- #1 Total War: NAPOLEON – Definitive Edition
97% 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 24.5%, Strategy 17.4%, Grand Strategy 16.8% ★, Military 8.6%, War 8.1%
Why You'll Like It: It is Empire’s closest sibling, refining the same musket-and-cannon warfare, naval combat, and campaign structure into a more focused Napoleonic package.
- #2 Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition
96% 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: Historical 19.8%, Grand Strategy 18.3% ★, Strategy 18.1%, Turn-Based Strategy 8.5%, War 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: If you like Empire’s classic-era Total War pacing and sandbox campaign feel, this is one of the nearest matches despite its medieval setting.
- #3 Total War: ROME II - Emperor Edition
95% 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 22%, Historical 21.7%, Grand Strategy 21.3% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 9.9%, War 6.9%
Why You'll Like It: It keeps the same large-scale province management, empire building, and real-time battlefield spectacle, just shifted to the ancient world.
- #4 A Total War Saga: FALL OF THE SAMURAI
94% matchMixed70% of 1,679 reviews2012
Dev: CREATIVE ASSEMBLYPub: SEGA
Windows · Mac · Linux
Experience the dramatic conflict of samurai culture and modern weaponry between the Imperial throne and the last Shogunate in 19th century Japan.
Why similar: Strategy 32.7%, Historical 24.9%, Grand Strategy 12.1% ★, RTS 9.8%, Turn-Based Strategy 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: This is one of the best Total War games for rifle volleys, artillery duels, naval support, and modernization-era battles that feel very close to Empire’s gunpowder combat.
- #5 Total War: ATTILA
94% 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 23.4%, Grand Strategy 19.4% ★, Strategy 17.8%, War 11.9%, Turn-Based Strategy 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: This offers a heavier strategic layer and brutal historical warfare while preserving the familiar Total War campaign-and-battle loop Empire fans know.
- #6 Total War: THREE KINGDOMS
92% 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 25.5%, Strategy 16.7%, Grand Strategy 15.6% ★, War 11.1%, Military 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: It adds deeper diplomacy and character politics to the same core formula of map conquest and large real-time battles.
- #7 Total War: ROME REMASTERED
91% 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 27% ★, Historical 17.6%, Strategy 15.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 10.3%, RTS 9.9%
Why You'll Like It: This modernized version of classic Rome preserves the same straightforward strategic pacing and tactical combat that make older Total War games feel like Empire’s peers.
- #8 Total War: PHARAOH DYNASTIES
90% 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: Grand Strategy 27.8% ★, Strategy 20.2%, Historical 18.5%, RTS 10.8%, Turn-Based Strategy 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: It is a modern historical Total War with robust campaign systems and tactical battles, making it one of the better recent alternatives for Empire players.
- #9 A Total War Saga: THRONES OF BRITANNIA
91% 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 25.7%, Strategy 18.4%, Grand Strategy 16.7% ★, RTS 10.1%, Turn-Based Strategy 9.8%
Why You'll Like It: Its focused historical campaign, settlement management, and real-time battles make it a strong fit if you want more grounded Total War strategy.
- #10 Grand Tactician: The Civil War (1861-1865)
89% 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: Strategy 27.2%, Historical 26.9%, Grand Strategy 22.5% ★, War 10.1%, RTS 9.4%
Why You'll Like It: Its combination of strategic nation management and detailed real-time Civil War battles scratches a similar grand-command itch in a later gunpowder era.
- #11 Imperial Glory
89% 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 31.8%, Historical 30.5%, RTS 15.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 11.1%, War 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: It is one of the closest non-Total War games to Empire, pairing a turn-based grand campaign with real-time 18th-century land and naval battles.
- #12 Ultimate Admiral: Age of Sail
88% matchMostly Positive79% of 2,088 reviews2021
Dev: Game-Labs
Windows
Median: 6.8 hrsMean: 24.8 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Ultimate Admiral: Age of Sail is a tactical wargame from the creators of the Ultimate General series set amidst the epic naval campaigns in the period of the American Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
Why similar: Strategy 41.8%, Historical 30.1%, Naval 15.1% ★, RTS 7.2%, War 5.3%
Why You'll Like It: This is one of the best non-Total War matches for Empire thanks to its age-of-sail setting, naval warfare, and tactical land battles built around line infantry and morale.
- #13 Ultimate General: Civil War
87% 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 21.8% ★, Historical 15.6%, War 11.6%, Strategy 9.6%, Military 9.5%
Why You'll Like It: If Empire’s line infantry tactics and artillery duels were your favorite part, this delivers some of the strongest historical gunpowder battles on Steam.
- #14 Ultimate General: American Revolution
86% 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 25.2% ★, Historical 18.8%, Military 14.3%, Strategy 10.4%, RTS 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: It mixes strategic campaigning with real-time battles in an era of muskets and emerging nations that should strongly appeal to Empire fans.
- #15 Victoria II
86% 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 38.3% ★, Historical 24.7%, Strategy 14.1%, Military 10.5%, War 5.7%
Why You'll Like It: For players who loved Empire’s nation-building, trade, and great-power politics, this offers deep 19th-century grand strategy with colonial competition and diplomacy.
- #16 Europa Universalis IV
84% 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 33.5% ★, Historical 29.1%, Military 20.1%, Strategy 14.5%, Multiplayer 2.4%
Why You'll Like It: It nails the world-map empire management side of Empire with colonization, trade networks, warfare, and early modern statecraft on a global scale.
- #17 Ultimate General: Gettysburg
85% 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: Historical 34%, Strategy 23.6%, RTS 12.7%, Military 9.9%, War 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: While it lacks a full empire layer, its focus on formations, morale, terrain, and historical command captures the tactical side of Empire very well.
- #18 Total War: PHARAOH
83% matchMixed63% of 5,332 reviews2023
Dev: CREATIVE ASSEMBLYPub: SEGA
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 8.1 hrs≥1hr: 85%
In Total War: PHARAOH, the newest entry in the award-winning grand strategy series, immerse yourself in ancient Egypt at the zenith of its power and experience the dramatic events that threaten its destruction.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 26.9% ★, Historical 15.6%, Strategy 12.9%, War 12%, RTS 11.8%
Why You'll Like It: Though narrower than Dynasties, it still offers the same historical Total War mix of campaign management and tactical battles.
- #19 A Total War Saga: TROY
82% matchMostly Positive72% of 3,579 reviews2021
Dev: CREATIVE ASSEMBLYPub: SEGA
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.2 hrsMean: 24.9 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Inspired by The Iliad and brought to life through the award-winning strategy game series, A Total War Saga: TROY brings a blend of grand, turn-based empire management and spectacular real-time battles to the heart of the Trojan War.
Why similar: Historical 23.9%, Grand Strategy 20.1% ★, Strategy 16%, War 12.6%, RTS 11.3%
Why You'll Like It: It retains the familiar Total War structure of province control, army maneuvering, and real-time clashes, even if the setting is much less grounded than Empire’s.
- #20 Europa Universalis III Complete
84% 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 45.2% ★, Historical 30.3%, Strategy 19.2%, War 2.1%, RTS 1.8%
Why You'll Like It: Its older design and early modern global scope make it feel especially compatible with Empire’s era and grand-strategy sensibilities.
- #21 Victoria 3
81% 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 37.3% ★, Historical 29.9%, Military 14.7%, Strategy 14%, Multiplayer 3.5%
Why You'll Like It: This emphasizes economics, diplomacy, industrialization, and imperial competition in the century after Empire, making it a natural follow-up for grand-strategy-minded players.
- #22 Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition
80% matchVery Positive85% of 52,705 reviews2020
Dev: World's EdgePub: Xbox Game Studios
Windows
Median: 4.8 hrsMean: 43.6 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition offers players a trial of this historical single & multiplayer RTS experience. *Note: To unlock all features of the game please see the “Base Game” product.
Why similar: Strategy 23.8%, Military 21.6%, Historical 21.3%, RTS 15.9%, War 11.8%
Why You'll Like It: Its colonial-age setting, naval action, and gunpowder combat make it a strong thematic match even without the grand campaign layer.
- #23 Knights of Honor II: Sovereign
79% 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 37.4% ★, Strategy 27.6%, Historical 18.1%, RTS 13.8%, Multiplayer 2.8%
Why You'll Like It: Its kingdom management, warfare, diplomacy, and map-level army movement make it a good fit if you want another accessible grand-strategy conquest game.
- #24 Medieval: Total War™ - Collection
82% matchMostly Positive71% of 2,398 reviews2015
Dev: CREATIVE ASSEMBLYPub: SEGA
Windows
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 17.6 hrs≥1hr: 51%
MEDIEVAL: Total War™ - Collection Edition is the compilation of the critically-acclaimed Medieval: Total War and its official expansion pack - Viking Invasion.
Why similar: Strategy 34%, Historical 25.3%, Grand Strategy 15% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 9.6%, RTS 7.2%
Why You'll Like It: This foundational Total War game shares Empire’s broad strategic map play and battle-driven conquest, just in a much older and rougher form.
- #25 Hearts of Iron III
81% 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 38.3% ★, Historical 21.9%, Strategy 16.3%, Military 12.5%, War 5.6%
Why You'll Like It: Although set much later, it still appeals to Empire players who enjoy large-scale historical war planning, logistics, and world-map strategy.
- #26 Cossacks 3
78% matchVery Positive82% of 15,735 reviews2016
Dev: GSC Game World
Windows · Linux
Median: 6.5 hrsMean: 50.7 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Cossacks 3 is the return of RTS classics. Obtain resources, build cities and research technologies while taking command of great armies, crushing enemies in grand historical warfares on land and sea!
Why similar: Historical 30.7%, Strategy 25.6%, War 18.3%, RTS 17.6%, Multiplayer 6%
Why You'll Like It: This delivers huge musket-era armies, artillery, and economy-driven historical warfare that echoes Empire’s battlefield theme from a pure RTS angle.
- #27 Total War: WARHAMMER II
77% 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: Grand Strategy 26.9% ★, Strategy 24.4%, RTS 12.1%, Turn-Based Strategy 11.8%, War 10.8%
- #28 Master of Command
73% 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 24.3%, Military 19.3%, War 13.3%, Strategy 12.9%, RTS 10.8%
- #29 Total War: WARHAMMER
76% matchMostly Positive78% of 52,179 reviews2016
Dev: CREATIVE ASSEMBLYPub: SEGA
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 10.1 hrsMean: 62.1 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Addictive turn-based empire-building with colossal, real-time battles, all set in a world of legendary heroes, giant monsters, flying creatures and storms of magical power.
Why similar: Strategy 26.9%, Grand Strategy 21.7% ★, War 14.7%, RTS 13.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 10.3%
- #30 Pride of Nations
79% 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 32.1% ★, Strategy 25%, Historical 22.5%, Turn-Based Strategy 9.3%, Turn-Based 7.1%
Why You'll Like It: Its detailed 19th-century focus on colonialism, naval power, trade, and global politics strongly overlaps with the strategic side of Empire.
- #31 Imperator: Rome
76% 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 41.8% ★, Historical 26.7%, Strategy 24.1%, War 4.8%, Multiplayer 2.1%
- #32 March of the Eagles
78% 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 42.3% ★, Strategy 31.2%, Historical 26.5%
Why You'll Like It: This focuses tightly on Napoleonic-era diplomacy, coalitions, and conquest, making it a good pick if Empire’s timeframe is what you want most.
- #33 Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI
74% 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: Strategy 22%, Historical 21.2%, Grand Strategy 19.6% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 14.8%, War 7.7%
- #34 Rome: Total War™ - Alexander
77% matchMostly Positive76% of 901 reviews2007
Dev: The Creative AssemblyPub: SEGA
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 39%
Rome: Total War - Alexander is the second official expansion pack to Rome: Total War. An entirely new campaign map that stretches from Macedonia to Greece and into the heart of the ancient Persian Empire New campaign game that tasks players with matching the exploits of Alexander the Great as he swept across Central Asia and dominated...
Why similar: Strategy 32.1%, Historical 23.9%, Grand Strategy 17.3% ★, RTS 11.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 7.5%
- #35 Field of Glory: Empires
75% 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 21.3% ★, Historical 17.9%, Strategy 16%, Military 11.6%, War 8.8%
- #36 Europa Universalis V
69% 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 40.2% ★, Historical 29%, Strategy 15.4%, War 10.1%, Multiplayer 4.8%
- #37 Oriental Empires
73% 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: Historical 23.9%, Strategy 17.9%, Grand Strategy 17.1% ★, Military 15.6%, War 8%
- #38 Wars of Napoleon
75% 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 25.6%, Historical 22.4%, Grand Strategy 17.8% ★, Military 17.1%, Turn-Based Strategy 7.8%
- #39 The Great War: Western Front™
71% matchMixed66% of 3,181 reviews2023
Dev: PetroglyphPub: Frontier Foundry
Windows
Median: 5.8 hrsMean: 14.0 hrs≥1hr: 85%
The Great War: Western Front is the definitive WW1 strategy game. Play a deciding role in history with this real-time tactical experience as you take charge in the iconic Western Front from 1914 to 1919. Pick your faction and lead your forces to victory.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 18.1% ★, Historical 17.4%, Strategy 16.2%, Military 12.3%, RTS 10.4%
- #40 Old World
70% 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 22.1% ★, Historical 19.3%, Military 13.5%, War 10.4%, Strategy 10%
- #41 American Conquest
74% matchMixed68% of 673 reviews2011
Dev: GSC Game WorldPub: GSC World Publishing
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 12.0 hrs≥1hr: 39%
In American Conquest, Players set sail from Europe to discover new world and conquer its innumerable riches.
Why similar: Strategy 41%, Historical 36.5%, RTS 21.9%, Singleplayer 0.7%
- #42 Civil War II
73% 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: Historical 29.5%, Strategy 27.5%, Grand Strategy 22.9% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 10.8%, Turn-Based 3.8%
- #43 Medieval II: Total War™ Kingdoms
72% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 630 reviews2007
Dev: The Creative AssemblyPub: SEGA
Windows · Mac · Linux
Medieval II: Total War Kingdoms is the official expansion to last year's award-winning Medieval II: Total War, presenting players with all-new territories to explore, troops to command, and enemies to conquer.
Why similar: Strategy 26%, Grand Strategy 24.6% ★, Historical 24.2%, RTS 6.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 5.6%
- #44 Rise of Nations: Extended Edition
70% 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 30.7%, Historical 23.7%, RTS 21.7%, War 9.9%, Classic 6.3% ★
- #45 STAR WARS™ Empire at War - Gold Pack
70% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 41,807 reviews2010
Dev: PetroglyphPub: LucasArts
Windows
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 46.9 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Command or corrupt an entire galaxy in the definitive Star Wars strategy collection. It is a time of galactic civil war. Will you take up the reins of the Rebellion, assume control of the Empire, or rule the Star Wars Underworld?
Why similar: Strategy 31.7%, RTS 22.7%, Grand Strategy 14.5% ★, War 11%, Tactical 7.7%
- #46 Sid Meier's Civilization® V
69% 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 24%, Historical 22.7%, Strategy 22.6%, Grand Strategy 12.4% ★, Turn-Based 8.8%
- #47 Knights of Honor
71% matchVery Positive93% of 2,365 reviews2009
Dev: Black Sea Studios LtdPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 14.9 hrs≥1hr: 59%
As King, it is your duty to lead your people in their struggle to raise your kingdom from its humble beginnings to a position of power and prestige. War, diplomacy and a burgeoning economy are the means by which you increase your power and expand your influence.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 28.9% ★, Strategy 28%, Historical 17.9%, RTS 10.8%, War 9.2%
- #48 NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION: Awakening
68% 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 27.7% ★, Historical 23.9%, Military 12.6%, RTS 11.6%, Strategy 11.4%
- #49 Age of History II
67% 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: Historical 26.9%, Grand Strategy 25.2% ★, Strategy 17.3%, War 13.9%, Turn-Based Strategy 9.2%
- #50 Commander: Conquest of the Americas
72% matchMixed52% of 188 reviews2010
Dev: Nitro Games
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 6.8 hrs≥1hr: 46%
Set sail for the New World and shape the destiny of your empire. Lead one of seven European factions in this blend of colony management, exploration, and naval strategy. Build settlements, explore vast territories, and secure your legacy through diplomacy and tactical naval combat.
Why similar: Historical 24%, Grand Strategy 21% ★, Military 15%, RTS 12.6%, Naval 12.6% ★
- #51 Crusader Kings II
67% 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 60.3% ★, Historical 22%, Strategy 13.3%, RTS 1.8%, Multiplayer 1.7%
- #52 Hearts of Iron IV
66% matchVery Positive90% of 360,411 reviews2016
Dev: Paradox Development StudioPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 30.8 hrsMean: 292.9 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Victory is at your fingertips! Your ability to lead your nation is your supreme weapon, the strategy game Hearts of Iron IV lets you take command of any nation in World War II; the most engaging conflict in world history.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 25.9% ★, Historical 20.1%, Strategy 15.5%, Military 15.3%, War 11.6%
- #53 NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION: Sphere of Influence
69% matchVery Positive83% of 614 reviews2015
Dev: KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD.
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 17.4 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Become a Daimyo of the Warring States period of Japanese history in NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION, a historical simulation game of conquest and domination. It is the 30th anniversary of this series and this current release, NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION: Sphere of Influence, is the crown of the series.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 23.6% ★, Historical 21.6%, Military 13.3%, Strategy 11.4%, War 10.8%
- #54 Countryballs Conquest
65% matchVery Positive88% of 85 reviews2025
Dev: Indenial Games
Windows
Lead your country through the Victorian age, expand your empire as you go head to head with the great powers of the world.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 29.5% ★, Military 17.4%, Strategy 14.4%, War 14%, Historical 9.5%
- #55 Total War: WARHAMMER III
66% matchMostly Positive70% of 141,189 reviews2022
Dev: CREATIVE ASSEMBLYPub: SEGA
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 32.8 hrsMean: 152.3 hrs≥1hr: 94%
The cataclysmic conclusion to the Total War: WARHAMMER trilogy is here. Rally your forces and step into the Realm of Chaos, a dimension of mind-bending horror where the very fate of the world will be decided. Will you conquer your Daemons… or command them?
Why similar: Grand Strategy 30.8% ★, Strategy 17.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 13.5%, RTS 13.1%, War 11.6%
- #56 Pike and Shot : Campaigns
68% matchMostly Positive76% of 384 reviews2015
Dev: Byzantine GamesPub: Slitherine Ltd.
Windows
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 13.4 hrs≥1hr: 67%
The ultimate wargame set in the age of Pike and Shot is back. You are now in full charge of your nation’s armies, throughout a long campaign in the struggle for dominance.
Why similar: Historical 34.4%, Strategy 30.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 12.7%, Turn-Based 10.2%, Tactical 5.1%
- #57 Sid Meier's Civilization VII
64% 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 24.3% ★, Historical 19.8%, Military 16.6%, War 10.1%, Strategy 9.7%