These best war strategy games we’ve congregated here together should interest those who crave for the mind-toiling and tremendously satisfying gameplay treats which such titles always succeed in whipping up. These offerings call for planning and skillful resource management while imposing challenging victory conditions, and their open-ended nature just amplifies the fun furthermore. When they’re blended with wars – ancient or modern – they’re just irresistible for some. Right from the mid-1980s, this genre has been experiencing great new innovations from some really talented development houses which have given us legendary games. We’ve gone through the more recent ones, and have picked out the titles which we think should be apt for someone looking to jump into war-based strategy offerings. It should be noted that they’ve been listed in no particular order of preference. Without wasting any more time then, let’s get going with the list.
1 – Company of Heroes
When it came out in 2006, Company of Heroes showed the gaming community how war-based strategy should be executed. The geniuses over at Relic Entertainment have blessed us with this amazing offering which is real-time strategy at its very finest. Taking place during World War II, is asks you to command a couple of US military units during the Battle of Normandy and the Allied liberation of France. Company of Heroes is one of the highest-rated games from its genre of all time, and its awesomeness needs to be played to be believed. Grab it now for PC and Mac.
2 – Age of Empires II HD
Back in 1999, Age of Empires II had gobbled up countless gaming hours of folks from all over the world, and in our opinion, it’s still one of the top games ever made. It’s hence that we’re tremendously happy to see an HD version of it available to purchase now. Age of Empires II HD presents the original game in high-definition, and lets you indulge in RTS battles set during the Middle Ages, while playing as a number of different civilizations which include Britons, Byzantines, Celts, Teutons, Franks, Goths and many more. This HD version of it is available through Steam for PC with support for online multiplayer as well as mods.
3 – Sins of Solar Empire
Looking for some sci-fi action from your strategy video games? Look no further than Sins of Solar Empire. This game will delight you with its fruitful blend of RTS and 4X strategy elements. It allows you to assume control of a space-faring empire during the distant future, and tasks you with objectives that include conquering star systems using military, economic and diplomatic means. Released in 2008 for PC, it received a standalone expansion titled Rebellion in 2011 which greatly expanded its offerings. Do play them both, as well as the game’s other expansions.
4 – DEFCON
This RTS gem revolves around a global thermonuclear war, and manages to bring back the atmosphere that was prevalent all across the world during the Cold War era. Inspired by the cult classic movie, WarGames, this game picks up its story from where the film ended. Playing as a General hidden deep within an underground bunker you are required to successfully exterminate your enemy’s civilian population whilst saving your own. Its unique gameplay aspects and visuals make this title an absolute treat to play on your PC, Mac or Linux machines.
5 – StarCraft II
Blizzard Entertainment has delivered with StarCraft II what very few RTS games in the past have been able to. This military sci-fi offering comes equipped with some really fast-paced competitive real-time strategy gameplay, and is a regular at eSports tournaments around the world. It revolves around three different races which all have their own separate mechanics. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty is part of a trilogy for PC and Mac, the second version of which is also available in the form of Heart of the Swarm.
6 – XCOM: Enemy Unknown
A war against dangerous aliens is what the conflict within XCOM: Enemy Unknown revolves around. As part of an elite multinational paramilitary organization, you are required to defend the Earth from invading alien forces. You do this by commanding troops on the field through a string of turn-based tactical missions. And these missions are beautifully punctuated by scenarios which ask for research and development of new technologies as well as financial management and more. XCOM: Enemy Unknown is out now for the PS3, Xbox 360, PC and Mac, along with a stellar standalone expansion called Enemy Within.
7 – Total War: Shogun 2
Total War: Shogun 2 is part of a long series of spectacular games developed by The Creative Assembly. It has its story set in 16th-century feudal Japan, where clans led by local warlords are fighting for control. You are required to assume control of the management of one of these clans and expand your dominance over Japan. Its gameplay presents an enjoyable amalgamation of turn-based strategy and real-time tactics. This title is out now only for PC.
8 – Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3
This game is centered around an alternate reality during the World War II, and it grabs hold of intentionally corny story elements which work in its favor at every step. Its real-time strategy gameplay is action-based in many ways, and moreover, its entire campaign can be played in a cooperative fashion which adds a lot of versatility to its scenarios. It can be played now on the PS3, Xbox 360, PC and Mac.
Conclusion:
These are the eight best war strategy games which we want you to try. Like we said, if you’re a fan of the genre, you’re bound to like them, so go ahead and buy them without any hesitation.