Summary
- Civilization 7 offers revolutionary gameplay with evolving empires and iconic leaders.
- Victoria 3 allows players to control an empire in the Victorian era with politics and economics.
- Hearts of Iron 4 offers deep World War 2 strategy with intense battles and bureaucratic layers.
The grand strategy genre can seem overwhelmingly complex to beginners. Keeping track of multiple metrics and going through a tutorial that can go on for hours yet teach people nothing about the game isn't all that appealing to newcomers, for obvious reasons.
8 Best Grand Strategy Games Featuring The Greek Empire
Grand strategy game fans with an interest in the historical Greek Empire will enjoy these titles the most.
However, players who decide to get into this genre will love the wealth of quality games they can enjoy once they understand how these titles work. With a decent PC, players can get their hands on some amazing grand strategy games with varied settings and exciting gameplay loops.
8 Civilization 7
A Promising Beginning To A Game That Will Only Get Better With Time
Sid Meier's Civilization VII
- Released
- February 11, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Grand Strategy, Turn-Based Strategy, 4X
As expected from any Civilization game, the most recent entry will take a while to get things going. However, from what fans have seen, Civilization 7 is destined for great things once it receives some crucial updates.
Controlling one of several notable world leaders and helping their civilization achieve dominance makes for a fun gameplay loop that fans can't get enough of. Players can grasp the basics of this title right now and slowly ingratiate themselves to the many updates that will follow in the months and years to come.
7 Victoria 3
Controlling A Victorian-Era Empire Is A Blast
Victoria 3
- Released
- October 25, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Mild Blood, Mild Suggestive Themes, Mild Violence, Partial Nudity, Use of Drugs
- Genre(s)
- Strategy
While Victoria 3 disappointed some fans at launch, the game didn't take long to bring players back after a few updates and content packs were released. Controlling a nation in the Victorian era and helping it prosper can take some work, but it is very satisfying once players get the hang of things.
Players must research the latest technologies, form alliances, optimize their trade, and engage in warfare from time to time to establish dominance. As players get the hang of how things work, they can change the course of history and turn their nation into a force to be reckoned with.
6 Hearts Of Iron 4
A Grand Strategy Wargame Focused On World War 2
Hearts of Iron 4
- Released
- June 6, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Everyone 10+
- Genre(s)
- Grand Strategy
Players who want to control armies in World War 2 and decide the strategies that are employed at war will love what Hearts of Iron 4 brings to the table. The reliance on the AI carrying out protocols may be greater than its predecessor, but fans will love the layer of bureaucracy at play during war.
5 Grand Strategy Games With The Best Tutorials
Grand strategy games can be extremely overwhelming with all the bells and whistles, but the following ease players in with excellent tutorials.
It only makes sense that orders sent from the top may not be followed to a T, and players who welcome this RNG will love how wild and unpredictable the war can get. Once players get used to this gameplay loop, they'll love implementing sound strategies to take out their opponents in World War 2.
5 Medieval 2: Total War
A Polished And Engaging Total War Game
Medieval 2: Total War
- Released
- November 14, 2006
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Teen // Alcohol and Tobacco Reference, Blood, Mild Language, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Real-Time Strategy, Tactical
Most of the Total War games take place in historical periods, and it takes something really special for Creative Assembly to make a sequel to an established game. Given how popular Medieval: Total War was, it's easy to see why this title received a follow-up.
With the advent of Medieval 2: Total War, numerous existing gameplay mechanics were polished, and new ones were added to the mix. The end result is a wonderful mix of real-time tactics on a gargantuan scale and elements of grand strategy as players manage their kingdoms and empires to dominate the Medieval battlefield.
4 Europa Universalis 4
Lead A Nation To Prosperity By Pursuing Several Avenues
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
- Genre(s)
- Strategy
Europa Universalis 4 is a complex grand strategy game that can go over the heads of most players when they try it out for the first time. This is why players must dedicate a few hours and a playthrough or two to figure out how the game even works before they can move on to bigger and better things.
Once players understand how Europa Universalis 4 plays, the world is their oyster. Players can colonize territories, form alliances, strengthen their economies, wage war for territory, and figure out many other ways to become a dominant nation at the dawn of the modern age.
3 Total War: Warhammer 2
The Best Game In The Total War Warhammer Trilogy
Total War: Warhammer 2
- Released
- September 28, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- m
- Genre(s)
- Real-Time Strategy
The idea of playing a Total War game set in a fantasy world excited many fans, especially given the untapped potential of the Warhammer franchise. This is why fans were elated to see that Creative Assembly did a great job of doing justice to this IP.
Best Grand Strategy Games Set in the Modern Era
There's a ton of great grand strategy games set in the past, and these ones are the best ones set in the Modern era.
The ideas from the first game were fleshed out in the Total War: Warhammer 2, making it one of the best games in the series that fans should check out. Varied enemy troops, deep tactical gameplay, and great grand strategy gameplay all play a huge role in helping this game stand out in the eyes of many,
2 Stellaris
A Deeply-Compelling Sci-Fi Grand Strategy Game
Stellaris
- Released
- May 9, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Violent References, Mild Language
- Genre(s)
- 4X, Grand Strategy
A sci-fi grand strategy game that marks Paradox Interactive's first foray into the realm of fiction, Stellaris is more compelling than it has any right to be. The learning curve may be steep, but so is the enjoyment players attain from mastering the game's mechanics.
Establishing a dominant empire in the galaxy is easier said than done. Players must interact with other alien species, settle upon certain compromises, and figure out the best way to establish their dominance in a galaxy full of opportunities and dangers.
1 Crusader Kings 3
The Blend Of Grand Strategy And Role-Playing Elements Is A Winning Combination
Crusader Kings 3
- Released
- September 1, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teens: Drug Reference, Language, Mild Violence, Suggestive Themes
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Grand Strategy
Crusader Kings 3 does a great job of making its gameplay accessible to beginners, making it a must-play for old fans and new players interested in the grand strategy genre. Since the game involves an element of role-playing, it's easy to see why fans enjoy making decisions and adhering to the personality traits of their dynasty head.
With the sheer volume of content present in this title, Crusader Kings 3 allows players to accomplish anything they set their minds to. From forming empires to becoming adventurers who live off the land, there are several ways that players can spice up a playthrough of Crusader Kings 3.
7 Best Grand Strategy Games For Mac
Mac owners have access too a rich and varied library of great grand strategy games,