There are currently more gamers around the world than ever before. Since there are 3.09 billion active video game players globally, those interested in the best PC strategy games have a lot of people to test their skills against online.
It can be challenging to find the right game for you with so many options, but knowing what’s out there can get you having fun ASAP. Read on to learn some exciting and challenging strategy games that you’re sure to love trying your hand at.
Imperator: Rome
If you’re a fan of historical settings, you can’t go wrong with Paradox’s Imperator: Rome. This strategy game takes you back to the Holy Roman Empire and places you as the ruler of the empire itself.
You’ll have the chance to build cities and villages within the game and set up civilization to your liking. You’ll also be able to command armies, invade neighboring countries to expand your borders, and fight invaders looking to take your land.
There are many different threats in the game that you’ll need to face internally, too – it’s not all fighting and warfare. You’ll need to deal with internal tensions among social classes and civil unrest.
It also is fairly character-driven at some points. You’re usually playing as the state itself, but noble houses and clans have some interesting named characters. Some of them are there to help you and others are there to defy and undermine you, so you’ll need to keep a careful eye and watch out!
Overall, this game’s fun and lets you feel like royalty, so there’s nothing not to love.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
If you’re drawn to the warfare element of Imperator, you might also like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. It’s the 4th game in the CS series, but it can be played independently on many different PC systems including Windows.
In this game, there are two groups of people: the terrorists and the counter-terrorists. There are a few different gameplay modes that pit these two groups against each other. You can play on either side and try to thwart the other one with wit and strategic thought.
In one popular game mode, terrorists try to make and plant a bomb while counter-terrorists try to stop them. In another, the terrorists will take hostages that the counter-terrorists try and save.
CSGO case opening is also a huge part of the game. You’ll be able to access virtual treasure chests that each hold different weapon skins. This lets you personalize your game and show off your taste, which is especially fun when you get a rare weapon that you want to boast.
Europa Universalis 4
Europa Universalis 4 is for those who like the historical element of Imperator: Rome more than the warfare element. This is one of the most popular streaming games out there because it’s inspired by a 1993 board game that tons of people know and love.
You’re sent to the end of the Medieval period and are set the be the next great ruler of your empire. You’ll be able to traverse the globe as the nation you play as.
There is a warfare element to the game, and you can conquer various lands as you play. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. You’ll also go in-depth into diplomacy, trade, and internal social politics.
Your goal is simply to expand your rule as much as possible, keep the people within your jurisdiction happy (or not), and be remembered as one of the best (or worst) rulers in history. This is one of the best PC games because there are tons of things you can do to make your rule stand out for better or worse. The entire virtual world is your oyster.
Town of Salem
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that Among Us is one of the most popular strategy games online. You’ll also know that the role of Imposter is one of the most fun (and most challenging) parts to play.
Town of Salem is a lesser-known game that predates Among Us, but it has a similar setup. It’s essentially an online version of Mafia where everyone’s assigned a role.
Some roles are ‘town’ roles, like the Investigator and the Monarch. Other roles are ‘mafia’ roles like the Godfather and the Blackmailer. The town and the mafia are on opposing teams as the mafia tries to kill the town members at night while the town hunts for them and votes to lynch people during the day.
There are also neutral roles like Survivors, Serial Killers, and Jesters. They aren’t loyal to a team and can win on their own. This game is by far one of our favorite PC games, so check it out online or on Steam.
Crusader Kings 3
Crusader Kings III is another awesome Middle Age simulation, but you’re playing as a member of a noble house rather than as a supreme ruler. You’re trying to make a name for your house and your dynasty. It’s more character-driven than other monarchy simulators like Europa Universalis.
Basically, you’ll spend your time emulating the lifestyles of nobles in the era. You’ll walk around the universe and interact with other characters that can drag you into various situations.
Some of these will be wars and coups, so battle lovers will especially enjoy this game. But other scenarios are political intrigues and court politics. There are also romantic trysts that you can enjoy to further other facets of the game!
Try the Best PC Strategy Games Today
Now that you know the best PC strategy games for online gaming enthusiasts, it’s time to get started. Check out our home page’s “gaming” section to learn more fun games that will test your knowledge and skills. You also may be interested in the “culture” tab to learn more about current gaming events, nerd culture, and how to build a community with other like-minded gamers.
