The strategy genre has been experiencing a renaissance in recent years. At one point, such games were released in scarce numbers, and there were reasons for that. However, classic RTS games have evolved and improved, once again attracting attention to the genre. Now, we have more strategy games to look forward to, and 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for strategy enthusiasts. Today, we have compiled a list of the most anticipated titles.
Civilization VII
- Release Date: February 7, 2025
- Platforms: PC, PS5, XSX|S
- Multiplayer: Up to 8 players
Let’s start with the flagship of the grand strategy genre, making a triumphant return—Civilization VII. Even if you’re skeptical about its three-era concept, let’s be honest: this game will likely end up in your library. And not just yours—everyone will be playing it.
In the new installment, your strategic decisions shape the unique cultural path of your growing empire. You’ll take control of one of the legendary civilizations in world history, guiding it from antiquity to the modern age. Expand territories by building grand cities and architectural wonders, pave the way for technological breakthroughs, and decide whether to wage wars or forge alliances. If you’re up for the challenge, explore uncharted lands and outmaneuver your competitors.
Civilization VII aims to bring back the feeling of absolute power, introducing refined mechanics. Whether you choose to be an explorer of the Ancient Age, a diplomatic genius of the Middle Ages, or an industrial giant of the Modern Era—the choice is yours. You can develop your own strategy in the single-player campaign or test your skills in competitive multiplayer. Interestingly, the number of players in multiplayer mode varies depending on the era. For example, during Antiquity and the Age of Exploration, only five players can compete, but in the Modern Era, battles expand to eight participants. This unique limitation adds an extra layer of focus to each phase of the game.
Kaiserpunk
- Release Date: February 27, 2025
- Platforms: PC
- Multiplayer: Up to 4 players
Kaiserpunk is an ambitious blend of city-building simulation and grand strategy, set in an alternate 20th century filled with political intrigue and economic opportunities. The game’s core concept revolves around building your own city-state, requiring not just architectural prowess but also careful management of production and logistics. Every decision—from constructing factories to optimizing transport routes—demands strategic planning. All of this unfolds against a dynamic world backdrop, where global events directly impact your policies.
The game’s standout feature is its emphasis on expanding influence. Kaiserpunk offers more than just a sandbox for construction—it presents a living world map where you’ll fight for resources, form alliances, and engage in conflicts with other nations. As you transition from local matters to global decisions, you’ll shape both your economy and your own version of world politics. The developers are clearly aiming to attract a broader audience by focusing on city-building mechanics rather than the traditional rigidity of grand strategy games. However, competition is fierce, and it will take something truly innovative for this game to stand out in a crowded market.
Tempest Rising
- Release Date: April 24, 2025
- Platforms: PC
- Multiplayer: Up to 4 players
Fans of Command & Conquer can rejoice—Tempest Rising is poised to become its spiritual successor. This game presents itself as a classic real-time strategy title inspired by the golden era of the genre from the 90s and 2000s, but with modern technology and graphics. If you’ve been missing base-building RTS games, this one is for you!
Set in a modern world, Tempest Rising features three unique factions battling for resources, territory, and influence. Each faction has its own approach to economy and warfare, allowing players to develop strategies that match their preferred playstyle. Maps are filled with neutral buildings and settlements that can be conquered or used for strategic advantages.
The gameplay revolves around base construction, resource management, and strategic planning. However, quick reflexes and the ability to make rapid battlefield decisions will also be essential. With adjustable difficulty and gameplay depth, the game caters to both newcomers and seasoned RTS veterans. One of the standout features of Tempest Rising is its soundtrack, composed by Frank Klepacki, the legendary artist behind the music of Command & Conquer. His work is sure to deliver that nostalgic atmosphere beloved by Westwood Studios fans.
Broken Arrow
- Release Date: Q2 2025
- Platforms: PC
- Single-player only
Broken Arrow offers a large-scale real-time tactical strategy experience, focusing on modern warfare. Players will take command of combined forces from two factions—the USA and Russia, each with distinct specialties. You’ll lead marines, armored divisions, mechanized infantry, airborne troops, and more. The game aims to push the genre forward with its emphasis on combined operations, requiring both strategic thinking and lightning-fast decisions.
The intense gameplay blends real-time tactics with deeply strategic scenarios, offering flexibility in battle planning. Each unit matters, and careful coordination can determine the outcome of skirmishes. The Broken Arrow demo, showcased at the “Games to Be” festival, received high praise from the gaming community, particularly for its scale, realism, and detailed combat mechanics. Now, all that remains is to wait for the full release to experience modern military strategy at its best.
Menace
- Release Date: Q3 2025
- Platforms: PC
- Single-player only
From the creators of Battle Brothers comes Menace, a game where players lead the resistance against an alien invasion. This deep turn-based strategy challenges you to manage squads, plan operations, and make every move count. As distress signals arrive from across the galaxy, you must decide which ones to respond to, allocate resources efficiently, and deploy forces at the right moment to minimize losses.
Menace offers complete strategic freedom. Your choices—whether to ignore distress calls, conserve resources, or engage in battle—shape the campaign’s outcome. This flexibility allows for adaptive gameplay, ensuring you’re always adjusting to new threats. The game’s tactical combat is meticulously designed, requiring thoughtful planning, as any wrong decision could cost your team dearly. Fans of XCOM and UFO will appreciate the balance between challenge and depth, as Menace respects the legacy of classic turn-based strategy games.
Espiocracy
- Release Date: 2025
- Platforms: PC
- Single-player only
If you’ve ever wanted to orchestrate covert operations and shape history, Espiocracy is the game for you. This grand strategy title offers a unique perspective on the Cold War, placing you in control of an intelligence agency from one of 74 available nations.
As the invisible force behind global events, you will orchestrate assassinations, manipulate public opinion, organize coups, and stage proxy wars. Your goal is to seize the levers of power using espionage, propaganda, and subterfuge to bend the world order to your will.
Set at the dawn of the Cold War, Espiocracy captures the tense atmosphere of a divided Europe and global rivalries. Your choices will shape ideological movements, alliances, and enemy strategies. This game masterfully blends deep gameplay mechanics with an engaging narrative of espionage, counterintelligence, and clandestine operations. For those who love complex strategies and global conspiracies, Espiocracy is a must-play.
Age of Respair
- Release Date: 2025
- Platforms: PC
- Single-player Only
Introducing Age of Respair, a strategy game where architectural ambitions meet political intrigue. This medieval castle-building strategy invites you to create your dream kingdom—or a land of nightmares. At the core of the gameplay lies the construction of colossal fortresses with well-planned defenses. You must manage resources and establish production chains to maintain a stable economy. The challenge isn’t just about building impenetrable castles but also assembling a powerful army capable of storming enemy strongholds.
However, the key to your kingdom’s prosperity is the happiness of your people. Satisfied subjects will gladly work for the benefit of the castle. Constructing churches, taverns, and entertainment venues will boost morale. But if you neglect the needs of the population, workers may refuse to labor—or even abandon the kingdom altogether. For players with a darker approach, ruling through fear is also an option. By constructing intimidating structures such as torture chambers, you can force your subjects to work faster. However, this will lower overall happiness, potentially damaging your reputation. Balancing fear and contentment will be your ultimate challenge.
Anno 117: Pax Romana
- Release Date: 2025
- Platforms: PC
- Single-player Only
Despite its tendency to experiment with successful franchises, Ubisoft has managed to keep Anno afloat—a great relief for strategy game enthusiasts. This time, the series takes us to the year 117 AD, with the mighty Roman Empire at the height of its glory. Your role is to shape its future. The world of Anno 117: Pax Romana is rich in detail and atmosphere, offering a unique experience of governing the provinces of Latium and Albion. Each territory presents its own challenges, requiring a thoughtful strategic approach. Exploring uncharted lands, managing resources, and balancing diplomacy with military force will be key to your rise—or fall.
As always, Anno 117: Pax Romana focuses on aesthetics and atmosphere. Endless green fields of Italy, the mysterious forests of Britain, and the grandeur of ancient Roman architecture—every detail captures the spirit of the era. With numerous gameplay mechanics, the game will allow you not only to enjoy city-building but also to engage in the grand scale of imperial politics.
These are some of the strategy games worth waiting for in 2025. Some will launch soon, while others remain without a specific release date but are expected by the year’s end. Let us know in the comments which strategy games you’re most excited about and if we missed any similar projects!
With so many exciting strategy games on the horizon, 2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year for the genre. Whether you prefer grand strategy, city-building, real-time tactics, or turn-based combat, there’s something for everyone.
