Inspired by tabletop games such as chess and backgammon, strategy video games have been a staple in the gaming industry since their inception. You can spot a strategy game through its most common elements like having units to command, resource and economic challenges, settlement construction, a technology tree, and a world map.

Strategy games are often divided into several subtypes. They can be real-time or turn-based and focused on strategy or tactics. The common factor is the need for superior planning skills in order to win. While turn-based strategy games were more common in earlier years since they were less graphically demanding, real-time games have become more popular in recent years.

These days, however, a combination of both subgenres can be found in most popular strategy games, as exemplified by the Total War franchise. Since most strategy games are released predominantly for the PC, we decided to include games that were released mostly for Windows and macOS for this list. We also made sure to note if a game was available for other platforms. Check out our list of the 10 best strategy games of all time.

1. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty (2010)

This was the long-awaited sequel to the 1998 cult-classic StarCraft and its expansion, BroodWar. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty takes place a few years after the story of BroodWar and features the return of major characters like Jim Raynor and Sarah Kerrigan.

Unlike the original game, StarCraft II introduces a non-linear campaign for the Terran faction, with Raynor’s Rebels taking mercenary jobs to raise funds and purchase additional units and upgrades. The sequel also introduces 3D graphics as opposed to the original that was limited to 2D.

StarCraft II was critically acclaimed and is widely considered to be one of the best video games on the market. Its expansions, Heart of the Swarm and Legacy of the Void were released in 2013 and 2015 respectively.