Introduction
In 2025, strategy games remain one of the deepest and most rewarding genres in gaming. From 4X empire builders to grand strategy simulators and real-world tactical warfare titles, players can command civilizations, lead armies, and dive into complex strategic systems. Here are the five best strategy games defining the genre this year.
1. Civilization VII – Ultimate 4X Strategy Experience
Category: Turn-Based 4X Strategy
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII continues the iconic 4X tradition:
- Build and expand your civilization through ages
- Multiple victory conditions (culture, science, domination)
- Deep diplomatic and technological systems
- Large historical maps to explore
- Available on multiple platforms including PC, consoles
2. Europa Universalis V – Grand Strategy at a Massive Scale
Category: Grand Strategy
Europa Universalis V pushes grand strategy boundaries with:
- Control over nation-state growth and diplomacy
- Economy, warfare, and colonization choices
- Period spanning centuries of history
- New automation options for focus management
- Deep strategic options for veteran players
3. 9 Kings – Roguelike Kingdom Strategy
Category: Strategy / Roguelike
The indie hit 9 Kings blends strategy with roguelike and deck-building mechanics:
- Build and manage your kingdom
- Strategic tower defense combat
- Unique card-based progression system
- Challenging, replayable scenarios
- Early access success on PC
4. Anno 117: Pax Romana – Deep City-Building & Strategy
Category: Real-Time Strategy / City Builder
Anno 117: Pax Romana combines deep economic strategy with a rich historical setting:
- Manage city states in Ancient Rome
- Strategic balancing of loyalty vs. rebellion
- Economic and military planning
- Large maps and diverse provinces
- Strong critical reception
5. Broken Arrow – Modern Warfare Tactics
Category: Real-Time Tactical Strategy
Broken Arrow delivers modern military strategy action:
- Command American and Russian forces
- Deep unit customization systems
- Battlefield tactics with real-world weaponry
- Large maps and mission variety
- Community excitement around strategic depth
Conclusion
The Top 5 strategy games of 2025—Civilization VII, Europa Universalis V, 9 Kings, Anno 117: Pax Romana, and Broken Arrow—offer rich strategic depth, diverse settings, and engaging tactical gameplay. Whether you enjoy empire building, historical conquest, or tactical warfare, this list represents the best the genre has to offer this year.
