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Top 15 strategies on PC: from timeless classics to revolutionary new releases

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PC strategies are among the TOP most popular genres for fans of intellectual games. They offer the opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of tactics, planning, and resource management, providing a wide range of mechanics – from turn-based solutions to dynamic battles in real time. Below is a list that includes both legendary classic games and new products that can surprise even sophisticated gamers.

Strategy classics: the best games that have stood the test of time

The history of PC strategies begins with several cult projects that were able not only to lay the foundations of the genre, but also to change the idea of ​​intellectual games forever. Representatives of the last century inspired an entire generation of gamers who are interested not just in action, but in thoughtful planning and tactics.

1. Civilization – a game that changed everything

Sid Meier’s masterpiece literally changed the rules of the game in the genre. It became possible to develop your civilization from scratch, starting from ancient times and ending with space exploration. The strategy impresses with its depth of development and unique gameplay. Each session is a battle of wits, where you need to carefully consider each move. Civilization introduced not only turn-based solutions, but also the iconic concept of “one move before bed”, which can drag you on for hours.

2. Age of Empires – real-time history

Age of Empires takes an honorable second place in our top best strategies on PC. It presented the idea of ​​how to combine history and real-time strategy. The project offers the player to manage a civilization, developing it from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages. Epic battles, economic planning and army building – this makes Age of Empires a real must-have for strategy fans. It laid the foundation for many RTS (real-time strategy) games that came out later.

3. Command & Conquer – a legend of military strategy

Command & Conquer is an intellectual duel where not brute force, but tactical skill wins. Each map is a battlefield where players compete in their ability to manage resources, build bases, and coordinate troops.

4. StarCraft — the RTS that changed eSports

A cultural phenomenon. Blizzard created a world where each of the three factions has unique abilities and playstyles. For many years, StarCraft has remained at the peak of eSports competitions thanks to its dynamic and balanced gameplay. Players need to be able to instantly react to the actions of the enemy and adapt to changing conditions. If you study any TOP strategy games on PC, you will find StarCraft in it. Even after 10 years.

5. Total War — large-scale battles with a historical bias

Total War combines elements of real-time strategy and turn-based management. This is a game for those who want to not only fight, but also manage the economy, diplomacy, and politics. Each battle here is a huge canvas where the most important decisions are made that affect the fate of entire nations.

TOP 5 new strategies for PC: what does the modern world offer?

Top 15 strategies on PC: from timeless classics to revolutionary new releasesThe latest releases have pleased not only with graphics, but also with innovative mechanics that challenge the old dogmas of the genre.

1. Humankind — a new wave of turn-based strategies

Humankind, released in 2021, aims to offer an alternative to the famous Civilization. Players will have to create their own civilizations, mixing elements of different cultures and peoples. The project stands out with an unusual development system and a large selection of tactical solutions.

2. Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate — space battles of a new level

A world of futuristic battles and tactical decisions. The game is distinguished by deep gameplay and a detailed world, where every move matters. Space strategies are becoming more popular, and Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate is a bright representative of this trend.

3. Iron Harvest — a war for the future in a steampunk setting

A real-time strategy that offers a unique setting of an alternative past, where combat machines have become the main force. The game impresses not only with its plot, but also with its tactical capabilities. Iron Harvest has become one of the main novelties of recent years and has confidently won the hearts of RTS fans.

4. Phoenix Point — a hybrid of algorithms and tactics

Phoenix Point combines elements of a tactical turn-based strategy and dynamic battles. The game offers unique battle mechanics, where it is important to take into account not only the positions of enemies, but also their behavior. This makes each battle tense and unpredictable.

5. Crusader Kings III — an interactive drama on the battlefield

Here, it is important not only to fight battles, but also to manage a dynasty, enter into marriages, arrange intrigues and seize the throne. In the world, the player becomes not only a commander, but also a politician, diplomat, strategist.

TOP turn-based strategies on PC: slow pace for thoughtful decisions

The leaders of the genre are in front of you. Study and choose the best option for yourself.

1. XCOM 2 – the fight for the survival of mankind

XCOM 2 immerses players in the future, where mankind is fighting alien invaders. The game forces you to think through every move, take into account possible losses and strategically plan the team’s actions.

2. Total War: Three Kingdoms – large-scale battles and intrigues

This part of the Total War series offered players to delve into the Chinese history of the Three Kingdoms era. Each move in Total War: Three Kingdoms is a balance between military action and diplomatic intrigue. The gamer will not only have to fight, but also negotiate, betray, and form alliances.

Conclusion

2. Total War: Three Kingdoms – grootschalige gevechten en intrigesOur top strategy games on PC covers both old classics and new projects, offering players endless opportunities for self-realisation. Everyone will find something for themselves in this dynamically developing gaming universe.

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The era when every mouse click determined the outcome of the battle left unforgettable memories in the hearts of gamers. Old strategies on PC became a platform where dreams of great tactical victories and strategic decisions came true. These games raised an entire generation, taught them to build logical chains and predict the enemy’s actions.

Today, we will remember the cult strategies that have become real legends, and make a detailed review of each of them. We will dive into the stories of creation, gameplay and unique features to experience nostalgia for the games and a real desire to go back and play again.

Command & Conquer: the war that everyone remembers

Command & Conquer from Westwood Studios raised the genre of real-time strategies to new heights. The release took place in 1995, and it became a real breakthrough. The plot was based on the confrontation between two factions: GDI and Brotherhood of Nod. Players were immersed in the atmosphere of covert operations, waged wars for Tiberium resources, and this is what gave Command & Conquer a unique sense of strategic depth. Command & Conquer demonstrated that every battle could become part of a complex political and resource struggle.

Gameplay and innovative mechanics

Command & Conquer’s gameplay was revolutionary due to its emphasis on resource management and base building. Players mined Tiberium and used it to create an army, develop technologies and strengthen positions. The combat system, with a large selection of units – from infantry to heavy armored vehicles, became one of the most developed at that time.

Age of Empires II: a real time machine

Age of Empires II from Ensemble Studios was released in 1999 and immediately became the standard of the retro strategy genre. The concept immersed in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages and allowed you to choose a civilization from an extensive list, including Vikings, Mongols, English and even Japanese. Each had its own unique features and units, which gave historical authenticity and involvement in the process. The developers managed to recreate the realities of the past with love for detail.

Development, construction and battles

The gameplay of Age of Empires II was based on the balance between economic development and military operations. Exfcnybr started with a small settlement and sought to build a powerful empire. The old strategy of the 90s on PC required the ability to competently manage resources – wood, gold, stone and food. Users studied technologies, built fortifications, recruited troops and went on campaigns. The key to victory was the ability to adapt to the enemy’s style of play and use your strengths.

Strategy teaches history

One of the main features of Age of Empires II was its educational component. Campaigns dedicated to Joan of Arc, William the Conqueror, Saladin and other famous historical figures allowed us to learn more about the events of the past. People discovered great battles and feats, and this made the gameplay not only exciting, but also educational.

Starcraft: Space Race

Starcraft by Blizzard Entertainment, released in 1998, became the founder of the eSports movement. Here you had to choose between three unique races: Terrans, Zerks and Protoss. Each had its own philosophy and style of combat. Old real-time strategies on PC, like Starcraft, literally turned the idea of ​​what competitions could be like on its head, because it did not forgive mistakes, required maximum concentration and perfect knowledge of your own and others’ capabilities.

Brutal pace and culture of winners

Starcraft is still called one of the most difficult strategies. Players mastered microcontrol, trained their reaction speed, and developed multi-layered tactics. In eSports, this game has become a symbol of skill and dedication. The best strategies of all time acquire cult status thanks to the emotions and challenges they offer. Starcraft became a real test of the mind and reaction.

Heroes of Might & Magic III: a legend of tactical fantasy

Heroes of Might & Magic III by New World Computing, released in 1999, became the standard for turn-based strategies and captured the hearts of millions. Here, players controlled heroes, explored magical lands, fought opponents, and collected artifacts.

Armies, heroes and artifacts

In Heroes of Might & Magic III, each army consisted of various creatures – from simple shooters to mighty dragons. Heroes had unique abilities that strengthened armies and gave an advantage in battle. Cult old strategies on PC often admired complex systems of pumping and interaction of units, and Heroes of Might & Magic III was no exception. Artifacts played an important role: they strengthened heroes, added new abilities and often became a key factor in victory.

Army and features:

  1. Archers: the main combat unit, capable of inflicting damage from a distance, which gave a significant advantage in the initial phases of the battle.
  2. Cavalry: fast units with high mobility and the ability to break into the enemy’s rear, causing critical damage.
  3. Mages: had unique spells that could change the course of the battle, weakening the enemy or strengthening allies.
  4. Dragons: powerful units with high attack and defense stats, their appearance on the battlefield often became a decisive factor.
  5. Heroes: each hero had their own abilities and skills, which made them a key figure in battle tactics. They not only strengthened the army, but could also use magical artifacts to achieve superiority.

Artifacts

  1. Hero weapons: increased damage and added special abilities for attacks.
  2. Protective amulets: increased the army’s defensive stats, reducing damage taken.
  3. Magic books: gave heroes new spells, which allowed them to adapt tactics depending on the enemy.
  4. Rings and signet rings: increased the amount of health of units or added additional abilities, such as health regeneration.

Timeless classics – this is how you can call Heroes of Might & Magic III. Players still return to the project, thanks to its enchanting atmosphere, well-thought-out maps and opportunities for tactical experiments. Campaigns, cooperative mode and multiplayer battles ensured the concept a long life and the love of fans.

Civilization II: the path from nomads to interstellar colonies

Civilization II, released in 1996, was a continuation of the legendary series from Sid Meier. The old strategy was suitable even for weak PCs: it allowed you to build a civilization, starting with nomadic tribes and ending with interstellar expeditions. Gradual development from ancient times to modern times, researching technologies and creating a cultural heritage made Civilization II incredibly exciting.

Diplomacy and strategic alliances

Users could:

  1. Join alliances to strengthen positions and create powerful coalitions.
  2. Conclude peace treaties to avoid unnecessary conflicts and focus on economic development.
  3. Conspiracy and use spies to obtain information about the plans of opponents and destroy their alliances.

The AI ​​offered interesting challenges, and each game became unique due to unstable diplomatic relations. The ability to use diplomacy and the ability to strategically assess the situation gave a great advantage on the global map.

Nostalgia for great eras

Nostalgia for the game brings back Civilization II again and again. The construction of wonders of the world, great campaigns and the first space programs have forever remained in the hearts of fans. The project taught the importance of planning, patience and the ability to adapt to change. The game remains one of the favorite strategies for those who are looking not only for entertainment, but also for a way to learn more about the development of civilizations.

Conclusion

Old strategies on PC continue to be a model of tactical depth and innovation. The projects laid down standards that modern developers are trying to surpass to this day.

Remembering the best strategies of all time, it is important to note not only the mechanics and gameplay, but also the emotions that they awakened. Perhaps it is worth returning to cult products again to experience those same feelings.

An article about how one of the most influential games in the genre, StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty, became a benchmark for real-time strategy. Incredible gameplay depth and brilliant race balance made it a favorite among millions of players around the world. The concept set a new standard for strategies, providing players with unique opportunities to develop tactics and apply intelligent solutions on the battlefield.

Why StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty is the best strategy of all time

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty is a challenge that only true tacticians can overcome. The success of the StarCraft project is not accidental – it is the result of many years of development and precise analysis of player preferences. The concept has become a cult thanks to its strategic depth and incredible balance.

The success is based on the dynamics of the gameplay. Users choose between three unique races: Terrans, Zerg, and Protoss. Each race has its own strengths and weaknesses, which adds uniqueness to each battle. The gameplay requires the ability to quickly adapt to changing conditions and find unconventional solutions. Here, success depends on the speed of reaction and the ability to plan ahead. This real-time strategy has made a name for itself thanks to its unique combination of dynamics and depth that other games do not have.

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty Gameplay and Controls

The gameplay is striking in its complexity and sophistication. The controls are intuitive, but require incredible precision and speed of action. Each decision is a step towards victory or defeat. The ability to manage resources, recruit units, create infrastructure – all this requires strategic thinking and maximum concentration.

To successfully manage StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty, you need to study:

  1. Economy and resources: collecting minerals and gas is a key aspect of successful development. It is important not only to extract resources in a timely manner, but also to effectively distribute them to create units and buildings. Each race needs to adapt its economy depending on the stage of the game: early, middle or late stage.
  2. Units and armies: each unit in the game has its own unique abilities and purpose. Terrans, for example, can use their infantry for frontal attacks, as well as aircraft for support and reconnaissance. Zerg rely on huge hordes of cheap units, which allows them to quickly dominate the map. Protoss, on the other hand, have powerful but expensive units that require a tactical approach.
  3. Buildings and infrastructure: each base must be properly organized for defense and efficient production. Buildings not only create units, but also serve as protection against enemy attacks. Terrans are mobile, their buildings can move around the map, while Zerg and Protoss have their own unique features in the development of infrastructure.
  4. Scouting: understanding what your opponent is doing is half the battle in StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty. Scouting allows you to assess what units the enemy produces, where their bases are, and adjust your strategy accordingly. Scouting requires constant attention and tactical adaptation, whether it’s early detection of threats or preparation for a major attack.
  5. Hotkeys and shortcuts: To speed up control, players often use hotkeys. This allows you to instantly issue commands, switch between buildings and units, which in a fast-paced game becomes a key factor for success. Understanding combinations and the ability to quickly react to changes on the battlefield give you a significant advantage over your opponent.

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty challenges even the most experienced gamers, forcing them to develop unique approaches to each new situation. Real-time strategy games have never been so detailed and varied, requiring not only quick reactions, but also complex thinking, the ability to predict the opponent’s actions and effectively manage your resources.

Deep analysis of the races in StarCraft 2: what are they?

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty offers three completely different races, each with its own strengths and weaknesses:

  1. Terrans: People of the future, equipped with advanced technology and weapons. Their main strength is flexibility and adaptability. The player controlling the Terrans can instantly change tactics thanks to the mobility of bases and different types of units.
  2. Zerg: Insectoid creatures pose a real threat due to their numbers. Their strength lies in a massive attack and the ability to instantly restore losses. Playing as a Zerg, the player is forced to rely on numbers and speed.
  3. Protoss: A highly advanced race with advanced technology and powerful units. The Protoss have strong defenses and incredible power, but at the same time require careful resource management.

    How and where to download and install StarCraft II — a detailed guide

    If you want to enjoy StarCraft 2 in Russian and experience the full range of features, you first need to know how to install the game correctly. Below is a step-by-step installation guide:

    1. Go to the official Blizzard website and create an account.
    2. Find the StarCraft 2 section and download the installation file.
    3. Run the installer and follow all the instructions on the screen.
    4. Select the language version — StarCraft 2 in Russian.
    5. Make sure your PC meets the minimum requirements. The game is well optimized and is suitable even for weak PCs.

    StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty is easy to install, and this process will not take much time. Following this guide, you can quickly start the process.

    Is StarCraft II worth playing in 2024?

    The answer is definitely yes. Despite the fact that the game was released many years ago, its relevance remains high. Why?

    1. Constant updates: Blizzard continues to support the game, releasing regular patches that improve balance and add new elements.
    2. Community: StarCraft II unites millions of players around the world. Competitions and tournaments continue to attract the attention of both beginners and professionals.
    3. Game depth: no other strategy offers such depth and opportunity for growth. Each match is an opportunity to improve, each player is a new story.

    Secrets of the success and popularity of StarCraft II

    StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty has become a popular strategy for many reasons. Firstly, it is the balance and depth of gameplay. No other computer game offers such a well-developed strategy, where each race has unique capabilities, and success depends on the player’s ability to plan several steps ahead.

    Secondly, it is the support of developers and an active community. Blizzard has created a game that not only has constant updates, but also offers a platform for competitions and tournaments. StarCraft II tournaments still attract thousands of viewers and are an important part of eSports.

    Conclusion

    StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty has proven its worth and continues to delight players even after years. Unique races, deep gameplay, and an active community are what make it one of the best strategy games of all time. Try your hand at this exciting world!