The Best Strategy Games of All Time

The 17 best Strategy games

19 votes

Fire Emblem: Awakening

Nintendo 3DS / DS

RPG Tactical RPG Strategy

Survey scores · avg 4.6/5

Story4.5

Gameplay4.6

Graphics4.6

Music4.7

Character4.7

Fire Emblem: Awakening was supposed to the franchise's last hurrah but it became the entry that saved it. Fire Emblem: Awakening is a tactical RPG where you have to fight against the evil of another time, trying to save a future that was once doomed. It defined the modern Fire Emblem formula with a playable avatar making you more connected to the story and its characters. There was endless possibilities with unit-building as when you paired units together romantically, their children will show up later to be recruitable with their parent's traits. It was also accommodating to new players with a casual gamemode.

Survey voice

Cass / 30s / Female
This game was so exploitable with the learnable skills and job change. I was able to put just 4 characters in the map and block all incoming enemies with them. But what I loved about this the most is the story, at least in this game the children makes sense (unlike fe fates). It still has that old Fire Emblem games feel, unlike the new ones now.

Sicat / 20s / Male
First FE game that I played and what a great game that is supposed to be the swan song for the series. I absolutely liked the marriage system and having children inherit the parent skills. Story is typical time travel change the past stuff but still enjoyable. Character designs are top notch. Gameplay is great

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19 votes

Arknights

Smartphone

StrategyTower DefenseGacha

Survey scores · avg 4.5/5

Story4.8

Gameplay4.3

Graphics4.2

Music4.7

Character4.8

Arknights is a tactical tower defense strategy game featuring a cast of breathtaking characters, an expansive lore, and gameplay depth that can challenge players' puzzle and problem-solving skills. Each event features its own mechanics, giving players a fresh and novel experience for each stage while constantly challenging them with new hurdles to overcome. Its story dabbles primarily in the topics of hope and political affairs, with each chapter letting players experience the various events and cultures present in its world, Terra. Those who enjoy a challenge, crafting and employing their own strategies, experiencing a story with incredible worldbuilding, or those who simply enjoy stunning art and music will come to appreciate Arknights.

Survey voice

Elmer
Phenomenal worldbuilding, and the gameplay constantly finds ways to make itself challenging. Out of all the gachas I've played, Arknights is the least "brute force-y" of its kind, since you can't just steamroll the stages with the latest, strongest character at the highest rarity. There are plenty of strategies to employ, plenty of options to pick, and the characters at low rarities or were released long ago still sees relevance depending on the strategy you make, or simply picking your favorite characters and strategizing around them is also possible.

Mango / 20s / Male
Honestly, hooked over by how they handle this game. The gameplay is very interesting, the story and worldbuilding is something that can't be found in other gacha games, and the music is made by a 100/10 chef.

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8 votes

Fate/Grand Order

Smartphone

Strategy Gacha

Survey scores · avg 4.2/5

Story5.0

Gameplay3.4

Graphics4.1

Music4.2

Character5.0

Fate/Grand Order is a beautifully written visual novel with a gacha game attached to it. The gameplay revolves around Servants, summoned from stories, myths, and various points in history to aid you in your battles. The game will bring you all over the world and all over time, all to save the present and give it a future.

Survey voice

Jowi / 20s / Prefer not to say
In terms of story, this is easily the best gacha game. However, I also understand why a lot of people are vastly intimidated by its gameplay. It's admittedly old compared to its modern gacha rivals, but I think FGO is worth playing simply to experience its wonderful story. It has made me cry numerous times, even though it did take a while to get past the slow beginning that it has.

よねさん / 30代 / 男性
A game where you enjoy the story and the Noble Phantasm presentations. An auto feature still isn't implemented, but I've even come to think that not having it is more FGO-like and good. The gacha rates on this one are crap too.
Show original (日本語)
ストーリーと宝具の演出を楽しむゲーム。いまだにオート機能は実装されてないが、最早ないほうがFGOらしくて良いとまで思ってる。こちらもガチャの確率はクソ

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8 votes

Pokémon TCG Pocket

Smartphone

StrategyCard GameGacha

Survey scores · avg 3.0/5

Story1.4

Gameplay4.0

Graphics3.6

Music3.1

Character4.4

Pokémon TCG Pocket is the fun-filled mobile experience to get into the franchise's popular trading card game. Open exclusive digital card packs and build up a collection of your favorite Pokémon that can be displayed on a showcase for your friends to see. Trade cards with others and pick up some of those cards that aren't showing up in packs. Engage in a unique version of the card game better suited to mobile platforms and build powerful decks that will compete with even the strongest Trainers. It's for fans of the franchise and new players alike who want a casual, accessible TCG experience filled with the cute, cool, and sometimes terrifying Pokémon we all know and love.

Survey voice

Kevin
It's a game where most of the categories barely apply, but the nice thing about Poke Poke is the little bit of daily happiness of just drawing cards each day. Even for people who find doing daily tasks a hassle, just drawing is super easy, and trading and sharing on the side are fun too, and when a good one occasionally comes from another player on its own, it's happy after all. I have periods where I do battles and periods where I don't, but since the downside of not doing them isn't big, the design that lets you come back anytime is appreciated too.
Show original (日本語)
項目がほとんど関係ないようなゲームだが、ポケポケは毎日カードを引くだけのちょっとした嬉しいことがあるのはポイント。毎日やることをこなすことが面倒な人でも、引くだけはすごく簡単で、ついでにトレードとシェアするのも楽しくて、たまにいいのが他のプレイヤーから勝手にくるとやっぱり嬉しい。私はバトルをやる時期とやらない時期があるが、やらなくてもデメリットが大きくないのでいつでも復活できる作りもありがたい。

MF / 20s / Male
I just like collecting Pokemon cards without being charged crazy amounts by scalpers.

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7 votes

Pokémon Champions

Nintendo Switch 2

Strategy Turn-Based Multiplayer

Survey scores · avg 3.8/5

Story1.7

Gameplay4.7

Graphics4.7

Music4.0

Character4.7

Pokemon Champions is the Pokemon Company's extremely successful attempt at making competitive Pokemon accessible to the widest possible audience. Due to being entirely free and accessible using a mobile device, it has broken down the two biggest entry barriers to the franchise since the series' debut: the cost of the console, and the cost of the game. It is a completely stripped down Pokemon experience, retaining only the strategic turn-based battles the franchise has been known for. This also means that it is entirely streamlined, allowing for almost zero friction between players and the experience.

Survey voice

葉桜
A groundbreaking title that makes Pokémon battling easy. Until now, you had to boot up a game, open the battle screen, and go through the hassle of connecting online. It's also appealing that you no longer have to rush to enter the Hall of Fame just to battle, or pour huge amounts of time and resources into training. The one letdown is that, despite there being a story, there's almost nothing to it.
Show original (日本語)
ポケモン対戦を手軽に行えるようになった画期的タイトルです。今まではゲームを起動してから対戦画面を開き、オンライン接続する手間が生じていました。対戦のために急いで殿堂入りする必要もなく、育成のために多大な時間・リソースを投じる必要がなくなったのも魅力です。ストーリーは用意されている割にほとんどないというのが寂しいところです。

Male
I love Pokemon because of the style. Plus it can train the mind on how to strategize and it can also help with general knowledge. Love this game but it can also drain battery and theres no story. But all through that its one of the best games

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6 votes

Pikmin 2

Nintendo GameCube

StrategyRTS

Survey scores · avg 4.3/5

Story3.8

Gameplay4.8

Graphics4.5

Music4.2

Character4.5

Pikmin 2 is an RTS puzzle game where you command an army of various types of Pikmin, each with its own unique abilities that can help you solve puzzles, defeat enemies, and explore the world. Its emphasis on exploration and unique gameplay makes it one of the best games on the Nintendo GameCube.

Survey voice

よねさん / 30代 / 男性
A game where Purple Pikmin and the Bitter Spray broke the game balance. The final boss fight and the underwater castle stage were high in difficulty and exceptionally rewarding. Olimar's treasure commentary and Louie's creature commentary are funny, so please do check them out.
Show original (日本語)
紫ピクミンとゲキニガスプレーでゲームバランスが崩壊したゲーム。ラスボス戦と水中の城のステージは難易度が高くやりごたえは抜群だった。オリマーのお宝解説とルーイの生き物解説が面白いのでぜひ見てほしい。

しろあん / 20代 / 男性
Pikmin 2 was a good work with a slightly dark world and setting, and an encyclopedia where you can read Olimar's and Louie's respective commentaries. The mission mode you can do in multiplayer is also a fine work you can enjoy with friends.
Show original (日本語)
ピクミン2は少しダークな世界観と設定、オリマーとルーイそれぞれの解説が見れる図鑑が良い作品でした。マルチで行うことができるミッションモードも友人とワイワイ楽しめる良作です

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6 votes

Dota 2

Steam (PC)

StrategyMOBAMultiplayer

Survey scores · avg 4.1/5

Story2.4

Gameplay5.0

Graphics4.7

Music4.4

Character4.7

Dota 2, the grandfather of the modern MOBA genre, is one of the most enduring games of the past two decades. From a humble Warcraft III mod, the game's depth, team-work, strategizing, and mechanical skill-ceiling would catapult the game to a near legendary status for gamers who want to sink their teeth into one of the most diffcult, yet rewarding five versus five team games out there.

Survey voice

Zach / 20s / Prefer not to say
This game is a miserable, wretched, time sink that will drain all of your life-force and turn you into a husk of a person. Would recommend. It allowed me to make friends from all over the world and bond with my classmates when I was younger.

Piolo / 30s / Male
A purely pvp game, the moments are too many to mention, but clutch plays are always unforgettable.

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6 votes

Pikmin

Nintendo GameCube

StrategyRTS

Survey scores · avg 4.1/5

Story4.4

Gameplay4.4

Graphics3.4

Music4.2

Character3.8

Pikmin is a unique entry by Nintendo for the GameCube, for it is their attempt to step into the realms of Real-Time Strategy by featuring the titular Pikmin in an attempt to collect several mission-based items, take down potential attackers and stay alive for 30 days (around 15 in-game minutes) while assisting the one and only Captain Olimar before they all get overwhelmed. This game features some aspect of strategy games and puzzle-solving which, may prove challenging but rewarding to its playerbase, hence why its spawned a series of sequels since.

Survey voice

いしだ
A memory of giving up because the Empress Bulblax was gross. Even if you think "cute" for a moment, it's a trauma-manufacturing machine that makes you unable to watch the Pikmin meet cruel fates. Still, figuring out how to progress efficiently within a limited time, and the gimmick puzzles, were fun, and after all, the Pikmin that keep increasing are cute. When all my Red Pikmin fell into the water due to a C-stick control mistake, I was truly depressed and in a daze. There are sequels too, but I still love the atmosphere of the earliest days of Olimar and the Pikmin's adventure.
Show original (日本語)
クイーンチャッピーが気持ち悪くて挫折した思い出。一瞬可愛いかな？と思っても残酷な目にあうピクミンたちを見てられなくなるトラウマ製造機。ただ限られた時間の中でどう効率よく進めるかと、ギミックの謎解きは楽しかったし、やっぱり増えていくピクミンはかわいい。赤ピクミンをCスティックの操作ミスでみんな水に落ちた時は本当に落ち込んで放心状態だった。続編もあるけど、オリマーとピクミンたちの冒険の最初期の雰囲気が今もすきです

ゆーじ / 30代 / 男性
A masterpiece where the Pikmin you fail to stow back on the ship getting eaten at night, as if made an example of, really got to my heart.
Show original (日本語)
船にしまいそこねたピクミンが、夜脱出するときに見せしめみたいに食われるのがなかなか心に来た名作。

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6 votes

Balatro

Smartphone

StrategyCard GameTurn-Based

Survey scores · avg 4.0/5

Story2.0

Gameplay5.0

Graphics4.5

Music4.7

Character3.4

Balatro is a poker-inspired roguelike deck-building game where players build increasingly powerful decks to defeat a series of escalating blinds by scoring enough chips with poker hands. The focus is creating high-scoring combinations by strategically upgrading your deck throughoout each run. Between rounds, players can choose Jokers, Tarot cards, Planet cards, Spectral cards, and other enhancements that inroduce powerful effects and unique synergies, which makes every run different from the rest. Balatro combines familiar rules of poker with the replayability and progression of roguelike games, encouraging experimentation and rewarding creative strategies in every run.

Survey voice

Isa / 20s / Female
Until now, I still pull out Balatro to pass the time. It's incredibly addictive, and each run always feels different and fun.

Kiko / 20s / Male
If you've played Balatro, you know why Hahaha. Insanely addictive game and I don't even know stuff about poker.

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6 votes

Teamfight Tactics

Smartphone

StrategyAuto BattlerMultiplayer

Survey scores · avg 3.9/5

Story1.8

Gameplay5.0

Graphics4.5

Music4.2

Character4.7

The best auto-battler out there, Teamfight Tactics is Riot Game's take on this kind of game. It's a game about managing your economy, choosing the correct item components, and building the fitting team composition to match the current condition the game gives you so there is a factor of luck and the skill that comes with managing luck. It's a round per round battler where the last one standing of eight players is the winner. Riot Games also releases "sets" every 4 months meaning they change up the kind of units and gimmicks the game offers you to keep it fresh every single time.

Survey voice

なぎさ / 20代 / 男性
An auto-battle game where 8 players fight on the same board, aiming to be the last one standing. Luck and strategy intertwine exquisitely, letting you unfold a deep battle of wits. It uses LoL characters, and the character art is highly polished. Since thinking power and judgment are important, it's recommended for people who like refining their forces or card games. Playable on both smartphone and PC.
Show original (日本語)
8人のプレイヤーが同じ盤面で戦い、最後の1人になることを目指すオートバトルゲーム。運と戦略が絶妙に絡み合う、奥深い頭脳戦を繰り広げられる。 LOLのキャラを使用しており、キャライラストの完成度が高い。考える力と判断力が重要なので、戦力を練ったりカードゲームなどが好きな人におすすめ。スマホとPCでプレイ可能。

もりちゃん / 30代 / 男性
A tactically rich auto chess. When it comes to PvP games, it's handled by Riot Games, the finest, so there's no going wrong, no more words needed. Updates are frequent and the tuning is good too, always providing a new experience.
Show original (日本語)
戦術性に富んだオートチェス。PVPゲームにかけては最高峰のライアットゲームスが手掛けているので間違いがない、これ以上の言葉は必要ないだろう。アップデートも小まめで調整もうまく、常に新しい体験を提供してくれる。

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5 votes

Clash Royale

Smartphone

StrategyRTSMultiplayer

Survey scores · avg 3.7/5

Story2.0

Gameplay5.0

Graphics4.4

Music3.4

Character5.0

Clash Royale is a hybrid of RTS, tower defense, and a card game. Build your own unique deck and rally them against the opponent's king to win. You can play solo or battle with a friend to double the chaos, but also the fun! A single match can only last a few minutes, making it a great game to play anytime, anywhere.

Survey voice

Sean / 20s / Male
I like that even if your cards' levels are not that high, you can still win as long as you play them right. I even saw some players using only level 1 cards on higher trophies

Ray / 20s / Male
Never a Clash of Clans guy but Clash Royale hooked me. Great game imo.

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5 votes

League of Legends: Wild Rift

Smartphone

StrategyMOBAMultiplayer

Survey scores · avg 3.7/5

Story2.4

Gameplay4.4

Graphics4.6

Music3.4

Character5.0

League of Legends: Wild Rift is the mobile version of League of Legends, Riot Games' 5v5 MOBA on PC. It takes elements from the original game to create simpler, faster games for gamers on their phone. True to its PC counterpart, gameplay involves 2 teams of 5 players split across 3 lanes and a jungle area. Farm minions for gold, buy items in your base, and fight as a team to win the game!

Survey voice

Zam / 20s / Male
It's like bite-sized League or League in packets. You get to finish games in 18-21 minutes then go on with your day. Less complex than MOBAs on PC but also much more complex than other MOBAs on mobile. I decided to get good at it and I think I owe a lot of my improvement as a gamer overall to this game.

Yuri / 20s / Male
Wild Rift is probably the game I’ve played the most on my phone. It’s basically League of Legends, but, in my opinion, better. The matches feel more streamlined, the map is smaller, and the shorter game length makes everything feel more fast-paced and fun.

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5 votes

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang

Smartphone

StrategyMOBAMultiplayer

Survey scores · avg 3.6/5

Story2.8

Gameplay4.2

Graphics4.2

Music3.2

Character4.4

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) is created by Moontoon and features five-player teams competing to destroy each other's base while defending their own. Players select heroes with special powers/abilities, and teams must cooperate to win the match, which lasts ten to twenty minutes. The key to victory is defeating enemy heroes and controlling key targets such as the Lord and turrets. Different roles are key to a successful team: mages deal magical damage, marksmen provide steady damage, fighters apply pressure, assassins target key/core enemies, tanks create space, and supports boost team survival. Understanding these roles helps players contribute effectively and improve their chances of winning.

Survey voice

Lina / 30s / Female
I enjoyed playing this game with my previous work friends much more than I did alone. We often used our lunch breaks to play a round or two, and the thrill of defending and winning before our break ended created some of my happiest moments with the game. While some of the character skins are appealing, they aren’t enticing enough for me to spend real money on them. Additionally, there isn't much of a storyline or music to enjoy, so my decision to play now mostly depends on my mood.

Dea / 20s / Female
What makes Mobile Legends special for me is how easy it is to jump into a match and have fun, whether playing solo or with friends. The gameplay is fast-paced and engaging, and the variety of heroes keeps things fresh. While the story isn't a major focus, the character designs and overall presentation make the game enjoyable.

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4 votes

Pokémon Battle Revolution

Nintendo Wii

Strategy Turn-Based

Survey scores · avg 3.8/5

Story2.0

Gameplay4.5

Graphics4.5

Music4.0

Character4.5

The third battle focused simulator for the series, Pokemon Battle Revolution focuses on just battling and viewing your Pokemon in beautiful 3D graphics. Being able to transfer your Pokemon from the DS Games, battle to your hearts content and use the Wii's Wi-Fi Connection to battle anyone in the world in stunning graphics.

Survey voice

Lucas / 20s / Male
This became the party game for me and my Pokemon loving cousins and brother. I enjoyed being able to take the Pokemon from several playthroughs into this one arena where they can all be together. If anything, it's the memories that made this game for me.

きおさ / 30代 / 男性
Since Hypnosis has a 70% accuracy in this game, overall, it's a game where I recommend spamming Hypnosis.
Show original (日本語)
催眠術の命中率が70%であるため、催眠術を撃つのがおすすめのゲーム

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4 votes

Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters 4: Battle of Great Duelists

Game Boy / Game Boy Color

StrategyCard Game

Survey scores · avg 3.4/5

Originally released only in Japan for the Game Boy Color, Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters 4 was difficult for many international players to experience due to the lack of an English translation. That changed with the release of the Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection in 2025, which officially localized the game for the first time. Based on the Battle City arc, players choose between Yugi, Kaiba, or Joey and duel familiar characters while collecting cards to build stronger decks. Although it uses older Yu-Gi-Oh! mechanics that differ from the modern game, it remains a nostalgic entry that captures the series' early days.

Survey voice

よねさん / 30代 / 男性
Game software I bought because I wanted the bonus card. It had rules different from the original Yu-Gi-Oh, where the number of tributes needed for a summon changed depending on the stats, but I enjoyed it plenty. The monster with 1350 attack is the strongest.
Show original (日本語)
特典のカードが欲しくて買ったゲームソフト。ステータスによって召喚に必要な生贄数が変わるという本来の遊戯王と違うルールだったが十分楽しめた。攻撃力1350のモンスターが最強

Ray / 20s / Male
Just realizing now that I've played a lot of gameboy games that are not in english and only in JP. I do remember that a relative of mine from japan gifted my their GB, GBA, and DS consoles to me with a lot of JP exclusive games.

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2 votes

Pokémon Trading Card Game

Game Boy / Game Boy Color

StrategyCard Game

Survey scores · avg 3.6/5

Pokemon Trading Card Game is a portable version of the real life TCG, with both a single-player adventure mode that also has multiplayer trading and battling. It's a great game for players to familiarize themselves with the TCG without spending money on packs/cards, and for fans who enjoy the deckbuilding aspect leading into an adventure.

Survey voice

David G / 30s / Male
I loved playing the TCG in real life, and seeing it available on a video game made me very happy.

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1 votes

Pokémon UNITE

Nintendo Switch 2

StrategyMOBAMultiplayer

Survey scores · avg 5.0/5

Gameplay5.0

Character5.0

Pokemon UNITE is a free-to-play MOBA game set in the Pokemon universe. Breaking from the game franchise's signature 1v1 turn-based gameplay, Pokemon UNITE gives fans a new way to experience Pokemon in an action-packed 5v5 team battle. Pick your Pokemon, equip items, level up, and score as many points within the time limit to dominate the competition.

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Platforms in this genre

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FAQ

How were these best Strategy games chosen?

From a survey of 241 players. Games are ranked by mention count, then average score, with votes combined across platforms.

What is the top Strategy game?

Fire Emblem: Awakening ranks #1 with 19 votes.

How to find the best Strategy games

The best Strategy games according to 241 surveyed players — ranked by votes with average score as the tie-breaker, with platform links and curated player comments.

Still thinking about a game we missed?

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