The Best Games for Trying New Strategies

2 September 2025

Looking to shake up your gaming routine and try something completely fresh? You’re not alone! There’s something incredibly satisfying about diving into a game that lets you experiment, think outside the box, and craft your own path to victory. Whether you’re a tactical genius, a curious explorer, or someone just tired of doing the same old thing in every game—this list is for you.

We’re talking about games that thrive on creative strategy. Not just ticking checkboxes or following the same build like everyone else. Nope. These are the best games for trying new strategies and pushing your gaming skills to new heights.

So grab your mouse, controller, or keyboard—whatever your weapon of choice—and let’s dive into the realm of strategic experimentation!

Why Try New Strategies in Games?

Ever notice how doing the same thing over and over again can suck the fun out of a game? Yeah, us too. Trying new strategies doesn't just keep things interesting—it's also how you get better. Every time you test a new approach, you’re learning more about the game, sharpening your instincts, and flexing that beautiful brain of yours.

It's like cooking a new recipe. Sometimes it’s a hit, sometimes it’s a face-palming disaster, but hey—you’re growing either way.

Not to mention, games that encourage strategic freedom are often the most replayable. You’re not tied to one path. You can go stealthy one round, then go in guns-blazing the next. There’s no "right way"—just your way.

Alright, let’s break down the best games that let you do just that.

1. Civilization VI – Where Empires Are Built Your Way

Turn-based strategy doesn’t get much better than Civilization VI. Whether you’re aiming for world domination, cultural enlightenment, or scientific supremacy, every match gives you the freedom to approach it differently.

Want to rush military units and take over your neighbors? Go for it. Prefer a slow burn by focusing on research and diplomacy? That works too. You can even cheese some late-game religious victory just for the laughs.

Why It Rocks for Strategy:
- Multiple victory conditions
- Unique playstyles for each civilization
- Randomized maps keep each game fresh

Civilization VI rewards innovation and thinking several moves ahead. And trust me—if you're not adapting, the AI or your opponent definitely is.

2. Into the Breach – Small Maps, Big Brain Moves

Don’t let the tiny pixel-art style fool you—Into the Breach is like a chess game against aliens with laser cannons. Each turn is a puzzle, and one bad move can snowball into disaster.

What makes this game ideal for trying new tactics is that it gives you all the info upfront. You know what the enemy will do next turn. Now it’s up to you to stop them using limited moves, terrain smarts, and clever unit synergy.

Why It Rocks for Strategy:
- Forecast-based gameplay
- Small but deep combat arenas
- Different mech squads offer new playstyles

You’ll constantly find yourself saying, “Wait... what if I do this instead?” And sometimes, that little spark of an idea turns into a game-winning move. Beautiful stuff.

3. XCOM 2 – Tactical Decisions with Real Stakes

If you want tension, risk, and battlefield strategy, XCOM 2 is your playground. Every move can be the difference between mission success or a full squad wipe.

One of the coolest things about XCOM 2 is how it encourages you to develop weird, combo-heavy tactics. You might stack overwatch shots, use a mimic beacon, sneak around the edge of the map—or blow a hole in the wall and ambush the aliens directly.

Why It Rocks for Strategy:
- Deep soldier customization
- Procedural maps and missions
- Mod support for endless possibilities

You’ll fail. Oh, you’ll fail hard. But with each loss, you’ll cook up new ridiculous ideas to send your next squad in prepared. And when it works? It’s pure satisfaction.

4. Slay the Spire – Deck-Building Done Right

Ever thought a card game could be strategic, roguelike, and addictive all at once? Welcome to Slay the Spire. Each run is a chance to build a new deck from scratch, and no two games play the same.

Here’s what’s cool—there’s no one “best” deck. What works depends on what cards you find, your route through the map, and how you want to play. Go all-in on block? Build a poison engine? Infinite combo? It’s up to you.

Why It Rocks for Strategy:
- Procedural runs = unlimited replay value
- Four unique characters with different mechanics
- Endless synergies and builds to try

Honestly, this game is a strategy-lover’s dream. You’ll end up thinking about card choices in the shower, wondering, “Did I make the right upgrade yesterday?” That’s when you know you’re hooked.

5. StarCraft II – The RTS Gold Standard

No list of strategic games is complete without StarCraft II. It’s the game that made multitasking and quick thinking an Olympic-level skill. And even now, it’s still the go-to for real-time strategy fans who want to test their mettle.

What makes it special? Build orders, unit counters, timing attacks, creative base layouts—you name it. There’s endless depth here. Plus, with different races (Terran, Protoss, Zerg), each one feels like playing a different game.

Why It Rocks for Strategy:
- Real-time decisions with massive impact
- Loads of pro-level tricks to study or invent
- Tons of user-created maps and mods

Trying new strategies here isn’t just encouraged—it’s practically required if you want to keep up. Every match is a lab for experimentation.

6. Total War: Warhammer III – Grand Scale, Tactical Combat

Want to combine real-time battles with sweeping empire management? Then Total War: Warhammer III delivers in a big way. You’ll manage cities, diplomacy, and economies on the campaign map—but when a battle starts, it’s all about tactical unit control.

Each faction plays dramatically differently. Want to swarm the enemy with demons? Done. Prefer elite, disciplined troops with magical artillery? You’ve got options.

Why It Rocks for Strategy:
- Dual-layer gameplay (turn-based + real-time)
- Dozens of factions with unique units and playstyles
- Sandbox freedom to play your way

It feels like you’re writing a fantasy war novel, and you’re also the lead general. The possibilities for new strategies are endless.

7. Crusader Kings III – Diplomacy… With Daggers

This isn’t your typical war game. Crusader Kings III is all about dynasties, intrigue, and backstabbing your way to power. You can win through battle, sure—but also through marriage, spies, bribery, and good ol' fashioned manipulation.

Every playthrough is a soap opera full of “Wait, did I just marry my cousin to the king of France so I could steal his kingdom? Yup.”

Why It Rocks for Strategy:
- Story-driven strategic choices
- Decisions have long-term impact
- Emergent events that change everything

This is a sandbox of political and personal strategies. Want to be the noble saint? Go ahead. Want to be the scheming puppetmaster? Even better. Your strategy is only limited by your imagination (and your morals, maybe).

8. Dota 2 / League of Legends – MOBA Mayhem with Room to Experiment

If you’ve got quick reflexes and love team play, MOBAs like Dota 2 or League of Legends are fantastic strategy sandboxes. With hundreds of champions, builds, and team compositions, no two matches play out the same.

Trying a new hero? A weird off-meta build? An aggressive early-game push? These games are wide open to experimentation.

Why It Rocks for Strategy:
- Massive champ variety and item choices
- Constant patches shake things up
- Evolving meta keeps strategies fresh

Just prepare for a learning curve and some salty teammates. But once you find your rhythm? It’s chess at light-speed.

9. FTL: Faster Than Light – Roguelike Starship Shenanigans

FTL is a game where you command a spaceship hurtling through dangerous space. The twist? Every step requires smart planning, resource management, and quick decisions under pressure.

It’s rogue-like, so no two runs are the same. Try different crew setups, weapon combos, or event responses. Sometimes disengaging is the best strategy. Sometimes risking it all on a boarding party pays off big.

Why It Rocks for Strategy:
- Procedurally generated gameplay
- Tons of ship and crew combinations
- Pressure makes every decision matter

You’ll celebrate every tiny win, curse every bad decision, and immediately want to try again. It’s brilliant.

10. The Banner Saga – Strategy with a Soul

In The Banner Saga series, every battle matters—and so does every choice. This beautifully animated tactical RPG brings story, character decisions, and combat strategy into one gripping package.

Unlike some games, your losses don’t just reset. You live with them. Permanently. That forces you to think ahead, adapt, and try new approaches constantly.

Why It Rocks for Strategy:
- Deep tactical combat with unique mechanics
- Decision-driven narrative
- Resource management + emotional storytelling

You’re not just trying strategies—you’re surviving with them.

Final Thoughts

Strategic games are a playground for creativity. These aren’t just games where you follow a guide and go through the motions. Nope. These are games that dare you to try something wild, to learn from failure, and to shape your own path.

Whether you’re building empires, commanding armies, constructing killer decks, or sneaking your way through political power struggles—there’s no wrong way to play, as long as you keep experimenting.

So boot up one of these gems, take that weird idea for a spin, and see where it leads. Who knows? That outlandish idea might just be the winning move.