Upcoming Strategy Games to Keep on Your Radar in 2026

Though I've enjoyed my fair share of games that require little to no critical thinking, such as racing, fighting, and many platformers, there is also something to be said for strategy games. And under that banner fall a lot of different sub-genres — tactics, god games, rogue-like, and many more besides.

Since it's a brand-new year of gaming, we decided to compile a list of upcoming 2026 strategy games worth checking out. They represent a wide gamut of the aforementioned genres and are very different stylistically and thematically. Some are more dramatic entries, others are retro, and some are quite experimental.

Also, because none of these games is quite out yet, we've arranged them according to my personal excitement for each, starting with the least and ending with the most. So, without further ado, let's talk about 2026 strategy games!

10 Systemic War

Kinetic Warfare

Grand strategy games are more than a little intimidating, but they do an amazing job showing off the scope of warfare. And Systemic War mixes kinetic action with modern RTS battles. It allows you to play as multiple nations, ranging from the USA, China, Ukraine, Poland, and more.

The game further immerses you with a macroeconomic system and has you manage streams of resources, production, and currency. Add in more than 20 different maps, 150+ distinct units, and tons of customization, and you have a war that might never end.

So if you're a fan of complex strategy grounded in a real-world setting, then Systemic War just might be the game for you. But if you're looking for something a bit more fantastical, keep on reading.

9 Masters of Albion

God's Eye View

As humans, we are more than a little self-centered and often feel like the world revolves around us. Which is sort of what a god game is all about, just on steroids. In Masters of Albion, Peter Molyneux’s modern version of Black & White, you control every aspect of your sprawling fantasy world.

Not only does that include city building, but Masters of Albion lets you actually possess your citizens and interact with the world through their bodies. Even more surprising, the game also features a narrative that drives things.

Like any fickle deity, you're able to mess with your creations as well. And if you're feeling extra spiteful, you can even set them on fire or raze their buildings. The choice is ultimately yours in this quirky adventure.

8 EverSiege: Untold Ages

Withstand the Horde

One of the first types of strategy games I enjoyed was tower defense. Managing your defenses to survive a giant horde of foes, allocating resources, and the like? It's really engaging, albeit somewhat simple.

In EverSiege: Untold Ages, they iterate on the genre in exciting ways. Sure, you'll need to withstand giant groups of monsters, but you'll also invade their strongholds to grow stronger.

Better yet, there are plenty of different classes with different tactical purposes, ranging from the tank-like Vanadius to the ranged Zirenth. Mix all that with an attractive visual style and rogue-like progression, and EverSiege: Untold Ages just might scratch your strategy itch later this year.

7 Solasta II

Rolling the Dice

If you're a fan of Solasta: Crown of the Magister, you'll soon be in luck with Solasta II. This sequel is another tactical adventure where a roll of the dice determines the course of your actions.

It's a true tribute to tabletop RPGs and is bolstered by a lush fantasy world full of dangers. Best of all, though, is that you'll be able to freely explore Neokos and embark on whatever adventures you choose.

The success of your quest will be determined by your band of four heroes. Do you have what it takes to see the game through to its conclusion, or will you be a headstone on the road to success in Solasta II?

6 Mars Tactics

Capital vs. Labor

Humanity has been obsessed with Mars since we first started throwing things into space. And in Mars Tactics, you'll get to experience the Red Planet in a brand-new way.

First, choose whether you're with the revolutionary Labor or corporate Capital, and then get ready for polygonal tactical battles. No matter which side you pick, your units will grow dynamically as you play, and bring to bear powerful abilities that might turn the tide of war.

If that wasn't enough, you'll also be able to upgrade your units with cybernetic enhancements. Because it's not enough to impact our home planet through war, why not take the fight to the stars soon in Mars Tactics?

5 Shardpunk 2

Post-Apocalyptic XCOM

I think the reason we're so obsessed with the post-apocalyptic genre is that we fear we're going to destroy everything as a species. And in Shardpunk 2, they lean into that theme and give us a grungy, dark, and delightful post-apocalyptic XCOM experience.

Following the events of the first game, in Shardpunk 2, humanity's metropolis, the Capitol, has fallen. Now every marauding band wants to scavenge it for resources, to rule over the ashes of a broken world.

The game features chunky and wonderfully dark visuals, tons of different classes with numerous upgrades, and new amber-based technology. Just because it's the apocalypse doesn't mean we can't have a good time!

4 Pathbreakers: Roaming Blades

16-bit Delights

Maybe because I grew up with JRPGs on the NES and SNES, I really love that 16-bit visual style, and in Pathbreakers: Roaming Blades, they mix that with tactical warfare in a sprawling fantasy world.

The game features a wide variety of units, each of which can grow into 2 advanced classes. You're free to choose stories crafted by the developer or make your own, since the game was made with modding in mind.

Depending on your reputation in the game, you'll become known as a Mercenary, Trader, or Explorer, each of which opens up new opportunities. Mix that with procedural generation and grid-based combat, and they might have one hell of a strategy game in Pathbreakers: Roaming Blades.

3 Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era

Classic Fantasy

One of the very first strategy series I ever played, long before I had a laptop, modern cellphone, or even an email, was Heroes of Might and Magic. They were the only games I played on my ancient computer, and I had a ton of fun competing against my friends. And in Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era, they faithfully crafted a love letter to those games that still feels modern.

Like other entries, there's a lot of tactical depth, as well as several factions to choose from. Your choice determines the units you bring to bear, as well as your overall tactical style. I personally love playing as a Necromancer, summoning skeletal monstrosities and mummies, and turning my foes into friends after I resurrect them to my banner.

You might start small, but over the course of campaigns, you'll turn into a strategic juggernaut. Just be prepared for powerful foes, since Heroes of Might and Magic is all about give and take, with surprising reprisals from every dark corner of the map.

2 Neath

We Go Below

Something that has transpired after years and years of playing strategy games is that I sometimes tend to seek out more challenging experiences. And one of the most difficult-looking games coming in 2026 is called Neath.

Developed by Cellar Door Games, Neath is a game where the Taboos of an insane god impact your every action. It's also a rogue-like tactical adventure where you control the actions of your team, as well as those of the monsters they face.

Which might sound empowering, but it's more a balance of carefully making decisions so as not to destroy yourself. You'll also grow your settlement under the shadow of the Tower. Will you be flexible and strong enough to reach the summit and finally find a way to defy fate itself?

1 Ex Sanguis

Bloody Good Tactics

I'll admit I haven't played another game by Lightbulb Crew, called Othercide. But I've always been captivated by the visual style of that adventure. And now they're doing something similar in Ex Sanguis. You'll fight to save a dying world from the nefarious forces of STASIS, and every drop of blood is a small victory.

Stylistically, Ex Sanguis is a turn-based tactical experience where clever use of Timeline Effects can tilt the odds in your favor. As can situational awareness, using knock-back, flanking, and other techniques to take control of the battlefield.

This looks to be a game where risk and reward are high, though you might opt for safer missions to gather resources. The choices are yours in this stunning black, white, and red strategy adventure.