NOTE: we are only picking one strategy game entry per franchise. If there is one constant among all of them, though, it’s that they perfectly define strategy gaming. Some require hours to completely understand every aspect of gameplay, while others are easier to jump into without worrying about instructions. Representing the best of the strategy genre, these titles range from punishingly difficult to accessible. That’s where this list comes in, so whether it’s 4X, real time, tower defense, or war games, we have you covered. We want to test our ability to strategize and plan. It’s not about being immersed in a narrative or getting lost in adventure.

Then, there are times where we want to challenge ourselves with the best strategy games. We seek out epic quests filled with action and tragedy, hoping to get lost in excellent writing and superb storytelling. Sometimes we play video games to enjoy a mindless adventure or have the life scared out of us.