10 – Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition
Would it be a Strategy and Wargaming list without a Stronghold game in it? Fortunately for us, castle-building and real-time strategy (RTS) fans, Firefly Studios is preparing for a triumphant return to the desert sands with Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition, launching on PC via Steam on July 15, 2025. This expanded remaster of the beloved 2002 castle-sim has been meticulously overhauled by the original game’s veteran developers, promising a faithful, but much enhanced experience. Players will once again immerse themselves in the legendary Crusades, building elaborate strongholds and castles, and leading vast armies in epic sieges against iconic AI lords like Richard the Lionheart and Saladin. This definitive edition boasts remastered visuals, re-recorded audio with returning voice actors, and a host of player-requested features, including larger maps, new units like the Bedouin warriors, and four fresh AI adversaries, each with their personality and specialized tactics and castle types. With new historical campaigns, “Sands of Time” skirmish trails, and an all-new co-op trail, Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition is poised to rekindle the strategic flame for veterans and introduce a new generation to this timeless real-time strategy (RTS) classic. I know I’ll be the first one to jump into it, as soon as I get my hands on the game.
9 – Total War: Star Wars
While details are still emerging, the highly anticipated Total War: Star Wars is rumored to be in development by Creative Assembly, aiming for a possible 2025 release on PC. At this time one can only speculate as to how this potential crossover could meld the grand strategy layer and real-time tactical combat of the Total War series with the iconic universe of Star Wars. Imagine commanding vast armies of Stormtroopers, Rebel Alliance forces, or even droids and alien legions across galactic battlefields, each unit meticulously rendered, and then having Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker show up on the field as hero units? There’s so much potential here, and even though the Star Wars battles don’t usually make a lot of sense, I think that Total War could do something interesting with it, especially with the number of units, factions and heroes they could draw from: imagine the signature large-scale, cinematic battles of the movies, but also a hallmark of Total War, to be reimagined with blasters, lightsabers, and iconic vehicles like AT-ATs and X-wings. If properly realized, Total War: Star Wars could offer an unprecedented scale of strategic warfare within the Star Wars galaxy, appealing to fans of both franchises eager to shape the destiny of the galaxy far, far away. I know I would love it, and I cannot wait to know more about this, and the rumored Total War: Warhammer 40,000, too!
8 – Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War – Definitive Edition
One Warhammer 40,000 we know is coming out for certain in 2025 is the iconic real-time strategy (RTS) classic, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War – Definitive Edition, confirmed for a 2025 release on PC via Steam and GOG. This eagerly awaited remaster by Relic Entertainment brings the original game and all its beloved expansions (Winter Assault, Dark Crusade, and Soulstorm) under a single, unified banner. Players can expect a visually enhanced experience with 4K support, upscaled textures, improved lighting, and a refined camera, all optimized for modern hardware and widescreen displays. Crucially, the Definitive Edition moves to a 64-bit platform, significantly boosting performance and ensuring compatibility with the vast library of community-made mods accumulated over two decades, including an integrated mod manager. Whether you’re reliving the grimdark campaigns or engaging in intense multiplayer battles across nine distinct armies, this edition promises the ultimate Dawn of War experience for both long-time fans and recruits to the 41st millennium.
7 – Falling Frontier
Falling Frontier is one of the more anticipated real-time strategy (RTS) games of the last couple of years. It’s supposed to come out in an Early Access release on PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG in 2025. This title sets itself apart with a strong emphasis on intel, logistics, and intricate ship design within a vast, procedurally generated star system. Despite the lack of in-depth information available at the moment, I can only imagine Falling Frontier playing something similar to Sins of a Solar Empire 2, but with a lot more complexity in its combat systems. According to the game’s Steam page, players will manage their expeditionary force in a new frontier, contending with rival human factions from Earth, Titan, and Venus. Falling Frontier promises visceral space combat where every shot matters, featuring physics-based destruction and the ability for smaller, more agile craft to outmaneuver larger vessels. Beyond the battles, success hinges on establishing supply lines, conducting reconnaissance, and designing custom ships from a wide array of hulls and modules to tailor your navy precisely the way you need it to tackle any challenge the game might throw your way. With named crew members, an in-game scenario editor for modding, and a focus on strategic depth, if Falling Frontier lives up to its expectations, I think the game might be poised to offer a fresh and immersive experience for grand strategy and space real-time strategy (RTS) enthusiasts.
6 – Anno 117: Pax Romana
Ubisoft might be having a hard time this year, but at least they managed to get two of their games into this list. First Heroes of MIght and Magic will take players to a fantasy world, and now Anno 117: Pax Romana is set to transport players to the glory days of the Roman Empire. The next highly anticipated installment in the beloved city-building strategy series, launching in 2025 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X| marks a significant historical leap for the Anno franchise, moving from modern and colonial eras to antiquity, where the gameplay and the basis of the economy are poised to change quite a lot. Players will take on the role of a Roman governor, tasked with expanding their influence across the vast Roman provinces of Albion (Roman Britain) and Latium (Italy). The game promises classic Anno gameplay loops of complex production chains, intricate trade routes, and urban development, all while navigating the political and logistical challenges of the Roman Empire. With a focus on strategic expansion, cultural assimilation, and economic mastery, Anno 117: Pax Romana aims to deliver a visually stunning and deeply engaging historical city-builder for both long-time fans and new players.
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