Top Five Strategic Games You Can Play in 2023

Strategy games are a genre of video games that require players to use their critical thinking, decision-making, and tactical skills to overcome challenges and achieve objectives. They offer a highly engaging and immersive experience that requires players to think on their feet, plan ahead, and adapt to changing situations. With the rise of online gaming and esports, strategy games have become increasingly popular, and many titles have achieved cult following status. In this article, we will explore the top strategy games of all time, from classic titles that have stood the test of time to newer releases that have redefined the genre.

1. Civilization VI

Civilization VI is a turn-based strategy game that has become one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed games of all time. Developed by Firaxis Games, Civilization VI is the sixth installment in the Civilization series and was released in 2016. The game has received numerous awards and accolades for its deep, complex gameplay, stunning graphics, and exceptional sound design.

The game puts players in the shoes of a leader of a civilization and tasks them with guiding their people from ancient times to the modern era. Players must make strategic decisions about resource management, technology research, diplomacy, and warfare to build their civilization into a global superpower. With multiple paths to victory, players can choose to win by military conquest, scientific research, cultural influence, or diplomatic negotiations.

Also read: Top 10 Video Games That Teach Financial Skills and Money Management

What sets Civilization VI apart from other strategy games is its emphasis on long-term planning and decision-making. Players must carefully balance their resources and prioritize their goals to succeed. The game offers a vast tech tree, a wide range of leaders to choose from, and a variety of playstyles to suit different types of players. With regular updates and expansions, Civilization VI continues to evolve and remains one of the best strategy games of all time.

2. Starcraft II

Starcraft II is a real-time strategy game set in a science fiction universe that has been widely hailed as one of the best strategy games of all time. Developed by Blizzard Entertainment, Starcraft II was released in 2010 and quickly became a sensation in the gaming community.

The game features three unique factions – the Terrans, Zerg, and Protoss – each with its own strengths, weaknesses, and playstyles. Players must manage resources, build armies, and engage in intense battles to outmaneuver and defeat their opponents.

What makes Starcraft II so special is its fast-paced and highly competitive gameplay. The game requires players to think quickly and react to changing situations on the fly, making it a favorite among esports players and spectators. The game also features a robust multiplayer mode, where players can compete against each other in ranked matches to climb the leaderboards and earn rewards.

Beyond its gameplay, Starcraft II is also known for its exceptional graphics, sound design, and storytelling. The game’s campaign mode features an epic story that spans multiple missions, each with its own unique challenges and objectives.

In general, Starcraft II is a game that has stood the test of time and remains one of the best strategy games of all time. Its engaging gameplay, competitive multiplayer, and compelling story have earned it a dedicated fanbase and a place in gaming history.

3. XCOM 2

XCOM 2 is a turn-based tactical game that has earned a reputation as one of the best strategy games of all time. Developed by Firaxis Games, XCOM 2 is the sequel to the critically acclaimed XCOM: Enemy Unknown and was released in 2016.

The game is set in a dystopian future where Earth has been taken over by an alien invasion. Players take on the role of the commander of the XCOM military organization and must lead a squad of soldiers to fight against the alien forces. The game features a wide range of customization options for soldiers, including their appearance, abilities, and equipment.

What turns XCOM 2 into one of the top strategy games is its emphasis on planning and decision-making. Players must carefully strategize each mission, taking into account the strengths and weaknesses of their squad and the enemy forces they will face. The game also features a dynamic campaign that changes based on the player’s actions, with multiple possible endings depending on the player’s choices.

Beyond its gameplay, XCOM 2 is known for its exceptional graphics, sound design, and storytelling. The game’s campaign mode features a compelling story that explores themes of resistance, survival, and sacrifice.

Overall, XCOM 2 is a game that combines tactical gameplay with strategic decision-making and offers a challenging and immersive experience for players. Its engaging gameplay, dynamic campaign, and compelling story have earned it a dedicated fanbase and a place among the best strategy games of all time.

4. Total War: Warhammer II

Total War: Warhammer II is a real-time strategy game set in a fantasy world that has earned a reputation for being one of the most unique strategy games ever made. Developed by Creative Assembly, Total War: Warhammer II was released in 2017 and is the sequel to the critically acclaimed Total War: Warhammer.

The game is set in the Warhammer universe, a fantasy world filled with mythical creatures, magic, and epic battles. Players can choose to play as one of several races, each with their own unique strengths, weaknesses, and playstyles. The game features a vast campaign map that players must conquer and control, with each territory offering its own challenges and opportunities.

What gets this game into the top five list is its emphasis on large-scale battles and the use of mythical creatures and magic. The game features epic battles between armies of hundreds of units, with players able to command everything from infantry and cavalry to giants and dragons. The game also features a deep magic system, allowing players to cast powerful spells to turn the tide of battle.

Beyond its gameplay, Total War: Warhammer II is known for its exceptional graphics, sound design, and world-building. The game’s campaign mode features a richly detailed world filled with unique factions, characters, and lore.

All in all, Total War: Warhammer II is a game that combines the deep gameplay of the Total War series with the rich fantasy world of Warhammer. Its emphasis on large-scale battles, mythical creatures, and magic makes it a unique and immersive experience for players, and its exceptional graphics and world-building have earned it a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim.

5. Age of Empires II

Age of Empires II is a real-time strategy game that has gained widespread acclaim as one of the best games of its genre. Ensemble Studios developed and released the game in 1999, and it is set in the medieval era, enabling players to lead and expand their empires by choosing from a variety of civilizations.

What sets Age of Empires II apart from other strategy games is the importance it places on accuracy in its depiction of history and intricate gameplay mechanics. The game offers multiple civilizations, each with unique units, technologies, and strategies, requiring players to manage resources, construct armies, and engage in battles to emerge victorious.

Apart from the gameplay, Age of Empires II is renowned for its outstanding graphics, sound design, and world-building. The game features a detailed world with historical landmarks, characters, and events that players can experience through its campaign mode, including iconic medieval battles.

Age of Empires II’s longevity and replayability is also noteworthy, with frequent updates and expansions contributing to its active fanbase in both the competitive and casual gaming communities.

Age of Empires II is a game that has stood the test of time and is considered one of the best strategy games ever made, thanks to its historical accuracy, complex gameplay mechanics, immersive graphics and sound design, and long-lasting appeal.

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