art Style
While not the most important factor, appealing visuals can enhance the gaming experience.
Compelling Story
A good narrative can draw players in and make them care about the outcome.
Community Engagement
Games with active communities often provide additional content, mods, and support.
User reviews and ratings play a crucial role in determining the best games, as they reflect the experiences of real players.
How to Find More Strategy Games
If you're looking for more strategy games, our site makes it easy! You can explore different categories and use filters to narrow down your search. Whether you're interested in real-time strategy, turn-based tactics, or even hybrid games, our curated lists will help you find exactly what you're looking for.
Tips for Choosing the Right Strategy Game
Solo vs. Multiplayer
Decide if you want to play alone or with friends. Some games shine in multiplayer modes, while others are best enjoyed solo.
Complexity Level
Some games are beginner-friendly, while others require a steep learning curve. Check reviews to find games that match your skill level.
Playstyle
Think about whether you prefer fast-paced action or slower, more methodical gameplay. This can help you choose a game that fits your preferences.
What are the best strategy games for beginners?
Some great options for beginners include Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI and XCOM® 2 as they offer accessible gameplay and tutorials.
What's the difference between real-time and turn-based strategy games?
Real-time strategy games require players to make decisions quickly, while turn-based games allow players to take their time and plan their moves.
Can I play strategy games with friends?
Absolutely! Many strategy games offer multiplayer modes, allowing you to team up or compete against friends.
Don't forget to check back for updates as new games are released and ratings change. The world of strategy gaming is always evolving, and we're here to help you stay informed about the best options available. Dive into these games, strategize your way to victory, and most importantly, have fun!
Most played strategy games on Steam
Take a look at the top strategy games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 17th 2025.
1. Dota 2
Every day, millions of players worldwide enter battle as one of over a hundred Dota heroes. And no matter if it's their 10th hour of play or 1,000th, there's always something new to discover. With regular updates that ensure a constant evolution of gameplay, features, and heroes, Dota 2 has taken on a life of its own. Dota 2 is a free to play, moba and multiplayer game developed and published by Valve. Released on July 09th 2013 has received 2,466,311 reviews of which 2,010,666 were positive and 455,645 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played strategy game, thanks to its 421,574 peak concurrent players over the last day.2. Football Manager 2024
Build a world-class team ready to dominate your rivals in football’s most prestigious competitions. Progress never stops when you’re pursuing footballing greatness. Football Manager 2024 is a simulation, sports and management game developed by Sports Interactive and published by SEGA. Released on November 06th 2023 has received 21,674 reviews of which 19,655 were positive and 2,019 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. While seeing 56,259 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among strategy games based on player count.3. 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 337,250 reviews of which 300,980 were positive and 36,270 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. While seeing 36,229 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among strategy games based on player count.4. 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. With 29,661 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played strategy games.5. 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 117,985 reviews of which 85,271 were positive and 32,714 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. With 25,917 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played strategy games.6. RimWorld
A sci-fi colony sim driven by an intelligent AI storyteller. Generates stories by simulating psychology, ecology, gunplay, melee combat, climate, biomes, diplomacy, interpersonal relationships, art, medicine, trade, and more. RimWorld is a colony sim, base-building and survival game developed and published by Ludeon Studios. Released on October 17th 2018 has received 207,285 reviews of which 203,071 were positive and 4,214 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 25,305 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played strategy games.7. Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
A strategy/action RPG. Create a character, engage in diplomacy, craft, trade and conquer new lands in a vast medieval sandbox. Raise armies to lead into battle and command and fight alongside your troops in massive real-time battles using a deep but intuitive skill-based combat system. Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is a medieval, strategy and open world game developed and published by TaleWorlds Entertainment. Released on October 25th 2022 has received 262,190 reviews of which 230,297 were positive and 31,893 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 20,830 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played strategy games.8. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
42 Civilizations, 229 Campaign Missions, Singleplayer, Co-Op, Multiplayer, In-Game Editor, Mods, Cross-play...It is good to be the king. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is a strategy, rts and city builder game developed by Forgotten Empires, Tantalus Media, Wicked Witch, World's Edge and CaptureAge and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on November 14th 2019 has received 159,608 reviews of which 151,527 were positive and 8,081 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 19,812 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played strategy games.9. 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 19,209 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played strategy games.10. 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 16,635 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played strategy games.Best deals on strategy games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of strategy games available on Steam right now, updated on April 17th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted strategy games.
1. Age of Wonders III
Age of Wonders III is the long anticipated sequel to the award-winning strategy series. Delivering a unique mix of Empire Building, Role Playing and Warfare, Age of Wonders III offers the ultimate in turn-based fantasy strategy for veterans of the series and new players alike! Age of Wonders III is a strategy, turn-based strategy and fantasy game developed by Triumph Studios and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on March 31st 2014 has received 12,541 reviews of which 10,065 were positive and 2,476 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Featuring a massive 97% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for strategy category.2. The Lamplighters League
Recruit a team of misfits with unique abilities and unforgettable personalities, and chase the Banished Court to the ends of the earth in a mix of real-time infiltration, turn-based tactical combat, and a character-driven story of adventure and intrigue. The Lamplighters League is a story rich, adventure and rpg game developed by Harebrained Schemes and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on October 03rd 2023 has received 890 reviews of which 627 were positive and 263 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 97% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in strategy games.3. Battlestar Galactica Deadlock
In Battlestar Galactica Deadlock™ you’ll take command of the Colonial Fleet in defense of the Twelve Colonies during the First Cylon War. Lead many different types of ships in this 3D tactical game. Every decision counts, your strategy will be vital – can you ensure mankind’s survival? Battlestar Galactica Deadlock is a strategy, space and sci-fi game developed by Black Lab Games and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on August 31st 2017 has received 3,427 reviews of which 2,881 were positive and 546 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 96% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in strategy games.4. Encased: A Sci-Fi Post-Apocalyptic RPG
A tactical sci-fi RPG set in an alternative 1970's, where an enormous and inexplicable artifact –the Dome– is discovered in a remote desert. Fight enemies, explore the anomalous wasteland, level up your character, join one of the forces in the ruined world. Encased: A Sci-Fi Post-Apocalyptic RPG is a crpg, turn-based combat and strategy game developed by Dark Crystal Games and published by Prime Matter. Released on September 07th 2021 has received 4,507 reviews of which 3,490 were positive and 1,017 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for strategy games.5. EARTHLOCK
Earthlock is an indie developed, adventure RPG inspired by the classic 3D RPGs of the late 90's, with a fresh take on turn based combat and character progression. EARTHLOCK is a rpg, adventure and strategy game developed and published by Snowcastle Games. Released on March 08th 2018 has received 574 reviews of which 419 were positive and 155 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for strategy games.6. Lords and Villeins
Build a prosperous settlement in a unique simulation of a feudal economy - each family runs their shop, owns their goods, and trades with other villagers in a free market. You will manage the land, build houses, organise events, set taxes, and balance supply and demand while engaging in diplomacy! Lords and Villeins is a colony sim, strategy and city builder game developed by Honestly Games and published by Fulqrum Publishing. Released on November 10th 2022 has received 868 reviews of which 628 were positive and 240 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for strategy games.7. Battle vs Chess
Commanders, assemble your armies! BATTLE vs. CHESS calls for an interactive feather duster, chartering the successful chess game principle into the present day multimedia world. Animated fantasy figurines assemble in magical worlds and await your command! Battle vs Chess is a strategy, chess and casual game developed by Targem Games and published by TopWare Interactive ACE. Released on August 16th 2012 has received 976 reviews of which 695 were positive and 281 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for strategy games.8. Aces & Adventures
Aces & Adventures is a deckbuilding RPG with poker-powered combat. Craft your deck, combining poker hands with powerful ability cards. Journey through 13 fully-voiced campaigns to save the Life Tree, or tackle procedurally-generated runs in this strategic deckbuilder unlike any other. Aces & Adventures is a deckbuilding, adventure and card game game developed by Triple.B.Titles and published by Yogscast Games. Released on February 23rd 2023 has received 3,065 reviews of which 2,758 were positive and 307 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for strategy games.9. Iratus: Lord of the Dead
Iratus: Lord of the Dead is a turn-based tactical roguelike RPG set in a dark fantasy universe. Lead an army of undead to help an angry necromancer in his quest to reach the surface world and bring death to the mortal realms! Iratus: Lord of the Dead is a rpg, strategy and indie game developed by Unfrozen and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on April 23rd 2020 has received 7,687 reviews of which 6,600 were positive and 1,087 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for strategy games.10. Sairento VR
VR was made for this. Perform triple jumps, wall runs, power slides and slow time down while blasting away at a foe before landing to deliver a blade attack on another. Kit yourself with katanas, firearms, bows, throwing glaives and legendary relics. Keep upgrading as you play. PURE CYBER NINJA FUN. Sairento VR is a action, rpg and indie game developed by Mixed Realms Pte Ltd and Swag Soft Holdings Pte Ltd and published by Mixed Realms Pte Ltd. Released on February 06th 2018 has received 1,701 reviews of which 1,442 were positive and 259 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for strategy games.Free strategy games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play strategy games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 17th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play strategy games.