The 100 Best Strategy Games To Play In 2025 – 100 to 51

by

Play The Best Strategy Games In 2025

Strategy computer games have consistently been a mainstay in gaming, delivering intricate tactical gameplay, tough choices, and satisfying wins. Whether you’re drawn to real-time strategies (RTS), turn-based tactics, comprehensive strategy, or city construction simulations, the year 2025 boasts an exceptional collection of essential games. Ranging from timeless favorites to innovative debuts, this compilation highlights the finest strategy games for personal computers, ensuring you find a fitting battle for your strategic intellect. Whether you’re a veteran commander or a novice in the genre, these top PC strategy games will put your skills to the test and keep you captivated for hours on end. Get ready to explore the first of three sections in this extensive guide as we unveil the ultimate strategy games to play in 2025!

100 – Galactic Civilizations 2: Ultimate Edition


The Ultimate Edition of Galactic Civilizations II stands among the timeless, cherished classics! This is a 4X turn-based strategy game that made waves with its massive scope and intricate details. Players are still captivated by the challenge to construct and conquer a galactic empire through exploration, negotiations, research, and combat. As the ultimate version of Galactic Civilizations II, it offers more content, enhanced AI, and richer mechanics, making it one of the most refined and comprehensive space strategy adventures available in 2025.

In the game of Galactic Civilizations 2, players can create their own spaceships and encounter various civilizations, all set against a sprawling, ever-changing galaxy. This allows players to decide their interstellar future, forming partnerships or engaging in conflicts to establish supremacy. If you’re into strategic combat, diplomatic intrigue, or technological progress, Galactic Civilizations 2 is still an essential game for strategy lovers in 2025. For those seeking more contemporary titles, there’s also Galactic Civilizations 3 and 4 available.

99 – The Banner Saga

It’s astonishing to reflect on how long it’s been since The Banner Saga was first released – nearly a decade! To put that into perspective, more time has elapsed since then up until now than from when GTA San Andreas and GTA 5 were unveiled. If this realization leaves you feeling nostalgic, why not explore anew the captivating narrative-driven tactical RPG? With its blend of turn-based combat, strategic decision-making, and visually stunning hand-drawn artwork inspired by Norse mythology, The Banner Saga immerses you as you guide a caravan of fighters and refugees through a perishing world. Each choice you make – be it in battle or dialogue – significantly impacts the destiny of your people.

In 2025, The Banner Saga continues to shine with its compelling narrative, tactical battles, and stunning visuals. If you appreciate immersive storytelling and are looking for an engaging trilogy, this game is not to be missed.

98 – Battle for Middle-Earth 2

In 2025, it’s surprising that The Battle for Middle-earth II isn’t more widely recognized as it was, in my opinion, the top real-time strategy (RTS) game based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s famous universe. This game lets players lead vast armies into legendary battles from Lord of the Rings, with six factions to choose from, a captivating campaign, and the chance to wage war in Middle-earth’s most iconic locations. Enhancements over the original version include improved mechanics, naval combat, and more complex base-building possibilities.

The most appealing aspect is that you can play this exceptional Real-Time Strategy game anywhere online, thanks to numerous abandonware sites. This means you can try it out, absolutely free of charge, immediately!

97 – OpenXcom (X-COM: UFO Defense)

Although it’s tough to suggest an almost three-decade-old game, OpenXcom – a fan-made, open-source reimagining of UFO: Enemy Unknown from 1994 – is definitely worth checking out. This updated version does the work to modernize the classic strategy game with better graphics, user interface, and bug fixes while still staying true to its original essence. By now, you’re familiar with the gameplay: Players lead X-COM, an international organization dedicated to Earth’s defense against alien invasion, in a mix of turn-based combat and resource management. Many players have experienced the heartbreak of losing their skilled troops in a single disastrous mission, leaving lasting scars. If you enjoy the updated version and want to trace its roots, OpenXcom is your best bet for 2025.

96 – Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus

If you’re eager for Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus 2, now might be an ideal moment to delve into one of the finest strategy games from the Warhammer 40,000 series: Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus. For those new to this universe or simply not fans of 40,000, it’s a turn-based tactical strategy game that allows you to take control of the Adeptus Mechanicus, the Imperium’s most technologically advanced faction. In the role of Magos Dominus Faustinius, you command a group of cybernetic Tech-Priests on a quest to explore and conquer ancient Necron tombs, which are considered one of the most advanced civilizations in the Warhammer 40,000 galaxy.

Prepare for a richly tactical journey, complete with an engaging narrative that offers multiple outcomes, the ability to personalize your units, and strategic battles. In a landscape where high-quality Warhammer 40,000 strategy games are scarce, Mechanicus distinguishes itself by concentrating on one of the more distinctive factions within the universe.

95 – Civilization IV

In discussing top strategy games for 2025, it’s essential to mention that a game similar to Civilization will certainly be included. To begin, let me share one of my personal favorites from the past: Civilization IV. In this game, you assume the role of a ruler, overseeing various aspects of your empire such as diplomacy, military strategy, scientific research, and cultural development. As history progresses, you’ll face an ever-changing landscape of challenges that require strategic thinking and adaptability.

What drew me to Civilization IV and left me feeling somewhat disappointed with games like Civilization VI was the sense of scale it offered. I vividly recall commanding enormous armies known as “doom stacks” and embarking on global campaigns spanning centuries. Perhaps my fond memories are tainted by nostalgia, but regardless, I believe that even though it may be outdated by now, Civilization IV remains a worthwhile experience, especially for players who discovered the Civilization series with games like V and VI.

94 – Frostpunk 2

View post on imgur.com

Frostpunk is a series tailored for individuals who have a deep appreciation for stark misery and human hardship. It offers various aspects such as overworking the workforce, employing child labor, dealing with starvation, and battling the cold, all while managing a city teetering on the edge of collapse. And yes, you can expect numerous calamities along the way!

Instead of managing a single small town struggling in a frozen wasteland as in Frostpunk 1, Frostpunk 2 expands the scale to overseeing sprawling cities, where your choices impact not just individuals and small neighborhoods, but entire districts and countless virtual citizens. The game’s intense emotional atmosphere and human touch set it apart from other survival city-builders in 2025.

93 – Stirring Abyss

View post on imgur.com

Have you ever come across H.P. Lovecraft’s “The Temple”? If that’s the case, then I believe we can both concur that Stirring Abyss didn’t receive as much appreciation as it merited. This game combines tactical squad-based strategy with RPG elements, and it places you in a desperate situation: your submarine is damaged, and you find yourself in an underwater world inspired by Lovecraft’s horror tales. You lead a group of survivors who are grappling with the terrors they’ve experienced deep below the sea, trying to repair their only means of escape.

As you delve deeper into the ocean, you encounter grotesque creatures, manage scarce resources, and make difficult ethical choices while uncovering the mysteries of an ancient civilization that has been lost to time.

In 2025, gamers who love tactical gameplay and psychological horror will find a captivating mix in Stirring Abyss, a game that boasts an atmospheric environment, thoughtfully designed combat strategies, and elements inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft.

92 – Anno 1800

It’s unlikely that any fan of Firaxis would be unfamiliar with the Anno series, a beloved franchise dating back to the late 90s. With its peak reached in Anno 1800, this captivating blend of real-time strategy and economic simulation takes you on an immersive journey into the Industrial Age. As a governor, mayor, or president, your role is to manage urban planning, construct industries and infrastructure, foster trade, and resolve conflicts through diplomacy or military means. If you’re drawn to crafting complex production networks, enjoy the thrill of cultivating a prosperous economy, and have a passion for History, I believe you’ll struggle to find a more comprehensive gameplay experience in 2025.

In 2025, Anno 1800 stands out as one of the top strategy games, particularly shining in the realm of city-building and economic management. Offering both solo and multiplayer experiences, along with extensive customization options, it receives regular updates to keep gameplay fresh and engaging.

91 – Panzer Corps Gold

View post on imgur.com

Panzer Corps Gold is an exceptional game value, often available for under $10 and featuring over 800 scenarios and units from all World War II fronts. This turn-based strategy game immerses you in commanding intense World War II battles, allowing you to control a wide range of units such as infantry and tanks across realistic battlefields. By employing strategic planning and tactical acumen, you can lead your forces to victory. The Gold Edition encompasses all DLC expansions, providing an even more immersive experience with additional campaigns, units, and scenarios. If stranded on a deserted island for ten years, I believe you’d still be discovering new aspects of Panzer Corps Gold. While its younger sibling is also worth a try if you have extra funds, it’s essential to know that Panzer Corps 2 pales in comparison to the wealth of content offered by Panzer Corps Gold.

Read More

2025-04-19 20:43