With Marvel's Midnight Suns pushed back until late 2022, fans will have to wait a little longer to play this long-awaited Marvel strategy game. Though many will likely be tearing their hair out in anticipation, thankfully, there are some games to play in the meantime for fans of the strategy genre.
For fans willing to pass the time with other franchises, Ranker has put together a list of the best strategy games of all time. Which titles managed to distinguish themselves from the rest?
Company of Heroes
A real-time strategy game set in World War II, Company of Heroes allows players to aid in the liberation of France and at the Battle of Normandy. With an engaging plot, fantastic gameplay, and enjoyable logistics, the game remains one of the best RTS games of all time.
The graphics, too, were stunning and still hold up even today, over 15 years later. While not a great game for players new to the genre, experienced RTS players still remember the title fondly and the fun mechanics make it one of the best World War II games ever released.
Rise of Nations
With 18 nations playable in a variety of timeframes in world history, there are few games as replayable as Rise of Nations. Players quickly discover that each of the different nations has varying units and defenders. Another advantage to exploring each of the available nations is that they have separate Wonders, which can change the strategy of the player wildly.
While the game doesn't have the same realistic animations as Company of Heroes, the art manages to accomplish everything the player needs, while also managing to never become truly confusing.
Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos
An RTS with the option for multiplayer or single-player gaming, Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos is remembered now for its connection to World of Warcraft, but the game is more than just a prequel. With several factions — each with its own technology and military styles — players are forced to adapt their gameplay for unique situations and fights.
Resources are also essential to manage, as is the development of each of the hero characters, who are essential to players. More importantly, the game continues the story of the Warcraft universe, adding new elements that would go on to be further explored in the sequel MMORPG.
Command & Conquer: Red Alert
An RTS that pits Allied forces against Soviet attackers in an alternate World War II, the gameplay in Command & Conquer: Red Alert depends on the strength and weaknesses of each faction. Varying speeds, unit abilities, and secret weapons mean that players must adapt each time they shift between factions, adding an element of difficulty that brings a nice challenge to the game.
Resource management is essential — to the point where the Allied faction even has thief troops ready to steal the resources from the Soviets. But while the gameplay is fun, the story is also surprising, interesting, and unique enough to make the game an extraordinary experience for strategy video game beginners.
Medieval II: Total War
In one of the more unique moves in the strategy genre, Medieval II: Total War was, as the name describes, a medieval-themed video game with a twist. Instead of relying on forcing the entire game to be kept in either turn-based or real-time combat, developers elected to mix the two. Some segments of the game remain RTS-based, while others maintain a turn-based format.
The result was an extraordinary experience with well-managed AI, challenging battles, and a wide array of options in fights that make the game one of the most enjoyable and memorable in the industry.
Rome: Total War
Unsurprisingly set during the Roman Empire, Rome: Total War is both one of the best turn-based tactic games and also has additional RTS elements. The main goal of the game is to eventually become the Emperor of all of Rome through battle, diplomacy, and building up Rome.
A balanced game, Rome: Total War always feels like a fast-paced title with heavy stakes. It's challenging, enthralling, and has a fun setting that makes the entire experience feel worthwhile. It's an excellent way for gamers to spend their time if they're looking for a little challenge.
StarCraft
With three different alien races, each possessing different skills and resources, StarCraft is generally regarded as one of the best RTS games of all time. The original setting and story bring a personality to the game that few other real-time strategy games can ever hope to match. Though many of the game's innovations are cliches within the industry now, the balanced mechanics of the game make it just as enjoyable today as it was when it was first released.
The multiplayer aspects of the game were also incredible, allowing eight players to compete in games like Capture the Flag, Team Melee, and Sudden Death. Even currently, the game is remembered fondly for its excellent story and competitive multiplayer.
Civilization V
Colloquially known as "Civ 5", Sid Meier's Civilization V is one of the most well-known strategy games of all time. The intention of the game is for players to guide a civilization through all of history and beyond and to ensure the survival of that empire.
The replayability of Civilization V is unmatched, as players can simply restart the game with new civilizations and develop new strategies and tricks to help bring it into the modern world, and then into the future. Varying difficulties, resource management strategies, multiplayer modes, and game mods still bring players back to the series today.
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2
With a good sense of humor and an engaging story, Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 is still remembered today for its comedy and balanced gameplay. After abandoning its links to the Tiberian series, Red Alert 2 relies on cutscenes and alternate endings to display its stories, while emphasizing its fun and varied gameplay.
While not as challenging as many other strategy games, Red Alert 2 is still enthralling and doesn't ever feel like it's too easy to enjoy. The quick pace certainly helps to keep it fresh, while the wit makes sure that fans never get bored.
Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings
Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings is another medieval strategy game, but that doesn't make it boring. Ranked the greatest strategy game of all time, Age of Kings has 13 civilizations each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Massive developmental trees make the game feel fresh each time players sit down to run through it again, and the style and art make it easily recognizable.
The game is often flexible and relies more on skill and player strategy than panicked cursor jolts. While at times challenging, the game is never frustrating, and fans are continuously rewarded as they learn more about how to manage their civilizations.