Best Lesser-Known Grand Strategy Games, Ranked

Summary

Some lesser-known grand strategy games have depth and complexity, providing challenging gameplay.
Titles like Alea Jacta Est and Imperiums: Greek Wars offer ancient settings, intricate mechanics, and historical accuracy.
These underrated strategy games require patience to master the gameplay and enjoy them.

In this style of game, players can experience the thrill of ruling empires, conquering the world, and shaping global affairs – a freedom-focused genre often referred to as grand strategy. Notably, Paradox Interactive stands out with their powerhouse series like Hearts of Iron and Crusader Kings, but many other game developers are also producing top-notch games within this genre.

Numerous factors contribute to why excellent games sometimes remain underrated, ranging from divisive gameplay, mediocre reviews, limited media attention, low sales numbers, or even being overshadowed by more popular releases at the time. Here’s a list of some outstanding yet overlooked grand strategy games, arranged based on their overall quality and recognition among those who are familiar with them. These games deserve a second look!

8. Pride of Nations

Complex Challenge Set Prior to the World Wars

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the game titled “Pride of Nations” allows you to control eight prominent nations of the era. It offers intricate detail, from the nuanced global economy to the strategic military construction, as you guide your nation through industrialization, colonization, and competition with rivals.

In the realm of strategy games, “Pride of Nations,” created by Ageod and published by Paradox Interactive (known for their strategy game experts), didn’t quite reach the same level of success as some of their other titles. Critics found it overly challenging and complex, making it difficult to engage with, but those who stuck with it appreciated the intricate, historically accurate portrayal of a turbulent time period.

7. Imperiums: Greek Wars

Manage Your Corner of the World and Become the Ruler of Ancient Greece

Platform: PC
Released: March 19, 2020
Developer: Kube Games
Genre: Grand strategy, 4X

In this strategy game titled “Imperiums: Greek Wars“, you’ll be immersed in the ancient world of Greece, where historical events, politics, and the Greco-Persian dynamics intertwine with legendary myths and heroic stories. You can pick from among 30 playable factions, which range from city-states within the Hellenic sphere to the decaying empires on its borders. The game kicks off in 359BC, as each region competes for dominance over the known world.

As a gamer, I’ve come across games where the economy and military tactics can be a bit tricky to grasp, but once you dive in, they become intriguingly engaging. These games seem to have a surprising level of complexity when it comes to AI-controlled characters. They don’t just trade smartly or engage in battles; they also have nuanced perspectives on war crimes committed by their rivals. If I make the wrong moves as a player, they won’t hesitate to mete out punishment.

6. Civil War 2

Manage a Nation During the Civil War With High Detail and Historical Accuracy

Platform: PC
Released: September 17, 2013
Developer: AGEod
Genre: Grand strategy

In the backdrop of the American Civil War, Civil War 2 stands out for its meticulous depiction of the United States, as well as portions of Mexico and the Caribbean. This strategy game is frequently lauded for its historical authenticity. It offers a variety of challenges to test any strategic genius, but the primary attraction lies in the Grand Campaign, where players choose their allegiance and strive to emerge victorious in the war.

The map is divided into approximately 3000 distinct territories, each characterized by rivers and climate, which play crucial roles in achieving success. Additionally, there are around 400 leaders and over a thousand unique military units involved during the conflict. However, despite meticulous planning, unexpected historical events scripted into the game can disrupt these efforts, requiring skillful management.

5. Kaiserpunk

Manage Complex Supply Chains in an Alternate 20th Century

In an imaginary timeline where World War One continued unabated from 1918 to 1950, Kaiserpunk seamlessly combines city-building with strategic gameplay. Initially, navigating the intricate supply networks may feel daunting; however, mastering the game mechanics offers a deeply satisfying experience.

In over a hundred regions, players can interact, either diplomatically or militarily, aiming to exploit or assimilate neighboring territories into their dominion. However, they should be cautious to prevent unrest and revolts. The game Kaiserpunk may have been somewhat overshadowed by the release of Civ VII, but those who played it appreciated its educational value.

4. Revival: Recolonization

Oversee the Rebirth of the Post-Apocalyptic Planet

Platforms: PC, Xbox Series, Xbox One
Released: April 11, 2024
Developer: HeroCraft
Genre: Grand strategy, 4X

In the aftermath of a devastating apocalypse that nearly wiped us out, it’s my time to help rebuild our world in Revival: Recolonization. As a gamer, I find myself responsible for reshaping my piece of this ravaged planet and safeguarding the survivors as we strive to thrive once more. But, the journey isn’t easy; rival factions, hostile creatures, and rogue automatons could potentially challenge me in combat. It’s a battle to survive and rebuild, but I’m ready for whatever lies ahead!

Unforeseen incidents like abrupt weather changes, sudden zombie infestations, or restrictions on particular weapons, often determine success through swift adjustments. Unexpected occurrences can sometimes be turned to advantage, such as discovering potent artifacts from before the brink-of-extinction era. However, a common complaint among many is the absence of multiplayer interaction.

3. Alea Jacta Est

The Die is Cast

Platform: PC
Released: September 27, 2012
Developer: AGEod
Genre: Grand strategy, turn-based strategy

Named after Julius Caesar’s famous quote upon crossing the Rubicon River, Alea Jacta Est offers a chance to reenact and replay some of the momentous Roman civil wars. Spanning five campaigns, it features hundreds of well-known leaders, events, and military units from Roman history, encompassing more than 2800 regions in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

As a gamer diving into the world of Alea Jacta Est, it’s not just about building and maintaining my army during these fierce battles, but also about preserving peace among civilians and fostering trade with friendly allies. The gameplay mechanics in

2. Dominions 6 – Rise of the Pantokrator

Achieve Godhood and Become the Pantokrator

Platform: PC
Released: January 17, 2024
Developer: Illwinter Game Design
Genre: 4X, grand strategy, God simulation

In the imaginative realm blending elements from multiple mythologies, literature on fantasy and horror, and the traditions and lore of numerous nations, Dominions 6 – Rise of the Pantokrator offers a richly diverse array of characters to select as your leader. As one of the competing Pretender Gods, you’ll guide your loyal realm in an epic struggle for supremacy, with the ultimate goal of ascending to become the new Pantokrator.

These “Faux Deities” encompass a wide variety of entities, from mighty trees or terrifying Lovecraftian creatures to beings reminiscent of Norse gods. Their abilities and magical arsenals are determined by their chosen realm, and advanced technologies can provide them with additional advantages in combat. There’s no flashy visual flair here, and mastering the gameplay can be challenging, but it offers a rewarding, strategic experience for seasoned tacticians.

1. Star Dynasties

Build a Legacy That Lasts for Generations

Platform: PC
Released: May 14, 2020
Developer: Pawley Games
Genre: Grand strategy, RPG

Star Dynasties is frequently compared to Crusader Kings in a cosmic setting. In this game, your mission is to establish an empire that spans across various planets and star systems, with the legacy enduring throughout the generations. As one of the last fragments of humanity following Earth’s destruction, players assume control over their interstellar realm, striving to expand and form alliances in order to emerge as the ultimate power.

Every new generation may vary significantly from the one before, much like any dynasty, and they are all susceptible to the complex web of political maneuverings, or can flourish within it. Procedural generation in the game Star Dynasties ensures endless replayability since players get to weave their unique narratives amidst this epic space saga brimming with a multitude of engaging characters. The destiny of entire colonies can hang in the balance due to a single crucial choice.

2025-07-20 17:36