- #1 Sid Meier's Civilization® V
97% 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: Turn-Based Strategy 29.8%, Strategy 14.3%, Turn-Based 12.6%, 4X 11.4% ★, Historical 11%
Why You'll Like It: It is the closest overall alternative to Civilization VI, offering the same turn-based 4X loop of settling cities, racing through tech, managing diplomacy, and pursuing multiple victory paths.
- #2 HUMANKIND™
96% 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: Turn-Based Strategy 16.7%, 4X 16% ★, Strategy 13.8%, Grand Strategy 12.2% ★, Historical 10.5%
Why You'll Like It: It mirrors Civ VI’s broad historical empire-building arc while adding culture-mixing, territory claims, and layered city expansion on a familiar turn-based map.
- #3 Old World
96% 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 15.1% ★, Grand Strategy 14.8% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 13.3%, Historical 11.3%, Turn-Based 9.9%
Why You'll Like It: This historical 4X feels like a smarter, more character-driven Civilization, with hex-based empire building, meaningful city development, and intricate diplomacy.
- #4 Sid Meier's Civilization VII
95% 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 17.5% ★, 4X 16.3% ★, Historical 12.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 12.2%, City Builder 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: As the direct follow-up, it preserves the core Civilization formula of expansion, research, diplomacy, and competing victory goals with updated systems.
- #5 Sid Meier's Civilization®: Beyond Earth™
94% matchMixed60% of 22,976 reviews2014
Dev: Firaxis GamesPub: 2K
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.9 hrsMean: 29.6 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Sid Meier’s Civilization: Beyond Earth is a new science-fiction-themed entry into the award winning Civilization series. As part of an expedition sent to find a home beyond Earth, lead your people into a new frontier, explore and colonize an alien planet and create a new civilization in space.
Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 26.6%, 4X 18.3% ★, Strategy 16.7%, Turn-Based 12.9%, Grand Strategy 9.8% ★
Why You'll Like It: This is essentially Civilization in a sci-fi setting, keeping the same turn-based expansion, city management, tech progression, and map-based empire competition.
- #6 Sid Meier's Civilization® IV
94% matchVery Positive92% of 3,559 reviews2006
Dev: Firaxis GamesPub: 2K
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 10.0 hrs≥1hr: 52%
With over 6 million units sold and unprecedented critical acclaim from fans and press around the world, Sid Meier's Civilization is recognized as one of the greatest PC game franchises of all-time. Now, Sid Meier and Firaxis Games will take this incredibly fun and addictive game to new heights by adding new ways to play and win, new...
Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 21.5%, 4X 16.9% ★, Strategy 16.3%, Turn-Based 14.7%, Historical 11%
Why You'll Like It: It is an older but still deeply satisfying version of the Civilization formula, with classic 4X pacing, historical leaders, and strong strategic depth.
- #7 Millennia
93% 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 16.9% ★, Grand Strategy 15.7% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 15.4%, Historical 11%, Turn-Based 10.7%
Why You'll Like It: Its age-spanning empire progression, national specialization, and turn-based strategic map make it one of the most direct modern attempts at the Civilization-style experience.
- #8 ENDLESS™ Legend
92% matchVery Positive84% of 18,949 reviews2014
Dev: AMPLITUDE Studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.4 hrsMean: 21.6 hrs≥1hr: 80%
ENDLESS™ Legend is a 4X turn-based fantasy strategy game by the creators of ENDLESS™ Space and Dungeon of the ENDLESS™. Control every aspect of your civilization as you struggle to save your homeworld Auriga. Create your own Legend!
Why similar: 4X 24.8% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 20.4%, Strategy 19.9%, Turn-Based 16.8%, Grand Strategy 5% ★
Why You'll Like It: It delivers a strong turn-based 4X structure like Civ VI, but with more asymmetrical factions and a fantasy world that changes how expansion and warfare feel.
- #9 Age of Wonders 4
91% 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 21% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 18.9%, Grand Strategy 18.1% ★, Strategy 11.2%, War 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: It shares Civ VI’s turn-based empire expansion and city management, but leans harder into tactical battles and fantasy faction customization.
- #10 Oriental Empires
91% 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 19.4% ★, Historical 15.5%, Strategy 15.2%, Turn-Based 14.7%, Grand Strategy 12.8% ★
Why You'll Like It: It is a historical, turn-based empire game focused on territorial growth, urban development, and warfare in a way that feels very close to Civ’s core loop.
- #11 Ozymandias: Bronze Age Empire Sim
89% matchVery Positive88% of 1,626 reviews2022
Dev: The Secret Games CompanyPub: Goblinz Publishing
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Build an empire in a single sitting. All the strategy of a classic 4X in a faster format, which also shines in multiplayer.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 16.3% ★, 4X 15.8% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 14.7%, Historical 11.9%, City Builder 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: This streamlines the Civilization-style formula into faster historical empire matches without losing the feel of expansion, borders, and strategic competition.
- #12 Aggressors: Ancient Rome
90% matchVery Positive83% of 277 reviews2018
Dev: Kubat SoftwarePub: Kube Games
Windows
A mix of deep gameplay and rich historical flavor, Aggressors: Ancient Rome lets you relive history as the ruler of one of the mighty civilizations of the ancient Mediterranean. Choose one of twenty available factions and conquer the world.
Why similar: 4X 20.4% ★, Grand Strategy 16.8% ★, Historical 15.9%, Strategy 15.9%, Turn-Based Strategy 10.7%
Why You'll Like It: This is a tightly focused historical 4X with city founding, diplomacy, conquest, and empire management that feels especially suited to Civ fans.
- #13 Hexarchy
89% matchVery Positive82% of 1,534 reviews2023
Dev: Main Tank SoftwarePub: Yogscast Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 14.7 hrs≥1hr: 58%
Hexarchy is an innovative, fast-paced, historical 4x strategy game where you use cards and deckbuilding to make your decisions. Single-player and online multiplayer.
Why similar: 4X 15.1% ★, Grand Strategy 13.9% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 13.6%, Historical 10.8%, Turn-Based 10.3%
Why You'll Like It: Its hex map, expansion pressure, tech-like progression, and 4X structure make it a creative but recognizable riff on Civilization’s turn-based empire play.
- #14 Imperiums: Greek Wars
88% 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 19.1% ★, Grand Strategy 17.9% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 16.6%, Historical 13.4%, Strategy 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: It blends turn-based empire building, historical factions, expansion, and military strategy in a way that overlaps heavily with Civilization’s appeal.
- #15 Age of Wonders: Planetfall
87% matchMostly Positive80% of 6,593 reviews2019
Dev: Triumph StudiosPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 15.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Age of Wonders: Planetfall is the new strategy game from Triumph Studios, creators of the critically acclaimed Age of Wonders series, bringing all the exciting tactical turn-based combat and in-depth empire building of its predecessors to space in an all-new, sci-fi setting.
Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 25.3%, 4X 19.4% ★, Strategy 14.1%, Turn-Based 12%, City Builder 8%
Why You'll Like It: This brings Civilization-like 4X empire management into a sci-fi setting with colonies, tech development, diplomacy, and turn-based expansion.
- #16 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 16.5% ★, 4X 14.2% ★, Strategy 14.1%, Turn-Based 12%, Historical 12%
Why You'll Like It: It emphasizes historical state-building, province management, and long-term strategic growth for players who enjoy Civ’s grand planning more than city micro.
- #17 The Battle of Polytopia
85% matchVery Positive94% of 5,740 reviews2020
Dev: Midjiwan AB
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 8.7 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Welcome to the unique, turn-based strategy game set in the strange, flat world of the Square. Lead one of 16 distinct civilizations to victory by expanding your empire, researching technologies, and ultimately become ruler of the world! Play in single-player or multiplayer mode for up to 16 players.
Why similar: 4X 22.6% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 20.8%, Turn-Based 17.9%, Strategy 12.5%, War 9.5%
Why You'll Like It: It is a lighter, faster take on Civ-style hex-based expansion, research, city upgrading, and conquest that still captures the same addictive rhythm.
- #18 Sid Meier's Civilization® III Complete
86% matchVery Positive89% of 7,586 reviews2006
Dev: Firaxis GamesPub: 2K
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 20.0 hrs≥1hr: 33%
Sid Meier's Civilization III: Complete, the latest offering in the Sid Meier's Civilization III franchise, provides gaming fans with Sid Meier's Civilization III, the highly-addictive journey of discovery.
Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 24.9%, Strategy 19.4%, 4X 15.5% ★, Turn-Based 13%, Historical 11.3%
Why You'll Like It: Despite its age, it remains a foundational Civilization experience built around expansion, city development, diplomacy, and conquest across history.
- #19 ENDLESS™ Legend 2
82% 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 15.2% ★, Grand Strategy 14.8% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 13.6%, Historical 10.9%, Turn-Based 9.8%
Why You'll Like It: It continues the first game’s blend of 4X empire management, city growth, and faction-driven strategic variety for players who like Civ with stronger asymmetry.
- #20 Galactic Civilizations IV
83% 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 21.6% ★, 4X 21.2% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 17.4%, Strategy 10.4%, Multiplayer 7.3%
Why You'll Like It: It is a modern turn-based 4X centered on colonization, diplomacy, ideology, and tech races that strongly echoes Civ’s strategic structure in space.
- #21 ENDLESS™ Space 2
84% matchVery Positive83% of 22,789 reviews2017
Dev: AMPLITUDE Studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.3 hrsMean: 25.9 hrs≥1hr: 87%
ENDLESS™ Space 2 is a Strategic Space Opera, featuring the compelling “just one more turn” gameplay, set in the mysterious ENDLESS™ Universe. As the leader of your civilization, will you impose your vision and build the greatest stellar empire?
Why similar: Strategy 82.8%, 4X 5.7% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 3.7%, Turn-Based 2.4%, Grand Strategy 2.3% ★
Why You'll Like It: If you want the Civ formula translated into space, this offers turn-based expansion, research, diplomacy, and empire specialization on a galactic scale.
- #22 Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization
84% 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: Turn-Based Strategy 20.8%, 4X 19.6% ★, Strategy 19.3%, Turn-Based 16.2%, Historical 13.5%
Why You'll Like It: This spin-off keeps Civilization’s turn-based empire planning but refocuses it on colonial development, trade, and independence in a historical setting.
- #23 Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War
82% matchVery Positive82% of 16,851 reviews2018
Dev: Proxy StudiosPub: Slitherine Ltd.
Windows · Linux
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 20.2 hrs≥1hr: 62%
Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War brings you to a world of terror and violence. Four factions will engage in a brutal war for dominance over the planet’s resources. In the first turn-based 4X strategy game set in Warhammer 40,000 you will lead one of four unique factions.
Why similar: 4X 22% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 19.8%, Strategy 14.7%, Turn-Based 11.2%, Grand Strategy 10.1% ★
Why You'll Like It: This is a more combat-heavy 4X, but its hex-grid expansion, city development, research, and faction progression still make it feel very Civ-adjacent.
- #24 Total War: THREE KINGDOMS
81% 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: Historical 22.6%, Strategy 19.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 17%, Grand Strategy 15.9% ★, War 11.4%
Why You'll Like It: Its turn-based campaign map, historical leaders, diplomacy, and empire management make it a strong adjacent pick for Civ players who enjoy statecraft and war.
- #25 Stellaris
79% 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 31.8% ★, 4X 30.1% ★, Strategy 16.4%, Multiplayer 5.9%, Moddable 4.8% ★
Why You'll Like It: Although it is real-time rather than turn-based, it scratches a similar empire-building itch through expansion, diplomacy, tech growth, and evolving grand strategy.
- #26 Galactic Civilizations III
81% matchMostly Positive77% of 10,370 reviews2015
Dev: Stardock Entertainment
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 17.4 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Build a civilization that will stand the test of time in the largest space-based strategy game ever! Choose from dozens of unique races and make a name for yourself across the galaxy through diplomacy, espionage, technological advances, and more.
Why similar: 4X 19.9% ★, Grand Strategy 18.4% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 17.8%, Turn-Based 12.3%, Strategy 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: It is another solid turn-based space 4X with colony expansion, tech choices, diplomacy, and empire specialization that should appeal to Civilization fans.
- #27 Interstellar Space: Genesis
79% matchVery Positive84% of 818 reviews2019
Dev: Praxis Games
Windows
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 11.7 hrs≥1hr: 54%
Interstellar Space: Genesis is a turn-based space 4X strategy game in which you attempt to build a thriving galactic empire. Discover mysteries among the stars, colonize worlds, and engage enemies in tactical turn-based combat on your journey to becoming the ruler of the galaxy!
Why similar: 4X 25.1% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 19.7%, Grand Strategy 17.7% ★, Turn-Based 16.4%, Strategy 13.1%
Why You'll Like It: It offers classic turn-based 4X empire growth, exploration, colonization, and diplomacy for players who want a more traditional strategic alternative to Civ VI.
- #28 Pandora: First Contact
80% matchMixed63% of 638 reviews2014
Dev: Proxy StudiosPub: Slitherine Ltd.
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 41.1 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Pandora: First Contact is a science fiction 4X turn-based strategy game on a planetary scale. Our Earth has been exhausted and colonial attempts on other planetary bodies have been in vain. Finally, after decades of exploration, an interstellar probe has brought promise of a new world.
Why similar: 4X 32.7% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 24.3%, Strategy 21.2%, Turn-Based 8.9%, Multiplayer 4.8%
Why You'll Like It: Its hex-based, turn-based sci-fi empire building is very close to the Civilization template, especially for players who enjoy Beyond Earth-style play.
- #29 Crusader Kings III
76% 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 25% ★, Historical 17.8%, Strategy 17.3%, 4X 13.8% ★, War 7.5%
- #30 Master of Orion
78% matchMostly Positive77% of 8,105 reviews2016
Dev: NGD StudiosPub: Wargaming Labs
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 9.2 hrsMean: 101.9 hrs≥1hr: 92%
The ascendant spacefaring 4X strategy game returns! A new chapter in the epic Master of Orion saga is poised to once again capture the imaginations of millions of gamers.
Why similar: 4X 40% ★, Strategy 28.2%, Turn-Based 16.5%, Grand Strategy 6.9% ★, Multiplayer 4%
Why You'll Like It: This is a streamlined turn-based space 4X that captures the same satisfying cycle of exploration, colonization, research, and inter-empire rivalry.
- #31 Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 4,918 reviews2007
Dev: Firaxis GamesPub: 2K
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 44.4 hrs≥1hr: 68%
Sid Meier's Civilization IV®: Beyond the Sword is the second expansion pack for Civilization IV - the 2005 PC Game of the Year that has become a worldwide hit.
Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 23.7%, 4X 20.4% ★, Strategy 18%, Turn-Based 14.7%, Historical 10%
- #32 Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition
75% 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: Strategy 30.9%, Historical 17.8%, War 16.6%, City Builder 16.2%, Multiplayer 12.1%
- #33 Age of Wonders III
77% matchVery Positive80% of 12,750 reviews2014
Dev: Triumph StudiosPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 18.1 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Age of Wonders III is the long anticipated sequel to the award-winning strategy series. Delivering a unique mix of Empire Building, Role Playing and Warfare, Age of Wonders III offers the ultimate in turn-based fantasy strategy for veterans of the series and new players alike!
Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 27.8%, Strategy 26%, 4X 19.4% ★, Turn-Based 12.3%, Multiplayer 4%
- #34 Civilization IV®: Warlords
77% matchVery Positive91% of 532 reviews2007
Dev: Firaxis GamesPub: 2K
Windows · Mac
Median: 12 minMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 34%
Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Warlords is the first expansion pack for the award-winning game that has become an instant world-wide hit. Paying homage to some of history's greatest military leaders, the expansion delivers six unique and interesting scenarios, giving players the chance to change the course of history with the help of their...
Why similar: Strategy 25.6%, 4X 24.1% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 20.9%, Turn-Based 18.9%, Historical 7.9%
- #35 Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition
74% 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: Strategy 19.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 17.9%, Grand Strategy 17.1% ★, Historical 16.2%, War 7.9%
- #36 Europa Universalis IV
74% 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 26.2% ★, 4X 21.7% ★, Historical 19.8%, Strategy 13%, Moddable 6.6% ★
- #37 From Village to Empire
76% matchMostly Positive70% of 54 reviews2018
Dev: Witch Laboratory
Windows · Linux
From Village to Empire is an indie turn based strategy game with a historical setting. Build cities, research technologies, and train units to discover new lands and conquer the world!
Why similar: Strategy 17.3%, 4X 16.5% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 15%, Historical 10.9%, Turn-Based 10.6%
- #38 Yield! Fall of Rome
72% matchMostly Positive72% of 258 reviews2025
Dev: BillionworldsPub: Daedalic Entertainment
Windows · Mac
Forge your Kingdom amidst the Ruins of Rome in this turn-based 4X strategy game! As the world crumbles, rebuild civilization and shape your people’s destiny. Unleash your strategic prowess, conquer provinces, and crush all who stand in your way.
Why similar: 4X 14.3% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 13.2%, Grand Strategy 11.9% ★, Turn-Based 9.8%, Historical 9.6%
- #39 Civil War II
75% matchMostly Positive78% of 345 reviews2014
Dev: AgeodPub: Slitherine Ltd.
Windows
You take the part of the military and political leadership, trying to lead your nation to victory, in the midst of some of the toughest operations of the Civil War. You will build, organize and command your armies over one of the largest maps of the USA ever made for a Civil War game.
Why similar: Strategy 24.9%, Historical 20.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 19.2%, Grand Strategy 18.2% ★, Turn-Based 7.8%
- #40 Hearts of Iron IV
71% 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 30.2% ★, Strategy 20.6%, Historical 20.4%, War 13.6%, Multiplayer 6.5%
- #41 ENDLESS™ Space - Definitive Edition
73% matchVery Positive81% of 9,559 reviews2012
Dev: AMPLITUDE Studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 13.3 hrs≥1hr: 87%
ENDLESS™ Space is a turn-based 4X strategy game, covering the space colonization age in the ENDLESS™ Universe, where you can control every aspect of your civilization as you strive for galactic domination.
Why similar: 4X 29.2% ★, Strategy 26.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 18.8%, Turn-Based 14%, Grand Strategy 4.7% ★
- #42 Total War: EMPIRE – Definitive Edition
73% 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: Strategy 22%, Historical 21.2%, Grand Strategy 19.6% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 14.8%, War 7.7%
- #43 Europa Universalis V
68% 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 26.4% ★, 4X 25.5% ★, Historical 16.5%, Strategy 11.5%, Multiplayer 7%
- #44 Total War: WARHAMMER II
70% matchVery Positive93% of 121,266 reviews2017
Dev: CREATIVE ASSEMBLYPub: SEGA
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 41.5 hrsMean: 180.1 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Strategy gaming perfected. A breath-taking campaign of exploration, expansion and conquest across a fantasy world. Turn-based civilisation management and real-time epic strategy battles with thousands of troops and monsters at your command.
Why similar: Strategy 24%, Grand Strategy 23.2% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 22.9%, War 9.4%, Turn-Based 8.8%
- #45 Total War: ATTILA
71% 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: Historical 18.9%, Strategy 18.8%, Turn-Based Strategy 18.5%, Grand Strategy 18% ★, War 11.2%
- #46 Anno 1800
70% 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: City Builder 37.4%, Strategy 26%, Multiplayer 12.9%, Historical 9.3%, Simulation 6.2%
- #47 Cities: Skylines
69% matchVery Positive93% of 286,936 reviews2015
Dev: Colossal OrderPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 10.0 hrsMean: 65.0 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Cities: Skylines is a modern take on the classic city simulation. The game introduces new game play elements to realize the thrill and hardships of creating and maintaining a real city whilst expanding on some well-established tropes of the city building experience.
Why similar: City Builder 44.5%, Strategy 17.3%, Building 9.8%, Moddable 8.9% ★, Simulation 7.9%
- #48 A Total War Saga: THRONES OF BRITANNIA
71% matchMostly Positive70% of 14,652 reviews2018
Dev: CREATIVE ASSEMBLYPub: SEGA
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 12.1 hrsMean: 31.4 hrs≥1hr: 89%
From the multi-award-winning strategy series, A Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia combines huge real-time battles with engrossing turn-based campaign, set at a critical flashpoint in history. Anglo-Saxons, Gaelic clans and Viking settlers clash for control. What Kingdom will you build?
Why similar: Historical 21.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 20.9%, Strategy 20.1%, Grand Strategy 16% ★, War 8.3%
- #49 Demise of Nations
70% matchVery Positive81% of 542 reviews2017
Dev: Noble Master LLC
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 55%
Demise of Nations is a 4X turn-based grand strategy wargame covering the rise of Rome till the fall of modern civilization.
Why similar: 4X 17.9% ★, Grand Strategy 15% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 15%, Historical 11.1%, Strategy 9.9%
- #50 Ara History Untold: Anniversary Edition
67% 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 25.9% ★, Grand Strategy 24% ★, Historical 15.8%, Strategy 13.5%, Turn-Based Strategy 5.8%
- #51 Total War: ROME II - Emperor Edition
69% matchVery Positive87% of 86,286 reviews2013
Dev: CREATIVE ASSEMBLYPub: SEGA
Windows · Mac
Median: 24.8 hrsMean: 113.8 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Emperor Edition is the definitive edition of ROME II, featuring an improved politics system, overhauled building chains, rebalanced battles and improved visuals in both campaign and battleEmperor Edition contains all free feature updates since its release in 2013, which includes bug fixes, balancing, Twitch.
Why similar: Strategy 21.5%, Turn-Based Strategy 19.1%, Grand Strategy 18.2% ★, Historical 16.2%, Turn-Based 6.7%
- #52 Might & Magic: Heroes VI
72% matchMixed48% of 9,158 reviews2011
Dev: BlackholePub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 9.2 hrsMean: 37.7 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Heroes VI is a fast-paced epic story where Angels plot to end -- once and for all -- an unfinished war with their ancient rivals, the Faceless.
Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 35.5%, Strategy 28.7%, Turn-Based 24.4%, Multiplayer 7.8%, Tactical 2.9%
- #53 Rogue Hex
66% matchVery Positive89% of 252 reviews2025
Dev: Topstitch Games
Windows · Mac
Play your cards right to conquer the world in the Roguelite 4x. Explore mysterious lands, survive against the barbarian horde, and grow your stone age empire into the stars!
Why similar: 4X 22.2% ★, Grand Strategy 18.9% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 15.9%, Historical 11%, Strategy 10.2%
- #54 Rise of Nations: Extended Edition
68% matchVery Positive95% of 15,511 reviews2014
Dev: SkyBox LabsPub: Xbox Game Studios
Windows
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 18.0 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Rise of Nations is back! Play the updated classic with full Steamworks integration and enhanced features!
Why similar: Strategy 38.2%, Historical 22.5%, War 10.9%, Multiplayer 10.6%, City Builder 6.8%
- #55 Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
66% matchVery Positive95% of 175,733 reviews2019
Dev: World's EdgePub: Xbox Game Studios
Windows
Median: 10.8 hrsMean: 86.2 hrs≥1hr: 92%
42 Civilizations, 229 Campaign Missions, Singleplayer, Co-Op, Multiplayer, In-Game Editor, Mods, Cross-play...It is good to be the king.
Why similar: Strategy 35.6%, City Builder 22.9%, Historical 19.9%, Multiplayer 12.8%, Tactical 4.2%
- #56 Total War: NAPOLEON – Definitive Edition
68% matchVery Positive92% of 26,827 reviews2010
Dev: CREATIVE ASSEMBLYPub: SEGA
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 32.3 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Complete your Total War collection with this Definitive Edition of Total War: NAPOLEON, which includes all DLC and feature updates since the game’s release
Why similar: Historical 22.1%, Strategy 20.6%, Grand Strategy 17.5% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 13.6%, War 8.5%
- #57 Total War: ROME REMASTERED
67% 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 22% ★, 4X 18.9% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 18.8%, Strategy 14.3%, Historical 12.5%
- #58 Terra Invicta
64% 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 16.3% ★, Grand Strategy 16.1% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 14.3%, Historical 12.2%, Turn-Based 9.5%
- #59 Northgard: Definitive Edition
67% matchVery Positive85% of 68,002 reviews2018
Dev: Shiro Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.9 hrsMean: 28.7 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Northgard: Definitive Edition is a critically acclaimed real-time strategy game based on Norse mythology. Lead your clan, uncover the secrets of a mysterious newfound continent and defeat your enemies to conquer the Throne!
Why similar: City Builder 21.3%, Strategy 18.3%, 4X 17.9% ★, War 8.8%, Multiplayer 6.8%