Summary
- Warfare is often inevitable in grand strategy games, whether players initiate it or not.
- Games like Victoria 2 and Hearts of Iron 4 showcase evolving warfare and the economic impact of war.
- Total War: Warhammer 3 brings a fantasy twist to the grand strategy genre.
One of the main aspects of any great grand strategy game is warfare. In fact, the most pacifistic players will likely be dragged into war at some point, even after extensive attempts at diplomacy, whether it’s through their own actions causing an aggressive AI to take issue or an opponent doing something egregious that must be punished.
Those at the top always have some tough decisions to make, balancing these actions involving sacrifice, international standing, and citizen morale with the tactics of individual battles and the overall war strategy. Here are some of the best grand strategy games for feeling like a war general, based on a combination of their quality and popularity, plus their effective implementations of war mechanics.
Knights Of Honor 2: Sovereign
Battle For Medieval Europe
Knights of Honor II: Sovereign
- Released
- December 6, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Developer(s)
- Black Sea Games
- Genre(s)
- Real-Time Strategy, Tactical
- Platform(s)
- PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
A strategy game set in medieval Europe with real-time combat, Knights of Honor 2: Sovereign boasts great levels of accessibility for new players and a level of depth that even appeals to veteran grand strategists. There are over 200 playable kingdoms across the map, each vying for control of the continent, so warfare is an inevitability.
There are over 100 military units that can be used in large-scale battles or when engaging in a siege. Battles can also be automated, but budding war generals generally like to command full control of proceedings and can employ multiple tactical approaches, from specific troop placement to cutting off enemy supplies.
Victoria 2
The Evolving Nature Of War During Industrialization
Victoria 2
- Released
- August 13, 2010
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Developer(s)
- Paradox Development Studio
- Genre(s)
- Grand Strategy
- Platform(s)
- PC, macOS
The abundance of options during war is even greater in Victoria 2 than in its sequel, with the nature of warfare evolving as time and the game progresses. While amassing a large army over the course of 100 years from 1836 to 1936, war will occur at some point, with industrialization causing rapid changes and competition becoming fiercer.
Starting with armies easily conquering new lands or being obliterated with ease, wars gradually evolve to be more long-term trench-based affairs, drastically affecting the economy and societal welfare. Even countries that are not actively engaging in any military action will notice troubles in their economy, no matter how far from the frontline they are.
Total War: Warhammer 3
Many Factors To Keep In Mind During War
Total War: Warhammer 3
- Released
- February 17, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Developer(s)
- Creative Assembly
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, Tactical
- Platform(s)
- PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Taking place within the Lands of the East and the Chaos Realms on a large map with hundreds of regions to conquer, Total War: Warhammer 3 blends real-time tactics and turn-based strategy. There are plenty of playable races and factions in this title, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, such as the Tzeentch with their preference for ranged combat and powerful flying units.
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Combat mechanics can be tricky for some to manage at first, given that morale and fatigue can be detrimental as wars drag on. Faction strengths mean that, sometimes, the strategy must be altered on the fly, but advantages like higher terrain and potent magic can quickly turn the tide in any given situation.
Romance Of The Three Kingdoms 11
Relive Important Battles From Chinese History
Romance of the Three Kingdoms 11
- Released
- February 6, 2007
WHERE TO PLAY
Taking place during the tumultuous period of Chinese history that Dynasty Warriors fans may recognize, Romance of the Three Kingdoms 11 features deep war mechanics, requiring plenty of strategic planning. Among the best grand strategy games set in Asia, the goal here is to reunify China under one ruler, with many different factions coveting that level of power.
Officer stats play a pivotal role in battles, as their War, Leadership, and Intelligence stats can be highly influential, but infrastructure is just as vital. City planning, supply lines, and positioning can all sway the course of any given conflict, and powerful skills like stampede can cause massive damage.
Stellaris
War On A Galactic Scale
Stellaris
- Released
- May 9, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Violent References, Mild Language
- Developer(s)
- Paradox Development Studio
- Genre(s)
- 4X, Grand Strategy
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
When building a civilization across multiple star systems and galaxies, it’s important to maintain a balance of military strength and economic stability. Stellaris bases warfare on a casus belli system, where wars have particular goals and will not end until these targets have been achieved, one side has been totally destroyed, or exhaustion brings an end to the strife.
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Given the setting, both space fleets and ground forces are required to gain an advantage in certain sectors and conquer planets. Assimilating territories does require influence on top of military might, and crisis events can also throw in an extra complication to relations between allies and warring factions alike.
Crusader Kings 3
Build A Legacy Lasting Generations
Crusader Kings 3
- Released
- September 1, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teens: Drug Reference, Language, Mild Violence, Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
- Paradox Interactive
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Grand Strategy
- Platform(s)
- PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Ensuring that a dynasty survives and thrives in Crusader Kings 3 requires cunning strategy, strong alliances, and the occasional war to establish a legitimate claim over precious land. Despite its steep learning curve, CK3 is one of the most popular grand strategy games on the market today, and it’s no wonder, given the depth of its character building and empire simulation.
There are countless options for those who are spoiling for a fight, from invading a rival kingdom and trying to dominate its armies to secretly plotting the downfall of leaders through spy networks. Uprisings, mercenaries, and allies can all affect the outcomes, and holy wars can even cause all followers of a specific religion to assist against a common enemy.
Europa Universalis 4
Building A Nation Through Diplomacy And War
Europa Universalis 4
- Released
- August 13, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Drug Reference, Mild Language, Mild Sexual Themes, Mild Violence
- Developer(s)
- Paradox Development Studio
- Genre(s)
- Strategy
- Platform(s)
- PC
There are over 500 nations for players to choose from in Europa Universalis 4, which begins in the Middle Ages and continues over the course of around 400 years until the Napoleonic era. Naturally, as time progresses, so too does the technology on offer for military purposes and the tactics available.
Diplomacy is also key, with vassal states and allies playing an important role in many ways, including the opinions of other nations. Both land armies and naval forces are available, each with their own advantages depending on the nations at war. Efficient supply lines, trade routes, and use of terrain can make a huge difference, though leader competence and tactical nous are also vital.
Rise Of Nations
One Of The All-Time Classics
Rise of Nations
- Released
- May 20, 2003
- ESRB
- T For Teen: Blood and Gore, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Big Huge Games, Westlake Interactive
- Genre(s)
- Real-Time Strategy
- Platform(s)
- Windows, macOS
Frequently cited as one of the greatest strategy games ever made, the main goal in Rise of Nations is to gain and expand territory in order to achieve world domination. Blending real-time strategy with turn-based elements, there are 18 playable civilizations with unique units and eight ages of human history to contend with, dating from ancient times right through to the modern day.
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Starting with a single city, players will soon be attacking other hostile civs and trying to take their land, or they will be targeted themselves. Gameplay mechanics are uncomplicated, but an intimate knowledge of each unit certainly makes a difference, whether one is a pikeman or a helicopter.
Rome: Total War
Become The Superpower Of The Roman World In The Turbulent Late Republic
Rome: Total War
- Released
- September 22, 2004
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Teen // Violence
- Developer(s)
- Creative Assembly
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, Tactical
Over two decades since its release, Rome: Total War is still regarded as one of the best in the long-running series. There are plenty of historical families, clans, and kingdoms to choose from, including the House of Julii, the Gauls, and the Carthaginians, among plenty of others.
In a map encompassing the Roman world in the latter days of the Republic, the aim is to manage cities effectively, expand into neighboring lands, and ensure the survival of male heirs. Battles are highly sophisticated for the time, with typical formations of the period being utilized on the battlefield, as well as flanking and ambush tactics, and siege warfare allows for the capture of cities and forts.
Hearts Of Iron 4
Relive Or Rewrite World War 2 History
Hearts of Iron 4
- Released
- June 6, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Everyone 10+
- Developer(s)
- Paradox Development Studio
- Genre(s)
- Grand Strategy
- Platform(s)
- PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Arguably the finest game in Paradox’s catalog, Hearts of Iron 4 allows players to take control of almost any nation as they attempt to rewrite history and win the Second World War. There are multiple layers to battles, and any prospective general will likely love the levels of complexity on offer, from drawing up battle plans to composing their battalions and support networks.
Whether starting in 1936 or 1939, history can be rewritten, and the entire map of the world can be redrawn as the global conflict wages on. There are also some scripted events if certain nations carry out specific actions, and ideologies can increase tension between nations, so allies must be carefully considered.
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