After 23 Years, This Strategy Game Is Still Better Than Most Games That Release Today

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Good strategy games are rare, and many fail because they’re either too complicated or become boring quickly, making it hard to build a strong player base. But when a turn-based strategy game does connect with players, it can stay popular for a very long time, as fans love exploring different ways to play. A prime example of this is a game that’s still receiving updates and support almost 23 years after its release.

Steam has a lot of strategy games, but many of the really good ones don’t get the attention they deserve. Some are simple to learn and easy to put down, letting you pick them up again whenever you want. When you combine that with a free-to-play model, it’s not surprising that games from years ago still have a loyal following in 2026.

The Battle For Wesnoth Is A 2003 Strategy Game Still Receiving Updates 23 Years After Its Release

It’s hard to find a more devoted fan base than the one for The Battle for Wesnoth, a turn-based strategy game that first came out on mobile devices in 2003. Originally released around the time of the first iPods, the game has grown into a free, open-source tactical experience available on Steam. For almost 23 years, it’s been consistently updated, and has even officially transitioned to PC.

Originally, The Battle for Wesnoth was a relatively pricey mobile game, costing $7.99 when it first launched on the Apple App Store. It has since evolved from a web browser game supported by its community to a re-release on Steam. As of December 30, 2025, a new patch demonstrates the continued dedication to this game. A large part of what makes The Battle for Wesnoth special, including many of its key features, is thanks to the efforts of its fans, making it a standout strategy game.

Deep Turn-Based Tactical Action Combines With Refined RPG Systems For Addictive Fun

Fans love The Battle for Wesnoth because it successfully combines strategy and RPG elements. In battles, you command distinct units, each with unique abilities and vulnerabilities. Like the XCOM series, each unit feels individual, with specific stats governing how they move, attack, and resist damage. Plus, these units can be upgraded in different ways, essentially becoming specialized classes that add variety to your army.

Each battle map features unique environments that are as important as the units you command. Every hexagon on the map has special features and details that can impact your strategy. For instance, mountains slow down some units, but certain armies have units that fight more accurately in those areas. From villages that heal your troops to tiles that activate traps, the environment constantly changes how you approach each battle and forces you to adapt.

The game’s clever design extends to things like day and night, which affect how strong different armies are. You also have to manage limited funds from the start, so every move you make feels important. Plus, some missions have turn limits, adding pressure and making your choices even more impactful.

Added Features Allow Players To Create Their Own Stories Within The Game

The Battle for Wesnoth offers both online multiplayer and a variety of single-player campaigns. These campaigns tell stories for almost every group in the game, and players can even create their own using the game’s tools. Online, players can find and download campaigns made by other fans, offering unique experiences with custom stories, battles, and choices that change how the game unfolds.

What really sets this strategy game apart is its incredible community support. The Battle for Wesnoth has been running for almost 20 years, and players have created a huge number of additional stories and campaigns. While these fan-made campaigns aren’t always as polished as the 12 included with the game, they foster a creative spirit similar to tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons or Pathfinder 2e.

If you enjoy strategy games like Fire Emblem, XCOM, or Marvel’s Midnight Suns, you might like The Battle for Wesnoth. While it’s not quite as complex as those games, its strong community and the fact that it’s free to play make it worth checking out for any strategy game fan.

What strategy games are your favorites? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or discuss them with other fans in the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-21 00:42