Top 10 budget video cards in 2025 – decent performance without overpaying

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

Strategy 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

The 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.

Planning the assembly of an affordable gaming computer in 2025 requires a careful approach and a detailed analysis of the component market. The question of how to build a budget gaming PC becomes particularly relevant when the goal is to combine reasonable cost and decent performance!

To save money, it is important to determine priorities in advance, analyze the cost of components, and consider possible upgrades!

Features of choosing components for a budget build

Many believe that a budget gaming computer cannot handle modern projects. In practice, the question of how to build a gaming PC boils down to the ability to find a balance between price and power. The key factor is the use of previous generations of processors and graphics cards that still support current games. For example, the Ryzen 5 5600 processor or Core i5 12400F combined with an RTX 3060 graphics card show stable results at Full HD resolution.

Additionally, it is important to consider the quality of the power supply unit and cooling system. Even with a limited budget, it is recommended to purchase a PSU with a certification no lower than Bronze to avoid overheating issues and ensure stable power supply.

How to build a gaming PC without exceeding the budget?

There is a common question – how much does it cost to build a computer in 2025 with minimal expenses. On average, the cost of such a build ranges from $700 to $1000, including an NVMe solid-state drive and a case with basic ventilation. To reduce costs, it makes sense to use second-hand graphics cards from reputable sellers.

To understand how to build a PC yourself, it is recommended to start by studying the compatibility of chipsets, memory, and graphics cards. Mistakes during the planning stage can lead to unforeseen expenses and the need to exchange components.

10 hacks for saving on components

When creating a budget PC, there are many ways to save while maintaining a reasonable level of performance. A list of proven hacks will help you understand the nuances and avoid unnecessary expenses:

• buy components on sale and during seasonal clearances;
• choose a motherboard without extra features but with reliable CPU power delivery;
• prefer cases without lighting and additional decorative elements;
• use coolers included with the CPU if low load is expected;
• select a chipset with BIOS update support without a CPU installed;
• purchase memory with minimal heatsinks since appearance does not affect performance;
• look for graphics cards with lower factory frequencies and simple cooling – manual overclocking is possible;
• monitor announcements for the sale of components with user forum warranties;
• evaluate shipping costs, as large purchases from foreign platforms can be more expensive;
• delay the purchase of a large-capacity solid-state drive, starting with 500 GB.

Applying these recommendations allows you to build a balanced system at a minimal cost without sacrificing performance.

How to choose components for a PC in 2025?

Careful selection of components in 2025 is considered the foundation of a successful build. With a limited budget, it is recommended to choose motherboards with B550 or B660 chipsets. They provide the necessary functionality and future upgradeability. Installing an NVMe SSD even in a budget computer speeds up system boot times and reduces application response times.

Many strive to understand how to build a gaming PC that can operate quietly. For this, simple 120mm fans with reduced speed are used. It is also advisable to avoid excessive use of lighting, as it only increases the cost of the final configuration.

Correct order of assembling a computer yourself

Assembly must be done in a strict sequence. If you decide to build a computer yourself in 2025, remember that neglecting the order increases the risk of damaging components. It is important to pay special attention to cables during the process! Neat cable management improves ventilation and simplifies future maintenance. Step-by-step computer assembly instructions:

• prepare the workspace, organize all parts by assembly zones;
• remove protective covers from connectors and slots;
• install the processor, mount the cooling system;
• place the RAM modules;
• prepare the case and install the motherboard;
• connect power cables and interfaces;
• install the graphics card and storage drives;
• close the case, check the components’ fixation;
• power on the system and verify successful boot.

The sequence of actions is especially important for those learning how to build a gaming PC, as it ensures correct installation and avoids component conflicts!

10 hacks for optimizing and updating drivers

To ensure stable operation and achieve maximum performance, attention must be paid to the software side. A list of proven tips for system setup is presented below:

• update graphics card drivers immediately after OS installation;
• activate XMP profiles for memory overclocking;
• disable Windows visual effects for FPS boost;
• use temperature monitoring programs;
• install only necessary drivers, avoiding third-party utilities;
• regularly check for BIOS updates on the manufacturer’s website;
• choose the “Maximum Performance” power setting;
• configure fan control in the BIOS;
• optimize program startup;
• use an SSD as the primary drive.

Proper software configuration is more important than expensive components as it allows you to fully unleash the hardware’s potential.

How to avoid overpaying for unnecessary features?

Many wonder how to build a gaming PC without overpaying for unnecessary options. Often, sellers offer motherboards with additional controllers, RGB lighting, and expensive reinforced slots. In real-world conditions, such enhancements do not affect FPS. The key factors remain stable power delivery and compatibility with modern processors.

A reasonable solution is to choose a simple case equipped with basic fans and sufficient space for installing a graphics card. Even with limited finances, such a build easily handles most popular games.

Conclusion

In 2025, knowing how to build a gaming PC allows any gamer to get a balanced system without significant expenses. The right combination of components, thorough testing, and regular optimization ensure high performance levels and comfortable use for many years.