If you prefer brains over brawn in your approach to video games, the strategy genre has a wide range of fun and appealing challenges. If you break down the core experience of this category, it is essentially a game of chess. You must carefully plan your next move to outwit your opponent. This “virtual chess board” comes in various shapes and forms, from ancient battlefields in classic games like Age of Empires to those in the distant future. Do you send waves of early attacks or bide your time and launch one massive offensive? The thrill of victory in battle awaits! If you enjoy calculating your next move, strategy games could be a great fit for you.
Strategy sub-genres: layers to the tactical experience
The strategy genre has multiple subcategories, the biggest being real-time (RTS) and turn-based (TBS) games. The key difference is that real-time games unfold without any pauses or waiting for your next move; the action is instantaneous. Turn-based encounters, on the other hand, give players the opportunity to pause to select their next move and watch the action play out. Let’s explore some of the best RTS and TBS experiences Best Buy has to offer:
Best real-time strategy games
In an RTS game, the battle evolves right before your eyes. You must gather resources, build bases, raise your army, upgrade them and indirectly control your forces. It’s a lot to manage at first, but once you understand the ebb and flow of battle, the experience becomes both thrilling and rewarding. Here are some top-tier RTS games to test your battle readiness:
Age of Empires III: Definitive edition
The real-time strategy classic returns with a plethora of modes, unique civilizations, and deep strategy. The in-game assets have been rebuilt in 3D and now support 4K ultra-HD graphics, a remastered soundtrack, and audio effects. In addition, two new modes and civilizations are now included to expand your empire’s reach.
Minecraft Legends
Unlock the secrets of Minecraft Legends, an upcoming action strategy game themed after the global gaming phenomenon Minecraft. Rally your troops to protect the Overworld from the menacing piglins with epic battles! Collect resources, build up your forces, and expand your reach brick-by-brick. Explore the world to uncover secrets and hidden treasures and become an unstoppable legend!
Pikmin 4
Embark on a grand adventure on a strange planet with Pikmin 4. You will lead a team of tiny creatures called Pikmin, each with unique abilities and traits. Red Pikmin are immune to fire, Ice Pikmin can freeze foes and objects, and there are many more types to discover. Use your Pikmin’s skills and your own strategy to explore the mysterious world, fight enemies, and collect treasures. Pikmin 4 is a real-time strategy game that will challenge your creativity and problem-solving skills against a beautiful colourful world.
Upcoming real-time strategy games
Age of Mythology: Retold
The classic strategy returns to the modern era of gaming with updated visuals and enhanced gameplay. Lead mythological armies from Greek, Norse, Egyptian, and Atlantean civilizations, summoning gods and mythical creatures to dominate epic battles. Enjoy a 50-mission campaign, diverse units, and an improved multiplayer experience with cross-platform play. This definitive edition combines the original’s best elements with modern RTS design, offering a strategic experience you don’t want to miss.
Best turn-based strategy games
If you like to have a little extra time to plan your next steps in battle, turn-based strategy games might be for you. These games offer pauses between action or battle sequences, allowing you to strategize your next move. Here are some must-play turn-based titles, good luck on the battlefield!
Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp
Relive the thrilling combat of Advance Wars and Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising with Advance Wars 1 + 2 Re-Boot Camp exclusively on the Nintendo Switch. Play across the land, sea, and air with Andy, Max, Sami, and other Commanding Officers, or switch over to Versus Mode and engage up to four players in intense combat to find the ultimate victor among your friends.
Fire Emblem Engage
Summon valiant heroes and defeat ancient threat in Fire Emblem Engage for Nintendo Switch. In a war against the Fell Dragon, four kingdoms worked together with heroes from other worlds to seal away this great evil. One-thousand years later, this seal has weakened and the Fell Dragon is about to reawaken.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
The Fire Emblem series makes its HD debut in Fire Emblem: Three Houses on the Nintendo Switch. It is one of the best tactical role-playing games in recent memory, with core gameplay improvements which make the game accessible to both newcomers and veterans alike. The game’s 3 storylines offer a plethora of content, full of twists and turns, to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes
This action-packed Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes for Nintendo Switch involves advanced fighting skills and expertise in warfare of each character in massive battles. Step into the shoes of Edelgard, Dimitri, Claude and other Fire Emblem characters as they return to war-torn Fodlan. Wield the powerful weapons of each character to decimate innumerable enemies and save Fodlan.
Sid Meier’s Civilization VI
The epic PC strategy game is now available on the PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, with a nearly flawless translation to home consoles. In Sid Meier’s Civilization, you can change the course of history by rewriting it with your own actions. The game allows you to explore new regions and clash with history’s most renowned leaders as you build the greatest civilization known to humankind! It’s time to rewrite history!
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Relive the thrilling combat of joining forces with Mario characters in the Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope for Nintendo Switch. You will explore planets throughout the galaxy as you unearth mysterious secrets and compelling quests. As the journey unfolds, you will beat a malevolent entity and save your Spark companions from the dark forces.
XCOM 2 Collection
Dive into the XCOM 2 universe with this content-packed collection. This bundle includes the award-winning XCOM 2, the “War of the Chosen” expansion, and four additional DLC packs: Resistance Warrior Pack, Anarchy’s Children, Alien Hunters, and Shen’s Last Gift. Lead the resistance against the alien occupation, customize your squad, and engage in tactical combat to reclaim Earth.
Upcoming turn-based strategy games
R-Type Tactics I · II Cosmos Deluxe Edition
Side-scrolling action meets tactical, turn-based strategy in this R-Type Tactics collection. This package combines two classic R-Type Tactics games, now enhanced with HD visuals and modern gameplay features.
Strategy digital board and card games
Many of your favourite board and card games have been adapted for different gaming platforms. From Axis and Allies to Yahtzee, classic games have found new life digitally. These adaptations often include enhanced features, like interactive elements, dynamic animations, and online multiplayer options, making them more accessible. Many of these digital versions also include tutorials, making it easier for newcomers to learn the ropes. The best part is that you don’t need to set up or worry about losing game pieces.
Games like Mario Party, for example, add a modern twist to traditional board game mechanics by incorporating mini-games, dynamic boards, and interactive elements. Mario Party combines the strategic elements of board games with the excitement of video games, offering a unique and entertaining experience.
Best strategy digital board and card game experiences
Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics
If you are looking for a collection of games in the palm of your hands, Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics on the Nintendo Switch is a great choice. The game features different board, card, tabletop, and toy sports games from around the globe. From timeless classics like Chess and Checkers to international favourites like Mancala and Hanafuda, this game provides plenty of entertainment for players of all ages.
Mario Party Superstars
One of my family’s favourite digital board game night titles is Mario Party Superstars on the Nintendo Switch. The latest installment in the series brings back five classic boards from the Nintendo 64 era, including “Peach’s Birthday Cake” and “Intergalactic Space Land.” Superstars also has a lot of variety, with 100 minigames from across the Mario Party series, which ensures that every game night is filled with fun and excitement. Whether you’re playing locally or online, you can enjoy all modes with friends and family.
Upcoming strategy digital board and card game experiences
Monopoly
Experience the classic board game like never before with Monopoly on Xbox Series X! Dive into a fully animated 3D city where you can buy, sell, and trade properties to build your empire. With enhanced graphics and an improved game experience, Monopoly brings a fresh look to the beloved game. Play solo or with friends and enjoy the timeless fun of Monopoly in a new, immersive way.
Super Mario Party Jamboree
Mario and his pals are back in the ultimate party experience with Super Mario Party Jamboree! This is the biggest Mario Party yet, featuring over 110 minigames, 7 exciting game boards, and the new 20-player online Koopathlon mode. Don’t miss out on the fun!
Uno Legacy Edition
Dive into the world of UNO with the Legacy Edition bundle. This version comes packed with content, including the classic card game alongside three DLCs: UNO Flip!, UNO 50th Anniversary, and UNO Party! Mania. Each DLC offers a unique twist to gameplay, providing hours of fun. Whether it’s a game night with friends and family or a solo adventure, UNO Legacy Edition looks to level up any board game night.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection
Relive the origins of card duelling with the Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection. This compilation brings together classic Yu-Gi-Oh! games, including titles previously only released in Japan. Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Yu-Gi-Oh! with this nostalgic collection on the Nintendo Switch.
Enjoy a challenging video game strategy experience today
The vast and ever-evolving selection of strategy games always offers something new and interesting. Whether on the go with your Nintendo Switch or playing at home on your Xbox, PlayStation or PC,new conquests and challenges are at your fingertips. I hope this rundown of strategy gaming helped you find a new adventure. Let me know in the comments below what your favourite strategy game is, happy gaming!
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