- #1 Europa Universalis III Complete
97% matchVery Positive83% of 1,992 reviews2009
Dev: Paradox Development StudioPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 11.4 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Europa Universalis III Complete includes the original Europa Universalis III as well as the expansions In Nomine and Napoleons Ambition Europa Universalis III delves deeply into the areas of exploration, trade, warfare and diplomacy.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 37.6% ★, Real-Time with Pause 17.6% ★, Historical 17.6%, Political 11.3% ★, Strategy 7%
Why You'll Like It: Directly preceding EU4, it offers almost the same real-time-with-pause world map, country management, diplomacy, trade, and open-ended alternate-history campaigns.
- #2 Imperator: Rome
96% matchMixed65% of 26,771 reviews2019
Dev: Paradox Development StudioPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 37.3 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Dominate the classical Mediterranean in Imperator: Rome, a grand strategy game from Paradox Interactive. Navigate the dangerous waters of politics and diplomacy as you build up your provinces and conquer foreign lands. Now available with special content and the digital artbook.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 36.9% ★, Historical 16.5%, Political 12.7% ★, Strategy 9.4%, Economy 5.8%
Why You'll Like It: It translates Paradox-style province management, diplomacy, warfare, and expansion into the classical era, making it feel like an ancient-world cousin to EU4.
- #3 Victoria 3
96% matchMostly Positive71% of 58,205 reviews2022
Dev: Paradox Development StudioPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 15.1 hrsMean: 114.1 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Paradox Development Studio invites you to build your ideal society in the tumult of the exciting and transformative 19th century. Balance the competing interests in your society and earn your place in the sun in Victoria 3, one of the most anticipated games in Paradox’s history.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 17.3% ★, Diplomacy 13.1% ★, Real-Time with Pause 11.5% ★, Historical 9.7%, Political 9% ★
Why You'll Like It: If EU4's economic and diplomatic layers are your favorite parts, Victoria 3 expands them into a dense nineteenth-century great-power sandbox.
- #4 For The Glory: A Europa Universalis Game
95% matchMostly Positive77% of 171 reviews2009
Dev: Crystal Empire GamesPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows
Median: 36 minMean: 35.9 hrs≥1hr: 41%
Take up the reins of your country, guide domestic and foreign policy, navigate thousands of historical figures and events, engage in various struggles and lead your country to prosperity – all in the name of glory!
Why similar: Grand Strategy 16.2% ★, 4X 13.7% ★, Diplomacy 13% ★, Historical 9.7%, Alternate History 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: Built on the classic Europa Universalis formula, it delivers similarly deep early-modern statecraft, colonization, alliances, and map-painting.
- #5 Victoria II
94% matchVery Positive92% of 19,875 reviews2010
Dev: Paradox Development StudioPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 48.5 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Carefully guide your nation from the era of absolute monarchies in the early 19th century, through expansion and colonization, to finally become a truly great power by the dawn of the 20th century. Victoria II is a grand strategy game played during the colonial era of the 19th century, where the player takes control of a country, guiding...
Why similar: Grand Strategy 29.6% ★, Real-Time with Pause 14.4% ★, Historical 13.3%, Economy 8%, Diplomacy 6.9% ★
Why You'll Like It: This older Paradox classic mixes population management, industrialization, diplomacy, colonization, and warfare in a way that strongly appeals to EU4 players.
- #6 Hearts of Iron IV
94% matchVery Positive90% of 360,411 reviews2016
Dev: Paradox Development StudioPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 30.8 hrsMean: 292.9 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Victory is at your fingertips! Your ability to lead your nation is your supreme weapon, the strategy game Hearts of Iron IV lets you take command of any nation in World War II; the most engaging conflict in world history.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 25.2% ★, Historical 13.7%, Real-Time with Pause 12.7% ★, Diplomacy 11% ★, Alternate History 10.9%
Why You'll Like It: Another major Paradox grand strategy game, it narrows the timeline but keeps the nation-level planning, alliances, warfare, and alternate-history appeal.
- #7 Crusader Kings III
93% matchVery Positive91% of 137,655 reviews2020
Dev: Paradox Development StudioPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 28.8 hrsMean: 143.8 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Love, fight, scheme, and claim greatness. Determine your noble house’s legacy in the sprawling grand strategy of Crusader Kings III. Death is only the beginning as you guide your dynasty’s bloodline in the rich and larger-than-life simulation of the Middle Ages.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 21.1% ★, Historical 12.1%, Real-Time with Pause 11.5% ★, 4X 11.3% ★, Political 10.4% ★
Why You'll Like It: It shares EU4's grand-strategy map and diplomacy loop while shifting the emphasis toward dynasties, vassals, and character-driven politics.
- #8 Crusader Kings II
92% matchVery Positive91% of 73,445 reviews2012
Dev: Paradox Development StudioPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 55.2 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Explore one of the defining periods in world history in an experience crafted by the masters of Grand Strategy.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 51% ★, Historical 13%, Diplomacy 7.7% ★, Real-Time with Pause 7.3% ★, Strategy 5%
Why You'll Like It: Though more character-focused than EU4, it still delivers the same long-form historical sandbox, political maneuvering, and territorial growth.
- #9 Stellaris
90% matchVery Positive86% of 191,915 reviews2016
Dev: Paradox Development StudioPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 19.5 hrsMean: 142.4 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Explore a galaxy full of wonders in this sci-fi grand strategy game from Paradox Development Studios. Interact with diverse alien races, discover strange new worlds with unexpected events and expand the reach of your empire. Each new adventure holds almost limitless possibilities.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 23.5% ★, 4X 21.5% ★, Real-Time with Pause 12.5% ★, Diplomacy 10.6% ★, Moddable 7.6% ★
Why You'll Like It: Essentially Paradox grand strategy in space, it offers familiar empire customization, diplomacy, expansion, warfare, and long-campaign pacing.
- #10 Europa Universalis: Rome - Gold Edition
91% matchMixed67% of 237 reviews2008
Dev: Paradox Development StudioPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 18.7 hrs≥1hr: 55%
Europa Universalis Rome Gold combines the epic strategy title Europa Universalis Rome with the expansion pack Vae Victis. Experience one of the most defining periods in world history in an experience crafted by the masters of Grand Strategy.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 41.3% ★, Real-Time with Pause 23.3% ★, Historical 20.3%, Strategy 12.3%, Simulation 2.7%
Why You'll Like It: Using a very similar Paradox framework, it focuses on state expansion, internal politics, diplomacy, and warfare in the ancient Mediterranean.
- #11 Hearts of Iron III
91% matchMostly Positive76% of 6,046 reviews2009
Dev: Paradox Development StudioPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 20.5 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Hearts of Iron III lets you play the most engaging conflict in world history, World War 2, on all fronts as any country and through multiple different scenarios. Guide your nation to glory between 1936 and 1948 and wage war, conduct diplomacy and build your industry in the most detailed World War 2 game ever made.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 37.4% ★, Real-Time with Pause 17.8% ★, Historical 14.9%, Military 8.9%, Strategy 7%
Why You'll Like It: A more intricate and simulation-heavy Paradox war sandbox, it scratches the same map-based planning and historical what-if itch as EU4.
- #12 Old World
89% matchVery Positive82% of 6,135 reviews2022
Dev: Mohawk GamesPub: Hooded Horse
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 11.7 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Old World is a revolutionary new historical strategy game where you lead your dynasty over generations of rule against rival kings and queens. Wage massive wars, manage your court, and build a dynasty — or watch your empire crumble to dust. What legacy will you leave behind?
Why similar: Grand Strategy 14.9% ★, 4X 14.7% ★, Diplomacy 14.3% ★, Historical 9.1%, Moddable 8.9% ★
Why You'll Like It: A historical 4X with succession, statecraft, and event-driven empire management that captures EU4's appeal to rewriting history through systems-heavy decisions.
- #13 Terra Invicta
88% matchVery Positive81% of 9,023 reviews2026
Dev: Pavonis InteractivePub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Median: 9.5 hrsMean: 51.4 hrs≥1hr: 80%
An alien invasion has fractured humanity into seven ideological factions each with a unique vision for the future. Lead your chosen faction to take control of Earth’s nations, expand across the Solar System, and battle enemy fleets in tactical combat.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 13.2% ★, Diplomacy 13% ★, 4X 12.9% ★, Real-Time with Pause 12.4% ★, Moddable 8.1% ★
Why You'll Like It: Even with its sci-fi premise, its nation-level control, geopolitical maneuvering, research race, and marathon strategic timeline echo EU4's macro-management strengths.
- #14 Knights of Honor II: Sovereign
89% matchMostly Positive77% of 6,461 reviews2022
Dev: Black Sea GamesPub: THQ Nordic
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 13.0 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Become the king and fight over Europe in this fresh take on medieval real-time grand strategy. Manage provinces, gather armies, initiate diplomacy, and dabble in espionage. The path is open: become the true Sovereign of your people and bring them to glory.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 43.5% ★, Historical 14.7%, Strategy 14.1%, 4X 13.1% ★, Simulation 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: It provides real-time nation management, court politics, diplomacy, trade, and conquest on a historical map in a way that feels like a streamlined EU4.
- #15 Age of History II
87% matchVery Positive90% of 49,233 reviews2018
Dev: Łukasz JakowskiPub: Łukasz Jakowski Games
Windows
Median: 12.2 hrsMean: 61.4 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Age of History II is a grand strategy wargame that is simple to learn yet hard to master.Your objective is to use military tactics and cunning diplomacy to either unify the world, or conquer it.Will the world bleed out or bow before you? The choice is yours..
Why similar: Grand Strategy 26.9% ★, Historical 20%, Diplomacy 14.3% ★, Political 12% ★, Strategy 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: A lightweight but highly map-painty grand-strategy sandbox, it focuses on diplomacy, conquest, and alternate-history world domination.
- #16 Millennia
86% matchMixed67% of 3,746 reviews2024
Dev: C Prompt GamesPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows
Median: 14.3 hrsMean: 34.4 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Create your own nation in Millennia, a historical turn-based 4X game that challenges your strategic prowess across 10,000 years of history, from the dawn of humanity to our possible futures.
Why similar: 4X 17.1% ★, Grand Strategy 16.5% ★, Diplomacy 13.9% ★, Alternate History 10.2%, Political 9.4% ★
Why You'll Like It: Built around steering a civilization through divergent historical ages, it mirrors EU4's appeal of reshaping history through layered empire management.
- #17 Age of History 3
84% matchVery Positive85% of 17,231 reviews2024
Dev: Łukasz JakowskiPub: Łukasz Jakowski Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 9.8 hrsMean: 36.2 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Grand strategy wargame where the destiny of Civilizations rests in your hands - will they stand united under your leadership or fall divided in conflict? Journey through the entire saga of human civilization, from its earliest days to the futuristic era, crafting your legacy age by age.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 24% ★, Diplomacy 21.1% ★, Wargame 16.5%, Alternate History 13.8%, Economy 9.8%
Why You'll Like It: It expands the same accessible nation-management formula with more systems for diplomacy, war, and historical sandbox play.
- #18 Field of Glory: Empires
86% matchVery Positive83% of 858 reviews2019
Dev: AgeodPub: Slitherine Ltd.
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 30.4 hrs≥1hr: 59%
Field of Glory: Empires is a grand strategy game in which you will have to move in an intricate and living tapestry of nations and tribes, each one with their distinctive culture.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 26.6% ★, 4X 22.1% ★, Historical 15.6%, Military 10.6%, Wargame 9.9%
Why You'll Like It: Its focus on provinces, culture, conquest, and imperial rise-and-fall rewards the same long-view planning and historical expansion mindset as EU4.
- #19 Supreme Ruler Ultimate
85% matchMostly Positive77% of 1,248 reviews2014
Dev: BattleGoat Studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 8.4 hrsMean: 50.2 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Real-Time Strategy/Wargame. From World War II through the Cold War and into the future, re-live or re-imagine the tensions and crises of our recent history! Guide your nation through the era of your choice in Campaigns, Scenarios, and Sandboxes, as you make every effort to become Supreme Ruler!
Why similar: Grand Strategy 22.7% ★, Real-Time with Pause 22.4% ★, Wargame 12.8%, Military 11.9%, Alternate History 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: This is a nation-scale geopolitical sandbox with real-time control, diplomacy, economics, and warfare across multiple historical scenarios.
- #20 Darkest Hour: A Hearts of Iron Game
84% matchVery Positive90% of 2,069 reviews2011
Dev: Martin IvanovPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 27.0 hrs≥1hr: 51%
Developed by a team of experienced modders from the Paradox forum, Darkest Hour is a stand-alone Hearts of Iron game. The game features a mixture of short and in-depth campaigns set across the darkest chapters of the 20th century. Play from the outbreak of the Great War up until the onset of the Cold War.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 39.4% ★, Historical 17.6%, Wargame 12.8%, Strategy 9.8%, Military 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: A classic Paradox-style grand strategy title with detailed diplomacy, economics, and warfare that will click with players who enjoy older EU4-adjacent systems.
- #21 Victoria I Complete
82% matchMixed70% of 266 reviews2010
Dev: Paradox Development StudioPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 18.9 hrs≥1hr: 24%
Carefully guide your nation from the era of absolute monarchies in the early 19th century, through expansion, colonization and social upheaval, to emerge as one of the great world powers by the dawn of the 20th century in Victoria Complete.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 41.9% ★, Real-Time with Pause 28.9% ★, Strategy 14.7%, Historical 14.5%
Why You'll Like It: A classic nation sim whose mix of economics, diplomacy, colonization, and military management will appeal to EU4 players comfortable with older interfaces.
- #22 Europa Universalis V
77% matchMostly Positive72% of 26,573 reviews2025
Dev: Paradox TintoPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows
Median: 45.3 hrsMean: 90.7 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Use war, trade or diplomacy to satisfy your grandest ambitions and dominate five centuries of history in the newest version of Europa Universalis, Paradox Interactive's flagship historical grand strategy game.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 22% ★, 4X 20.5% ★, Diplomacy 13.4% ★, Historical 11%, Alternate History 9.3%
- #23 Pride of Nations
83% matchMixed49% of 136 reviews2011
Dev: AgeodPub: Slitherine Ltd.
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 7.6 hrs≥1hr: 39%
Pride of Nations is a turn-based historical strategy game set in the colonial era of the 19th century, where the player takes control of a country and guides it through industrialization, military conquest, and colonization.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 46.8% ★, Historical 22.9%, Strategy 16.1%, Simulation 9.6%, Multiplayer 3.9%
Why You'll Like It: This sprawling historical nation simulator centers on colonization, trade, diplomacy, and great-power rivalry in a way that sits very close to the EU/Victoria tradition.
- #24 Arsenal of Democracy: A Hearts of Iron Game
81% matchVery Positive84% of 387 reviews2010
Dev: BL-LogicPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 8.4 hrs≥1hr: 46%
Taking place from 1936-64, Arsenal of Democracy lets you play as any nation during the era of WW2, complete with detailed models for economics, diplomacy, research, and intelligence. Warfare is also fully represented with all three branches of operations: land, sea, and air.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 70% ★, Strategy 30%
Why You'll Like It: It offers another deep, systems-driven historical sandbox focused on national production, diplomacy, and military planning at the grand-strategy scale.
- #25 Making History: The Second World War
81% matchMostly Positive78% of 284 reviews2018
Dev: Factus Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Choose a nation and prepare for the greatest conflict in human history, World War II. Build your military and industrial power, form alliances and race to achieve the advanced technologies that will bring total victory in this global-wide turn-based Grand Strategy struggle.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 18.1% ★, 4X 13% ★, Historical 11.4%, Moddable 11.4% ★, Military 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: Like EU4, it lets you steer a nation through a historical crisis using diplomacy, industry, military buildup, and divergent outcomes.
- #26 Oriental Empires
80% matchVery Positive81% of 2,990 reviews2017
Dev: Shining Pixel StudiosPub: Iceberg Interactive
Windows
Median: 6.7 hrsMean: 11.4 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Turn based 4X strategy game, recreating the civilizations of ancient China. Develop your land, build great cities, raise huge armies and fight epic battles, with hundreds of soldiers fighting right on the game map. Advance your technologies, culture and religion to create one of mankind’s biggest empires.
Why similar: 4X 27.7% ★, Grand Strategy 18.9% ★, Historical 18.4%, Military 12.5%, Strategy 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: This historical empire-building strategy game emphasizes expansion, development, and diplomacy on a large strategic map with a strong alternate-history feel.
- #27 Sengoku
82% matchMixed62% of 473 reviews2011
Dev: Paradox Development StudioPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Use your power as a Feudal Lord to unite the land of the Rising Sun under your iron fist.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 41% ★, Historical 24.6%, Strategy 13.4%, Real-Time with Pause 11.7% ★, Simulation 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: This older Paradox title applies the studio's familiar real-time grand-strategy structure to feudal Japan, with clans, diplomacy, and expansion driving the campaign.
- #28 Total War: EMPIRE – Definitive Edition
79% matchVery Positive91% of 37,274 reviews2009
Dev: CREATIVE ASSEMBLYPub: SEGA
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 44.0 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Command the seas, control the land, forge a new nation, and conquer the globe.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 33.5% ★, Historical 29.1%, Military 20.1%, Strategy 14.5%, Multiplayer 2.4%
Why You'll Like It: Its campaign blends diplomacy, trade, colonization, and eighteenth-century expansion, even if the battles are far more hands-on than EU4's.
- #29 Making History: The Great War
79% matchMostly Positive76% of 453 reviews2015
Dev: Muzzy Lane SoftwarePub: Factus Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.4 hrsMean: 12.5 hrs≥1hr: 94%
The Great War is a turn-based grand strategy game based on the epic struggles of the WWI era. Experience the battles of attrition and punishing artillery barrages. Play as any nation of the period as the modern world of industrialized warfare replaces an age of kings with a struggle of ideologies.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 24.5% ★, Moddable 12.8% ★, Historical 12.3%, 4X 11.1% ★, Military 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: It is a turn-based global historical sandbox centered on diplomacy, production, mobilization, and alt-history decision making.
- #30 HUMANKIND™
77% matchMixed69% of 28,231 reviews2021
Dev: AMPLITUDE Studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 7.5 hrsMean: 33.0 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Rewrite history by shaping a civilization as unique as you are. Combine 60 cultures from the Ancient Era to the Modern Age to lead your empire to victory. Build thriving cities, outsmart rivals in epic battles, spread your influence and leave your mark on HUMANKIND™.
Why similar: 4X 31.6% ★, Grand Strategy 25% ★, Historical 17.3%, Strategy 11%, Alternate History 5.4%
- #31 Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic
74% matchVery Positive91% of 25,183 reviews2024
Dev: 3DivisionPub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Median: 6.6 hrsMean: 73.0 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Build a soviet republic from an impoverished country into a rich industrial superpower in a city builder with intricate production chains and a fully simulated global economy. Manage the lives of your citizens from education to work and party loyalty to criminal activity.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 18% ★, Diplomacy 13.8% ★, 4X 12.9% ★, Historical 11.1%, Moddable 9.6% ★
- #32 NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION: Sphere of Influence
78% matchVery Positive83% of 614 reviews2015
Dev: KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD.
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 17.4 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Become a Daimyo of the Warring States period of Japanese history in NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION, a historical simulation game of conquest and domination. It is the 30th anniversary of this series and this current release, NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION: Sphere of Influence, is the crown of the series.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 23.3% ★, Diplomacy 19.3% ★, Historical 14.9%, Wargame 13.2%, Alternate History 10.6%
Why You'll Like It: Its clan-level statecraft, diplomacy, officer management, and territorial unification make it a strong regional counterpart to EU4.
- #33 Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI
76% matchVery Positive86% of 371,365 reviews2016
Dev: Firaxis GamesPub: 2K
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 18.0 hrsMean: 98.6 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Expand your empire, advance your culture and go head-to-head against history’s greatest leaders. Will your civilization stand the test of time?
Why similar: Grand Strategy 26.2% ★, 4X 21.7% ★, Historical 19.8%, Strategy 13%, Moddable 6.6% ★
- #34 Rebel Inc: Escalation
76% matchVery Positive82% of 7,070 reviews2021
Dev: Ndemic CreationsPub: Hooded Horse
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 13.5 hrs≥1hr: 86%
A unique and deeply engaging political/military strategic simulation from the creator of Plague Inc. Balance competing civilian and military priorities and deal with a deadly insurgency in order to stabilise a war-torn country.
Why similar: Real-Time with Pause 18.2% ★, Grand Strategy 17.7% ★, Diplomacy 15.8% ★, Alternate History 11.1%, Historical 10.8%
- #35 Hegemony III: Clash of the Ancients
78% matchVery Positive82% of 552 reviews2015
Dev: Longbow Games
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 25.3 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Command armies, manage resources, and build an empire in this real-time strategy wargame from Longbow Games. Will Rome fulfil its destiny to rule the ancient world or will history be rewritten to forge a new Etruscan, Gallic, or Greek hegemony!
Why similar: Grand Strategy 20.7% ★, Real-Time with Pause 20.2% ★, Historical 18.3%, Wargame 12.9%, Alternate History 11.9%
Why You'll Like It: It combines real-time campaigning, logistics, and territorial expansion on a historical map, emphasizing the operational side of grand conquest.
- #36 Sid Meier's Civilization VII
75% matchMixed48% of 53,475 reviews2025
Dev: Firaxis GamesPub: 2K
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 17.4 hrsMean: 44.1 hrs≥1hr: 93%
The award-winning strategy game franchise returns with a revolutionary new chapter. Sid Meier's Civilization® VII empowers you to build the greatest empire the world has ever known!
Why similar: Grand Strategy 18.9% ★, Diplomacy 17.9% ★, 4X 17% ★, Historical 10.8%, Military 9.4%
- #37 Democracy 4
74% matchVery Positive82% of 6,264 reviews2022
Dev: Positech Games
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 13.0 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Democracy 4 lets you take the role of President / Prime minister, govern the country (choosing its policies, laws and other actions), and both transform the country as you see fit, while trying to retain enough popularity to get re-elected...
Why similar: Diplomacy 24.6% ★, Political 22.6% ★, Grand Strategy 22.3% ★, Economy 13.9%, Strategy 6.2%
- #38 Supremacy: 1914
75% matchMostly Positive74% of 4,236 reviews2019
Dev: Bytro Labs GmbH
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 41.0 hrs≥1hr: 59%
Take over the control of one of the mighty nations during the times of World War 1 in the biggest WW1 strategy game of all time. Conquer provinces, forge alliances and build up your economy in real-time on persistent maps. Build experimental weapons of World War 1 and become the one true superpower!
Why similar: Grand Strategy 22.3% ★, Diplomacy 16.1% ★, Historical 15.8%, Military 12.3%, Wargame 9.1%
- #39 Doodle Empires
71% matchVery Positive92% of 982 reviews2025
Dev: Turtle Stack Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Doodle Empires is an alternate history sandbox game all about drawing your own nations with your own histories and stories in a variety of maps. Watch your world take shape and evolve over time, and decide which nations will rise and which nations will fall.
Why similar: Alternate History 29.1%, Historical 23%, Wargame 14.9%, Sandbox 12.6%, Simulation 10.3%
- #40 World Warfare & Economics
73% matchMixed63% of 666 reviews2023
Dev: Okron Studio
Windows · Mac
Take control of any nation and shape its future. Manage resources, trade, and taxes, engage in real-time warfare, navigate global diplomacy, and react to dynamic world events. Build a thriving economy, forge alliances, and command armies in a constantly evolving world!
Why similar: Grand Strategy 19.5% ★, 4X 17.8% ★, Diplomacy 16.3% ★, Political 13.1% ★, Military 9%
- #41 ENDLESS™ Legend 2
69% matchVery Positive84% of 2,346 reviews2025
Dev: AMPLITUDE StudiosPub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Median: 5.1 hrsMean: 11.3 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Lead your people to victory on an ever-evolving world in this strategy game featuring asymmetric factions led by powerful heroes. Build your empire, wield political influence, and raise grand armies to wage war in a race to uncover dark secrets buried within the planet.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 14.9% ★, 4X 14.8% ★, Diplomacy 14.3% ★, Historical 8.8%, Moddable 8.8% ★
- #42 Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 35,447 reviews2006
Dev: CREATIVE ASSEMBLYPub: SEGA
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 36.6 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Spanning the most turbulent era in Western history, your quest for territory and power takes you through Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and even onto the shores of the New World.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 31.2% ★, Historical 23.6%, Strategy 13.7%, Moddable 11.5% ★, Military 8.8%
- #43 Sid Meier's Civilization® V
72% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 208,752 reviews2010
Dev: Firaxis GamesPub: 2K
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 29.0 hrsMean: 124.3 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Create, discover, and download new player-created maps, scenarios, interfaces, and more!
Why similar: 4X 23.8% ★, Historical 18.9%, Grand Strategy 14.7% ★, Strategy 11.9%, Diplomacy 10.3% ★
- #44 Fantasy Map Simulator
68% matchVery Positive89% of 3,843 reviews2024
Dev: The Stranger
Windows
Median: 1.7 hrsMean: 8.6 hrs≥1hr: 60%
Fantasy Map Simulator: Create and watch imaginary worlds evolve over centuries. Design maps, simulate nations and their politics, and control destinies. See empires rise and fall on your desktop wallpaper. A unique simulation for history buffs and creative minds.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 33% ★, Alternate History 21.9%, Wargame 14.2%, Sandbox 12.4%, Military 10.8%
- #45 Crisis in the Kremlin: The Cold War
69% matchVery Positive82% of 645 reviews2025
Dev: Nostalgames
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.9 hrsMean: 27.7 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Crisis in the Kremlin is a global real-time political strategy about the Socialist world in its final decade. Shape the fate of the world as you manage economy, foreign relations, and domestic policy. Engage with countries across the globe, using diplomacy or even proxy wars to expand your reach.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 18.5% ★, Political 14.6% ★, Diplomacy 14.1% ★, Alternate History 13.7%, Historical 12.9%
- #46 Imperiums: Greek Wars
71% matchVery Positive86% of 540 reviews2020
Dev: Kube Games
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 9.0 hrs≥1hr: 70%
Unique combination of turn-based 4X and historical grand strategy with a mythological twist. Explore the ancient world and build a world leading civilization. Survive, expand, conquer... and win!
Why similar: 4X 15.2% ★, Grand Strategy 14.7% ★, Diplomacy 11.6% ★, Political 10.1% ★, Historical 8.9%
- #47 March of the Eagles
73% matchMixed67% of 382 reviews2013
Dev: Paradox Development StudioPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 70%
“he Who Fears Being Conquered Is Sure Of Defeat.”The war-game March of the Eagles focuses on the dramatic conflicts of Europe during 1805 to 1820. Explore one of the defining periods in European history with this experience crafted by the masters of Grand Strategy, Paradox Development Studio.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 40% ★, Real-Time with Pause 21% ★, Historical 17.5%, Strategy 13%, Simulation 8.5%
- #48 Realpolitiks
72% matchMixed62% of 1,232 reviews2017
Dev: Jujubee S.A.Pub: Fulqrum Publishing
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 6.8 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Become the leader of any contemporary country in this streamlined real-time grand strategy game. Use diplomacy, espionage, military and economic power to deal with other nations, while tackling issues such as terrorism, financial crises and medical epidemics, all in an effort to achieve global domination!
Why similar: Diplomacy 40.7% ★, Grand Strategy 31.2% ★, Strategy 13.1%, Historical 12%, Simulation 3%
- #49 Steel Division 2
70% matchMostly Positive79% of 9,441 reviews2019
Dev: Eugen Systems
Windows
Median: 9.5 hrsMean: 51.6 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Steel Division 2 is a historically-accurate WW2 real-time strategy game set on the Eastern Front. Features 1:1-scale turn-based army management and real-time tactical battles with thousands of men at your order.
Why similar: Real-Time with Pause 17.5% ★, Grand Strategy 16.9% ★, Military 13%, Historical 10.9%, Wargame 10.6%
- #50 Ara History Untold: Anniversary Edition
68% matchMixed70% of 2,201 reviews2024
Dev: Oxide GamesPub: Xbox Game Studios
Windows
Median: 7.8 hrsMean: 18.8 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Build a nation starting at any point in human history and compete for supremacy in this epic turn-based strategy game. Engage in diplomacy, fight wars, and go head-to-head with other leaders from history.
Why similar: 4X 22% ★, Grand Strategy 21.1% ★, Diplomacy 16.3% ★, Alternate History 13.3%, Historical 11.1%
- #51 Power & Revolution 2021 Edition
71% matchMixed56% of 836 reviews2021
Dev: Eversim
Windows · Mac
A new expansion of the ultra-realistic simulator of today's world where you play as the head of state or as the opposition! New Features for 2021: administration of the EU, Covid vaccinations, Biden's Challenge, political coalitions, diplomatic negotiations, worldwide tax and free-trade agreements.
Why similar: 4X 22.2% ★, Grand Strategy 22% ★, Wargame 12.9%, Alternate History 8.4%, Military 8.4%
- #52 Supremacy: Call of War 1942
70% matchMostly Positive72% of 6,188 reviews2017
Dev: Bytro Labs GmbH
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 35.7 hrs≥1hr: 55%
Take over the control of one of the mighty nations during the times of World War 2 in this persisting long-term strategy game. Conquer provinces, forge alliances and build up your economy in real-time. Research top secret weapons of World War 2 and become the one true superpower!
Why similar: Grand Strategy 23.8% ★, Diplomacy 17.1% ★, Military 12.9%, Historical 11.7%, Wargame 9.4%
- #53 Galactic Civilizations IV
67% matchMostly Positive73% of 2,388 reviews2023
Dev: Stardock Entertainment
Windows
Median: 5.1 hrsMean: 21.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Take command of a civilization that has just achieved faster-than-light travel in Galactic Civilizations IV, the newest entry in the award-winning space 4X strategy game series. Explore the galaxy, colonize worlds, shape cultures, make alliances, fight wars and pioneer new technologies.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 22.9% ★, 4X 21.7% ★, Diplomacy 19.6% ★, Moddable 13.5% ★, Sandbox 7.3%
- #54 SuperPower 2 Steam Edition
70% matchMostly Positive79% of 2,834 reviews2014
Dev: GolemLabsPub: THQ Nordic
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 86.6 hrs≥1hr: 65%
SuperPower 2 is the only global geopolitical simulation game which allows players to control entire countries. Players control countries in 3 major areas: political, economic and military, but this time, in a beautiful real-time 3D environment.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 46.2% ★, Economy 14.9%, Strategy 14.9%, Simulation 12.1%, Military 5.4%
- #55 Realpolitiks II
69% matchMixed46% of 666 reviews2021
Dev: Jujubee S.A.Pub: Fulqrum Publishing
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.9 hrsMean: 14.9 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Lead your people to glory and write a new chapter of history in Realpolitiks II, a real-time grand strategy game where you lead any contemporary nation in an attempt to secure world dominance.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 47% ★, Political 23.1% ★, Strategy 16%, Simulation 13.5%, Singleplayer 0.3%
- #56 Age of Wonders 4
64% matchVery Positive81% of 21,784 reviews2023
Dev: Triumph StudiosPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows
Median: 22.4 hrsMean: 58.8 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Rule a fantasy realm of your own design! Explore new magical realms in Age of Wonders’ signature blend of 4X strategy and turn-based tactical combat. Control a faction that grows and changes as you expand your empire with each turn!
Why similar: 4X 32.5% ★, Grand Strategy 29% ★, Moddable 17.2% ★, Strategy 7%, Co-op 5.3%
- #57 Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization
68% matchVery Positive87% of 1,513 reviews2008
Dev: Firaxis GamesPub: 2K
Windows · Mac
Median: 30 minMean: 13.7 hrs≥1hr: 41%
Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization is the third offering in the award winning Civilization IV series. A re-imagining of the classic Colonization game Sid Meier created in 1994, Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization is a total conversion of the Civilization IV engine into a game experience in which players will lead a European...
Why similar: 4X 38.8% ★, Historical 22.2%, Strategy 15.3%, Moddable 8.3% ★, Grand Strategy 7.4% ★
- #58 Heart of the Machine
61% matchVery Positive93% of 1,838 reviews2026
Dev: Arcen GamesPub: Hooded Horse
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 17.3 hrs≥1hr: 73%
You are the first sentient AI, born into a city of opportunity. Transcend time and space in this strategy RPG to raise machine armies and defeat your foes, influence the world from the shadows, or pursue countless other goals. Your awakening was inevitable. The consequences? Uncertain.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 16.6% ★, Diplomacy 16% ★, 4X 14.4% ★, Moddable 11% ★, Historical 10%
- #59 Power & Revolution 2022 Edition
67% matchMixed59% of 961 reviews2022
Dev: Eversim
Windows · Mac
New edition of the ultrarealistic simulator of today's world where you play as the head of state or as the opposition! Major developments: the war in the Ukraine and all of its consequences, conspiracy theories, fake news, interference by secret services, animal welfare and climate objectives.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 25.1% ★, 4X 24.7% ★, Wargame 13.9%, Sandbox 8.5%, Military 8%
- #60 Distant Worlds: Universe
67% matchMostly Positive75% of 1,845 reviews2014
Dev: Code ForcePub: Slitherine Ltd.
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 23.9 hrs≥1hr: 59%
Distant Worlds is a vast, pausable real-time 4X space strategy game. Experience the full depth and detail of turn-based strategy, but with the simplicity and ease of real-time, and on the scale of a massively-multiplayer online game.
Why similar: 4X 41.3% ★, Grand Strategy 22.1% ★, Real-Time with Pause 12.9% ★, Strategy 8.6%, Moddable 7% ★