5 – Armored Brigade 2
Armored Brigade 2 tank rushed its amazing Cold War conflict simulation into Steam 2025 quite recently, marking the official release of the game in my eyes and the eyes of a lot of other players out there. If the first game was already excellent, then Armored Brigade 2 takes things to the next level, bringing a significant evolution to the acclaimed real-time strategy (RTS) and tactical wargame series, by making the leap to a fully immersive 3D environment, allowing players to command meticulously modeled combined arms forces across vast, real-world terrain maps spanning from 1965 to 1991. The move for 3D was the perfect step the game had to take in order to keep evolving, and everyone else agreed that it was the right move, with players highly praising the game and the team working on it. It also expanded the database of over 1,000 ground and air units from seven nations (including the US, USSR, UK, Finland, Poland, East Germany, and West Germany). Like its predecessor before, Armored Brigade II emphasizes realistic command and control across a massive and complex battlefield, combined military operations, and enhanced fire and air support options. Its dynamic skirmish generator and robust campaign options offer unparalleled replayability for wargaming veterans seeking deep, authentic, and large-scale Cold War battlefield simulations. This is the kind of game that’s so unique, you won’t find it anywhere else.
4 Two Point Museum
What do you get when you mix a game all about management with the theme of spreading historical knowledge? Well, first you make me very happy. Second you get Two Point Museum, a game that brings the beloved Two Point humor and deep simulation mechanics to the world of museum management. This engaging strategy game challenges players to design, build, and manage their own museums across several locations and pop-up venues within Two Point County. The gameplay of the game is exactly what you would expect from a tycoon title. You build your museum, hire your staff, manage the customer service, make them happy, and make more money to continuously improve your museum, and the wheel goes round and round! Key gameplay involves sending expert teams on expeditions to uncover over 200 unique exhibits across 100+ points of interest, maintaining exhibits, managing staff, and catering to a diverse array of 18 guest types. With its signature quirky charm, extensive customization options, and a sandbox mode for creating expansive “MEGA MUSEUMS,” Two Point Museum is another worthy addition to the Two Point franchise.
3 – Tempest Rising
Everybody misses Command and Conquer, one of the best real-time strategy games of all time, but while it doesn’t come back, we have Tempest Rising. Since it first came out, Tempest Rising quickly rose to become a bearer of the real-time strategy (RTS) standard in 2025. Offering a compelling blend of classic base-building and modern gameplay, it makes you feel like you’re back in the late 90s or early 2000s, with its intriguing alternate 1997 setting, the game features two distinct factions – the technologically advanced Global Defense Force and the resilient Tempest Dynasty – each with unique units, strategies, and economic models. It draws heavy inspiration from the Command and Conquer games of previous decades, so players can expect deep, skill-rewarding strategy in combat, base building, economy management, two extensive single-player campaigns, and robust skirmish and ranked multiplayer modes. The game is also visually striking, making some of the best use of Unreal Engine 5 we have seen in a strategy game, and a soundtrack featuring the legendary Frank Klepacki (of Command & Conquer fame). If you love real-time strategy (RTS) games, Tempest Rising delivers a fresh yet nostalgic experience for both veteran RTS enthusiasts and newcomers looking for engaging tactical gameplay. Highly recommend.
2 – Burden of Command
Burden of Command was one of my highest anticipated games of all time, and it was well worth the wait, as it single-handedly redefined what a World War II strategy game can be by focusing on the intense psychological and moral challenges of tactical leadership. This unique leadership RPG places players in command of a U.S. Army company, of the 7th Infantry Regiment, also known as the “Cottonbalers,” and intertwines turn-based tactical combat like traditional wargames with deep narrative choices that influence the way your game plays out. It’s one of those rare kinds of games where every decision, from battlefield maneuvers to interactions with your soldiers, directly impacts their morale, trust, and even their survival, adding significant weight to each move you make, really nailing in home the feeling of having a burden. With meticulously researched historical details, including thousands of real period photographs and veteran interviews, Burden of Command offers an emotionally authentic and often brutal portrayal of war, making it a must-play for strategy game enthusiasts seeking a profound and impactful experience beyond traditional wargaming.
1 – Broken Arrow
This one just came out and it’s already 2025 best strategy game! Broken Arrow, one of the most anticipated strategy games of all time is a real-time strategy (RTS) and a large-scale real-time tactics game, that focuses on trying to bridge the gap between realism and playability. Developed by Steel Balalaika and published by Slitherine, this modern warfare title immerses players in a realistic battlefield with over 300 meticulously detailed military units across American and Russian factions. Set in the 21st century, players will command diverse units, from infantry and armored vehicles to advanced aircraft and support elements like patriot missiles and drones, and can extensively customize their load-outs to adapt their forces to every situation they’ll encounter. Another highlight of the game is the fact that players who love single-player campaigns are going to have a massive, 16-mission campaign that’s reminiscent of World In Conflict, where they can play from the point of view of the United States and Russia. Of course, those willing to test their mettle against human opponents will have engaging skirmish maps and 5v5 multiplayer battles. Broken Arrow promises a deep and replayable experience for fans of authentic military strategy, and having played it quite extensively by now, I’m glad to say that it delivered in spades.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Strategy in 2025
As we reach the halfway point of 2025, it’s clear that the strategy game landscape is more vibrant than ever, just by looking at the amazing titles that have come out just the past 6 months. The titles highlighted in this list, from the historically authentic battlefields of WDS Crusades and Burden of Command, the military tactics of Broken Arrow, to the intense stealth of The Stone of Madness and Commandos: Origins, and the creative management of Two Point Museum, and the strategy and roguelike elements of 9 Kings demonstrate a rich tapestry of innovation and classic mechanics coming together to give us some of the best experiences we could ask for. While the year still holds much promise, these 15 entries have firmly established themselves as the leading contenders, setting a high bar for the rest of 2025 and providing countless hours of engaging strategic fun. Which of these strategic masterpieces will dominate your playtime next
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