Best graphics cards for gaming in 2025: selection

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.

The modern gamer chooses not just a powerful PC, but a precise tool for conquering virtual worlds. How to build a gaming computer with optimal performance, stability, and future upgradeability? This is a task that requires attention to detail and the correct sequence of actions.

What is the best approach: building a gaming PC yourself or buying a pre-built one?

Building a gaming computer in 2025 provides flexibility, savings, and control over every detail. Ready-made solutions limit choices, impose unnecessary options, and do not allow for fully optimizing performance for specific tasks. Building a computer by yourself means avoiding overpaying for a brand, inefficient components, and questionable assembly services.

The decision to build a PC yourself allows you to choose the perfect components in terms of price and power ratio in 2025. Reduce noise through quality cooling and organize cable management without unnecessary elements.

Pre-built systems often limit upgrades, whereas a self-configured setup opens the way for easy upgrades.

What components are needed to build a PC?

Building a gaming computer without errors requires precise selection of PC components in 2025. Each element affects the final performance and system stability. Key components include:

1. Central Processing Unit. AMD B650 or Intel Z790 chipset ensures compatibility with current processors. A frequency of 4.5 GHz and above guarantees stable 120 FPS in modern games.
2. Graphics Card. RTX 4070 Ti or Radeon RX 7800 XT handle games at 2K resolution on high settings. Performance directly depends on the choice of the graphics accelerator.
3. Random Access Memory. DDR5 modules with a frequency of 6000 MHz provide fast data transfer and minimize lags.
4. Storage Drives. A solid-state drive with a capacity of at least 1 TB with PCIe 4.0 interface speeds up game loading. A 2 TB hard drive is suitable for storing large files.
5. Motherboard. Support for necessary slots, connectors, ports, and modern standards is a mandatory requirement.
6. Power Supply Unit. A 750 W power supply with 80+ Gold certification ensures stable power even under maximum load.
7. Case. Effective ventilation and proper cable management reduce temperature and noise levels.

The correct selection and compatibility of all components are key to stable operation and maximum performance. Proper assembly considering all details allows you to unleash the system’s potential and avoid critical errors in the future.

How to build a gaming computer yourself: what needs to be done

The correct assembly order ensures reliability and convenience for future maintenance. Equipping and self-assembly of a PC

— step-by-step instructions eliminate errors and save time.

Preparing Tools

Before starting assembly, prepare a set of Phillips screwdrivers, an anti-static glove, thermal paste, and a set of cable ties.

Installing the Power Supply Unit

Install the power supply unit in the lower compartment of the case. Mounting it in the correct orientation ensures quality cooling and minimal noise. Route the cables neatly through the rear case panels for convenient routing.

Installing the Motherboard

Secure the motherboard with a suitable chipset to the stands inside the case. All connectors remain accessible, and memory and graphics card slots are not obstructed.

Installing the Processor

Carefully install the processor into the socket, lock it in place, and apply thermal paste. Precise alignment in the key slot prevents damage to the pins.

Installing the Cooling System

Secure the cooling strictly according to the instructions. Air coolers or liquid systems are securely attached to the processor for efficient heat transfer. It is important to ensure proper ventilation: front fans supply air, while top and rear fans exhaust hot air.

Installing the RAM

Insert memory modules into the designated slots, evenly distributing them for dual-channel mode. The latches securely lock the modules in place.

Installing the Graphics Card

Install the graphics card in the top PCIe slot. A snug fit and quality connection of additional power ensure stable operation of the graphics processor.

Connecting Storage Drives

Secure the solid-state drive in the M.2 slot or attach it to the corresponding locations in the case. Install the hard drive in the 3.5-inch bay and connect it with SATA cables.

Connecting Cables

Connect power, data transfer, and system button cables to their respective connectors. Proper cable management minimizes interference and improves ventilation.

Final Check

After full assembly, check all fastenings for reliability. Carefully inspect all connectors and cables before the initial startup.

How to build a gaming computer yourself with maximum benefit

Monitoring prices in major retailers and specialized stores allows you to choose components on sale. Building a gaming computer with maximum benefit means considering seasonal discounts, pre-orders for new models, and analyzing the combination of price and performance.

Comparing prices on different platforms and participating in sales like “Black Friday” can save up to 20% of the budget. It is important to consider the cost of delivery and the availability of official warranties for each component.

How to build a gaming computer qualitatively and rationally: tips

The right approach to choosing and assembling a gaming PC helps avoid common mistakes. Effective assembly requires attention to detail:

1. Select components considering compatibility by chipset, slots, and ports.
2. A case with effective ventilation reduces temperature and noise levels.
3. A powerful power supply unit with a margin withstands loads during upgrades.
4. Arrange cables using ties to improve airflow.
5. Using quality thermal paste reduces the processor’s operating temperature.
6. After assembly, install drivers for each component and perform stress testing.
7. System optimization through BIOS and driver updates enhances stability.
8. Regular upgrades extend the relevance of the configuration and maintain high performance.

Testing new components helps identify hidden defects in time, and proper ventilation setup reduces noise and extends the equipment’s service life.

Conclusion

Building a gaming computer is a key question for gamers aiming to achieve maximum performance and stability. Understanding how to build a gaming computer allows you to create a powerful, reliable, and cost-effective gaming solution. Personal assembly of a gaming PC in 2025 provides significant advantages in flexibility, savings, and choosing the best components without unnecessary overpayments.