Strategy games are a popular genre, and thanks to many new releases and remakes, everyone is still talking about them. We show you the 12 best strategy games with multiplayer for 2022. These work on PC, but some games will work on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch.
Age of Empires
Age of Empires is a series of very successful real-time strategy games. The various parts functioned at different times in human history.
The purpose is to advance your people in the era and build a kingdom. You fight other people, and other players may also take over.
How does it play?
The game is played diagonally from above in an isometric perspective. Players can place buildings, recruit workers and warriors and give them orders.
A round is won when the player eliminates all opposing races or creates a wonder of the world. A round can also last for several hours.
How strategic is the game?
In the Age of Empires, you have complete control over your buildings and units, and you can decide for yourself which technologies to research and which direction people should go.
Chance plays only a small role in the initial distribution of raw materials. However, Age of Empires ensures that all starting points are relatively evenly supplied.
Single vs Multiplayer?
Age of Empires has a ton of single-player backgrounds. You can create a wide range of campaigns and scenarios and compete against computer opponents, some of which are difficult.
In the past, Age of Empires mainly was played together over a LAN connection. Today, the HD versions of Age of Empires II and III are great for playing games with friends because it allows connections via Steam.
Who is Age of Empires for?
Age of Empires is a classic among real-time strategy games. In particular, players looking for tactical depth, great difficulty, and long-lasting gameplay will get their money’s worth with AoE.
This game is suitable for beginners and hardcore fans. However, you also have to be a fan of outdated graphics to enjoy the game entirely. Despite being available in HD, many things in Age of Empires look dated. On the other hand, this has a high nostalgia factor.
The Definitive Edition of Age of Empires 2 is available from November 14, 2019, and includes new graphics, new sounds, and even brand new content. In October 2020, the definitive edition of the third volume was released.
Are there any similar alternatives?
In terms of gameplay, Age of Empires has plenty of alternatives. The most famous are probably Empire Earth, Stronghold, or StarCraft. But the following games on our list are also relevant, even if they barely differ in-game speed.
Civilization VI
Civilization is a series of strategy games, like Age of Empires, about building your Civilization and eventually becoming a world empire.
However, the most significant difference from the age of Empires is that Civilization VI is turn-based and has different ways to win the game.
The use of time has also increased significantly. A turn in a civilization can consume dozens of hours. Still, and perhaps because of this, the Civilization series, which debuted in 1991, is so popular.
How does it play?
You compete against other nations with your people on a virtual world map divided into many hexagons. Each player takes turns performing actions and can move troops.
Unlike real-time strategy games, the focus is on many diplomatic and cultural aspects.
To win the game, you can easily conquer the world. Depending on the version of the game, there are other criteria, such as winning through diplomacy, culture, or dominating space. Round limits are also possible, where the player with the most victory points when the limit expires wins.
How strategic is the game?
Civilization VI is one of the kings of strategy games. It offers many game options and tactics, a lot of depth, and a wide range of difficulty levels.
Civilizations don’t get boring due to different races, maps, and victory conditions but can be restarted at any time as needed.
Single vs Multiplayer?
Civilization VI works well in single-player and is very entertaining, although the AI sometimes makes strange requests or weird moves. There are different world maps with different scenarios but no campaign.
In multiplayer, the game is more fun because other players and opponents also think. However, turns in multiplayer games take a long time.
Who is Civilization 6 for?
The Civilization series has always been something for big-tactics fans who want to spend a lot of time building their empires.
Lovers of diplomacy and strategy will get their money’s worth. However, if you don’t want to get used to waiting times in turns, you should turn to real-time strategy games that bring significantly more speed and action.
Are there any similar alternatives?
There are now many versions of Civilization, so you can even find a replacement in the game series: “Sid Meyer’s: Alpha Centauri” is considered a gem by fans. In terms of tactical depth, our next candidate also directly offers himself.
Total War: Three Kingdoms
Romance of the Three Kingdoms is one of the latest entries in the Total War strategy game series. The first part was released in 2000, while the Three Kingdoms was released in May 2020. One of the most strategic games in the series, the goal of the latest installment is to build an empire in China.
How does it play?
You slip into the role of a conqueror and pit your army against other armies. The focus of the game is on combat and tactical decisions.
You watch what’s going on from above and command the troops. You give them a checklist at the beginning and let them parade. The decisions you make before and during the battle affect the battle’s outcome.
How strategic is the game?
Three Kingdoms is really about strategy. You have to decide which battles to fight, which troops to deploy, and how to deploy them on the battlefield.
On the eve of the battle, there are still diplomatic and economic decisions to be made. It is necessary to supply the army and conquer established or looted villages. Every decision changes the course of the game.
Single vs Multiplayer?
Total War focuses on conquest. These can be experienced in a single-player game or a two-player multiplayer game.
Three Kingdoms has a feature where two players can also become enemies in a multiplayer campaign. So far, the players have mostly worked together.
Additionally, Romance of the Three Kingdoms offers custom battles in which players can compete against each other.
Who is Total War: Three Kingdoms for?
Romance of the Three Kingdoms is a game for fans of tactics and combat. Anyone who has ever wanted to command a large army will find what they are looking for in this game.
A campaign can always be saved, so you have to invest much time in conquests, but you don’t need them in one fell swoop. Great for short skirmishes every night.
Total War also relies on a lot of diplomacy and communication with AI. However, she occasionally makes exciting decisions that you have to live with.
Are there any similar alternatives?
The best alternative to Three Kingdoms comes from its Total War series. Medieval 2: Total War 2006 and Total War 2011: Shogun 2 is one of the best strategy games.
StarCraft II
StarCraft II is one of the kings of real-time strategy games. This is the development of a good league system and eSports leading to large tournaments in StarCraft II. The game focuses on three races, Terran, Zerg, and Protoss, who fight against each other. Compared to the Age of Empires, the focus is not on people and ancient weapons, but everything becomes alien.
How does it play?
Players build buildings, recruit units, and command them from an ISO perspective. This requires Vespene gas and mineral resources. These can be broken down on the map.
Therefore, the three races have different buildings and units and different play styles. The Protoss have few but powerful units, while the Zerg try to use their numerical superiority to outsmart the enemy.
How strategic is the game?
StarCraft II offers several strategically essential approaches. This includes resource and unit management, monitoring the enemy, and developing possible attack strategies.
Single vs Multiplayer?
StarCraft II has an extensive single-player campaign that includes a compelling story. You can also play different scenarios and difficulty levels individually.
Thanks to Battle.net, you can also simply compete with other players. There is also a league system where the best players end up in the Master League.
Who is StarCraft II for?
A round of StarCraft II can be a very laid-back and relaxing evening activity. But it can also push players to the limit.
You have to show high speed in StarCraft, at least if you want to experience great difficulty or multiplayer. Some StarCraft players even set records for the craziest keystrokes per minute.
If you like deep strategy games that are still full of action, and if you have no problem with speed and alien environments, then you’ll find StarCraft II to be a lot of fun. However, there will be no new content for strategy games in the future.
Are there any similar alternatives?
There are plenty of alternatives in the real-time strategy game space. Matching the settings, Command & Conquer would be the most obvious choice.
XCom 2: Battle of the Chosen
The turn-based strategy game XCom 2: War of the Chosen takes place in a world full of aliens and danger. XCom works in secret. So being sneaky and using cover plays an important role. However, battles must be fought repeatedly, in which guns are used primarily.
How does it play?
The task is to eliminate the opponent without killing yourself. Players command different units and can send them to any location on the map and have them eliminate opponents there.
By using the environment smartly, your units can stay in cover and attack without getting hit. But be careful. The enemy also hides his units, which is excellent for surprises.
How strategic is the game?
There are many strategic elements in the game using different unit types and systems, such as cover and flanking.
Turn-based gives you time, and you can think carefully about your moves. The great difficulty forces the player to think about every move. If you like it to be mainly tactical, you’ll be glad.
Single vs Multiplayer?
You will follow a campaign and a story about the chosen campaign in a single player. Here are three aliens with a lot of personalities.
In multiplayer games, fighting each other is the most important thing. The correct positioning of the unit is critical here.
XCom 2: Who is the Battle of the Chosen for?
Anyone who likes to tackle tactics, lure opponents into an ambush, or shoot from cover is a perfect fit for the world of XCom.
Thanks to the large modding community, many parts of the game can also be tweaked to your liking.
However, XCom 2: War of the Chosen isn’t for the frustrating player. Some tasks are inherently tricky.
Are there any similar alternatives?
The original XCom creators are currently building their games. Phoenix Point is in Early Access and is known by many as an XCom 2 clone.
Steel Division 2
Steel Division 2 is a real-time strategy game set in World War II. The goal is to use tanks, infantry, and other units to win battles.
How does it play?
In the beginning, the player builds a deck of different units that can be used during the battle.
These units can be placed on the battlefield and then march on the enemy—frontline shift where troops meet.
The goal is to eliminate the enemy with a good strategy and troop deployment.
How strategic is the game?
Steel Division 2 has a lot of strategic depth. Due to the lack of a health system, it is also necessary to use suitable weapons for certain types of armor. Otherwise, it will just burn your troops.
The construction of defensive positions played a role. If you lose your position, the opponent can use it to defend against future attacks.
Single vs Multiplayer?
Steel Division offers players a single-player campaign and six historical movements that can be played alone or in cooperation with the computer.
There are also multiplayer scenarios where players can also compete against each other.
Who is Iron Division 2 suitable for?
If you want to break out of the medieval setting and still love real-time strategy, you can find your game in Steel Division 2.
Instead of building your city or army, the game jumps right into the action. Players should be interested in units and vehicles and have a lot of patience to familiarize themselves with the game.
Are there any similar alternatives?
Different versions of strategy games rely on modern units and scenarios. Raid 4 is closest to Iron Division 2. Company of Heroes also offers exciting multiplayer tournaments.
Hearthstone
Hearthstone is an online collectible card game from Blizzard Entertainment. It’s set in World of Warcraft and offers nine different classes with their playstyle.
On top of that, Hearthstone is full of wit and humor and also pulls the lore of Warcraft a little through Cocoa. Familiar faces from Warcraft games pop up again and again.
How does it play?
In Hearthstone, you compete with another player. At the beginning and beginning of each round, playable cards are drawn.
Cards usually cost mana, and you only have a certain amount of mana per turn. Each player has 30 health and can be directly attacked by spells or monsters.
If one player’s health drops to 0, the other player wins.
How strategic is the game?
Card games have a strategy side and a random side. The strategy in Hearthstone is to build the deck before starting the game, just like playing cards correctly.
However, luck affects which cards you draw yourself and what your opponent draws. Also, many cards have random effects that can be positive or negative.
Another complication with Hearthstone is that you first have to get the right card when you open the pack.
Single vs Multiplayer?
Hearthstone is a multiplayer card game where you compete against other players.
However, some expansions also bring single-player content where you can face many opponents. Building your deck and strategizing against bosses play a significant role here.
Who is Hearthstone for?
A game usually lasts no more than 15 minutes and is great fun. The card game also awakens a passion for collecting and is excellent fun developing your deck ideas. Hearthstone is the perfect card game in between.
However, Blizzard’s card game is lightweight, lacks in-depth mechanics, and has random effects that might frustrate rather than entertain strategists.
Are there any similar alternatives?
Players who prefer a more tactical approach can try the LoL card game Legends of Runeterra. If you want to be more tactical, you can use Magic: The Gathering.
Conqueror’s Blade
Conqueror’s Blade combines action MMOs like Mordhau with strategy games like Total War. The aim is to win a battle, and you lead the battle as a commander in action.
You are both a warrior in action and the leader of your troops. In April 2020, the MMO got its first new course since beta.
How does it play?
You slide into the role of a commander with unique abilities. These can be used in combat to eliminate opponents. Playstyle depends on weapon choice.
At the same time, you charge into battle with a previously available squad of soldiers. This accompanies the player and asks him to give at least some commands, such as attacking, defending, or following along the way.
The goal is to conquer different points on the map and finally conquer the enemy’s base.
How strategic is the game?
Conqueror’s Blade has some strategic approaches, but your own and other players’ fighting skills are more critical.
Attached troops were often burned, used as cannon fodder, or escaped when enemy commanders were defeated.
It becomes more strategic when you strategize to win the game with other players. The formation, location, and selection of weapons play an essential role.
Single vs Multiplayer?
In Conqueror’s Blade, there’s only multiplayer and that alone matters. Divide into two teams, trying to capture the other’s base and points on the way.
Who is Blade of the Conqueror suitable for?
The Free2Play MMO Conqueror’s Blade is for fans of medieval combat which don’t want to change their strategy forever.
Here you prefer to go into battle and learn while dying on the battlefield. Fighting like this with friends is twice as fun because you can strategize to beat your opponents.
A round lasts up to 15 minutes and is perfect for players pressed for time but wanting some carnage.
Are there any similar alternatives?
Those who can live without extra troops will have fun at Mordhau. The game principles are very similar, but it depends on your playstyle.
Spellforce 3
Developed by German game company Grimlore Games, Spellforce 3 expands the Spellforce series.
Spellforce chose the fantasy world Eo as the backdrop, which features dwarves, elves, orcs, trolls, and humans. The story takes place about 500 years before the first.
How does it play?
In Spellforce, elements of the classic strategy are combined with role-playing. In addition to gathering resources, building buildings, and recruiting units.
These characters gain experience, complete quests, and learn new skills. They can also collect items to enhance themselves.
This RPG part is especially effective in the campaign. The real-time strategy part is more significant in the later stages of combat and multiplayer. Then it’s about the construction of buildings and units and the management of five resources.
How strategic is the game?
Hero Choice adds some strategic aspects that other real-time strategy games lack. In battle, the hero plays an important role. Otherwise, the troops will be eliminated in classic rock-paper-scissors style.
In addition, a struggle was waged for the sectors needed to build buildings and artisans. The raw materials are collected individually by each department and therefore have to be transported from one place to another. Such caravans could also be attacked.
Single vs Multiplayer?
The campaign in Spellforce 3 is reserved for a single player. There’s a lot of history, and you’ll get to know the characters.
Multiplayer is all about fighting each other. You can play against each other via the internet and co-op mode. From there, the game becomes more comparable to other real-time strategy games.
Who is Spellforce 3 for?
This game is a must-have for fans of the series. Spellforce 3 picks up where its predecessors left off. Especially the campaign and role-playing aspects are exciting.
In terms of pacing, Spellforce 3 is slower than StarCraft, making it comfortable for gamers with no more than 300 keystrokes per minute.
Who is Spellforce 3 for?
This game is a must-have for fans of the series. Spellforce 3 picks up where its predecessors left off. Especially the campaign and role-playing aspects are exciting.
In terms of pacing, Spellforce 3 is slower than StarCraft, making it comfortable for gamers with no more than 300 keystrokes per minute.
Warcraft 3 (Reforged)
Warcraft 3 is a real-time strategy game from Blizzard and one of the most popular games in the genre. On the one hand, this is due to the story being told through the single-player mode, and on the other hand, the multiplayer for large tournaments.
On the other hand, many games still known today evolved from Warcraft 3. In addition to the MMORPG World of Warcraft developed by Blizzard as its successor, MOBAs like Dota 2 or League of Legends are also based on WC3’s mods. It’s called DotA (Ancient Defense).
How does it play?
You play Warcraft 3 from an ISO perspective from above, and your tasks include gathering raw materials, building buildings, and recruiting troops to defeat your opponents.
There are many moments in the single-player campaign that don’t require building. Similar to Spellforce 3, you play as a hero in the foreground.
How strategic is the game?
As with all real-time strategy games, the focus is on resource and unit management. Depending on the game, different strategies can make you progress especially fast.
Single vs Multiplayer?
Warcraft 3 tells a beautiful story that continues in World of Warcraft in single-player mode. You can also play your scenes against the computer.
Warcraft 3 is also good at multiplayer, but it’s hard to find opponents at the moment. However, if you’re dating friends, you can have a lot of fun in WC3.
Who is Warcraft 3 for?
If you haven’t played Warcraft 3, you should check the story separately. This is especially true for fans of Warcraft or other Blizzard games.
The game offers a solid concept for real-time strategy fans but doesn’t offer a lot of innovation due to the game’s age.
However, since the release of Warcraft 3 Reforged, the game has seen significant deductions. So the graphics update was not as powerful as it was supposed to be, and there were all kinds of problems initially. To this day, functionality that existed before the recast is lost.
Are there any similar alternatives?
Many alternatives have been mentioned in this article. RTS fans should have fun in Age of Empires if they want StarCraft II to be faster and more action-packed.
If you focus more on the story and heroes, you’ll enjoy Spellforce 3 again. For Warcraft fans, it’s worth looking at Hearthstone or World of Warcraft if you want the franchise to stay the same but change genres.
Northgard
In this strategy game, you will become the ruler of a Viking tribe. With this, you can fight against other enemies and nature.
Wild creatures, giant dragons, and storms like blizzards make it hard to play. Visually, Northgard is reminiscent of works like The Settlers with cute comic graphics.
The game went into Early Access in 2017 and celebrated its launch in 2018. On Steam, it has 87% positive reviews, with nearly 26,000 reviews written.
How does it play?
You build structures such as lumberjack huts, mines, or hunting huts, thereby increasing the supply of wood, stone, and food. The game is played from an ISO perspective.
You can choose from different Viking clans, each with its effects. With these, you can either fight in the story campaign or compete against PC or other players in your scenario.
How strategic is the game?
With elements typical of the real-time strategy genre, Northgard has a high level of strategy. In addition, the particular aspects of nature and environment make Northgard more strategic than other games in the genre.
Single vs Multiplayer?
As mentioned before, there are story campaigns and multiplayer battles. Northgard offers various setup options here, including:
free for all
3v3
1v1
various maps
Various victory conditions
There’s also a map editor that lets you get creative.
Who does Northgard serve?
If you’re looking for a game like Settlers and want to play with friends, you should check out Northgard. Of course, this game is primarily a festival for Vikings fans.
The effects of the environment add an exciting aspect that further expands the gaming experience. Additionally, some new updates have brought new Winking clans and maps.
But if you want authentic graphics, you should look around for another title. Northgard looks floppy and lacks detailed graphics. But it also runs very smoothly on less powerful PCs.
Are there any similar alternatives?
If you’re looking for a similar graphic style and enjoy building it, check out The Settlers. Otherwise, there are already some alternatives on this list like Warcraft, Age of Empires, and Warcraft 3.
