Unveiling the Future of Strategy: The 25 Most Wishlisted Games of 2025
The realm of PC-based strategy gaming is persistently transforming, fueled by an energetic community eagerly waiting for the next major release, and 2025 is no exception. Steam, the dominant digital marketplace on PC, provides a distinct perspective into these expectations via its extensive wishlist function. Ranging from complex city builders, immersive historical simulations, to real-time strategy (RTS), tactical combat, and epic space operas, gamers crave experiences that test their intellectual abilities and strategic skills. This article delves into the 25 most wished-for strategy games of 2025, providing a brief but enlightening sneak peek into the year’s most anticipated launches.
Just a reminder, it’s your preferences shaping this game list, not mine. If there’s anything you don’t agree with, feel free to let me know!
25 – D.O.R.F. Real-Time Strategic Conflict
I’m thrilled that fellow real-time strategy (RTS) enthusiasts share my enthusiasm for D.ORF: Real-Time Strategic Conflict. This game immerses players in a complex, futuristic setting, delivering a vintage RTS feel similar to ’90s favorites, combining the gameplay mechanics of Red Alert 2 and the artistic style of classic Fallout games. Players can select from three unique factions, each boasting its own specialized units and technologies for constructing sprawling bases and capturing essential resources. Similar to traditional RTS games, D.ORF emphasizes base construction and resource management before moving on to producing military units and participating in intense land, air, and sea battles with an array of potent units, ranging from colossal double-zeppelin bombers to heavily armed tanks, which seemed to be the trend in the ’90s for making things look cool. I can’t get enough! If D.ORF manages to execute everything flawlessly, as I suspect it will, fans of classic RTS gameplay should find plenty to appreciate here.
24 – Mars Tactics
Mars Tactics is a game that I find intriguing, as it’s likely to either captivate me or leave me cold. After sampling the demo, I appreciate the dynamic terrain and its ambition to elevate the turn-based strategy genre, but it could benefit from simplifying decision-making for a smoother experience. The development team aims to offer an engaging mix of turn-based tactical combat and large-scale strategic operations in a war-ravaged Mars setting, which I can support. Players find themselves engulfed in a brutal struggle between two imbalanced factions: the resource-scarce Labor rebels and the wealthy Capital army. What distinguishes Mars Tactics from other turn-based strategies is its fully destructible environments, allowing for innovative tactical responses such as creating new entry points or instant cover by strategically deploying explosives and bombs. If you’re a fan of games like XCOM or Xenonauts 2, then Mars Tactics could be the game that appeals to you and should definitely be on your watchlist.
23 – Ascent of Ashes
A post-apocalyptic colony simulation game named Ascent of Ashes is set to release in July 2025, and I’ve learned about it from my American co-host on the Critical Moves Podcast, Joe. This game combines complex simulation elements with tactical combat that can be paused in real-time. Players are tasked with creating and protecting a survivor colony, much like RimWorld or Dwarf Fortress. The primary focus is on base construction, resource management, and ensuring the survival of your group. However, challenges don’t only come from scarce resources; raiders, aliens, and the mysterious Remnant soldiers pose threats as well.
One unique aspect is the emphasis on tactical combat, where hit simulations, suppression, and unit modular damage are essential for success. For instance, if a soldier sustains damage to one arm, he might not die but become incapacitated and unable to fight further. It will be intriguing to observe how these combat mechanics intertwine with the management aspects and the impact they may have.
Strategies that aim to disable enemies instead of killing them could potentially make them work for you are suggested. The game also offers a massive, procedurally generated world to explore, featuring hidden ruins and diverse biomes. Additionally, players can discover and utilize various vehicles for travel and combat.
22 – Capital Command
A demo is accessible for Capital Command, by the way. This game developed by Hellride Games and Hooded Horse offers an engaging sci-fi strategy experience, putting players in control of a powerful spacecraft. The game focuses on providing an immersive space-simulation experience with a heavy emphasis on real-time and realistic combat tactics in space (their terminology, not mine). In this game, you’ll find yourself in a distant outpost where the local AI defense system has gone rogue. Your mission is to restore order by completing a sandbox campaign.
Capital Command distinguishes itself with its accurate space physics, providing players with six degrees of freedom for precise movement in the cold vacuum of space. Mastering both intricate flight controls and weapon systems is essential to success. As captain, you’ll command a diverse crew, giving orders to navigators, gunners, repair teams, and engineers to manage your colossal ship and its expansive arsenal.
Strategic elements include managing damage control, upgrading your vessel using salvaged resources, and even the potential for seizing control of enemy capital ships.
21 – Metropolisim
Discovered Metropolisim while compiling my list; its captivating, polished, and visually appealing graphics drew me in instantly. Currently under development, Metropolisim positions itself as a highly sophisticated city-building simulation for strategy enthusiasts seeking intricate management and immersive systemic interactions. This game is indeed ambitious, targeting players who wish to construct and manage a modern metropolis with a population of up to 10 million people, each citizen fully simulated with unique jobs, education, and daily routines. I’m curious about its development, but one thing’s for sure – it has garnered significant attention, ranking as the 20th most wishlisted strategy game on Steam. Notable features include detailed zoning, construction of city services, budget management, and strategic planning of transportation and traffic networks similar to Cities: Skylines. Metropolisim is expected to resonate with those who appreciate delving into the intricacies of urban planning and resource distribution.
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2025-06-13 13:43