Monday, July 28, 2025
Why You Should Give Strategy Games Another Chance
Underrated Strategy Games You Shouldn’t Miss - Strategy games are more than just games where you click a lot or add up numbers. They are like mental playgrounds that test your logic, inventiveness, and ability to see the future. These games let you do things that action games don't, like plan global conquests or micromanage every little thing in a dream community. Some great strategy games, on the other hand, go unrecognized because they are overshadowed by big hits or misinterpreted by the general public.
This is where this list comes in.
Let's find some of the best strategy games that don't get enough attention. These are games that may not have made the news but still have great gameplay and sophisticated strategy.
What Makes a Strategy Game "Not Rated"?
A strategy game can be undervalued for several reasons:
- Not enough money for marketing
- Released at the wrong moment, along with AAA games
- Bad early ratings because of problems that were fixed later
- Gameplay that was too niche for casual players
- Very little coverage of influencers or streamers
Even with these problems, a lot of these games have great gameplay, new features, and hours of fun challenges.
1. Northgard: A mix of Norse mythology and real-time strategy
An RTS with a Viking theme and survival elements.
Northgard, made by Shiro Games, combines resource management with Norse mythology and exploration. You lead a Viking tribe that is fighting to survive and take over in a strange, dangerous land. It stands out because it combines conventional RTS mechanics with survival in the winter and legendary themes.
Why it's not well-known: Even though critics loved it, it didn't become as popular as Age of Empires or StarCraft. But it has unique clan dynamics and gameplay that you can play again and over again.
2. Endless Legend: A Beautifully Layered Fantasy World Amplitude Studios' Endless Legend
is a 4X strategy game (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate) that combines classic strategy with a stunningly attractive look.
Different groups with different ways to play
A lot of background information and a realistic setting
Tactical conflicts that take turns and use terrain to your advantage
Why people don't give it enough credit: This game deserves greater attention for its graphic design and mechanical sophistication, even since Civilization VI came out at the same time.
3. Frozen Synapse: A great turn-based tactical game
You may plan your units' movements ahead of time and see how they will turn out before you make a decision in this indie treasure. It's turn-based, but both players' actions happen at the same time, so every move seems like a risk.
Looks like sci-fi and cyberpunk
Gameplay with a lot of tension
Good for duels with more than one person
Why it’s underrated: Its abstract visuals and learning pace scare off casual gamers, but it's a must-play for lovers of turn-based strategies.
4. Battle Brothers: Hard, gritty, and very rewarding
In a gloomy, medieval fantasy world, you own a mercenary company. Everything is hard: getting soldiers, staying alive, and fighting in horrific fights. Imagine XCOM and Game of Thrones together.
Mechanics of permanent death
Creating a universe through procedures
Tactical battle that goes deep
Why it's not well-known: The challenge is scary, but if you figure out how it works, it's very rewarding.
5. Tooth and Tail: A Simple Strategy Game, Not a Stupid One
A fast-paced, easy-to-understand RTS featuring pixel art and mouse wars. You control armies with a single commander unit and give simple commands to manage resources.
Matches that last 10 to 15 minutes
Great for people who are new to it
Political satire meets furry war
Why it's not getting enough credit: A lot of people thought it was too "cute" for real RTS fans, but it has beautiful mechanics hidden beneath the surface.
6. Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun—A Mix of Stealth and Strategy
You lead a group of ninjas on very difficult stealth operations in Japan during the Edo period. Think of Commandos, but with more polish and style.
Every character has their own special powers.
Beautiful level design
A lot of fun to play again
Why it's not well known: Hardcore stealth aficionados enjoy it, but it didn't get a lot of attention in strategic circles. It really should have.
7. There Are Billions of Zombies Plus RTS = Total Chaos
You establish a steampunk colony in this game while fighting off billions of zombies. If one part of your fortifications is weak, the whole base can fall.
Pause system in real time
Focus on developing a base
Big waves of zombies that test your skills
Why it's not as well-known: Some players didn't like how hard it was, but not many games can match its apocalyptic exhilaration.
8. Wargroove: A Love Letter to Advance Wars
Wargroove brought back turn-based, pixel-art military strategy games. Its attractiveness and art hide a very tactical experience.
Several commanders with different powers
Multiplayer and campaign editor
Play across platforms
Some modern gamers called it "too retro," yet it's a sophisticated, colorful strategy game that deserves more attention.
9. Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden is like XCOM but with a twist.
In this game, you play as mutants in a planet that has been destroyed by an apocalypse. You fight and explore in stealth mode.
Stealth in real time that leads to turn-based warfare
A lot of attention on placing
Characters with personality that draw you in
Why people don't give it enough credit: It didn't have the same kind of marketing push as other games like it, but it has a new twist on XCOM-style gameplay.
10. Into the Breach: A Small Game with Chess-Like Accuracy
The people who made FTL made this turn-based strategy game, which compresses battles to 8x8 grids and concentrates on avoiding damage instead of dealing it.
Enemies' actions are easy to guess (you can see every move)
Every turn is a challenge
A lot of different mech squads
Why it's not getting enough credit: Some gamers didn't like it because it was too simple, yet the strategy is quite deep.
11. Offworld Trading Company: Economic Warfare Unleashed
This real-time strategy game was made by the chief designer of Civilization IV. Instead of fighting, it uses economics. You buy, sell, and change markets to rule Mars.
Gameplay that changes based on the market in real time
No units, only supply chains and sabotage
Focus on multiplayer
Why it's not as well-known: There wasn't much military action, so it was a niche choice, but it's a great economic strategy game.
12. Field of Glory II: The Best Historical Tactics Game
This wargame goes into great depth on battles from ancient history. It's for gamers who want realness and genuine strategy.
Personalization of the army
Campaigns from the past
Tactical turn-based battles
Why it's not well-known: It doesn't appeal to many people because it's set in a specific time period, but history lovers and tactical purists should play it.
Where to Look for These Secret Strategy Gems
You may find most of these underappreciated strategy games on sites like:
Availability of Platform
Steam: Most games are available. GOG: DRM-free versions are available.
Epic Games 🟡 Not a lot of choices
Nintendo Switch: ✅ For games like Wargroove; PlayStation/Xbox: 🟡 For some games (Mutant Year Zero)
👉 Tip: Keep an eye out for bundles or sales on sites like Humble Bundle or Fanatical.
Frequently Asked Questions About Underrated Strategy Games
What makes a game "underrated"?
A game that doesn't get the attention, sales, or player base it deserves is one that has great gameplay.
Should you play indie strategy games?
Yes, for sure. A lot of indie developers come up with new ideas and mechanisms that major games don't use.
What is the greatest platform for strategy games?
PC is usually the greatest choice because you can use a mouse and keyboard, but many amazing games now work on consoles and even mobile devices.
Can you play these games without being online?
Most of them have extensive offline options, especially for single-player campaigns.
Are these games easy for beginners to play?
Some are easy to learn (like Tooth and Tail and Wargroove), while others are harder to learn. Find beginning guides or tutorials to help you.
How can I find other games that aren't as well-known?
Look at sites like IndieDB or itch.io, communities like Reddit's r/strategy, and YouTube channels that talk about indie games.
In conclusion, it's time to update your strategy game collection.
These undervalued strategy games are the right blend of new ideas, tough challenges, and charm if you're sick of the same old AAA strategy games. There is something here for everyone, whether you are a die-hard tactics lover or just starting out. It will challenge your intellect and keep you entertained for hours.
It's time to look deeper into the strategic vault and find these hidden treasures. You might be able to find your next addiction with just one click.