Summary
- Top strategy games offer a challenging learning curve that rewards experimentation and mastery for players.
- XCOM 2, Hearts of Iron 4, Into The Breach all feature intricate combat systems that require strategy and adaptation.
- Total War: Warhammer 3, Endless Legend, Age of Wonders 4, and other games provide immersive combat experiences worth the initial difficulty.
There are entire genres of games dedicated to that feeling of triumph and satisfaction that comes from mastering something difficult. Whether it's an intricate puzzle that needs solving, an overwhelming challenge found in soulslike titles, or an in-depth combat system, wrestling with something until it finally clicks is part of what makes so many video games addictive and enjoyable. Strategy titles are often no exception to this rule, asking players to think tactically and consider all angles to solve a problem. That problem is usually someone or something with a really big gun.
The best strategy titles don't just give players a set of rules. They encourage experimentation, getting people to dig in order to truly discover the potential within the game — and themselves. In this regard, many strategy games have fantastic combat systems that are somewhat obscured by difficulty, whether that's finicky mechanics, overwhelming enemies, or simply a lot of information that needs to be processed. Get through that difficulty, and players will find that these games have some extraordinary combat systems.
Best Strategy Games For Players Who Believe They Suck At Them
For players who aren't particularly good at strategy games, these excellent titles offer great onboarding to immerse players in their mechanics.
8 XCOM 2
High Stakes And High Difficulty
XCOM 2
- Released
- February 5, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Blood, Use of Tobacco, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, RPG
One of the most celebrated strategy games in recent years (and for good reason), XCOM 2 has all the customization and tactical combat to make any strategy fan lose hours of their lives. But even at lower difficulties, this game does not hold players' hands.
Players have to learn quickly how to deal with enemies who have unique properties or incredibly high stats, and if they fail, the squad they've built will be gone forever. This title has served as the foundation of many strategy games since, but none have had combat quite as difficult and exhilarating as the original.
7 Hearts Of Iron 4
Simulates Authentic Tactical Warfare
Hearts of Iron 4
- Released
- June 6, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Everyone 10+
- Genre(s)
- Grand Strategy
More contemporary Paradox games have retained their incredible depth, but placed it along a more manageable learning curve. On the other hand, the combat in Hearts of Iron 4 can feel like it requires an actual military general to work with. And that's only after supply lines have been set, combat width and battalions decided, and a host of other decisions have been made.
For those that can wrap their head around this combat system, however, there is an excellent game here that allows players to feel like they're shaping history. Forging an alternate timeline at one of the most precarious moments in history through tactical combat is immensely satisfying, once players get the hang of it.
6 Into The Breach
The Combat Is Great, Though It May Leave Heads Spinning
Into the Breach
- Released
- February 27, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- Turn-Based Strategy
The minds behind Faster Than Light returned to give players a game with just as much depth, but reframed as an exceedingly challenging strategy game. The difficulty in Into The Breach doesn't just come from direct PvE combat, but also all the mechanics surrounding it.
How does one fight colossal kaiju bugs while minimizing collateral damage? Or protecting essential power generators? If players can't figure it out, don't worry — they can always go back in time and try again. And again.
5 Total War: Warhammer 3
The Gold Standard Of Strategic Warhammer Gameplay
Total War: Warhammer 3
- Released
- February 17, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, Tactical
Still being tweaked and updated to this day, Total War: Warhammer 3 provides an incredible Warhammer experience for diehard fans and novices to the series alike. Tabletop Warhammer is quite difficult for new players to pick up, however, and this game is no exception.
Best Strategy Games That Reward Creative Thinking
When facing a difficult situation, these games reward players who can think outside of the box.
Managing an entire fantasy army is no small feat. Players will frequently find themselves overwhelmed not just by the enemy troops, but their own units as well, each of which needs unique instructions to maximize their effectiveness.
4 Endless Legend
A Dizzying Level Of Customization
Endless Legend
- Released
- September 18, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- 4X, Strategy
Released in 2014, Endless Legend has the perfect mix of sci-fi and fantasy that few other strategy games have tried to replicate on such a huge scale. However, the learning curve for this game is more of a learning right angle, and it's very easy for players to lose within the first 20 turns of Endless Legends.
Players that can work past this difficulty will be able to move past the pre-made factions and design a unique nation to inhabit a unique, procedurally generated world, where they can rule and conquer to their hearts' content.
3 Age Of Wonders 4
Direct Combat That Becomes Harder Over Time
Age Of Wonders 4
- Released
- May 2, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Genre(s)
- Turn-Based Strategy
To Age of Wonder 4's credit, the combat in this game feels quite approachable and streamlined in the beginning. The game doesn't overwhelm players with massive armies to command or cities to defend from hordes of enemies...at first.
While the game might let players take their time when they're starting out, that soon changes when things like unit strengths and weaknesses, 18-unit armies, sieges, and hostile enemy empires start becoming more common. For players that can work through this, though, there's an incredibly immersive and engaging combat system here.
2 Romance Of The Three Kingdoms 8 Remake
Maneuver Around Both War And Politics
Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8 Remake
- Released
- 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- m
- Genre(s)
- Turn-Based Strategy
Players who get a grasp on the many different modes of combat in Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8 Remake will be left with a title that is essentially a political thriller generator, ready for hours of gameplay whenever they are. To get there, however, they first have to work through several different layers of both physical and verbal combat, not to mention all the mechanics beyond combat that need to be focused on in order to master this game.
1 Mechabellum
Incredibly Intricate RTS Combat
Mechabellum
- Released
- September 26, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, Action, Simulation
Mechabellum is crunchy, in-depth sci-fi combat at its best, leaving players feeling like some kind of cyberpunk commando taking control over a legion of murderous war-drones. It's not a game that's particularly easy on beginners, however.
Players need to adjust their strategy with every fight, keeping up with enemy units and having a perfect memory of what each unit's counters are. If they can't manage this — and if the opponent can — then a swift and violent defeat awaits them.
7 Strategy Games That Surpassed Expectations
These strategy games went above and beyond to deliver experiences that players never expected.