10 Best Grand Strategy Games for PC and Beyond
The best grand strategy games I’ve played pull me in and don’t let go. They explore every type of empire fantasy. I can rule a galaxy with an iron fist or reshape the Middle Ages.
There’s everything from historical nation-building to futuristic empire management, if that’s your preference. These games come packed with layered mechanics designed to challenge your thinking.
They reward patience, long-term planning, and tactical foresight. I think they’re perfect for both seasoned strategists and curious newcomers. But with so many titles out there, choosing where to start can feel overwhelming.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of the top grand strategy games you need to at least try. I’ll walk you through what makes each one special and why it’s worth playing. If you enjoy world-building, player-driven stories, and deep decision-making, you’re in the right place.
From benevolent explorer to ruthless dictator, this list caters to every strategic mind. You’re bound to find the perfect game to test your skills.
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Our Top Picks for Grand Strategy Games
Picking favorites wasn’t easy, but the games below offer real depth and endless replay value. They stand out as the best strategy games for depth, storytelling, and lasting appeal. Each offers a unique twist on the genre, whether it’s galaxy-spanning empires, dynastic politics, or epic fantasy warfare. They represent the most polished, flexible, and immersive experiences available.
- Stellaris (2016) – explore, expand, or dominate as you make your way across the galaxy.
- Total War: Warhammer III (2022) – real-time tactical battles set in a fantasy world.
- Crusader Kings III (2020) – rise to ultimate power and wealth in the Middle Ages.
Not sure where to start? Scroll down for my full list and discover your next strategy obsession.
10 Epic Grand Strategy Games to Play
I’ve lost countless hours to these games – and I’d do it again. The mix of visuals, storytelling, and gameplay is unbeatable. You can battle friends in real-time or build and rule a civilization, 1000 years in the past or the future.
The genre has something for every strategic player.
1. Crusader Kings III [Best Medieval Grand Strategy Game]
| Platforms | PC, Xbox Series X/S |
| Year of release | 2020 |
| Developer | Paradox Interactive |
| Best for | Deep character-driven storytelling, dynasty building, and political intrigue |
Crusader Kings III lets you shape the destiny of your dynasty over generations. It’s all about family, power, and legacy. I’ve forged alliances, betrayed friends, and built empires – all in one playthrough.
The true brilliance lies in its characters. Every marriage, feud, and plot twist changes the game in new ways, creating stories that feel personal and unpredictable.
There’s also a robust modding community and constant updates that keep things fresh. You can even dive into alternate history scenarios or custom dynasties. If you love medieval drama and long-term planning, this awesome Paradox game is a must-play.
2. Stellaris [A Journey into the Stars]
| Platforms | PC |
| Year of release | 2016 |
| Developer | Paradox Interactive |
| Best for | Sci-fi fans, 4x enthusiasts, and players who love complex emergent narratives |
Stellaris is a top-tier 4X game that delivers endless interstellar adventures. I built my own galactic empire from scratch. You can create your own species, pick their ethics, and even design the galaxy. I’ve played as peace-loving mystics, ruthless machines, and everything in between.
It’s a standout in the grand strategy genre. There’s always something new to discover – ancient relics, strange tech, even alien diplomacy. Every choice adds layers of complexity to your story. Want to build a Dyson Sphere or launch a quantum catapult? Go for it.
And the music? Pure space opera magic. I keep coming back thanks to regular updates, DLC, and a thriving modding community. It always feels fresh. And it’s always worth one more playthrough.
3. Total War: Warhammer III [The Best Total War Game for Fantasy Fans]
| Platforms | PC |
| Year of release | 2022 |
| Developer | Creative Assembly |
| Best for | Fantasy lovers, turn-based tacticians and fans of epic scale battles |
Total. War. The name says it all. Total War: Warhammer III is a masterclass in large-scale strategy. It’s arguably the most outstanding Total War game yet. It’s ideal for fans of dark fantasy and tactical chaos. It blends turn-based empire building with cinematic real-time battles.
I’ve led ice-cold Kislev, summoned undead legions, and faced daemons. Every campaign feels different. The in-depth tutorial is a great starting point for newcomers.
The real showstopper is Immortal Empires. It combines all three Warhammer games into one huge world. With mod support and deep diplomacy layered in, this game is a true strategy masterpiece.
4. Europa Universalis IV [Best Early Modern Grand Strategy Game]
| Platforms | PC, macOS, Linux |
| Year of release | 2013 |
| Developer | Paradox Development Studio |
| Best for | Historical realism, deep diplomacy and long-term strategy |
Europa Universalis IV lets me rewrite world history. I’ve guided nations from the late Middle Ages into the modern era. I’ve shaped their destiny through war, diplomacy, trade, and colonization. Unifying Japan? Done it. Carving out a colonial empire as the Duchy of Courland? Yes, that’s possible.
With hundreds of nations to choose from and a dynamic political landscape, no two campaigns feel the same. The historical depth always sucks me in.
It’s not the easiest game to learn, but once you do, it’s incredibly satisfying to play. The layers of detail, the rise and fall of empires. This is truly one of the most immersive strategy games I’ve ever played.
5. Hearts of Iron IV [Best for World War II and Alternate History]
| Platforms | PC, macOS, Linux |
| Year of release | 2016 |
| Developer | Paradox Development Studio |
| Best for | World War II fans, alternate history lovers and war logistics experts |
Hearts of Iron IV puts me at the helm. It’s one of the best World War 2 games out there, with deep systems for warfare, production, and diplomacy. I’ve controlled battles, managed industry, and shaped foreign policy from the ground up. I’ve stuck to historical events or sometimes gone full alternate history. Invade the U.S. as fascist Canada? Done. Try to win WWII as a neutral power? Still working on it.
It’s a complex game with a steep learning curve, but the payoff is thrilling. Once it clicks, it becomes one of the most rewarding strategy experiences I’ve had.
6. Victoria 3 [The Ultimate Nation-Building Sandbox]
| Platforms | PC |
| Year of release | 2022 |
| Developer | Paradox Interactive |
| Best for | Fans of complex economics, nation-building and alternate history |
Victoria 3 lets me dive into one of the most detailed simulations of society ever made. I guided the UK through trade, reform, and diplomacy, not war.
What hooks me is how every decision matters. Push for rights? Expand industry? Each one reshapes the map.
The “tell me why” and “how” tools help with the steep learning curve. Still, it’s complex and rewarding. If you enjoy spreadsheets, social systems, and making history your own, this is gold. Mods and updates keep it fresh.
7. Age of Wonders 4 [Fantasy Warfare on Your Terms]
| Platforms | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S |
| Year of release | 2023 |
| Developer | Triumph Studios |
| Best for | Fantasy lovers who want deep 4x mechanics and full creative control |
I’ve lived out my fantasy empire dreams, crafting magical societies from scratch. It’s easy to combine traits like cannibal halflings, frost-dwelling elves, or divine ratfolk. Each creation has distinct powers and play styles. It’s the most flexible Age of Wonders game yet.
Exploration, city-building, diplomacy, and turn-based tactical combat all shine here. But what makes it special is how much of the world you shape. I’ve rewritten realms through magic tomes and founded sprawling cities.
It rewards both roleplay and strategy. If you’re a Civilization fan who wished for more fantasy or a D&D player craving empire-building, this is your game.
8. Civilization VI [The Gateway to Turn-Based Strategy]
| Platforms | PC, macOS, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One |
| Year of release | 2016 |
| Developer | Firaxis Games |
| Best for | Turn-based newcomers and veterans who want to build an empire |
Civilization VI is where I got hooked on grand strategy. I’ve led Rome to a cultural win, launched satellites as Brazil, and fought religious wars with Gandhi.
Like all great Civilization games, it makes me think turns ahead. The district system means I can’t just drop buildings – I have to plan. Each leader has quirks, making diplomacy wild.
Its pacing, visuals, and historical flair keep me coming back. The expansions just make it smarter.
9. Total War: Three Kingdoms [Best for Tactical Drama]
| Platforms | PC, macOS, Linux |
| Year of release | 2019 |
| Developer | Creative Assembly |
| Best for | Fans of Chinese history, large-scale tactical battles |
Total War: Three Kingdoms blends history, strategy, and real-time warfare. I love the chaos of 2nd-century China – alliances, betrayals, and cinematic battles.
Romance Mode hooked me. Generals fight like legends, taking on whole units alone. For realism, there’s Records Mode.
Diplomacy is where it shines. I’ve traded peace for power, built coalitions, and backstabbed allies. The Guanxi system gives characters unique ties and motivations. It makes every campaign feel personal.
It’s one of the strongest Total War games I’ve played. If you love tactical depth and drama, Three Kingdoms is a must.
10. Endless Legend [The Most Imaginative Fantasy 4X Game]
| Platforms | PC, macOS |
| Year of release | 2014 |
| Developer | Amplitude Studios |
| Best for | Players who love fantasy 4x with unique factions and deep lore |
Endless Legend gripped me with its unforgettable factions and rich world. I’ve played as broken machines clinging to survival, stealthy insect clans, and dust-wielding mages. Each faction plays differently and tells its own story.
City-building and turn-based battles are tight and tactical. But what really makes this game shine is the atmosphere. The art, music, and lore pull you into a fading world that feels alive.
If you enjoy Civilization but want more story and flavor, this is the one to try. It’s a perfect mix of strategy and fantasy roleplay.
FAQs
What is the best grand strategy game?
It depends. Crusader Kings III, Hearts of Iron IV, and Civilization VI are all top-tier picks for different kinds of players.
Each game shines in its own way: CK3 for storytelling, HOI4 for warfare, Civ VI for accessible depth. The best one is the one that fits your style.
What is the difference between 4X and grand strategy games?
4X games focus on Explore, Expand, Exploit, and Exterminate. Grand strategy games focus on political, military, and economic control.
4X games emphasize discovery and expansion with defined victory conditions. Grand strategy games emphasize dynamic world systems with open-ended goals.
