9 Best Paradox Games in 2025: Deep & Amazing Strategy Titles

If you’re on the hunt for the best Paradox games, you’ve landed in the perfect spot. As a passionate fan of deep, immersive strategy titles that challenge your thinking and reward creative solutions, I can confidently say no one does it better than Paradox.

They’ve got a fantastic collection of strategy games, but it can be intimidating for newcomers to the genre or for strategy vets who are looking for their best games to date. And that’s where I come in!

I’ve taken a deep dive into Paradox’s extensive library and collected some of their best games, including both their developed and published titles. While some may be largely similar in terms of setting, each has extremely varied playstyles, themes, and gameplay to suit any strategy player.

Ready to discover your next great Paradox game? Let’s dive in!

Our Top Picks for Paradox Games

Ready to jump into the best of the best? Check out these standout Paradox games that have captured the hearts of strategy fans everywhere – and find out which one will be your next epic adventure:

1. Stellaris (2016) – A space-faring strategy game to explore and build a galactic empire across the universe. Something akin to Star Wars, conquering, exploring new planets, discovering secrets, and galactic diplomacy with civilizations you find. 
2. Europa Universalis IV (2013) – Guide your nation through centuries of diplomacy and conquest as you shape world history from the Middle Ages to modern times. Every decision impacts your empire’s rise or fall.
3. Hearts of Iron IV (2016)  – Step into WWII and take control of any nation as you direct armies, manage production, and forge alliances. The fate of the war rests on your strategies.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are still plenty of games to check out, each with different themes, gameplay, and level of complexity. Check my detailed review of each to find the best Paradox games!

9 Best Paradox Games: Strategic Gameplay in Every Flavor

Whether you’re into deep historical epics, intense WWII simulations, or sprawling space adventures, Paradox has something that’ll pull you in.

And if you’re not about the war or grand strategy vibe, no worries – I’ve included some great non-violent titles too. There’s a perfect Paradox game out there for everyone, so let’s find yours!

1. Stellaris [Best for Space Strategy Fans]

Stellaris is among the best 4x games in the space-faring genre and for good reason. No other game captures the thrill of strategic space exploration quite like this. You’ll discover stunning, diverse planets and vast galaxies as you build and manage your own intergalactic empire.

What truly sets Stellaris apart is its use of procedural generation. From planets and galaxies to quests and alien species, the game creates a unique and ever-changing universe every time you play. This means you have nearly endless freedom to explore star lanes, colonize new worlds, and craft your space saga.

If you’ve ever dreamed of commanding a powerful space fleet, Stellaris delivers that satisfying experience – and for space fans like me, it’s a must-play.

My Verdict: Stellaris is unmatched for players who dream of exploring galaxies and leading space empires. Its endless variety and procedural generation make every run fresh and addictive.

2. Europa Universalis IV [Best for History Buffs and Empire Builders]

Europa Universalis IV is one of the greatest grand strategy games for a good reason. It has some of the most intricate systems and in-depth mechanics to manage your nation in your quest for world domination.

The game enables you to lead any historically accurate nation, starting from the late Middle Ages all the way to the Napoleonic era, as players aim to build an empire to outlast history. It’s very historically accurate but gives you the flexibility to experience and navigate through iconic events as you see fit.

Plus, the game has been out for over 10 years now, with plenty of DLCs to jump into. The next iteration in the franchise, Europa Universalis V is coming out soon, so now’s the perfect time to master the game’s complex mechanics before the next generation releases!

My Verdict: Europa Universalis IV is the ultimate choice for fans of deep, historically grounded strategy. With its complex mechanics and endless DLC support, it’s perfect for players who want to master the art of empire building.

3. Hearts of Iron IV [Best for WWII Strategy Enthusiasts]

For fans of more recent history and wars, particularly World War 2 games, Hearts of Iron IV is one of Paradox Interactive’s best titles. 

In Hearts of Iron IV, players take on the role of any country in the world and follow in their footsteps or take off on the unbeaten path to carve a new future.

Control which fronts you engage in, figure out the ideology your nation will follow, and develop technologies or weapons of mass destruction to get your nation through these dark times.

Hearts of Iron IV differentiates itself greatly from other Paradox games so if you’re a fan of WW2 history and grand strategy gameplay, give Hearts of Iron IV a shot.

My Verdict: Hearts of Iron IV shines for players obsessed with alternate WWII outcomes. Its focus on military tactics, production, and ideology makes it a standout for history fans and grand strategy veterans.

4. Crusader Kings II [Best for Storytelling and Dynasty Building]

Crusader Kings II is highly touted as a more accessible grand strategy game for PC compared to the more complex mechanics of the Europa Universalis series. Instead of taking control of a “nation”, in Crusader Kings 2, you aim to create a dynasty that outlasts the centuries. 

You play as a Christian lord near the end of the Dark Ages. You’ll need to keenly manage your relationships where steadfast allies can quickly turn to bloodthirsty rivals, unraveling plots against your kin, politics and intrigue, all while expanding your domain and engaging in power struggles with the Church & Pope, fighting off wild Mongol hordes, and slaying heretics. 

Crusader Kings 2 has a larger emphasis on storytelling and roleplaying compared to other Paradox grand strategy games, and while complex, it doesn’t have as many confusing mechanics as Europa Universalis, perfect for new players. 

My Verdict:Crusader Kings II is a must-play if you love roleplaying and emergent storytelling. Its dynasty-focused gameplay blends politics and medieval intrigue like no other Paradox title.

5. Europa Universalis V [Best for Hardcore Strategy Fans]

The next chapter in Paradox’s legendary grand strategy series is on the horizon. Europa Universalis V promises to build on the depth and scale of its predecessors, giving players even more control over diplomacy, warfare, trade, and exploration.

While details are still limited, the community is buzzing with speculation about new mechanics, improved accessibility, and expanded global systems. Paradox has been supporting Europa Universalis IV with over a decade of updates and DLC, so fans are expecting the fifth installment to be more refined and approachable without sacrificing complexity.

With Europa Universalis V, the stakes are high. It aims to strike the perfect balance between depth and playability, in hopes of making it appealing to both longtime veterans and curious newcomers looking to experience grand strategy for the first time.

My Verdict: If Paradox manages to modernize its systems while keeping the historical depth intact, Europa Universalis V could become the ultimate strategy sandbox. It’s one to keep on your radar if you’re serious about empire building.

6. Cities: Skylines [Best for Creative City Planners]

If war and conquering nations aren’t your thing, perhaps you prefer the technicalities and real-world problem-solving of city building games. Then Cities: Skylines will be right up your alley!

In Cities: Skylines, you’re tasked with developing and managing your city. Plan highways and roads, build school districts and industrial areas, and keep your streets clean and free of crime.

Among Paradox Interactive’s expansive strategy games lineup, Cities: Skylines is the ‘easiest’ to get into so it’s perfect for casual strategy gamers. 

My Verdict: Cities: Skylines is perfect for players who love designing, managing, and experimenting with city life. Accessible yet deep, it’s the go-to for casual and hardcore builders alike.

7. Age of Wonders 4 [Best for Fantasy Strategy Fans]

Age of Wonders 4 is a 4x turn-based strategy game but with an interesting fantasy twist. Things work a bit differently here and is best for players who want in-depth combat and are interested in standard fantasy fare like orcs, elves, magic, and dragons. 

You know, Lord of the Rings Middle-Earth style ideas and rules. Gameplay is challenging but not overwhelming, with most of the focus being on the excellent turn-based combat. 

Personally, I’m a big fan of fantasy settings, and the sense of fun and stories you roleplay in Age of Wonders 4 are solid. Games tend to be shorter than other Paradox titles, so it’s also a solid game for new players to try the 4x strategy genre. 

My Verdict: Age of Wonders 4 is ideal for players who love classic fantasy worlds with strategic combat. It blends orcs, elves, and magic into a streamlined 4X experience that feels both fun and approachable.

8. Empire of Sin [Best for Crime and Gangster Fans]

If you’re not a fan of titles that play and focus on medieval settings like Crusader Kings or WW2 like Hearts of Iron IV, there are alternatives like Empire of Sin. 

The game is set in Prohibition-era Chicago in the 1920s, where the streets are rife with gang bosses and you need to earn your place in the criminal underworld alongside the most notorious bosses in history, like Al Capone, Stephanie St. Claire, and Joseph Saltis.

You’ll vie for territory while expanding and defending against other gangs in tactical, thrilling turn-based combat. The atmosphere and stories here are the star of the show, so if you’re into 1920 gang history, Empire of Sin is worth it.

My Verdict: Empire of Sin has the vibe of Prohibition-era Chicago with its mix of strategy and roleplay. Perfect for fans of gangster stories who want to command their own criminal empire.

9. Prison Architect [Best for Creative Management Players]

The last game we’re checking out is a unique one, but possibly the greatest game in the genre, Prison Architect. Prison Architect thrusts you into the role of a warden housing the most ruthless inmates imaginable. 

One unique thing I love about Prison Architect is that it allows you to play in ‘Escape Mode’. After designing an unbreakable prison, you can attempt to break out of your prison to test its limits.

There’s a lot you can do here, even in the late game, so it’s well worth the price if you want a unique management-style game to keep you engaged for hours.

My Verdict: Prison Architect is a unique management game that keeps things fresh with modes like Escape Mode. It’s a must for players who enjoy creating, testing, and pushing systems to their limits. 

My Overall Verdict on Paradox Games

Paradox games can be intimidating at first, but each title offers a unique gateway into grand strategy and simulation. Depending on what kind of player you are, here’s what I’d recommend:

• For history buffs → Europa Universalis IV. A complex, historically rich game that lets you guide nations across centuries with endless replayability.
• For WWII fans → Hearts of Iron IV. The ultimate grand strategy war game, perfect for players who want to dive deep into alternate outcomes of the world’s most pivotal conflict.
• For roleplayers → Crusader Kings II. Focused on dynasties, politics, and personal drama, this one’s perfect if you love emergent storytelling and scheming.
• For casual players → Cities: Skylines. Easy to get into yet full of depth, it’s ideal if you’d rather build and manage thriving cities than lead armies.
• For fantasy fans → Age of Wonders 4. Combines classic strategy with a magical twist, giving you orcs, elves, and dragons to command in tactical battles.

No matter your style, there’s a Paradox game out there that matches it. The only hard part is deciding which world you want to dive into first.

FAQs