Summary
Strategygamesare very fun and challenge players when it comes to the different approaches they must take to succeed in their campaigns and vanquish their enemies. Regardless of what a game is about, players will always have a ton of options when it comes to the decisions they can make and what they want their playthrough to feel like.
While there are many strategy titles that have multiple prequels and sequels, as well as spin-offs, others are single installments. These shine for what they are and are often carefully made to make an outstanding first impression that players remember for years after completing them. Here are some of thebeststrategy gamesthat are not part of a franchise.
8Tharsis
An Interesting Space Adventure
Set in a not-so-distant future on Earth,Tharsisbegins when a bunch of space explorers are sent to Mars after scientists receive a signal from the Martian region of Tharsis. Believing this is a sign of intelligent life on the red planet, the brave explorers set out to uncover the mysteries behind it.
With an overallinteresting space themeand strategy-based gameplay that is very fun,Tharsisis a great title that fans of this genre should try at least once. To date, there have been no other titles released around this universe, even though many players have wished otherwise for years.
7Planetbase
A Space Colony’s Fate Rests In Players' Hands
As this title and the previous entry prove, the deep-space thematic is popular in strategy games, and with good reason, as it often makes forinhospitable environmentsthat require resource management and strategic planning.Planetbasedoesn’t really have much going on story-wise. In a nutshell, it’s just a bunch of settlers trying to establish themselves on a remote planet. However, as simple as that sounds, what this game does, it does well.
Players will take on the role of the colony manager, telling the colonists what to do and where to build structures in order to thrive.
As far as concepts go,Rusted Warfareisn’t really innovating much, as it takes clear inspiration from other similar titles, such asSupreme Commander,Total Annihilation,Command & Conquer, and more.
That said, it’s often unnecessary to break the mold when what’s already in place works well. Players will have to build bases, command units and take different strategic approaches to defeat their enemies and proclaim themselves the victor on the battlefield. Those who like long strategy games will deeply enjoy the roughly 40 hours of gameplay this title offers, presenting various opportunities for varied gameplay.
Bad Northis probably the poster boy for strategy games that pit players against impossible odds while challenging them to face and survive them. This title will have players defend their small territories against invading forces after the chieftain of a small group of islands is slain. While not the only strategy game basedon the Viking era,Bad Northoffers a unique experience that strategy game lovers will certainly enjoy.
With real-time strategy mechanics, well-crafted environments, and demanding combat that requires careful planning, this title should certainly be on everyone’s list.
Similar to what players might have seen on TV shows and horror films,They Are Billionsfocuses on a version of the world where humanity has been overrun by relentless,bloodthirsty zombies. Players' job will be to rebuild civilization and survive the vicious zombie hordes as they try their best to ensure that what’s left of humanity survives.
Thanks to its custom engine, this title can show up to 20,000 zombies on screen, which adds to the experience and makes gameplay feel more challenging. Cooperation, resource management and strategic approaches are key in this one-of-a-kind game.
As its name suggests,Offworld Trading Companyfocuses more on resource gathering and management than it does on actual warfare and destruction tactics. Players can take various approaches to expanding their wealth and control of the free market by using different tactics, including the implementation of monopolies.
This is harder than it sounds, though, as players will not only have to ensure their monopoly is well established, but also that it’s valuable and necessary to the market. All in all,Offworld Trading Companyis great all-around and offers a wonderful experience.
InNorthgard, players take on the role of Prince Rig, who seeks revenge after his father was murdered by the merciless Hagen, leader of the Clan of the Raven. Presenting players with an epic story set around the Viking era,Northgardoffers real-time strategic combat that requires a careful approach and smart moves. This title has more than 10 different clans, each with their own unique traits, strengths and weaknesses.
AlthoughNorthgardisn’t the only game set in this period, it’s arguably one of the best in the strategy genre, as playing it feels complex and interesting.
InInto the Breach, humanity is forced to face off against an evil monster collective known as the Vek. Players will have various Mechs (gigantic robotic suits) at their disposal, which they can use to defend themselves against the Vek threat. While this title doesn’t feature a real-time strategy approach, but rather a turn-based one, the stakes still feel like high, and the overall combat experience is very exciting.
Players will have to defend cities, improve their Mechs and increase their chances of survival in one way or another to guarantee the supremacy of humanity.
