The Best Strategy Games You Should Consider Playing

Strategy games are some of the most fun to play. That’s because these games require skill and thinking – and you can get better at them over time.

Whether you’re just getting into strategy games, or you’re looking for a new one to play, here are some of the top strategy games that you should consider playing in 2024.

Raid: Shadow Legends

Raid has a strategic blend of RPG. This freemium mobile game requires you to fight for glory on the battlefield, taking place in a fictional realm of Teleria. Although this strategy game is free, you can make payments through microtransactions. Although generally reception for it has been good, with players commending the graphic quality and animations.

Poker

One of the top casino games is poker and it’s a strategy game too! Unlike many games on this list, this is a card game and one where you can actually win some money for playing strategically well.

There are lots of great poker no deposit bonus sites where you get rewarded for just signing up with money you can play with – and win with! Poker can be a complex game, at least when you’re starting out, so it’s well worth doing a bit of research before you start playing. Even the pros must learn new tips and practice, so it’s one of the best ways to get started!

Mafia City

Many strategy games, especially the ones you’ll see on this list, involve running an empire in historic times, such as ancient civilizations. But in Mafia City, you get to take on the exciting role of being a criminal and running your team as a crime boss.

The strategy aspect of gameplay involves creating and maintaining constructs, training your units, or working in competition – or collaboration with – other players to expand your empire.

Forge of Empires

Forge of Empires is free to play and involves loads of strategy-based gameplay. This comes in two different forms, the first being you can build an empire which grows over time, but you can also battle against other nations.

The game begins with you having a small patch of land that you can build over time. Like quite a few strategy games, this isn’t about quick wins. You’ll have to invest a lot of time to get some success.

Rise of Cultures

Another classic created by Innogames, if you like Forge of Empires, this is a game that’s all about building a civilization and culture. Depending on the type that you build, means you’ll get different benefits. This game has also had some great reviews, and definitely one to give a go if you’re getting into strategy games on mobile.

Call of War: World War II

For history buffs, Call of War: World War II is a must play. As the no. 1 real time World War II strategy game played on multiplayer, this game involves everything from combat to naval and air battles, nuclear weapons and more. Conquer provinces and create alliances with others.

This is a brilliant game initially released in 2015 and has only continued to grow in popularity over the years.

Iron Marines

This deep strategy game is a brilliant one for space fans as it takes you to unknown planets. This game has been lauded for its aesthetic art as well as being an immersive game.

The sci-fi setting has been well-received too and differentiates it from some of the other games on this list. It’s also made by the team of the Kingdom Rush saga, so you know it’s worth trying at least once (and returning to, again and again).

The Bonfire 2

Another settlement-building game but it’s worth it. Bonfire 2 is an RTS survival game where you build your home in a way that will allow you to fend off the monsters that may or may not visit you tonight.

Plague Inc

This game was released way back in 2012, but was a smash hit. And is just as great today as it ever was. In this game, you’re playing as the virus and your job is to help a deadly pandemic take over the world. It’s definitely very different thematically than other strategy games on this list, but if you haven’t played it yet then now is definitely the time.

The Future of Strategy Games: Upcoming Releases and Trends

The future of strategy games is an exciting prospect, as the genre continues to evolve and adapt to new technologies and player preferences. With advancements in graphics, artificial intelligence, and online connectivity, upcoming releases promise to deliver even more immersive and dynamic strategic experiences.

One of the trends shaping the future of strategy games is the integration of real-time elements with turn-based mechanics. This hybrid approach offers players the best of both worlds, allowing for deep strategic planning while maintaining the excitement and immediacy of real-time decision-making. Games like “Total War: Warhammer II” and “XCOM 2” have already demonstrated this successful blend, and upcoming releases are likely to explore this concept further.

Another trend is the inclusion of procedural generation and dynamic environments. By generating unique maps, events, and challenges each time a game is played, developers can offer endless replayability and ensure that no two playthroughs are the same. This not only adds to the strategic depth but also keeps the gameplay experience fresh and engaging.

Additionally, multiplayer and cooperative gameplay are becoming increasingly prominent in strategy games. Players can team up with friends or compete against others in complex and strategic battles. This social aspect adds a new dimension to the genre, encouraging collaboration, competition, and the exchange of strategic insights.

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are also likely to have an impact on the future of strategy games. With VR, players can be fully immersed in strategic worlds, commanding armies or managing empires in a more tactile and immersive manner. AR, on the other hand, has the potential to bring strategy games into the real world, overlaying game elements onto physical environments and creating unique and innovative gameplay experiences.

Finally, there is an increasing emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity in strategy games. Developers are working to make their games more approachable to a wider audience, implementing intuitive interfaces, comprehensive tutorials, and adjustable difficulty settings. This allows newcomers to the genre to dive in more easily while still providing depth and complexity for experienced players.