Summary
- Tutorial in grand strategy games is crucial for beginners to grasp mechanics effectively.
- Devout fanbases eagerly anticipate new releases in the grand strategy genre.
- Games like Total War: Medieval 2 and Stellaris received praise for meeting fan expectations.
Grand strategy games can be a tough genre to get into for fans, who will feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of mechanics at play in these titles. Thankfully, most games in the series understand the importance of a good tutorial that will teach players the basics before they start wrapping their minds around more advanced concepts.
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This is why most grand strategy games have devout fan bases who are always hyped for the next big game in the genre. Meeting the many expectations fans have for titles in this genre is a tall order, which is why developers should be lauded when they manage to justify the hype surrounding these titles.
Total War: Medieval 2
A Great Sequel For One Of The Most Popular Total War Games Around
Total War: Medieval 2
- Released
- November 10, 2006
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Genre(s)
- Real-Time Strategy, Turn-Based Strategy, Tactical
While Total War: Medieval 2 may be showing its age right now, words aren't enough to describe just how badly fans were anticipating this title. Medieval: Total War was a massive hit that fans loved, and the idea of checking out yet another game in this time period was quite tantalizing.
Total War: Medieval 2 gameplay improvements, riveting battles, and fun kingdom simulation gameplay made it a blast to play through. The sheer amount of mods for this title makes it clear just how passionate fans are about this title, who loved this game when it came out.
Sid Meier's Civilization 6
An Excellent Entry In A Beloved 4X Grand Strategy Series That Lived Up To The Hype
Sid Meier's Civilization 6
- Released
- October 21, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ for Everyone 10+: Drug Reference, Language, Mild Violence, Suggestive Themes
- Genre(s)
- Strategy
Sid Meier is one of the most notable names in the video game industry, with his work on grand simulations being a blast to enjoy for fans. This is why many people can't help but get hyped for the latest entry in the long-running Civilization series that fans love.
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Civilization 6 was a blast to play when it came out, with future updates and DLCs ensuring that fans will enjoy a ton of content in these titles. While its sequel failed to live up to the franchise's hype, it's only a matter of time before Civilization 7 ironed out all its kinks and lets fans enjoy a ton of content courtesy of the many DLCs that will be launched in due time.
Total War: Rome 2
A Sequel To The Best Total War Game That Did Justice To Its Predecessor's Legacy
Total War: Rome 2
- Released
- September 2, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- m
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, Tactical
Total War: Rome is still considered by many to be one of the best games in the series. It shows just how riveting the formula could be in a fun time period, which is why fans expected a ton from Total War: Rome 2.
Suffice it to say, this sequel didn't disappoint, with many people considering it to be a title worthy of living up to its predecessor's legacy. If players want to check out a modern Total War game that doesn't feel clunky to play, then Rome 2 will be right up their alley.
Stellaris
A Sci-fi Grand Strategy Game That Exceeded Expectations With Its Amazing Sci-fi World And RPG-esque Systems
Stellaris
- Released
- May 9, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Violent References, Mild Language
- Genre(s)
- 4X, Grand Strategy
Paradox Interactive has made a name for itself by crafting several excellent video games in the grand strategy genre that fans can't get enough of. All of these were based on various historical periods, which is why fans were intrigued when Paradox announced a new grand strategy game set in a fictional sci-fi universe.
Fans were floored by the incredible quality present in this title, with the RPG elements of the early game and the unique conflicts in the late game being equally riveting. With all its expansions, Stellaris has become one of the most riveting sci-fi games players can get their hands on.
Total War: Warhammer 2
A Fantasy Total War Game That Rode The Hype Train Of Its Predecessor And Improved On Almost Every Aspect
Total War: Warhammer 2
- Released
- September 28, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- m
- Genre(s)
- Real-Time Strategy
Total War is a series known for tackling historical time periods, which is why the idea of a crossover with the Warhammer 40K franchise made for such an enticing prospect. Fans were looking forward to a Total War game in a fictional universe, and the first game was a promising step in the right direction.
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The rampant success of this game led to the announcement of a sequel that fans couldn't wait for, with Warhammer 2 being a massive upgrade over its predecessor in every way. It's possibly one of the best titles in the series, and it's a shame that Warhammer 3 didn't have as much of an impact as its predecessor.
Europa Universalis 4
A Highly-Anticipated Grand Strategy Title That Broke New Ground For Paradox
Europa Universalis 4
- Released
- August 13, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Drug Reference, Mild Language, Mild Sexual Themes, Mild Violence
- Genre(s)
- Strategy
Taking over a colonial power during a time when the world was leaving the Middle Ages and entering an era of modernity makes for a great setup for a grand strategy. This is why every game in the Europa Universalis series is so much fun to play for fans, who were hyped to the moon for the fourth mainline entry.
Europa Universalis 4 didn't disappoint, letting fans enjoy one of the most complex and satisfying grand strategy games where they controlled a possible superpower as they engaged in diplomacy, formed beneficial trade deals, declared war when things were dire, and bolstered their economy. While some of its expansions may have rubbed fans the wrong way, the rest of the package is sublime.
Crusader Kings 3
Despite Its Hype, No One Expected The Third Crusader Kings Game To Be Such A Barn Burner
Crusader Kings 3
- Released
- September 1, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teens: Drug Reference, Language, Mild Violence, Suggestive Themes
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Grand Strategy
The hype train for Crusader Kings 3 was immense, so much so that fans on the fence about getting into this series finally gave it a shot when the third mainline entry came out. With an engine upgrade and a concise tutorial that did a great job of introducing players to the basics, it's easy to see why Crusader Kings 3 more than lived up to its hype.
The game has slowly received a series of expansions that give players endless distractions in a medieval simulation that is extremely authentic and riveting to boot. The mere fact that players will get lost in this game for hours as they appease vassals, explore as adventurers, host tournaments, marry off their children, and establish a powerful dynasty is a testament to how brilliant Crusader Kings 3 is.
Best Strategy Games For History Fans
The abundance of historical strategy games means history enthusiasts have plenty to sink their teeth into. Here are some of the best to start with.