This is a list of my favorite strategy video games, divided by subgenres. By strategy games I mean any games that require no or only little mechanical skills and give you time to think (as opposed to action games which happen in real time). Most of these are turn-based. Real-time strategy games, such as Warcraft 3 and Pikmin, are not included in this category because they require quick reactions and timing in addition to strategic thinking.
For each genre I list my favorite games with recommendations for further reading in both German and English (to be added over time). These are games that I recommend wholeheartedly and without reservation. In addition, I list some games that have not made the cut but which are still good games in their own right. I recommend checking these out after you have tried my top recommendations. I only include games that I have (almost) finished and consider worthwhile. Note that all games within a genre are listed chronologically. The order does not indicate a ranking.
I have divided my favorite strategy games into the following genres based on the games’ main game mechanic. This list of subgenres is not meant to be comprehensive but reflects my taste in games.
- RPGs
- Tactics Games
- Puzzle Games
RPGs
Role-playing games (RPGs) are characterized by character progression and often involve turn-based battles. Typical examples include the Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest franchises. Action RPGs which require mechanical skill and quick reactions, such as Diablo 2, are not included here but can be found in the list of my favorite action games instead.
| Title | Further Reading (German) | Further Reading (English) |
| Final Fantasy X Multiplatform (played on PS2) – original release: 2001 – HD remaster: 2013 | ||
| Child of Light Multiplatform (played on Switch) – original release: 2014 | ||
| Shin Megami Tensei V Switch – original release: 2021 |
Also considered but not included:
- Xenoblade Chronicles X (played on Wii U)
- Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition (played on Switch)
- Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin (played on Switch)
Tactics Games
Tactics games are characterized by turn-based battles in which characters’ movement and positions on the map is critical. A typical example is XCOM.
| Title | Further Reading (German) | Further Reading (English) |
| SteamWorld Heist Multiplatform (played on Switch) – original release: 2015 | ||
| Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Switch – original release: 2017 – Gold Edition: 2018 | ||
| Into the Breach Multiplatform (played on Switch) – original release: 2018 | ||
| Fire Emblem: Three Houses Switch – original release: 2019 | ||
| Grindstone Multiplatform (played on iOS) – original release: 2019 |
No other games considered.
Puzzle Games
This includes puzzle games which involve no or very little fighting and do not require quick reaction skills.
| Title | Further Reading (German) | Further Reading (English) |
| Gorogoa Multiplatform (played on Switch) – original release: 2017 | ||
| Snipperclips Switch Co-op – original release and Plus edition: 2017 |
Also considered but not included:
- Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (played on Wii U and Switch)