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
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...
Medieval II: Total War™ Kingdoms
Medieval II: Total War Kingdoms is the official expansion to last year's award-winning Medieval II: Total War, presenting players with all-new territories to explore, troops to command, and enemies to conquer.
Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword
Sid Meier's Civilization IV®: Beyond the Sword is the second expansion pack for Civilization IV - the 2005 PC Game of the Year that has become a worldwide hit.
Civilization IV®: Warlords
Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Warlords is the first expansion pack for the award-winning game that has become an instant world-wide hit. Paying homage to some of history's greatest military leaders, the expansion delivers six unique and interesting scenarios, giving players the chance to change the course of history with the help of their...
Making History: The Calm & the Storm
Making History® delivers the open-ended gameplay of strategy-game classics, but with compelling new economic, military, and diplomatic systems and deep research that lets you play with real historical challenges.
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.
Sid Meier's Civilization® III Complete
Sid Meier's Civilization III: Complete, the latest offering in the Sid Meier's Civilization III franchise, provides gaming fans with Sid Meier's Civilization III, the highly-addictive journey of discovery.
Sid Meier's Civilization® IV
With over 6 million units sold and unprecedented critical acclaim from fans and press around the world, Sid Meier's Civilization is recognized as one of the greatest PC game franchises of all-time. Now, Sid Meier and Firaxis Games will take this incredibly fun and addictive game to new heights by adding new ways to play and win, new...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 May 11th 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 338,635 reviews of which 302,134 were positive and 36,501 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 36,423 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.8
302,134
36,501
36,423
players
2. 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 182,409 reviews of which 158,150 were positive and 24,259 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. While seeing 29,977 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
158,150
24,259
29,977
players
3. 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 348,183 reviews of which 302,461 were positive and 45,722 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. While seeing 25,084 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among grand strategy games based on player count.
8.6
302,461
45,722
25,084
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 125,462 reviews of which 113,142 were positive and 12,320 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 21,728 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played grand strategy games.
8.9
113,142
12,320
21,728
players
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 118,572 reviews of which 85,881 were positive and 32,691 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. With 19,738 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played grand strategy games.
7.2
85,881
32,691
19,738
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 133,756 reviews of which 115,812 were positive and 17,944 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 17,244 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played grand strategy games.
8.6
115,812
17,944
17,244
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 52,084 reviews of which 34,652 were positive and 17,432 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. With 5,839 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played grand strategy games.
6.6
34,652
17,432
5,839
players
8. 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 87,770 reviews of which 73,196 were positive and 14,574 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 4,897 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played grand strategy games.
8.2
73,196
14,574
4,897
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 33,163 reviews of which 31,745 were positive and 1,418 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 3,697 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played grand strategy games.
9.4
31,745
1,418
3,697
players
10. Total War: EMPIRE – Definitive Edition
Command the seas, control the land, forge a new nation, and conquer the globe. Total War: EMPIRE – Definitive Edition is a strategy, historical and military game developed by Creative Assembly and Feral Interactive (Linux) and published by Feral interactive (Mac), Feral Interactive (Linux) and SEGA. Released on March 04th 2009 has received 35,313 reviews of which 32,053 were positive and 3,260 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 2,619 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played grand strategy games.
8.9
32,053
3,260
2,619
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 May 11th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted grand strategy games.
1. 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 3,217 reviews of which 2,290 were positive and 927 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Featuring a massive 98% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for grand strategy category.
6.9
2,290
927
-98%
50.00€
1.00€
2. 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 4,578 reviews of which 3,760 were positive and 818 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in grand strategy games.
8.0
3,760
818
-95%
39.80€
1.99€
3. 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 1,514 reviews of which 1,330 were positive and 184 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in grand strategy games.
8.4
1,330
184
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
4. 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 1,976 were positive and 608 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for grand strategy games.
7.4
1,976
608
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
5. 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 1,202 reviews of which 742 were positive and 460 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for grand strategy games.
6.0
742
460
-93%
15.29€
1.07€
6. 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 495 reviews of which 382 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 #6 position in the best deals for grand strategy games.
7.3
382
113
-92%
12.50€
1.00€
7. 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 398 reviews of which 288 were positive and 110 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for grand strategy games.
6.9
288
110
-91%
27.67€
2.49€
8. 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 348,183 reviews of which 302,461 were positive and 45,722 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for grand strategy games.
8.6
302,461
45,722
-90%
59.99€
5.99€
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 133,756 reviews of which 115,812 were positive and 17,944 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for grand strategy games.
8.6
115,812
17,944
-90%
49.99€
4.99€
10. 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 34,894 reviews of which 28,629 were positive and 6,265 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for grand strategy games.
8.1
28,629
6,265
-89%
44.36€
4.88€
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 May 11th 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 73,715 reviews of which 66,281 were positive and 7,434 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 1,858 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
66,281
7,434
1,858
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 5,167 reviews of which 3,998 were positive and 1,169 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 543, this grand strategy game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free grand strategy games on Steam.
7.5
3,998
1,169
543
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 5,774 reviews of which 4,125 were positive and 1,649 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 340, this grand strategy game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free grand strategy games on Steam.
7.0
4,125
1,649
340
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 371 reviews of which 261 were positive and 110 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
261
110
26
players
5. 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 643 reviews of which 546 were positive and 97 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free grand strategy games on Steam.
8.0
546
97
6
players
6. 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 886 reviews of which 734 were positive and 152 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free grand strategy games on Steam.
7.9
734
152
5
players
7. 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 491 reviews of which 475 were positive and 16 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free grand strategy games on Steam.
9.0
475
16
4
players