5 Best Strategy Games to Play for Fans of Total War

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The Total War series is a leader in the strategy game world. It’s known for massive battles featuring thousands of soldiers, detailed campaigns, diplomacy, and character progression, making it a very engaging and easy-to-learn grand strategy game. With a variety of historical periods to choose from, each offering unique gameplay, there’s always something new to experience and a version for every player.

Over time, the series has evolved in ways that both dedicated and new players have found disappointing. Because of this, while the developers decide on the best direction for the future, there are many other great strategy games available. These range from classic titles that capture the feel of the Total War series to lesser-known games that fans will likely enjoy. There’s plenty to play while we eagerly await Total War: Medieval 3 and what comes next.

5. Roma Invicta

I’ve always been curious about what an independently developed Total Warstyle game would be like, and Roma Invicta delivers perfectly. This strategy game is concise but incredibly rewarding, putting you in command of a Roman legion as you try to conquer Gaul. You’ll move armies across a smaller map to capture and strengthen territories, then engage in smaller battles. It feels like a streamlined Total War* experience, and that’s a good thing – I really enjoy it!

If you enjoy games like Total War but want a campaign you can finish in one sitting, Roma Invicta is a great choice. It offers diverse units and engaging, strategic battles without being overly complicated, making it perfect for both new and experienced players. This often-overlooked strategy game is incredibly affordable and boasts fantastic gameplay and impressive graphics, even if it doesn’t have the same large-scale presentation as Total War.

4. Tabletop Tavern

I’m really excited about Tabletop Tavern, a strategy game coming in 2026, largely because it feels a lot like the Total War series. The good news is a large demo is available now, and we can confidently say it’s a fantastic alternative. Like Total War: Warhammer, it’s set in a fantasy world, but it successfully captures the epic, large-scale battles that Creative Assembly is known for. The game offers a wide variety of factions, each with unique gameplay, tons of different units, and all the features you’d expect from a real-time strategy game of this type.

The game’s standout feature is its unique campaign. Instead of the typical world conquest map, Tabletop Tavern is a roguelike where you move across a board, collecting and leveling up units to take on a powerful final army. It’s challenging, but cleverly designed to reward strong team building and tactical combat skills. Tabletop Tavern keeps the battles interesting, and the unpredictable unit acquisition forces you to constantly adapt your strategies – you can’t just rely on overwhelming force like in Total War. It significantly improves upon the combat experience found in Creative Assembly’s games, making it a highly recommended title.

3. Strategos

Strategos takes the large-scale battles of the Total War series and expands on them significantly. Battles are massive, with thousands of soldiers fighting across huge landscapes. The game features over 100 different factions and more than 250 unit types to command. What makes Strategos stand out is the detailed control you have over individual units, creating a challenging and immersive experience that truly puts your strategic skills to the test – more so than in the Total War games.

I’ve been playing Strategos and even though it’s still in Early Access, there’s a ton to do! They’ve got five full campaigns, and you can even build your own battles or try to beat historical ones. Honestly, if you ever thought Total War battles felt a little too simple, Strategos is definitely for you. I’ve never felt like a commander on such a massive scale, and the strategy involved is seriously deep. Every battle is amazing, and I have a feeling it’s only going to get better as they update the game.

2. Ultimate General: Civil War

Ultimate General: Civil War stands out from other similar games because it doesn’t try to copy any specific features of the Total War series. While games like Strategos and Tabletop Tavern mimic Total War’s battle systems, and Roma Invicta uses its campaign map style, Civil War focuses on the details of each battle. Success depends on carefully managing things like ammunition, bringing in reinforcements, positioning your troops, and planning how to retreat if needed. Simply having more soldiers or a strong battle line isn’t enough to win. Instead, flanking maneuvers, troop morale, and precise positioning are essential in Civil War, arguably more so than in any Total War game.

Okay, so I’ll be honest, I lost a lot when I first started playing Ultimate General: Civil War. It’s a really hardcore game and doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to strategy. But thankfully, even when you’re getting beaten, it’s not too frustrating to rebuild and improve your army. You can get better gear for your troops and level up your general skills, which helps a lot. Honestly, the best part is just how deep and complex the game is. Beating the AI feels amazing because it really makes you work for it. If you’re a casual Total War player, this might not be for you. But if you want a real challenge and a seriously rewarding strategy experience, I can’t recommend Ultimate General: Civil War enough.

1. Master Of Command

Similar to games like Tabletop Tavern, Master of Command builds upon the battle system of Total War: Napoleon and presents it in a fresh way within its campaign. You can still expect impressive large-scale battles that feel authentically Total War, and they often demand more strategic thinking than even the main Total War games, even with modifications. Like Ultimate General: Civil War, success relies heavily on smart planning rather than just having better weapons, but the game remains challenging without feeling impossible to overcome.

What sets Master of Command apart from other strategy games is its engaging campaign. You’ll command your army across three distinct maps, each more challenging than the last. You begin by fighting smaller enemies, building and customizing your units, and collecting gear to improve their abilities and resources to sell. Eventually, you’ll face massive armies that will overwhelm you if you aren’t ready. The game strikes a great balance between challenge and reward, making it highly replayable with its many different factions and creating memorable moments. I wholeheartedly recommend Master of Command – it’s easily my favorite game in the style of Total War.

Looking for strategy games similar to the Total War series? Share your recommendations in the comments and discuss them with other fans on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-03-26 19:12