Strategy games are all about careful planning, quick thinking, and mastering the art of tactical combat. These games test your ability to think ahead, make critical decisions under pressure, and outsmart your opponents. PlayStation offers a wide variety of strategy games, each with its own unique mechanics, settings, and challenges. Whether you’re controlling armies, building civilizations, or leading heroes on epic quests, here are some of the best strategy games available on PlayStation that will keep you thinking and strategizing for hours.
One of the best strategy games available on PlayStation is XCOM 2 (2016), a tactical turn-based strategy game that pits you against an alien invasion. In XCOM 2, you control a group of soldiers as they fight to resist alien occupation on Earth. The game emphasizes careful troop placement, resource management, and strategic combat, with each mission requiring players to carefully plan their movements and attacks to minimize losses. The difficulty ramps up as enemies become more powerful, making each victory feel incredibly rewarding. The game also includes an engaging base-building system where you can manage resources, research new technologies, and upgrade your soldiers, further deepening the strategic elements. With its challenging missions, deep strategy, and intense atmosphere, XCOM 2 is one of the best strategy games on PlayStation.
Civilization VI (2020) is another standout title in the strategy genre, allowing players to build their own civilization from the ground up. Starting with a small settlement, you guide your people through the ages, advancing technologies, establishing cities, and engaging in diplomacy or warfare with other civilizations. Civilization VI offers a deep and complex strategy experience, where every decision can impact the outcome of the game. The game’s unique victory conditions—such as scientific, military, cultural, or diplomatic—give players the freedom to choose how they approach the challenge of becoming the dominant civilization. Whether you’re planning an all-out war or focusing on cultural development, Civilization VI offers countless hours of strategic gameplay. The game’s vast content, including different leaders, civilizations, and scenarios, ensures that no two games are ever the same.
If you’re looking for a strategy game with a more narrative-driven experience, Fire Emblem: Three Houses (2019) is a must-play. While originally a Nintendo exclusive, it has inspired similar titles on PlayStation, such as Valkyria Chronicles 4 (2018). In Valkyria Chronicles 4, you command a group of soldiers in a fictionalized World War II-like conflict, using tactical grid-based combat to outmaneuver your enemies. The game’s strategic gameplay revolves around deploying units to the battlefield, utilizing their special abilities, and engaging in cover-based combat. The added layer of a heartfelt narrative, focusing on friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice, gives the game emotional depth, making each battle feel more personal. The unique combination of tactics, storytelling, and emotional engagement makes Valkyria Chronicles 4 one of the best strategy games on PlayStation.
For players who enjoy more traditional real-time strategy (RTS) gameplay, Command & Conquer Remastered Collection (2020) brings back the classic Command & Conquer series with updated graphics and modernized controls. In this collection, you take command Irit4d of one of two factions—GDI or the Brotherhood of Nod—competing for global domination through tactical combat and resource management. The real-time strategy mechanics in Command & Conquer are straightforward but offer a rich experience of base-building, managing units, and coordinating large-scale battles. The remastered edition allows players to experience these iconic RTS games with a modern touch, preserving their original charm while updating the visuals for a new generation. Command & Conquer remains one of the most influential strategy franchises, and this remastered collection offers both nostalgia and fresh gameplay for long-time fans and newcomers alike.
For fans of the strategy genre who prefer a more fantasy-based setting, Total War: Warhammer II (2017) is an excellent choice. Set in a rich fantasy world filled with magic, mythical creatures, and epic armies, Total War: Warhammer II combines turn-based strategy with real-time tactical combat. As you control one of several factions, you must manage resources, grow your empire, and engage in large-scale battles against other factions. The game’s huge, diverse roster of units and factions allows for a variety of playstyles, from aggressive warmongering to diplomatic maneuvering. The combination of strategic decision-making and real-time battle tactics makes Total War: Warhammer II one of the most exciting and complex strategy games available on PlayStation.
Shining Force IV (2022), while a newer release, has become a fan favorite for strategy RPG enthusiasts. This title blends classic turn-based tactical combat with character progression and a compelling story. Set in a fantasy world filled with mythical creatures, the game features a diverse cast of characters, each with unique abilities and strengths. The emphasis on unit positioning and skill usage makes every battle feel challenging, as players must think several moves ahead to defeat enemy forces. The game’s beautifully designed world and well-paced narrative add an extra layer of depth to the strategy experience, making Shining Force IV a standout title for those who enjoy both strategic combat and storytelling.
