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Top 10 turn-based strategy games on PC: a deep dive into tactical games

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Ready to test your strategy skills? Turn-based strategies on PC are a challenge for the intellect. Below is a review of the ten best projects that allow you to immerse yourself in this unique genre. Each of them has the opportunity to test your ability to plan and think tactically.

1. RAID: Shadow Legends – tactics of combinations and fine-tuning

RAID: Shadow Legends is one of the most detailed turn-based strategies on PC, in which every move matters. The project offers a huge selection of champions with unique abilities and skills. To win, it is important to develop complex combinations between characters. Champions are divided into factions such as Barbarians, Dark Elves and Orcs, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. The graphics are at a high level, with carefully designed locations and exciting battles.

Secrets of successful champion leveling

Efficient champion development is the key to victory. Use artifacts to improve characteristics, combine skills and distribute resources correctly. Remember that choosing the right artifacts significantly increases your chances of success. In RAID: Shadow Legends, the balance between attacking and supporting heroes is important, which requires a deep understanding of the game mechanics and the ability to predict the actions of opponents.

2. Total Domination – war in a post-apocalyptic world

Total Domination is a real turn-based strategy on PC, where control over resources and the army is crucial. In a post-apocalyptic world, every little thing can affect the outcome of the battle. Competent placement of troops, distribution of resources and setting up defense systems are only a small part of what needs to be done to survive in the face of constant threats from enemies.

Economy upgrade and survival strategy

Build an economy to ensure a stable flow of resources needed to upgrade your army. The goal is not only to attack, but also to defend. It is important to develop a base, build defensive structures and improve combat units. Also use scouts to obtain information about opponents.

3. Throne: Kingdom at War — Royal Power and Management Strategy

In Throne: Kingdom at War, you become a ruler, managing a kingdom in a world of constant conflict. Here, as in any other turn-based strategy on PC, you need to carefully plan your actions. The development of the kingdom begins with the construction of buildings, hiring an army and creating the resources necessary for survival.

Diplomacy and Alliances

Diplomacy plays a key role in Throne: Kingdom at War. Build relationships with other participants, enter into alliances to increase your influence. Engage in espionage to know the plans of your enemies.

4. Vikings: War of Clans — the Viking era and endless battles

Vikings: War of Clans takes you to the era of the warriors of the North. Create your own army of Vikings, develop tactics of attack and defense, use strategy at all levels — from resource extraction to combat.

Resource Management and Social Alliances

The turn-based strategy on PC provides the opportunity to unite in alliances with other users to increase the chances of victory. Manage resources wisely, provide your warriors with everything they need so that they can defend the clan and attack enemies.

5. Stormfall: Age of War – medieval tactics and politics

Stormfall: Age of War invites the user to become a master of medieval politics. Here, not only strength is important, but also cunning. Build castles, engage in trade and plan your every move. This turn-based strategy on PC is ideal for those who like to think through their actions in advance and develop complex tactical schemes.

Economy and interaction with allies

Strengthen the economy to provide your army with everything it needs. Create alliances to confront strong enemies together. Stormfall offers many development paths, and each of them leads to unique results.

6. Sparta: War of Empires — Time of Heroes and Epic Battles

Immersion in Sparta: War of Empires allows you to build and develop a city-state. As in any other turn-based strategy on PC, resource management is of utmost importance here. You need to build fortifications, train troops and wage large-scale battles that will glorify the polis.

Secrets of Spartan Tactics

Learn the art of Spartan warfare, competently build your defense and attack. Use different types of troops to create an invincible army. Combine different types of troops to achieve maximum effect on the battlefield and do not forget about the importance of allies.

7. Soldiers Inc. — Modern Battlefield and Secret Missions

Soldiers Inc. aims to manage military operations in the modern world. The goal is to use resources wisely, create a strong base and control important objects in order to overcome threats and deal with enemies.

Attack and Defense

Think over effective offensive and defensive strategies. Use intelligence to always be one step ahead of your enemies. Soldiers Inc. offers various types of missions, each of which requires a special approach and careful preparation.

8. Pirates: Tides of Fortune – pirate adventures to the fullest

Turn-based strategy on PC Pirates: Tides of Fortune invites you to become the captain of a pirate ship. Build a powerful fleet and strengthen your base. Every choice is important – from constructing buildings on the island to choosing the direction of attacks on other bases.

Tactics of naval battles and alliances

Naval battles require special tactics and quick reactions. Create alliances with other pirates to increase your chances of success. Proper use of resources and support of allies will help achieve supremacy in the seas.

9. Under Control – secret operations and global wars

In Under Control, success depends on the correct conduct of secret operations. Turn-based strategy on PC invites you to become a master of tactics, use secret weapons and plan moves many steps ahead.

Using Special Equipment

Equipment plays a key role in Under Control. Use drones, special equipment, and secret agents to carry out covert operations. Plan every action to ensure victory with minimal losses.

10. Throne of Glory — Medieval Tactics and Heroes

Throne of Glory gives users the opportunity to build and develop their own medieval kingdom. Create a castle, train knights, and strengthen your position.

Tournaments and sieges

Castle sieges and knightly tournaments are an important part of the game. Attack plans, troop distribution strategy, and defense organization allow you to feel like a real king. Not only strength is important, but also the ability to predict enemy actions and respond to them in a timely manner.

Conclusion

Turn-based strategies on PC are unique games that challenge gamers around the world. Projects require patience, the ability to plan, and the desire to improve. The options presented are a real test of the mind. Choose your project and show what you can do when every step is a chance to win or lose.

Related posts

After eight years of anticipation, the release of Sid Meier’s Civilization VII has become one of the most significant events in the world of turn-based strategy games. The series, which set the standards for the 4X genre, is once again capturing the attention of fans with its updated gameplay, redesigned era system, and expanded civilizations development options. The developers have promised to reimagine key mechanics, improve the balance of victory tactics, and update the interface to make it more accessible for beginners while maintaining its depth for experienced players.

Epochs and the Development of Civilization: Key Changes

One of the main innovations of the project is the updated approach to eras. Now the development of states has become more flexible: civilizations adapt to historical realities, changing their playstyle depending on events. For example, if a country is actively waging war, the economy receives bonuses to military production, but diplomatic relations suffer.

Additional mechanics:

  1. Flexible epochal transitions — countries can linger in certain time periods, focusing on improving specific technologies and structures.
  2. The impact on the world — the development of one country can directly change the balance of power on the global map, causing golden ages or, conversely, crises.
  3. Cultural characteristics — each civilization now has unique paths of modernization that can lead to unexpected strategies for victory.

War and Diplomacy: An Overview of Sid Meier’s Civilization VII Battle Mechanics

Military campaigns have become more sophisticated thanks to the updated siege system and strategic troop placement. Battlefields now take into account terrain, climate, and even army morale.

Features:

  1. Siege operations — cities can no longer be captured instantly; instead, they must be weakened gradually using siege engines.
  2. Battle Generals – a system of leaders has been added that gives bonuses to troops and can change the tactical situation on the battlefield.
  3. Guerrilla warfare is the ability to create underground units to carry out sabotage in enemy territory.

War now requires a more subtle approach: without proper supply and logistics, even the strongest army risks losing.

Ways to win: a variety of strategies

Continuing our review of Sid Meier’s Civilization VII, it’s worth mentioning the conditions for winning battles, which have also undergone significant changes. Now, players can win not only through scientific, military, or cultural superiority, but also through their influence on global processes.

The main paths to victory include:

  1. Military: complete destruction of enemies or domination over most territories.
  2. Scientific — achieving technological superiority, including space exploration and quantum technologies.
  3. Cultural influence on other civilizations through art, religion, and diplomatic alliances.
  4. The economic goal is to create a powerful trading empire with control over key markets.
  5. Environmental: the development of environmentally friendly technologies, minimizing environmental damage, and preventing global disasters.

Sid Meier’s Civilization VII Interface Review: Convenience or a Step Back?

Firaxis Games has made an effort to make the interface more intuitive. Civilization VII features a new tooltip system, an updated technology tree, and a redesigned map.

Key changes:

  1. Flexible control panel – key information is now more conveniently located, reducing the need to switch between tabs.
  2. Visual cues: When players hover over map elements, they receive more information without having to open additional windows.
  3. Automation of routine processes — some elements of city management are now automated.

Some players noted that the simplification of the interface led to a loss of depth, so it took some time for series veterans to get used to it.

Civilization VII Graphics: How Far Has the Game Come?

The visual style of Sid Meier’s Civilization VII, according to an expert review, has become more detailed but retains the distinctive style of previous games. The developers have updated unit models, city textures, and environmental effects.

Graphical improvements:

  1. Detailed models of buildings and troops — each structure now reflects the cultural characteristics of a nation.
  2. Dynamic lighting and weather effects — the climate affects the appearance of the map and can change players’ strategic plans.
  3. Increased animation detail — diplomats now express emotions, and battles look more spectacular.

Despite the improvements, Civilization VII does not require powerful PCs — the game is well-optimized even for mid-range configurations.

A review of Sid Meier’s Civilization VII bugs and technical issues

As with any large-scale strategy game, the first versions of Civilization VII were not without their share of bugs. Players faced a number of issues:

  1. Incorrect AI operation — computer opponents sometimes made illogical decisions.
  2. Diplomatic mistakes — artificial intelligence could suddenly break alliances for no apparent reason.
  3. Graphic artifacts are rare bugs in unit animations.

The developers promptly released several patches, fixing most of the technical issues.

Sid Meier’s Civilization VII: Reviews and Ratings

Game publications have positively evaluated the new part of the series. The average rating on Metacritic is 88/100, and among users – 8.5/10.

Pros:

  1. Deep and diverse gameplay.
  2. Improved system of eras and civilizations.
  3. Good optimization and user-friendly interface.

Minuses:

  1. The need to get used to new mechanics.
  2. Some bugs at the start.
  3. Diplomatic AI needs improvement.

Is it worth buying Civilization VII?

The review of Sid Meier’s Civilization VII showed that the game offers diverse and well-thought-out gameplay, new era mechanics, flexible development strategies, and excellent replayability. If the goal is a deep strategic session that can keep you engaged for dozens of hours, the concept is definitely worth considering. Despite the initial bugs, Firaxis Games continues to refine the project, and it already looks like a worthy successor to the franchise.

If the winner is not the one who has paid more money, but the one who thinks a few steps ahead – it is a strategy game. The best strategy games on PC offer gameplay where calculation, adaptation and analysis are important. From classic turn-based tactics to intense RTS, this genre requires intelligence and patience.

Why do strategy games remain in demand despite the growing popularity of action games and shooters? The answer is simple: they pump logic, teach strategic thinking and give experience in managing resources, armies and entire civilisations. In this article selected top 10 strategies on PC. The most outstanding representatives of the genre – from cult series to modern hits.

Varieties of strategy games

The list of PC strategies includes two key areas: real-time strategy (RTS) and turn-based strategy (TBS).

In RTS games, you need to make quick decisions. Base building, resource extraction, attack and defence happen simultaneously. Every second counts towards victory, and success depends on army management and logistics.

In TBS, the gameplay is different. Players take turns making moves, calculating each move in detail. Strategies of heroes’ development, competent use of magic and a well-thought-out tactical approach to battles are important here. Unlike RTS, where dynamics is high, turn-based strategies allow you to analyse the situation more deeply and act sensibly.

Town-planning and economic simulators

Economic strategies – resource management, economics, territory development and construction. There are no epic battles here, but there are important challenges: balancing income and expenses, competent allocation of zones, fighting crises. Mistakes in planning can lead to the collapse of an entire city or state. Developing industry, trade routes and maintaining a stable economy are key aspects of gameplay. The games allow you to feel like a real architect and manager of a metropolis or an entire civilisation.

Tactical Strategy and Survival

Projects require attention to detail, careful consideration of every move and the use of well thought out tactical solutions. You can’t act impulsively – every mistake can cost you defeat. Unlike global strategies, tactical games focus on small but important operations.

In Survival Strategies, resource management and survival come to the forefront. These strategies have one thing in common – a high level of complexity and the need to calculate actions several steps ahead. They do not forgive mistakes, but bring incredible satisfaction with a successful passage.

Top 10 best strategy games on PC

Top 10 best strategies on PCStrategy games on PC always remain a sought-after genre, attracting players with the ability to control empires, cities and armies. These games require tactical thinking, intelligent planning and the ability to adapt to changing conditions:

  1. Age of Empires series. Classic RTS, where the player goes from the Stone Age to the era of guns and gunpowder. The unique balance of economics and military strategy made the series iconic.
  2. The Heroes of Might and Magic series. A legend of turn-based strategies in which the player controls heroes, armies and cities. He engages in epic battles and explores magical worlds.
  3. Cities: Skylines. The best urban strategy game. Here the player manages a megalopolis, facing real urban problems: traffic jams, pollution, housing shortages.
  4. Crusader Kings series. A global strategy that combines state management and dynastic politics. Here you can make marriages, weave intrigues and even eliminate rivals.
  5. Frostpunk. A cold post-apocalypse where the player has to build the last city of humanity and make difficult decisions: save everyone or survive at all costs.
  6. FTL: Faster Than Light. Space strategy roguelike, where every journey is unique, and the slightest mistake can cost the life of the crew.
  7. Into the Breach. Minimalistic tactics where robots defend humanity from invasion. Deep gameplay with a minimum of elements.
  8. Jagged Alliance series. A unique tactical operations simulator with deep gameplay, multiple characters and a variety of missions.
  9. Dungeon Keeper series. An original strategy where the player has to be a villain, build a dungeon, develop traps and confront the heroes.
  10. Anno series. A city-building strategy with elements of economic simulation. The player will have to develop settlements, establish trade and balance resources, economy and political decisions. Each game in the series takes players to a different era, from discovery to futuristic civilisations.

The best PC strategy games continue to evolve, offering players new mechanics and deep game worlds. Whether it’s tactical battles, city-building or empire management, there’s a game for every strategy fan on this list.

The Future of Strategy

Today’s key trends are more sophisticated AI, multiplayer campaigns and deep customisation. Upcoming hits such as Frostpunk 2 promise to set new standards in the genre.

Despite the popularity of fast-paced action games, PC strategy rankings continue to attract audiences by offering challenges that require out-of-the-box thinking. Tactical planning, diplomacy, resource management – these are the elements that make the genre unique.

Conclusion

City planning and economic simulatorsThe best strategies on PC are games that do not just entertain, but develop analytical thinking. They require a thoughtful approach and give you the opportunity to feel like a commander, architect or ruler. In them, every victory is the result of clever planning, not chance. Top games include time-tested classics and innovative projects that offer a fresh take on the genre. This list is a guide to games where strategy as well as action is important.