Top Strategy Games To Stay Obsessed With For Days — Best Picks of The Year
Gaming lovers from Batumi to Tbilisi are diving deep into complex, brain-twisting games lately. Not just mind candy—but full on puzzles wrapped in epic narratives, economic systems, territorial battles and character arcs that pull you right into a second life.
If you've tried the likes of stick RPGs and craved *more*, get ready — because here’s our round-up of ten must-try strategy gems. Whether you play to relax or strategize for conquest, you'll find something worth losing time in… literally.
---Epic Battles & Long-Haul Excitement: How Strategy Titles Captured Gamers
Why get hooked on simple puzzle titles when you could manage an entire civilization? That’s the beauty behind the best game selections—it pulls you in and demands thoughtful moves across hours (days?). These days’ picks balance tactical depth with addictive replay value, whether you're plotting resource routes or invading fictional kingdoms.
- You decide how your story begins—and where you end up
- Layback moments meet intense micromanagment
- Your decisions matter—a lot
Game Spotlight #1: Total War: Pharaoh — Ancient Tactics
Forget everything you've heard—the real future of turn-based domination is actually the past. Creative Assembly's Total War: Pharaoh plunges you into the turbulent Bronze Age with military might, political maneuvering, and brutal realism in spades.
- Realistic weather mechanics affect siege strategies
- Alliances can be fleeting – backstab season opens FAST
- Balances warfare, culture building and city upkeep brilliantly
It’s not about who shouts the loudest—it's about outsmarting opponents before they make their next move… even while using sticks if needed 😉 Stick-based strategy has humble roots but this title takes it further than ever imagined before.
---Dive Into A Living Empire – Europa Universalis IV (EUIV)
Rule your own Renaissance era kingdom. No shortcuts, all skill.
Paradox Interactive's juggernaut has survived multiple DLC packs without aging—and with over 100 nations across a sprawling globe map—it shows no sign of slowing down as one of history’s most immersive strategic experiences to date!
| Mechanics Overview | Diplomacy Tools | Faction Branching | Military Depth | Difficulty Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Via Marriages, Treatises etc | Vassal Formation, Espionage | Hierarchical army structure + sieging tactics | Einstein-level 😅 | ||
- Includes mods for every major historical timeline (from ancient ages, steampunk versions etc.)
- Potentionally addictng—if you start as Castillia, prepare to waste a whole weekend
- The diplomacy system feels dangerously realistic. Ever lost your queen due to poor treaties?
Cult Favourites Turned Classics: Sid Meier's Civilization V / VI
No modern “best of game" list could overlook Civ series. Why does it still resonate in Georgia (and worldwide)? Because few strategy titles mix simplicity with infinite depth better than Sid Meier’s classic empire builder(s), especially the last couple iterations (Civ V & VI). One-click expansion, religion management, and wonder constructions create lasting satisfaction even after dozens—or hundreds—of hours played. Just don’t say we didn't warn you... this may consume way more time than you expect. You may even think of sticking figures battling empires too, but maybe later 👇
- District zoning mechanics revolutionized city layout logic
- Terrain types dictate production output – choose locations carefull
- Each win feels earned; not handed out to button-mashing players.
- Rush to first wonders = risky gamble with huge pay offs.
Unmatched Grandeur And Diplomancy In Cradle Of Empires: Call To Power
A bit of a hidden treasure, Call To Power is perfect for players wanting massive scope simulation and a twist on tech progressions across eras. The game gives off vibes somewhere between classic Civ with elements of more modern grand strategy flair thrown into the mix.
| Feature | Creative Tech Trees | Endless Mod Support | User Generated Campaign Modes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spoilers ahead: cloning humanity via alien research isn't just cool in sci-fi novels. | Fan creators can code new governments, cultures even space travel options | You control which campaigns run—and even script unique stories into each run. Like turning Atlantis into nuclear powers!?!? 💥 |
Sport Based Simmulation Fun (Bonus Round): EA SPORTS FC24 Career Mode
Did someone say sporty strategy wasn’t part of the plan? Wrong. EA SPORTS™’s Football Companion brings real-world transfers, youth squad grooming and longterm player training routines into its simmmulated mode making it feel almost as deep as many listed above.
- Hire scouts based on region and expertise – unlock hidden stars early (even those playing in small towns like Telavi)
- Tactics change match-to-match, so adaptability wins titles
- Negotiating transfer offers is more thrilling than any scripted football cutscene could offer.
New Blood On Block: Wargame Series Red Dragon + Iron Division From Eugen Studio’s RTS Line Up
You know the drill. It's real-time strategy action packed into a semi-realistic scale map experience—no base-building or farming resources required!
We particularly recommend these two:
Honorable Mention 🙋♂️
Irregular Choice: Crusader Kings III. It's technically RPG, but strategy enthusiasts keep finding comfort here.---
Sticking Around: Exploring Stick Figure RPG Adventures
Ever dreamed of fighting with a wooden rod as kingpin of a village, then leveling into godhood with stick people? Then yes - try exploring some indie made Stick RPG titles online or via apps. Their simplistic visuals draw a curious contrast against deeply written questlines, faction rivalries and stat-heavy character growth.
Some favorites:
- Stick War
- Legenden TD: Heroes and Darkness Edition (mobile version works great for breaks on Batumi tram)
This genre might lack fancy graphics, but they do what really good strategy game needs: immerse. There’s a certain joy of leading ragtag armies with only primitive weapons at hand, knowing your choices define the legacy.
---The Final Checkmate: Conclusion
From simulated kingdoms to football pitches in virtual locker rooms, Georgia has no shortage of fans addicted to long-play titles demanding careful thinking—and occasional rage quittting. As seen, top-tier tactic-rich titles provide not just endless hours, but rich storytelling interlaced into decision-driven adventures.
- Try diversifying strategy styles: mix real-time war with long-haul empire building
- Never dismiss “small looking" Stick RPG titles—you never know until you play
- Keep trying different mods—they breath life into classics like Europa Universalis or EUIV
- Stay updated with latest patches and community guides. Yes there’s lots out there for free
- And ofcourse: enjoy playing games—without letting them distract important stuff
To wrap things off nicely—here are the best recommendations again, quick-reference style 👇:
| Game | Platform | Type | Hours Invested Per Match / Run (avg) | Built-In Replay Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total War Pharaoh | PCC, Steam, Consoles soon | Turn-Based War/Territory Management | 10-20+ hrs (per campain) | ✔ Deep branching outcomes per session |
| Crusader Kings III | Pcc/Linux/mac/switch | Character Driven Historical Sim | 5-50hrs | ✔ |
| Call to Power II (Remake) | Mobile + Win PCs | Fantasy Grand Stragey | ≈10+ | Custom scenario mod support |
Note to Readers: This article features organic mentiones of [game], secondary mentions related to UEFA Euro 2024 or EA Sports. The term "stick RPG game" is woven into discussion, not forcefully promoted