5 best strategy games released in 2024

Many impressive strategy games have been released in 2024. Some of the most iconic franchises are making a comeback, while new titles are introducing fresh concepts that challenge players in exciting ways. Whether you're looking to dominate space empires, build thriving kingdoms, manage the last cities on a frozen Earth, or battle over sci-fi artifacts, there's no shortage of options to explore.

If you haven't yet experienced the best strategy games of 2024, here are five titles you should check out.

Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the opinions of the writer.

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Frostpunk 2 and four other best strategy games released in 2024

1) Frostpunk 2

Endless lethal winter on Frostpunk 2 (Image via 11 Bit Studios)

The sequel to one of 2018's standout strategy games, Frostpunk 2 takes players back to a fictionalized version of London in 1887, where the city is under siege by earthquakes and toxic blizzards caused by catastrophic climate change. As society’s last hope, you must manage the city's survival during a never-ending ice age.

Balancing engineering needs with citizen welfare is key, from running coal mines and maintaining generator towers to enacting new laws to stabilize the workforce and healthcare. Scarcity is the name of the game—resources are in short supply, and any mistake can lead to chaos, whether from cold, illness, or rioting.

If you’re up for some intense survival city-building, Frostpunk 2 is a challenging and rewarding experience.

Release date: September 20, 2024

Also read: Frostpunk 2 system requirements: Minimum and recommended PC settings explored

2) Age of Mythology: Retold

Epic battles and legendary creatures await your command (Image via Xbox Game Studios)

This remastered and expanded take on the real-time strategy classic Age of Mythology from 2002 was re-announced this past July. For die-hard fans or anyone being introduced to this legendary Warcraft mashup for the first time, Retold is the way to experience this genre staple once and for all in the world of strategy games.

The diverse campaigns, scenarios, and multiplayer modes offer massive replayability, even before considering the visual upgrade or quality-of-life changes. Its back-to-basics approach keeps it gloriously approachable for RTS newcomers with an easy-to-read interface and scalability.

With its stellar execution of mythological foundations, engaging gameplay, and aesthetic rejuvenation, Retold establishes itself as one of 2024's premier strategy games. The action certainly conveys that the AOM series enjoys timelessness and charm, whether for fans or curious newcomers alike.

Release date: September 4, 2024

3) Homeworld 3

Fighting against squadron in Homeworld 3 (Images via Gearbox Software)

This past May finally treated fans to a new Homeworld game after almost 20 years. The third installment thrusts players into a desperate war across interstellar vistas as they command miles-long motherships and legions of fighters. Though it keeps some of the older strategy games' quirks, Homeworld 3 captures its epic scale and graphics with a modern sheen.

The story campaign features a 20-hour-long narrative alongside spectacular 3D battles and a flexible sandbox mode that lets you customize battle settings to create unique and intense encounter scenarios. Options include adjusting factors like terrain, troop numbers and types, victory conditions, and enabling chaotic in-game events. Between admiring the nebula backdrops and controlling spheres of fire that disable enemy ships, this game delivers traditional space RTS thrills.

Release date: May 13, 2024

4) Manor Lords

Medieval journey in Manor Lords (Image via Hooded Horse)

Manor Lords delighted fans this past April by pairing castle economy development with tactical conquest in the world of strategy games. Starting from hamlet origins, you can cultivate villages into thriving resource and trade hubs funding eventual regional warfare efforts. Juggling peasant needs with construction priorities keeps the homeland prosperous until borders push outward.

Once you start waging war, get ready for intense army decisions. Position your cavalry, mages, and foot soldiers smartly across the 3D land. Using scouts, supply trains, and diplomacy skills can boost your odds of beating enemy nobles. But make one wrong battle move, and the tide can turn fast before you strike the next castle. Capture each crown by making the right calls and leading your forces.

In this game, engrossing medieval power fantasy, capturing every last enemy crown lets you cement your hard-fought victory.

Release date: April 26, 2024

5) Ara History Untold

Build, defend, and expand in Ara History Untold (Image via Xbox Game Studios)

The following September, we had Oxide Games' Ara: History Untold, a civilian grand strategy that played like no other. Unlike other historical strategy games where you pick from set civilizations, this one lets you build a society by mixing and matching real historical cultures, technologies, units, and more to your liking. Guide customizable empires across a dynamic world map, cultivating lasting cultural legacies one turn at a time.

Every age, prestige points gained for expansions, wonders constructed, or conflicts won are combined to form a worldwide scoreboard. However, the lowest civilization is eliminated, setting up a battle royale in which legacy is the reward. But this title incorporates simultaneous turns—a game changer where players secretly strategize moves together, setting traps as rivals race to outsmart each other first.

With these fresh innovations, this title promises to make for an interesting new entry in a genre that has been a bit worn thin.