The best global strategies on PC. The best old strategies

A true classic - the first 3D game from Blizzard and one of the best strategies in principle.

When it released in 2002, Warcraft III had it all. Wonderful graphics, which, thanks to the unique style, look good even now, exciting gameplay with role-playing elements that influenced the entire RTS genre, a gorgeous plot in a well-thought-out universe, and support for mods.

If it weren't for Warcraft III, there would be neither DotA nor the MOBA genre as such.

2. XCOM: Enemy Unknown

Tactical strategy on PC in which you need to defend the Earth from aliens.

The main thing about XCOM is the constant need to take on challenges. Who should you send on a difficult mission: a veteran who will have a better chance of winning, or a newbie who you won’t mind losing? Which one should be given more powerful armor or a gun? Should you order the fighters to attack the strongest alien or deal with the smaller enemies first?

Every aspect of the game - managing the base, changing character equipment and the battles themselves - is incredibly exciting.

3. Company of Heroes

In appearance this is the most ordinary strategy game, but in reality Company of Heroes is one of the most humane games about war. This is because the player rarely has more than a few squads under his command (unlike several dozen units in traditional RTS). You worry about the fighters as much as you do about yourself and build tactics in such a way as to ensure their survival.

With an advanced graphics engine for its time and thoughtful missions, Company of Heroes shows the brutality of war. No matter how hard you try, people still die - this is the price of victory.

4. StarCraft II

StarCraft II is the world's premier eSports strategy game. Every millimeter of the map, every character's special ability, every building available for construction - everything is mathematically verified to generate the most exciting matches possible. It’s not for nothing that tournaments in the game take place almost every couple of weeks, and the prize pools in them reach up to $700,000.

If you don't really like microcontrol and multitasking, then StarCraft II also has a great single-player campaign. It has an excellent plot about the confrontation between three races and various types of missions. Plus, you don’t have to click the mouse so much to complete it.

5. Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak

6. Supreme Commander

The spiritual successor to Total Annihilation, which improves and expands on the ideas of the original. Essentially, this is a game about leisurely battles of huge people on giant maps.

Matches in Supreme Commander rarely last less than an hour. This time is needed to build a base with a balanced economy and prepare enough combat units to destroy the enemy.

Supreme Commander is a grand strategy game in every sense. The number of fighters on one side sometimes reaches a thousand, and you need to think through your actions at least 10 minutes in advance.

7. Total War: Shogun 2

Among the games in the Total War series, it is difficult to choose the best, but Lifehacker chose Shogun 2. Of all the modern parts, it is perhaps the most complete, concentrated and understandable even for beginners.

In Total War: Shogun 2, the player takes on the role of the head of a clan in medieval Japan. The goal is to take over the entire country. To do this, you can use diplomacy, economics, and even intrigue - sending assassins and spies.

But the main thing is, of course, epic battles, in which it is very important to correctly place your troops on the location.

8. Age of Empires II HD

In Age of Empires II, the player needs to lead a civilization through several eras: the Dark Ages, feudalism, the castle era, and so on. You can play as one of several factions, such as Japan, Mongolia or the Celts.

The main feature of the game is the combination of resource management with military operations. When fighting in Age of Empires II, it’s not enough to just raise an army; you also need to build a powerful economy by building houses, quarries and sawmills, and cultivating fields.

Below is a selection of historical strategies for PC. I'm always on the lookout for new stuff, so I add new ones here that come out or that I find. Only strategies are collected here, there is a separate one.

Civilization Series

Release date: 1991-2016

The events of the game will tell about the formation of the first empires, from their origins to their complete collapse. The player takes control of one of sixteen warring factions, each of which has its own plot, campaigns, architecture, type of army, units, etc. Factions are conventionally divided into five civilizations: Egypt, Greece, Rome, Babylon and Asia. The project offers a single-player game, as well as online battles with support for up to eight players.

The gameplay of the project will be able to carry the gamer through entire millennia. Starting from the Stone Age, the player must develop his empire, research new technologies, improve troops, build cities and fight enemy factions. During research, the player’s cities will move into new historical eras, which in turn will open up access to new types of weapons, equipment and technologies.

Europa Universalis Series

Release date: 2000-2013

Genre: Historical real-time strategy, global strategy

The project will be able to take the player to the time period between 1444 and 1821. This time covers the period of the loudest geographical discoveries, becoming modern world, active development of science, transition from medieval technologies to more modern production methods. The player will be able to take on the role of the ruler of one of the European countries, and try to create the most powerful empire from his state.

The game provides complete freedom of action, but at the same time, there are real historical events, such as wars, crusades, revolutions, etc. The player takes control of any of the European countries and begins to create a global empire, annexing the territories of neighbors, absorbing weaker countries entirely and creating unfavorable conditions for the existence of competitors. Every action of the player will be reflected in the game world. By cutting off one country from a deposit of valuable resources, you can watch its economy wither and its standard of living deteriorate. At the time of its release, the game received many positive feedback from game critics and journalists. The project was praised for its wide political and diplomatic opportunities, as well as a large number of DLC.

Total War series

Release date: 2000-2016

Genre: Turn-based strategy, RTS, global strategy,

The events of the game take place between 270 BC and 14 AD. This time spans the rise of the Roman Empire and the multiple civil wars that occurred between various factions wishing to rule vast territories alone.

The project combines such genres as turn-based global strategy and real-time strategy. In grand strategy mode, the player will be able to do large-scale and significant things in a step-by-step mode. For example, in this mode you can declare war, begin capturing enemy territories, or carry out other global actions. In real-time strategy mode, the player takes control of groups of units that must be controlled on a detailed map of the area.

Cossacks Series

Release date: 2001-2016

Genre:RTS

The game is set in a time frame that spans the period between the 17th and 18th centuries. The plot of the game company depends entirely on the chosen faction. The player will be able to take part in such historical events as the Ukrainian War of Independence, the Russian suppression of the Razin uprising, as well as the Great Northern War, French participation in the Thirty Years' War, etc. The project features a single-player campaign and online battles that support up to four players.

The main essence of the game is the complete destruction of all enemy buildings. The player begins his journey with a small settlement, which needs to be improved and developed as quickly as possible. To do this, workers should be sent to cut down forests, mine ore and do field work. This will help provide the city with the basic resources necessary for the normal development and maintenance of the army. There are also several factions in the project, each of which has its own positive and negative sides. For example, the Ukrainian cavalry is very mobile and deals a lot of damage, but at the same time has a reduced health reserve and weak defense. Overall, due to large quantity units, varied gameplay for each faction, as well as historically accurate events, the project has gained immense popularity among all fans of real-time strategies.

Industry Giant II

Release date: 2003

Genre

Starting in 1900, the player has approximately 100 years to create own business, set up production and create an entire industry out of it that can influence the development of cities. The gamer will be able to choose any direction of production and try to create a truly profitable business that can bring in a lot of money.

The project is an advanced economic simulator with great attention to small details. To create successful business, the player must calculate every little thing that can affect income. For example, frequent transport breakdowns due to poor-quality road surfaces can significantly increase the cost of transportation finished products to the place of its implementation. It is worth noting that the project is time-bound, so products will be opened following developments and needs. The game will appeal to all fans of economic strategies, as well as advanced business simulators.

The Entente Gold

Release date: 2003

Genre: Real-time strategy,

The game takes place during one of the most brutal wars in human history - the First World War. The player will be able to become a military leader of one of the five sides in the conflict and try to rewrite history in his own way. The gameplay will take the player to all the key battle sites, such as the Battle of Verdun, the Somme, the Brusilov Breakthrough, etc.

There are five participating countries in the game, each of which is distinguished by its own equipment, infantry, weapons and equipment. Each faction has its own advantages and disadvantages, which builds the balance of the game. England and Germany have heavy tanks, France has excellent aircraft, and Russian Empire– improved cavalry and infantry. The project also includes tactical tricks, the use of terrain and relief, the use of mortars and dangerous chemical weapons.

Pax Romana

Release date: 2003

Genre: Historical real-time strategy, economic simulator, Ancient Rome

The player will be able to feel like a real Roman emperor, who must make Rome the most prosperous and developed empire in the whole world. To do this, it is necessary to cover all areas that can influence improvement, namely politics, economics, technology development, as well as defense and a strong army.

At the beginning of the game, the gamer will be given a weak country with minimal income, a weak army, a low level of science, technology, etc. To get out of this situation, the player must correctly distribute labor, establish the extraction of resources, resume the construction of cities, and also train the army. In the process of passing, new territories, units and other opportunities will open up, and military power will be subject to constant raids by nomadic tribes.

Praetorians

Release date: 2003

Genre: Real-time strategy, about Ancient Rome,

The events of the game take place during the reign of Julius Caesar, who was engaged in the defense of cordons from nomadic tribes. The player will be able to play the role of one of the legates - professional military leaders and strategists. During the game, the gamer will be able to experience such historical events as: the beginning of the civil war, the war with Gaul and other Germanic tribes, the formation of the Roman Empire, etc.

The player will be able to take control of entire legions of battle-hardened Roman soldiers. Management is carried out in groups. Each group has a common pool of stamina and health. Units can be split or combined to achieve a tactical advantage in battle. There are also special warriors who have inspiring auras. Auras can significantly increase the defense, health and efficiency of legionnaires. The project will appeal to all fans of real-time strategies, as well as history buffs, since the game features historically accurate equipment and weapons.

Blitzkrieg series

Release date: 2003-2017

The plot of the game is entirely dedicated to the Second World War. The events of the project take place in the time frame from 1939 to 1945. There are three sides to the conflict to choose from: Axis Powers, USSR, Western Allies. Each faction has its own companies, scenarios, locations of military operations, as well as historical weapons, equipment and commanders-in-chief.

The project is a tactical real-time strategy in which the player takes on the role of commander-in-chief. The main task of the gamer is to complete the assigned task with minimal losses of personnel. The project has a relationship between missions. This means that in the next task, the player will have the same soldiers as in the previous one ( dead soldiers replaced by poorly trained recruits). Among the main advantages of the game, it should be noted: a large set of historical equipment, weapons and equipment, three single companies, more than 50 missions, large-scale and dynamic battles in multiplayer mode.

Crusader Kings

Release date: 2004

Genre: Historical global strategy,

The game is set in a time frame that will take the player into the major battles that took place during the Middle Ages. The gamer will be able to take an active part in the Third Crusade, the Hundred Years' War, and also in the Battle of Hastings. The main essence of the game lies in complete territorial domination over other countries and factions.

The project involves the development of technologies that do not depend on the player’s actions. You can only choose the basic development orientation for the main areas. The game also features simulation of historical events. So the player can find himself in the midst of a crusade or in hard times Hundred Years' War. The main gameplay innovation of the project was random events. For example, you can build to capture other countries and provinces, but the more territories the player has under his control, the more difficult it is to manage them, and this can lead to riots and uprisings. In general, the project will appeal to all fans of the genre, as well as fans of games about the Middle Ages.

Knights of Honor

Release date: 2005

Genre: Real-time strategy, global strategy about the Middle Ages,

The game takes place on a huge map of the medieval world, which includes 100 different states that actually existed in those days. The player will be able to choose any country and take part in the development and formation of a new large-scale empire. The main objective of the game is to suppress all competing countries, destroy enemies and maintain power.

The game is designed as a real-time strategy with elements of a global strategy. On a large map, the player will be able to view the state and political actions of other countries. In strategy mode, the player must control troops and conduct active combat operations with the enemy. The project implements a system of court knights. Each knight is a separate subject of the king, who influences military power, construction, trade, military intelligence and religion. Knights will be upgraded as you play, allowing you to improve all aspects of the country as a whole. The project boasts wide possibilities, exciting battles and high attention to small details, such as religion, treasury, construction, etc.

Rise and Fall: Civilizations at War

Release date: 2006

Genre: RTS, RPG, Ancient Rome, about Ancient Egypt

The events of the game will tell the story of the confrontation between four civilizations that wage constant wars for control of territories and valuable resources. The player will be able to become a military leader of Egypt, Greece, Persia or Rome and lead his faction to complete victory over its competitors. For Greece and Egypt, their own single companies and scenarios are available, in which the player can personally control Alexander the Great or Cleopatra.

The project has two game components - strategic and role-playing. In a role-playing game, the gamer must control the hero, perform various tasks, use special skills, gather an army, etc. The strategic component is represented by the classic construction of a base, improving technology, recruiting troops and attacking an enemy base. In addition to historically accurate types of troops, equipment and equipment, the game contains elements of mythology and fantasy.

Golden Horde

Release date: 2008

Genre: Historical real-time strategy, RPG, made in Russia

The plot of the game is based on the confrontation between three factions - the Teutons, the Russians and the Golden Horde. The player can take control of any of them and take part in massive medieval battles. Each faction has its own storyline and company, which allows you to immerse yourself in historical battles on behalf of each side of the conflict.

The project combines genres such as strategy and RPG. The role-playing component is represented by heroes who have unique talents and significantly strengthen the surrounding troops. The main strategic component is represented by the classic construction of a base, the development of industry, the construction of defenses and buildings, the collection of an army and battles. Since the game is historical, it simulates the real equipment and weapons of each side of the conflict. The project will appeal to all fans of classic real-time strategies in a historical setting.

XIII century. Fame or death

Release date: 2007

Genre: Historical real-time strategy, Middle Ages, about Rus'

The events of the game span the entire 13th century and tell of a bloody confrontation between 21 factions. The player will be able to take any side of the conflict and try to lead one of the medieval states to complete victory. There are 5 companies and about 30 battles available in the game, each of which simulates real events that took place in those days.

The project is implemented in the form of a real-time strategy with all characteristic features genre. The player must build a base, study technology, collect resources, upgrade weapons and equipment, and create a powerful army. After this, you can send the army into battle. From key points games, it is worth noting a wide variety of troops, reliable equipment, many unique factions, castle sieges and massive multiplayer battles.

Imperium Romanum

Release date: 2008

Genre: RTS, city planning simulator, Ancient Rome

The player will be able to play the role of the ruler of Rome, who develops the city according to his taste and discretion. Build new streets, improve technology, create legions of professional warriors, and fight enemies with cavalry, siege weapons and hastati troops.

The project allows you to take control of the construction of Rome. The player begins his journey with the simplest buildings, gradually developing the city, strengthening the infrastructure, studying more advanced technologies and collecting the best army. Things cannot happen without military clashes with the enemies of the empire, who are constantly encroaching on territorial integrity. In general, the project will appeal to all fans of strategies about Rome, as well as fans of city planning simulators.

Victoria 2

Release date: 2010

Genre: Historical global strategy, about the First World War, economic simulator

The project is in the time frame from 1836 to 1936. The player becomes the leader of one of the 271 states that actually existed in those days. The main objective of the game is to create the largest empire in the world, suppress all competing countries and win the First World War.

The game provides complete freedom of action; the player will be able to choose one of the countries and lead it to complete victory. The difficulty of the game directly depends on the choice of country. As a small and underdeveloped power, it is difficult to capture stronger competitors, which will require masterful knowledge of politics and economics. The game also simulates real historical events, such as the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, revolutions, epidemics, etc.

Sengoku

Release date: 2011

Genre: Historical grand strategy, RPG, economic simulator

The events of the game take place in Japan in the 16th century. The player plays the role of an influential feudal lord who must unite all eastern countries under the flag of one powerful empire. To do this, the player must become a strong leader of his clan, a wise ruler and the best commander.

The game is a global strategy in which all actions take place on one large map. The playing field has more than 350 different provinces. The player must manage his clan, build up military power and gradually take control of scattered clans, creating a powerful empire. The game also offers the opportunity to create a family, appoint successors and reward vassals who must obediently follow orders. Among the main features of the project, it is worth noting the wide variety of types of troops, wide political and economic opportunities, diplomacy, and historical events.

Hegemony Gold: Wars of Ancient Greece

Release date: 2012

Genre: Real-time strategy about Ancient Greece

The events of the game tell about the internal conflicts that occurred during the Ancient Greece. The player will be able to take an active part in mass uprisings, struggles for power, civil wars etc. There are several factions available in the project, with the help of which you can seize power in Greece and completely rewrite history.

The project is a classic real-time strategy with base building, army gathering, defense and reserve construction, as well as wall-to-wall battles typical of the genre. The game contains tactical capabilities and various military tricks. You can use the relief and features of the locations. The main features worth noting: a large set various types units, detailed historical equipment, water battles.

Alea Jacta Est

Release date: 2014

Genre: Global strategy, Ancient Rome

The project is located in a time frame starting from the first century BC. and ending with the third century AD. This time coincides with the period of formation and development of the Roman Empire. The player will be able to take an active part in the main battles and civil wars that took place during the first centuries of the most powerful empire in the world.

The game is made in the form of a turn-based strategy, which most closely resembles a classic board game. The game features a large-scale global map covering the territory of all Roman lands and provinces. The player will be able to create his own army and try to influence the course of history, overthrowing emperors, concluding alliances with Germanic tribes, opening new fronts and capturing more and more territories. The project will appeal to all fans of global strategies about Ancient Rome, as well as fans of games such as Total War.

Hegemony Rome: The Rise of Caesar

Release date: 2014

Genre: Real-time strategy, RPG, Ancient Rome

The plot of the game will allow you to immerse the player in the events that developed during the reign of Julius Caesar. Under his leadership, the gamer must conquer the warring Germanic tribes, which became a real “bone in the throat” for the great Roman Empire.

The project focuses on tactical battles using various types of infantry and cavalry. Military tricks are available, such as striking in the rear, decoys, using terrain and weather conditions. In addition to the battle itself, the player must monitor the supply of food, ammunition and recruits. To do this, you need to create entire networks of logistics support routes. In general, the project will appeal to all fans of dynamic strategy games with a developed tactical component.

Urban Empire

Release date: 2017

Genre: Real-time strategy, city building simulator, economic simulator

The player will be able to try on the role of a city ruler who has been developing his metropolis for two hundred years. During this time, the city will be affected by cataclysms, political intrigues, technological progress, world wars, etc. The main task of the player is to become a wise and strong ruler, as well as choose the desired course for the development of the entire city. This can be done in various ways, by becoming a good mayor or a despotic tyrant.

The game implements the development of eras, which does not depend on the player. The introduction of new technologies, historical events and other factors greatly influence gameplay and will be able to sharply drive the city budget into a strong minus. To cope with non-standard situations, the player must think through each next step and develop the city in various directions. This can be hampered by a city council that rejects or makes risky decisions. As in real life, the opinion of the council can be swayed to your side through deception and corruption.

Historical online strategies

Imperia Online 2

Release date: 2014

Genre: Browser strategy

A colorful browser-based real-time historical strategy in which players, starting from the very bottom and developing in three main directions (economy, diplomacy and army), try to seize power in this fascinating world of kings, knights and crusades.

PLAY

The main game feature here is the presence imperial dynasties. Thus, each player has his own “great people” who have unique talents and help in various aspects of the development of their own empire. Moreover, they are all mortals and during the game you can observe the change of more than one generation of the imperial family. Otherwise, everything is standard - we build and develop a city, hire armies, capture cities and prevent the looting of our own possessions. For fans of clan activities, the game features alliances and global wars.

Stronghold Kingdoms

Release date: 2014

Genre: Economic strategy

Historical strategy, which is the first game in the Stronghold series, made in the MMORTS genre. The project is made in the style of other games in this franchise, but the gameplay is “tailored” for online play. So, for example, buildings are no longer built immediately, but after a certain time, trade also does not take place instantly, and in battles the player can only influence the deployment of troops and the use of one of several inherent tactics.

PLAY

However, many processes in the game are not much different from those in the series. As before, players earn popularity and honor, many economic aspects also remained unchanged (food for peasants, production of weapons, etc.). In general, this project It will appeal to both fans of the original games in the series and all those who love online historical strategies.

Forge of Empires

Release date: 2012

Genre: Historical urban planning strategy

A historical browser-based online strategy in which players develop their own city, starting from the Stone Age and ending in the distant future. The territory for construction is initially very limited, but during the game it can be expanded, filling new territories with various buildings, structures and decorative elements.

PLAY

Traditionally for such games, we start with a small village, developing which we gradually capture new territories and create our own empire. The game has several eras, each with its own buildings and features. The transition from era to era unlocks not only new buildings, but also new technologies in the research tree. There are also battles and diplomacy (for example, new territories can be conquered or exchanged for resources).

The genre that we will talk about today can hardly be called super popular among gamers, but every year new turn-based strategies and RTS are released in which you can fight with other nations, tribes or aliens. At the same time, among the thousands of games available, there are those that every self-respecting gamer should play. We offer the Top 20 best strategies in history.

Cities: Skylines

Until last year, SimCity 4 was considered the best city-planning simulator without any alternative. In 2013, EA tried to restart the franchise, but it was a real fiasco: fans were dissatisfied with many bugs and unsatisfactory scale new game. After the release of Cities: Skylines in 2015, gamers forgot about the existence of SimCity: the new project amazed with its scale, customization capabilities, and high level details of cities. Moreover, the developers have released an official modding toolkit, allowing gamers to change the game as they please. Users immediately began to release mods, thanks to which new modes, types of buildings, junctions, cars and much more appeared in the game.

In September, the first update for Cities: Skylines was released, adding dynamic time of day changes, and also making the economic model more complex and realistic.

Endless Legend

The global strategy, which seamlessly combines elements of fantasy and science fiction, gives gamers the opportunity to play both as a race of carnivorous insects, the Necrophages, and as strange Cultists, expanding their possessions by “absorbing” other factions. In total, there are 8 races available in the game with unique features and mechanics.

The plot of the project in some ways is reminiscent of “Game of Thrones” - gamers will have to fight for survival in the dark era of the decline of the planet Auriga - harsh winter comes unexpectedly and brings destruction to all races. The game has all the elements of a classic strategy - a huge game world, a developed technological tree, scarce resources, a system of diplomacy and trade. The developers have provided many main and secondary quests.

Crusader Kings II

Another global strategy in a medieval setting. Gamers transform into a monarch, striving with all his might to expand his influence in medieval Europe(covers the period 769 – 1453). To achieve this goal, he weaves complex intrigues, treacherously attacks his closest allies, and does not hesitate to kill friends and relatives if they get in his way. The game is designed for thoughtful gamers who like to spend hours understanding complex menus, as well as studying terrain features on maps before bloody battles.

At the center of the project are not abstract nations and states, but dynasties. In the game you can meet many real-life historical characters, each of whom has their own strengths and weaknesses. Over time, players become attached to members of the dynasty, who grow up, get married, have children, die.

Civilization V

There is hardly a gamer in the world who has not heard of this game. Civilization is the most famous, popular and successful global strategy in the history of gaming. The developers have added many mechanisms, heroes, resources, units, and technologies to the game that make it exciting and dynamic. At the same time, the authors did not bother with realism: for example, the Mongols and Aztecs could become the most highly developed nations, and the bloodthirsty Gandhi could be the first to press the “nuclear button” and start a war of all against all. However, this ahistorical nature and absurd scenarios are what make the game a real hit.

In the game you will have to make difficult decisions on the development of the economy, military and social spheres, and choose a political regime. All this has a decisive impact on the reputation and development trajectory of a nation. The graphics of Civilization V are significantly improved compared to previous series, and the redesigned combat system makes battles exciting. In addition, strategy fans constantly post new mods and maps on Steam, so you can enjoy the game endlessly.

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War

In many aspects, Dawn of War is a traditional RTS - gamers will have to build a base, extract resources, and repel enemy attacks. At the same time, in the game you can already see elements that will soon appear in Company of Heroes: new mechanics, factions, unit morale and much more.

The most attractive thing about Dawn of War is the tension that permeates all missions: you need to constantly move forward, capture and hold territories. At the same time, the generators and strategic resources of the captured points are rapidly depleted. Therefore, players often do not have time to catch their breath - they need to be on the move all the time.

The Dark Crusade update introduced new factions and unique mechanics: gamers can play for the Eldar, Orcs and Imperial Guard.

Total War: Shogun 2

The sequel to the popular RTS can be bluntly called the most successful game in the Total War series. The Creative Assembly took into account the mistakes made in the previous project - Empire, which was an ambitious project with a lot of bugs, and decided to polish the gameplay of Shogun 2 to perfection. She succeeded brilliantly: the Shogun map is diverse and will force gamers to solve many tactical puzzles. At the same time, it is relatively small, which will undoubtedly appeal to fans of battles.

In terms of visuals, Shogun II is at the moment- the most attractive game in the series. Of course, Rome and Attila boast significantly more realistic graphics, but Shogun II has something much more important - a unique style. The fate of large-scale battles is decided in individual duels, and cherry tree flower petals fly over the battlefield.

Modders have released many new maps, modes, and updates for Shogun 2.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown/Within

XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a turn-based strategy game that pits gamers against an alien invasion. Players send squads of six elite fighters to battle alien forces. Battles take place in fields, cities and on board spaceships.

The central XCOM base is like an ant farm, in which there is a scientific department (responsible for the development of technology), a medical unit (in which characters recover after battles), and an intelligence department (where gamers monitor the movements of aliens). Players themselves decide whether to invest available funds in the development of new types of weapons, the deployment of interceptors, or the conduct of combat operations.

Thanks to the Enemy Within update, which came out a year after the release of XCOM: Enemy Unknown, the game added a new faction - EXALTA terrorists, as well as new mechanics.

StarCraft II

The sci-fi RTS StarCraft 2 is a game about the confrontation between iron-clad cowboys, disgusting aliens and space elves. This is a classic real-time strategy game where you collect resources, build armies, and try to kill your opponent before he kills you. Often the fate of a battle is decided as a result of one successful strategic move or a series of quick mouse clicks.

Multiplayer is the most important aspect of StarCraft 2. Playing against people is much more difficult than against AI: they control units faster and make smarter decisions. Many tournaments are held for StarCraft 2, and an eSports community has quickly formed around the RTS.

The single-player mode is no less interesting: Blizzard has developed many interesting missions. In 2015, the last part of the StarCraft 2 trilogy, Legacy of the Void, was released.

Company of Heroes 2: Ardennes Assault

In Company of Heroes 2: Ardennes Assault, US forces battle against German forces for control of the Ardennes, a mountain range of critical strategic importance. Unlike original game and the sequel, in Ardennes Assault gamers will have to go through three non-linear campaigns that unfold on a strategic map. German troops are in constant movement, so battles can be replayed several times, and each time they will take place differently.

You can only play for Americans: in each of the three companies you can upgrade the skills of the characters. Unlike previous projects, in Ardennes Assault the results of battles have an impact on the entire campaign: if in one of the battles players lost several fighters at once, they will begin the next battle with fewer personnel.

Age of Empires II

This classic RTS launched many gamers' careers: Age of Empires II is easy to learn, fun and fast-paced. Users start the campaign with only a few workers, but after an hour of play they will have built a huge city. In the game you need to get food, wood, gold and stone, construct buildings, and create your own army.

The project covers the era from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Gamers can go through multiple campaigns, create their own maps, choose from 13 factions... in general, Age of Empires II will not get boring even after several dozen hours of play.

In 2013, Hidden Path Entertainment released an HD version of the game on Steam. The remake introduced a multiplayer mode and support for mods.

Wargame: AirLand Battle

The Wargame: AirLand Battle project combines elements of the RTS and war game genres: gamers will have to think through the route of movement of units, as well as participate in fierce battles. The game is a sequel to Wargame: European Escalation, dedicated to the confrontation between NATO and participating countries Warsaw Pact during the Cold War.

The authors carefully worked on the detail of the battlefields and special effects. On the strategic map, gamers control the course of hostilities, issuing orders for the movements of units and capturing new territories. However, the highlight of Wargame: AirLand Battle is definitely the ability to control one of hundreds of military vehicles to choose from. The developers tried to reflect in the game the unique characteristics of the cars, their strengths and weaknesses. In the multiplayer mode, you can take part in 10 vs 10 battles.

Tropico 4

Tropico 4 is an atmospheric city-building simulator. Gamers transform into the dictator of a fictional island state who must lead his people to greatness.

Gamers themselves choose the path to prosperity: they can mercilessly exploit natural resources and turn the island into an industrialized state, or attract tourists by taking care of the flora and fauna. Or combine both strategies. Each of the players’ decisions entails certain consequences: for example, if you agree to accept migrants, you will need to provide them with housing and work, and for this you need to improve the economy and service industry.

With the growth of the state’s economic power, there will be a need to negotiate with the leading world powers - the USA, Russia, China and the EU, each of which will try to influence the processes unfolding on the island. They will offer money in exchange for building a military base or recycling waste.

Overall, this is an extremely fun game, combining city building simulation elements with economic and political aspects.

Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion

In Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion, like any other similar game, you need to colonize planets, build an economy, and establish relationships with other races. However, the main emphasis is on large-scale space battles. They look incredibly impressive: battles take place in 3D, ship hulls are torn apart by missiles and lasers, and gunshot tracks cut through the black space of space.

There will always be a lot of movement in the game: scouts will float from planet to planet in search of new resources and worlds, merchant ships will transport goods, and military cruisers will repel attacks from opponents or Pirates.

The game itself is quite difficult, even if you play against the AI. In total for world domination Three races are fighting - the Industrial Trade Coalition (earth colonists), the Marchers (cyborgs) and the Vasari (technocratic race). The title provides a developed diplomacy system. Gamers can form alliances with both opponents and neutral factions, or bribe Pirates to attack enemies.

DEFCON is a game in which gamers have to do the impossible: try to win a global nuclear war. The goal of the project is to inflict maximum damage on the enemy while escaping with minimal losses. At the beginning, players choose one of six territories (North America, South America, Russia, Europe, Africa and Asia are available), then place military units and fleets. Gamers are given 18 minutes to think and explore. At the first level of danger (DEFCON 3) units begin to automatically attack enemy equipment (you can use aviation and navy), at the second (DEFCON 2) you can launch bombers with nuclear missiles (although the missiles themselves cannot yet be used), at the third (DEFCON 3) - The nuclear apocalypse begins.

The game describes it quite realistically possible scenario nuclear war– it is impossible to save all units in it. The player who manages to destroy usually wins missile silos opponents before launching missiles.

Supreme Commander

Supreme Commander is the spiritual successor to Total Annihilation in a futuristic setting. The minimum system requirements of the project, released in 2007, were so high that not every gamer could play this colorful RTS. The Gas Powered Games studio has simplified the resource management system as much as possible (there are only two of them - Matter and Energy) and focused on battles - the main goal of the project is to create the ideal killing machine (experimental units).

The game was amazing in its scale: an army could consist of 1000 units in the air, at sea and on land. As in most similar projects, players must ensure the uninterrupted production of new combat vehicles in order to dominate the enemy. To do this, you need to capture and hold sources of resources.

Supreme Commander was one of the first RTS to support a second monitor. This gave a decisive advantage in battle: on the first display, gamers controlled the movements of the enemy on a scalable map, on the second, they controlled their own units.

Star Wars: Empire at War

This game will appeal to all fans “ Star Wars”: Empire at War is a strategy game based on the original trilogy. Gamers can play on the side of both the Empire and the rebels, control huge armies, send the heroes of the saga (like Luke Skywalker or Darth Vader) into battle, and also build the Death Star.

The best part of the game, of course, is the large-scale tactical battles in the Galactic Conquest mode, unfolding in space. Up to five people can play on one map: each participant will have their own space station and fleet, with the help of which they must destroy enemy bases. Ships and heroes have specific features that, if used effectively, can have a decisive influence on the outcome of the battle. Experienced players will easily discover the weak points of large ships and give the order to attack them. Watching the X-Wing squadrons try to destroy the Star Destroyer will be a treat for any fan of the space saga.

In addition to space battles, the developers will allow gamers to take part in ground operations. This means that players will be able to control air bikes and AT-AT walkers.

Europa Universalis IV

This global and incredibly complex game from Paradox Development Studio was recognized best strategy 2013. Europa Universalis IV is a real breakthrough because the developers took into account previous mistakes and corrected most of the bugs that migrated from series to series. Moreover, they tried to explain in detail all the places that raised questions among gamers (due to the colossal scale of the game, some mechanics remained unclear), improve the interface and optimize the AI. Of course, to understand Europa Universalis IV you will still have to spend dozens of hours on training. But this game is the most understandable and simplest of the EU series.

Nations strive to expand their influence through trade, diplomacy, economics, exploration of new lands, and the development of new technologies. You can try to colonize America, or conquer India, you can start the game as one of the local tribes in North America. In this project, gamers have the power to change the history of mankind - for example, the Venetian Empire can capture the Apennine Peninsula, annex or conquer all the tribes and go to war with the Ottoman Empire. France can enter into an alliance with England and divide Europe into spheres of influence.

Distant Worlds: Universe

Perhaps this is the most ambitious global turn-based strategy in the history of gaming. The developers created an entire galaxy - 1400 star systems with more than 50 thousand planets, moons and asteroids, as well as a variety of astronomical objects (black holes, gas giants, supernovae).

Gamers will have to create their own civilization to establish world domination. The authors of Distant Worlds: Universe offer gamers wide customization options: you can start the game on one planet with several light ships, or become the leader of a technologically advanced civilization that has already created a hyperdrive.

The highlight of the game is the ability to automate various processes in an empire: for example, you can not interfere in the economy, concentrating solely on diplomacy and battles. In any case, it won't be easy to beat your opponents: the AI ​​is surprisingly effective.

Age of Wonders III

The project is a reboot of the classic franchise, the last episode of which was released in 2003. This 3D turn-based strategy game takes place in a fantasy world, during an era of fierce confrontation between the Imperial Commonwealth and the Elven Alliance.

In the game you can play as one of 7 races: people, elves, gnomes, goblins, orcs, draconians, halflings. Heroes can belong to one of 6 classes (military leader, theocrat, robber, arch druid, sorcerer or technocrat), and also have a specialization (master of the elements of water, fire, air, earth, adept of creation, destruction, research or construction).

The system of diplomacy and city management are not strong features project. However, the authors managed to make the battles truly exciting: units can be combined with each other and turned into giant armies, and then besiege the enemy’s fortress. The scale of battles is reminiscent of Total War, but the highlight of Age of Wonders III is the ability to use magic.

Order of Battle: Pacific

Everyone knows the importance of the battles that unfolded in the Pacific during World War II. The authors of Order of Battle: Pacific offer to take part in bloody battles on the side of the Japanese Empire or allies.

In this turn-based strategy, which in its style is reminiscent of the good old Panzer General, gamers will have to carefully think through every move. A total of three campaigns are available in which you can change the course of history and, for example, win the war on the side of Japan. Players can control over 500 units such as the legendary M3 Stuart and Type 97 Chi-Ha tanks, A6M Zero and F4U Corsair fighters, or the battleships Montana and Yamato.

During battles, you can unlock heroic commanders, who can provide a decisive advantage in battle.

Strategy games occupy a special place in the list of genres. They are not designed for a mass audience, because they often do not have outstanding graphics and whirlwind gameplay, and the classic “swoop” passage can unpleasantly surprise the player.

Here you need to think, plan and solve the problem gradually, step by step moving towards victory.

The best military strategies on PC

We present our top best military strategies for PC, which have already become classics and should definitely be on the list of completed ones for everyone who calls themselves a fan of the genre.

Red Alert Series

• Release date: 1996-2009
• Developer: Westwood Studios, EA Los Angeles

The Red Alert series is a separate series of games within the popular Command & Conquer franchise. The action takes place in an alternate reality in which Hitler was defeated using a time machine invented by Einstein. This led to unforeseen consequences in the form of the USSR gaining enormous military power and declaring war on the United States and its allies. A little later (in the third part of the series), another side joins the confrontation - the Empire of the Rising Sun.

• Developer: The Creative Assembly
• Release date: 2000-2017

It's hard to find a more famous series of war games than Total War. Back in 2000, when many of our readers were running under the table, the world saw the first project of the series - Shogun. The player had to face Japan during the period of feudal fragmentation and, taking control of one of the Japanese clans, bring it to power over the entire island state.

Total War: Warhammer

But it was Rome: Total War that instilled love for the series, which amazed with its detail, depth of strategic capabilities and exceptional charm. Today the collection has the opportunity to fight in any time period. We can try to lead one of the nations Ancient world to greatness, lead the invasion of barbarians in the Dark Ages, build a medieval empire, wage wars and discover new lands in the Modern Age, and even plunge into a fantasy world in the game Total War: Warhammer. The series is worth spending hundreds of hours on and having a lot of fun with.

• Developer: Blizzard
• Release date: 2010
• Link: http://eu.battle.net

Fans have been waiting for the second part for 12 years. And their hopes were completely justified. A new round of confrontation between the three main races in space awaits us: Terrans, Zergs and Protoss. People rely on their firepower in the form of flamethrowers, tanks, heavy cruisers. Zerg are a highly developed swarm, where each member of the hive is only a tool for solving a specific task that faces the main brain. The Protoss are an ancient race standing on the edge of psionic ascension, but still resolving their internal conflicts.

Starcraft II is based on a very interesting plot, the development of which does not get boring to follow from mission to mission. And the tasks themselves are extremely diverse, have many side tasks, and non-trivial solutions. Many people can really call Starcraft II the best military strategy and they will be right in their own way. It’s not for nothing that immediately after its release it was included in the eSports Olympics in Korea.

• Developer: New World Computing, Nival, Black Hole Entertainment
• Release date: 1995-2015

You can't list the top strategic war games and miss out on the legendary Heroes of Might and Magic series. Having been released in 1995, the game has gone through more than 20 years of history. The third part of the series is still the most successful, despite the graphics being outdated today. The second most popular is the fifth part, created by domestic developers.

They will tell us about a fairy-tale world where there are constant wars. Almost all the mythical and legendary creatures that are present in the myths of the peoples of the world fight here: genies and wyverns, gremlins and trolls, demons and orcs. This is a turn-based military strategy, each session of which is unique. Everything depends on the player’s decisions; each campaign can be played in a style unique to that particular player. It’s hard to even imagine how interesting it is to play multiplayer. This is a lot of sleepless nights spent storming fortresses.

• Release date: April 21, 2016
• Developer: Tindalos Interactive
• Link: Steam

Real-time strategy in the Warhammer 40,000 setting. Takes us into space, where we will fight in armadas against enemy fleets. Among the advantages, it is worth highlighting the very beautiful graphics. Probably, the space landscapes from here are the best in the industry. If you've played HomeWorld, you can imagine the gameplay, with the only difference being that for some reason starships obey the laws of physics that apply to those on Earth. Imagine a naval fleet transported into space. You will receive Battlefleet Gothic: Armada.

Battlefleet: Gothic Armada

As you'd expect from the Warhammer 40,000 universe, everything here is epic. If this is a flagship, then it is the largest warship in the galaxy; if there is a battle, then this is the most general battle that decides the fate of space. And there is enough pathos, so inherent in the setting.

In general, all games created in the Warhammer 40,000 universe will be of interest to those who are interested in the setting. Others can install and play, maybe this is the project you like.

• Release date: October 21, 2016
• Developer: Firaxis Games
• Link: Steam

There is probably hardly a gamer who has not heard of Civilization. This is a global strategy game in which you choose your people and lead them to world domination through the centuries from the Stone Age to the Space Age. It can confidently be called a military strategy, since rarely does any player fight for a religious or cultural victory. Basically, all tasks are performed with hot iron and atomic bombing.

Compared to previous parts, several major innovations can be noted. First, and most noticeably, the graphics have become much more cartoonish. At first this seems like a counterintuitive decision, given that with each new Civilization the game became more and more realistic. But after playing one or two games, you begin to like the design of the game.

Second global change- the emergence of districts - suburbs, which are responsible for specific areas. Now cities can specialize, so you can develop a city that will bring science and culture by building a campus and a theater square there, or you can build a powerful economic and military port by combining a shipyard and a trading area.

And finally, the third noticeable change is the two technology branches. The first ones are researched at the expense of science points - these are the main inventions. The second ones are social and are researched using culture points. It will no longer be possible to play as barbarians riding on tanks; you will have to delve into the culture.

The principle of combat operations was carried over from the fifth part, where the war resembles a classic wargame with a hexagonal layout. Civilization 6 is an excellent successor to the entire line. Replayability and many hours spent playing are guaranteed.

• Release date: May 9, 2016
• Developer: Paradox Interactive
• Link: Steam

Stellaris is a global military strategy in which the player is tasked with taking the reins of power over one of the civilizations that has just entered space, and by any means necessary to make it dominant in the galaxy. Usually in games we are offered a limited set of races, but here, thanks to the designer, you can create hundreds, if not thousands, of them.

This is a star empire simulator. The player will have to solve all the problems that the ruler may face. Starting from providing food for your subjects, ending with controlling science and inventing new engines for ships or building a dome over colonies on planets poorly suitable for life of your race.

And don’t forget that you are not the only race in the galaxy and you will have to fight, even if you are playing a pacifist who is generally against any conflicts. After all, your planets are a tasty piece of the pie for some race of militaristic bulls.

A whole review is not enough to talk about this game, so you just need to play it. This is truly a masterpiece and the best military strategy of 2016.

• Release date: August 11, 2017
• Developer: Kite Games
• Link: Steam

The revival of the legendary line, which domestic gamers know as “Confrontation”. It takes us back to the events of the Second World War and poses difficult tasks with the help of tanks and guns to decide the outcome of the conflict. Previous parts received dozens of modifications and unofficial add-ons, which are still being created, more than 10 years after the official releases.

The new product offers us three campaigns: For the Axis, the USSR and the Allies. In each mission you are given a certain number of troops: infantry, tanks, artillery, support. And with this limited supply of military resources, you will need to complete the mission. You can only hope for help in cases specified by the script.

The assessments are quite twofold. Many swear by the radical simplifications compared to other parts, while others, on the contrary, call it a worthy successor to the genre.

• Release date: February 21, 2017
• Developer: 343 Industries, Creative Assembly

Continuation of the popular strategy in the world of Halo. It all started with an action game in which you moved into the Master Chief robot and smashed aliens on the surface of the Ring World. In 2009, a strategy based on the setting appeared. And now we can see the continuation.

Halo Wars 2 is a classic RTS with base building, resource extraction and rushing towards the enemy base. But how beautifully done it is! The graphics in the game are truly at the level of a 2017 military strategy game. The animation, drawing, effects from explosions and the use of various energy weapons are simply amazing. There are many units to choose from, from small soldiers to huge walking robots.

The only thing that may seem like a failure are some of the gameplay simplifications introduced for the sake of simplifying controls on consoles. Yes, the project was originally developed for X-Box. For amateur console players it will be a real find in the genre of military strategies.

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 3

• Release date: April 27, 2017
• Link: Steam

And again we have the Warhammer 40,000 universe in front of us, but this time on earth, and not in space. The game features three races: Space Marines, Orcs and Eldar. And they are fighting for possession of a superweapon that can change the balance of power in the Galaxy.

Warhammer 40000: Dawn
of War_III

Before us is the classic Dawn of War with a new storyline and beautiful graphics. The variety of troops has also been added, units are cutting each other down more and more efficiently and beautifully. Compared to the previous game in the series, the number of units that can take part in the battle has expanded. But if we take into account that the units are still highly specialized and have many skills and abilities, mass battles will not work. At best, it is convenient to control two or three squads, delivering tactical, well-calibrated attacks on enemy positions.

The game turned out great. Fans of the setting are delighted, and all fans of military strategies on PC have already bought the game and spent many hours playing it.

• Release date: 2006-2013
• Developer: Relic Entertainment

A strategy on the theme of World War II with very beautiful graphics and an extensive arsenal of tactical capabilities.

You can very finely customize each unit that will participate in the battle. Fighters upgrade, gaining new abilities, improving their shooting speed, accuracy and other important abilities.

Company of heroes2

The game is not popular, you control a small amount technology, so Company of Heroes can be called a tactical strategy.

The game invites us to fight both on the side of the Allies and the Red Army. For the second part of the project, several add-ons were released that expand the capabilities of the game, offering new missions, weapons, and units.

Series “Behind Enemy Lines”

• Release date: 2004-2016
• Developer: 1C, Digitalmindsoft, Best Way

A series of tactical military strategies dedicated to the Second World War of 1941-1945. You take control of a sabotage group that operates behind German lines. The saboteurs are tasked with a variety of tasks: destroying bridges, eliminating important officers, and much more.

Behind enemy lines

The player has a sniper, a machine gunner, a demolitionist, and other highly specialized fighters under his command. There will be no mass rush-zergs here, only well-considered tactical decisions, and the loss of every fighter is not just a decrease in the combat effectiveness of the squad, but a failure of the mission.

In total, two games were released in the series, with many add-ons and re-releases for each of them. So there’s plenty of room to wander around while getting to know it.