The Best Rated Strategy Games Of The Last Decade

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Introduction

I’m marking Firaxis’s 10th anniversary by revisiting influential strategy games – titles that really changed the genre, were exceptionally well-made, or simply captured players’ hearts. This is the second in a series of articles looking back at the best strategy games of the last decade! Previously, I shared my personal favorites, and now I’m covering the games that both players and critics widely praised.

In this article, I’ve gathered scores from Metacritic for strategy games released between 2016 and 2026, and shared my own thoughts on whether I agree with those ratings. Let’s explore the highest-rated strategy games of the last decade!

15 – Total War: Warhammer II – 87

It’s a bit of a surprise to see a Total War game on this list, but if I had to pick one, it would be Total War: Warhammer II. It’s easily one of the best Total War titles in years, and really revitalized the series. The game launched with four distinct factions, each offering a completely different campaign experience. They all had unique units, heroes, abilities, and playstyles, and even different objectives. While the first Warhammer game was good, it stuck to the usual formula. Warhammer II, however, was a refreshing change, and quickly became one of my favorite games of the last ten years.

14 – Mini Motorways – 87

I absolutely love Mini Motorways! I’ve written quite a bit about it, including an article where I called it one of the best games for short bursts of free time. Like its predecessor, Mini Metro, it’s easy to pick up and play. Instead of building train tracks, you’re designing road networks for cars. The goal is to connect homes and businesses efficiently with a limited number of road pieces. If traffic gets too bad, you have to start over. It’s a really addictive cycle of quick games, and you’ll keep coming back to beat your high score and unlock new cities with unique layouts and challenges. It’s truly fantastic – the developers have done an amazing job!

13 – Tactical Breach Wizards – 87

I was surprised to see Warhammer II on the list, but even more surprised that Tactical Breach Wizards wasn’t ranked higher. It received a lot of positive attention when it launched, and I was a big fan too! This game cleverly blends turn-based strategy with puzzle elements. What really makes it stand out is its fantastic level design and its wonderfully quirky premise: it’s about elite wizards on secret missions, equipped with silenced wands, resurrection pistols, and magical rifles. I enjoyed playing through the whole game, and even when it got tough, the humor kept me motivated. It’s a lighthearted, fun, and occasionally challenging experience – I highly recommend it!

12 – RimWorld – 87

I was surprised to not see RimWorld ranked higher. It essentially took the complex gameplay of Dwarf Fortress and made it much easier for most players to enjoy. You start on an alien world with a group of colonists, and your goal is simply to survive. From there, expect unpredictable, funny, and often desperate situations – leading to some incredible stories. If you’re looking for a game you can play for hundreds of hours and keep coming back to, you really should try RimWorld!

11 – FINAL FANTASY TACTICS – The Ivalice Chronicles – 87

Just letting you know, I’m planning to play FINAL FANTASY TACTICS – The Ivalice Chronicles next! It’s widely considered one of the best strategy games ever made. The game came to PC in 2025 and fans were thrilled to see it return. This version has much-improved graphics while still feeling like the original, plus helpful new features like a new easy mode and full mouse and keyboard support!

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2026-05-02 16:43