Strategy games never go out of fashion. This exciting genre puts our tactical skills in check by offering an irresistible balance between action and adventure, showing the most Machiavellian part of our intellect. And it doesn’t matter if we play in multiplayer mode or against an AI. There is an indescribable satisfaction when we load a video game of city and civilization building, real-time assaults on enemy fortresses, MOBAs or card games… We are leaders and strategists of our own adventure!
We have already talked about the paid strategy games that we like the most but… Is it necessary to pay to enjoy this genre? Of course not! And there is an endless number of excellent bets without having to spend a lot of money. These are the best strategy games for PC and Android of this 2023. We hope you like them!
Free strategy games for PC
When you think of strategy games, a PC title immediately comes to mind. In large part this is because this genre always requires the precision of a mouse, accurate turn calculations by the computer and, of course, a quiet environment to spend hours and hours plotting the game.
Since there are hundreds of free strategy games for PC, we have made a varied list so that regardless of your preferences, you will find one that you like.
0 A.D
0 A.D could be considered as the free version of the Microsoft Age of Empires saga. In this one we will take the role of the leader of the civilization we want and we will have to take it to the glory by means of the noble art of war.
0 A.D is a real time strategy game where we will have to explore, build and carefully plan the attacks we make on the enemy side. Besides being a really fun game, 0 A.D has really attractive graphics even though it is a free game.
If you like RTS games like Age of Empires or the classic Warcraft, we recommend that you take a look at this game. You will be surprised.
Arcane Showdown
Taking the wake of games like Clash Royale or Clash of Clans comes this Arcade Showdown. We do not refer to the game system as such that is displayed on the screen, but to the use of cards with time periods to perform attacks, defenses or strategies that we are going to play.
Arcane Showdown starts from the same basic concept as all of its competitors, that is, defeating the enemy’s base to win the game. This is done through different profiles, see monsters, statues, fantastic creatures, wizards and many spells on screen. Of course, the player gains experience with each game he plays (win or lose) and can use it to level up the cards he has in his deck (and which are the ones he deploys later in the game).
Battle for Wesnoth
Battle for Wesnoth is a classic among lovers of open source strategy games. This completely free game takes us to a fantasy world where we will have to fight the most exciting turn-based battles you can imagine.
Battle for Wesnoth has a gameplay very similar to titles such as the Fire Emblem saga for consoles. Although its graphics are not very flashy, the title is really fun and allows us to play either alone or against a friend in multiplayer mode.
If you like turn-based strategy and are a fan of fantasy, you can’t miss one of the best free games on this list. You can download Battle for Wesnoth from its official page or, if you wish, by clicking below these lines.
Builders of Egypt: Prologue
Are you passionate about Ancient Egypt? This historical era has more and more followers every day thanks to the professionals who dedicate themselves to its research. Although it has always aroused interest, we are living a golden age as far as video games based on this period are concerned, and the case of Builders of Egypt: Prologue is a good example.
This strategy game is based on the premise of taking the economy of an Egyptian town to its maximum splendor. This means, therefore, to take into consideration the bureaucracy of the city, as well as the construction of the buildings we want, to profess correctly the religion in which we believe and to establish good commercial contracts with neighboring regions so that everything goes well.
The story of Builders of Egypt: Prologue begins in the Protodynastic period and concludes with the death of Cleopatra VII. Hundreds of years in between to give free rein to our creativity, all in one of the most fun strategy and simulation games that the free to play catalog has right now.
Epic Arena
Epic Arena is a turn-based strategy game that could be described as a mixture of the Heroes of Might and Magic saga with card battles in the purest Magic: The Gathering style.
The operation of Epic Arena is simple to understand but really difficult to master. In it we will have to fight battles on a 3D board where we will have to defeat the enemy. To do this we will have to select one of the 3 teams (Legion of Chaos, Brotherhood of the Order or Pirates of Tortuga) and unleash our neuronal power to overcome the challenge.
Epic Arena offers in each combat a different objective and troops to defeat. With each successful combat you will win cards and with them, advantages against the enemy. The game has both a single-player mode and the possibility of challenging a partner in multiplayer. You can download the title completely free of charge below these lines.
Eternal Return
Eternal Return is a free strategy game unlike anything you have seen so far. It combines the MOBA and Battle Royale genre with a strong dose of survival. In it we’ll travel to the island of Lumia, a dark place where they experiment with human beings in search of creating a superior and improved race. Does the approach sound familiar? No wonder, because this is a spiritual successor to the acclaimed Immortal Soul: Black Survival.
Throughout our adventures in Lumia we will have to face other players using a challenging RTS combat as well as search for resources and craft all kinds of tools and weapons to survive. If you are looking for a strategy game unlike anything you have played to date, do not hesitate to give it a try.
Forge of Empires
Are you hungry for Age of Empires? If the question is yes, surely you know that Microsoft’s title is paid, that is to say, you have no choice but to put up with it and pay for it if you want to get it. What alternative do we have on PC, but it is totally free? Well, the best one, perhaps, is Forge of Empires.
The approach of this video game is based on the same premise as the classic strategy game: we control the chief of a tribe 5000 years before Christ. From here, our decisions will trigger a better or worse future. The more resources and measures, the greater the evolution in time. The idea is, of course, that our capital will make historical leaps until we reach the moment in which we find ourselves. Of course, during this journey we will encounter pandemics, evils, meteorological phenomena of all kinds, invasions by enemy countries and much more. And yes, these battles against other rivals will also have their part of the game.
Freeciv
Sid Meier’s Civilization is undoubtedly one of the great classics within strategy games for the PC. Freeciv is an open source title inspired by Sid Meier’s saga that will provide the best of the Firaxis title without the need to spend a penny.
Freeciv will make you the leader of the civilization of your choice. Once in command you will be able to build cities, infrastructures, make discoveries and, of course, conquer new territories.
Although Freeciv is a visually quite old-fashioned game, it is really fun and especially recommended for all turn-based strategy lovers. You can download the game free of charge below.
Goose Goose Duck
Goose Goose Duck is a fun strategy and deduction game, perfect for Among Us lovers. In it you’ll play the role of a member of a brave group of geese in charge of carrying out the most varied and challenging missions. However, while you plot the next move to triumph in the perfect coup, you must keep a close eye on your teammates. And it is that some perfidious duck may have infiltrated the mission to lead it to ruin.
As you can see, Goose Goose Duck’s proposal is simple but highly entertaining. You will have to think like a real strategist as well as analyze your teammates in the purest Sherlock Holmes style. The game can be played either in open or closed multiplayer and only with your friends.
One of the strong points of Goose Goose Duck is that, despite being a free strategy game, it includes an excellent voice chat service. If we add to this a thousand and one options to customize your mallard, fun is guaranteed.
Hearthstone
Hearthstone is the card strategy game created by Blizzard, the developer of titles such as World of Warcraft, Overwatch or Diablo. This one is perfect for all Magic: The Gathering lovers looking for a similar experience without the need to make your wallet cry.
Hearthstone stands out for being a challenging card game but at the same time very easy to understand. Say goodbye to thousands of rules and start playing like a pro from minute one. In it we will have to create a deck of 30 cards and defeat our opponent. Does it seem simple? Nothing further from the truth!
Like any good card game, Hearthstone confronts your abilities as a strategist with the luck factor. And with its millions of cards, it is very common for your opponent to surprise you with some orc hidden up his sleeve. Highly recommended.
League of Legends
League of Legends is the MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) of the moment. Created by Riot Games, this hilarious real-time strategy game pits two teams of five players against each other, with only one player left standing.
Set in a beautiful fantasy world, LoL will put our team in check at all times. And it is not surprising that we are facing one of the most popular action games among eSports. League of Legends is based on communication between teams, previous strategy and, of course, having a lot of skill and nerves of steel.
In terms of gameplay, LoL is a game as simple as it is complex. In it, we will have to defeat a variety of enemies to improve our characters and thus have an advantage when it comes to defeating the rival team. Each of the characters in the game has its own personal story, powers and peculiarities, so it is essential that each member of the team knows exactly how to use it. Perfect for all multiplayer game lovers.
League of Pixels
No one can deny that the name is not already giving a clue, right? Behind League of Pixels is the same format as seen in League of Legends, but in a two-dimensional perspective and with the pixel art aesthetic that is so popular nowadays.
Once again, the MOBA genre is the predominant one in this title, which is based on Riot Games’ product, that is to say, games of 30 minutes maximum where two players must defend their base and destroy the opponent’s. To do so, each player will choose his champion, who will have different abilities (all of them stipulated in keyboard letters) and who can level up during the game. To do this, each player will choose his champion, who will have different abilities (all stipulated in keyboard letters) and who can level up during the game.
Of course, during the game there are also minions, those little soldiers that are launched automatically and that go in the direction of the base. In addition, we also have the upper and lower lanes, in the purest League of Legends style. They don’t say it’s based on it, but it wouldn’t hurt to confirm it, given what we’ve seen.
Marvel Snap
Do you like Gwent, do you enjoy the Marvel universe like crazy? You’ll love Marvel Snap! This challenging card game brings back the most emblematic superheroes and supervillains of the franchise to bring you one of the best card games of 2023.
Taking clear influences from the veteran Hearthstone or Magic, Marvel Snap renews the genre of collectible card games with novel ideas and providing it with strong doses of strategy and emotion. Its games, like Thanos Snap, are fast, fast-paced and devastating. On top of that and unlike many other F2P games, Marvel Snap never crosses the pay-to-win threshold. In fact, Marvel Snap offers new cards and rewards on a daily basis so you won’t be tempted to spend a bundle.
Marvel Snap is a clear example of how a good game should be made with such a popular license as this well-known superhero franchise. Whether you are a lover of card games, strategy or simply passionate about the Marvel Universe, you will love it.
Neptune’s Pride 2
Neptune’s Pride 2 is an excellent option if you are looking for a good real-time multiplayer game. This one will make you the captain of your own space fleet and your objective will be to explore and of course conquer the entire galaxy.
If we talk about its gameplay, Neptune’s Pride 2 stands out for being a game with a very low learning curve. This means that you don’t have to spend hours studying complex game systems just to enjoy a few minutes. In it we can explore, research technologies, build ships, create trade routes and, of course, subdue our rivals.
Being an online multiplayer game, Neptune’s Pride 2 is an excellent option to play with friends from around the world. You can play Neptune’s Pride 2 without downloading anything by clicking here.
Open RA
When you get older and older, you run the risk that many cultural products that you enjoyed as a child are ostracized. They are those sagas that worked in their time and now no longer do, either because their time has passed or because they do not know how to adapt to these times. In this last block we have, for example, Command & Conquer.
Created by Westwood Studios and currently owned by Electronic Arts, the franchise passed to a better life at the end of 2013, with a timid approach in 2018 for cell phones and an expected remastering for this 2020. However, and as you can see, this is far from the potential that the brand can give. And that’s where Open RA comes in.
Behind this name hides an open source game that is identical to the original Command & Conquer, that is, the one from the early years. The best thing is not only that it takes its programming lines and makes them available to everyone, but also that it is constantly updated by the official team. A real luxury to go almost three decades back in time.
Open Transport Tycoon
Open Transport Tycoon, or better known as OpenTTD, is an open source videogame that takes as a reference Transport Tycoon Deluxe, a 1995 title. Simulation and strategy are the predominant features in this videogame where we have to control the transport routes of cities and towns so that they don’t go to hell.
It should be noted that Open Transport Tycoon is based on the premise of creating a city from scratch and giving it shape. However, the core, that is to say, the strong point, is managing the city’s communication routes, from the train stations and their convoys to the highways, maritime transport or even airports. A fantastic city manager where strategy does everything.
StarCraft II
If you have been playing strategy games for years, you surely know the StarCraft saga by heart. This one offers challenging intergalactic battles as an RTS (Real Time Strategy) in the purest Command and Conquer style.
Choose between the Terran, Zerg or Protross team and enjoy one of the best competitive multiplayer games of the moment. Although StarCraft II is a paid game, its arcade version is completely free. It offers some of the missions of its campaign mode as well as all the multiplayer maps created by users. Among them you will find gameplay of all kinds, from the classic battle to defeat the opponent to a fun tower defense game.
The free version of StarCraft II is an essential download for all lovers of science fiction and, especially, of real-time strategy. There is no better way to experience this genre than with one of the games that made it fashionable. In order to play StarCraft II you will need a Battle.net account (don’t worry, it’s free and you can get yours by clicking here) and of course, download the game client below.
Starfall Online
If there is something that characterizes strategy and simulation in videogames, it is because it either takes you to an ancient period or puts you in a fantasy world. Why not use space as a backdrop? That was the question that was asked, almost certainly, in Starfall Online, a game that invites us to build our space fleet and join an incredible battle in outer space.
The game mechanics of this title is again the usual strategy, but in another contextual section. We have to build a space fleet, so we need to improve our technology, strengthen the construction of the ships and manage the resources we have well. From here, enters the military point, that where we must deploy the fleet well to defeat the enemy through guerrilla tactics or other more elaborate (as in any self-respecting RTS). By the way, a curiosity: the game incorporates some physical concepts at the level of ballistics applied to space. It makes a curious hodgepodge, but we think it fits if you suspend disbelief.
Stronghold Kingdoms
Stronghold Kingdoms is a perfect free option for those who love the creation of cities and empires. In it we will start in a region with a few workers at our command and our goal will be to conquer the entire map.
Stronghold Kingdoms has a gameplay reminiscent of a mix between Sid Meier’s Civilization and Clash of Clans. In each game we will have to explore, loot villages, create cities and of course, eliminate all enemies found on the map.
As with any good strategy game, the magic of Stronghold Kingdoms lies in knowing how to manage your time and deciding the best moment to send your troops to explore or eliminate enemies, keeping in mind that your cities will be defenseless in your absence!
Teamfight Tactics
Riot Games is a giant. When it created League of Legends more than a decade ago, few thought that this would be the basis for an entire video game ecosystem that is becoming increasingly important. And this is where Teamfight Tactics comes in.
In this video game, which is available both for PC and now for cell phones, players choose a wide variety of champions from the League of Legends itself. Once the selection is made, the rest is nothing more than deploying them correctly on a map and moving them as if they were chess pieces (in fact, the genre is called auto chess). Each one has its skills, its moves and its characteristics. A different concept of strategy, but it is present.
Obviously, if you have played League of Legends you will know a lot about this game. However, you can always learn a little more about the game’s universe if you’ve never played the game before.
Total War Battles Kingdom
It is one of the most famous franchises in the strategy world… and it also has a free to play version! Total War is famous among fans of the RTS genre. Generally, its videogames are always paid and composed of several expansions, but the saga has also made its incursions into the free-to-play field. It happened with Total War Arena, an installment that ended up closing its servers at the beginning of 2019, and also with Total War Battles Kingdom, the title we are going to talk about now.
Released in 2016, this installment is characterized by the low requirements it asks for the PC, that is, even the oldest computers will be able to run it without any problem. From here, the rest is something we have already seen before in Total War video games: build our empire through farms, quarries, blacksmiths and all the classic buildings. That done, it’s time to make decisions, both political and military.
On the first point we will be judged as good bureaucrats, but the management of the first point will later influence the battlefield. There is no point in being a good military strategist if in the first section we are a disaster. Both go hand in hand and in this Total War is reflected again. And one last thing! The title is not only available for PC, but also for Android and iOS (and you can play wherever you want, as all platforms are interconnected). No one is left without Total War.
Warzone 2100
Warzone 2100 is a futuristic strategy game in which we will have to rebuild a world completely destroyed by a nuclear war. It is likely that its name is familiar to you, since this title appeared in 1999 for both Windows and PlayStation and was recently released in open source.
Warzone 2100 is a good title if you like futuristic RTS with military strategy elements. It offers two challenging game modes, one in solitaire where we’ll confront an AI and another multiplayer where we’ll be able to compete with our friends. Of course, it is not a simple game and you will have to spend a lot of time to explore its more than 400 technologies and its city design system.
If you want to take a look at Warzone 2100, don’t think twice and download it right now below these lines.
War Selection
Pure and hard strategy. That is what War Selection offers us, a videogame set in a pseudo-historical period in which we must build a base, obtain material resources to build troops and buildings and participate in military battles and fights of various kinds (each one weirder than the last).
In total, the game allows up to 62 players simultaneously, a feat that speaks well of the ambition of this project. In addition, it does so on a completely randomized map so that no one has an advantage. Of course, each user will be able to choose the culture that interests him, always starting from the Stone Age of the same (very similar to the concept of Civilization or Age of Empires, without going any further).
War Selection has more than 100 constructions and more than 200 types of units (including naval and infantry modes). In addition, it has up to five different game modes, so that it doesn’t become tiresome: survival, all against all, team game, armageddon and team armageddon. As a good strategy game, the rest is up to you.
Free strategy games for Android
With the rise of cell phones, hundreds of new games appear daily on the Google Play Store. If you are looking for a good free strategy game… why not try one of our recommendations?
Clash of Clans
Clash of Clans is undoubtedly one of the most popular and downloaded free strategy games for Android. It offers a fun mix of city building and epic battles to destroy rival clans.
Clash of Clans works in a simple but challenging way. In it we will take the role of the leader of a clan and little by little we will have to build our settlement. We will be able to get improvements as time goes by and also by fulfilling challenges or being victorious in the so-called Clan Games.
In addition to being able to build our own city, Clash of Clans also allows us to engage in battles and duels against rival clans. This will level up our troops and gradually make us more powerful. Would you like to try it?
Forge of Empires
Forge of Empires is a fun and complex strategy game for Android that lets you lead an empire from the Stone Age to the present day.
In a similar way to Sid Meier’s Civilization, in Forge of Empires we will be able to build a city from its foundations, explore its environment and develop new technologies. As we advance in the game we will be able to trade with other civilizations, take control of provinces and of course, face our rivals in the battlefields.
Forge of Empires is a really complete game with attractive graphics, highly recommended for lovers of history and classic strategy. You can download the game completely free of charge below these lines.
Plants vs Zombies
Plants vs Zombies is a fun strategy game for Android where you must protect your garden from a group of hungry zombies.
If you are looking for a casual strategy game to pass the time during your commute to work, look no further because Plants vs Zombies is perfect for you. Its operation is as simple as selecting the right type of plant with which we can stop the hordes of zombies that come to invade our house.
Like any good casual game, the charm of Plants vs Zombies lies in the speed of its games. In them we will have to carefully select the plants that can stop the advance of the zombies to our home. Ideal for killing time.
Ships of Battle: Age of Pirates
A good pirate and buccaneer game could not be missing in any list of strategy games. Ships of Battle: Age of Pirates is an excellent free game in which you take on the role of a former member of Blackbeard’s fleet and set sail in search of treasures all over the Caribbean.
In Ships of Battles you can create your own pirate empire, destroy all kinds of trade routes and even take part in the most bloody naval battles. To do this we will have a combat system very similar to Sid Meier’s Pirates, where we will have to move our ship as well as shoot our cannons.
Ships of Battle: Age of Pirates is a fun and refreshing game, perfect for fans of pirate stories and hidden treasures, and it’s free! It’s not too late to download it.
The Battle of Polytopia
The Battle of Polytopia is a fun real-time strategy game in which we will have to choose our own tribe and take it to the top by annihilating neighboring civilizations.
With grid graphics reminiscent of Minecraft, The Battle of Polytopia offers the best of RTS games at your fingertips. In it we have to start a civilization from scratch, get resources, build cities and with them, an army to protect it. As you level up your city you will be able to research new technologies to travel the high seas or build all kinds of weapons to defeat your rival.
The Battle of Polytopia is a game in appearance simple but really complex and with many possibilities. If you are a lover of the Age of Empires or Civilization saga, we highly recommend it.
The Walking Dead: No Man’s Land
The Walking Dead: No Man’s Land is an adventure and strategy game based on the popular AMC television series. This free title mixes elements of both RPG and strategy where we will have to get resources, protect and improve our characters and, of course, survive.
The Walking Dead: No Man’s Land is really simple to play. During our games we will have to explore different places in search of resources, survivors and heroes for our team. The game incorporates missions, challenges and a story element to keep the player always hooked. As for the combats, these are carried out through a challenging turn-based system with which we will have to think very well to survive each of the maps.
Whether you like strategy games or you are a TWD fan, this is a very good free game.
Enjoy the best free strategy games
As you can see, playing a good strategy video game is not incompatible with its price. We hope you liked our selection of free games for both PC and Android. And remember, if you found this article useful, don’t forget to share it with your friends on social networks.
