The 15 Most Influential Strategy Games of All Time

Introduction

The history of strategy games hasn’t been a simple one, but several groundbreaking titles have completely reshaped what the genre could be. These games inspired countless others, creating new sub-genres and attracting massive player bases. I wanted to revisit some of the most impactful strategy games, from the simple resource management of early titles to the incredibly detailed simulations we see today. What started as a list of ten essential games quickly grew, because so many deserve recognition! So, join me as we explore the 15 most influential strategy games of all time – and that are still enjoyable to play in 2026. If you think I’ve left any important games out, let me know in the comments and tell me why they should be included!

Also, make sure to check my other lists, I’m sure you’ll love them!

15 – FTL: Faster Than Light (2012)

Even now, over ten years after its release, it’s hard to overstate how successful FTL: Faster Than Light was on Kickstarter, especially considering how new and untested crowdfunding was for games at the time. Beyond its funding success, FTL brilliantly combined the challenging, replayable elements of roguelike games with the strategic depth of traditional strategy games. It showed that permadeath and randomly generated levels could create a captivating experience focused on managing a spaceship. By making each playthrough a unique story of survival against overwhelming odds, FTL helped define the ‘roguelite’ genre and popularized its ‘real-time with pause’ combat system.

14 – Command & Conquer (1995)

StarCraft prioritized fair gameplay, but Command & Conquer emphasized exciting visuals and dramatic action. It popularized the real-time strategy genre with its modern military theme, energetic rock music, and cinematic full-motion video cutscenes – making strategy games feel more appealing and accessible. The series continued for over ten years, delivering some of the most beloved real-time strategy experiences, including titles like Red Alert 2 and Command & Conquer: Generals.

13 – Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines (1998)

The original Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines remains a beloved strategy game from the 1990s, and it essentially created the modern stealth-focused tactics genre. Instead of controlling large armies, players led a small team of elite commandos, a fresh approach at the time. Developed by Pyro Studios, Commandos introduced the now-common ‘view cone’ – a way to visualize an enemy’s vision – and made interacting with the game world much more strategic. Each of the six commandos had unique skills, turning every mission into a challenging puzzle that relied on careful timing and coordination, rather than simply overwhelming force. It was one of the first strategy games I ever played, and I still vividly remember the characters’ voices.

12 – StarCraft (1998)

Look, any list of the best strategy games has to include StarCraft, seriously. If I left it out, the internet would explode! It was just a total beast when it came to competitive strategy – perfectly balanced, with three completely different ways to play: the adaptable Terrans, the overwhelming Zerg, and the super-advanced Protoss. Honestly, StarCraft is where modern esports really took off, especially in South Korea. It wasn’t just a game there, it was practically a national sport you could watch on TV!

11 – Close Combat (1996)

No list of great strategy games is complete without recognizing Close Combat, a truly innovative title that often gets overlooked. It broke new ground by trying to realistically simulate not just the mechanics of war, but the mental state of soldiers. Unlike many real-time strategy games of the time, Close Combat didn’t give units endless health. Instead, it modeled things like panic, exhaustion, and courage, forcing players to consider the psychological impact of battle and manage their troops like real commanders. This focus on suppression and morale made it a uniquely challenging and influential game.

10 – Dwarf Fortress (2006)

Many complex strategy games innovate, but few have had the impact of Dwarf Fortress. Created by two brothers as a free game, it revolutionized the genre by demonstrating how procedural generation and intricate systems could build a truly dynamic and detailed world – one more complex than any pre-written story. Remarkably, it also made losing part of the fun, years before games like Dark Souls popularized that idea! A fantastic version is now available on Steam, and it’s well worth playing in 2026, as the developers are still actively updating it.

2026-02-07 17:43