Summary
- Europa Universalis 4 is a highly acclaimed grand strategy game known for its historical immersion and rich game systems, particularly economics and diplomacy.
- Imperator: Rome, developed by Paradox Interactive, initially had a troubled release but has since improved with updates and a dedicated mod that continues development in the true Paradox style.
- Victoria 3, another Paradox Interactive title, offers impressive systems focused on economics and politics, although its combat system has received criticism. It is still in regular development.
For years, Europa Universalis 4 has captivated fans of the grand strategy genre with its historical immersion and rich game systems, particularly its economics and diplomacy. Released by Paradox Interactive in 2013 and receiving 16 expansions since, Europa Universalis 4 has earned itself a spot on the list of greatest grand strategy games ever made, maintaining a loyal fanbase that pulls out their wallets every time a new DLC drops (though often not without complaint).
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EU4 has plenty of content to satisfy players, but it can still get stale after a while. These mods help keep gameplay fresh and exciting.
For enthusiasts of the genre searching for games of similar depth or just a fresh experience, look no further. Here are some of the best games like Europa Universalis 4.
Updated on April 12, 2024, by Ritwik Mitra: Paradox Interactive is considered by many to be the king of the 4X strategy genre. At a glance, all their games may seem a bit too similar for their own good, but that's precisely where the magic happens. Despite these supposed similarities, each game features a unique gameplay loop and fun organic storytelling that helps them stand out as excellent strategy games in their own right. Europa Universalis 4 is a great example of the same, letting players form a powerful empire of their own, starting out from the Late Middle Ages all the way to the end of the Napoleonic Era. Players who want to check out more titles in the same vein will be spoiled for choice in this regard.
1 Hearts Of Iron 4
A Warfare Management And Simulation Title Made By The Same Developers
Hearts of Iron 4
- Released
- June 6, 2016
- Developer(s)
- Paradox Development Studio
- Platform(s)
- PC
- Genre(s)
- Grand Strategy
Hearts of Iron 4 is one of the most engrossing military grand strategy games ever made. Controlling one of the many powers during World War 2 and figuring out the best offensives possible to take out their enemies makes for a riveting time that players can't get enough of.
The learning curve for this game is steep, but fans are rewarded for sticking with it by enjoying what is easily one of the most fascinating and immersive grand strategy games set in a historic time. Learning the best tactics to optimize the effectiveness of their warfare and securing strategic landmarks makes for a great time.
2 Total War: Warhammer 3
Combines The Strategic Gameplay Of The Total War Series With The Riveting Fantasy Setting Of Warhammer
Total War: Warhammer 3
- Released
- February 17, 2022
- Developer(s)
- Creative Assembly
- Platform(s)
- PC
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, Tactical
Creative Assembly has garnered a massive fanbase with its Total War games, letting players live out the lives of rulers across different periods of history as they engage in massive battles and try to establish a dominant empire. However, most people felt like they plateaued when it came to attracting new fans to the gameplay loop they offered.
Their response to this was to acquire the rights to the Warhammer franchise and release three incredible strategy games set in a genre they'd never tackled before. Both Warhammer and Total War fans were more than pleased to see this fresh direction for the IPs they loved, and Warhammer 3 continued this trend of excellence despite a few controversies that were put to bed after fans rightfully pointed out this incorrect direction that the company was taking with the franchise.
3 Endless Space 2
A 4X Strategy Game Set In Space
Endless Space 2
- Released
- October 6, 2016
- Developer(s)
- Amplitude Studios
- Platform(s)
- PC
- Genre(s)
- Grand Strategy, 4X
It's a shame that more people aren't aware of the 4X games made by Amplitude Studios. Sure, they may have their fair share of caveats, but the games always boast a high level of quality and have attracted their fair share of fans. Both Endless Space and Endless Legend are great examples of how to make riveting grand strategy games that are perfect for fans of the genre.
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Fans who love the diplomatic aspect of grand strategy will find plenty to enjoy with these games.
Endless Space 2 continues this trend of excellence, using its period of Early Access to incorporate fan feedback and release a video game that fans absolutely adored. The game's learning curve is steep, as most people would've assumed already. However, what follows is a rich, satisfying gaming experience that fans of this niche genre will have a great time with.
4 Imperator: Rome
A Classic World Option
Imperator: Rome
- Released
- April 25, 2019
- Developer(s)
- Paradox Development Studio
- Platform(s)
- Linux, Microsoft Windows, macOS
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, Simulation
Developed by Paradox Interactive, Imperator: Rome had a troubled release, with many players disappointed in what they saw as shallow "mana-based" mechanics. A new lead developer was brought in, and over the following months, numerous updates were released that sought to bring the title more in line with what fans of the studio have come to expect from their grand strategy IPs.
Development was officially concluded after the release of the 2.0 update, with Paradox unable to attract enough players to make it financially viable to continue. This is unfortunate because the game, as of the 2.0 update, is a true Paradox title and feels like a modern Europa Universalis game set in the Classical world. Those players who are curious about the current state of the game should definitely check out the Invictus mod found in the Steam Workshop, as those behind the mod have sought to continue the game's development in a way that feels true to Paradox as a game developer, and have added a ton of new flavor to the title.
5 Victoria 3
Diplomatic Play
Victoria 3
- Released
- October 25, 2022
- Developer(s)
- Paradox Development Studio
- Platform(s)
- PC
- Genre(s)
- Strategy
Another Paradox Interactive title, and another that had a difficult release, Victoria 3 is still in regular development and has come a long way over the past years. Those players who are fans of Europa Universalis 4' s diplomacy and negotiation mechanics will find themselves right at home, with the "Diplomatic Play" system being a major upgrade from its predecessor.
Players should be aware, however, that Victoria 3's warfare system is still woefully subpar, with complaints about this system being by far the most common reason for the game's negative reviews on Steam. But what Victoria 3 lacks in combat, it makes up for in economics and politics, with players able to sink many hours into tweaking their laws and economies in order to bring about more stable and legitimate governments. For all its flaws, this game has impressive systems that fans of the genre can easily get lost in.
6 Napolean: Total War
Bringing An Era To Life
Napoleon: Total War
- Released
- February 23, 2010
- Developer(s)
- Creative Assembly, Feral Interactive
- Platform(s)
- PC, macOS
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, Tactical
The last in the Total War series set in a more modern time period, Napoleon sought to fix the mistakes of its immediate predecessor, Empire, and in that, it succeeded. One of the most highly regarded games in the series, it gives players a unique narrative-driven campaign based around the life of Napoleon, as well as a plethora of historical battles with names that will be familiar to fans of military history.
With impressive visuals in and out of combat and attention to detail that will excite fans of the period, Total War: Napoleon should be checked out by those who are fans of or curious about the era or the Total War series.
7 Stellaris
Grand Strategy Game With Endless Replayability
Stellaris
- Released
- May 9, 2016
- Developer(s)
- Paradox Development Studio
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- 4X, Grand Strategy
One of Paradox Interactive's most popular titles, and with a multiplayer scene perhaps only second to that of Hearts of Iron 4, Stellaris has a well-deserved reputation among fans of the grand strategy genre for its nearly endless replayability and impressive mechanics. Fans of the great power diplomacy of Europa Universalis 4 or the Victoria series will feel themselves right at home, with power blocs emerging by the mid-game and diplomacy becoming a necessity for all but the most powerful and militaristic factions.
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Various Civics in Stellaris unlock positions for the Council. Here are the best members for the Council, and the Civics required to unlock them.
There is plenty of opportunity to fine-tune the economies of planets as well, though not to the degree as the Victoria series. Where the game really shines is in the vast differences in playstyle between the many different types of species and governing systems, giving players near-total freedom in the way their desired species plays.
8 Age Of History 2
A More Accessible Alternative To Europa Universalis 4
Age of History 2
- Released
- November 21, 2018
- Platform(s)
- PC
- Developer
- Łukasz Jakowski
- Genre(s)
- Grand Strategy, Historical
Age of History 2 invites players to lead their nations across various historical epochs, shaping the world as they go. The game offers an expansive historical scope, allowing players to engage in diplomacy, warfare, and empire-building across vast sweeps of time.
The game is similar to Europa Universalis 4 in its systems; however, Age of History 2 offers a far more streamlined and approachable design, making it an easy way for those inexperienced in grand strategy games to get into the genre. With an unbeatable price, this title is worth a look by any strategy or history fan.
9 Terra Invicta
Grand Strategy Game About Reacting To An Alien Threat
Terra Invicta
- Released
- January 5, 2026
- Platform(s)
- PC
- Developer
- Pavonis Interactive
- Genre(s)
- Simulation, Real-Time Strategy, Grand Strategy, 4X, War & Military
Though still in early access, Terra Invicta has already claimed for itself a loyal fanbase and acquires more players every update. Terra Invicta is founded on the premise that aliens are invading Earth, but they are not the only enemy. Players don't choose nations in this game but different shadowy factions lurking in the background, each with a unique outlook on how to deal with the looming alien threat.
These factions will struggle against each other for much of the game, all while the alien threat looms ever closer. Fans of sci-fi settings will want to give this title a look, as it has one of the most realistic and grounded space-based settings of any grand strategy game currently available and has the mechanical depth to back it up.
10 Civilization 6
Perfecting A Grand Strategy Staple
Sid Meier's Civilization 6
A classic of the grand strategy genre, the Civilization series has captivated players for decades with its once-innovative turn-based gameplay spanning all of human history. The game allows players to achieve victory by pursuing a variety of different playstyles, allowing for replayability beyond simply choosing different factions to guide through the ages.
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Luxury Resources play a major role in determining how quickly a city - and therefore a Civilization - can progress.
Civilization 6 has brought many new mechanics and systems over the years through DLCs, adding now-essential elements such as the "World Congress" and "Diplomatic Victories" to the series. With Civilization 7 well into its development, there's never been a better time to explore this classic series.