Highlights
- Grand strategy games offer a diverse range of sub-genres and indie titles for players to choose from, whether they prefer historical accuracy or fantasy worlds.
- Diplomacy is a crucial aspect of grand strategy games, with some titles even allowing players to complete the game without declaring war.
- Popular grand strategy games like Space Empires, Knights of Honor, and Victoria offer immersive gameplay experiences with complex mechanics and the opportunity to establish dominance through warfare and diplomacy.
The grand strategy genre is one of the most beloved and popular among PC players and is now rapidly expanding into the domain of console gaming. From ancient history with authentic accuracy to fantasy worlds and the future of space, there is sure to be something for everyone within the multitude of sub-genres and indie titles available. Often featuring a range of complex game mechanics, players take positions of power and often battle against rival nations to establish dominance over territory.
Unlike normal turn-based strategy games, grand strategy often features an array of additional mechanics to just warfare, such as trade, negotiation, and world events occurring over time. Diplomacy is an important component in creating an immersive strategy experience, and some titles have integrated it to such a degree that it is even possible to complete them without ever declaring war.
10 Space Empires (Series)
Dating back to 1993, Space Empires was one of the first grand strategy games set in space and featured a range of diplomacy mechanics, research, trade, and warfare. Sadly, the series is unlikely to be returning any time soon, with the now-defunct developers Malfador Machinations not releasing a game since 2014.
With five titles spanning the 90s and early 2000s, Space Empires quickly gathered a loyal and enthusiastic fanbase. While the pixelated graphics and UI may seem very outdated today, it is unlikely fans would have anything like Stellaris today if Space Empires had not come first.
9 Knights Of Honor (Series)
Knights of Honor and its 2022 sequel Knights of Honor 2: Sovereign are both very underrated games from developer Black Sea Games. Set in medieval Europe, players take on the role of King and must rule their Kingdom in all aspects from war to economics to diplomacy.
While the sequel features more fleshed-out mechanics, particularly when it comes to diplomacy, there are still many players who rate the first one as the best. Developing a kingdom into a fully-fledged empire is possible here, and while it might not be quite as grandiose as Crusader Kings, it features much more hands-on combat and as such feels like a good blend between Crusader Kings and a Total War game.
8 Dune: Spice Wars
Although still only in early access, Dune: Spice Wars is a complex and deep strategy game with tons of improvements, mechanics, and new factions being added all the time. For fans of the Frank Herbert book series, the opportunity to delve into and reshape the lore of Arrakis should be a very inviting prospect.
While diplomacy itself might not be the game's strongest asset, combined with the construction, combat, exploration, and strategy of Dune: Spice Wars, it certainly feels like this game is a complete experience. Set to release in September 2023, fans will wait and see what other features the developers might add at launch.
7 Victoria (Series)
Arguably one of Paradox Interactive's most complex and deeply layered games, the Victoria series spans three games from 2010 to 2022 with each being a dramatic improvement upon the last. Set in the Victorian Era, players can select from a range of nations and either peacefully negotiate or violently conquer their way through the games.
The game features a range of incredibly complex mechanics that players need to learn and be aware of, which can be off-putting for some newcomers to the genre. For more experienced players, however, this is likely to be among the better diplomatic strategy experiences available on the market.
6 Sid Meier's Civilization (Series)
One of the most iconic franchises within the strategy genre is Sid Meier's Civilization, with Civ 5 in particular often considered one of the greatest strategy games of all time. Players will control one of history's iconic civilizations as they progress through history and into the future across randomized maps and locations.
While the series might not be as realistic and historically accurate as many other games in the genre, its addictive turn-based gameplay has led many players to dump hundreds if not thousands of hours into each installment. Diplomacy is one of the core elements of the game and players with an interest in negotiations, treaties, and alliances will be right at home here.
5 Hearts Of Iron (Series)
The Hearts of Iron series is Paradox Interactive's take on World War 2 strategy. Spanning a map that covers the entire globe, players control any number of nations from great powers like Great Britain and the Soviet Union, right down to smaller peripheral nations of the time like Peru and Finland.
With four entries in the series from 2002-2016, each game has been an improvement on the last, and Hearts of Iron 4 still has an impressive player base now seven years after its initial release. Diplomacy is central to surviving in these grand campaigns, and the complex mechanics of the series help to facilitate a great experience.
4 Total War (Series)
Creative Assemby's Total War series is one of the most beloved strategy franchises around and is known for its historical authenticity, grand campaigns, and brilliant RTS combat management. More recently branching out into the fantasy realm with titles like A Total War Saga: Troy and the Total War: Warhammer series, there really should be something for everyone within the large scope of the series.
Campaigns feature complex diplomacy including trade, espionage, alliances, and treaties, all stacked on top of beautifully rendered locations and units. For fans of historical authenticity, Total War: Rome 2 and Shogun 2 will transport players back to some of the world's most fascinating and iconic empires and historical periods.
3 Europa Universalis (Series)
Another Paradox Interactive title, the Europa Universalis series started back in 2000 and spanned four titles up until 2013. Set during the Age of Discovery, players will manage nations through one of world history's most tumultuous periods.
Arguably one of the best games ever made for diplomacy gameplay, players will spend a large portion of their time negotiating and strategizing with surrounding nations. From Japan to France to the United States, players are able to create their own history any way they choose, though often at the price of additional DLCs.
2 Stellaris
Paradox Interactive's Stellaris is one of the most ambitious strategy titles ever released and sees players commanding an entire species as they set out to expand their civilization across the stars. Players can control and interact with numerous different species, with no two playthroughs ever being the same.
With an abundance of complex diplomacy mechanics and political dynamics, players can do anything from peacefully coexisting with alien life to full-on planetary exterminations. While some races and diplomatic features are hidden behind DLC payments, the base game still comes with plenty of content for players to enjoy.
1 Crusader Kings (Series)
When it comes to diplomacy and the interrelation between different factions, there isn't a more complete and addictive experience than the Crusader Kings series. With the latest installment CK3 being a massive success, it seems certain that the popularity of this franchise will continue for years to come.
Players take control of a medieval dynasty spanning several generations and a map encompassing Europe and parts of both Africa and Asia, too. With everything from romance to murder to holy crusades, every playthrough is sure to tell its complex narrative through procedurally generated events and activities.