2025 is a big year for fans of strategy games, as many highly-anticipated games are releasing or entering early access. Strategy games can be subcategorized into many other popular genres, which gives players a wealth of choice.
To help make that choice simpler, we have compiled a list offering a perfect mix of all the popular subgenres like real-time strategy, turn-based, and 4X. Here are the best strategy games you should look out for in 2025.
Best Strategy, RTS, 4X, Turn-Based Strategy Games in 2025
Tempest Rising
After being lucky enough to be a part of the closed beta, I experienced Tempest Rising’s take on a classic RTS turned into a modern experience. The visuals are breathtaking, and the UI brings back all the memories of the classic Command & Conquer franchise – where Tempest Rising got its inspiration.
While there were balancing issues with the two available factions, it’ll surely get balanced with a few more patches if you aim to compete against other players. It’s a great strategy game for multiplayer, so we’re confident it’ll have its time in the sun.
It is a must-try game if you are a Command & Conquer fan.
Release Date: April 25, 2025
Platforms: Microsoft Windows.
Astronomics
Astronomics is a top-down strategy management game where you explore and mine asteroids and try to automate your workflows. You’ll launch countless expeditions exploring tons of asteroids until you get enough tools and worker bots to build an awesome base.
The game is all about automation, and you’ll want to create a thriving base that can give you all the tools and resources you need to complete contracts. There are also some pirates circling around the asteroid belts, so you’ll have to prepare yourself.
The best strategy games always have some element of combat, and thankfully, Astronomics is no different.
Release Date: February 11, 2025
Platforms: Microsoft Windows.
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII needs no introduction, as the franchise has been one of the most popular 4X games ever. The 7th installment brings new leaders, a UI overhaul, and countless new things. If you are unfamiliar with Civilization, the game is about expanding an empire and conquering the world through science, warfare, or wonder.
Release Date: February 11, 2025
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One & Series X|S, Linux, macOS, Steam Deck.
Two Point Museum
Two Point Museum by Two Point Studios
One of the most underrated franchises for simulation strategy games is the Two Point franchise. They have produced awesome games like Two Point Hospital and Two Point Campus, and their next title aims to stick to the same winning formula. Only this time, you’ll manage a museum.
The goal is to attract as many visitors and researchers as you can and let your creativity flow as you design the best museums out there. We can safely assume that just like in their previous titles, we’ll have a welcome blend of humor and strategy, and we’ll need to manage employees and create a positive experience for visitors to make the big bucks.
Release Date: March 5, 2025
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Linux, macOS.
Dungeonfell
Dungeonfell is a unique mix of tactical turn-based strategy with roguelike elements. You’ll enter dungeons with your team and battle hordes of monsters, but you’ll have to formulate sound tactical strategies to progress.
Lead your Delvers to victory and unlock more spells and skills as you progress. During your journey, you’ll earn gold, unlock new Delvers, and tinker with their unique skill trees to find winning synergies.
Release Date: February 22, 2025
Platforms: Microsoft Windows.
Football Manager 25 (Cancelled)
Football Manager 25 is the ultimate football strategy game where you play as a manager. You’ll run the team, deal for players, create practice sessions, develop young players, find rising talent, curate formations, and try to win as many games as possible. The game factors almost every aspect a Football manager does, which makes the game extremely popular for football fans.
Update: We were excited for this one, but sadly, the studio announced the cancellation of the title for this year. We still have Football Manager 24 to enjoy, and Football Manager 26 won’t be too far away.
Release Date: March 2025
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, macOS.
Eldrador Creatures Shadowfall
Eldrador Creatures Shadowfall is a turn-based strategy game where you can pick up to 20 creatures and use them in combat. The game is relatively simple and perfect for children. The game is even based on a popular toy brand, Eldrador, in Germany. The game has no microtransactions and features up to 100 levels in its story.
Release Date: March 6, 2025
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch.
Fantastic Haven
Fantastic Haven introduces a magical world where you play the role of Elders, the protector of the continent. Your goal is to convince the people around you to stop hunting creatures and try to live with them in peace.
You’ll create your base, unlock new research, and try to gather these creatures. You’ll need to expand your refuge and manage all your bases as you try to establish a healthy and diplomatic world.
Release Date: Q1 2025
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS.
ERA ONE
Era One is a hyper-realistic space game where you explore the vast nothingness of space and create a base from scratch. In this real-time tactical strategy game, you’ll construct warships and manage the fleets as you engage in tactical battles against other players.
The game mixes both base-building and tactical space battles into on, and it certainly brings a Star Wars-esque feel to the table. In a genre that sees way too few space games, Era One offers a fresh new experience.
Release Date: July 2025
Platforms: Microsoft Windows.
Drill Keeper
Drill Keeper is a deckbuilding roguelike game where you use cards to build your base and survive relentless attacks from hordes of aliens. You’ll expand your base and strip other worlds of their riches as you do your best to build an unbeatable base.
It is a mix of many genres, in a way. It includes elements of card games, tower defense, RTS, base building, and roguelikes. Explore countless combinations of defenses and try to build the strongest fortress you can.
Release Date: TBA 2025
Platforms: Microsoft Windows.
Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus II
Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus II is a strategic management game set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. It is also a sequel to critically acclaimed Warhammer 40K: Mechanicus, which is probably the best RTS game of the franchise, overtaking the early Dawn of War titles.
You’ll assemble your force and crush enemies in this fast-paced, turn-based tactical skirmish. Fight for control of the world by capturing and defending regions from all foes while managing your resources. While it does have two narrative campaigns, it is highly advisable to play the first game. At least you’ll know you’ll like the sequel if you play the first game, as it follows the same successful formula.
Release Date: TBA 2025
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Playstation 5, Xbox Series X|S.
If you liked our list, you can check out our list of the best survival-crafting games in 2025.
Published: Feb 13, 2025 11:59 AM UTC