Summary
We’ve all been there, sometimes you just want to build something that stands the test of time. Something permanent. Something lasting. Strategy games that let you build powerful nations and empires do just that; they give you a feeling of power and might like no other game can.
Some of these games require you to manage your populace, making sure they remain productive as they toil away for their glorious ruler. Others see you on the path of the conqueror, wiping out rivals and adding their land to your own. One thing’s for certain, however, is that all these games need you to call the shots and become an emperor the world will never forget.
Make no mistake, empires will rise and fall during the course of your campaign in Hearts of Iron 4. While you lead your chosen nation and leader through the tumult of World War 2,you will make impactful decisions on the direction your country will take.
Changing ideology, developing new and emergent technologies, and diplomacy will guide your path through one of the most turbulent periods in human history. Forging mega-alliances and new nations to combat the threat of other countries will lead you to victory.
Sometimes, Earth just isn’t enough for your ambitions. If you ever had the itch to unite all the galaxy under one banner, break the veil that separates our dimension from another one, or convert your people to superior synthetic bodies, then Stellaris is for you.
This grand stretegy game of galactic proportions will have you pick or create a species and then task you with suriving out there in the vastness of space. How you do that, whether by colonizing, diplomacy, warfare, or more, is completely up to your discretion. Research technology, feed your people, and don’t let the rogue A.I. take over.
6Total War: Three Kingdoms
Ancient China At Its Finest
Total War: Three Kingdomshas you live through a period of ancient China’s history that is filled to the brim with heroes and legends. You will help your chosen warlord lead armies and unite all of China under their banner by recruiting characters to help you lead your troops.
You will manage your budding empire as you conquer more land, building towns and cities to serve the needs of your growing population. You also will engage in real-time tactical combat, pitting army against army in your bid to control all of China.
If history is your game, or painting the map the color of your nation, then Europa Univeralis 4 is a phenomenal choice to sink the next 2,000 hours of your life into. It’s one of the most complex, but rewarding grand strategy games out there, and you will havetotal control over your chosen nation, starting from the late 1400s in human history.
Decide on your national endeavors early, like whether to focus on colonial efforts in the New World, or to dominate the old worlds of Europe and Asia. Manage your economy, armies, and make your nation’s name the biggest on the map.
In Millennia, your primary goal is to explore the world around you and lead your chosen nation to glory and survival through research, defense, and strong ties to your neighbors. By staying one step ahead of your rivals and exploiting the resources you have, you will guarantee your survival in this difficult world.
The unique thing about Millennia, however,is what ages you guide the world into. If you or a rival nation completes certain objectives, it could lead the world into a variant age where the rules change, or plunge the world into total chaos as you march into a crisis age. The choice is yours.
Real-time strategy can be a difficult genre to master, but watching your enemies fall to your well-timed attacks and a rapidly growing industry is a feeling like no other. Age of Empires 2 is a classic game of watching empires rise and fall, all based on how quickly you can react and build up steam.
Lead your chosen nation through the ages as technology changes and advances, and crush your opponents under foot as you claim more territory and resources. Build your castles, towns, and armies, and forge ahead.
The ultimate medieval life simulator, Crusader Kings 3, will have you playing for hours and hours until you see your family sitting on the throne. Use your wits and all the tools at your disposal to give yourself the best advantage possible.
Your king needs someone to marry his daughter? Why not offer your firstborn son’s hand in marriage? Surely nothing bad will happen to his only other child and heir to the throne. What’s that? A hunting accident? Oh dear, it seems like your son’s wife will now succeed the throne, and their child, your grandchild, will be the next king.
Civilization 6 continues to be one of the best and most beloved strategy games on the market, and for good reason. No other game can capture your attention quite like Civilization can, demanding you just keep pressing the end turn button over and over again.
With varied maps and almost unlimited potential for what each game might be like, you will be playing for hours, building up your empire and crushing other nations with your powerful armies and advanced technology. Just one more turn.
