Unleashing the Top Indie Strategy Games That Will Blow Your Mind

Strategy games, which draw inspiration from tabletop tactics games and their turn-based format, have a long history and are considered one of the oldest genres in gaming. In the past, major companies were responsible for releasing a significant number of strategy games. However, in recent times, this responsibility has mostly shifted to smaller, independent teams.

This topic will explore a wide range of strategy games, encompassing both turn-based tactics games and real-time strategy games. These games have been developed and published by indie developers and publishers. With their distinct styles and gameplay, there is something for every strategy fan to enjoy.

10 Bad North

This real-time strategy game embraces the roguelite formula and incorporates procedural generation to create small islands where players must defend against various groups of Vikings with different troop types. Its goal is to offer straightforward yet strategic gameplay, minimal micromanagement, and allows players to position their troop formations while the AI handles navigation and combat engagements. Bad North prioritizes overall tactics rather than real-time strategy, but its delightful and serene art style, easy accessibility, and roguelite structure make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced tactical gamers seeking a less intricate experience.

9 NEBULOUS: Fleet Command

For fans of The Expanse, NEBULOUS: Fleet Command is a dream come true. It is heavily influenced by the show's aesthetic and features thrilling naval-inspired combat. NEBULOUS: Fleet Command successfully captures the intense and strategic nature of space combat in The Expanse, allowing players to take command.

In this game, players are given control of customizable warships, a radar, and intricate 3D movement controls. They must cleverly outsmart and outmaneuver their opponents in the vastness of 3D space. While NEBULOUS: Fleet Command is a real-time experience, it places strong emphasis on tactical movements and simulation. Undoubtedly, NEBULOUS: Fleet Command stands out as a truly unique game, offering one of the most exhilarating space combat experiences available in the market.

8 For The King

This turn-based strategy game combines RPG and roguelite elements to offer a challenging and immersive experience. For The King features procedurally generated maps, loot, and quests, ensuring endless replayability. Additionally, players can enjoy local and online co-op modes.

In For The King, players navigate a tabletop-style over-world to protect the land from various creatures. The game's combat is inspired by board games and employs a unique dice system that introduces a fair amount of randomness into the tactics. While some may view this random element as a drawback, it contributes to the excitement and unpredictability of the battles. Moreover, the combat utilizes a slot system that allows players to manipulate the dice to their advantage. This combination of strategy and randomness brings to mind the gameplay of XCOM.

7 Hero's Hour

Hero's Hour combines turn-based strategy, real-time combat, and RPG elements to provide an engaging and immersive strategic experience. With a vast amount of content, the game ensures that players stay engaged and interested.

Within the game, players have the opportunity to explore a captivating over-world and assemble their army through turn-based gameplay. This game style allows players ample time to carefully plan and strategize their moves. However, when it comes to combat, the action unfolds in real time, with the player's army fighting automatically. To enhance the strategic aspect of the game, players can cast spells and issue orders, ensuring that combat is not solely determined by luck or numerical values. Although certain battles may not require player input, Hero's Hour remains heavily focused on tactical gameplay while remaining accessible to all players.

6 Wargroove

Reminiscent of Advance Wars, Wargroove offers a turn-based war experience on compact battlegrounds. With up to four players, the objective is to compete for control of strategic points, employing a distinct combat system that emphasizes countering enemy armies through diverse strategies and numerical advantage.

In addition to its captivating gameplay, Wargroove presents twelve unique commanders, each with their own distinct playstyles. It also encompasses four different factions and boasts a compelling campaign mode. Furthermore, the game provides in-game editors, empowering players to craft personalized maps, cutscenes, and even their own captivating campaigns. With its extensive customization options, Wargroove stands as one of the most captivating and replayable strategy games available today.

5 They Are Billions

Set in a dystopian future where a zombie apocalypse has decimated the human population, They Are Billions challenges players to construct and safeguard a colony in a Steampunk environment, while fending off relentless waves of zombies using both stationary defenses and real-time controlled units.

The game seamlessly combines elements of base-building and real-time strategy, allowing players to strategically plan their actions by pausing the game to carefully consider their next move. This adds an additional layer of tactics to the gameplay. They Are Billions offers a gripping 48-mission campaign and a Survival Mode that follows a rogue-like structure, featuring a dynamically generated world that requires players to sustain their colony for a specific duration of time.

4 Tooth And Tail

Featuring anthropomorphized creatures, this indie RTS focuses on fast-paced 5-12 minute matches. It stands out with gamepad-optimized controls, a rare feature in RTS games, making it suitable for both experienced players and newcomers to the genre.

In Tooth and Tail, players must carefully choose their unit roster before each match. This roster determines which units they can deploy during the game, offering a strategic and experimental element to the gameplay. Once in a match, players must rally their troops to seize control of various Mills, which serve as valuable resource points. With its minimal micromanagement, the game is incredibly easy to pick up and play, while still providing ample opportunities for strategic decision-making.

3 Battle Brothers

For fans of Mount And Blade: Warband seeking a tabletop-like strategy experience on a smaller scale, Battle Brothers is the ultimate choice. With or without its acclaimed DLC, Battle Brothers offers a wealth of content in its procedurally generated open world. Players assume the role of leaders, commanding a group of up to 12 mercenaries in a series of battles.

Within the game, players must undertake contracts, carefully manage their reputations with different factions, and ultimately confront an end-game crisis in order to retire their company honorably. Battle Brothers is highly customizable, allowing for various strategic approaches, making it an ideal choice for players craving a more immersive experience. However, it is worth mentioning that the game can be challenging, with permanent character deaths and, in the event of the entire troop's demise, game over.

2 Northgard

Northgard offers a gameplay experience that follows a more traditional style of real-time strategy (RTS) compared to previously mentioned games. Set in a Norse-themed world, players must construct settlements, assign tasks to gather resources, and expand their territory. The game has a similar structure to Civilization, while also incorporating elements found in classic RTS games like Warcraft 3.

In terms of gameplay, Northgard emphasizes resource management and focuses on making strategic decisions and building bases, rather than putting a heavy emphasis on micromanagement-intensive combat. The game presents a variety of factions to choose from, allowing for experimentation and replay value, although certain factions require paid DLC to access. Additionally, players can enjoy the game's story mode and engage in online gameplay.

1 Into The Breach

Developed by the creators of the cult classic FTL: Faster Than Light, Into The Breach is a turn-based strategy game where players command a team of mechs with different abilities to protect cities from enormous bugs. The game offers customization through leveling up mech pilots and equipping the mechs with various gear. With its roguelike structure, players can unlock different mech squads for added replayability. However, what sets Into The Breach apart is its unique way of conveying information to the player. Every enemy's intentions and the order in which they will execute their actions are clearly displayed, enabling players to strategically plan their moves and ensure efficient gameplay.