Grand strategy games are well-loved by players, both beginners to strategy games and veterans, as they allow complete control over an empire of their own. One aspect often included in these games is religion, as players can tweak religions to offer their empire the best benefits. Though religion is often included in this game genre, sometimes it is only a very minuscule aspect. This can be frustrating as religion was important to ancient empires, so it feels inauthentic when it isn't integrated well.

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So, with this in mind, what are the grand strategy games with the best religion systems?

10 Northgard

Faith is a key resource

Northgard is a grand strategy game based on Vikings, and faith is an important aspect of the game. Faith is used to unlock knowledge in the game, and once players have unlocked enough of these, they can make Vows: a Vow of Chastity, a Vow of Obedience, or a Vow of Poverty. These gift the player resources, food, or livability, and all three can be unlocked with enough time.

The religion system in Northgard is not typical, as players can't select a specific religion to follow. Still, faith being a resource is a game-changer and makes the Wisdom Victory a good route to take.

9 Stellaris

Spiritualist fanatic empires are fun to play as

Stellaris is a great option for players seeking a more shallow but still fun religious system in a grand strategy game. There is no set religion in this game. Instead, playing as a spiritualist empire through the Ethics system is possible. Players going all in on the Spiritualist ethic can become a Fanatic Spiritualist empire and unlock the ability to build temples and become more 'religious.'

Stellaris may not have a strictly defined religious system, but the Spiritualist ethic works the same way as religion does in other grand strategy games.

8 Europa Universalis 4

Religion connects to unrest, diplomacy, and benefits for the nation

Europa Universalis 4 is widely considered to be one of the best grand strategy games ever made, with in-depth and detailed systems for most aspects of the gameplay. Religion is no different, as the system connects to the politics of the player's nation. Provinces that don't match up with the overarching religion become more rebellious, creating unrest. Similarly, nations with similar religions offer better diplomatic benefits for the player.

The religion system in Europa Universalis 4 is on par with the rest of the game in that it is vital for success in the game.

7 Victoria 3

Each country has a defined religion

In Victoria 3, each country has a predefined state religion, which can be changed through gameplay events. However, the populations of the country can have differing religions. They will convert if they are discriminated against by the Church and State laws. Some religions have taboos, changing the behaviors of the populations following the religion; if a religion has meat as a taboo, the pops following that religion will opt for substitutes instead.

For players seeking a realistic religion experience in grand strategy, Victoria 3 is a very good option.

6 Imperator: Rome

Each aspect of a religion changes what benefits the player's nation will have

In Imperator: Rome, each state, character, and pop belongs to a particular religion, with these interacting based on how the religions get along; as religion was important in the Roman Empire, each country has a predefined state religion, with a small diplomatic bonus for countries sharing the same religion. If a lot of the population in a country follows the state religion, the omen power of the player's nation receives a boost.

Imperator: Rome has a thorough and well-developed religion system with many game mechanics working together.

5 Total War: Shogun 2

Converting religions decreases diplomatic favor and causes high unrest

Total War: Shogun 2 includes major religions in Japan through the era the game covers while also including the arrival of Christianity. Players can opt to stick with their clan's original religion for increased happiness and diplomacy or to convert to Christianity for a challenge. This creates high unrest and unhappiness while also decreasing diplomatic favor. It has some in-game benefits, but these must be balanced with the population's reaction.

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The religion system in Total War: Shogun 2 can either be used to help the empire along as usual, or it can be used to change things for the empire.

4 Dominions 5: Warriors Of The Faith

Choose a God to rule over the whole faction

Dominions 5: Warriors Of The Faith is a hard grand strategy game that integrates religion into the entire playing process. The goal here is to spread faith faster than the other nations in the game, eliminate rivals, and ascend as supreme commander. Being that the game is so religion-focused, the system is very well developed. Players can customize the blessings their religion offers, meaning players can have full control over their religion and how it benefits their nation.

Dominions 5: Warriors Of The Faith is a grand strategy game wholly based on religion.

3 Civilization 6

Religion can be a great victory tool

The Civilization series has religion as a regular feature, and in Civilization 6, religious beliefs are the most complex they have ever been. Here, players can earn a Religious Victory by focusing on this aspect of the game. The religion begins as a Pantheon before developing into a religion; players can then spread this throughout the world.

Religion in Civilization 6 is far more important than it has been in previous games in the franchise, so players seeking this as a main aspect of their grand strategy should opt for this game.

2 Crusader Kings 3

Religion and politics are completely linked

For players seeking the most complex religion system possible, Crusader Kings 3 is a fantastic option. There are three different religious families in the game, and many different faiths within each family. The faiths and families are all varying levels of hostile towards each other, which can then impact the way players interact with the other nations in their game.

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The politics and the religions in Crusader Kings 3 are so tightly intertwined that they cannot be separated, making this a great option for players well-versed in grand strategy games.

1 Total War: Pharaoh

Multiple deities for players to worship

Total War: Pharaoh offers the most in-depth religion system in a Total War game to date, as players can choose from a wide range of deities for their empire to worship. As players go through the game, further gods are unlocked, and players can gain different benefits from each one. Shrines and temples can be built to enhance the benefits from the gods as well, making these benefits even better.

Total War: Pharoah offers players a detailed religion system that covers many ancient gods from the era, each offering great benefits.

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