10 Strategy Games With The Best Stories, Ranked

Throughout video game's history, there have been many genres that seem to have suited the role of storytelling more than others. While role-playing games and third-person action-adventure titles often hold some of the most intricate plots of the medium, the strategy genre seems to have missed out.

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However, that is not to say that there aren't some genuinely riveting narratives that can be found in the strategy genre - with even some of the best plots and characters video games have to offer being found in some of its titles. From universe-wide existential threats to intimate human relationships, the strategy genre is more than capable of weaving a heart-wrenching narrative.

10 Lock's Quest

A Cult-Classic Clockwork Invasion Tower Defense

• Platform(s): Nintendo DS
• Released: September 09, 2008
• Developer(s): 5th Cell
• Genre(s): Real-time Strategy, Tower Defense

Initially finding a home on the Nintendo DS handheld before being ported over to sixth-generation consoles and PC in 2017, Lock's Quest was created by Scribblenauts developer 5th Cell.

Using a substance known as Source, players take control of the eponymous Lock. Lock becomes a state-employed Archineer., a builder, and defender, of fortresses. The antagonist Agonius - the greatest of all the Archineers - was defeated decades past, after emulating life through a clockwork army.

Unfortunately, he returns, destroys Lock's seaside homestead, and captures his sister.

9 Homeworld

A Space-Faring Tale of Refuge And Revenge

There is no doubt that Homeworld was critically adored when it was released in 1999. However, its narrative has similarly stood the test of time.

Following the Kushan people as they evacuate their home planet of Kharak, players must occupy their ship-building mothership as they ward off the Taiidan Empire, who have obliterated their homeworld as vengeance for the Kushan developing hyperspace jump technology.

In this 3D space-faring strategy title, players must create ships and reclaim the ancient Kushan homeworld from their adversaries.

8 World In Conflict

An Alternate History RTS Where The Cold War Heats Up

Exploring an alternate Cold War timeline, World in Conflict brings the real-time strategy genre to PC and seventh-generation consoles.

After the collapsing Soviet Union was denied financial aid by the West, the Red Army mobilised in mainland Europe. As the USA sends troops to combat the European threat, the continental United States is attacked by Soviet forces. Defending key areas of interest, the player must strategize against the Soviets. As China enters the fray, and tensions mount, players will have their wit and bravery tested.

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7 Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance

A Deeper, Darker Tale In The Disgaea Franchise

The Disgaea strategy RPG series is not one to shy away from complex narrative layers with fantasy elements. Especially considering its JRPG roots, its narrative is a multi-layered affair with unique inter-character relationships.

As the world of Disgaea 5 unfolds, the hellish Netherworlds - overseen by Overlords with unique abilities - are rallied to your cause. Setting out to tackle the Void Dark, this entry's cruelly antagonistic force, players must bring the Overlords to their side to defeat the ability-stealing Void Dark and his demonic forces.

6 Valkyria Chronicles

A Pseudo-Second World War Turn Based Title

Following a pseudo-WWII narrative, Valkyria Chronicles uses the aesthetic of the Second World War to create a unique yet grounded third-person strategy title.

Our protagonists reside in the neutral state of Gallia. Unfortunately, stuck between the dictatorial East 'Europan Imperial Alliance' and the Western democratic conglomerate of the 'Atlantic Federation'. Through a conflict over Ragnite - a multipurpose resource that both sides are vying for control over.

The WWII-esque story is grounded, yet is fluid enough to include some ancient mystical powers and romance along the way.

5 Advance Wars

A Cutesy Nintendo Strategy Title With A Surprisingly Engaging Story

Despite Nintendo's chibi-like aesthetic and cutesy take on modern warfare, Advance Wars stands as an entertaining turn-based strategy narrative romp.

As a tactical advisor for the Orange Star army, players must combat enemy forces while also unravelling a continent-wide military plot featuring multiple factions and tactical subterfuge. As factions such as the Green Earth and Yellow Comet states are playable, gameplay is dynamic. However, the cutesy take on geopolitical strife is genuinely engaging.

4 Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings

A Plundering Sky Pirate Adventure In The World Of Final Fantasy XII

Square Enix's handheld real-time strategy title Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings is not only a competent strategy title but one that players have found to have a highly engaging narrative.

An expansion of the magic and airships gamers first discovered in the original Final Fantasy XII, this title takes place one year after the events of the original title. Revenant Wings retroactively adds the floating contingent of Lemures, which is made visible to the player as they play the role of Final Fantasy XII' s protagonist - Vaan.

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3 Stellaris

A Player-Bound Masterclass In Narrative Design

Stellaris isn't like other narrative-focused strategy titles. There are no world-ending events, sleazy political negotiations, or last-minute backstabbing from allies. At least, not in a wholly scripted campaign.

All these elements are at play, however they come through direct interaction with human players alongside the somewhat randomly generated events that occur universe-wide. As galaxy-devouring crises occur and political trade blockades reap long-lasting effects in real-time, the effects of Stellaris' narrative junctions are felt across the universe.

2 Starcraft

The Benchmark RTS With An Intergalactic Threat

Starcraft almost requires no introduction. A touchstone for the real-time strategy genre, Blizzard's 1998 title boasts a narrative many gamers argue is the best in the series.

After attempts at creating perfect artificial life in the Koprulu sector of the Milky Way, the Protoss and Zerg are created. After the Zerg promptly destroy their creators, a remnant of humanity accidentally flies into occupied space - complete with their human power struggles. In a multi-faction campaign, players must navigate this new alien conflict's political and geographical terrain.

1 Fire Emblem: Awakening

The Nintendo Strategy Franchise's Most Revered Title

Before Fire Emblem: Awakening's 2013 release, the franchise was on its last legs. However, Awakening's unprecedented success has allowed the series to become one of Nintendo's best-selling - partially down to Awakening's engaging narrative.

Seen by many gamers as the series' best story, it follows players inhabiting the mute avatar of Robin. Joining the burly prince of Ylisse, Chrom, gamers defend local settlements and defeat antagonistic forces before a time jump where Chrom becomes king, and the real story begins.

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