- #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 40% ★, Real-Time with Pause 21% ★, Historical 17.5%, Strategy 13%, Simulation 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: As the spiritual successor to the engine used in March of the Eagles, it provides the most polished grand strategy experience in the genre.
- #2 Victoria II
96% 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 50.2% ★, Historical 16.3%, Real-Time with Pause 14.4% ★, Strategy 13.8%, Simulation 5.4%
Why You'll Like It: It shares the deep political and economic simulation of the 19th century that provides the backdrop for the Napoleonic conflicts.
- #3 Wars of Napoleon
95% matchMixed53% of 118 reviews2016
Dev: AgeodPub: Slitherine Ltd.
Windows
AGEod goes back to the Napoleonic era and delivers the most detailed and comprehensive strategy game ever created about a time of struggle and conquest that forged modern Europe.
Why similar: Strategy 39.8%, Grand Strategy 36.8% ★, Historical 23.4%
Why You'll Like It: A direct thematic and mechanical match that focuses specifically on the grand scale of the Napoleonic campaigns.
- #4 Imperial Glory
94% matchMostly Positive78% of 1,323 reviews2014
Dev: Pyro StudiosPub: Kalypso Media Digital
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 7.2 hrs≥1hr: 49%
It is a time of war in Europe. Driven by new ideas of Enlightenment, the hearts of men and women across the continent are inflamed with dreams of freedom and glory. This is the moment for a military genius to forge himself a name to be remembered throughout all eternity. This is your moment.
Why similar: Strategy 60.8%, Historical 39.2%
Why You'll Like It: This title uniquely combines turn-based empire management with real-time tactical battles set specifically during the Napoleonic Wars.
- #5 Grand Tactician: The Civil War (1861-1865)
94% matchMostly Positive75% of 2,322 reviews2021
Dev: Grand Engineer Corps
Windows
Median: 8.9 hrsMean: 83.3 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Take command of the Union or the Confederacy. Prepare your nation for war, recruit and organize great armies and fleets under legendary commanders like Grant, Lee, Jackson or Farragut, plan cunning maneuvers on an epic campaign map and defeat your enemies in real-time battles!
Why similar: Grand Strategy 39.9% ★, Strategy 36.1%, Historical 24%
Why You'll Like It: It captures the same blend of grand strategy and real-time battle management found in the seed game.
- #6 Hearts of Iron IV
93% 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 44.4% ★, Strategy 19.9%, Historical 17.3%, Real-Time with Pause 13.2% ★, Simulation 5.2%
Why You'll Like It: The modern evolution of the Paradox military-focused grand strategy, offering deep logistical and front-line management.
- #7 Field of Glory: Empires
92% 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 50.3% ★, Strategy 28.4%, Historical 21.3%
Why You'll Like It: It provides a robust grand strategy experience with a heavy focus on historical military management and territorial expansion.
- #8 Imperator: Rome
91% 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 50.1% ★, Strategy 21.6%, Historical 16.1%, Simulation 9.4%, Real-Time with Pause 2.9% ★
Why You'll Like It: A Paradox grand strategy title that emphasizes military expansion and internal management of a growing empire.
- #9 Europa Universalis III Complete
91% 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 50.3% ★, Historical 17%, Strategy 16%, Real-Time with Pause 13.9% ★, Simulation 2.8%
Why You'll Like It: The predecessor that established many of the core mechanics and UI design philosophies used in March of the Eagles.
- #10 To End All Wars
90% matchMixed63% of 189 reviews2014
Dev: AgeodPub: Slitherine Ltd.
Windows
Ageod’s To End All Wars is a grand strategy game set during World War One. Players will take control over one of the major powers that so desperately fought for control over Europe and to end all wars.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 44.8% ★, Strategy 36.6%, Simulation 18.6%
Why You'll Like It: Another excellent AGEOD title that focuses on the grand scale and military logistics of 19th and early 20th-century warfare.
- #11 Darkest Hour: A Hearts of Iron Game
89% 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 53.8% ★, Strategy 22.8%, Historical 17.3%, Simulation 6%
Why You'll Like It: Highly regarded for its deep historical simulation and focus on the military-industrial aspects of global conflict.
- #12 Thirty Years' War
89% matchMixed65% of 52 reviews2016
Dev: AgeodPub: Slitherine Ltd.
Windows
Thirty Years War is a new game designed by developer HQ covering one of the darkest ages of European history. The Thirty Years War is the series of conflicts between Catholics and Protestants in the Holy Roman Empire and its surroundings, between 1618 and 1648.
Why similar: Strategy 47.8%, Simulation 31.8%, Historical 20.4%
Why You'll Like It: Shares the historical focus and grand strategy depth of the Paradox engine, applied to a different but equally complex era.
- #13 Knights of Honor II: Sovereign
87% 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 48.7% ★, Strategy 26.9%, Simulation 12.6%, Historical 11.9%
Why You'll Like It: Offers a real-time grand strategy experience that focuses on territorial control and military leadership.
- #14 Rise of Prussia Gold
88% matchMostly Positive72% of 46 reviews2014
Dev: AgeodPub: Slitherine Ltd.
Windows
Rise of Prussia Gold is the new and improved version of AGEODs Seven Years War (1757-1763) game set in Europe. This hugely detailed strategy game was initially released by AGEOD in 2010 and the Gold version adds numerous improvements and additional scenarios that take the game to the next level.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 47.2% ★, Strategy 29.6%, Historical 23.2%
Why You'll Like It: Utilizing the AGEOD engine, this game offers a similar depth of historical military simulation and supply-chain management.
- #15 Age of History 3
83% 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 74.1% ★, Strategy 25.9%
Why You'll Like It: A modern grand strategy title that allows for complex historical scenarios and global conquest.
- #16 For The Glory: A Europa Universalis Game
86% 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 45.1% ★, Historical 19.6%, Strategy 15.8%, Simulation 11.1%, Real-Time with Pause 8.4% ★
Why You'll Like It: A classic title built on the Europa Universalis engine that maintains a strong focus on historical accuracy.
- #17 Hegemony Rome: The Rise of Caesar
86% matchMixed60% of 449 reviews2014
Dev: Longbow Games
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 5.4 hrs≥1hr: 67%
Hegemony Rome: The Rise of Caesar takes you to the plains and forests of ancient Gaul where Julius Caesar wages a decade long war to subjugate the barbarian hordes. Hegemony Rome will immerse you in the history like no other real time strategy game ever before, forcing you to pay close attention to the changing seasons and rapidly...
Why similar: Strategy 36.3%, Grand Strategy 20.9% ★, Historical 19.2%, Real-Time with Pause 14% ★, Simulation 9.6%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the tactical and strategic movement of armies across a historical map.
- #18 Europa Universalis: Rome - Gold Edition
85% 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 43.9% ★, Strategy 22.2%, Historical 15.6%, Real-Time with Pause 14.7% ★, Simulation 3.6%
Why You'll Like It: An early Paradox title that shares the same UI and design philosophy as the seed game.
- #19 Arsenal of Democracy: A Hearts of Iron Game
84% 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 57.9% ★, Strategy 42.1%
Why You'll Like It: Refines the military and industrial management systems of the Hearts of Iron series for a more historical feel.
- #20 Pride of Nations
84% 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 45.6% ★, Strategy 26.5%, Historical 16.1%, Simulation 11.8%
Why You'll Like It: A deep historical grand strategy game set in the 19th century that emphasizes the geopolitical struggles of the era.
- #21 Age of History II
81% 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 45.6% ★, Historical 24.5%, Strategy 23.5%, Simulation 6.4%
Why You'll Like It: A streamlined grand strategy game that captures the spirit of global conquest and historical scenario building.
- #22 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 44.2% ★, Real-Time with Pause 25.8% ★, Strategy 12.2%, Historical 10.1%, Simulation 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: Offers a massive scale of military management and global simulation that appeals to fans of grand strategy.
- #23 Hegemony III: Clash of the Ancients
82% 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 29.8% ★, Strategy 22.5%, Historical 19.1%, Real-Time with Pause 17.2% ★, Simulation 11.4%
Why You'll Like It: An excellent real-time strategy game with a strong focus on supply lines and logistical management.
- #24 Napoleon's Eagles: Game of the Napoleonic Wars
80% matchMostly Positive79% of 144 reviews2023
Dev: Avalon Digital
Windows · Mac
Napoleon's Eagles is the classic board game War & Peace for computer. Be Napoleon – or stand against him – in a series of short scenarios that cover the epic battles of the age, or in a multiplayer-only grand campaign that may – or may not – end on the field of Waterloo.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 50.5% ★, Strategy 27.8%, Historical 21.8%
Why You'll Like It: A dedicated wargame that focuses on the specific era and strategic challenges of the Napoleonic period.
- #25 Making History: The Great War
81% 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 49.6% ★, Strategy 20.6%, Historical 17.9%, Simulation 11.9%
Why You'll Like It: Provides a grand strategic look at the collapse of empires and the shift in military technology.
- #26 Unity of Command II
79% matchMostly Positive80% of 2,102 reviews2019
Dev: 2x2 Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 17.8 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Unity of Command II is the sequel to one of the most critically acclaimed strategy games of all time; a game critics called 'the perfect gateway' into computer war games.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 44.6% ★, Strategy 29.1%, Historical 13.9%, Simulation 12.4%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses heavily on the supply and logistics management that is critical to successful military campaigns.
- #27 Europa Universalis V
76% 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 55.3% ★, Historical 20%, Strategy 15.8%, Simulation 8.9%
- #28 Master of Command
76% 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 46.3%, Strategy 36.4%, Simulation 17.4%
- #29 Hearts of Iron III
79% 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 50.1% ★, Strategy 16%, Historical 14.5%, Real-Time with Pause 14.1% ★, Simulation 5.4%
- #30 Making History II: The War of the World
78% matchMostly Positive80% of 397 reviews2010
Dev: Muzzy Lane SoftwarePub: Factus Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 9.6 hrs≥1hr: 93%
What if Germany won the Battle of Britain? What if Moscow fell in 1942?You’re in charge. Anything can happen and history will never repeat itself in this classic WWII grand strategy game MAKING HISTORY II: The War of the World. Are you ready to battle for global dominance?
Why similar: Grand Strategy 50% ★, Strategy 24.6%, Simulation 12.8%, Historical 12.6%
- #31 Sengoku
78% 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% ★, Strategy 22.7%, Historical 17.7%, Simulation 11.7%, Real-Time with Pause 6.9% ★
- #32 Ultimate General: Civil War
75% matchVery Positive89% of 8,396 reviews2017
Dev: Game-Labs
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.7 hrsMean: 46.4 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Ultimate General: Civil War is a tactical real time strategy war-game. Experience the bloodiest period of U.S. history - the American Civil War of 1861-1865.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 55% ★, Historical 19.8%, Strategy 18.1%, Simulation 7%
- #33 Crusader Kings II
75% 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 66.5% ★, Historical 12.2%, Strategy 11%, Real-Time with Pause 5.6% ★, Simulation 4.7%
- #34 Supreme Ruler 1936
77% matchMostly Positive74% of 303 reviews2014
Dev: BattleGoat Studios
Windows
Median: 9.0 hrsMean: 12.5 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Real-Time Strategy Game. Guide your nation through the most violent era in modern history. Play massive campaigns as one of the principal nations, set-piece scenarios of famous battles, or set your own victory condition and play as any nation in the world in Sandbox mode.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 40.4% ★, Real-Time with Pause 18.3% ★, Historical 17.3%, Strategy 14.6%, Simulation 9.4%
- #35 Victoria 3
73% 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 44.7% ★, Historical 18.1%, Real-Time with Pause 17.6% ★, Strategy 12.6%, Simulation 7%
- #36 Total War: EMPIRE – Definitive Edition
74% 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 42.3% ★, Strategy 31.2%, Historical 26.5%
- #37 Victoria I Complete
77% 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 44.4% ★, Strategy 26.4%, Real-Time with Pause 18.1% ★, Historical 11.1%
- #38 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 42.2% ★, Strategy 31.4%, Historical 23.1%, Simulation 3.3%
- #39 Crusader Kings III
71% 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 41.5% ★, Strategy 18.9%, Historical 17.1%, Real-Time with Pause 13.4% ★, Simulation 9.2%
- #40 Ultimate General: Gettysburg
74% matchVery Positive81% of 2,701 reviews2014
Dev: Game-Labs
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 86%
A Tactical Battle Simulator that allows you to command thousands of soldiers as a Union or Confederate General. The game features the most accurately created map, a non-linear battle campaign, complex morale, innovative control mechanics and smart AI.
Why similar: Strategy 42.3%, Historical 41%, Simulation 16.7%
- #41 Hegemony Gold: Wars of Ancient Greece
73% matchVery Positive95% of 218 reviews2012
Dev: Longbow Games
Windows
Conquer the ancient Greek world in Hegemony Gold: Wars of Ancient Greece, an epic strategy wargame that expands and refines the award-winning Hegemony: Philip of Macedon with brand new content and features.
Why similar: Strategy 30%, Real-Time with Pause 23.5% ★, Grand Strategy 23.4% ★, Historical 23.1%
- #42 Hearts of Iron 2 Complete
72% matchVery Positive87% of 654 reviews2009
Dev: Paradox Development StudioPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 17.9 hrs≥1hr: 42%
Includes Hearts of Iron II plus the two expansions, Doomsday and Armageddon When Germany is defeated in 1945, the Allies and the new Soviet alliance fight for supremacy. World War III is drawing closer. Play as the ruler of one of 175 countries through World Wars II and III.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 53.4% ★, Strategy 30.3%, Historical 16.2%
- #43 Time of Fury
72% matchMixed60% of 92 reviews2014
Dev: Wastelands InteractivePub: Conglomerate 5
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 5.8 hrs≥1hr: 98%
Time of Fury takes you right into the European Theater of Operations. Strategic Command is the essence of winning the war and in Time of Fury the World War 2 is just huge, ideal for every strategy game fan.
Why similar: Strategy 64.7%, Simulation 35.3%
- #44 Steel Division 2
69% 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: Grand Strategy 33.3% ★, Strategy 22.4%, Real-Time with Pause 20.4% ★, Historical 15.5%, Simulation 8.5%
- #45 Gary Grigsby's War in the East
70% matchVery Positive90% of 579 reviews2015
Dev: 2by3 GamesPub: Matrix Games
Windows
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 49.5 hrs≥1hr: 60%
War on an Epic scale from Moscow to Berlin – this is War in the East!
Why similar: Grand Strategy 52.5% ★, Strategy 26.5%, Simulation 13.4%, Historical 7.6%
- #46 Total War: ATTILA
68% matchVery Positive82% of 36,976 reviews2015
Dev: CREATIVE ASSEMBLYPub: SEGA
Windows · Linux
Median: 17.4 hrsMean: 80.7 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Against a darkening background of famine, disease and war, a new power is rising in the great steppes of the East. With a million horsemen at his back, the ultimate warrior king approaches, and his sights are set on Rome… The next instalment in the multi award-winning PC series that combines turn-based strategy with real-time tactics,...
Why similar: Grand Strategy 42.7% ★, Strategy 29.4%, Historical 26%, Simulation 1.8%
- #47 Making History: The Calm & the Storm
70% matchMostly Positive79% of 624 reviews2007
Dev: Muzzy LanePub: Strategy First
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 10.0 hrs≥1hr: 49%
Making History® delivers the open-ended gameplay of strategy-game classics, but with compelling new economic, military, and diplomatic systems and deep research that lets you play with real historical challenges.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 52.4% ★, Strategy 35.8%, Historical 11.8%
- #48 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 44.2% ★, Strategy 29.8%, Simulation 14.6%, Historical 11.4%
- #49 Strategos
64% matchVery Positive87% of 205 reviews2026
Dev: Strategos GamesPub: MicroProse Software
Windows
Strategos is a real-time tactics wargame set in classical antiquity. Simulate large-scale battles with over 120 factions, and 250+ units, from the ancient world. Create custom battles, or take command of historical ones.
Why similar: Historical 42.2%, Strategy 38.8%, Simulation 19%
- #50 Ultimate General: American Revolution
67% matchMixed54% of 1,053 reviews2024
Dev: Game-Labs
Windows
American Revolution is a sandbox strategy game featuring the epic historical period during the rebellion of the American colonies against the British Empire.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 57.2% ★, Historical 21.5%, Strategy 17.7%, Simulation 3.6%
- #51 Rebel Inc: Escalation
66% 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 38.4% ★, Real-Time with Pause 23.3% ★, Historical 17%, Strategy 13.1%, Simulation 8.2%
- #52 Crusader Kings Complete
70% matchMixed62% of 240 reviews2012
Dev: Paradox Development StudioPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 31%
Europe is in turmoil. The lands are fragmented into petty fiefs and the Emperor struggles with the Pope. At this very moment the Pope has declared that those who go to liberate the Holy Land will be freed of all sins. Gather prestige and piety and the world will whisper your name in awe.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 54.2% ★, Strategy 33.6%, Historical 12.2%
- #53 Old World
65% 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 49.8% ★, Historical 21.9%, Strategy 16.9%, Simulation 11.4%
- #54 Cossacks II: Napoleonic Wars
69% matchMixed58% of 642 reviews2011
Dev: GSC Game WorldPub: GSC World Publishing
Windows
Median: 36 minMean: 19.5 hrs≥1hr: 44%
Cossacks II: Napoleonic Wars sends the player into the heroic XIX century where they assume the role of a commander to take part in the massive historical battles for the supremacy over Europe.
Why similar: Strategy 69.6%, Historical 30.4%
- #55 Victory and Glory: Napoleon
68% matchMostly Positive78% of 153 reviews2016
Dev: Electric GamesPub: Slitherine Ltd.
Windows
From acclaimed boardgame designer Glenn Drover, a grand strategy game where you take the role of Napoleon Bonaparte and attempt to dominate the entire continent of Europe.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 46.8% ★, Strategy 30.3%, Historical 22.9%
- #56 Strategic War in Europe
69% matchMixed49% of 214 reviews2014
Dev: Wastelands InteractivePub: Conglomerate 5
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Set during the events of WW2, Strategic War in Europe is a classic turn-based strategy game that combines a deep strategic layer with accessibility and ease-of-use.
Why similar: Strategy 70.8%, Historical 29.2%
- #57 Oriental Empires
66% 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: Grand Strategy 34.5% ★, Strategy 26.9%, Historical 24.2%, Simulation 14.4%
- #58 NationWar:Annals
66% matchMixed68% of 168 reviews2021
Dev: Yiming
Windows
This is a deep focus on the Spring and Autumn period of the Warring States period of the grand strategy and real-time combat fusion sandbox game.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 53.4% ★, Strategy 20.3%, Historical 19.7%, Simulation 6.6%