Summary
The prospect of conquering opponents in a war game is a thrill to strategy lovers as gamers channel their inner Alexander the Great to be the last man standing after a brutal series of battles through humanity’s eras.Sid Meier’s Civilizationhas enjoyed its fair share of dominance in the grand strategy scene, andCivilization 7seeks to continue Firaxis' success as the demand for more titles in the category continues to soar. However, withCivilization 7still in its developmental phase, fans of the genre can turn to other legendary games to sate their urges for conquest, and seven grand strategy titles are worth a try while waiting for the latest iteration of theCivilizationseries.
Strategy games are in no short supply, especially given the genre’s rise in popularity following hotshot TVseries likeGame of ThronesandHouse of The Dragonthat highlighted different ways to employ armies, alliances, and gold to gain control of the Iron Throne. The category has been a force to reckon with historically as well, with entries such asRise of Nations,Sudden Strike, andAge of Empirescapturing the hearts of players, and asCivilization 7prepares to usher in a new generation of players, other titles can pick up the mantle and entertain gamers in the meantime.
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Civilization 6
The most recent entry in theCivilizationmainline series,Civilization 6grabbed a flurry of plaudits and ascended to the top of strategy games' rankings upon its release. Offering up to six unique victory conditions and a host of new rulers like Abraham Lincoln and Ramses through theCivilization 6Leader Pass, Firaxis enthralled its audience with a blend of new ideas and recurring traditional turn-based gameplay. Already considered one of the franchise’s most comprehensive installments before any expansions,Civilization 6ranks highly in the strategy community, andCivilization 7has big boots to fill.
Crusader Kings 3
Already one of the most recognizable franchises in the business,Crusader Kings' reputation advanced even further with its third edition.Crusader Kings 2had decent ratings from high-profile critics, butCrusader Kings 3was one of 2020’s top-rated games. Political and personal dynamics intertwine in a video game depiction of the good, bad, and ugly of royal life, and an entire region can be drenched in bloodshed or reap the fruits of prosperity depending on players' relationships with neighbors – focusing more on people than technological advancements and other immaterial things.
Total War: Warhammer 2
TheTotal Warseries has enjoyed loads of success over the years, and 2017’s addition ofWarhammer 2took it to another level, sporting battle-savvy AI to challenge players' abilities. Each faction in the battle royale had unique quirks, from the rampaging autonomy of Lizardmen to the excellent discipline of theHigh Elf armies, and the diversity in gameplay madeWarhammer 2an instant favorite in the strategy community.
Victoria 3
PreviousVictoriareleases had cultivated a reputation for its deep - and sometimes confusing - mechanics, butVictoria 3contained several hidden components that made players struggle initially. However, the blend of politics and economics is too good to ignore, and despite the myriad of head-scratching features it contains,Victoria 3’s sales numbers were one of Paradox’s best.
Hearts of Iron 4
World War 2 gamesare a staple in the FPS genre, as gamers look to relive the bloodiest conflict in human history.Hearts of Iron 4is a warmonger’s dream, requiring hundreds of hours to master its economic landscape and fine-tune division composition to produce the best army possible. With a cartoonishly large map size of pre-1936 Earth, there are several factors to consider before moving troops, making for a premium multi-layered experience.
Imperator: Rome
Not many games delve deeply into the rise of the Roman Empire due to its extensive backstories, butImperator: Romeis one of the few to attempt the project. With sandbox gameplay similar toEuropa Universalis 4, the real-time historical strategy title borrows elements from other Paradoxgames likeCrusader Kings, and its complexity is a worthy challenge for Civilization fans.
Endless Space 2
Unique faction personality is a large part of 4X turn-based gameplay, butEndless Space 2sets itself apart with a distinctive expansion system that connects every aspect of its gameplay to a central heart. For lovers of space exploration and diverse victory conditions,Endless Space 2is a worthy substitute forCivilization 7.
