Age of Mythology: Retold – the return of the strategy that conquered The Game Awards 2024

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?

The 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

Our 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.

2024 has given gamers several outstanding strategies. This genre continues to evolve, offering exciting stories, complex mechanics, and thoughtful worlds. We have compiled a list of the most striking projects that deserve attention. Let’s consider the best strategies of 2024 on PC.

1. Total War: Pharaoh – return to ancient Egypt

The Total War series always pleases fans of historical strategies, and Total War: Pharaoh is no exception. The game takes you to the era of Ancient Egypt, where players will have to manage states, participate in large-scale battles and develop their civilization. An exciting campaign with elements of political intrigue, large battles and realistic graphics create an exciting gameplay. Imagine standing under the scorching sun, leading troops into battle and deciding the fate of thousands – isn’t that great?

2. Age of Wonders 4: A New Chapter in the Fantasy World

Fantasy turn-based strategies on PC received the best addition in 2024 in the form of Age of Wonders 4.

Features:

1. A unique faction customization system allowed you to create magical kingdoms;
2. Great design of worlds and characters, immersing you in a fantasy atmosphere;
3. The balance between strategy and role-playing elements ensured the depth of the gameplay.

It is impressive that each game can be completely unpredictable: create an army of fire titans or control a tribe of magical frogs.

3. Songs of Conquest — nostalgia and innovation

In 2024, Songs of Conquest was released — an ode to the best classic strategies on PC, inspired by the Heroes of Might and Magic series. The game combines turn-based battles with elements of resource management and city development. Atmospheric pixel art, exciting campaigns with unique heroes and a convenient multiplayer mode make it attractive for genre veterans and newcomers. Players will experience magical battles, unusual quests and a soundtrack that you want to listen to even outside of the game.

4. Civilization VI: Leader Pass – expanding opportunities

Civilization VI continues to surprise users with regular additions. In 2024, the PC strategy received the Leader Pass, which adds new leaders and better opportunities for the development of civilizations. Players are given a choice between diplomacy, war or scientific progress. In-depth mechanics and a variety of tactics make this concept one of the most exciting in its genre. Imagine yourself in the place of a leader who can lead his people to a golden age or destroy them in one move – it’s truly breathtaking.

5. Dune: Spice Wars – the fight for control of Arrakis

Dune: Spice Wars invites participants to immerse themselves in the world of Frank Herbert’s famous universe. A real-time strategy with 4X elements allows you to control one of the factions fighting for control of Arrakis. Unique mechanics related to spice mining and interaction with sandworms add originality to the process. Fans of classic science fiction and complex tactics will definitely appreciate this project.

6. Company of Heroes 3 – strategy on the battlefield

Company of Heroes 3 takes players to the front of World War II, offering exciting tactical battles and well-developed campaigns.

Features:

1. realism and an advanced destruction system that create the feeling of a real battle;
2. convenient multiplayer suitable for both beginners and veterans of the genre;
3. new modes and updated graphics that add depth to the gameplay.

Each mission here is a small masterpiece, where every decision is important. Sometimes, even one tank can decide the outcome of a battle if you use its tactical advantages correctly. This is one of the best PC games of 2024 and a must-have for war strategy fans.

7. Anno 1800: New World Rising — expanding horizons

Anno 1800 continues to expand with the New World Rising add-on. It adds new islands, buildings, and scenarios to explore and develop. The economic strategy with elements of city building once again proves its relevance. Now you can explore unknown territories and manage even larger empires. Do you want to build the city of your dreams, where everything goes like clockwork? Or maybe create a trading empire that controls the entire spice market? Everything is possible here.

8. Frostpunk 2 — survival in the apocalypse

Frostpunk 2 from 2024, a sequel to the best cult strategy on PC, takes players to a post-apocalyptic world where the main task remains survival. The new part offers more opportunities for city management, making difficult moral decisions, and exploring the frozen world. The atmosphere, music, and complexity make it one of the most anticipated games of the year.

9. Stormgate — a new era of real-time strategy

Developed by genre veterans, including former Blizzard employees, the game offers a unique blend of classic gameplay with innovative mechanics. Players will have to control forces in grand battles, where every choice can affect the development of the world. The system of commands and unit modifications promises a variety of tactical solutions, and its visual style and storylines immerse you in an epic struggle for survival.

10. Warcraft III: Reforged — the return of a legend

Warcraft III: Reforged is a remaster of the cult strategy, which in 2024 received new improvements and updates. Despite criticism at the initial release, the project has regained popularity among old fans and new players. With improved graphics, a redesigned interface and support for modern technologies, Warcraft III continues to inspire strategists around the world. The game contributes to the genre, providing an opportunity to relive famous campaigns with new features and a fresh look at the classic story.

Conclusion

2024 was a rich year for PC strategy games, each of which made it into the top 10 because it brought something unique to the genre. From historical battles to fantasy worlds and post-apocalyptic survival, gamers were able to enjoy a variety of mechanics and plots. Regardless of your preferences, this list will help you find an option to your liking.