Best strategy games with unique settings

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

systems

Super grayscale 8 bit logo PC-1

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

systems

PC-1 Xbox-1

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


systems

PC-1

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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