2. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition (2019)

Another cult classic, Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings, received a remastered version with the release of Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition in 2019 to celebrate the original’s 20th anniversary. While Age of Kings was a must-play game for all fans of strategy games, this remastered version improves on every aspect while retaining all the elements that made the original so beloved by gamers.

The Definitive Edition supports 4K graphics, better visuals for troops and structures, as well as a spectator mode. Developers also added several new factions and campaigns that will surely entice classic fans and new players alike. All previous expansions of the original were also remastered.

Although it was only released for Windows, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition was received well by critics and players. It received a score of 84 out of 100 from Metacritic and 78 out of 100 from PC Gamer (UK).

3. Sid Meier’s Civilization V (2010)

Civilization V is the fifth installment in Sid Meier’s Civilization series. Released in 2010 for Windows, macOS, and Linux, this instant classic is widely regarded as the best game of the franchise and the quintessential turn-based strategy game.

You take control of one civilization with the task of guiding its development from prehistoric times to the far future. You will manage both civilian and military units, commanding them to perform tasks such as finding new cities, developing land, and going to war. Players will also have to handle production, construction, diplomacy, and directing the growth in technology.

You will have to meet a victory condition or be the top-scoring civilization by the end of the last game turn to win the game. Civilization V received a 9 out of 10 rating from IGN and 93 out of 100 from PC Gamer (US). It also won the 2010 BAFTA for Best Strategy Game.