5 – Terra Invicta
Developed by the team behind the (in)famous Long War mod for XCOM: Enemy Unknown, Terra Invicta stands as one of the most ambitious and politically rich space strategy games in 2025 (it’s been in early access since 2022). Despite the tactical origins of the Long War team, Terra Invicta couldn’t be further away from it in terms of scale and mechanics. It’s more of a deep simulation where Earth’s nations, shadow organizations, and alien forces clash in a layered struggle for humanity’s future, sometimes in the shadows, sometimes in open battle. It’s a very special setting that no other game replicates. It’s a very complex game, and it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for players who enjoy slow-burn strategy with complex systems and high-stakes tension, and the near-future setting of a possible alien invasion, Terra Invicta is an unmatched experience and remains one of the most compelling sci-fi strategy experiences available.
4 – Homeworld: Remastered Collection
I was unsure if Homeworld: Remastered Collection shouldn’t be at the number 3 spot, but after plenty of consideration, I think it should be here, at number 4, which is remarkable, if you take into account that the first game in the series came out in 1999, and it still remains one of the best real-time strategy games everyone must play. This remastered collection is an absolute work of art, and remains one of the most breathtaking space strategy experiences in 2025, preserving the emotional, atmospheric, and fully 3D tactical combat that defined the original classics while dramatically upgrading their visuals, audio, and interface. The remaster’s cinematic presentation still delivers a level of immersion few RTS games can match. Its fully three-dimensional movement, tight fleet management, and unforgettable story of exile and return continue to set the benchmark for space-based strategy design.
3 – Sins of a Solar Empire 2
My favorite real-time strategy game from 2024 more than earns its spot on this list by being an amazing improvement over its predecessors. Sins of a Solar Empire II is a showcase of what a space strategy game should be like in 2025, seamlessly merging real-time tactics with deep 4X empire management. It isn’t much as a direct sequel to Sins of a Solar Empire Rebellion, but it’s a much-improved version of it in every sense. It kept the mix of 4X empire expansion that’s so beloved by players, and that makes every early game moment super exciting with chaotic and daunting real-time strategy battles with thousands of units fighting at the same time, using multiple weapon systems, each of which is individually simulated, alongside each projectile fired. All of this to say that the early game is exciting because of its 4X nature, and the mid to late game is a nail-biting affair because of its RTS battles, and it works like a charm. If you’re looking for a great RTS or a great 4X game, Sins of a Solar Empire 2 is one of my top choices.
2 – Distant Worlds 2
I have actually reviewed Distant Worlds 2 when it came out and was so surprised at the amount of quality, level of detail, and pure love for the space strategy genre the game exuded. One thing that stuck with me, which I think serves to prove how deep and dynamic this 4X space strategy game is, is the fact that if you want to talk with other alien races, you first need to learn the basics of their language. Can you name me another game that does that? I would even go as far as to argue that Distant Worlds 2 is one of the most in-depth, systems-rich strategy games ever made, offering a living galaxy filled with independent factions, evolving economies, pirates, existential threats, and emergent storytelling. Its massive scale lets players manage everything from individual mining ships to sprawling empires, while its automation tools make the experience flexible for both micromanagers and big-picture strategists. I wouldn’t be surprised if Europa Universalis 5 took some notes from Distant Worlds 2 in this regard. Distant Worlds 2 stands as one of the best strategy games to play in 2025, and it’s the perfect fit for the kind of player who’s looking for a deep, rich, and open-ended space strategy experience. Better yet, the game is constantly getting new updates and new high-quality DLC that constantly expand it with new systems and factions.
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