strategy games have a slower pace than real-time strategy games. But that’s part of their charm. You can take your time to think and react to other players’ moves.
If you want to play some fun turn-based strategy games, we’ve got you sorted. As these are some of the best free turn based strategy games you can play right now.
Best strategy games to play
1. Freeciv
Founded in 1996, the Freeciv project is one of the oldest and most popular free turn-based strategy games ever released. This is for good reason, as while most of the free turn-based games are flash-based, Freeciv is a fully downloadable and incredibly complete game with features like multiplayer.
The project started in the same year that Civilization II was released, so it’s no surprise that Freeciv largely replicates that game’s style. It retains the previous 2D graphics (although a 3D WebGL version exists) and many features, such as the simplified combat system.
This will be interpreted as an advantage for some; the direction of the Civilization series from Civilization II is not universally loved.
Are you a fan of Civilization? So here’s how to play Civilization on your smartphone .
2. Freeorion
Inspired by Freeciv, Freeorion is a project that attempts to replicate the glory of the original Orion Masters. While Civilization is a series that has gone on, Masters of Orion is not. After the introduction of the third entry in the series universally inserted in the series, the franchise faltered. It is understandable that a free project would start.
Freeorion doesn’t exist since Freeciv, but it’s still a great choice if you like turn-based space strategy games. The style is very reminiscent of the first two games. The graphics are more suited to high-resolution displays, and the menus are large and boast very sharp text.
3. Megamek
This downloadable game is a recreation of the popular Battletech board game, which is the inspiration for the Mechwarrior series. In Megamek, you will command a number of huge and huge warrior machines in battle against an opposing force of them. You will have a number of lasers and missiles at your disposal.
Megamek includes an AI opponent for offline play and is reasonably competent, but the real fun of Megamek is multiplayer. Battletech is fun to play, but like most complex board games, it could get bogged down under the weight of its own rules.
With the computer handling the complexity, you are free to play and pay attention to your battalion of battlemechs.
4. Battle for Wesnoth
Battle for Wesnoth is a free turn-based strategy game with a fantasy campaign spanning many centuries, spanning land and sea, and with missions such as recovering a throne or discovering magical jewels. Once the game’s missions are finished, you can download many community created campaigns.
There is also an excellent online mode, where you can choose from seven factions and fight friends and strangers in over 50 maps. You can even create your own map and bring it online.
5. Colonist
If you like turn-based strategy games, you’ve probably played the Settlers of Catan board game. Colonist is a free web alternative to that, built in HTML5, so it will work on desktops, smartphones and tablets.
In the game, you control a settler and your goal is to build a civilization and expand your territory. Build settlements, earn points and avoid enemy attacks. You can play alone against the computer or fight against others online.
If you’re into settlers, here are some excellent Settlers of Catan sites and apps .
6. Geopolitics
Geopolitics is your classic real-time strategy game about world conquest. You start with controlling a capital that generates gold. You must then use this gold to buy an army and occupy neighboring provinces to expand your power.
Geopolitics is not innovative, but it is simple, fun and has a nice charm thanks to its pixel art. As an added bonus, it can run entirely in your browser and requires no downloads.
7. Remains of the precursors
Remnants of the Precursors is another free real-time strategy game that clones the features of the 1993 classic Master of Orion. This is a downloadable game available for Windows, macOS and Linux.
In Remnants of the Precursors, you choose your alien race and then lead them to dominate the galaxy. You can do this by developing technology, exploring space and colonizing where you can. Come for the fun animal / space hybrid artwork, stay for the deep strategy.
8. RISK: Global domain
The Risk board game has existed in various forms since 1957. RISK: Global Domination is a free-to-play version that you can get from Steam. In case you don’t know, in Risk you have to control all the territories on the map and take down other players as you do so.
This version features multiple modes, such as single player and online multiplayer, over 40 maps, many scenarios and various difficulty settings to suit your play style. It also connects with iOS and Android apps.
9. Tactical arena of tactical monsters
If you are looking for more than a light turn-based strategy game, then Tactical Monsters Rumble Arena is for you. It pits monsters like Medusa, Frankenstein and Bigfoot against each other in matches that last anywhere from three to five minutes.
There is an adventure mode that you can work out to unlock more monsters, so you can unlock moves and skills. There is also a fun endless survival mode if you want to test your wits.
10. Age of Conquest IV
Age of Conquest allows you to control armies around the world and throughout history, such as the Roman Empire, Chinese dynasties, Incas and more. You need to expand your nation by controlling diplomacy, finances and resources.
When you get bored with the single player campaign, you can jump online to challenge friends and enemies. There is also a great map editor so you can build your own campaigns or download other people to create hours of endless fun.
Other free strategy games worth playing
There are many turn based strategy games to buy, but why pay a dime when these free games will keep you entertained for hours on end. And if you like the strategy genre and want more free fun, check out the best strategy games for your browser .
