40 – Dune: Spice Wars
After a couple of decades being kind of forgotten, Dune got some of the best movie treatment of all time recently, and the same is equally true for its video gaming counterpart, with Dune: Spice Wars, standing out as a game that manages to deliver a unique blend of 4X strategy and real-time tactics, immersing players in the treacherous and politically charged world of Frank Herbert’s universe. The graphical design and sound are on-point, nailing Dune’s unique aesthetic. It distinguishes itself by attempting to merge the intricate interplay of political manoeuvring, economic dominance, and military conflict that characterizes Dune, and it manages to do so in almost every aspect.
The core gameplay centres on strategic resource management, militaristic territorial expansion, and diplomacy. Players can choose from a variety of iconic factions, each with unique strengths and playstyles, and must adapt to the dynamic conditions of Arrakis to achieve victory. The game has over 10,000 Steam reviews and it’s currently sitting at an 80% positive rating.
39 – Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – DaemonHunters
Alongside Warhammer 40,000:Battlesector, I believe that Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters is tied for the best turn-based tactical strategy game set in the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40K. You’ll lead “humanity’s greatest weapon”, the elite Grey Knights, a powerful order of Space Marines dedicated to fighting the forces of Chaos. The game is basically XCOM in the 40K universe, so it focuses on tactical combat as players battle against daemonic entities, using a combination of strategy, unit placement, and powerful psychic abilities. After the battles, players will do research, manage and equip their squads, and choose the best strategic options to defeat the rotten forces of Nurgle. Daemonhunters is not only one of the best Warhammer 40K out there, but it’s certainly one of the best turn-based tactics titles you can play in 2025.
38 – Warcraft III: Reforged
Let’s be real about this one, I could just write Warcraft III and leave this entry at that, and everyone would understand what I meant. However, with the release of the Reforged edition of Warcraft III, I think this deserves a bit of an explanation. The reforged edition had a rough launch, there’s no denying that, but I also think that’s the best version you can play right now. There problems of the original are still there: mainly the pathfinding, and the outdated user interface (Blizzard tried to modernise it, but it didn’t go well). However, since then, the game has received some massive updates, adding new and improved graphics and lighting, reworking the user interfaces, balancing, and overall just great quality-of-life features, all the while still keeping the game’s original charm and strong points. It might have not lived up to the standards of other remasters, like Age of Empires 2 and Stronghold, but it’s definitely the best way to experience one of the best real-time strategy games of all time in 2025.
37 – Beyond All Reason
What if I told you that you can play Supreme Commander, but without paying a single penny? Meet Beyond All Reason, Critical Move’s favourite meme and Tim’s favourite video game. According to him, Beyond All Reason delivers the best real-time strategy gameplay you can enjoy in 2025, offering massive-scale battles, intricate unit management and troop composition, as well as some of the most exciting multiplayer scuffles of all time. The game is an open-source endeavour, and it’s being actively developed by a vibrant community of dedicated strategy game lovers. If you’re looking to re-experience your glory days of RTS multiplayer action of the early 2000s, then Beyond All Reason is certainly a game to look out for. It’s also free, is constantly being updated, and is available right now.
36 – BattleTech
Harebrained Schemes and Paradox Interactive really cooked up something special with their 2018 BattleTech. This turn-based tactical strategy game is set in the titular futuristic universe players command a mercenary squad of giant combat mechs, known as BattleMechs, in intense, in-depth, detailed and stunning tactical battles. Alongside the game’s turn-based tactical layer, players must also manage the strategic one as well, by salvaging enemy equipment to equip their mechs with, train and take care of their pilots, and manage the group’s resources. The game offers both a single-player campaign and a deep, customizable battle system where no two missions are alike.
With its rich lore, detailed mech customization, and strategic combat mechanics, BattleTech provides a highly immersive and rewarding experience for fans of tactical warfare. Its focus on mech management, squad tactics, and decision-making makes it a standout title for mech-interested strategy enthusiasts in 2025. The game also has a number of expansions that are very much worth in terms of price and content.
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