The Best Grand Strategy Games Of All Time, Ranked

Highlights

• Grand strategy games offer immersive experiences over a variety of historical time periods, allowing players to conquer and shape the world.
• Some grand strategy games have fantasy or sci-fi elements, providing unique gameplay experiences.
• Many older grand strategy games have been updated over time, offering more complete and affordable experiences with DLC packs.

While the grand strategy game genre is not for everyone, those who enjoy the idea of conquering the world, past, present, or future, often end up spending hundreds of hours staring at maps while plotting their next masterstroke. Many of the best grand strategy games are often played out over centuries of engaging historical time periods, with some games leaning into the immersion and role-play aspects of these eras.

Fantasy and sci-fi grand strategy games also exist for those players looking to divide and conquer with magic or future technology, though these are rare. Some games delve much deeper into the strategy side of things, and while these games will naturally come with steep learning curves, the payoff is well worth the investment.

Updated August 7, 2024, by Joe Grantham: The grand strategy genre has no shortage of installments spanning over two decades of epic campaigns. While new games utilize the latest technology to take the genre to new heights, there are plenty of golden oldies whose gameplay still stands the test of time.

Grand strategy games tend to receive free updates and paid DLC packs in the years after their release, meaning older games are more complete than their modern counterparts, and game-changing expansion packs can be purchased at lower prices.

18 Supremacy 1914: World War 1

An Online World War 1 Game Played Over Months

• Platforms: PC, macOS, Mobile, Web Browser
• Release Date: May 10, 2005
• Developer: Black Sea Studios Ltd

Supremacy 1914: World War 1 is an ambitious game that allows up to 500 players to play out the First World War in real-time, with games sometimes lasting months. Of course, players aren’t expected to be online most of the time; instead, they will issue orders and train troops, all of which takes time. Thankfully, it is possible to check in on one’s phone, meaning players don’t always have to boot up the game. Players can make trade deals with other nations or forge alliances to usher in a new age of military dominance.

However, while Supremacy 1914 is a free-to-play game, players should be warned that those who spend money on the game will, unfortunately, have an advantage over their adversaries.

17 Field Of Glory: Empires

A Classical Era Game That Feels Reminiscent Of Tabletop Experiences

While it might not be the most popular grand strategy title, Field of Glory: Empires has nonetheless received good reviews and has one innovative feature up its sleeve. Set in the Classical Era, players take control of one of many factions, all of which have their own culture, and try to forge a new empire in Europe and the Mediterranean.

Of course, wars and battles play the largest role in expansion. However, unique to Field of Glory: Empires is an option that allows players to export their battles into Ageod’s other title, Field of Glory 2. This is a turn-based tactics game similar to classic tabletop experiences, and it gives players the chance to have greater control over their battles. Creating a diverse army with all the tools to counter a specific enemy is important in the grand strategy game, but with cunning strategy on the field, players can truly overcome the odds.

16 Rome: Total War

A Legacy-Defining Game

In many players’ eyes, Rome: Total War has long been surpassed in its glory, especially by its direct successor. However, this game arguably defined the success of the Total War series, pulling in fans from around the world. It is said to have perfected the formula, tying together civilization-building, politics, and, of course, epic real-time battles.

Despite its age, it is a game with infinite replayability thanks to its many factions, characters, and units. Players will become immersed in battle scenes and find themselves hanging upon every word of a general’s speech. Those looking to hop back into this nostalgic masterpiece could consider Rome: Total War Remastered for enhanced graphics and other small improvements.

15 Knights Of Honor

A Nostalgic Mix Of Battles, Sieges, Schemes, & Diplomacy

• Platforms: PC
• Release Date: May 10, 2005
• Developer: Black Sea Studios Ltd

Despite having outdated pixilated graphics, the core gameplay of Knights of Honor still holds up today. Players can engage in both real-time battles and sieges, as well as achieve their goals with complex schemes and diplomacy.

To expand their area of influence, players must first build up their economy by developing their estates and keeping the people happy. Fostering a retinue of loyal knights is also vital to success, as they play an especially important role in this game. The beauty of the game is that there are so many ways to achieve victory or even just have fun.

14 Victoria 2

One Of The Best Economy & Trade Systems In The Grand Strategy Genre

While Victoria 2 isn’t the latest in the series, with a third installment released in 2022, there are still many players who prefer this more complete game. Starting out in 1836 and ending in 1936, this is a grand strategy game with a smaller scope when it comes to the time frame when compared with other Paradox titles. However, players not only have access to the entire globe and can take charge of over 200 different nations, but this also allows for slower and more focused gameplay where players are truly encouraged to think about political consequences.

On top of the two major expansion packs, players can download some lovingly made mods that push the experience further, immersing players even more in the industrial era with added flavor. As an industrial-era game, players can expect a complex trade system and an emphasis on technological innovations powering conquests.

13 Medieval 2: Total War

One Of The Best Total War Games Of Its Era

Medieval 2: Total War is heavily outdated in the graphics department, but its gameplay still stands the test of time, and those who have been around long enough will remember it fondly as an all-time great. In classing Total War fashion, the game sees a mix of turn-based strategy on a large map, followed by real-time battles.

Players will take on the roles of individual realms, such as England or the Holy Roman Empire, and try to establish dominance over the medieval world. One of the game’s highlights is the ability to reenact iconic medieval battles, such as Agincourt, with banners fluttering in the wind and epic cavalry charges crashing into ranks of heavily armored men-at-arms.

12 Civilization 5

Some Players Prefer The Gameplay Of This Slightly Older Installment

Civilization 5 is not the latest installment in the iconic franchise, and with Civilization 7 announced, its existence will likely fade into a mere memory held by older players. Nevertheless, in its heyday, this 4X and grand strategy game was phenomenal, and there is still a small subsection of players who prefer it to Civ 6.

One reason why some players prefer it is that it is better for playing tall, which is a concept within the genre where players focus on one or two cities, turning them into superpowers. This is opposed to playing wide, where the focus is on outward expansion across the map. Some players also prefer the leaders and nations of Civ 5, and the content can also be said to be richer in certain areas.

11 Imperator: Rome

A Poor Release That Has Risen From The Ashes

Despite having a rough release and disappointing fans at first, Paradox has since updated and overhauled Imperator: Rome to help it rise from the ashes. With the removal of the controversial mana system, the implementation of a co-consul, and the fantastic interface changes, the game now has very positive recent reviews on Steam and is perfect for fans of Roman history to pick up.

Combining the personal RPG side of Crusader Kings 3, the population control of Victoria 3, and the empire management of Europa Universalis 4, Imperator: Rome takes the best bits of Paradox’s best games to create an engaging strategy title for one of the most influential periods in history. The only issue with the current iteration of the game is that development on it has ended prematurely due to a lack of engagement from fans, who were put off after the poor release.

10 Total War: Rome 2

The Perfect Strategy Game For Fans Of Roman History

Not only is Total War: Rome 2 one of the best grand strategy games of all time, but it is also by far one of the best games for fans of Roman history, packed full of detail and iconic locations. Like other Total War games, it combines grand strategy with epic real-time battles.

In the campaign mode, players can take on the role of an emerging Rome and try to conquer the rest of the Italian peninsula and beyond. They will have to recruit soldiers and plan marches before heading into battle and arranging their units, all of which can be controlled individually.

9 Stellaris

An Epic Sci-Fi Grand Strategy Game With 4X & RTS Elements

When compared to other grand strategy games, especially those from developer Paradox Interactive, Stellaris is in a world of its own – quite literally. Whereas other grand strategy games tend to take place in historical real-world contexts, Stellaris is set in a futuristic sci-fi galaxy full of aliens.

Interestingly, in the early stages of the game, Stellaris plays out more like a 4X game, with players first expanding their intergalactic borders before transitioning to phases that require more focus on the strategy side of things. There are also Real Time Strategy elements to Stellaris, which can be perfect for those who crave action.

8 Total War: Warhammer 3

Fantasy Battles Have Never Looked So Good

Total War: Warhammer 3 has its fair share of problems, with fans arguing that the DLC packs are far too expansive, but this doesn’t mean the game fails to provide a great finale to an even greater trilogy. With modern graphics that make for beautiful battles and cutscenes, it is arguably one of the best-looking strategy games ever made and has a gripping story to boot.

As with other Total War games, it features grand strategy elements, but players will likely fall in love with the real-time battles even more in this fantasy universe.

7 Victoria 3

Embrace Industrialization & Become An Economic Powerhouse In The Victorian Era

As the name Victoria 3 implies, Paradox Interactive’s grand strategy title is the third installment of the series and lets players explore the Victorian era. A playthrough can span a century, starting in 1836 and ending in 1936, with players having multiple options over the direction they wish to lead their nation in.

Whether the aim is to become an economic powerhouse, a global threat, or the definition of culture, this transformative era allows players to reshape the history of the world to their liking. As Victoria 3 is relatively fresh off the shelves, it still has plenty of potential to be fleshed out further with expansion packs.

6 Crusader Kings 2

A Golden Medieval Oldie Which Is Free-To-Play & Full Of Rich Content

Although Crusader Kings 2 has now given way to its successor, its legacy as one of the greatest grand strategy games of all time is still firmly cemented. For many players, Crusader Kings 2 served as an introduction to the grand strategy genre, with players throwing themselves into the much more approachable Middle Ages.

While not as good for role-play as its successor, the game is perfect for grand military conquests that feel all the more epic when the iconic soundtrack kicks in. One advantage it currently holds over Crusader Kings 3 is that the game has been fully fleshed out with DLC, meaning those with access can experience the full flavor of the medieval world, no matter which realm they take the reins of. Crusader Kings 2 is also now free to play, a rarity in the genre.

5 Hearts Of Iron 4

A True Harcore Strategy Game Set During World War 2

While many grand strategy games take place in the distant past or future worlds that cannot even be imagined yet, Hearts of Iron 4 is set during the more recent events of World War 2. It’s far from unique in this respect, but the developers manage to find a way to put their spin on things.

For better or worse, Hearts of Iron 4 is known for being one of the most hardcore grand strategy games, with complex mechanics that are hard to get to grips with at first. As players come to terms with the reality of global war, they will have to manage their troops and resources wisely.

4 Total War: Warhammer 2

Large-Scale Fantasy Battles & Wider Strategy Meet In One Of The Best Total War Games

While most Total War games take place in historical settings, one of the best Total War games is Total War: Warhammer 2. The 2017 title allows players to experience the famed fantasy tabletop game on screen, which naturally makes a huge difference.

Although the highlights of the game may be its fantasy real-time battles, the lead-up to war and organization on the map both incorporate grand strategy elements. Fans of fantasy will be glad to know the game has both a prequel and a sequel, but Total War: Warhammer 2 remains the most well-rounded out of the three.

3 Europa Universalis 4

A True Grand Strategy Game About Conquering The Entire World

Grand strategy players looking to go beyond the Middle Ages, into the Renaissance up to the early modern period, need look no further than Europa Universalis 4. From industry giants Paradox Interactive, this game allows players to reshape global history through trade, colonization, and much more.

Although Europa Universalis 4 was released in 2013, it still stands the test of time and has been complemented with many expansion packs over the years. True to its time period, the game has beautiful aesthetics and is slightly easier to get into than other titles.

2 Civilization 6

The Latest & Arguably Greatest Game In An Iconic Series

Civilization 6 is the latest installment in the illustrious franchise that perfectly combines the 4X genre with that of grand strategy. Starting as tribal leaders of their nation, players will have to explore and expand before turning their attention to wider strategies.

There are multiple ways to earn victory such as domination through war, pioneering the latest technology, and even through the dissemination of culture. Civilization 6 is also one of the best grand strategy games to play with friends, though loyalties may be tested.

1 Crusader Kings 3

The Perfect Mix Of Strategy & Medieval Roleplay

Crusader Kings 3 is the third installment of Paradox Interactive’s flagship series and, without a doubt, one of the best grand strategy games of all time. Set in the Middle Ages, players choose a starting ruler and set about conquering neighboring kingdoms through guile, brawn, or any way they see fit. As long as their heir is of their dynasty, they will continue their journey after death in playthroughs that can cover centuries.

What makes Crusader Kings 3 stand out from other grand strategy games, and even its predecessors, is how well it incorporates role-play into the genre. The stress mechanic that rewards players for making decisions that align with their character’s personality makes every life feel unique. Players will truly feel the strain placed on medieval rulers as they attempt to balance the needs of the realm with their desires. As more and more mechanics and flavors are added with each DLC expansion and free update, CK3 grows ever greater.