Ranking strategy games

After being in closed alpha for several years, Total War: Arena has finally opened up to the public. A collaboration between The Creative Assembly and Wargaming, Total War: Arena is based on the famed franchise of the same name but with a twist.

Instead of focusing on a single-player campaign, the game focuses entirely on player versus player combat, with massive 10 versus 10 battles taking place with thousands of units on the field at once.

The Total War series has always had issues with PVP game modes, specifically balance, or lack thereof, and although Total War: Arena is an entirely PVP game, these issues have not been fixed. Be prepared for lengthy queue times and bad matchmaking a lot in higher tiers in particular.

The game's cash shop is relatively mild. Players can have plenty of fun in the lower and mid tiers, however, in the higher tiers, players who spend money will have a significant advantage, and players who don't will be at a significant disadvantage. Balance wise, premium units aren't a big deal compared to non-premium units, but they do offer up increased XP and silver gains. The endgame is almost completely inaccessible to non-spending players, and it is nigh-impossible to reach and stay in the highest tiers unless you spend money in this game.

Total War: Arena is a flawed game with a pretty harsh ceiling for F2P players, but offers up a lot of fun for fans of the genre.

➔ Main points:

• Downloadable F2P MMO real-time tactics strategy game with MOBA elements inspired by the Total War series
• 10 versus 10 PVP battles with a 15-minute time limit
• 4 different factions each with several leaders and dozens of units
• Unbalanced matchmaking at higher tiers
• Very long endgame grind - hard ceiling for non-paying players

Travian is a 2D browser-based military strategy game that was released in 2004 to critical acclaim. For strategy enthusiasts, the game features resource management and empire building in the early game which supplements its mid-game combat and PVP expansion gameplay.

The hero system is a unique feature that allows players to explore an alternate RPG progression, by embarking their heroes on quests and missions to gain powerful equipment which will aid in attacking and defending villages.

While Travian isn't a perfect game it is a staple title that offers hours of addictive fun to players seeking a strategic browser-based masterpiece.

➔ Main points:

• Large player population that makes the game competitive today
• Fun and strategic empire building
• Excellent user interface for a browser game
• Unique hero system to complement kingdom management
• Will keep you addicted daily

Dark Genesis is a free to play browser-based idle MMORPG which lets you collect popular demigods as heroes: if you've always wanted to see Loki, Shiva and Anubis battle side by side against hordes of enemies, then Dark Genesis is the game for you.

Its party battle system will let you unlock and collect a large variety of popular entities that span across different fantasy icons, cultural heroes and more: you'll form a party of these heroes and challenge opponents in PvE and PvP battles through a series of map stages.

Outside of battle mode, the sky castle map is your home base which unlocks new features as you level up, letting you get access to new buildings and infrastructures that will make you progress faster-

As an added bonus, there's a charm to the game with its decent graphics and easy accessibility

➔ Main points:

• Idle party-based MMORPG that's free to play
• Low system requirements and very accessible on browser
• Familiar popular heroes that do the battling for you
• Decent graphics that looks good on your phone too

A browser-based strategy, city-building game, Elvenar allows you to play as either humans, or elves, while taking control of your civilization's economy and army.
The game starts off with a Town Hall, but as with other city building games, the settlement can be expanded, constructing roads and buildings in the process.

Elvenar doesn't require a player to over-commit to the game, and you can 'come and go' as often as you like through the day and manage your city step by step. To make things easy, there is no PvP mode in the game, so players don't get attacked every now and then, and don't have to log on and play to defend the city.

The absence of a PvP mode in Elvenar is made up for by a truly engaging PvE experience where you can fight battles which aren't fully automated like in many other similar, yet boring games.
The combat is turn based where you have to use a lethal strategy to beat your opponent using an army of fighters with varying skills and abilities.

➔ Main points:

• Pacific strategy browser-game.
• Co-existence of humans and mythical creatures.
• Economy is key to building an army.
• Different types of buildings and unique soldiers introduced.
• No PvP mode, but innovative PvE with turn-based combat system.

Game of Thrones: Winter Is Coming is the officially licensed Game of Thrones browser game featuring many places and characters so loved by the TV series fans.

The game is authentic, fun, and quite a challenge.
Kingdom building is what you'll be doing the most, but there are also some very welcomed and interesting gameplay elements like real-time 3D battles (in the style of an MMORTS game).

The graphics are phenomenal and the soundtrack is on par with the amazing one of the TV show.
While it is very unforgiving to solo players, the game shines in group play with its stellar Alliance System that promotes teamwork to reach the end-game and rule the Iron Throne.

Overall, this is a solid free-to-play browser game that every fan of the TV show should at least try.

➔ Main points:

• Free to play browser-based strategy game with RPG and real-time strategy elements
• Authentic Game of Thrones experience thanks to the official license
• Clever diversity in gameplay
• Heavy social aspects with good alliance system
• Very unfriendly to solo players
• Amazing graphics, soundtrack and technical realization.

Guns of Glory: Lost Island is what happens when classic empire-building strategy decides it wants a pirate hat, a naval fleet, and a bit more swagger. At its core, the game sticks closely to the familiar formula: build your base, train your army, gather resources, and try not to get flattened by someone with more time (or money). But it layers in a surprisingly engaging maritime twist, turning what could have been yet another clone into something with a bit more personality.

You’ll start on a mysterious island, tasked with rebuilding your empire after a disastrous collapse. From there, it’s all about expansion—upgrading buildings, unlocking troops, researching technologies, and eventually setting sail to explore surrounding waters. The naval component is where the game tries to stand out: ships aren’t just decorative, they’re essential for exploration, combat, and resource gathering.

Visually, the game leans heavily into a stylized, slightly cartoonish aesthetic, with vibrant environments and exaggerated character designs. It’s polished, flashy, and clearly built to keep your attention locked in. The UI is smooth, though occasionally cluttered with the usual barrage of timers, icons, and “limited-time offers” that these games love.

Multiplayer is a major pillar, with alliances playing a huge role in both survival and success. Whether you’re coordinating attacks or defending against enemy players, there’s a constant sense of tension in the shared world.

While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, Guns of Glory: Lost Island succeeds by mixing familiar mechanics with enough fresh elements—especially its naval focus—to keep things interesting. Just be ready for the usual free-to-play caveats lurking beneath the surface.

➔ Main points:

• Naval warfare and exploration: Command ships across open waters, discovering islands and battling enemies for resources and dominance.
• Classic base-building loop: Construct and upgrade structures to strengthen your empire and unlock advanced technologies.
• Hero-driven combat system: Recruit and upgrade unique heroes who influence battles and provide strategic bonuses.
• Alliance-centric gameplay: Join forces with other players to coordinate attacks, defend territory, and dominate the map.
• Persistent online world: Real-time interactions with other players create constant opportunities—and threats.
• Event-driven progression: Frequent limited-time events offer rewards but demand consistent engagement.

Heroes of History drops you into a world where time itself has apparently taken a coffee break, allowing figures from wildly different eras to casually coexist—and more importantly, fight under your command. One minute you’re recruiting Leonidas, the next you’re sending Joan of Arc to back up Napoleon in a siege. It’s chaotic, historically questionable, and honestly, a lot of fun.

At its core, the gameplay blends city-building with hero-driven strategy combat. You’ll construct your settlement from the ground up, managing resources like food, gold, and production materials while unlocking new buildings that expand your capabilities. But unlike standard empire builders, your progression is tightly linked to the heroes you collect. Each character isn’t just cosmetic—they fundamentally change how battles play out.

Combat is where the game starts flexing its muscles. Instead of mindless troop spam, you assemble squads led by historical figures, each with unique abilities inspired by their real-world legacy. For example, Alexander the Great excels in aggressive frontline pushes, boosting troop damage and momentum, while Cleopatra leans into support mechanics, enhancing resource efficiency and providing buffs that can swing prolonged engagements. Positioning, timing abilities, and team composition matter more than raw numbers.

There’s also a satisfying loop of upgrading heroes, unlocking skills, and experimenting with synergies. Pairing defensive-minded leaders like Sun Tzu with high-damage units creates a completely different playstyle compared to going full offense with figures like Genghis Khan.

While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, Heroes of History stands out by making its historical cast feel meaningful in gameplay—not just decorative portraits. It’s a strategy game where your roster genuinely shapes your tactics, and that makes every battle feel a bit more personal… even if history teachers everywhere are quietly screaming

➔ Main points:

• Hero-driven combat system: each historical figure brings unique battlefield abilities that directly impact strategy and outcomes
• Era-blending roster variety: command warriors, rulers, and tacticians from completely different time periods in one unified army
• Strategic squad composition: mixing heroes like Leonidas and Cleopatra creates drastically different combat dynamics
• City-building progression loop: expand your settlement to unlock stronger units, resources, and hero upgrades
• Skill-based battle timing: activating abilities at the right moment can completely turn the tide of combat
• Upgradeable hero specializations: customize playstyles through skill trees and stat enhancements

Ikariam is an animated, historically-themed 2D browser-game that features a rich strategy game experience involving resource management, multiplayer PVP and empire building. The game advances in real time and while progression is slow, the gameplay offers plenty of choices for the player when it comes to being the ruler of their township on an island that is ripe for any plans of expansion.

Graphically, Ikariam is pleasant to look at with good graphics and surprisingly has animated motions of villagers getting to work and constructing buildings or collecting resources. Unfortunately, the lack of in-game sounds and music may be an immersion buzzkill for some players.

Ultimately, Ikariam is a great strategy game that players can play for no cost, even in the presence of an advantageous cash shop.

➔ Main points:

• Rich gameplay that features plenty of content for empire building lovers
• Animated villagers and good graphics
• Slow character progression but well paced learning curve

Rise of Kingdoms is a multiplayer online strategy game developed by Lilith Games.
It takes place in a fantasy world where players take on the role of a leader of a small city-state and must build, expand, and defend their kingdom against other players and AI-controlled enemies. The game has gained a lot of popularity since its release and has become one of the most-played strategy games, especially in the mobile gaming market.

One of the most notable features of Rise of Kingdoms is its impressive graphics and animations.
The game is visually stunning, with highly detailed and realistic character models and environments.
The game’s interface is also user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy for players to navigate through the game and access different features.

RoK offers a wide range of customization options, allowing players to personalize their cities and armies to suit their playstyle.
You can choose from a variety of different commanders, each with their unique abilities and specialties: these commanders can then be leveled up and equipped with different equipment to increase their effectiveness in battle, adding some interesting RPG elements to the otherwise well-known MMORTS mechanics.

There is of course an alliance system that allows you to team-up with other players, and work together to conquer other kingdoms and complete more difficult challenges. The alliance system also offers a range of benefits, including shared resources and reinforcements during battles.

While the game is free to play, players are encouraged to spend real money to purchase in-game resources and items. This can make the game feel somewhat pay-to-win, as players who spend more money on the game will have a significant advantage over those who do not.
Another potential issue with the game is its steep learning curve.
While the game is relatively easy to pick up, mastering its complex mechanics and strategies can take a significant amount of time and effort. This could be either a turn-on or a turn-off based on the type of player that you are.

Overall, Rise of Kingdoms is one of the best games of its kind, so if you like classical and casual MMORTS games like this, you'll love RoK too!

Smite is a third person MOBA developed by Hi-Rez Studios where you fight as one of the ancient gods of world mythologies, taking out enemy Gods, towers, minions and bases, all while playing in the refreshing new third person perspective.

It wouldn’t be a MOBA without a classic 3 lane map, but Smite has lots of other play options that are actually good fun – something that is sadly missing among MOBAs. Whether it’s the speedy Arena mode, the battle heavy Assault mode or one of the crazier Match of the Day scenarios, there’s plenty to do in this game.

Add to this an unobtrusive cash shop, decent graphics and well developed gameplay and you have a winner. Smite is highly recommended, a free to play title that is as enjoyable and challenging as you want it to be.