If you love Civilization 6, you know the thrill of crafting your strategy, managing resources, and guiding your civilization to victory on your terms. It’s a unique experience, blending deep strategy with the freedom to shape your path to success. Each game is a sprawling, multi-day affair packed with complex decisions and satisfying moments.
But what if you're looking for something new that still captures that same magic? Finding a game that hits all the right notes can be tough, but don’t worry—there’s a wealth of fantastic strategy games out there that offer a similar experience. Whether you're craving a journey into space, a dive into sci-fi, the legacy of ruling monarchs, or just a fresh twist on the Civ formula, we’ve got you covered with a list of games that are sure to scratch that strategic itch before Civ 7 arrives.
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+ 7Age of Wonders: Planetfall
First up, we’ve got Age of Wonders: Planetfall—think Civilization but set on alien worlds. That alone should have strategy fans excited, but let’s dig a bit deeper.
You’ll choose from several factions and even customize your commander, giving you a personal touch in your quest for dominance. From there, it’s all about gathering resources, expanding your territory, and building up an army that can include dinosaurs with laser beams. Yes, you heard that right—dinosaurs with laser beams. This game just keeps getting cooler the more we talk about it. So really, what are you waiting for? Go play it already!
click to enlarge + 7Stellaris
Stellaris takes your strategy game experience to the vast reaches of outer space, and things get really interesting here. One of the standout features is the semi-random events that can pop up during your playthrough. These events keep you on your toes and can range from bizarre occurrences to downright catastrophic, like extra-dimensional robots showing up with the sole purpose of wiping out everything.
In Stellaris, you’ll guide your chosen alien race through all sorts of challenges, starting with a small slice of space and working your way up to control an entire galaxy. The journey is filled with trials and triumphs as you expand your influence and power. Multiplayer games are especially engaging, but much like Civilization, be prepared to clear your schedule—you’ll need a good chunk of time to see it through.
click to enlarge + 7Total War: Three Kingdoms
The Total War series is a powerhouse in the strategy game world, and honestly, any of the recent entries could easily earn a spot on this list. In fact, we could probably make an entire list dedicated to just Total War games, and you’d still be thrilled because they’re just that good. But if we had to pick one standout, Three Kingdoms would be it.
Set against the backdrop of the legendary Three Kingdoms period, this game refines everything the series does so well. You’ll navigate multiple intertwining stories as each faction vies to leave its mark on history. As fans of the Dynasty Warriors series, we have a special soft spot for Three Kingdoms—it’s like getting to spend even more time with the iconic characters we first fell in love with. It’s a must-play for anyone who loves epic tales and deep strategy.
click to enlarge + 7Endless Legend
Endless Legend is a strategy game that swaps out the usual spearmen for fantastical creatures and magical realms. Don’t get us wrong, dudes with spears are cool, but when you throw in dragons and other mystical beings, it takes things to a whole new level.
In Endless Legend, you’ll choose from one of eight unique civilizations, each offering its own mechanics and rich storylines to dive into. The game’s worlds are randomly generated, so every playthrough offers something fresh and new to discover. This endless variety means you can keep playing and exploring, always finding something different each time. If you’re looking for a strategy game that blends fantasy with depth, Endless Legend has got you covered.
click to enlarge + 7The Battle for Polytopia
Not every great game needs flashy graphics, and The Battle of Polytopia proves that beautifully. This charming indie gem simplifies the strategy genre, stripping away the excess to deliver a pure, streamlined experience.
You’ll still guide your civilization to victory, expanding your influence, researching new technologies, and possibly conquering everything in sight. But unlike some of the more epic-length games on this list, Polytopia keeps things short and sweet. It also features multiplayer matches with up to 15 players, turning the chaos up to eleven and making for some seriously fun and frantic gameplay. If you’re looking for a quick, engaging strategy fix, The Battle of Polytopia is a must-try.
click to enlarge + 7Crusader Kings 3
Crusader Kings 3 isn’t exactly like Civilization—technically, it’s a grand strategy game rather than a 4X—but it’s so fantastic that we’re recommending it anyway. In Crusader Kings 3, you’ll guide an entire bloodline through generations, facing challenges and making decisions that can lead to some hilariously unexpected outcomes.
The game’s more personal focus allows you to dive into the nitty-gritty of individual characters and their interactions, while still giving you control over the broader, global scale of your empire. It’s a massive game that demands your full attention and time, but the rewards are absolutely worth it. And here’s a bonus—it’s available on consoles, which is pretty rare for strategy games. If you’re ready for a deep, immersive experience that spans centuries, Crusader Kings 3 is a must-play.
click to enlarge + 7Northgard
Last but not least, we have Northgard, a game that puts you in charge of a Viking clan as they attempt to conquer a new continent. This game challenges you to carve your path to victory while carefully managing resources to ensure your clan’s survival. With different clans to choose from, each offering unique strengths and weaknesses, you’ll find plenty of variety and strategic depth.
Much like Civilization, Northgard offers multiple paths to victory, but the experience feels more intimate as you’re focused on leading a single clan rather than an entire empire. The game is full of moving parts, and with so much that can go wrong, the potential for disaster is always looming. But if you can navigate the challenges and emerge victorious, you’re in for a truly rewarding experience. Plus, you can take on your friends in multiplayer, adding an extra layer of fun to the mix.
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That's it strategy game fans! We hope you found the perfect alternative to Civilization using our guide. Stay tuned for more articles like this at Gfinity.
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