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
DEFCON Inspired by the 1983 cult classic film, Wargames, DEFCON superbly evokes the tension, paranoia and suspicion of the Cold War era, playing on the fascinating aspects of psychological gameplay that occur during strategic nuclear warfare.

Price -91% 1.16€
Rating 8.4
Release 29 Sep 2006
Company of Heroes Delivering a visceral WWII gaming experience, Company of Heroes redefines RTS by bringing the sacrifice of heroic soldiers, war-ravaged environments, and dynamic battlefields to life. Please visit the "Company of Heroes - Legacy Edition" page for additional user reviews.

Price -84% 3.09€
Rating 9.2
Release 11 Sep 2006
Insaniquarium Deluxe The craziest aquarium game ever! Tend to your fish, keep them happy and they'll reward you with coins and jewels. Buy tank upgrades or egg parts which hatch different in-tank pets. These pets can help you feed your fish, collect coins, or even protect against the aliens that will invade your tank.

Price 4.99€
Rating 9.3
Release 30 Aug 2006
Zuma Deluxe Deep in the jungle lie hidden temples bursting with traps and trickery, and it's up to you to uncover their treasures. Fire magical balls from your stone frog idol to make matches of three or more and clear the deadly chain before it reaches the golden skull.

Price 4.99€
Rating 9.2
Release 30 Aug 2006
Uplink Uplink lets you play as a freelance hacker tackling risky contracts for corporations. Break into systems, steal data, sabotage rivals, and upgrade your gear. Support factions or go rogue in this immersive, strategy-driven hacking simulation game where your choices shape the outcome.

Price -92% 1.03€
Rating 8.7
Release 23 Aug 2006
X3: Reunion X3: Reunion continues the epic space saga, blending deep space trading and intense real-time combat. Explore a vast universe, establish your empire, and shape the new frontier. With enhanced graphics and intricate economies, it's a journey of strategy, simulation, and interstellar intrigue.

Price -88% 1.25€
Rating 6.9
Release 21 Jul 2006
X2: The Threat X²: The Threat is of a new generation of space simulator games, you play the role of Julian Gardna who continues the story set by X: Beyond The Frontier. The updated graphics engine gives the universe a fresher feel with newly designed ships and stations adding to the complexity of the universe.

Price -45% 2.75€
Rating 7.8
Release 21 Jul 2006
The Ship: Murder Party The Ship is a murder mystery multiplayer.

Price -83% 1.75€
Rating 8.3
Release 11 Jul 2006
Disciples II: Gallean's Return Disciples II: Gallean's Return is a compilation edition that includes the base game, Disciples II: Dark Prophecy, plus the two standalone expansions Disciples II: Guardians of the Light and Disciples II: Servants of the Dark.

Price -87% 0.81€
Rating 7.9
Release 06 Jul 2006
Disciples II: Rise of the Elves The award-winning series Disciples introduced a milestone in the game's very successful history; the introduction of a new race: The Elves. The Elven Race added a new dimension to the game and added countless hours of gameplay. Now that series has expanded further with Disciples II: Rise Of The Elves.

Price -81% 1.13€
Rating 8.3
Release 06 Jul 2006
Earth 2160 After the destruction of the EARTH in 2150, the leaders of the Eurasian Dynasty escaped on board an evacuation fleet. Now they are fighting for the survival of the human species. Their base is one large building comprising of smaller variable parts.

Price -97% 0.31€
Rating 6.8
Release 01 Apr 2006
Red Orchestra: Ostfront 41-45 Fight in the theatre of war that changed the world forever. Battle alongside your compatriots on some of the most inhospitable environments of the Eastern Front in Red Orchestra: Ostfront 41-45. Red Orchestra places you in the most realistic WWII first-person multi-player combat to date on the PC, allowing the player to fight through...

Price -47% 2.15€
Rating 8.4
Release 14 Mar 2006
Dangerous Waters S.C.S. - Dangerous Waters allows you total control over multiple air, surface, and submarine platforms in a modern-day naval environment. Take direct control of individual crew stations and also plan and execute combined arms naval strategies from a top-down 'Commanders Eye' perspective.

Price -90% 2.63€
Rating 7.4
Release 07 Feb 2006
Darwinia Darwinia blends real-time strategy, action, and puzzles with a unique gesture-based control system. Save the Darwinians, battle viruses, and restore order in a retro-inspired digital world. Winner of multiple prestigious  awards, including the Seumas McNally Grand Prize at IGF 2006.

Price -97% 0.46€
Rating 7.6
Release 01 Dec 2005
Sid Meier's Pirates! Sail the Caribbean, marauding all on the high seas or ally your ship and crew as a privateer in search of riches - the life you choose is up to you. Face dogged enemies, raid unsuspecting villages, woo fair maidens, avoid capture or dig for buried treasure. Discover what it takes to become one of the most famous pirates in history!

Price -96% 0.43€
Rating 9.2
Release 11 Jul 2005
Counter-Strike: Source Counter-Strike: Source blends Counter-Strike's award-winning teamplay action with the advanced technology of Source™ technology.

Price 9.75€
Rating 9.5
Release 01 Nov 2004
Counter-Strike: Condition Zero With its extensive Tour of Duty campaign, a near-limitless number of skirmish modes, updates and new content for Counter-Strike's award-winning multiplayer game play, plus over 12 bonus single player missions, Counter-Strike: Condition Zero is a tremendous offering of single and multiplayer content.

Price 8.19€
Rating 9.0
Release 01 Mar 2004
Day of Defeat Enlist in an intense brand of Axis vs. Allied teamplay set in the WWII European Theatre of Operations. Players assume the role of light/assault/heavy infantry, sniper or machine-gunner class, each with a unique arsenal of historical weaponry at their disposal. Missions are based on key historical operations.

Price 4.99€
Rating 8.8
Release 01 May 2003
Geneforge 1 Geneforge is an Indie fantasy role-playing game, the first game in the five-part Geneforge Saga. It features an enormous world, the ability to create your own army of lethal, totally obedient creatures, and a cunning enemy AI with foes who can go on patrols, stalk you, and run for help. Geneforge has a huge and open storyline.

Price -50% 9.75€
Rating 8.6
Release 01 Dec 2001
Counter-Strike Play the world's number 1 online action game. Engage in an incredibly realistic brand of terrorist warfare in this wildly popular team-based game. Ally with teammates to complete strategic missions. Take out enemy sites. Rescue hostages. Your role affects your team's success. Your team's success affects your role.

Price 8.19€
Rating 9.6
Release 01 Nov 2000
Arma 2 Building on 10 years of constant engine development, ARMA II boasts the most realistic combat environment in the world. It models real world ballistics & round deflection, materials penetration, features a realtime day/night cycle and dynamic wind, weather and environmental effects.

Price -80% 1.99€
Rating 8.0
Release -
SpellForce 2 - Anniversary Edition SpellForce 2 - Anniversary Edition presents the award-winning SpellForce saga hits: "SpellForce 2 – Shadow Wars" and the add-on "SpellForce 2 – Dragon Storm" for a spectacular game experience!

Price -94% 0.94€
Rating 7.2
Release -
Stronghold 2: Steam Edition Tax, torture or treat your peasants! Rehabilitate criminals or sentence them to death? Decide as you enjoy jousting over a lavish banquet, all while under siege from the warmongering Lord Barclay.

Price -84% 2.50€
Rating 8.6
Release -
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II: Retribution Command any of the six unique factions in the next standalone expansion of the critically acclaimed Dawn of War real-time strategy franchise. Choose to build a massive army or lead a small squad of elite heroes into battle and experience a single player campaign customized to your favorite race.

Price -73% 7.87€
Rating 8.8
Release -

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!