10 – The Stone of Madness
The Stone of Madness was one of the most anticipated strategy games of the last couple of years, and being developed by The Game Kitchen, known for the Blasphemous series, it offered a uniquely atmospheric and psychologically rich real-time tactical stealth experience. This title plunges players into a unique setting, never before seen in video games: An 18th-century Spanish monastery that doubles as a madhouse and inquisitorial prison. Players control a band of five distinct prisoners, each with unique skills, a proper story, traumas, and phobias, as they attempt a daring escape while uncovering the monastery’s dark secrets. The game, similarly to others like Shadow Tactics and Desperados 3, masterfully blends stealth, puzzle-solving, and resource management across dynamic day and night cycles, where keeping your folk safe and preventing them from going insane is critical. This is a strategy game for players who love the idea of the setting, its striking Goya-inspired art style, and a narrative that delves into the psychological toll of imprisonment, The Stone of Madness equally delivers a challenging stealth tactics game like you rarely find on the market.
9 – Commandos Origins
After being absent from the gaming sphere for so long, the Commandos franchise finally has a worthy sequel. Commandos: Origins released in April 2025, marks a highly anticipated return for the legendary real-time tactics series, acting as a prequel that delves into the story of how things came to be to this iconic World War II elite unit. Players command a squad of six distinct specialists – including the Green Beret, Sapper, Sniper, Driver, Marine, and Spy – each with unique abilities essential for tackling a diverse range of covert operations deep behind enemy lines against the German Army. From daring raids and incursions to espionage and sabotage, Commandos: Origins captures of feeling of every mission being a high-stakes affair, demanding meticulous planning, stealth, and tactical coordination. While the game keeps itself faithful to the original Commandos, it features new graphics, larger and more interactive maps, and a new “Command Mode” for synchronized actions, Commandos: Origins offers a compelling challenge for both long-time fans and new players seeking deep, puzzle-like stealth strategy gameplay. It also introduces a welcome two-player cooperative multiplayer mode, allowing friends to strategize and execute missions together.
8 – Monster Train 2
It feels like half the strategy gaming world was waiting for Monster Train 2, given the fact that the original game was a massive unique hit! Drawing close inspiration, Monster Train 2 opts to build upon the acclaimed deck-building roguelike formula with a wealth of new content and refined mechanics. This sequel maintains its iconic vertical, multi-floor tower defense combat, challenging players to strategically deploy powerful monster units and cast devastating spells across a three-tiered train to protect the Pyre Heart at its summit: the last remaining piece of Hell. Introducing five brand-new, distinct clans, along with innovative “Equipment” and “Room” cards, Monster Train 2 significantly increases the strategic possibilities to encourage diverse build paths and multi-floor synergies. With its vibrant art style, engaging roguelike progression, and a massive amount of new cards, units, and challenges, Monster Train 2 is a worthy sequel that massively delivers on the addictive and replayable experience for both veterans of the original and newcomers to the genre.
7 – Wargame Design Studio – Crusades: Book 1
This came out of nowhere and surprised every wargame lover used to Wargame Design Studio affair with gunpowder-based video games. However, Wargame Design Studio – Crusades: Book 1, offers a highly detailed and historically rich turn-based wargame experience set during the First Crusade which proves that the engine that made their games so famous is perfectly capable of handling most melee affairs with historical authenticity and with fantastic results. This title stands out from other medieval games by focusing extensively on medieval siege warfare, instead of just doing open battles. It’s also capable of providing players with an in-depth simulation of the challenges involved in assaulting and defending fortified positions. With its meticulous research, as we have grown used to, WDS Crusades: Book I presents a compelling alternative to other medieval strategy games, catering to wargaming enthusiasts who appreciate granular control and historical authenticity, but want to play something else other than Field of Glory 2: Medieval. The game features a variety of scenarios and offers a deep dive into the tactical nuances of the era, making it a strong contender for those seeking a hardcore and rewarding historical strategy experience.
6 – 9 Kings
Hooded Horse keeps on pumping smash hit after smash hit, and their latest is 9 Kings, which entered Steam Early Access in May 2025, offering a fast-paced and highly replayable roguelike kingdom builder experience that is extremely addicting and easy to start playing but very hard to put down once you get into it. Players take on the role of one of several unique kings, each with a distinct starting deck of units, buildings, and spells, as they fight amongst themselves to become the most powerful kingdom. The game plays out on a very limited 3×3 grid, where perfect placement and proper planning of cards to leverage powerful synergies are key to surviving the ever-increasing waves of rival monarchs. With its unique blend of deckbuilding, auto battler mechanics, roguelike progression, and strategic city-building, 9 Kings is the kind of game that encourages endless experimentation and “game-breaking” combos, ensuring each run provides a fresh, fun, and engaging challenge. It can also become extremely hard on the highest difficulties, so if you like a challenge, make sure you check this one out!
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