9 Best Short Strategy Games You Can Finish in a Weekend
Strategy games often come with a reputation for being time-consuming, complex affairs that demand meticulous planning and countless hours. While there is some allure to sprawling grand campaigns, not every strategy game demands a 100-hour commitment to be enjoyed. If you're looking for a way to flex your tactical muscles without committing dozens of hours, there are plenty of shorter strategy games that are just as satisfying.
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PostsYou can build thriving cities and outmaneuver your enemies in just a few hours of your time. This curated list provides ten standout strategy titles that you can comfortably enjoy over a weekend (or just a few hours in the evenings).
Into the Breach
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Turn-Based Strategy Systems Released February 27, 2018 ESRB e Engine Proprietary EngineWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALInto the Breach is all about tactical precision. It's a turn-based strategy game where you'll control mechs while defending cities from giant kaiju. Each mission is a puzzle, requiring new strategies and careful planning. The game also has some roguelike elements, which add replayability. For instance, you can choose between different squads and pilots, which all have their own unique abilities.
The tight mechanics and minimalist pixel art make the game feel very well put together. It's also pretty short, allowing you to finish it in a weekend of strategic thinking.
Bad North
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Real-Time Strategy Systems Released August 20, 2018 ESRB T For Teen // Blood, Violence Developer(s) Plausible Concept Publisher(s) Raw Fury Engine UnityWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONBad North is a fresh take on real-time strategy. You must defend against Viking invaders on a picturesque island with a small army. The game is very simple, but don't let that fool you. Each battle requires very careful positioning and quick decision-making. The roguelike elements ensure that no two playthroughs are the same.
It's great for those who like compact strategy games, which are also quite challenging. You'll probably need to restart several times while you master the basics, but that's all part of the fun.
Wargroove
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Turn-Based Strategy Strategy Systems 5.0/5 Released February 1, 2019 ESRB t Developer(s) Chucklefish Publisher(s) Chucklefish Engine Proprietary Engine Multiplayer Online MultiplayerWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALWargroove is a throwback to classic turn-based strategy games. It features a rich campaign with multiple unique commanders that come with their own abilities. The game's pixel art style is charming, and the music complements the fantasy setting perfectly. You can even make your own scenarios with the map builder, which adds some replayability.
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PostsWhether you're completely new to the genre or have a library full of strategy games, Wargroove is a challenging experience that you can easily finish in a weekend.
Islanders
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Strategy City Builder Systems Released April 4, 2019 ESRB E For Everyone Developer(s) GrizzlyGames, Coatsink, Stage Clear Studios Publisher(s) Coatsink Engine UnityWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALIslanders is much more laid-back than other games on this list. It's a city-building strategy game that focuses on placement and optimization. You'll build villages, towns, and cities on procedurally generated islands. The goal is to place buildings so that they are "in harmony" with their surroundings.
The calm soundtrack and minimalist art style lend to the overall "cozy" feeling of the game. There aren't any complex mechanics or combat, so it's a relaxing game to unwind with.
FTL: Faster Than Light
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Strategy Roguelike Systems Released September 14, 2012 ESRB E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Fantasy Violence, Language Developer(s) Subset Games Publisher(s) Subset GamesWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALFTL: Faster Than Light is a roguelike space simulation that puts you in command of a spaceship on a critical mission. You manage your crew and navigate through hostile territories. You'll have to make many decisions over a playthrough, which can all lead to your success or demise. All of these decisions make each playthrough unique.
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Loop Hero
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RPG Roguelike Strategy Systems 4.5/5 Released March 4, 2021 ESRB T For Teen due to Fantasy Violence, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes Developer(s) Four Quarters Publisher(s) Devolver Digital Engine GameMakerWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALLoop Hero is a unique blend of deck-building, roguelike, and idle mechanics. You place cards representing terrain, enemies, and buildings along a hero's path, influencing their journey and battles. You'll spend your time experimenting with different strategies and combinations.
There is a lot of depth to this game, though the basics can be mastered pretty quickly. Unlike other strategy games, this one offers almost endless replayability, especially when you consider the challenging difficulty.
Frostpunk
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City Builder Survival Systems Released April 24, 2018 ESRB M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Mild Sexual Themes, Mild Violence, Strong Language Developer(s) 11 Bit Studios Publisher(s) 11 Bit Studios Engine Liquid Engine Franchise FrostpunkWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONFrostpunk is a city-building survival game set in a frozen post-apocalyptic world. You manage the last city on Earth, making tough moral decisions to ensure the survival of your people. The game is complex and challenging. Often, it feels like you're fighting the environment and the people you're trying to save.
Expect to lose plenty, especially on some of the tougher scenarios. The game offers a compelling narrative, so you'll be playing just as much for the story as you will be for the gameplay.
Tactics Ogre: Reborn
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Tactical Strategy Systems 4.0/5 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 84/100 Critics Rec: 95% Released November 11, 2022 ESRB T for Teen due to Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes Developer(s) Square Enix Publisher(s) Square Enix Franchise Tactics OgreWHERE TO PLAY
PHYSICALTactics Ogre: Reborn is a remastered classic that brings tactical RPG gameplay to modern platforms. Set in a war-torn fantasy world, you lead a group of rebels through morally complex decisions and challenging battles. The game's branching paths give it tons of replayability, and the deep story will keep you involved beyond just the strategic combat.
The game's updated visuals and voice acting are well-done, making it feel like a more modern game. It's a good option for those who like tactical RPGs with plenty of advanced strategy mixed in.
SteamWorld Heist
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Action-Adventure Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 86/100 Critics Rec: 97% Released December 10, 2015 ESRB e Developer(s) Image & Form Publisher(s) Image & Form Engine Proprietary Engine Franchise SteamWorldWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALSteamWorld Heist is a side-scrolling strategy game that combines turn-based tactics with precision shooting. You control a crew of robotic pirates, boarding enemy ships and engaging in strategic shootouts. The game's unique mechanics allow you to ricochet bullets off walls to hit your enemies, adding a new strategic element to the traditional shooter outline.
The narrative is humorous, and this game doesn't take itself very seriously. Despite this, it has very challenging missions and a lot of depth.
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