Most gamers are familiar with mind-bending puzzles and riddles in our favorite games. Usually, those challenges are short-lived in most gaming genres, unless, of course, you’re playing a puzzle game like Portal. There are, however, other kinds of games that can hook anyone who gives them a chance, and those are strategy games.
These strategy games will put the decision-making skill to the test for every player while incentivizing them to think outside the box and be fierce to win. The best part? All of the following games are free for the taking on Steam.
Zero-K
Zero-K is a free-to-play Open Source game that has clear inspirations on Total Annihilation and Supreme Commander. Compared to a lot of other RTS games, this one is pretty balanced. Not only that, but Zero-K also provides a lot of freedom that most RTS don’t.
There are a lot of quality of life features that set this game apart from others. The smooth gameplay, combined with the physics-based combat, the way the player can interact with the terrain really makes every battle feel organic, intense, and epic.
It’s easy to tell that the developers have put tremendous effort into creating a great experience for every player. They also seem to be heavily involved with the community and the game itself, which is a nice change of pace for the gaming industry.
Not to mention the massive amount of content available, considering that this game is free, I have to say it’s pretty impressive the number of hours you can dedicate to this strategy game and still be nowhere close to scratching the surface of all you can do.Â
RISK: Global Domination
The board game Risk comes to life from your coffee table to your monitor. It’s surprising to see a licensed game to be available for free, considering that most would get the game out of name recognition alone, yet we have the good fortune to have this in our hands.Â
With multiple game modes that allow for Single Player and Online Multiplayer, you have troops with the job of allocating them to fight your enemies in order to win. Your objectives will vary depending on what game mode you play. The online modes allow you to play with friends or with randoms online, and it comes with a ranking system. Of course, the most prominent one is the classic World Domination, where you have to conquer the entire map in order to win.
As complementary to the classic are Zombie Survival mode, Roman Empire mode, World War II mode, which really adds to the replayability of the game. Not only that, but there are also 5-Round Rumble, where you have to conquer as much territory as you possibly can in five rounds, Capital Conquest, where you choose a capital and will have to defend it against other players; a Zombie Apocalypse where you also have to fight off hordes of zombies, and the 70% Domination, where the game will end earlier as whoever controls 70% of territory will win.
War Selection
War Selection is an early-access, real-time strategy game where we start in the Stone Age and work through the Bronze and Iron Age all the way to medieval times and the industrial revolution. The mechanics are reminiscent of other RTS games like Empire Earth and Rise of Nations.
This free strategy game is beginner-friendly thanks to its slow pace as it introduces new mechanics in an organic way without overwhelming the player. The concept of different nations having different core gameplay mechanics is interesting enough to set it apart from other RTS games, along with compelling team matches, which is the main selling point of War Selection. The striking visuals and neat sound effects also add to the enjoyment, of course.
As it’s early access at the time of this writing, there are a lot of features that are yet to come out, such as story mode, more starting areas, and more ages to play through after the ones already available. So it’s definitively a title worth keeping an eye on.
Airmech Strike
Airmech Strike is a fast-paced, action RTS game with a charming visual style and DOTA-like gameplay. Dive into Michael Bay’s wet dream as you take control of transforming robots fighting each other for dominance.
The game is a lot of fun and can be played either competitively or cooperatively. The map has several bases to be captured, and each player has two main bases. Now, as this is a free strategy game, Airmech is no stranger to microtransactions; however, every single purchase to be made is purely cosmetic or as part of collectibles. Suffice to say that it is refreshing to see a smaller title free game that doesn’t rely on pay-to-win schemes.
Minion Masters
Minion Masters provides an endearing introduction to a card-based real-time strategy for those who haven’t tried it before. Like most others on this list, this competitive strategy game is beginner-friendly with the way it introduces its core mechanics while also providing engaging gameplay. This game is more action-focused than most other card-based games, with duels that are simple to play but hard to master.Â
With ten cards at your disposal and up to two wild cards, the different styles and combinations that can be created are mind-boggling. The battles are fun and seem like a child between Hearthstone and League of Legends.
While the matchmaking has a lot to be desired, Minion Masters is an amazingly fun, easy to get into card game that will have you hooked for a good while.
Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Links
Back with another card collecting strategy game, Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Links is a more simplified take on Yu-Gi-Oh with plenty of mechanics that work together in synergy to provide the player with a rewarding yet challenging experience.Â
Keep in mind that this free strategy game plays similarly to a lot of mobile games. That’s probably because Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Links was made primarily with mobile devices in mind, so if that’s not your cup of tea, it’s understandable. With that said, though, I would highly recommend this game to both Yu-Gi-Oh fans, and card games fans equally.Â
The interface is bold and crisp, easy to get into for beginners, and astonishing artwork. And while the UI may be a little intimidating for new players as it’s filled with information, it’s a matter of getting used to.Â
Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Links can be played either solo in a Single Player Campaign or in online PvP, along with a few other game modes that will keep you entertained for hours on end.
Crusader Kings II
 A medieval Grand Strategy game set somewhere between 1066 and 1337, depending on what point you start. Crusader Kings II allows you to pick a lord and continue to play his line of succession throughout the ages to further cement your dynasty and expand your glory.
Despite the fact that you rule over entire countries, Crusader Kings II is different from the rest of grand strategy games in the fact that it decides to focus on the lords ruling over the countries instead of the nations themselves. Your power will grow over time with each conquest to an addicting degree.
Each character you play will have different traits that will have a role in how the game plays out. No two monarchs will rule their kingdoms in the same way since their character traits might be completely different from each other. You can form alliances through marriage, like in real life, to expand the reach of your influence.
While this game is amazing for those who love the genre, it is still worth noting that this game has a steep learning curve, which is something that may deter some players. However, once all the pieces fit together, and you figure out how the game works, that’s when Crusader Kings II really shines.
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