Strategy is still one of the most popular video game genres out there, and within such a niche area there are still plenty of different titles in a variety of settings and styles for fans to explore. There are traditional RTS games that let players command armies and ships across medieval lands, futuristic simulators that take strategy to the skies, and even completely different versions of the genre's methodical gameplay.
Just around the corner, there are plenty of interesting games for strategy fans to sink their teeth into, ranging from sequels to new IPs from indie developers. What does the future of strategy so exciting is that with each new iteration comes improvements to both gameplay and graphics, allowing classic franchises and newcomers to look better than ever, while retaining the core DNA that strategy lovers have enjoyed for decades.
Anno 117: Pax Romana
Shape the Roman Empire
Anno 117: Pax Romana takes the legendary strategy series back to the early days of civilization during the height of the Roman Empire. Players have all the tools they need to build and design entire cities from the ground up, optimizing all aspects of city governance, from balancing the needs of the people to defending against rival empires both on land and at sea.
What makes the game so exciting is the level of depth in each game element. Anno has always been a leader in gameplay and visual detail, and this entry is no different, with individual elements that stand out throughout, ensuring that every moment feels alive with movement. As they expand their empire, players must deal with the consequences of their actions, making decisions about which gods to follow, which policies to implement, and even whether to defy the Emperor himself, all leading to outcomes that will dictate success and failure in the future.
Europa Universalis 5
Dominance over centuries
Europa Universalis 5 is the next entry in Paradox's grand strategy franchise, and the scope is bigger than ever. Players literally watch history unfold before them, as half a millennium of stories are told across an entire world. As always, the focus is on the technical aspects of the genre, such as building the city-states and deciding where to lead armies next, making it a deeply tactical experience that trades modern visuals for a more engaging gameplay loop.
Unlike many other strategy games, Europa Universalis 5 really emphasizes the player's skill expression and knowledge, and there are plenty of opportunities for veteran players to display their abilities with an even wider range than before. Plan management strategies, build long-lasting infrastructure, negotiate peace through diplomacy; the game really has it all, and it looks to be one of the most complete historical simulations ever made.
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 4
Back to the strategic roots
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 4 takes players back to the explosive RTS roots that created Warhammer so popular in the first place. Where other strategy games prefer story, Dawn of War leans heavily into its dark future, combining mech warfare with large-scale tactical combat to deliver gameplay that should impress newcomers to the franchise and satisfy returning players as well.
The main draw is the campaign, with over 70 missions for players to take on across multiple factions, giving them more than enough content to explore before testing their skills against other players. But the game modes don't end there. With modes like Last Stand and Skirmish returning, there are even more ways to play, allowing players to configure battles however they want and adding an extra layer of replayability to an already expansive game.
Mewgenics
Mix Binding of Isaac with Tactical Cats
Mewgenics is a brand new RPG from the minds of Edmund McMillen and Tyler Glaiel, best known for games like The Binding of Isaac and Super meat boy. It looks to be a mix of comedy and strategy in a cat-filled world. Players are given multiple cats to start their adventure, each with specific roles and skills, and must fight their way through more and more challenging grids full of grotesque enemies and other challenges to overcome.
Mewgenics combines everything from tactical positioning to breeding, satisfying players who enjoy strategic battles but also providing something for lovers of life simulators. Also, the roguelike formula gives it massive replay value, something that made it The Binding of Isaac popular in the first place, so players will have a significant amount of gameplay to enjoy in a game that is equal parts strategy and satire.
Whiskerwood
The age-old tale of cat versus mouse
Whiskerwood takes the concept of city building and replaces humans with sentient mice, all working to please the feline overlords who rule the land. The game is incredibly unique, with many details placed in every aspect of the game, from the production lines to crossing the sea, but all these elements are underlined by a sweet feeling thanks to the silly puns and adorable mice that perform the daily actions.
Complexity is everything here. Players must decide how to expand their settlements while working with limited space, while managing the intricate production lines that are critical to meeting the demands of the ruling cats. It's a game that takes the satisfaction of construction very seriously, with every built conveyor belt and every walkway fitting together like a perfect jigsaw. Players will very quickly discover that the only real limit to their creations is their own imagination, as they truly have all the tools needed to create the ideal island civilization.
