Summary
- XCOM 2 offers rich strategy gameplay, with mobile version released in 2020 after adding mod support and procedurally generated maps.
- Plague Inc. Simulates realistic pandemics, featuring various diseases and an exciting multiplayer mode, making it one of the best strategy titles.
- Company of Heroes, set in World War 2, focuses on controlling victory points and was released for iOS in 2020, kickstarting the franchise.
Strategy games are great fun to play, as they offer tons of different options to players and force them to think about their every move before making a decision. Some strategy games can be very unforgiving, whereas others give players more freedom and don’t challenge them as much to help them focus on immersion.
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A few titles in this genre also play at a slower pace, whereas others require complete focus and undivided attention to avoid losing units and giving up ground to opponents. In any case, it’s undeniable that the strategy genre has a lot to offer. Here are some of the best strategy games that can be played on an iPhone 16.
7 XCOM 2
A Mobile Version Of A Great Title For Many Platforms
XCOM 2
- Released
- February 5, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Blood, Use of Tobacco, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, RPG
- Released in 2020 for Android, iOS, and the Nintendo Switch
- Procedurally generated maps and mod support
XCOM 2 is a wonderful title that's part of a long-standing franchise that fans of the strategy genre have loved for years. After the feedback the developers received from Enemy Unknown, they added procedurally generated maps and mod support to the game, which has helped to greatly elevate the experience.
For iOS systems, XCOM 2 was not released in 2016 as it was for PC, PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One. Mobile players had to wait 4 long years until they could play the title on their devices.
6 Plague Inc.
A Very Realistic Pandemic Strategy Simulator
Plague Inc
- Released
- May 26, 2012
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, Simulation
- 10 different disease types
- Exciting multiplayer experience
Plague Inc. Offers one of the most complete and complex simulation experiences out there. As a fun fact, the CDC asked the developers to speak about the infection models used in the game, given how realistic they are. With over 190 million players, Plague Inc. Is one of the greatest titles in the strategy and simulation genre.
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There are 10 different disease types, 23 unique scenarios, a very realistic world, and even a competitive multiplayer mode that will keep players asking for more and spending hours in the game.
5 Bad North: Jotunn Edition
An Intense Game With Procedurally Generated Elements
Bad North
- Released
- August 20, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Blood, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Real-Time Strategy
- Real-time tactics
- Procedurally generated islands
Bad North: Jotunn Edition is considered by many mobile players to be one of the greatest strategy titles out there for those who love the genre. Not only does the game have a very interesting art style, but the combat and gameplay mechanics are also quite interesting.
While not the best game on the list, it’s safe to say Bad North: Jotunn Edition is one of the best strategy games with the most immersive mechanics, thanks to its procedurally generated islands, intelligent control units and real-time tactics. While many could say that it’s more a roguelite than a strategy game, it does have some elements to classify it as such.
4 Medieval 2: Total War
Large Scale Battles And A Big Map
Medieval 2: Total War
- Released
- November 14, 2006
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Teen // Alcohol and Tobacco Reference, Blood, Mild Language, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Real-Time Strategy, Tactical
- Set between 1080 and 1530 AD
- Players can control medieval states
One of the greatest things about Medieval 2: Total War is that its gameplay is divided between turn-based strategic campaigns and real-time tactical battles. Most of the campaign takes place between the years 1080 and 1530 AD and players are given the chance to control a medieval state, also called a faction.
Most of the map is made up of regions of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Like other Total War games, Medieval 2: Total War is a strategy game that requires patience and careful planning. The Total War franchise has been a reference point for many developers to create new games and implement innovative mechanics.
3 Civilization 6
A Great Title That's Part Of A Longstanding Franchise
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
- 4X and turn-based strategy elements
- Players must lead a primitive civilization to become advanced
Sid Meier's Civilization franchise has been around for a while at the time of writing this article, and throughout the years, many great titles have been released in the series. Sid Meier's Civilization 6 features 4X and turn-based strategy elements that make it a great choice for those who love this genre.
Like its predecessors, this title's main goal is for players to develop civilizations, taking them from an early primitive settlement and leading them to become a world superpower that controls everything and has considerable technological advancements. While it’s no easy task to get there, there are some civilizations in Civilization 6 that are better for culture victories than others.
2 Into The Breach
A Futuristic Fight For Survival Against An Imminent Threat
Into the Breach
- Released
- February 27, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- Turn-Based Strategy
- Players control three Mechs at a time
- An endless fight against giant monsters
Set in the far future where humanity is fighting an endless war against an army of giant monsters through the use of Mechs, Into the Breach poses a considerable challenge to players—one that’s greatly complemented by its interesting plot. Into the Breach also features some of the largest Mechs in video games.
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Using a turn-based combat system, this title allows players to plan out their actions carefully. They get to control three different Mechs at a time against the vicious monsters to emerge victorious and save the day.
1 Company Of Heroes
A World War 2 Title That Kickstarted A Franchise
Company Of Heroes
- Released
- September 12, 2006
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- m
- Genre(s)
- Real-Time Strategy
- The iOS version was released in 2020
- Controlling victory points is key
Set during World War 2, Company of Heroes features very interesting gameplay that allows players to take control of and choose from two different factions. This title is responsible for kickstarting the franchise that followed it, and that is still played by many to this day.
Although the game was initially released in 2006, the version for Android and iOS devices wouldn’t come until 2020. Company of Heroes strongly focuses on controlling victory points around the map to attain dominance through any means necessary, offering hours of fun on the go.
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