The Most Popular Strategy Game, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the strategy game you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 11, 2024 06:52
As gamers often dive into the competitive world filled with different strategy games, it becomes essential to understand which games resonate most with the community. This appreciation not only acknowledges the games that excel at player engagement but also aids potential new players in identifying where to devote their time for the best strategic experiences.
Here, you can actively participate in shaping the rankings by casting your vote for the strategy games you believe stand out above the rest. These rankings are adjusted in real-time as more votes come in, reflecting current trends and preferences within the gaming community. Your voice has a direct influence on this dynamic list, making it a true reflection of what the community values most.
What Is the Most Popular Strategy Game?
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148votes
Starcraft II
Blizzard EntertainmentThis is one of the most popular and widely played strategy games in the world. It has a huge fan base and has been around since 2010. The game is known for its fast-paced gameplay, deep strategy elements, and high skill ceiling.Starcraft II is a real-time strategy game developed by Blizzard Entertainment. It is the highly anticipated sequel to the original Starcraft, released in 1998. Set in a futuristic sci-fi universe, the game features three distinct factions, the human Terrans, the insectoid Zerg, and the advanced alien Protoss, each with their own unique units and strategies. Starcraft II offers both single-player and multiplayer modes, with a deep and engrossing storyline in the campaign. It has become a popular e-sport with professional tournaments and a dedicated fan base worldwide.- Genre: Real-time Strategy
- Platforms: PC, Mac
- Release Date: July 27, 2010
- Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
- Factions: Terrans, Zerg, Protoss
Starcraft II in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular RTS
- Position 8 of 10 in Most anticipated game of all time
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236votes
Civilization VI
Firaxis GamesThis is a turn-based strategy game that has been around since 2016. It is known for its deep and complex gameplay, as well as its historical accuracy. The game allows players to build and manage their own civilization, from the Stone Age to the Information Age.Civilization VI is a turn-based strategy game in which players take on the role of a civilization leader, guiding their civilization's progress from ancient times to the modern age. With an emphasis on exploration, technology development, diplomacy, and military conquest, players can shape their civilization's destiny through various means.- Platform: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Genre: Turn-based strategy
- Single-Player: Yes
- Multiplayer: Yes
- Modes: Single-player, multiplayer, online multiplayer
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316votes
Total War: Warhammer II
Creative AssemblyThis is a real-time strategy game that combines the world of Warhammer with the gameplay of Total War. The game is known for its depth and complexity, as well as its impressive graphics and sound design.Total War: Warhammer II is an epic strategy game that blends the rich lore and fantastical world of Warhammer Fantasy Battles with the intense and immersive gameplay of the Total War series. Set in the vibrant and diverse lands of the Warhammer universe, players embark on a conquest to control and dominate various factions, each with their unique units, heroes, and playstyle.- Genre: Turn-based strategy, Real-time tactics
- Developer: Creative Assembly
- Publisher: Sega
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux
- Release Date: September 28, 2017
Total War: Warhammer II in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most fun Total War game
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular RTS
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42votes
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
Microsoft StudiosThis is a classic real-time strategy game that has been remastered for modern audiences. It is known for its historical accuracy and deep gameplay mechanics.Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is a popular strategy game that combines historical accuracy, real-time decision-making, and strategic resource management. Players are tasked with building and expanding their civilizations, leading their armies into battles, researching technologies, and creating trade networks.- Genre: Real-time strategy
- Platform: Microsoft Windows
- Release Date: November 14, 2019
- Graphics: 4K Ultra HD
- Single-player: Yes
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518votes
Company of Heroes 2
Relic EntertainmentThis is a real-time strategy game that takes place during World War II. It is known for its realistic graphics and sound design, as well as its deep and complex gameplay mechanics.Company of Heroes 2 is a popular real-time strategy game set during World War II. It focuses on the Eastern Front, where players take control of Soviet forces to defeat the German army. The game features an immersive single-player campaign and intense multiplayer battles.- Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux
- Genre: Real-time strategy
- Mode(s): Single-player, multiplayer
- Release Date: June 25, 2013
- Engine: Essence Engine 3.0
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68votes
XCOM 2
Firaxis GamesThis is a turn-based strategy game that takes place in a future where aliens have taken over the Earth. It is known for its deep and complex gameplay mechanics, as well as its challenging difficulty.XCOM 2 is a popular strategy game set in a futuristic world where Earth is under alien rule. The game is a sequel to XCOM: Enemy Unknown and is developed by Firaxis Games. Players take on the role of the commander of a resistance force fighting against the alien occupation. The game emphasizes strategy, tactical combat, and resource management.- Platform: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Genre: Turn-based tactics, strategy
- Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
- Release Date: February 5, 2016
- Graphics: 3D, realistic
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712votesThis is a real-time strategy game that takes place in space. It is known for its deep and complex gameplay mechanics, as well as its impressive graphics and sound design.Stellaris is a popular grand strategy game developed and published by Paradox Interactive. It was first released in May 2016 and revolves around the exploration, expansion, exploitation, and extermination (4X) of the player's empire in a vast galaxy filled with various alien species and civilizations. As a space-based strategy game, Stellaris offers a deep and immersive experience where players can customize their own empire and shape its destiny through diplomacy, warfare, trade, and technological advancements.
- Genre: Grand strategy
- Release Date: May 2016
- Platform(s): Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux
- Singleplayer: Yes
- Multiplayer: Yes
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86votes
Crusader Kings III
Paradox Development StudioThis is a real-time strategy game that takes place during the Middle Ages. It is known for its deep and complex gameplay mechanics, as well as its historical accuracy.Crusader Kings III is a popular strategy game that allows players to take on the role of a medieval ruler. Developed by Paradox Development Studio, it offers a deep and immersive experience set in the Middle Ages. The game offers a range of features and mechanics that make it engaging and challenging for players. With its emphasis on strategy and diplomacy, Crusader Kings III allows players to expand their realm through military conquest, arranged marriages, and strategic alliances. The game also offers a robust character system, where players can manage their ruler's traits, skills, and relationships. As a grand strategy game, Crusader Kings III offers a dynamic world with a rich historical context, where players can shape the destiny of their dynasty.- Platform: PC
- Release Date: September 1, 2020
- Genre: Strategy, Simulation
- Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
- Map Size: Based on Earth, spanning from Iceland to India
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93votes
Europa Universalis IV
Paradox InteractiveThis is a real-time strategy game that takes place during the early modern period. It is known for its deep and complex gameplay mechanics, as well as its historical accuracy.Europa Universalis IV is a grand strategy game developed by Paradox Development Studio. It allows players to control a nation and guide it through centuries, making decisions on diplomacy, economy, warfare, and exploration.- Genre: Grand strategy
- Release Date: August 13, 2013
- Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
- Single-player Mode: Yes
- Multiplayer Mode: Yes
Europa Universalis IV in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular Paradox game
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107votes
Command & Conquer: Remastered Collection
Petroglyph GamesThis is a classic real-time strategy game that has been remastered for modern audiences. It is known for its fast-paced gameplay and iconic units, as well as its memorable soundtrack.Command & Conquer: Remastered Collection is a popular strategy game that brings the classic Command & Conquer franchise into the modern era. It is a remastered version of the original games, offering enhanced visuals, improved multiplayer features, and updated gameplay mechanics. Players can relive the iconic battles of the Tiberium Universe and the Red Alert series, where they can command and conquer their way to victory.- Platform: PC
- Release Date: June 5, 2020
- Genre: Strategy
- Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
- Remastered Games: Command & Conquer: Tiberian Dawn, Command & Conquer: Red Alert, and their expansion packs
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Ranking factors for popular strategy game
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Player base and participationThe number of players actively involved in the game and the level of engagement they have with it.
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Critical and user reviewsReviews from game critics and players themselves can provide valuable insight into the overall quality and popularity of a game.
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Sales figures and revenueThe amount of revenue generated by the game can indicate its popularity and success.
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Esports sceneIf a game has a thriving competitive scene with tournaments, leagues, and professional players, it can increase its popularity and appeal to players.
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ReplayabilityA game that offers a lot of replayability and variety in gameplay can keep players coming back and increase its popularity.
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InnovationA strategy game that has unique features or a fresh take on the genre can stand out and become popular.
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Multiplayer optionsMultiple multiplayer modes, including co-op and competitive, can make a game appealing to a wider range of players and increase its popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular strategy game. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or strategy is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1789 views
- 161 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each strategy once every 24 hours. The rank of each strategy is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular strategy game
Strategy games have been a favorite genre among gamers for decades. These games require players to use their critical thinking skills to overcome challenges and defeat opponents. The popularity of strategy games can be attributed to the thrill of outsmarting opponents, the satisfaction of successfully executing a strategy, and the endless possibilities for gameplay. From classic games like chess to modern titles like Starcraft, there are countless strategy games to choose from. With the rise of online gaming, strategy games continue to attract new fans and challenge seasoned veterans. So, what is the most popular strategy game? Let's take a closer look at some of the top contenders.
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