30 – The Troop
There’s one thing that keeps on surprising me, and that’s the fact that despite the number of times I have seen World War 2 portrayed in video games, there’s always a new title coming out that manages to breathe new life into this good old conflict. The Troop is one such example. Taking clear inspiration from games like Battle Academy, The Troop is one of those games that takes the simple formula that made BA so incredible in its day and updated it to modern standards while adapting it to the realities of combat in Normandy. On the surface, The Troop looks like any other turn-based, platoon-level tactical game, but behind it, there’s a staggering amount of content (the game has hundreds of scenarios and units), and most surprising of all, a challenging AI that acts like a real-life commander would, by using every tool at its disposal to achieve tactical superiority in the battlefield. It’s something quite impressive, really, and I don’t think any other World War 2 game silicon adversaries even manage to come close to it.
29 – They Are Billions
Alright, let’s talk about They Are Billions, the post-apocalyptic strategy game that’ll have you sweating bullets at the possibility of a single zombie managing to infiltrate your defences and ruining hours of city-building and (almost) perfectly placed defences! Imagine a steampunk world overrun by, you guessed it, billions of ravenous zombies. Your mission? To build and defend some of the last bastions of humanity against these relentless hordes. One wrong move and your entire colony becomes either zombie chow, or zombies themselves. The game features a unique engine that allows it to render thousands of units on screen, making the battles feel truly overwhelming affairs.
What makes They Are Billions so addictive? It’s the sheer scale of the zombie swarms and the constant feeling of impending doom. You’re not just building a city; you’re building a fortress against an unstoppable tide. The game’s unique pause-and-play mechanic lets you meticulously plan your defences and react to the ever-growing threat. If you like to challenge yourself, the game has several levels of difficulty, some of which are downright saddest. This is my favourite horde-defence RTS out there, given that I am a turtling-lover, and the reason it isn’t higher on this list is because all of the other games are just that good.
28 – Desperados 3
From the hands that built Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun and Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Cerw, Desperados 3 is one of Mimimi’s best titles. It delivers a meticulously crafted, real-time tactical stealth experience set in the Wild West, and it’s the third and last title of the series. This game distinguishes itself through its intricate level design, character-driven gameplay, and emphasis on creative problem-solving through meticulous planning and execution.
The gameplay centres on commanding a team of unique characters, each with distinct abilities, as they navigate complex missions requiring precise coordination, tactical ingenuity, and a bit of puzzle-solving. If you loved Commandos back in the ’90s and haven’t had the chance to play Desperados 3, you’re missing out on one of the best stealth strategy experiences on the market.
27 – Endless Legend
I believe that Endless Legend might be the best 4X game ever created (Civilization fans, take no offence, please). Set in a rich, fantasy world where players take control of one of several unique factions, each with its own culture, strengths, and abilities as well as end goals. Players must explore, expand, exploit resources, and exterminate rivals as they navigate through dynamic landscapes filled with dangers and opportunities. The game combines city-building, diplomacy, and tactical combat, offering a deep strategic experience as players aim for domination, technological advancement, or other victory conditions. You didn’t read that wrong, there’s tactical combat in this 4X. Once units meet on the field of battle, they’ll spread out across several hexes and the battles resemble something like a traditional turn-based tactics game. With Endless Legend 2 at our doorstep, and having played it I have to say it’s shaping up to be as equally amazing as the first, there’s no better time to revise Endless Legend. The game’s usually on sale for very cheap as well, with every DLC bundled up. Oh, it’s on sale right now!
26 – XCOM 2
If XCOM 2 is number 26 on this list, just imagine the quality of the next 25 titles! What can I say about XCOM 2 that hasn’t been said before thousands of times? It’s one of the best turn-based strategy games ever made, and while a lot of people consider it to be the best, I still have a lot more fun with XCOM from 2011! The game starts off after humanity’s defeat, and as The Commander, you’re tasked with leading a resistance force against the alien occupation of the Earth. As the commander of XCOM, players must manage resources, build up their base, and lead their squad through challenging missions to reclaim the planet from alien invaders. XCOM 2 is also the home of one of the best DLCs ever made, the War of the Chosen, which is essentially just a brand-new game, with new factions, new friendly units, new enemies, new weapons and new mechanics. I would even say it’s probably the best strategy gaming DLC ever made!
The Best Strategy Games To Play In 2025
And there you have it, folks! From the grand historical sweeps of Field of Glory Kingdoms to the intricate planning of Desperados 3, and the intense tactical battles of XCOM 2, this list showcases the incredible diversity and depth of the strategy genre on PC. Whether you crave meticulous planning, emergent storytelling, or the thrill of commanding vast armies, there’s a game here to ignite your strategic mind. So, grab your mouse, sharpen your wits, and dive into these unforgettable worlds. The strategic horizons of 2025 are waiting.
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