Best Strategy Games on Steam
Steam currently has 34,765 Strategy games available to download and play. Explore our list of the best picks ranked by Player Score. Our Player Score rankings are calculated directly from reviews left on the Steam store and will be updated in real-time as more players leave their feedback. Strategy game rankings were last updated on 1/17/2025.
Looking for more? Explore other lists such as:
- Free strategy games on Steam
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- Best strategy Steam games for Mac OS
- Free Steam games
- Most played Steam games
- Best rated Steam games
1. RimWorld
A sci-fi colony sim driven by an intelligent AI storyteller. Generates stories by simulating psychology, ecology, gunplay, melee combat, climate, biomes, diplomacy, interpersonal relationships, art, medicine, trade, and more.
RimWorld holds the #1 spot for "best Strategy game on Steam" with a Player Score of 97. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 202,060 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 197,991 positive reviews and 4,069 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.
It is priced at $34.99 to play and can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. Valve has also verified it as playable on the Steam Deck and will run well.
| Steam Price | $34.99 |
| Release Date | 10/17/2018 |
| Developer | Ludeon Studios |
| Publisher | Ludeon Studios |
| Steam App Id | 294100 |
2. Balatro
The poker roguelike. Balatro is a hypnotically satisfying deckbuilder where you play illegal poker hands, discover game-changing jokers, and trigger adrenaline-pumping, outrageous combos.
Balatro has achieved a Player Score of 97, placing it in the #2 spot for the best Strategy games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 118,268 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 116,105 positive reviews and 2,163 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.
It is priced at $14.99 to play and can be played and ran on both Windows and Mac systems. Valve has also verified it as playable on the Steam Deck and will run well.
| Steam Price | $14.99 |
| Release Date | 2/20/2024 |
| Franchise | Playstack |
| Developer | LocalThunk |
| Publishers | |
| Steam App Id | 2379780 |
3. Slay the Spire
We fused card games and roguelikes together to make the best single player deckbuilder we could. Craft a unique deck, encounter bizarre creatures, discover relics of immense power, and Slay the Spire!
Slay the Spire has achieved a Player Score of 97, placing it in the #3 spot for the best Strategy games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 173,142 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 169,383 positive reviews and 3,759 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.
It is priced at $8.49 to play and can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. Valve has also verified it as playable on the Steam Deck and will run well.
| Steam Price | $8.49 |
| Release Date | 1/23/2019 |
| Developers | |
| Publishers | |
| Steam App Id | 646570 |
4. Totally Accurate Battle Simulator
Be the leader of wobblers from ancient lands, spooky places, and fantasy worlds. Watch them fight in simulations made with the wobbliest physics system ever created, make your own wobblers in the unit creator and send your army off to fight your friends in multiplayer.
Totally Accurate Battle Simulator has achieved a Player Score of 96, placing it in the #4 spot for the best Strategy games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 131,691 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 128,835 positive reviews and 2,856 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.
It is priced at $19.99 to play and can be played and ran on both Windows and Mac systems. Valve has also verified it as playable on the Steam Deck and will run well.
| Steam Price | $19.99 |
| Release Date | 4/1/2021 |
| Franchise | Landfall Games |
| Developer | Landfall |
| Publisher | Landfall |
| Steam App Id | 508440 |
5. Mount & Blade: Warband
In a land torn asunder by incessant warfare, it is time to assemble your own band of hardened warriors and enter the fray. Lead your men into battle, expand your realm, and claim the ultimate prize: the throne of Calradia!
Mount & Blade: Warband has achieved a Player Score of 96, placing it in the #5 spot for the best Strategy games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 164,657 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 160,926 positive reviews and 3,731 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.
It is priced at $19.99 to play and can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Mount & Blade: Warband on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Steam Price | $19.99 |
| Release Date | 3/31/2010 |
| Developer | TaleWorlds Entertainment |
| Publisher | TaleWorlds Entertainment |
| Steam App Id | 48700 |
6. Counter-Strike
Play the world's number 1 online action game. Engage in an incredibly realistic brand of terrorist warfare in this wildly popular team-based game. Ally with teammates to complete strategic missions. Take out enemy sites. Rescue hostages. Your role affects your team's success. Your team's success affects your role.
Counter-Strike has achieved a Player Score of 96, placing it in the #6 spot for the best Strategy games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 246,401 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 240,093 positive reviews and 6,308 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.
It is priced at $9.99 to play and can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Counter-Strike on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
7. Bloons TD 6
The Bloons are back and better than ever! Get ready for a massive 3D tower defense game designed to give you hours and hours of the best strategy gaming available.
Bloons TD 6 has achieved a Player Score of 96, placing it in the #7 spot for the best Strategy games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 342,290 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 333,081 positive reviews and 9,209 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.
It is priced at $13.99 to play and can be played and ran on both Windows and Mac systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Bloons TD 6 on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Steam Price | $13.99 |
| Release Date | 12/18/2018 |
| Franchise | Ninja Kiwi Games |
| Developer | Ninja Kiwi |
| Publisher | Ninja Kiwi |
| Steam App Id | 960090 |
8. The WereCleaner
Kyle is a Janitor. He's also a Werewolf. And now he's got the night shift. Try not to kill anyone while working to get your paycheck - in a stealth-comedy game with surprises around every corner.
The WereCleaner has achieved a Player Score of 96, placing it in the #8 spot for the best Strategy games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 8,413 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 8,372 positive reviews and 41 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.
It is completely free to play and can be played and ran on Windows systems. Valve has also verified it as playable on the Steam Deck and will run well.
| Release Date | 5/7/2024 |
| Developer | Howlin' Hugs |
| Publisher | USC Games |
| Steam App Id | 2795000 |
9. Plants vs. Zombies GOTY Edition
Zombies are invading your home, and the only defense is your arsenal of plants! Armed with an alien nursery-worth of zombie-zapping plants like peashooters and cherry bombs, you'll need to think fast and plant faster to stop dozens of types of zombies dead in their tracks.
Plants vs. Zombies GOTY Edition has achieved a Player Score of 96, placing it in the #9 spot for the best Strategy games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 135,872 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 132,591 positive reviews and 3,281 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.
It is priced at $4.99 to play and can be played and ran on both Windows and Mac systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Plants vs. Zombies GOTY Edition on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Steam Price | $4.99 |
| Release Date | 5/5/2009 |
| Franchise | PopCap EA |
| Developer | PopCap Games, Inc. |
| Publishers | |
| Steam App Id | 3590 |
10. Papa's Freezeria Deluxe
Return to Calypso Island to serve seasonal sundae treats in Papa's Freezeria Deluxe! Craft sundaes in the Freezeria for all your quirky customers while earning tips, points and Special Recipes. Switch gears and take a trip in the Food Truck to concoct your own chilly creations and see who shows up!
Papa's Freezeria Deluxe has achieved a Player Score of 96, placing it in the #10 spot for the best Strategy games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 10,545 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 10,466 positive reviews and 79 negative reviews — making it "Overwhelmingly Positive" on Steam.
It is priced at $5.99 to play and can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Papa's Freezeria Deluxe on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Steam Price | $5.99 |
| Release Date | 3/31/2023 |
| Franchise | Papa Louie Games |
| Developer | Flipline Studios |
| Publisher | Flipline Studios |
| Steam App Id | 2291760 |
More Strategy Games
Explore even more rankings for the 100 best Strategy games available on Steam.
| Image | Name | Actions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24,012 | 10/17/2018 | 97 | $34.99 | Steam Charts | |
| 32,305 | 2/20/2024 | 97 | $14.99 | Steam Charts | |
| 10,845 | 1/23/2019 | 97 | $8.49 | Steam Charts | |
| 1,564 | 4/1/2021 | 96 | $19.99 | Steam Charts | |
| 3,904 | 3/31/2010 | 96 | $19.99 | Steam Charts | |
| 17,945 | 11/1/2000 | 96 | $9.99 | Steam Charts | |
| 10,604 | 12/18/2018 | 96 | $13.99 | Steam Charts | |
| 71 | 5/7/2024 | 96 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 1,977 | 5/5/2009 | 96 | $4.99 | Steam Charts | |
| 127 | 3/31/2023 | 96 | $5.99 | Steam Charts | |
 | 29,310 | 8/14/2020 | 96 | $35.00 | Steam Charts | |
 | 2,798 | 1/20/2021 | 96 | $19.99 | Steam Charts | |
 | 71,395 | 8/3/2023 | 96 | $59.99 | Steam Charts | |
 | 22,959 | 9/10/2024 | 96 | $39.99 | Steam Charts | |
 | 444 | 4/21/2023 | 96 | $10.99 | Steam Charts | |
 | 464 | 8/8/2013 | 96 | $9.99 | Steam Charts | |
 | 2,686 | 5/25/2010 | 96 | $19.99 | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,386 | 10/19/2021 | 96 | $19.99 | Steam Charts | |
 | 1,312 | 6/13/2020 | 95 | $19.99 | Steam Charts | |
 | 206 | 3/13/2019 | 95 | $14.99 | Steam Charts |
Soures & References
Steambase has best-in-class data powered directly by Steam, our data partners, and in-house experts. Reviews and rankings are enriched, analyzed, and updated in real-time to ensure we surface the most up-to-date insights. Learn more about the Steambase approach to data collection and our review methodology.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 17). Steam Store. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 17). RimWorld on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 14). Balatro on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 17). Slay the Spire on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 15). Totally Accurate Battle Simulator on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 9). Mount & Blade: Warband on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 3). Counter-Strike on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 17). Bloons TD 6 on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 12). The WereCleaner on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, October 29). Plants vs. Zombies GOTY Edition on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2025, January 7). Papa's Freezeria Deluxe on Steam. Steam Store.