Summary
The grand strategy genre is one of the most beloved and popular among PC players and is now rapidlyexpanding 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.
10Space Empires (Series)
Dating back to 1993,Space Empireswasone of the first grand strategy gamesset 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 Empiresquickly gathered a loyal and enthusiastic fanbase. While the pixelated graphics and UI may seem very outdated today, it is unlikely fans would have anything likeStellaristoday ifSpace Empireshad not come first.
9Knights Of Honor (Series)
Knights of Honorand its 2022 sequelKnights of Honor 2: Sovereignare 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.
RELATED:Best Strategy Games On Xbox Game Pass
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 asCrusader Kings, it featuresmuch more hands-on combatand as such feels like a good blend betweenCrusader Kingsand aTotal Wargame.
8Dune: Spice Wars
Although still only in early access,Dune: Spice Warsis 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 ofDune: 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.
7Victoria (Series)
Arguably one of Paradox Interactive’s most complex and deeply layered games, theVictoriaseries 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 forsome newcomers to the genre. For more experienced players, however, this is likely to be among the better diplomatic strategy experiences available on the market.
6Sid Meier’s Civilization (Series)
One of the mosticonic franchises within the strategy genreisSid Meier’s Civilization,withCiv 5in 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.
RELATED:The Future Of Sid Meier’s Civilization May Be Subterranean
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.
5Hearts Of Iron (Series)
TheHearts of Ironseries 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 Britainand 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, andHearts of Iron 4still 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.
4Total War (Series)
Creative Assemby’sTotal Warseries 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 likeA Total War Saga:Troyand theTotal War: Warhammerseries, 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. Forfans of historical authenticity,Total War: Rome 2andShogun 2will transport players back to some of the world’s most fascinating and iconic empires and historical periods.
3Europa Universalis (Series)
Another Paradox Interactive title, theEuropa Universalisseries 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.
RELATED:Best Games Set In The Napoleonic Era
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 ofadditional DLCs.
2Stellaris
Paradox Interactive’sStellarisis 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 ofcomplex 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.
1Crusader Kings (Series)
When it comes to diplomacy and the interrelation between different factions, there isn’t a more complete and addictive experience than theCrusader Kingsseries. With the latest installmentCK3being 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.
