Aside from puzzles, one of the most intricate and mind-bending genres in video games is strategy. Compared to other genres that center mainly on the use of a specific skill set, strategy games require multiple skills and real-time execution.
Almost all games that fall under the strategy genre dismiss the influence of luck. Instead, it favors tactics, planning, a decision tree method of thinking, and situational awareness. To some gamers, strategy games are more stressful, which is why the genre is not as popular compared to other action games.
Nevertheless, despite the intricate elements embedded in its core, the genre garnered a massive community of gamers who welcome the various challenges and complexities of each game. With that said, if you prefer logistical, tactical, and strategic challenges to reflex-based games, then, you are in luck. We have compiled six of the best strategy games that you can play free on PC in 2021!
Hearthstone
Some of the best strategy games are comparable to fine wine when it comes to aging. One of the best examples of such a game is Hearthstone. From a third-person perspective, the game looks like your typical card game. However, hands-on experience will say otherwise. Hearthstone may be a seven-year-old game, but the uniqueness of its gameplay design and mechanics continues to attract players. Hearthstone, for the most part, is still one of the best collectible card games that you can play free on PC.
The Escapist 2
The Escapist 2 may not feature jaw-dropping graphics or cinema-grade cutscenes but it does not fall short when it comes to gameplay. For those new to the title, The Escapist 2 is all about breaking out of prison by any means necessary. This awesome game comes with a flexible gameplay structure that provides players the ability to plan, formulate, and execute their strategy according to their preferences. The level of freedom the game provides to the player makes it one of the best strategy games that even non-strategy players will enjoy.
Plague Inc.
Plague Inc. is a dark strategy game of global proportions. Players must create a global pandemic through pathogen manipulation. As simple as that may sound, there are specific rules that the player must follow to beat the game. For example, the virus must remain undetected while it spreads throughout the planet otherwise the AI will develop a vaccine and contain the spread. Players can unlock various types of pathogens that they can use to develop viruses as they progress further into the game.
Hello Neighbor
Hello Neighbor is a strategy game infused with the elements of horror and stealth. Unlike the Escapist wherein your main task is to escape, Hello Neighbor is all about infiltration. Part of what makes this game unique is the AI has the ability to counter the previous actions of the player. This means that you must come up with a new strategy every time you infiltrate your neighbor’s house, which is pretty challenging, to say the least.
Vainglory
Vainglory is a competitive hero-based online MOBA game that features the classic 5v5 gameplay. Unlike the other strategy games on our list, Vainglory is more on team strategy rather than solo. Victory in this game requires solid strategic team play to overcome the other team. Going solo in this game will most likely result in the defeat of the entire team. In other words, the team must execute their defensive and offensive advances strategically to achieve victory.
Fire Emblem Heroes
Fire Emblem Heroes is a tactical RPG that also employs the use of a hero-collection system. Similar to Vainglory, each character in Fire Emblem Heroes has unique skills and abilities that the player can mix and match to suit their strategy. One thing that separates this game from Vainglory is that players take control of a team of four heroes instead of a single character. Fire Emblem Heroes also features a turn-based battle system similar to classic RPG titles.
All of these games are PC-optimized, which means that you can download and install them on PC. If you want to explore other titles, you can browse through the Games.lol catalog for strategy games here.
