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.
Eiyu*Senki – The World Conquest
A mysterious hero from the heavens and the young ruler of Zipang, Himiko, set their sights on ending the eternal war burning around them, but to bring peace to the world they must first conquer it.Sorry, James
JAMES_GARNER zEiaQe@z1l3Gladiator School
Gladiator School is a Tycoon-style simulation game. You play as the master of a newly formed school for gladiators. Your job is to prepare and train recruits before you send them away to fight for their survival and entertain the crowd in the arena.Battlerite
BATTLERITE is an action-packed team arena brawler. Experience the unique combination of top-down shooter meets fast-paced fighting game and challenge friends and foes in a battle of reaction. The Arena awaits!Hand of Fate 2
A new hero rises to challenge the Dealer in Hand of Fate 2! Master a living boardgame of infinitely replayable quests - unlock new cards, build your adventure, then defeat your foes in brutal real-time combat! Draw your cards, play your hand and discover your fate!Card Quest
Card Quest is a dungeon crawling adventure game with unique card combat. Play with a variety of unique character classes, and customize decks to fit your playstyle. Explore the strategic depth of tactical roguelike gameplay, and crush the undead plague.Space Pirates And Zombies 2
Design and then improve the ultimate mothership. Explore a persistent living galaxy populated by 200 unique captains that can do everything you can do. Survive the zombie infection and then fight them back. Make allies and start your own faction. Build your empire. Also includes Sandbox Mode.Death Coming/死神来了
'Death Coming' is a non-linear puzzle game where you must harvest human souls ‘Final Destination’ style. However, pesky mortals are not your only problem, as the Agents of Light will do everything they can to stop you.Warspear Online
Create your hero and dive into an epic 2D MMORPG! Explore a vast open world, conquer castles, battle in free-for-all PvP, team up in guilds, join Alliance wars, explore dungeons, and celebrate with fun in-game events!Tasty Planet
Control a tiny ball of grey goo with the ability to eat anything smaller than itself. The more it eats, the bigger it gets! Soon you'll be able to eat the entire planet!Lines X Free
Beautiful & relaxing Numberlink puzzles.EMERGENCY 20
Coordinate your team of first responders in the anniversary edition of EMERGENCY! Featuring 10 remastered classic EMERGENCY missions and three full campaigns, EMERGENCY 20 is the complete package for both experienced and new rescue commanders!Golden Krone Hotel
Golden Krone Hotel is a gothic horror roguelike. Fight vampires with sunlight or become a vampire yourself and sneak in the shadows. Combines classic turn-based combat with dynamic lighting, an innovative potion system, and fast paced gameplay.Arcade Moonlander
Explore space and race against the clock in this retro styled adventure game.Yomawari: Midnight Shadows
The dark is no place to be alone. After a beautiful show of summer fireworks, two young girls begin to make their way home. However, a mysterious attacker separates them, and both must brave the haunting night filled with unspeakable terrors and survive the darkness.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!Hide and Shriek
Scare or be scared in this FREE adrenaline-pumping multiplayer game full of hijinks and mischief! Set traps, cast spells, and scare the living hell out of your opponent to win!Bomber Crew
Chocks away! Bomber Crew is a strategic simulation game, where picking the right crew and keeping your bomber in tip top shape is the difference between completing your mission or losing it all! USAAF DLC NOW AVAILABLE! FLY THE ICONIC AMERICAN BOMBER!The Jackbox Party Pack 4
The fourth pack in this storied party game franchise features Fibbage 3 and its new game mode, Fibbage: Enough About You; the twisted web game Survive the Internet; the dating contest Monster Seeking Monster; the deranged debate match Bracketeering; and the one-up art game Civic Doodle.Warbanners
Warbanners: the turn-based, tactical strategy game with role-playing elements that lets you manage a squad of mercenaries, and survive 42 campaign missions. Your goal? To earn a place among ancient legends!Romance of the Three Kingdoms IX with Power Up Kit
"Romance of the Three Kingdoms Ⅸ with Power Up Kit" is an expanded version of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms Ⅸ," which was released in 2003 as the 9th game in the series. RTK Ⅸ is a strategy based simulation game based in China's chaotic Three Kingdoms period.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 May 15th 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 2,483,907 reviews of which 2,025,545 were positive and 458,362 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 298,026 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 22,355 reviews of which 20,290 were positive and 2,065 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. While seeing 36,471 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 339,480 reviews of which 302,903 were positive and 36,577 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. While seeing 24,641 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among strategy games based on player count.4. 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 183,749 reviews of which 158,581 were positive and 25,168 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 20,370 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played strategy games.5. 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 348,552 reviews of which 302,795 were positive and 45,757 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 18,595 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 209,072 reviews of which 204,828 were positive and 4,244 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 18,317 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played strategy games.7. 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 15,921 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played strategy games.8. Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel
Yu-Gi-Oh! MASTER DUEL is the ultimate free-to-play cross-platform strategy card game with fast-paced Duels, stunning HD graphics and a new, dynamic soundtrack! Get ready to challenge Duelists around the world! Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel is a card game, free to play and strategy game developed and published by KONAMI. Released on January 18th 2022 has received 85,826 reviews of which 63,813 were positive and 22,013 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. With 14,599 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played strategy games.9. 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 161,361 reviews of which 153,032 were positive and 8,329 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 14,318 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played strategy games.10. 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 118,906 reviews of which 86,208 were positive and 32,698 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. With 13,882 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 May 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted 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 strategy category.2. 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 12,557 reviews of which 10,078 were positive and 2,479 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 97% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in strategy games.3. 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 917 reviews of which 651 were positive and 266 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 97% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in strategy games.4. Field of Glory II
Field of Glory II is a turn-based tactical game set during the Rise of Rome from 280 BC to 25 BC. Field of Glory II is a strategy, simulation and turn-based strategy game developed by Byzantine Games and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on October 12th 2017 has received 1,150 reviews of which 957 were positive and 193 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 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. 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 4,525 reviews of which 3,505 were positive and 1,020 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 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 871 reviews of which 630 were positive and 241 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. 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 7,722 reviews of which 6,628 were positive and 1,094 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 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. 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. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for strategy games.10. Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War
Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War brings you to a world of terror and violence. Four factions will engage in a brutal war for dominance over the planet’s resources. In the first turn-based 4X strategy game set in Warhammer 40,000 you will lead one of four unique factions. Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War is a strategy, warhammer 40k and 4x game developed by Proxy Studios and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on July 12th 2018 has received 14,277 reviews of which 11,602 were positive and 2,675 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 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 May 15th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play strategy games.