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, check out lists of the most played, top deals and best free to play Strategy games on Steam.

Filters & Lists
Plants vs. Zombies GOTY Edition Zombies are invading your home, and the only defense is your arsenal of plants! Armed with an alien nursery-worth of zombie-zapping plants like peashooters and cherry bombs, you'll need to think fast and plant faster to stop dozens of types of zombies dead in their tracks.

Price 4.99€
Rating 9.6
Release 05 May 2009
King's Bounty: The Legend King's Bounty: The Legend is an adventure game with tactical turn-based battles and role-playing elements.

Price -86% 1.00€
Rating 8.7
Release 01 May 2009
Braid This is the original version of Braid from 2009, which may not work well on newer systems. For an updated version of the game with nicer graphics, more levels and a large amount of developer commentary, see Braid, Anniversary Edition.

Price -66% 5.23€
Rating 9.1
Release 10 Apr 2009
Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor Company of Heroes®: Tales of Valor™ is the expansion to the Game of the Year winner and highest rated real time strategy franchise Company of Heroes®. Featuring new campaigns to overcome, units to command, and battlefields to conquer, Company of Heroes®: Tales of Valor™ delivers evolved gameplay mechanics and 3 episodic adventures...

Price -80% 3.69€
Rating 8.9
Release 08 Apr 2009
Caster Dash across Scenic Locations destroying bug like creatures called the Flanx using 6 Unique Attacks that include Massive Terrain Deformation and High Speed Barrages of Energy Blasts!

Price 1.50€
Rating 7.7
Release 19 Mar 2009
Grand Ages: Rome As Governor of a Roman Province in the time-honoured Roman Empire, its fortune very much lies in your hands. Choose one of five Roman noble families such as Caesar’s Julii with different abilities to accomplish the comprehensive missions.

Price -90% 1.08€
Rating 7.2
Release 05 Mar 2009
Total War: EMPIRE – Definitive Edition Command the seas, control the land, forge a new nation, and conquer the globe.

Price -83% 4.29€
Rating 8.9
Release 04 Mar 2009
Tom Clancy's EndWar™ Live the thrilling career of an army commander and lead your army to victory in a massive online World War III! Take control of the U.S.-led Joint Strike Force, the European Enforcers Corps, or the Russian Spetsnaz Guards Brigade in a persistent ongoing World War.

Price -70% 2.99€
Rating 7.7
Release 25 Feb 2009
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Anniversary Edition All of Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II in one package. Play the award-winning real-time strategy game in all its glory, including three full campaigns, six multiplayer factions, and a full co-op Last Stand mode with eight unique heroes.

Price 44.99€
Rating 8.6
Release 18 Feb 2009
Spectromancer A turn-based online fantasy card game. No character leveling, no grinding, no deck building - just 100% skill-based and fast-paced card battles!

Price 6.89€
Rating 8.1
Release 11 Feb 2009
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.

Price -51% 4.94€
Rating 8.9
Release 04 Feb 2009
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.

Price 14.99€
Rating 8.0
Release 04 Feb 2009
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.

Price -96% 0.64€
Rating 8.1
Release 23 Jan 2009
SPORE™ Creepy & Cute Parts Pack Add horror and humor to your universe. Make grotesque beasts or cuddly critters, then watch them do the robot, zombie walk, break dance and more! Includes over 100 new items. 60 New parts 48 New paint options 24 New animations

Price -75% 4.99€
Rating 8.5
Release 19 Dec 2008
Defense Grid: The Awakening Defense Grid: The Awakening is a unique spin on tower defense gameplay that will appeal to players of all skill levels. A horde of enemies is invading, and it's up to the player to stop them by strategically building fortification towers around their base.

Price -61% 3.14€
Rating 9.3
Release 08 Dec 2008
Imperium Romanum Gold Edition The city builder strategy game Imperium Romanum is set in the time-honoured Roman Empire. As governor of a Roman province, you will devise a strategy to build a well organised, prosperous and commanding settlement. Its fortune very much lies in your own hands.

Price -96% 0.46€
Rating 7.9
Release 25 Nov 2008
Bejeweled Twist Get set for a vivid sensory rush as you spin and match explosive gems for shockwaves of fun. Rotate jewels freely to set up electrifying combos, outwit surprising obstacles like Locks and Bombs, and create high-voltage Flame and Lightning gems.

Price 4.99€
Rating 7.8
Release 18 Nov 2008
Mount & Blade Calradia is a land at war, offering great riches and even greater dangers to adventurers and mercenaries that flock to shed their blood on its soil. With courage and a strong sword, an unknown stranger can make a name as a warrior. Free-form sand-box gameplay.

Price -94% 0.67€
Rating 8.9
Release 03 Nov 2008
X3: Terran Conflict It is the year 2938. The long wished-for encounter of the X Universe and the Earth holds both joy and sorrow for the people. Despite flourishing trade, the clash of the diverse races, cultures and life forms creates new tensions, mistrust and open conflict that need to be overcome!

Price -90% 1.59€
Rating 8.2
Release 16 Oct 2008
Peggle™ Nights Join the Peggle Masters on a dreamtime adventure of alter egos and peg-tastic action. Stay up late to aim, shoot and clear orange pegs, and bask in Extreme Fever glory under the silver moon.

Price 4.99€
Rating 9.2
Release 15 Oct 2008
World of Goo World of Goo is a multiple award winning physics based puzzle / construction game made entirely by two guys.

Price -75% 3.18€
Rating 9.1
Release 13 Oct 2008
Brothers in Arms: Earned in Blood™ With its unprecedented combination of authenticity, compelling story and squad-based action, the Brothers in Arms franchise has established itself as a benchmark for military action games, receiving the highest average review scores of any console WWII game to date (www.gamerankings.com).

Price 4.99€
Rating 8.3
Release 10 Oct 2008
Heroes of Might & Magic V: Hammers of Fate Take part in a thrilling new adventure in the world of Ashan with the Hammers of Fate expansion. Discover uncharted territories and experience new ways of playing Heroes of Might & Magic V. Introducing a brand-new Dwarves faction, made up of heroic warriors and rune magic adepts who stalk the deepest mountains and most hostile regions of...

Price -75% 2.49€
Rating 8.0
Release 10 Oct 2008
Heroes of Might & Magic V: Tribes of the East For the first time, play as the Orc faction and recruit heroes, build armies and manage cities as you explore and conquer legendary lands. Use tactics, skills and magic to outsmart fantasy armies while developing your heroes and unveiling the dark plot that threatens to tear the world of Ashan apart.

Price -75% 2.49€
Rating 8.9
Release 10 Oct 2008

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!