10 Grand Strategy Games For Mastering Warfare Tactics

One of the allures of grand strategy games is giving players the chance to engage in various types of warfare against either computer enemies, or other players. Having dominion over territories means having to defend them from forces that want to claim it for their own. Conversely, those who want to expand their empires need to be prepared to deal with resistance from territories they intend to conquer.

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But which strategy titles provide the best tactical options for players to learn and apply on their enemies? The following games give players the necessary strategy to address disputes that lead to clashing armies.

10 Stellaris

Galactic Ship And Fleet Coordination

Developed by Paradox Development Studio, Stellaris places players as leaders of an advanced civilization that aims to explore and expand their territory across the galaxy by way of amassing a formidable fleet of warships. Players need to master the Fleet Command to properly dispatch their ships according to the correct ship types as well as offensive or defensive formations, such as engaging enemy hostiles or patrolling supply lines.

Stellaris provides players options to house their warships and muster their forces before attacking a planet or rival empire to gain their territory. After gaining territory, players are also given options to defend their new colonies via defensive platforms with ships on the frontlines.

9 Hearts Of Iron 4

Terrain And Unit Management

For players who want to experience how to command forces during World War 2, Hearts of Iron 4 offers this in grand strategy game fashion. Its combat revolves around managing ground, naval, and air forces. Each of them has their respective strengths and weaknesses that are also improved or hindered by the type of battlefield they will be fighting on.

Seeing which forces are best suited for what type of battlefield is essential for players who want to win, since sending forces in a losing battle costs valuable resources. Adding to this are the different regions that may have political ties: players can either be diplomatic or antagonistic as they vie to gain much-needed territory from their adversaries.

8 Victoria 3

One Hundred Years Of Geopolitical Tactics

Victoria 3 offers players a different approach when it comes to geopolitical relations. Set in the 1830s up to the 1930s, players were tasked to manage populations and their respective regions to either keep the peace or forge enough alliances to conquer territories with as few casualties as possible.

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Diplomacy is as much a viable tactic in this game as all-out warfare: players can strong-arm neighboring countries to open markets, concede land, and other economic pressures. But this, in turn, will have consequences in the long run.

7 Field of Glory 2

Turn-Based Army Command During The Roman Empire Era

Field of Glory 2 is the sequel to the widely popular Field of Glory tabletop and video game by Byzantine Games. Set during the rise of the Roman Empire between 280 and 25 BC, players can choose between prominent empires to wage turn-based tactical warfare and emerge victorious.

Each empire has its unique strengths and weaknesses that players need to take into account before deploying their troops to battle. Players can command their forces into different formations to increase the odds of them vanquishing the opposing army or adjust accordingly to keep their enemies from breaking through their defenses.

6 Total War: Warhammer 3

Become A Commander Of Various Warhammer Armies

Based on the Warhammer universe, Total War: Warhammer 3 continues providing players the opportunity to experience high fantasy and the multitudes of warring factions in its chaos-laden world.

Each civilization brings something into battle. Players command various unit types into different formations based on their units’ proficiencies: front liners are typically relegated to melee and hardy units, while more mobile units typically flank the frontline to provide flexibility and protect the backline. Mastery of different unit types and formations is essential so that players can outplay their opponents once their armies clash.

5 Panzer Corps 2

Tactical Strategy During World War 2 From A Different Perspective

World War 2 is often the backdrop for games that want to depict warfare that includes all manner of historical war machines. Panzer Corps 2 continues this trend with their turn-based tactical combat that centers around Germany’s offensive during World War 2.

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Players need to be mindful of the different terrain their units are going to traverse since each unit has corresponding strengths and weaknesses. Deploying a mix of infantry and tanks and understanding the battlefield is essential to coordinating flanks and blitzing through enemy lines.

4 Europa Universalis 4

European Tactical Warfare During The Late Middle Ages

As far as grand strategy games that are set in European antiquity, few titles hold a candle to the Europa Universalis games. Its fourth iteration continues the franchise’s immersive gameplay that centers around diplomacy and trading but can easily escalate to warfare between provinces and regions.

Apart from actual warfare, Europa Universalis 4 introduces players to how to declare war or Casus Belli. Each war type has different requirements to be successful, and it is up to players to understand their intricacies before they can execute their plans for expansion.

3 Medieval 2: Total War

Medieval Warfare, Fully Realized

When it comes to medieval warfare, Medieval 2: Total War is often the go-to title for many players. This game offers deep mechanics when it comes to managing a kingdom during medieval times.

On the side of warfare, players are taught two lines of facing enemies: they can go for the chivalrous route and face them head-on, match strength for strength, or go for subterfuge and assassinate enemy leaders. Each option has its pros and cons, and it’s up to the player which strategy to take to get to the ultimate goal of expanding and ruling over their empire.

2 Civilization 6

The Delicate Balance Of Managing City States

The Civilization games are synonymous with amazing grand strategy titles. The latest title, Civilization 6, continues to raise the banner of the previous games, lauded for its complex management mechanics and geopolitical framework for mingling between city-states.

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Its warfare gameplay revolves around understanding the risks when trying to attack provinces. Managing their resources is essential for attackers since reinforcements are often hard to come by. Conversely, defending against invaders is usually easier, since players can ally with neighboring city-states or provinces to ensure they have a backup.

1 Crusader Kings 3

Forge Alliances And Dethrone Kings By Any Means Necessary

Crusader Kings 3 is a much-lauded grand strategy game that sees players control their respective provinces and lets them expand the way they see fit, whether through peaceful diplomacy or ruthless warfare.

When players opt for conquering lands, the game demands them to take note of a number of factors that affect their success rate against their enemy. Rulers that players will declare war with have their army count and possible allies available. Taking note of what type of troops the opposition has is vital to assess whether attacking them is worth the resources or not since amassing an army and skilled men-at-arms are hard to come by.

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