The current gaming landscape is undeniably thrilling, especially for those of us who grew up during the vibrant 90s. This period was a veritable explosion of genres as the gaming realm felt like the wild west, with unpredictable successes and failures. Fast forward to the 2000s, and we witnessed a blending of genres, culminating in a long era of open-world games that dominated the market. Recently, however, we’ve seen a resurgence of beloved genres like JRPGs, traditional RPGs, and character action games. Most excitingly, strategy games are making a strong comeback, signaling a revitalization of their popularity.
In recent years, we’ve seen several remarkable entries into the strategy game genre, with many more poised to debut soon. While their ultimate success remains to be seen, the potential of these games is electrifying. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at several upcoming strategy games that could redefine the genre.
8 Stormgate
A Tribute to the Classics
Stormgate wears its inspirations proudly. A glance at its Steam screenshots reveals a clear homage to Starcraft, a titan of the RTS genre that hasn’t graced gamers since 2010. Over the past 15 years, numerous strategy titles have come and gone, yet the unique essence of Starcraft remains unmatched. Currently in early access, Stormgate is available for free, offering a rich experience with multiple races, stunning graphics, and a diverse array of units across dynamic battlefields.
Once players engage in combat, they’ll discover a whirlwind of intense action characterized by stellar sound effects and captivating visuals. While some might argue it borders on derivative, one could argue that imitation is a compliment, and it’s high time we saw a worthy tribute to the genre’s frontrunner.
7 Manor Lords
Building a Dynasty
Released in 2024 but currently in Early Access, Manor Lords offers a refreshing fusion of city-building mechanics and tactical warfare reminiscent of Total War. Concerns often surround Early Access titles, but Manor Lords has shown impressive development, standing out in a crowded strategy genre.
Players can expect to invest considerable time into establishing their society’s economy while simultaneously tackling large-scale, exhilarating battles. The game’s tactical depth is bolstered by various unit types and formations, making it a significant contender in the strategy gaming landscape.
6 Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era
A Trip Back in Time
For many, the Heroes of Might and Magic series represents a nostalgic gem in the strategy genre. The upcoming title, Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era, invites players to build armies and conquer lands in a captivating environment filled with beautifully designed creatures and intricate army management systems.
With various factions to explore and a non-linear campaign mode offering extensive replayability, as well as a compelling multiplayer component, this game promises to rekindle the fervor of strategy fans who crave engaging and addictive gameplay.
5 Red Chaos: The Strict Order
The Spirit of the Old
|
Developer |
Playside |
|---|---|
|
Release Date |
September 26th, 2025 |
|
Platforms |
PC |
Set to launch shortly, Red Chaos: The Strict Order is a revival of classic RTS games, notably drawing inspiration from Command and Conquer. This title features two factions—the Iron Hand and The Resistance—both offering distinct gameplay styles that promise depth and diversity through unit types and economic strategies.
Its gritty, retro-inspired graphics hark back to older games, aiming for a hardcore military narrative set against a near-future backdrop. As few titles explore this niche, Red Chaos fills a significant void in the RTS genre.
4 Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War IV
The Vast Battle
|
Developer |
KING Art |
|---|---|
|
Release Date |
TBD 2026 |
|
Platforms |
PC |
The forthcoming Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War IV continues the legacy of the franchise with epic battles and renowned characters. This entry promises four campaigns and over 70 missions, establishing itself as the most expansive narrative-driven game in the series to date.
With a focus on cinematic storytelling and thrilling action, players can expect large-scale skirmishes filled with stunning visuals and diverse units, all contributing to the franchise’s tradition of intense combat.
3 Star Wars: Zero Company
Grit in the Galaxy
Star Wars: Zero Company brings an intriguing twist to the Star Wars franchise, featuring ground-level, gritty, turn-based gameplay reminiscent of Marvel’s Midnight Suns. Players will command an elite unit during the Clone Wars, engaging in morally ambiguous operations typical of the Star Wars universe.
This title focuses on tactical combat, leaning closer to titles like XCOM than traditional strategy games. It promises to deliver a unique Star Wars experience steeped in high production values, catering to fans seeking fresh interpretations of the beloved lore.
2 Empire Eternal
A War for the Ages
|
Developer |
EPO Games |
|---|---|
|
Release Date |
TBD |
|
Platforms |
PC |
Empire Eternal promises an ambitious approach to strategy gaming, combining elements of historical warfare across various eras. The concept revolves around utilizing technology from different periods, raising intriguing questions about possible confrontations, such as modern militaries clashing with ancient civilizations.
While the exact mechanics remain unclear, this game is set to explore unprecedented interactions across historical timelines, positioning itself as a groundbreaking entry in the realm of strategy games.
1 Game of Thrones: War For Westeros
Return of the King
Anticipation for Game of Thrones: War For Westeros is palpable, especially given the series’ mixed reception following its conclusion in 2019. Nevertheless, the gaming community remains hopeful for a compelling title that lives up to the franchise’s legacy. Set for release in 2026, this strategy game allows players to lead various houses in their quest for the Iron Throne.
With features promising massive multiplayer battles set against renowned landscapes from the series, including intense clashes between iconic factions and mythic creatures like dragons, the game is poised to be a monumental addition to the strategy genre. Combining breathtaking graphics, an immersive soundtrack, and diverse gameplay mechanics, it could very well become a dark horse candidate for Game of the Year in 2026.
Leave a Reply