While game of the year talks are focused on narrative-based RPGs with linear stories, we believe that the strategy genre deserves love too, and not by just jamming in different games like a certain award show’s category. And 2023 was a strong year for strategy games across publishers and settings. From historical to fantasy and a whole bunch of sci-fi, there was a lot to fall in love with on our top strategy games of 2023 list.
In order to be counted, the game had to have been playable by general audiences in the calendar year of 2023. In order to be considered for the Top Strategy Games of 2023, the game’s main genre needed to be strategy—meaning 4x, grand, turn-based, real-time—and not focused on other genres with specific mechanics like Tactics games (sorry, The Lamplighters League). And that’s it! So, without further ado, here are some of our top strategy games for 2023.
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Advance Wars 1+2 Re-boot Camp
Developer: WayForward, Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
“Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp combines two of the greatest turn-based strategy games of all time in one beautiful package. Quality of life enhancements like voice acting and the map editor help take the games to new heights for players old and new. It’s all wrapped in a nice 3D bow that made me fall in love with the series all over again.” — Kyle Foley
Age of Wonders 4
Developer: Triumph Studios
Publisher: Paradox Interactive
“This is a turn-based strategy game that involves countless decisions and choices that range from managing cities, armies, and resources to 18-on-18 combat, and also it is a beautiful game to look at. I know this design, colors, and art aren’t usually considered in these games, but Age of Wonders 4 stood out. The vibrant colors and artwork from the load screens to the general realm and unit designs are a highlight of the game’s design… Age of Wonders 4 is a fantastic entry in the Age of Wonders series, giving players freedom and choice. The game is so full of customization that it gives unlimited possibilities that no two games will ever be the same, nor would anyone want them to be. We know, much like other Paradox Interactive games, more updates and content are coming down the line, and I’m truly excited to see where Age of Wonders 4 ends up.” — Matt Donahue
Total War: Pharoah
Developer: Creative Assembly
Publisher: SEGA
“Total War: PHARAOH is a smashing success as a grand strategy game and brings the hit franchise to a new historical era. Fascinating leaders and subplots with mechanics to match help make each play session fresh and enjoyable. Additional leaders and units in the future could make this experience even better, but what is already there is a delight to play.” — Kyle Foley
Last Train Home
Developer: Ashborne Games
Publisher: THQ Nordic
“What makes playing Last Train Home so special is how beautifully crafted the world is. It is easy to feel the desperation of the innocent Russian civilians caught up in the civil war and encounters with Russian soldiers are incredibly harrowing. The mission locations are just incredible to look at, and there is so much attention to detail throughout… Last Train Home does a great job of meshing a challenging strategic experience with an immersive setting and story. The difficulty curve can get overwhelming for less experienced RTS players. Still, the attention to detail and the wonderful character interactions make it worth taking the time to learn the ropes.” — Kyle Foley
Company of Heroes 3
Developer: Relic Entertainment
Publisher: SEGA
“It is no exaggeration to say that Company of Heroes 3 is a triumph of the RTS genre. Its graphical flairs and proficiencies make it feel as cinematic and epic as modern war movies. In addition, it offers an amazingly deep strategic experience, fantastic onboarding for newcomers, and plenty of content to keep fans playing for dozens of hours.” — Arron Kluz
Dune Spice Wars
Developer: Shiro Games
Publisher: Funcom
“I loved the intricacies of the game of not only trying to control the map via military or politics. Knowing that votes and relationships can determine your power made the game intriguing, and you really don’t see it all that often. The game was released last year in Early Access but has added tons of quality content and finally got a full release this year.” – Matt Donahue
So that’s it for our top strategy games of 2023! From the dragon empires to fighting over spice, there are many reasons to pick up these games. Picking our top strategy games of 2023 wasn’t easy, so if we missed one of your favorites this year, let us know on social media: @butwhythopc.
The descriptions of the top strategy games of 2023 were taken from our writers’ previous reviews or written for this list.
