Great Strategy Games You Cannot Buy Anymore

Experienced gamers often consider older strategy games to be some of the very best the genre has to offer. Beyond the fond memories they evoke, these games featured strong gameplay, particularly for when they were originally released. Many popular franchises that are still thriving today first appeared in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Sadly, many beloved classic strategy games are no longer available to purchase through normal channels. You won’t find them in online stores, and while some unofficial download sites exist, they can be risky to use. Here’s a look at some strategy games that are no longer for sale.

For a game to be included, it must no longer be available for official purchase and can only be obtained through secondhand markets. While there may be other ways to access these games, this article focuses specifically on those that are no longer officially sold.

We left out MechCommander 2 because it’s freely available – Microsoft has legally released it as freeware.

6. Black & White & Black & White 2

The Ultimate God Games Were Not Eternal

Lionhead Studios’ Black & White and its sequel are often considered the best ‘god games’ ever made, and few games have surpassed them in the last twenty years. These ambitious and groundbreaking games put you in charge of a world where your choices have real consequences. Depending on whether you play as a benevolent or malevolent deity, the villagers will respond with affection, fear, or resentment. Though often categorized as a simulation game, Black & White is fundamentally a strategy game, as your decisions shape the world, its people, and even your own powerful creature.

Okay, so these games are super hard to find – they’ve been out of reach for ages, and honestly, I don’t see that changing anytime soon. It’s a licensing mess. EA owns the rights, but since Microsoft bought and then shut down Lionhead, they haven’t really done anything with the series. It’s like the games are just stuck in limbo!

5. Universe at War: Earth Assault

(Dead) Games For Windows Live

Many gamers have forgotten about Universe at War: Earth Assault, which is unfortunate because it was a really strong and well-made strategy game. Despite a few flaws, it stood out thanks to its varied factions, battlefields that changed depending on the environment, and a visually impressive style. The gameplay was easy to learn but still had depth, making it accessible to new players and allowing it to be adapted for consoles. The story was also surprisingly good, as it showed the alien invasion from multiple viewpoints – you could play as three different factions, plus experience the initial human resistance in the prologue.

It’s really difficult to get Universe at War: Earth Assault working today. The game relied on the now-closed Games for Windows Live service for its multiplayer, which means it stopped functioning. Even playing the single-player mode can be tricky. Because of these issues, the game was removed from Steam and has become largely forgotten.

4. Command & Conquer: Sole Survivor

A Risky Take On An Established Franchise

This game took a risk by moving away from the traditional Command & Conquer style. It focused entirely on multiplayer, using a ‘last player standing’ format much like today’s battle royale games. In Command & Conquer: Sole Survivor, players control either a single tank or soldier, battling across various maps to be the last one remaining.

Although the game offered a fresh experience, it didn’t resonate with longtime fans who preferred the familiar gameplay of previous titles. This led to disappointing sales and a small player base, ultimately causing the game to be cancelled. Despite the continued success of the Command & Conquer series, Sole Survivor wasn’t able to share in that success.

3. Dominion: Storm Over Gift 3

Four Factions Fighting To Control A Planet’s Resources

Dominion: Storm Over Gift 3 is a fast-paced strategy game set in the future, on a planet called Gift 3. The planet is divided between four groups – the Scorps, Darkens, Mercs, and Humans – all fighting for control of its valuable resources. Gameplay focuses on collecting resources, building a base, and engaging in large battles, with a story that explores the conflict from the viewpoints of each faction.

I remember being blown away by how this game looked when it first came out – it was one of the first in its genre to really use 3D graphics! It was so impressive back then. It’s a shame the developers, 7th Level, went out of business, because it made finding a copy really difficult. Now, you can sometimes find it for sale online from people who already own it, but good luck finding a brand new copy – they’re practically nonexistent!

2. Dune 2000

Houses Atreides, Harkonnen, & Ordos Fight For Arrakis

Dune 2000 is a reimagining of the classic 1992 game, Dune 2. It’s a real-time strategy game where you choose one of three houses – Atreides, Harkonnen, or Ordos – and battle for control of the desert planet Arrakis and its valuable spice. Players will need to construct bases, gather resources, and command armies in tactical combat.

The different sides you can play as in the game each have special powers, which make the story even more engaging. Dune 2000 was a groundbreaking game that inspired many real-time strategy titles and kept the Dune universe popular. Unfortunately, due to problems with the rights to the Dune franchise, the game was removed from sale and is no longer available to purchase.

1. The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-Earth 2

A Strategic Take On The Franchise’s Epic Battles

The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-Earth 2 goes beyond the movies, drawing rich details and stories from J.R.R. Tolkien’s books. Players can command various armies – including Elves, Dwarves, Goblins, and Sauron’s forces – and choose to play as the good guys defending Middle-earth, or the evil forces trying to conquer it.

Many long-time gamers fondly remember The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-Earth 2, a classic game featuring extensive customization and famous locations like Dol-Guldur and Rivendell. However, after the license to use The Lord of the Rings material ran out, the game became hard to find and sales dropped due to legal problems. While copies are still available used, they can be pricey and their quality isn’t always guaranteed.

2026-01-16 04:06