These games offer a diverse range of experiences, from turn-based tactics to real-time strategy and simulation. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or a newcomer looking for a challenge, this list of the best Android strategy games has something for everyone.
In this article, 123 Review will dive into the world of strategy gaming on Android.
Top Turn-Based Strategy Games
XCOM 2: The Ultimate Tactical Experience
XCOM 2 is a critically acclaimed turn-based strategy game that puts you in charge of a squad of elite soldiers fighting to reclaim Earth from an alien occupation. The game is known for its deep tactical gameplay, where positioning, cover, and strategic use of abilities are crucial for success. Each mission is a high-stakes encounter where every move can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Additionally, the base management aspect adds another layer of strategy, as you must research new technologies, recruit soldiers, and expand your facilities.
Total War: Medieval II: Manage Your Kingdom
Total War: Medieval II brings the grand strategy and epic battles of the classic PC game to your mobile device. Players manage their kingdoms, engage in diplomacy, and lead their armies into large-scale battles. The game features a rich historical setting, allowing you to relive the medieval period with authentic units and factions. The depth of the game is unparalleled, with intricate mechanics that require careful planning and strategic foresight.
Civilization VI: Build an Empire Through Time
Civilization VI is a legendary 4X strategy game where you build and expand your empire from the ancient era to the modern age. With multiple victory conditions, including military conquest, scientific advancement, and cultural dominance, the game offers endless replayability. Each civilization has unique abilities and units, providing a distinct strategic experience. The game’s complexity and depth make it a perfect fit for strategy enthusiasts looking for a comprehensive and engaging experience.
Crying Suns: Navigate the Stars Strategically
Crying Suns is a rogue-lite strategy game that places you in the role of a fleet commander exploring a fallen empire. The game features tactical, grid-based battles and a rich narrative inspired by classic sci-fi. Each run offers a unique experience due to the procedural generation of events and encounters. The game’s story-driven approach, combined with its challenging tactical gameplay, makes it a standout title in the genre.
Bad North: Defend Your Islands Against Invaders
Bad North is a real-time tactics game with roguelite elements where you must defend your island kingdom from Viking invaders. The game’s minimalist art style belies its strategic depth. You must position your units carefully, use the terrain to your advantage, and react quickly to enemy movements. The game’s permadeath mechanic adds tension to each decision, making every battle a test of your strategic prowess.
Popular Real-Time Strategy Games
Clash of Clans: Build and Raid in a Fantasy World
Clash of Clans has long been one of the most popular real-time strategy games on mobile. Players build and upgrade their villages, train troops, and raid other players’ bases for resources. The game’s social elements, such as clan wars and cooperative clan games, add a layer of depth and community engagement. The continuous updates and events keep the game fresh and exciting for both new and veteran players.
Clash Royale: Strategic Card-Based Combat
Clash Royale combines elements of card games and real-time strategy. Players collect and upgrade cards featuring characters from Clash of Clans and use them to battle other players in real-time. Each match is a fast-paced duel where strategic placement and timing of cards are crucial for victory. The game’s blend of strategy, skill, and quick thinking makes it highly addictive and competitive.
Command & Conquer: Rivals: Quick PvP Strategy Matches
Command & Conquer: Rivals brings the iconic real-time strategy series to mobile with a focus on quick, competitive PvP matches. Players choose a faction, build their base, and command their units in real-time battles. The game’s emphasis on strategy and unit synergy, combined with its fast-paced gameplay, offers a thrilling experience for fans of the series and newcomers alike.
Star Trek: Fleet Command: Explore the Final Frontier
Star Trek: Fleet Command is a real-time strategy game set in the Star Trek universe. Players build and upgrade their space station, explore the galaxy, and engage in strategic battles. The game features iconic characters and ships from the franchise, adding to its appeal for Star Trek fans. The multiplayer elements, including alliances and cooperative missions, enhance the game’s depth and replayability.
Northgard: Survive in a Harsh Norse Environment
Northgard is a real-time strategy game inspired by Norse mythology. Players control a clan of Vikings, manage resources, expand their territory, and survive harsh winters. The game’s unique mechanics, such as seasonal changes and mythical creatures, provide a fresh take on the RTS genre. The blend of strategy, resource management, and survival elements creates a challenging and engaging experience.
Engaging Simulation Strategy Games
Motorsport Manager: Craft Your Formula 1 Empire
Motorsport Manager is a detailed simulation game that puts you in charge of a racing team. You must manage drivers, develop cars, and make strategic decisions during races to achieve victory. The game’s realistic mechanics and depth of simulation appeal to both racing enthusiasts and strategy gamers. Each decision, from hiring staff to optimizing race strategies, impacts your team’s success.
Plague Inc.: Simulate a Global Pandemic
Plague Inc. is a unique strategy game where you create and evolve a pathogen to infect and wipe out humanity. The game’s realistic simulation and strategic depth, combined with its dark and thought-provoking premise, make it a compelling experience. Players must adapt their strategies based on global responses, evolving their pathogen to overcome challenges and achieve their goal.
Pocket City: Create and Manage Your Own City
Pocket City is a city-building game that allows you to design and manage your own metropolis. Players must balance resources, handle disasters, and keep their citizens happy. The game’s intuitive interface and sandbox mode offer a relaxing yet engaging experience. The freedom to build and customize your city, combined with the challenges of managing it, provides hours of entertainment.
The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War: Conquer Middle-earth
The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War lets players relive the epic battles of Middle-earth. The game combines base building, strategic battles, and iconic characters from the series. Players can form alliances, conquer territories, and engage in large-scale wars. The immersive world and deep strategy make it a must-play for fans of the franchise and strategy gamers alike.
The Battle of Polytopia: A Fun 4X Experience
The Battle of Polytopia is a turn-based strategy game that simplifies the 4X genre (explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate) for mobile devices. Players control a tribe, explore the world, and compete against other tribes. The game’s charming graphics and streamlined mechanics make it accessible and enjoyable for players of all ages.
Free-to-Play Strategy Games Worth Trying
Rise of Kingdoms: Lost Crusade: Develop Your Civilization
Rise of Kingdoms: Lost Crusade is a real-time strategy game where players develop their civilization from a small village to a powerful empire. The game features real-time battles, exploration, and alliances, offering a rich and immersive experience. The ability to choose from multiple historical civilizations and the depth of strategic options make it a standout title.
Card Thief: Stealth Strategy on the Go
Card Thief is a unique blend of card game and stealth strategy. Players navigate a deck of cards representing a castle, avoiding guards and traps while collecting treasure. The game’s innovative mechanics and strategic depth make it a standout title. Each move requires careful planning, making it a challenging and rewarding experience.
Dungeon Warfare 2: Tower Defense with a Twist
Dungeon Warfare 2 is a tower defense game with a twist, where players set traps to defend their dungeon from invading heroes. The game’s variety of traps, strategic depth, and challenging levels provide hours of entertainment. The pixel art style and engaging gameplay make it a must-play for tower defense fans.
Bloons TD 6: Colorful and Challenging Tower Defense
Bloons TD 6 is a colorful and challenging tower defense game where players use monkey towers to pop waves of invading balloons. The game’s variety of towers, upgrades, and maps make it highly replayable and fun. The addition of co-op play and regular updates keep the game fresh and engaging.
Unciv: Free Version of Classic Civilization V
Unciv is an open-source, free version of the classic Civilization V. Players can build and manage their empire, engage in diplomacy, and compete against other civilizations. The game’s faithful recreation of the original makes it a great choice for strategy fans looking for a classic 4X experience on mobile.
Indie Strategy Gems
Hoplite: Ancient Greek Tactical Challenges
Hoplite is a turn-based strategy game set in ancient Greece. Players control a hoplite and navigate hexagonal grids, facing various enemies and obstacles. The game’s strategic depth and challenging gameplay make it a hidden gem. Each level requires careful planning and tactical thinking to succeed.
Crush Your Enemies: Simplified RTS Mechanics
Crush Your Enemies offers a humorous and simplified take on real-time strategy. Players control barbarian hordes, conquer territories, and defeat enemies. The game’s straightforward mechanics and quirky style make it a fun and accessible experience. Despite its simplicity, the game offers strategic depth and replayability.
Legends of Runeterra: Card Duels with Strategic Depth
Legends of Runeterra is a card game set in the League of Legends universe. Players collect cards, build decks, and compete in strategic duels. The game’s deep mechanics and strategic variety make it a standout in the genre. Each match requires careful planning and adaptation, making it a challenging and rewarding experience.
Warhammer 40,000: Tacticus: Tactical Turn-Based Combat
Warhammer 40,000: Tacticus is a turn-based strategy game set in the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40,000. Players command squads of warriors, engage in tactical battles, and complete challenging missions. The game’s rich lore and tactical depth appeal to fans of the franchise and strategy gamers alike.
Siege Up RTS: Community-Driven Strategy Fun
Siege Up RTS is a community-driven strategy game where players build and defend their castles. The game features a variety of units, buildings, and strategic options, providing a rich and engaging experience. The active community and regular updates keep the game fresh and exciting.
In conclusion, the Android platform offers a wealth of strategy games that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. From turn-based tactics to real-time strategy and simulation, there’s something for everyone. These games provide deep strategic experiences, challenging gameplay, and hours of entertainment. Try out these games and discover the strategic depth and excitement they have to offer.
