Strategy games is one category of games that almost everyone enjoys playing. Firstly, they are a lot of fun to play and it’s one game category, where you are in total control of the game. Secondly, there are a ton of great strategy games available on PCs, so you never have shortage of great strategy games. So, if you are someone who is looking for some new real time strategy (RTS) games, or a unique experience when it comes to strategy games or just the best strategy games out there for PCs, we have you covered. Here are 15 best strategy games for PC you must play:
The Best Strategy Games for PC (RTS Games)
1. Command and Conquer: Generals
Released back in 2003, Command and Conquer: Generals is still considered one of the best strategy games out there. Command and Conquer is just like other Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games with a focus on building your base, gathering resources, and building an army to defend against your enemies and attack your enemies when required. However, Command and Conquer lets you play the single-player mode as the three sides which include China, USA, and The GLA (Global Liberation Army), with each faction offering unique missions and interactions. The multiplayer mode lets you test your mettle against other players from around the world in skirmishes or you can try your hand at custom games. Command and Conquer: Generals requires you to think one step ahead of your enemies all the time. For $9.99, you can get all the Command and Conquer titles through Origin.
Download ($9.99)
2. World in Conflict
Another great real-time strategy game that lets you experience a hypothetical World War III where the Soviet Union has led a surprise attack on the USA. You get to enjoy being the commander of the army and control everything from the resources to the battle strategies. You can play as the USA and defend against the Soviet surprise attack or you could take control of the attackers and destroy the USA and claim control over the globe. Experience actual towns and cities of USA, USSR, and parts of Europe engaged in an unending war. You can team-up with friends in the multiplayer mode and devastate your enemies with the power of multiple minds. World in Conflict is one of the best warfare strategy games that shows you what could have happened if the Cold War had erupted into something bigger.
Download ($9.99)
3. XCOM 2
XCOM 2 is a fairly popular and well-received sequel to the award-winning strategy game, XCOM: Enemy Unknown. It’s considered one of the deepest strategy games out there in the market with unique gameplay elements. XCOM 2 is a turn-based strategy game where you are the last of the Earth’s remaining defenders against the Aliens. Aliens have already invaded and conquered earth, the XCOM have been defeated. You are now living in hiding trying to assemble the XCOM force to stand for humanity and banish the aliens from the homeworld. The game requires stealth tactics along with warfare and combat. You will need to steal the enemy’s resources, build your forces, hire mercenaries, and crush the alien forces entirely to save the world.
Download ($59.99)
4. Warcraft III
A classic by Blizzard. The game that changed the foundations of the Warcraft universe. The game which gave birth to the MOBA genre namely “DoTA” and others inspired by it. Warcraft III has one of the richest and immersive stories you will ever experience in a Real-Time strategy game. You will be introduced and able to control iconic Warcraft characters that include, but not limited to Arthas (Pre-Lich King), Illidan The Betrayer, Grommash Hellscream, Uther, and many others. In this game, you control different characters and their forces to save the land of Azeroth from the Burning Legion’s invasion. Control iconic characters and defeat the looming shadows of the Legion and other evil forces lurking in the darkness.
Download ($9.99)
5. Total War: Warhammer
Total War: Warhammer is an epic strategy game with a huge focus on building an Empire and colossal battles in the fantasy world of Warhammer. Command one of the 5 races from the Warhammer world and build your empire from the ground up. Each race comes with their unique empire elements, battle units, and play style, so choose one that suits your battle style. Take your battles to the skies with ferocious dragons, wyverns, and magnificent griffons in mesmerizing aerial combat. Use elemental powers and powerful storms to aid you in battle and lay waste to your enemy’s empire.
Download ($59.99)
6. Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines
A classic real-time tactical game that puts you in charge of a group of commandos who are on a mission to defeat the Nazi forces during the World War II. This game is not like other strategy games where you gather resources, build armies, and attack your enemies instead in this game you get a group of commandos on each level with each commando sporting a special set of unique skills that can be used on each level to pass by the enemy soldiers undetected. On each level, you must go undetected and carry out your mission. This involves distracting the enemy soldiers with a pack of cigarettes, a radio, or just a good old punch to the throat. If you want to test your patience and tactics then this is the perfect game for you.
Download ($4.99)
7. Age of Empires II
The most popular strategy game out there. If you think that Assassin’s Creed teaches you history then you will find that Age of Empires actually lets you relive history in all its might and glory. Age of Empires was a great success, however, Age of Empires II went beyond that and became the most popular title in the entire series. The game offers great campaigns with some of the most influential historical figures like Joan of The Arc, Attila the Hun, and even The Great Genghis Khan. You get to play each character’s storyline and help them achieve in the game what they have achieved in the real life. If you want a true real-time strategy game with a focus on world’s history then give this game a try.
Download ($19.99)
8. Rise of Nations
Another game published by Microsoft Studios, the same publisher behind Age of Empires. Rise of Nations is like an Age of Empires clone which actually spans all history and delves into the future of around 18 different nations of the world. Instead of making Knights and Frigates, you get to upgrade your entire nation to the modern world where you have to attack helicopters, submarines, and even nuclear bombs to devastate your enemies. Rise of Nations also lets you build the actual wonders of the world which include, but not limited to The Taj Mahal, Eiffel Tower, and more. If you want to play a strategy game that actually depicts your current world then Rise of Nations is the perfect choice for you.
Download ($4.99)
9. Civilization V
If you are into turn-based strategy games then Sid Meier’s Civilization V is the latest game from the flagship turn-based strategy series. You have the chance to become the supreme leader of the world and see it thrive. You can see the world evolve from the primitive dawn of the man to the modernized space age. Discover newer technologies and evolve your civilization to become the most powerful in the entire world. Go toe-to-toe against some of the great leaders of history and show them your might in warfare. You can even go up against other players in multiplayer mode to see who has the most powerful civilization in the world. Amazing graphics, deep gameplay, and great mechanics make it one of the best strategy games out there in the market.
Download ($29.99)
10. Company of Heroes 2
A game set in the World War II timeline where you get to relive this historic war in all its might and glory. The game thrives upon unique features that make it one of the top RTS games out there. It’s not just about building the largest army and unleashing it upon the enemy instead you have to focus on your unit placement and counters to each thing. You won’t be at an advantage sending a group of riflemen to destroy a tank because the game employs soft and hard counters to keep the gameplay a bit realistic. You will have to make the most tactical decisions in the game if you want to win the battle. You can also test your mettle against other players from around the world in all-out multiplayer mode. Company of Heroes 2 is a perfect war RTS for anyone who enjoy tactical decision-making.
Download ($19.99)
11. Total War: Rome 2
It doesn’t matter if you are a student of Roman history or just a fan of medieval warfare, Total War: Rome 2 will let you follow in the footsteps of great Roman dictators or you can just follow your own ideas and conquer the entire European continent one by one with a bit of Africa and the Middle East on the side. However, don’t use this game to learn history because the A.I would sometimes act wonky and do stuff that didn’t really happen in real life. If you want to enjoy the Roman political system and building your army from the ground up to establish control over the entire continent then this game will let you do just that. You will have to think one step ahead of your enemies if you want to conquer their lands.
Download ($59.95)
12. Starcraft
Three of the most powerful races are on a path to all-out war against each other to show their domination in the entire universe. Starcraft is the top competitive real-time strategy games that supposedly brought eSports scene to the forefront. In this game, the multiplayer mode is the real deal where you can go head-to-head against other players in an all-out intergalactic war. Gather resources, build an army, and destroy the enemy base. It sounds simple, but the game requires you to be tactically and mechanically sound to carry out the actions. Story mode lets you experience the game from the perspective of each race involved with a deep and intriguing storyline. If you prefer a highly demanding yet rewarding RTS then Starcraft is definitely a must play game.
Download (Free)
13. Stronghold: Crusader
The direct sequel to the hit Stronghold game, Stronghold: Crusader brings you to a journey to the Arabian lands where you face newer weaponry and brave warriors. The game throws you into the chaotic battles of the Crusade with a gruesome A.I. that will not rest until you are wiped off the map. Relive and experience the mighty crusades of Richard The Lionheart and Saladin The Syrian Sultan when they lead their armies into the battles. Live the first, second, and the third crusade and reshape history in this amazing strategy game. Choose your side of the crusade and get ready to attack or defend against your enemies in this epic historical clash.
Download ($9.99)
14. Empire Earth
The graphics may not seem as hot by today’s standards but Empire Earth is a classic that allows you to see humanity evolve and thrive from primitives to the technologically advanced. You get to control the destiny of humanity through more than 500,000 years of human history. You get to research new weaponry, buildings, and units as your civilization evolves.
You must keep in mind that you have to stay ahead of time, you might be very successful in one age only to see yourself crushed in the next by technologically advanced enemies. So in order to keep winning, you must keep your civilization evolving constantly and changing with the times. Enjoy exhilarating battles and control more than 200 unique units in battles to devastate your enemies.
Download ($5.99)
15. Age of Mythology
If you love Age of Empires then you will be glad to know that Age of Mythology is also published by the same studio, Microsoft. This game is like Age of Empires set in the mythical old world where gods intervene in the affairs of the man and mythical creatures like Cyclopes and minotaurs are used in battles to crush the enemy. Use your armies to level enemy towns and if your forces are not enough then you can call upon the gods to aid you in battle who can rain meteors of destruction or summon lightning storms to wipe your enemies off the face of Earth.
Download ($29.99)
SEE ALSO: 18 Best Open World Games for PC You Can Play
The Best Strategy Games for PC You Can Play
Well, these are some of the best strategy games for PC you can play. So, polish your brains because you will require a lot of thinking and nerves of steel to play through these strategy games. Also, don’t forget to let us know what are your favorite strategy games on PC in the comments section below.
