6 – Beyond Astra
In direct competition with Fragile Existence, we find Beyond Astra, another real-time, grand-strategy 4X space game that aims to seamlessly blend galactic empire management with detailed planetary city-building. The game’s key selling point is its ability to zoom from a galaxy-wide map to a planetary surface with no loading screens, offering an unparalleled sense of scale and strategic freedom. While the premise is similar, in Beyond Astra, the scope is a lot more focused on empire management, instead of focusing exclusively on a single fleet. With deep systems for politics, economy, and real-time battles in both space and on the ground, this is a must-wishlist for players who want to get their hands on some amazing space politics in 2026.
5 – Gilded Destiny
Victoria 3 is slowly becoming the game players wanted it to be at release, but it’s still not exactly there. The team behind Aquila Interactive saw a chance in this and decided to create Gilded Destiny, a highly ambitious grand strategy game set in the Industrial Age, positioned as a direct competitor to Victoria 3. The game has been in development for quite a while now, and the team is always extremely active in showing the state of the game’s development, which led to them being picked up by Hooded Horse this year. The game is slated for an Early Access launch in 2025, and currently, it seems like it’s going to offer a stunning level of detail on a hex-based 3D globe with a fully simulated economy and a complex population system. Players will manage everything from production chains and logistics to political parties and social classes, as well as the whole military aspect of the game, making it an essential title for any fan of historical strategy who desires a deep, challenging, and historically authentic experience. So, if you’re one of those who became disillusioned with the state of Victoria 3, Gilded Destiny might be the game that will satisfy your hunger for technological and civilizational progress.
4 – Heroes of Might and Magic – Olden Era
If you were to tell me, a couple of years ago, that I would be looking forward to a Ubisoft game, I would look at you, laugh, and probably call the cops. Well, I guess the joke’s on me now, because we might be on the cusp of a true return to form for a legendary franchise with Heroes of Might and Magic. Olden Era. Published by Hooded Horse and Ubisoft, the game aims to recapture the magic of Heroes III with a classic turn-based fantasy adventure loop, modernized with quality-of-life improvements. The game will feature a new storyline, a diverse set of factions, and the return of the series’ iconic composer, Paul Romero. It’s a game designed to appeal to both long-time fans seeking a nostalgic experience and newcomers eager to discover the genre’s origins.
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