As a tactical gamer, you know that strategy games are the perfect way to flex your strategic muscles. Whether you're into turn-based games or real-time strategy games, there are plenty of options out there that will keep you engaged for hours on end. In this article, we'll be taking a look at the 10 best strategy games for the tactical gamer.
1. XCOM 2
XCOM 2 is a turn-based strategy game that puts you in charge of a team of soldiers fighting to save humanity from an alien invasion. The game is known for its challenging gameplay and deep tactical mechanics, making it a favorite among tactical gamers.
One of the things that sets XCOM 2 apart from other strategy games is its permadeath system. If one of your soldiers dies in battle, they're gone for good. This means that you need to think carefully about every move you make, as one wrong move could mean the end of your best soldier.
2. Civilization VI
Civilization VI is a turn-based strategy game that puts you in charge of a civilization, guiding it from the Stone Age to the Space Age. The game is known for its depth and complexity, making it a favorite among strategy enthusiasts.
One of the things that makes Civilization VI so engaging is its replayability. Every game is different, as you're constantly adapting to new situations and challenges. Whether you're trying to dominate the world through military might or through cultural influence, there's always a new strategy to try.
3. Total War: Warhammer II
Total War: Warhammer II is a real-time strategy game that takes place in the Warhammer fantasy universe. The game is known for its epic battles and deep tactical mechanics, making it a favorite among tactical gamers.
One of the things that sets Total War: Warhammer II apart from other real-time strategy games is its emphasis on unit diversity. Each faction has its own unique units, with different strengths and weaknesses. This means that you need to think carefully about which units to use in each battle, as the wrong choice could mean defeat.
4. Company of Heroes 2
Company of Heroes 2 is a real-time strategy game that takes place during World War II. The game is known for its intense battles and deep tactical mechanics, making it a favorite among tactical gamers.
One of the things that makes Company of Heroes 2 so engaging is its emphasis on cover. Your soldiers are more vulnerable in the open, so you need to use cover to protect them from enemy fire. This means that you need to think carefully about where to position your soldiers, as the wrong move could mean the end of your squad.
5. Starcraft II
Starcraft II is a real-time strategy game that takes place in a science-fiction universe. The game is known for its fast-paced gameplay and deep tactical mechanics, making it a favorite among strategy enthusiasts.
One of the things that sets Starcraft II apart from other real-time strategy games is its emphasis on resource management. You need to collect resources in order to build units and structures, but you also need to defend your resource-gathering operations from enemy attacks. This means that you need to think carefully about how to allocate your resources, as the wrong choice could mean defeat.
6. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is a real-time strategy game that takes place during the Middle Ages. The game is known for its historical accuracy and deep tactical mechanics, making it a favorite among strategy enthusiasts.
One of the things that makes Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition so engaging is its emphasis on technology. You need to research new technologies in order to unlock new units and structures, but you also need to defend your technology research operations from enemy attacks. This means that you need to think carefully about which technologies to research, as the wrong choice could mean defeat.
7. Homeworld Remastered Collection
Homeworld Remastered Collection is a real-time strategy game that takes place in space. The game is known for its stunning visuals and deep tactical mechanics, making it a favorite among tactical gamers.
One of the things that sets Homeworld Remastered Collection apart from other real-time strategy games is its emphasis on 3D movement. Your units can move in any direction, which means that you need to think carefully about how to position your units in space. This adds a new layer of complexity to the game, making it even more engaging.
8. Europa Universalis IV
Europa Universalis IV is a grand strategy game that takes place during the Renaissance. The game is known for its depth and complexity, making it a favorite among strategy enthusiasts.
One of the things that makes Europa Universalis IV so engaging is its emphasis on diplomacy. You need to form alliances and make trade deals in order to expand your empire, but you also need to be careful not to anger your enemies. This means that you need to think carefully about every decision you make, as the wrong move could mean war.
9. Crusader Kings II
Crusader Kings II is a grand strategy game that takes place during the Middle Ages. The game is known for its complex political mechanics and deep tactical gameplay, making it a favorite among strategy enthusiasts.
One of the things that makes Crusader Kings II so engaging is its emphasis on character development. You play as a ruler, and you need to manage your family and court in order to maintain your power. This means that you need to think carefully about which family members to promote and which to demote, as the wrong choice could mean the end of your dynasty.
10. Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II is a real-time strategy game that takes place in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The game is known for its intense battles and deep tactical mechanics, making it a favorite among tactical gamers.
One of the things that sets Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II apart from other real-time strategy games is its emphasis on hero units. Each faction has its own unique hero units, which can turn the tide of battle if used correctly. This means that you need to think carefully about how to use your hero units, as the wrong move could mean defeat.
Conclusion
Strategy games are the perfect way to flex your strategic muscles, and these 10 games are some of the best out there for the tactical gamer. Whether you're into turn-based games or real-time strategy games, there's something on this list for everyone. So, pick up one of these games and start strategizing!