- #1 Europa Universalis IV
97% matchVery Positive88% of 135,916 reviews2013
Dev: Paradox Development StudioPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.8 hrsMean: 279.6 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Rule your land and dominate the world with unparalleled freedom, depth and historical accuracy. Write a new history of the world and build an empire for the ages.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 22% ★, 4X 20.5% ★, Diplomacy 13.4% ★, Historical 11%, Alternate History 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: It is the closest match by far, offering the same nation-scale historical sandbox of diplomacy, trade, colonization, warfare, and alternate-history empire building.
- #2 Europa Universalis III Complete
96% 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 59.2% ★, Historical 22.9%, Strategy 9.7%, Alternate History 2.1%, Multiplayer 2%
Why You'll Like It: This earlier entry delivers the same real-time-with-pause global statecraft and long-form historical campaigning that define Europa Universalis.
- #3 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 49.7% ★, Historical 18.3%, Strategy 11.1%, Economy 5.8%, Simulation 5.6%
Why You'll Like It: It translates Paradox-style map-based grand strategy into the classical era with trade routes, internal politics, expansion, and state management.
- #4 Victoria 3
95% 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 29.9% ★, Diplomacy 16.5% ★, Historical 13.9%, Economy 10.3%, Alternate History 9.7%
Why You'll Like It: If you love steering a nation through history, this emphasizes markets, diplomacy, industrial growth, and political change over the 19th century.
- #5 Crusader Kings III
94% 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 32.3% ★, 4X 20.1% ★, Historical 15.3%, Strategy 7.6%, Economy 6.8%
Why You'll Like It: It shares the same emergent historical sandbox and diplomatic maneuvering, though its nation management is filtered through dynasties and characters.
- #6 For The Glory: A Europa Universalis Game
94% 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 21.9% ★, 4X 21.6% ★, Diplomacy 12.9% ★, Historical 10.9%, Alternate History 9%
Why You'll Like It: Built directly in the Europa Universalis mold, it focuses on deep diplomacy, colonization, war, and centuries-spanning national development.
- #7 Victoria II
93% 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 45% ★, Historical 16.8%, Economy 9.1%, Diplomacy 7.6% ★, Strategy 6.4%
Why You'll Like It: It remains one of the best macro historical strategy games for players who want trade, politics, great-power rivalry, and alternate-history outcomes.
- #8 Hearts of Iron IV
91% 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 35.2% ★, Historical 15.8%, Alternate History 12.3%, Diplomacy 11.1% ★, War 10.1%
Why You'll Like It: This is the best Paradox option if you want nation management and alternate-history strategy with a stronger concentration on warfare and logistics.
- #9 Europa Universalis: Rome - Gold Edition
92% 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 58.1% ★, Historical 23.7%, Strategy 15.3%, Simulation 2.9%
Why You'll Like It: This is an older but very direct cousin to Europa Universalis, focused on ruling and expanding ancient states through war and governance.
- #10 Crusader Kings II
91% 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 67.2% ★, Historical 14.2%, Diplomacy 7.3% ★, Strategy 5.7%, Simulation 2.9%
Why You'll Like It: Its sprawling medieval sandbox offers the same map-level diplomacy, warfare, and emergent history, with heavier emphasis on feudal politics.
- #11 Age of History 3
89% 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 28.3% ★, Diplomacy 18.1% ★, Wargame 15%, Alternate History 13.1%, Economy 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: It is a more streamlined but very EU-like world-map sandbox centered on diplomacy, conquest, and historical or alternate-history scenarios.
- #12 Old World
90% 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: 4X 23.2% ★, Grand Strategy 20.2% ★, Diplomacy 14.2% ★, Historical 10.2%, Alternate History 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: It blends historical empire building, dynastic politics, territorial expansion, and state development in a way that appeals to grand-strategy fans.
- #13 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 45.9% ★, 4X 16.1% ★, Strategy 13.1%, Historical 12.8%, Simulation 7.1%
Why You'll Like It: It captures a very similar realm-ruling feel through real-time grand strategy, trade, diplomacy, religion, and conquest on a historical map.
- #14 Hearts of Iron III
88% 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 54.3% ★, Historical 18%, Strategy 8.9%, War 5.1%, Wargame 4.7%
Why You'll Like It: This older entry is denser and more simulation-heavy, making it a strong fit if you enjoy intricate nation-scale planning and systems.
- #15 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 25.1% ★, Grand Strategy 20.7% ★, Diplomacy 12.7% ★, Alternate History 10.2%, Historical 9.6%
Why You'll Like It: Its historical 4X progression and strong alternate-history possibilities make it a good fit for players who enjoy reshaping world history.
- #16 Field of Glory: Empires
87% 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 25.6% ★, 4X 24.8% ★, Historical 12.4%, Resource Management 10.5%, Strategy 7.5%
Why You'll Like It: This ancient-era grand strategy game focuses on growing a state through economy, culture, expansion, and long-term geopolitical planning.
- #17 Stellaris
86% 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: 4X 38% ★, Grand Strategy 35.5% ★, Diplomacy 11.7% ★, Strategy 6.2%, Simulation 4.2%
Why You'll Like It: Although sci-fi rather than historical, it mirrors the same grand loop of expansion, diplomacy, trade, war, and emergent alternate-history storytelling.
- #18 NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION: Awakening
85% matchMostly Positive74% of 2,610 reviews2022
Dev: KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD.
Windows
Median: 20.2 hrsMean: 68.8 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Conquer Warring States Japan under one banner
Why similar: Grand Strategy 29.4% ★, Wargame 16%, Historical 14.7%, Alternate History 13.1%, Resource Management 10%
Why You'll Like It: It delivers detailed daimyo-era nation building with territorial control, diplomacy, officers, and long-form strategic unification.
- #19 Terra Invicta
83% 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: 4X 23.6% ★, Grand Strategy 20.6% ★, Diplomacy 14.8% ★, Historical 10.4%, Alternate History 9.7%
Why You'll Like It: For players who want extreme strategic depth, it offers globe-spanning diplomacy, factional competition, and resource management in a long campaign.
- #20 Imperiums: Greek Wars
84% 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 21.4% ★, Grand Strategy 17.7% ★, Trading 11.5% ★, Diplomacy 10.2% ★, Historical 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: It offers turn-based ancient statecraft with territorial expansion, diplomacy, and national development in a historically grounded setting.
- #21 Age of History II
82% 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 32.4% ★, Historical 20%, Diplomacy 12.6% ★, War 11.4%, Strategy 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: Its simple presentation hides a very similar nation-management loop of conquest, diplomacy, and scenario-based world domination.
- #22 Sengoku
84% 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 51.2% ★, Historical 25.4%, Strategy 14.7%, Simulation 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: Paradox's feudal Japan grand strategy offers clan politics, warfare, diplomacy, and unification on a familiar map-driven strategic framework.
- #23 Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI
81% 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 26.4% ★, 4X 25.5% ★, Historical 16.5%, Strategy 11.5%, Multiplayer 7%
Why You'll Like It: It provides another broad historical sandbox where trade, military expansion, diplomacy, and alternate-history empire building drive long campaigns.
- #24 Supreme Ruler Ultimate
82% 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 39% ★, Wargame 17%, Alternate History 12.6%, Historical 10.2%, War 7.1%
Why You'll Like It: This geopolitical grand strategy game lets you run states across multiple eras with deep diplomacy, economics, military planning, and world-map control.
- #25 Total War: THREE KINGDOMS
80% matchVery Positive82% of 92,481 reviews2019
Dev: CREATIVE ASSEMBLYPub: SEGA
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 21.9 hrsMean: 89.5 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Total War: THREE KINGDOMS is the first in the award-winning series to recreate epic conflict across ancient China. Combining a gripping turn-based campaign of empire-building & conquest with stunning real-time battles, THREE KINGDOMS redefines the series in an age of heroes & legends.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 33.3% ★, Historical 31.4%, War 15.2%, Strategy 13.8%, Multiplayer 4.6%
Why You'll Like It: Its campaign layer delivers excellent diplomacy, empire management, and historical power struggles, even if its battles are more hands-on than Europa Universalis.
- #26 Oriental Empires
81% 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 37.7% ★, Grand Strategy 22.1% ★, Historical 17.8%, Strategy 8.9%, War 6.6%
Why You'll Like It: This historical 4X focuses on building and expanding a state through development, armies, and diplomacy in ancient Asia.
- #27 ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS XIV
79% matchMixed63% of 15,669 reviews2020
Dev: KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD.
Windows
Median: 24.7 hrsMean: 110.3 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Triumph over the land, take charge of the fate of China! Conquer territories and fly your colors!
Why similar: Grand Strategy 22.6% ★, Diplomacy 17.8% ★, Wargame 11.8%, Historical 11.2%, Alternate History 11.1%
Why You'll Like It: Its emphasis on diplomacy, officer-led administration, territorial expansion, and historical power politics makes it a solid regional grand-strategy alternative.
- #28 Supreme Ruler 2030
79% matchMixed64% of 536 reviews2023
Dev: BattleGoat Studios
Windows
Rise to power as any modern day country in a realistic military, political and economic simulation. Command your country's diplomacy, espionage, and resource management to strengthen your position. Use real-time tactical control of your military to fortify your place as the Supreme Ruler.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 30.7% ★, Diplomacy 18.1% ★, Wargame 14.8%, War 10.8%, Economy 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: It applies the grand-strategy formula to a modern geopolitical setting with national economics, diplomacy, and military pressure.
- #29 Sid Meier's Civilization VII
77% 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: 4X 22.4% ★, Grand Strategy 21.4% ★, Diplomacy 14.8% ★, Historical 10.1%, Alternate History 8.3%
- #30 ENDLESS™ Legend 2
76% 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: 4X 23.5% ★, Grand Strategy 20.3% ★, Diplomacy 14.2% ★, Historical 9.9%, Alternate History 8.4%
- #31 Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic
75% 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 21.7% ★, 4X 18% ★, Diplomacy 12.1% ★, Historical 11%, Resource Management 8.1%
- #32 Distant Worlds 2
78% matchMostly Positive71% of 3,478 reviews2022
Dev: CodeForcePub: Slitherine Ltd.
Windows
Median: 9.3 hrsMean: 42.6 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Distant Worlds 2 is a vast, pausable real-time 4X space strategy game.
Why similar: 4X 46.3% ★, Grand Strategy 34.8% ★, Strategy 9.6%, Simulation 6.8%, 3D 1.8%
Why You'll Like It: This real-time pausable 4X is a strong adjacent pick for players who like macro complexity, trade networks, logistics, and large-scale empire management.
- #33 Ara History Untold: Anniversary Edition
76% 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 27.6% ★, Grand Strategy 22.7% ★, Diplomacy 12.7% ★, Alternate History 11.5%, Historical 9.9%
- #34 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 35.2% ★, Grand Strategy 23.9% ★, Historical 13.7%, Strategy 9.2%, Multiplayer 6.1%
- #35 Manor Lords
74% matchVery Positive85% of 85,453 reviews2024
Dev: Slavic MagicPub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Median: 9.3 hrsMean: 21.5 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Manor Lords is a medieval strategy game featuring in-depth city building, large-scale tactical battles, and complex economic and social simulations. Rule your lands as a medieval lord – the seasons pass, the weather changes, and cities rise and fall.
Why similar: 4X 23.2% ★, Grand Strategy 20.9% ★, Diplomacy 15.5% ★, Historical 10.7%, Resource Management 10%
- #36 Making History: The Great War
78% 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 33.3% ★, 4X 17.5% ★, Historical 13.8%, Alternate History 9.8%, War 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: It offers historical world strategy focused on managing alliances, economics, production, and military planning at the national level.
- #37 Anno 117: Pax Romana
74% matchMostly Positive70% of 11,270 reviews2025
Dev: Ubisoft MainzPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 13.4 hrsMean: 23.5 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Shape the Roman Empire in this genre-defining strategic builder game. Build cities while expanding your influence through Roman provinces. Govern using your economic prowess, diplomatic skills, or military might.
Why similar: Historical 21.4%, Economy 18.7%, Resource Management 15.6%, Strategy 12.5%, Building 11.8%
- #38 Norland
73% matchVery Positive82% of 9,662 reviews2024
Dev: Long JauntPub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 17.2 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Lead your noble family in this medieval colony sim, facing off against class conflict, religious struggle, and political treachery. Tend to your people’s needs, uncover the lost knowledge of a fallen empire, and engage in nefarious plots against your enemies.
Why similar: 4X 22.7% ★, Grand Strategy 21.3% ★, Diplomacy 15.1% ★, Historical 10.8%, Resource Management 10%
- #39 Anno 1800
75% matchVery Positive81% of 30,897 reviews2019
Dev: Ubisoft MainzPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 9.7 hrsMean: 39.6 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Anno 1800™ – Lead the Industrial Revolution! Welcome to the dawn of the Industrial Age. The path you choose will define your world. Are you an innovator or an exploiter? A conqueror or a liberator? How the world remembers your name is up to you.
Why similar: Economy 24%, Resource Management 20.3%, Strategy 15.2%, Multiplayer 12.9%, Historical 10.6%
- #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: 4X 28.2% ★, Grand Strategy 26.5% ★, Diplomacy 16.2% ★, Economy 8.6%, War 7%
- #41 Master of Command
69% matchVery Positive92% of 3,127 reviews2025
Dev: Armchair Interactive
Windows
Median: 10.0 hrsMean: 22.8 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Take command in Europe's greatest 18th-century war. Equip & customize regiments, manage supplies, and engage in brutal real-time battles across procedural campaigns. Resources and replacements are scarce, and keeping your best men alive may matter more than any single victory.
Why similar: Historical 33.1%, Wargame 23.6%, War 20.1%, Strategy 11.7%, Simulation 6.5%
- #42 Supremacy: 1914
72% 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 26.6% ★, Historical 15.6%, Diplomacy 14% ★, War 11.2%, Wargame 8.3%
- #43 Making History: The Second World War
72% 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 23.4% ★, 4X 19.5% ★, Historical 12.2%, Wargame 7.9%, Alternate History 7.9%
- #44 Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES
69% matchMostly Positive78% of 6,190 reviews2024
Dev: CREATIVE ASSEMBLYPub: SEGA
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.1 hrsMean: 14.7 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Wage total war across the ancient world from the Aegean to Mesopotamia in this free addition to Total War: PHARAOH. Challenge the Bronze Age Collapse by building your own dynasty and leading your faction to victory with new cultures, new units and dramatic new battle mechanics.
Why similar: 4X 38.6% ★, Grand Strategy 32.4% ★, Historical 12.5%, Strategy 9.1%, War 4.6%
- #45 Total War: EMPIRE – Definitive Edition
71% 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 40.2% ★, Historical 29%, Strategy 15.4%, War 10.1%, Multiplayer 4.8%
- #46 Victoria I Complete
73% 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 62.7% ★, Strategy 19.3%, Historical 18%
- #47 Total War: ROME REMASTERED
69% matchMostly Positive77% of 13,138 reviews2021
Dev: Creative AssemblyPub: SEGA
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.3 hrsMean: 39.0 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Total War: ROME REMASTERED lets you relive the legacy that defined the award-winning strategy game series. Remastered to 4K with multiple improvements to visuals as well as refinements to gameplay, it’s time to revisit a true classic. Not everyone gets a second chance to conquer the Roman Empire.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 26.8% ★, 4X 26% ★, Diplomacy 14% ★, Historical 10.1%, Wargame 9.9%
- #48 NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION: Sphere of Influence
70% 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 24% ★, Diplomacy 14.5% ★, Historical 12.7%, Wargame 10.4%, Alternate History 8.8%
- #49 Trade Conquest
68% matchMostly Positive70% of 71 reviews2024
Dev: GrandPaw Games
Windows
Rise from a cunning strategist to a powerful ruler. Master economic warfare, manipulate global events, and build industries or armies to conquer the world. Every decision in this modern Grand Strategy game shapes your ascent to power—will you rise through wealth or force?
Why similar: Grand Strategy 23% ★, 4X 18.2% ★, Diplomacy 15.1% ★, Resource Management 10.5%, Wargame 9.6%
- #50 March of the Eagles
71% 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 55.3% ★, Historical 20%, Strategy 15.8%, Simulation 8.9%
- #51 Renaissance Kingdom Wars
68% matchMostly Positive73% of 161 reviews2024
Dev: Reverie World StudiosPub: indie.io
Windows
The year is 1510. As wars rage across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, it is the age of gunpowder and mercenaries - that changed the course of history. You can do it as well, going from a leader of men to the ruler of an empire in this unique mix of RTS and grand strategy.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 23.4% ★, Diplomacy 17.1% ★, Wargame 11.1%, Historical 10.9%, Resource Management 9.6%
- #52 Grand Ages: Medieval
71% matchMixed48% of 1,970 reviews2015
Dev: Gaming Minds StudiosPub: Kalypso Media Digital
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.8 hrsMean: 8.3 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Rise from the humble role of a simple mayor governing a small settlement and rule over all of Europe.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 26.6% ★, Trading 25.5% ★, Economy 10%, Strategy 9.3%, Historical 7.9%
- #53 Realpolitiks
70% 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: Grand Strategy 36% ★, Diplomacy 34.2% ★, Strategy 13.3%, Historical 11.4%, Simulation 2.6%
- #54 Rebel Inc: Escalation
67% 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: Grand Strategy 28.5% ★, Diplomacy 18.5% ★, Historical 14.4%, Alternate History 14.4%, War 9.1%
- #55 Democracy 4
66% 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: Grand Strategy 34.3% ★, Diplomacy 27.5% ★, Economy 15.9%, Strategy 8.3%, Simulation 5.8%
- #56 Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition
65% matchVery Positive86% of 91,161 reviews2021
Dev: World's EdgePub: Xbox Game Studios
Windows
Median: 14.3 hrsMean: 75.8 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Celebrating its first year of delighting millions of global players, the award-winning and best-selling strategy franchise continues with Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition, putting you at the center of even more epic historical battles that shaped the world.
Why similar: Resource Management 25%, Historical 21.3%, War 19%, Strategy 19%, Multiplayer 12.6%
- #57 Nations
65% matchVery Positive87% of 95 reviews2025
Dev: Krzysztof SteinerPub: Krzysztof Steiner Games
Windows
Select an era, a nation and lead it to greatness or decay. Develop the economy and society, or focus on military and territorial expansion. In Nations you can rule your people for centuries – from ancient times to the modern day and beyond. You shape your state, history and map of the world.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 29.1% ★, Historical 19.7%, Diplomacy 13.9% ★, Wargame 12.9%, Alternate History 10.3%
- #58 SuperPower 2 Steam Edition
68% 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 47.7% ★, Strategy 13.5%, Economy 11.4%, War 10.9%, Simulation 9.4%
- #59 Patrician IV
70% matchMixed56% of 751 reviews2010
Dev: Gaming Minds StudiosPub: Kalypso Media Digital
Windows
Median: 36 minMean: 8.4 hrs≥1hr: 42%
You are a merchant in northern Europe in the late Middle Ages when the Hanseatic League was flourishing. Your goal is to rise to the most successful and influential member of the Hanse, ultimately being elected Elderman, leader of the trading league.
Why similar: Trading 41% ★, Resource Management 20.3%, Economy 13.6%, Strategy 11.4%, Historical 8.8%
- #60 NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION: Souzou
67% matchVery Positive86% of 1,212 reviews2014
Dev: KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD.
Windows
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 37.6 hrs≥1hr: 81%
The 14th entry of the the historical simulation series "Nobunaga's Ambition." Become a daimyō of the Warring States era, and unite the land! With "the creation of a new age" as the key concept, this title features beautifully recreated castle towns, dynamic battlefield action and dramatic event scenes.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 24.1% ★, Diplomacy 19.9% ★, Wargame 14.2%, War 8.9%, Immersive Sim 7.4%