Strategy games have always held a special place in the gaming world. They challenge the mind, reward patience and foresight, and often provide some of the most satisfying victories in all of gaming. In 2025, the genre continues to evolve, offering both classic formats and innovative new takes on strategic gameplay. Whether you prefer building empires, managing resources, or commanding armies, here are the top strategy games to dive into this year.
Civilization VI
Though released several years ago, Civilization VI remains a flagship title for turn-based strategy fans. In this game, players guide a civilization from the dawn of history into the future, balancing diplomacy, science, military power, and cultural development. The constant stream of updates and expansions keeps it fresh, with new leaders, scenarios, and game mechanics regularly introduced. Each match offers endless replayability, and no two games are the same.
What makes Civ VI so enduring is its accessibility for newcomers and incredible depth for veterans. Whether you’re striving for world domination or peaceful technological victory, the game gives you complete freedom to shape your path.
Total War: Warhammer III
This fusion of fantasy and grand strategy is one of the most epic strategy experiences available in 2025. Total War: Warhammer III blends massive real-time battles with deep campaign management, allowing players to control fantastical armies like Chaos Demons, High Elves, or Vampire Counts. With every faction having unique mechanics and units, the strategic options are nearly limitless.
The Immortal Empires campaign—uniting maps from all three Warhammer Total War games—offers one of the largest and most detailed strategy worlds ever created. Tactical combat fans and lore lovers alike will find something to enjoy here.
Age of Empires IV
The latest installment in the Age of Empires franchise brings the beloved real-time strategy series into the modern age. With enhanced graphics, fresh mechanics, and deeply researched historical campaigns, AoE IV manages to feel both familiar and new. Eight unique civilizations come with different strengths and strategies, encouraging players to adapt and experiment.
In 2025, the game continues to thrive thanks to a strong community, regular balance patches, and modding support. Whether playing solo or battling it out in multiplayer, Age of Empires IV offers tightly balanced RTS gameplay that rewards skill and timing.
StarCraft II
Despite its age, StarCraft II is still the gold standard for competitive RTS gaming. Its clean mechanics, tight control, and perfectly balanced factions—Terran, Protoss, and Zerg—ensure it remains a go-to game for serious strategy players. The esports scene around StarCraft II remains active, particularly in South Korea, where it continues to draw large audiences and top-tier competitors.
Even for casual players, the single-player campaigns and custom game modes provide hours of engaging content. If you’re looking for a pure test of strategy and mechanics, this is the game to beat.
XCOM 2 and Similar Tactical RPGs
Turn-based tactical games like XCOM 2 still maintain a strong following in 2025. With its permadeath mechanics, unpredictable missions, and squad-based strategy, XCOM 2 delivers high-stakes gameplay where every decision matters. Similar games such as Gears Tactics and Phoenix Point also cater to fans of tactical combat, offering varied takes on the same nerve-wracking formula.
These games emphasize careful positioning, character progression, and long-term planning. For players who enjoy thinking through every move and building elite squads, the tactical subgenre remains immensely rewarding.