Best Strategy Games

Deep strategic games that test your planning skills.

9 games ranked • Updated 2025

#1

Sid Meier’s Civilization VI

7.8/10
StrategyPCSteam DeckNintendo SwitchXboxMac

Recommended: Sid Meier’s Civilization VI excels at district-based cities despite dumb ai. Score: ...

⏱️ 0h💰 $59.99🎮 Beginner: 4/5🔄 Replay: 4/5
Great MultiplayerEngaging GameplayPolished Design
#2

Slay the Spire

7.5/10
Deck buildingPCSteam DeckNintendo SwitchXboxMac

If you only have 30 seconds: Slay the Spire earns 7.5/10 — well worth your time in the deck-build...

⏱️ 0h💰 $59.99🎮 Beginner: 4/5🔄 Replay: 5/5
Well OptimizedEngaging GameplayPolished Design
#3

Cities: Skylines

7.4/10
City BuilderPCSteam DeckNintendo SwitchXboxMac

Recommended: Cities: Skylines excels at deep zoning despite frustrating traffic ai. Score: 7.4/10.

⏱️ 0h💰 $59.99🎮 Beginner: 4/5🔄 Replay: 4/5
Outstanding ValueEngaging GameplayPolished Design
#4

RimWorld

7.4/10
Colony SimulationPCSteam DeckMac

Recommended: RimWorld excels at ai story generator despite steep learning curve. Score: 7.4/10.

⏱️ 0h💰 $59.99🎮 Beginner: 4/5🔄 Replay: 4/5
Highly ReplayableEngaging GameplayPolished Design
#5

Anno 1800

6.7/10
City BuilderPCSteam DeckMac

A strong city builder / strategy pick. Deep simulation outweighs steep learning curve. 6.7/10.

⏱️ 40h💰 $19.99🎮 Beginner: 4/5🔄 Replay: 4/5
Visually StunningEngaging GameplayPolished Design
#6

Into the Breach

6.4/10
Turn BasedPCSteam DeckNintendo SwitchMac

A strong turn-based strategy pick. Perfect game design outweighs minimal graphics. 6.4/10.

⏱️ 15h💰 $19.99🎮 Beginner: 2/5🔄 Replay: 3/5
Well OptimizedEngaging GameplayPolished Design
#7

Frostpunk

5.9/10
City SurvivalPCSteam DeckXboxMac

A decent city survival pick. Incredible atmosphere outweighs punishing. 5.9/10.

⏱️ 15h💰 $19.99🎮 Beginner: 2/5🔄 Replay: 2/5
Immersive AtmosphereVisually StunningEngaging Gameplay
#8

Manor Lords

5.9/10
City BuilderPCSteam Deck

Worth considering: Manor Lords excels at organic city building despite early access. Score: 5.9/10.

⏱️ 30h💰 $19.99🎮 Beginner: 4/5🔄 Replay: 3/5
Visually StunningEngaging GameplayPolished Design
#9

Frostpunk 2

5.8/10
City SurvivalPCSteam Deck

A decent city survival strategy pick. Deeper politics outweighs less personal. 5.8/10.

⏱️ 20h💰 $29.99🎮 Beginner: 2/5🔄 Replay: 3/5
Visually StunningEngaging GameplayPolished Design

Frequently Asked Questions

How many games are in the "Best Strategy Games" list?

We analyzed 9 games and ranked them based on decision scores including gameplay quality, accessibility, and value.

How do you rank games for Best Strategy Games?

Each game is scored across 22 decision dimensions — from beginner-friendliness and replayability to hardware requirements and value for money. Games are then sorted by the most relevant score for this category.

Are these rankings updated regularly?

Yes, our game database is continuously updated with new releases and re-evaluated scores as games receive patches, DLCs, and community feedback.

Can I filter Best Strategy Games by platform?

Yes — each game card shows platform support including PC, Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox, and Mac. Use the platform badges on each card to quickly identify compatible games.

Related Guides & Articles

Explore More Lists