Best Strategy Games With Unique Settings

Best Strategy Games With Unique Settings

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that these games are nothing short of extraordinary. Each one offers a unique and immersive world that sets them apart from the rest.


Strategy games often involve conflict scenarios such as war, revolutions, or extraterrestrial attacks. These themes are frequently found across the genre, but many games creatively subvert these tropes or establish their own unique settings.

A variety of strategy games have been incorporated in this collection, ranging from real-time and turn-based to 4X and deck-building genres. Certain games offer unique elements or distinct tones, while others blend exceptional artwork with imaginative game worlds that stand out.

8 Battle Brothers

Gritty Violence In A Grim-Dark Medieval-Fantasy World

In the initial glance, the atmosphere of Battle Brothers might appear ordinary, set in a grim, medieval backdrop. However, its raw, dark tone and minimal use of fantasy elements set it apart from other games. This game is actually a turn-based strategy title, emphasizing resource management and the control of a tough band of mercenaries.

As a gamer, I find myself drawn into this gritty, dark world where every victory feels epic. The monstrous beasts I face are relentless, but there’s something about the struggle that makes me feel like a true hero. However, let’s not sugarcoat it – losing characters along the way is an unfortunate reality, but each defeat only makes the next victory taste sweeter.

7 Mutant Year Zero: Road To Eden

Turn-Based Strategy In A Unique Post-Apocalypse

In a post-apocalyptic world teeming with diverse mutants, this strategy game, Mutant Year Zero: Road To Eden, blends traditional strategy with sneaky tactics. Instead of barren wastelands and somber companions, players encounter vibrant, overgrown landscapes and engaging personalities.

As a gamer immersed in the world of Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden, I’d say this game paints a picture of a realm that has long outlived humanity – a post-human world where nature has reclaimed dominion. The inhabitants are not your typical humans; they’re mutated beings, each one unique and eerie in their own way. This post-human backdrop, along with the mutants themselves, makes Mutant Year Zero an unforgettable gaming adventure.

6 Darkest Dungeon

A Grim-Dark Dungeon-Crawler With A Lovecraftian Spin

In the distinct style of Darkest Dungeon, you’ll find intricate, hand-drawn images, Lovecraftian monsters, and a pervasive, gloomy ambiance. This dark and challenging gameplay might be too intense for some players, but the dense, grim-dark atmosphere in Darkest Dungeon is truly unique.

Darkest Dungeon is a strategy game played in turns with a layout similar to dungeon exploration, featuring aspects of resource management and party control. The gameplay can be challenging and often frustrating, but also tactical. Additionally, the persistent atmosphere of despair that permeates the game makes moments of courage all the more impactful.

5 Griftlands

A Unique Sci-Fi World Illustrated In A Distinctive Style

This deck-building game, created by the accomplished team at Klei Entertainment (known for games like “Oxygen Not Included” and “Don’t Starve”), boasts a distinctive narrative structure and an intriguing sci-fi backdrop. The game’s unique visual aesthetic is enhanced by creative character designs, compelling writing, and elements of fantasy.

In addition to its success in storytelling, Griftlands excels in its gameplay as well. It offers distinct mechanisms for both combat and diplomacy, each utilizing unique decks. This dual system opens up a wide range of strategic possibilities, inviting players to approach challenges from multiple perspectives.

4 Tooth And Tail

An Accessible RTS In A Redwall-Style Setting

  • Platform(s): PC, PlayStation
  • Released: 2017
  • Developer(s): Pocketwatch Games
  • Genre: RTS

Tooth and Tail, in simpler terms, is an engaging real-time strategy game that doesn’t necessitate lightning-fast reactions to win. The gameplay itself sets it apart from others, but what truly makes it stand out is its one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

In the world of Tooth And Tail, an internal conflict among animal clans unfolds, evoking memories of the setting in Redwall. However, this game presents a more somber atmosphere. If you’re a fan of real-time strategy games, enjoy watching anthropomorphic animals in action, and prefer fast-paced matches, then Tooth And Tail is definitely worth checking out.

3 Wildfrost

A Challenging Deck-Builder In A Cartoon Winter Wonderland

One notable feature of Wildfrost is its enchanting cartoon aesthetic, which portrays a distinctive, fantastical realm perpetually frozen in winter. Yet, gamers should be cautioned not to let the abundant charm and whimsy deceive them; Wildfrost can be quite demanding to play.

In this distinctive blend of roguelike deck-building and combat, players engage enemies utilizing diverse allies, weapons, and magic. The game employs a distinct “cooldown” mechanism to manage turns for both player and adversaries, though it may at times feel repetitive to follow. Despite its demanding aspects, Wildfrost never fails to captivate, primarily due to its intriguing backdrop. This enchanting winter landscape teems with original character designs and unusual creatures, consistently unveiling inventive mysteries.

2 Dune: Spice Wars

Deep Strategy In Frank Herbert’s Iconic Sci-Fi Setting

Frank Herbert’s legendary Dune universe stands out as one of the most intricate and distinct backdrops in science fiction literature. In this world, ecology, politics, and economy are continually intertwined elements. Remarkably, the game Dune: Spice Wars effectively translates this rich tapestry into a video game format.

The distinct taste of Dune is preserved in Dune: Spide Wars, featuring formidable sand-worms and treacherous landscapes. While Dune might appear as a straightforward desert at first glance, the innovative way that Dune: Spice Wars incorporates ideas from Dune maintains its distinctive atmosphere.

1 Kenshi

A Truly Alien Wasteland

A significant part of Kenshi’s universe is incredibly unusual, predominantly composed of vast, barren landscapes. This world hosts several different types of environments, each posing its own distinct dangers.

In the game Kenshi, you’ll find that the gameplay is largely free-flowing, with its distinct world providing a vast sandbox for exploration according to your own preferences. This environment is tough and unforgiving, so be prepared to face challenges initially.

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2024-11-27 05:36