15 – Total War: WARHAMMER II
Creative Assembly truly struck gold with their Total War series of games, haven’t they? With each subsequent game out-selling the last by quite a margin. If the first Total War: Warhammer played it a bit too safe, Total War: Warhammer II, quickly became a highly acclaimed real-time strategy game (RTS) by introducing some of the most unique factions ever put in a Total War game, each playing massively different from the next, with different mechanics and win conditions too. No longer were players limited to just “painting” the map, but had actual goals to strive for while playing as the High Elves, Dark Elves, Lizardmen, and Skaven. With its rich lore, compelling “Great Vortex” narrative, and the expansive “Mortal Empires” combined campaign (if you own the first game and the third), Total War: Warhammer II offers hundreds of hours of unique gameplay, and has some amazing DLC as well. It’s the game of choice for Warhammer fans who love the factions mentioned above and would love the idea of playing them. Don’t miss this opportunity to dive into one of the best fantasy strategy games at a great discount during the Steam Summer Sale 2025.
14 – Jurassic World Evolution 2
If you saw Jurassic Park in the 90s you probably thought to yourself that you could certainly do a better job. Well, now you can prove to everyone that with Jurassic World Evolution 2, a park management simulation game that combines the classical Zoo Tycoon-inspired gameplay loop of creating your own exhibitions with the awe-inspiring spectacle of prehistoric (and very deadly) dinosaurs. With a vast roster of “scientifically accurate” dinosaurs, including marine and flying reptiles, and extensive customization options, it’s the ultimate dinosaur park builder for its low price of just $3, quite an amazing deal. It’s the kind of game that’s a perfect fit for players looking for a tycoon game similar to Zoo Tycoon or Planet Zoo.
13 – Planet Zoo
Speaking of which, right up next the best-selling strategy games of the Steam Summer Sale 2025 are Planet Zoo, the definitive zoo simulation game with “real” animals that offers unparalleled depth in management and stunningly realistic animal behavior. This best-selling strategy title allows players to design and manage the zoo of their dreams, from intricate habitat construction and staff hiring and management to crucial conservation efforts of endangered animals. Created by the experienced team at Frontier Developments (known for their work on Planet Coaster, the best of its kind ever made), Planet Zoo takes this excellence to another type of park. With its breathtaking graphics, extensive animal roster, and endless amount of creative possibilities, Planet Zoo is a top-tier management sim I highly recommend to anyone and its place amongst the best-selling strategy games on the Steam Summer Sale 2025 is a well-earned one.
12 – Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
To be honest, I was expecting Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition to be ranked much higher, but the fact that a game originally released almost 30 years ago still has this much of a staying power really says something about the timeless nature of its real-time strategy (RTS) design, and the stunningly remastered version of one of the most beloved and best-selling real-time strategy games of all time is one every player should have in their library. Gorgeous 4K Ultra HD graphics, a fully remastered soundtrack, and all original expansions plus new content like “The Last Khans” and “The Three Kingdoms,” this edition of Age of Empires II offers hundreds of hours of historical singleplayer campaigns, and thousands more in one of the most competitive scenes around. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is an absolute must-buy during the Steam Summer Sale 2025. Don’t miss this chance to own a true RTS masterpiece at an incredible value, complete with ongoing updates and a thriving multiplayer community!
11 – 9 Kings
It’s satisfying and fun to see a game you were one of the first to review and recognize its potential become successful. A fast-paced, highly replayable, and addictive strategy game, 9 Kings is perfect for when you want to get a couple of quick games in during your downtime and just have a blast doing so. It describes itself as a roguelike kingdom builder, but it’s more of an autobattler where you place units and buildings to buff each other on a 3×3 grid. The fact that it’s such a simple concept and it’s now one of the best-selling strategy games in the Steam Summer Sale 2025, outselling games like Age of Empires and Total War is quite an amazing sign of its quality and fun factor. Still in Early Access, but rather complete, 9 Kings is an obvious recommendation if you were to ask me. If you don’t trust me, just read what everyone else is saying on its Steam Reviews, currently sitting at a 92% rating!
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