Strategy games, while part of a broad and diverse genre, tend to feature wartime settings. WW2, civil war, alien invasions, are all common settings in this genre. However, there are many games that bend these clichés in unique ways, or take place in completely different worlds.
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The best strategy games set in harsh environments
From icy deserts to desolate deserts to Lovecraftian caves, players must be smart to survive in these strategy games.
Efforts have been made to include all types of strategy games, including real-time, turn-based, 4X, and deck-builders. Some titles have little twists or particularly unique tones, while others combine specific art-styles with individualistic worlds.
8 Battle brothers
Gritty violence in a grim-dark medieval-fantasy world
Battle brothers
Indie games
Strategic
RPG
Strategy
Adventure
- issued
- April 27, 2015
- developer
- Overhype Studios, Ukiyo Publications Limited
- OpenCritic rating
- strong
Creepy, medieval setting Battle brothers It may seem bland on the surface, but its vaguely dark tones and less imaginative elements give it a unique spin. The game itself is a turn-based strategy game with heavy elements of resource/party management, tasking players with running a company of gritty mercenaries.
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Open world sandbox games with strategic combat
The following open-world games are all either inherently sandboxed or have sandbox mods, and they all require players to use their heads in combat.
The grim-dark tone, gruesome violence, and medieval-fantasy setting are surprisingly fresh. Fighting against the game's monstrous creatures feels particularly heroic at times, though players should expect to often lose characters in battle.
7 Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden
Turn-based strategy in a strange post-apocalypse
Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden
- issued
- December 4, 2018
- developer(s)
- Women with beards
- OpenCritic rating
- strong
Taking place in a post-apocalypse filled with extreme mutants, this turn-based strategy game combines classic strategy with elements of stealth. Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden Offers players a unique setting that trades desolate wastelands and gloomy NPCs for lush, overgrown wilderness and charismatic characters.
Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden Its world is described as “post-human,” overtaken by nature and populated by mutated characters. These mutants, and the eerie environment provided by the post-human setting, allow this Mutant Year Zero Be a unique experience.
6 A dark dungeon
A grim-dark dungeon-crawler with a Lovecraftian spin
- issued
- January 19, 2016
- developer(s)
- Red Hook Studios
- OpenCritic rating
- the mighty
The gothic, hand-drawn scenery, Lovecraftian creatures, and downright creepy tone result in a unique feel. A dark dungeon. The downbeat atmosphere and unforgiving gameplay may be too much for some players, however of a dark dungeon The dark-dark setting is dense.
A dark dungeon A turn-based strategy game with elements of dungeon-crawling structure and resource/party management. Players can expect rigorous gameplay that is often frustrating, but equally strategic. Furthermore, the near-constant gloom that hangs over the game makes some moments of heroism truly memorable.
5 Griftlands
A unique Sci-Fi world depicted in a distinctive style
Griftlands
RPG
Indie games
Adventure
Strategy
- issued
- July 11, 2019
- OpenCritic rating
- the mighty
This roguelike deck-builder, developed by prolific Klei Entertainment (Does not contain oxygen, Don't be hungry), stands out with its story-driven design and unique sci-fi setting. Klei's unique art-style certainly helps, though griftlands' The setting is heightened by imaginative character design, evocative writing, and fantasy elements.
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The best sci-fi deck-builders
Players who love deck-builders with a sci-fi twist will love what the following games bring to the table.
Griftlands It also succeeds with its gameplay, featuring two separate systems for combat and negotiation using unique decks. It allows for a lot of strategy and varied gameplay that encourages players to tackle challenges from different angles.
4 Teeth and tail
An accessible RTS in a Redwall-style setting
- Platform(s): PC, PlayStation
- Release: 2017
- Developer(s): Pocketwatch Games
- Genre: RTS
Teeth and tail is an accessible real-time strategy game that doesn't require fast pace to succeed. Its gameplay alone makes it a unique title, however Teeth and tail Also successful with your specific setting.
Teeth and tail Takes place during a civil war between anthropomorphized animals, a setting reminiscent of the proposal RedwallAlthough with darker tones. For fans of real-time strategy games, anthropomorphized animals, and fast-paced games, Teeth and tail worth trying.
3 Wildfrost
A challenging deck-builder in a cartoon winter wonderland
Wildfrost
- issued
- April 12, 2023
- developer
- Deadpan game, Gaziter
- OpenCritic rating
- strong
one of Wildfrost The biggest strength is its charming cartoon art-style, depicting a unique, whimsical world trapped in eternal winter. However, players should not let charm and whimsy steer them in the wrong direction. Wildfrost Can be a challenging game.
This unique roguelike deck-builder tasks players with battling enemies using a variety of allies, weapons, and spells. The game uses an innovative “cooldown” system that controls the turns of both the player and their enemies, although it can be difficult to read at times. Despite the challenges Wildfrost offers, it never ceases to fascinate, thanks in large part to its setting. This winter wonderland is filled with creative character designs and unique creatures, constantly offering imaginative surprises.
2 Dunes: Spice Wars
Deep strategy in Frank Herbert's iconic sci-fi setting
Dunes: The Spice Wars
- issued
- September 14, 2023
- developer(s)
- Shiro Games
- OpenCritic rating
- strong
The iconic universe of Frank Herbert the dunes One of the most unique and elaborate settings in science fiction. Ecology, complex politics, and economics are always in play the duneand Dunes: Spice Wars Adapting it to the video game format does an admirable job.
of Dune A unique taste is present Dunes: The Spice WarsComplete with dangerous sand-worms and absolutely hostile terrain. On its surface, the dune It may look like a simple desert, but the mechanical way in which Dunes: Spice Wars adapts of Dune Ideas keep the specific setting intact.
1 Kenshi
A truly exotic wasteland
- issued
- December 6, 2018
- developer
- Lo-Fi games
- OpenCritic rating
- strong
a lot Kensi's The world is completely and utterly unique, a setting made up mostly of desolate wastelands. However, there are different types of biomes in this world, and they are all dangerous in their own unique way.
Gameplay of Kenshi Mostly free-form, its unique world offers an open sandbox for players to explore as they see fit. It's a harsh and unforgiving place, however, and players should expect to struggle at first.
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The best strategy game set in the desert
Sandy deserts can be an inspiring backdrop for video games. Here are some great strategy titles set in the desert heat.