Summary
Grand strategy gamescombine the best of theRTS mechanics with 4x gimmicksthat turn these titles into massive battles. This combination can overwhelm players who are not used to real-time tactics. But in addition to the battle strategies and the sheer number of units players need to control, these games have enthralling plots that submerge them into incredible tales of conquest.
The following grand strategy games offer the best stories that the genre has to play through. These stirring narratives range from a battle for survival in an enormous fantasy world, to the tale of one of the greatest empires humanity has ever seen.
Endless Legendis the sequel ofDungeon of The Endless.Its story is set ages after the ship that carried people from an intergalactic civilization crashed on the planet Auriga, a world that is slowly decaying. Each of the factions emerges from the Dungeon and starts repopulating the planet,trying to establish an empireand thrive despite knowing the world is doomed.
The descendants of the survivors have forgotten their true origins and have devolved into a medieval-like civilization, forming their own cultures and survival tactics. TheEndless Spaceuniverse has deep worldbuilding and this game continues this tradition with an impressive story of survival and conquest. It’s magnificent and challenging at the same time.
The Han dynasty stagnated, and a child Emperor was placed as a puppet on the throne. Three kingdoms seceded from the grasp of the empire and sought to swallow the others in one of the biggest wars the Chinese civilization had ever had. Legends are born, alliances are made, and blood is spilled.
This game tells the story of a raging war in the eastern continent, with an accurate setting and a thrilling plot. Narrated with expertise, this story beautifully fits theTotal Warfranchise, with massive battles and bloodthirsty warlords with incredible tactical skills. Billions of arrows cross the skies, cavalry charges make the earth rumble, and Guandaos are swung around, creating rivers of blood all around. It’s a magnificent game set in a historical period that is both gruesome and interesting.
The exiled son of a British noble family is living in the New World, lying low and minding his own fishing business, when he is suddenly pressed by a missive from his sister, Hannah, warning him aboutevents happening back in England. Horrified by the notice of his father being accused of treason, the noble and his best friend Aarhant start an enterprise to save up money and travel back to the Old World.
Against the backdrop of the Industrial Revolution, the pair establish a plan, then grow a business. They plan to take back the lost family’s legacy from the clutches of an evil uncle, a money-thirsty tycoon who would stop at nothing to erase the siblings' legacy and tarnish their reputation as children of a traitor, paving the way for the success of his hostile takeover.Anno 1800is one of the few games in the franchise that has a story campaign, and the devs nailed it.
An incredible saga of sword and sorcery in the worlds of the Astral Sea,Age of Wonders 4is filled with mystery, powerful magic, and ruthless conquerors. Players incarnate the Astral Champion, humanity’sparagon in the fight against the evilWizard Kings who have returned to Athla with the purpose of chaining it to their dominion forever.
With incredible worldbuilding and even better grand strategy mechanics, this 4x game transports players to a world on the axis of the universe. It features bountiful resources, strange creatures, and a deep plot that goes beyond what is expected in such games. Ancient magic awakens in a setting where Gods walk the lands, and civilizations rise and fall.
An exiled tribe heeds the call of their dying Bear God. A daemon prince forges a bloody path to become the supreme commander of the forces of Chaos. The wood elves seek to unite the tribes to face a common threat. The incredibly deep and bloody dark fantasy lore of theWarhammerfranchise is taken to a whole new level by Creative Assembly, proving that they’re the kings of grand strategy games.
If players own the two previousTotal War: Warhammergames, theycan also enjoy the previous games' campaigns, so there are plenty of great stories to explore with the coolest and most refined mechanics in a 4x game. The enormous Old World campaign with a persistent scenario can give way to endless playthroughs that will submerge the players into a brutal and dangerous conflict spanning the ages.
The history of the Great Roman Empire unfolds in front of the eyes of the players, from theTotal Warperspective, the Punic wars are retold like never before. Under the shadow of the Great General Hannibal Barca, events like the Cross of the Alps and the rise of a Republic are the perfect setting for players to enjoy a massive grand strategy game.
Players have access to the full power of the Roman Empire at their disposal, but if they wish, they can also engage in multiple sub-campaigns. There are modes with several factions to pick from, including the Arveni, Carthage, the Egyptian Empire, the Iceni, the Macedonian Empire, the Pontus, the Parthians, and the Suebi.Total War: Rome 2covers a thrilling historical period, with many legendary battles and commanders, and it is definitely one of the most addictive grand strategy games with an enthralling story.
