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
A Total War Saga: FALL OF THE SAMURAI
Experience the dramatic conflict of samurai culture and modern weaponry between the Imperial throne and the last Shogunate in 19th century Japan.
Stronghold Kingdoms
A massively multiplayer grand strategy game, Stronghold Kingdoms is about forging alliances, political mind games, city-building and castle sieges with thousands of other players!
Crusader Kings II
Explore one of the defining periods in world history in an experience crafted by the masters of Grand Strategy.
Galactic Civilizations® II: Ultimate Edition
Get the complete GalCiv II saga including Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords, the expansion pack Dark Avatar, and the newest expansion pack Twilight of the Arnor!
Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance
The last days of man are at hand.. Two years after the Infinite War the once great warring nations now lie in ruins, and humanity’s hope for a brighter future is nothing but a bitter memory. A new, seemingly unstoppable enemy, supported by the zealots of The Order, now seeks to eradicate mankind: UEF, Aeon Loyalist, and Cybran alike.
Cossacks: Art of War
Cossacks: The Art of War continues the history of the great battles of XVII–XVIII centuries
Darkest Hour: A Hearts of Iron Game
Developed by a team of experienced modders from the Paradox forum, Darkest Hour is a stand-alone Hearts of Iron game. The game features a mixture of short and in-depth campaigns set across the darkest chapters of the 20th century. Play from the outbreak of the Great War up until the onset of the Cold War.
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.
Sid Meier's Civilization® V
Create, discover, and download new player-created maps, scenarios, interfaces, and more!
Star Ruler
Take command of a vast interstellar empire and safeguard your species from total extinction in a procedurally generated 3D galaxy (with the option to flatten it) from 1 System to 10,000+! Prove your species' ingenuity through a deep and intricate combat system where anything (from individual components on ships to the stars themselves)...
Victoria II
Carefully guide your nation from the era of absolute monarchies in the early 19th century, through expansion and colonization, to finally become a truly great power by the dawn of the 20th century. Victoria II is a grand strategy game played during the colonial era of the 19th century, where the player takes control of a country, guiding...
Making History II: The War of the World
What if Germany won the Battle of Britain? What if Moscow fell in 1942?You’re in charge. Anything can happen and history will never repeat itself in this classic WWII grand strategy game MAKING HISTORY II: The War of the World. Are you ready to battle for global dominance?
STAR WARS™ Empire at War - Gold Pack
Command or corrupt an entire galaxy in the definitive Star Wars strategy collection. It is a time of galactic civil war. Will you take up the reins of the Rebellion, assume control of the Empire, or rule the Star Wars Underworld?
Supreme Commander 2
Includes 47 Steam achievements, leaderboards, and stats!
Total War: NAPOLEON – Definitive Edition
Complete your Total War collection with this Definitive Edition of Total War: NAPOLEON, which includes all DLC and feature updates since the game’s release
Arsenal of Democracy: A Hearts of Iron Game
Taking place from 1936-64, Arsenal of Democracy lets you play as any nation during the era of WW2, complete with detailed models for economics, diplomacy, research, and intelligence. Warfare is also fully represented with all three branches of operations: land, sea, and air.
King Arthur - The Role-playing Wargame
Welcome to the lost age of chivalry, where magic and myth is alive, and you are destined to be one of the living legends: Arthur, the son of Uther Pendragon, the Once and Future King of the prophecies. Fulfill your destiny and claim your rightful place on the throne of Britannia.
AI War: Fleet Command
"You are outgunned. You are massively outnumbered. You must win." These are your orders. Humanity has already fought its war against the machines -- and lost. AI death squads stand watch over every planet and every wormhole, the few remaining human settlements are held captive in orbiting bubbles, and the AIs have turned their...
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.
Total War: EMPIRE – Definitive Edition
Command the seas, control the land, forge a new nation, and conquer the globe.
Knights of Honor
As King, it is your duty to lead your people in their struggle to raise your kingdom from its humble beginnings to a position of power and prestige. War, diplomacy and a burgeoning economy are the means by which you increase your power and expand your influence.
Europa Universalis III Complete
Europa Universalis III Complete includes the original Europa Universalis III as well as the expansions In Nomine and Napoleons Ambition Europa Universalis III delves deeply into the areas of exploration, trade, warfare and diplomacy.
Hearts of Iron 2 Complete
Includes Hearts of Iron II plus the two expansions, Doomsday and Armageddon When Germany is defeated in 1945, the Allies and the new Soviet alliance fight for supremacy. World War III is drawing closer. Play as the ruler of one of 175 countries through World Wars II and III.
Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization
Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization is the third offering in the award winning Civilization IV series. A re-imagining of the classic Colonization game Sid Meier created in 1994, Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization is a total conversion of the Civilization IV engine into a game experience in which players will lead a European...
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 June 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 342,150 reviews of which 305,168 were positive and 36,982 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 34,133 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.8
305,168
36,982
34,133
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 349,920 reviews of which 304,053 were positive and 45,867 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. While seeing 25,209 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
304,053
45,867
25,209
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 119,858 reviews of which 87,141 were positive and 32,717 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. While seeing 20,478 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
87,141
32,717
20,478
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 126,909 reviews of which 114,259 were positive and 12,650 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 16,838 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played grand strategy games.
8.9
114,259
12,650
16,838
players
5. 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 185,433 reviews of which 159,527 were positive and 25,906 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 15,712 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played grand strategy games.
8.5
159,527
25,906
15,712
players
6. 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 134,436 reviews of which 116,432 were positive and 18,004 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 14,875 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played grand strategy games.
8.6
116,432
18,004
14,875
players
7. 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 Feral Interactive and published by SEGA and Feral Interactive. Released on September 02nd 2013 has received 88,173 reviews of which 73,559 were positive and 14,614 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 5,268 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played grand strategy games.
8.2
73,559
14,614
5,268
players
8. 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 52,618 reviews of which 35,043 were positive and 17,575 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. With 5,179 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played grand strategy games.
6.6
35,043
17,575
5,179
players
9. 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 33,344 reviews of which 31,910 were positive and 1,434 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 3,534 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played grand strategy games.
9.4
31,910
1,434
3,534
players
10. 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 103,745 reviews of which 74,951 were positive and 28,794 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. With 2,850 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played grand strategy games.
7.2
74,951
28,794
2,850
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 June 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 4,673 reviews of which 3,841 were positive and 832 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for grand strategy category.
8.0
3,841
832
-99%
39.99€
0.48€
2. Driftland: The Magic Revival
After a devastating war between ancient mages, a powerful spell is all that holds together the shattered planet of Driftland. Take on the role of a powerful mage capable of moving and connecting floating lands, develop a mighty empire, and restore Driftland to its former glory! Driftland: The Magic Revival is a rts, 4x and god game game developed and published by Star Drifters. Released on April 18th 2019 has received 1,930 reviews of which 1,407 were positive and 523 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in grand strategy games.
7.1
1,407
523
-99%
16.99€
0.31€
3. Distant Worlds 2
Distant Worlds 2 is a vast, pausable real-time 4X space strategy game. Distant Worlds 2 is a strategy, simulation and 4x game developed by CodeForce and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on March 10th 2022 has received 3,237 reviews of which 2,304 were positive and 933 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in grand strategy games.
6.9
2,304
933
-99%
48.99€
0.35€
4. AI War 2
The most devious and acclaimed artificial intelligence in strategy gaming is better than ever. A grand strategy/RTS hybrid that reverses many conventions of both genres. Take territory without attracting attention, build your empire with care, and adapt to an ever-evolving galactic battleground. AI War 2 is a 4x, grand strategy and multiplayer game developed and published by Arcen Games and LLC. Released on October 22nd 2019 has received 1,490 reviews of which 1,318 were positive and 172 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for grand strategy games.
8.4
1,318
172
-98%
19.50€
0.49€
5. Knights of Honor II: Sovereign
Become the king and fight over Europe in this fresh take on medieval real-time grand strategy. Manage provinces, gather armies, initiate diplomacy, and dabble in espionage. The path is open: become the true Sovereign of your people and bring them to glory. Knights of Honor II: Sovereign is a strategy, simulation and medieval game developed by Black Sea Games and published by THQ Nordic. Released on December 06th 2022 has received 5,792 reviews of which 4,450 were positive and 1,342 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for grand strategy games.
7.5
4,450
1,342
-98%
44.99€
0.98€
6. 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 404 reviews of which 290 were positive and 114 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for grand strategy games.
6.8
290
114
-98%
28.99€
0.60€
7. SuperPower 2 Steam Edition
SuperPower 2 is the only global geopolitical simulation game which allows players to control entire countries. Players control countries in 3 major areas: political, economic and military, but this time, in a beautiful real-time 3D environment. SuperPower 2 Steam Edition is a political sim, strategy and simulation game developed by GolemLabs and published by THQ Nordic. Released on April 18th 2014 has received 2,761 reviews of which 2,210 were positive and 551 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for grand strategy games.
7.7
2,210
551
-96%
9.99€
0.42€
8. 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 2,584 reviews of which 1,975 were positive and 609 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for grand strategy games.
7.4
1,975
609
-96%
13.99€
0.63€
9. 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 134,436 reviews of which 116,432 were positive and 18,004 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for grand strategy games.
8.6
116,432
18,004
-95%
49.99€
2.57€
10. Ozymandias: Bronze Age Empire Sim
Build an empire in a single sitting. All the strategy of a classic 4X in a faster format, which also shines in multiplayer. Ozymandias: Bronze Age Empire Sim is a grand strategy, turn-based strategy and 4x game developed by The Secret Games Company and published by Goblinz Publishing and IndieArk. Released on October 11th 2022 has received 1,520 reviews of which 1,337 were positive and 183 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for grand strategy games.
8.4
1,337
183
-95%
14.99€
0.83€
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 June 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 73,809 reviews of which 66,359 were positive and 7,450 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 1,639 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
66,359
7,450
1,639
players
2. SUPREMACY: 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. SUPREMACY: 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 5,257 reviews of which 4,033 were positive and 1,224 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 464, this grand strategy game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free grand strategy games on Steam.
7.5
4,033
1,224
464
players
3. Supremacy: Call of War 1942
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! Supremacy: Call of War 1942 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 5,832 reviews of which 4,168 were positive and 1,664 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 351, this grand strategy game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free grand strategy games on Steam.
7.0
4,168
1,664
351
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 381 reviews of which 267 were positive and 114 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
267
114
25
players
5. 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 532 reviews of which 512 were positive and 20 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free grand strategy games on Steam.
8.9
512
20
5
players
6. 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 654 reviews of which 557 were positive and 97 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free grand strategy games on Steam.
8.0
557
97
5
players
7. 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 893 reviews of which 740 were positive and 153 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free grand strategy games on Steam.
7.9
740
153
2
players