Strategy games have long challenged gamers to think critically and master complex systems. These games reward those who can effectively plan and be patient enough to put it all into action.
PCs have always been home to some of the most innovative and influential strategy titles across real-time and turn-based gameplay. Here are a few of the best strategy games to play on PC.
The Best Strategy Games to Play on PC
Total War: Warhammer III
Creative Assembly’s Total War: Warhammer III merges the grand tactics of the Total War series with the rich fantasy setting of Games Workshop’s Warhammer. You get to command sprawling armies of monsters, heroes, demons, and traditional soldiers, and its narrative-driven campaign makes the game that much better. The fusion of turn-based empire building and real-time tactical battles offers depth unrivaled in many other PC strategy games. Its scale and dynamic fighting have earned it a reputation as one of the top strategy games for PC.
Crusader Kings III
Crusader Kings III transforms the entire genre of strategy games on PC by pulling together political intrigue, dynasty management, and historical simulation. Rather than only controlling territories, you oversee the personal lives, alliances, and decisions of royal families.
Even though combat is a part of the game, clever marriages, secret plots, betrayals, and diplomacy can be more effective than direct military conquest. Characters develop traits based on their experiences, which can shift the course of a kingdom’s future. Through its emergent storytelling and strategic depth, Crusader Kings III stands among the best strategy games to play on PC today.
FTL: Faster than Light
FTL: Faster Than Light perfectly captures the tension of commanding a fragile starship in a hostile galaxy. You have to juggle oxygen levels, crew placement, power systems, and split-second decisions as you race ahead of a pursuing enemy force. Simple mechanics spiral into intense dilemmas, like venting oxygen to stop a fire, only to be forced into sacrificing a crew member to repair engines before a deadly solar flare hits.
Every time you play, you’ll have unexpected encounters and need to make high-stakes choices that build gripping stories. Easy to learn yet endlessly replayable, FTL remains one of the best strategy games on PC for its chaotic surprises and unforgettable moments.
Civilization VI
Sid Meier’s Civilization VI remains a foundational title for turn-based fans, as the game tasks you with guiding a civilization from ancient history into the future. Victory comes in many forms, including scientific progress, cultural achievement, military conquest, and diplomacy. Each leader has unique abilities that shape how a campaign unfolds, encouraging varied strategies with every playthrough.
Its district system adds strategic considerations to city placement and growth. Managing resources, researching technologies, and maintaining diplomatic relationships create layers of decision-making that form an enduring formula, making Civilization VI one of the best turn-based strategy games on PC.
StarCraft II
Few real-time strategy titles have had as profound an impact as Blizzard’s StarCraft II. Built on strong asymmetrical balance, the Terran, Protoss, and Zerg factions offer completely different playstyles. Its emphasis on fast decision-making and precise actions will really test your ability to adapt under pressure.
The game’s competitive scene helped shape modern esports, and its single-player campaign delivers engaging science-fiction storytelling through varied missions. Despite its age, StarCraft II remains a benchmark for real-time strategy excellence and a premier choice for competitive PC strategy games.
XCOM 2
XCOM 2 has you leading a resistance force against an alien occupation. With the heavy weight of every choice you make, you have to think through every tactical movement, from flanking maneuvers to careful weapon upgrades.
Turn-based battles unfold across diverse maps featuring destructible environments and unpredictable enemy encounters. Strategic planning also takes place between missions, where you manage resources, upgrade facilities, and develop new technology. The risk-reward dynamics and the constant struggle against a superior enemy force make XCOM 2 one of the best strategy games on PC for those who enjoy high-stakes gameplay.
Age of Empires IV
A modern revival of one of the most iconic real-time series, Age of Empires IV recaptures the classic medieval strategy experience while improving it for today’s players. Resource gathering, base building, and military expansion form the core of gameplay. Each civilization offers unique mechanics and units that influence battlefield tactics.
The game’s historical campaigns add an educational layer, presenting documentary-style storytelling that examines real events and armies. Its blend of nostalgia and modern design makes Age of Empires IV stand out among modern PC strategy games.
Company of Heroes 2
Company of Heroes 2 brings World War II to the strategy genre with cinematic intensity. Battles focus on small-scale tactical engagements rather than massive armies. You must think carefully about cover, terrain, flanking, and unit positioning. Dynamic weather systems and destructible environments force commanders to constantly adapt their strategies. This attention to realism makes every encounter feel grounded and personal. If you like tactical combat over empire management, this game remains one of the best strategy games on PC.
Into the Breach
Into the Breach brings a compact, minimalist take on the typical turn-based combat. You control time-traveling mech pilots protecting cities from giant alien creatures. Each battle is a small puzzle, requiring precise movements and forward thinking. Rather than overwhelming you with all these systems, the game distills tactical planning to its purest form.
Every action affects the board in meaningful ways. Positioning enemies, sacrificing units to save civilians, and predicting future events create complex moral and strategic dilemmas. Its clean design and depth prove that strategy games on PC do not need to be large-scale to be brilliant.
Play Your Favorite Strategy Games on an iBUYPOWER PC
Strategy games continue to thrive on PC because they reward intelligence, adaptability, and experimentation. From sweeping grand-strategy campaigns to tight tactical battles and story-driven political simulations, the best strategy games on PC encourage you to think differently with every move. As new titles evolve the genre and classic series refine their formulas, PC remains the platform of choice for those who want to test their strategic mind against the world.
With iBUYPOWER, you can continue playing your favorite PC strategy games, but on a whole other level. Our pre-built and customizable PCs give you the creative freedom to plan your build and optimize it for your favorite games.
Check out our gaming PCs and gear today to start building your dream gaming setup. To see all our sales, check our iBUYPOWER coupons page or our daily deals page for the newest discounts.
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