10 – Company of Heroes 3
I’m currently working on my review of Company of Heroes 3, after Relic Entertainment finally released their massive, 2-year celebratory update, which, arguably, tackled almost every issue players had when the game came out, like inconsistent graphics, sound design, and the overall technical difficulties. While I’m still gathering my thoughts, it’s certainly a better game than it was. If you don’t know, Company of Heroes 3 is the latest entry of the classic real-time strategy (RTS) series that started all the way back in 2006, when the first game revolutionized the real-time strategy (RTS) genre by focusing on small unit tactics, a semi-realistic cover system, surpression mechanics, tank armor values, and gameplay that emphasied combat over base-building. Company of Heroes 3 was iterated by introducing a new grand-strategy campaign, breaching mechanics, and by taking the series away from the Eastern and Western Fronts to the desert plains of North Africa and the lush greens of Italy.
9 – Total War: Pharaoh
If you’re a historical Total War fan, life hasn’t been going great as of late, has it? Well, that’s because you might have discounted Total War: Pharaoh from the get-go, but this title, one that transports players to the dramatic, fantastic and turbulent Bronze Age of Egypt, might be a lot better than you think. As the latest historical instalment in the acclaimed Total War series, Pharaoh focuses on the late New Kingdom period, a time when the Egyptian empire was at its zenith, but also a time that antecipated societal collapse, natural disasters, and foreign invasions. Players can lead one of several major Egyptian or Canaanite factions, each with unique units, starting positions, and strategic objectives. The core gameplay remains true to the Total War formula in every possible way, blending grand strategic empire management on a turn-based campaign map with massive real-time battles. Players will manage their kingdoms, construct settlements, engage in diplomacy, and raise armies to conquer their rivals and survive the cataclysmic events of the time. A key feature is the dynamic weather system and its impact on battles. The Dynasties update is basically a whole new game that added 4 new major factions and 25 minor ones, a family tree system, and over 150 new and reworked military units, as well as new battle mechanics. With its historical setting and large-scale warfare, Total War: Pharaoh aims to provide an immersive and strategic experience in a pivotal period of ancient history.
8 – Commandos: Origins
I gave Commandos: Origins a hard time when I played the first available demo. Fortunately, it seems that since then, the game was improved, and the highly anticipated prequel to the classic Commandos series of real-time tactics stealth games turned out to be rather good. Set during World War II, players will once again command a squad of elite Allied specialists, each with unique skills and equipment, as they undertake daring missions behind enemy lines. True to the series’ roots, gameplay emphasizes meticulous planning and flawless execution with each stealth infiltration, but in 2025, you can synchronize the use of each commando’s abilities to overcome heavily guarded enemy positions. Commandos: Origins aims to recapture the demanding and rewarding gameplay that made the original series a beloved benchmark of the real-time tactics genre, while introducing modern enhancements and a new chapter in the Commandos saga, and succeeding in doing so.
7 – Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II
I would like to meet the guy at Relic who looked at Company of Heroes and thought, “what if this, but Warhammer?”. That’s my head canon as to how Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II came to be. The second game in the series shifted the focus of the first Dawn of War towards a more squad-based real-time tactics experience within the grim darkness of the far future. Instead of commanding massive armies, players now control small squads of elite Space Marines, Orks, and Eldar in intense tactical engagements in the vein of Company of Heroes. Base-building is significantly streamlined compared to its predecessor, with an emphasis on strategic unit deployment, utilizing cover, and leveraging each squad’s unique abilities and wargear. The game features a compelling single-player campaign where players upgrade their squads and acquire new equipment, as well as robust multiplayer modes, still in use today. Known for its visceral combat, detailed unit customization, and faithful representation of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, Dawn of War II offers a dynamic and engaging tactical experience well worth playing in 2025.
6 – Wartales
Shiro Games has developed some of the best strategy games you can play in 2025, with Dune: Spice Wars and Northgard being beloved contenders for the number one spot. They are also the team behind Wartales, an open-world tactical RPG where players lead a group of medieval mercenaries in a gritty and war-torn world not too disimilar from that of Battle Brothers. The game blends strategic overworld exploration with turn-based tactical combat on beautifully designed maps. Players must manage their company’s resources, including food and equipment, while navigating a dynamic world filled with quests, dangers, and opportunities. Character progression is classless, allowing for deep customization of skills and specializations as mercenaries gain experience. Wartales emphasizes player choice and consequence, with decisions made in the overworld impacting the narrative and the company’s reputation. With a focus on emergent storytelling and challenging tactical encounters, Wartales offers a compelling experience for players who enjoy sandbox RPGS with strategic combat, and with over 25,000 reviews sitting at a 89% very positive rating, a lot of other players love it too.
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