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Essays 04 January 2024, 19:00

The Best Strategy Games of 2023 - Editors' Choice

Strategy games are definitely not the AAA sector, but that doesn't change the fact that every year quite a few really interesting titles from this genre get into our hands. This time was no different, and below you will find a list of our favorites.

The passing year was packed with great games. Above all, fans of RPGs and action games from the AAA segment should be satisfied. However, this doesn't mean that strategy enthusiasts didn't find anything among the plethora of new games. While it wasn't a year filled with games in this specific genre, there are easily a few titles that deserve your attention.

So, we have compiled a list of representatives of strategy games, showcasing their diverse variations. No matter if you like traditional RTS games or tactical sandboxes, you'll definitely find something for yourself here. Each of the mentioned games can guarantee many hours of fun – we are convinced that for every strategy enthusiasts it will be time well spent.

HOW WAS THIS LIST COMPILED It was created based on the votes of our editors. The ranking includes only games that were released in full version this year. So you won't find any titles here that are still in Early Access.

6. Aliens Dark Descent

Aliens Dark Descent, Tindalos Interactive, 2023.

  1. Developer: Tindalos Interactive
  2. Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X
  3. What is this game: a tactical isometric shooter, in which you'll face hordes of xenomorphs
  4. Number of points scored in the vote: 44

Our list begins with another release from the Alien universe in recent years, which has captured the hearts of both players and critics. We're talking about Aliens Dark Descent, a tactical game with RPG elements, where we take charge of a team of marines sent to combat xenomorphs on the moon Lethe.

Although Dark Descent is included in our strategy ranking, it's essentially a blend of numerous genres. Besides engaging in real-time tactical battles (although we can use an active pause), we also experience elements of survival horror, stealth, and RPG, all accompanied by a storyline supported by full-fledged cutscenes. This combination made it possible to develop a title that perfectly captures the atmosphere of James Cameron's iconic Aliens.

Apart from fighting xenomorphs, the game also enables the free selection of missions and puts in our hands the equipment upgrade system and the headquarters divided into multiple sectors, along with mechanics for managing the marines themselves. If the idea of a game that combines numerous genres doesn't scare you, and you're a fan of the Alien universe, Dark Descent will offer you plenty of thrills.

5. Age of Wonders 4

Age of Wonders 4, Triumph Studios , 2023.

  1. Developer: Triumph Studios
  2. Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X
  3. What is this game: a 4X strategy focused on freedom
  4. Number of points scored in the vote: 44

Age of Wonders 4 is another full-fledged installment of the cult series, for which we had to wait 9 long years since the premiere of its predecessor. Fortunately, patience paid off, as the fourth installment proved to be an excellent title, appealing to both series fans and players who weren't yet familiar with it.

At first sight, it appears to be a conventional 4X strategy game set in a fantasy world. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that AoW4 provides mechanics that are rare in the majority of other titles on the market. We're talking about the kingdom creator, which enables players to establish their own faction from the ground up. So we can choose the race, its features, strengths and weaknesses, character and appearance. There's no obstacle to choosing even the most absurd combinations, which aren't found in any other fantasy.

However, the gameplay is based on a formula familiar to all genre fans. We expand our kingdom, engage in territorial expansion, and either fight or cooperate with other nations while exploiting resources. We can also have a significant impact on the environment within the game and use spells to change the lands under our control into terrains with a completely different climate. The game offers many opportunities, and the gameplay depends solely on us.

Przemyslaw Dygas

Przemyslaw Dygas

He published a lot of news on GRYOnline.pl, some reviews and a few articles. Currently runs the Cooldown.pl site and serves as a junior SEO specialist. He first published journalistic texts on his private blog; later he took up writing seriously when his news and reviews ended up on a now non-existent film portal. In his free time, he tries to keep up with the premieres of new strategies and RPGs, unless he is replaying Pillars of Eternity or Mass Effect for umpteenth time. He also likes cinematography and tries to visit the nearby cinema at least once a month to keep up with the movies he is interested in.

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