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OK, so this has ended up a bit of a Total War and Paradox love in. Of course it has, we're talking the best grand strategy games of all time, how could it be anything other!
That doesn't make the list any less contentious, however. I mean, we couldn't include every Total War title, for example, much as we would have liked to. And deciding between such diverse masterpieces is no easy task (queue the violin!) In all seriousness though, difficult as it is to hone in on the best of the best, it is fun.
Furthermore, as a PC gaming specialist, it makes sense that we are heavily invested in the grand strategy genre. After all, the PC is pretty much the ideal platform for these intricate sprawling strategic adventures. It's no surprise, therefore, that there's such an overlap between the best grand strategy games and the most popular PC titles.
With that in mind, it's time to take a look at some of the most complex and immersive experiences you will have on your PC. Yes, from the historical, to the fantastical, here is our list of the best grand strategy games you can play on your PC today!
READ MORE: Manor Lords - Everything We Know About This Medieval Strategy Game!
Crusader Kings III Best Grand Strategy RPG
If you're a grand strategy fan who likes character-based RPGs, then Crusader Kings III is the game for you.
A perfect combination of role-playing and map-based strategic gameplay, this CK3 medieval experience is personal. That is to say, you don't just manage a kingdom or a nation. Instead, charged with ensuring the longevity and prosperity of an entire dynasty worth of characters, you manage a person. And their family. For generations on end.
Highly recommended for newbies to the genre, thanks to its comprehensive tutorial system and UI design, Crusader Kings III stands on the shoulders of its predecessor.
Most refreshingly, unlike some other games in the genre, it requires no, or very little DLC. Indeed, you can enjoy hundreds of hours worth of immersive gameplay straight out of the box.
To sum up, Crusader Kings III represents a great value entry point into the grand strategy genre, and is a must have for RPG fans!
Europa Universalis IV Best for World Domination
Originally adopted from an old-school board game, what sets EU4 apart from other historical grand strategies is its sheer scope and scale.
Unlike its predecessors, this previous pinnacle of Paradox grand strategy transcends the geographical boundaries of Europe, granting access to the entire world stage. Yes, if you're looking for world domination, then this is the game for you.
With a particular focus on diplomacy as a tool for imperialism, EU4 is your chance to re-write history. For example, set during the turbulent 15th Century, through to the Age of Reason, and Napoleon's revolution, what would happen if you and transformed a First Nation Tribe into a colonizing force and invaded Europe? Find out!
Overall, EU4 offers a truly immersive world conquering experience, that rewards strategic thinking and careful planning. It's not one to miss out on!
Stellaris Best Grand Strategy Meets 4X
The question of whether Stellaris is more 4X than grand strategy is one for a thesis. For us, the issue is clear: Stellaris is hands down, the best grand strategy meets 4X game you'll play, and we're happy with that!
Now we've got that out the way, let's move on to what really matters. Namely, how insanely awesome Stellaris is!
Arguably the most intense love-letter to sci-fi ever seen in a video game, Stellaris doesn't have the historical depth often associated with grand strategy games. Of course it doesn't, it's set in space! What it does have, however, is something completely different.
A unique and inspired focus on creating and molding the social and political inclinations of a new spacefaring species. A species with empire-building aspirations to take over the galaxies. Now, that's what I call inspired!
With an emphasis on customization, the improvements this game has seen over the last 5 years is incredible. Stellaris: Utopia DLC stands out in particular.
Basically, if you haven't already played this awesome grand strategy 4X, then now is the perfect time!
Hearts of Iron IV Best WWII Grand Strategy
Even the true history buffs won't be disappointed with this one. Hearts of Iron IV is about as authentic a WWII experience you could hope for in a grand strategy video game. At least it was. (More on that in a moment).
Play as any nation on the continent, in the context of the true-to-life politics of the era, and immerse yourself in this turbulent historical period. The extent to which your gameplay is dictated by what actually happened is somewhat in transition, however.
Starting out as a historically accurate WWII experience, there have been calls for a more sandbox approach, which allows for 'what if' scenarios. This desire for the possibility of an alt-history has been reflected in the Hearts of Iron IV mod community.
It will be interesting to see what direction the game ends up taking. Regardless of the outcome of future updates, however, unless you feel very strongly about the need for historical accuracy, if you like WWII inspired gameplay, Hearts of Iron IV is one for you.
Total War: MEDIEVAL II Best Grand Strategy for Mods
With arguably one of the best recruitment systems of the genre, as well as epic 3D battles that take place in real-time, and an authentic change in warfare that follows the invention of gunpoweder, Medieval II withstands the test of time to remain one the best grand strategy games you can play. What really stands out about the game, however, is the mods.
The mods for Medieval II are incredible. We're talking brand new campaigns that add hundreds of hours of entertainment, as you continue your pursuit of territory through Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the New World.
Some of our favorite Medieval II mods include:
- Stainless Steel - basically an expanded version of Vanilla, with more map, more factions, more units, and more settlements.
- Tsardoms - a beautiful campaign map (who'd have thought it?!), with a focus on the Balkans, Italy and Antolia, along with varied factions, pretty units, and some scripted events.
- Europa Barbarorum 2 - an intricately detailed campaign of the ancient era with painfully difficult scripted events, think of this as Rome 1.5.
- Third Age - amazing if you like Lord of the Rings.
- Beginning of the End Times - a fantasy modification inspired by the rich lore of Games Workshop's classic narratives.
Total War: Warhammer III Best Fantasy Grand Strategy
The decision to go fantasy with Warhammer has been a huge success, with Creative Assembly's conclusion to the trilogy representing the most ambitious of the fantastical grand strategy series to date.
Not only does Warhammer III introduce a new faction and campaign design, as well as a multiplayer overhaul, and a new five-hour tutorial prologue, but it dusts under the bed, so to speak.
That is to say, the game goes beyond the headline-grabbing features, making the quality-of-life changes that represent a true labor of love. The kind of changes you wouldn't have thought to request, but that make the game that much better as a result.
For example, if trespassing Lords refuse to leave your territory, you can now declare war on them without enduring treachery penalties for breaking diplomatic agreements. And the newfound ability to recruit allies’ units, makes the forging of military alliances seem more worthwhile. The more readable UI is another welcome addition.
Overall, the Warhammer series shows what a creative team can do when they let down their hair. With incredible battles, and arguably the most impressive battle maps of the franchise, Warhammer III is the best of the bunch. And that's saying something.
What's more, considering that Warhammer II was supported for over four years, we can expect a long and fruitful shelf-life.
Victoria II Best Bang for Your Buck
An oldie-but-goody, Victoria II represents our best bargain budget grand strategy title.
With a focus on the economics of running a nation, this is your chance to take control of a country at the dawn of the colonial era. Just be warned, some of your policy decisions with regard to health, wages, and military spending will be more popular than others. It's not easy fighting fires at home at the same time as competing for dominance on the global stage.
Another thing that isn't easy is the game itself! If you're prepared for a steep learning curve, however, Victoria II is well worth the effort. It's epic.
Furthermore, if you're concerned about the fact Victoria II is no longer supported by Paradox, I wouldn't worry. The game still has a very lively modding scene to help keep you entertained while its successor gets its economic balancing issues sorted.
And at such a good price, you have everything to gain and nothing to lose!
Get in the Game ! 
