Strategy games have always been the playground for masterminds. They demand patience, foresight, and the ability to outthink opponents. Unlike action titles that test reflexes, strategy games challenge the mind, rewarding careful planning and tactical execution. From managing empires to leading armies into battle, strategy games give players the power to control entire worlds from a single screen. In this article, we highlight five of the best strategy games every mastermind should experience at least once.

1. Age of Empires IV

The legendary Age of Empires franchise made its grand return with Age of Empires IV. Building on the strengths of its predecessors, it immerses players in historical campaigns while offering a modernized take on real-time strategy.

Players gather resources, construct cities, and command armies across different civilizations. Each faction has unique units and abilities, encouraging diverse playstyles. From Mongol cavalry raids to English longbowmen dominance, strategy and adaptability are essential.

Beyond multiplayer battles, the historical campaigns provide cinematic storytelling, teaching players about world history while keeping the thrill of conquest alive.

2. StarCraft II

Few games define competitive RTS like StarCraft II. Released by Blizzard, it remains a cornerstone of esports, known for its lightning-fast gameplay and razor-sharp balance.

Players choose between three races—Terran, Protoss, or Zerg—each offering distinct strategies. Success relies not only on resource management but also on split-second decision-making, multitasking, and predicting your opponent’s moves.

With a rich single-player campaign and a fiercely competitive online scene, StarCraft II continues to challenge both casual players and professional gamers alike.

3. Civilization VI

When it comes to grand strategy, Civilization VI reigns supreme. Instead of focusing on battles alone, it lets players build entire civilizations from the Stone Age to the Space Age.

Every choice matters—where to found your cities, how to manage diplomacy, what technologies to prioritize, and which wonders to construct. A single decision can echo across centuries, changing the fate of your empire.

The game also shines with its “one more turn” appeal. Players often find themselves immersed late into the night, eager to see how their strategies unfold over time.

4. Total War: Three Kingdoms

Total War combines grand strategy with real-time tactics, and Three Kingdoms is one of the series’ finest entries. Set in ancient China, it allows players to relive the legendary conflicts of the Three Kingdoms era.

You’ll oversee diplomacy, economy, and politics on the campaign map, while commanding massive armies in breathtaking real-time battles. Every general has unique abilities and relationships, creating a web of alliances and rivalries that affect gameplay.

The blend of large-scale warfare and intricate character dynamics makes Three Kingdoms both epic and personal, appealing to history buffs and strategy fans alike.

5. XCOM 2

For players who prefer tactical, squad-based strategy, XCOM 2 is a masterpiece. As the commander of a resistance force fighting alien invaders, you lead squads on high-stakes missions where every choice has consequences.

Combat is turn-based, with cover systems, line-of-sight mechanics, and risk-reward decisions shaping every encounter. Soldiers can permanently die, adding tension to each mission. Losing a veteran unit isn’t just a setback—it can change the course of your entire campaign.

With deep customization, brutal difficulty, and mod support, XCOM 2 continues to stand as one of the most rewarding tactical strategy games ever made.

Conclusion

Strategy games demand more than quick reflexes—they require vision, intellect, and adaptability. Titles like Age of Empires IV, StarCraft II, Civilization VI, Total War: Three Kingdoms, and XCOM 2 showcase the genre’s diversity, from real-time battles to turn-based empire building. For masterminds seeking games that challenge the mind and reward smart planning, these five titles are essential experiences.