Top 10 Epic Grand Strategy Games to Satisfy Your Civilization Cravings

Highlights

Fans of the grand strategy genre are eagerly awaiting the release of Civilization 7. In the meantime, they can fulfill their conquest cravings by exploring other iconic games such as Civilization 6 and Crusader Kings 3.

Total War: Warhammer 2 and Hearts of Iron 4 are favored by strategy enthusiasts due to their exceptional AI and immersive World War 2 setting. Meanwhile, Imperator: Rome and Endless Space 2 offer intricate gameplay mechanics centered around historical and space exploration themes, making them excellent substitutes for Civilization 7.

The opportunity to conquer opponents in a war game is an exhilarating experience for strategy enthusiasts. Gamers embody their inner Alexander the Great, aiming to be the last survivor after a grueling series of battles across different eras of human history. Sid Meier's Civilization series has been hugely successful in the grand strategy genre, and the upcoming release of Civilization 7 aims to continue this trend as the demand for more titles in this category continues to grow. However, while Civilization 7 is still being developed, fans of the genre can explore other legendary games that satisfy their cravings for conquest. With the genre's popularity soaring due to shows like Game of Thrones and House of The Dragon, which showcased various strategies to seize power, there is no shortage of strategy games to choose from. Historical titles like Rise of Nations, Sudden Strike, and Age of Empires have already captivated players, providing ample entertainment as Civilization 7 is eagerly awaited by the gaming community.

Civilization 6

Crusader Kings 3

Crusader Kings, an already renowned franchise, solidified its reputation with the highly acclaimed third installment. While Crusader Kings 2 received favorable reviews from notable critics, it was Crusader Kings 3 that stood out as one of the top-rated games of 2020. This video game intricately weaves together political and personal dynamics to present a vivid portrayal of both the glorious and dark aspects of royal life. The choices players make in their relationships with neighboring regions can lead to either widespread bloodshed or the bountiful rewards of prosperity. Rather than focusing on technological advancements or intangible elements, Crusader Kings 3 places a greater emphasis on the interactions among its characters.

Total War: Warhammer 2

The Total War series has experienced significant success throughout the years, and the introduction of Warhammer 2 in 2017 elevated it to new heights. This edition featured intelligent AI opponents that tested players' skills on the battlefield. Each faction participating in the epic clash possessed distinctive characteristics, ranging from the unstoppable might of the Lizardmen to the impeccable discipline displayed by the armies of the High Elves. The unparalleled diversity in gameplay instantly made Warhammer 2 a beloved choice among members of the strategy community.

Victoria 3

Previous iterations of Victoria were known for their intricate and occasionally perplexing mechanics. However, players initially found themselves grappling with the hidden intricacies within Victoria 3. Nonetheless, the captivating fusion of politics and economics proved too compelling to overlook. Despite the multitude of puzzling elements it presents, Victoria 3 achieved remarkable sales figures, establishing itself as one of Paradox's most successful ventures.

Hearts of Iron 4

World War 2 games have become a prominent feature in the FPS genre as players seek to immerse themselves in the most devastating conflict in human history. Hearts of Iron 4 offers a captivating experience for avid warmongers, who must invest countless hours to master its intricate economic landscape and optimize division composition in order to build the most formidable army. Spanning a remarkably expansive map of pre-1936 Earth, the game introduces various compelling factors that demand careful consideration before moving troops, resulting in a truly immersive and multi-layered gaming experience.

Imperator: Rome

Imperator: Rome stands apart from other games by delving into the intricacies of the Roman Empire's rise, which is often overlooked in gaming. It takes inspiration from Europa Universalis 4's sandbox gameplay, combining it with elements from other Paradox games like Crusader Kings. The result is a real-time historical strategy title that offers a considerable challenge, making it a fulfilling experience for fans of Civilization.

Endless Space 2

Endless Space 2 offers a unique faction personality and a distinctive expansion system that integrates every aspect of its gameplay. With its focus on space exploration and varied victory conditions, it serves as a compelling alternative to Sid Meier's upcoming Civilization 7.