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Desk favourite01A Second World War grand strategy game played in real time on a shared map. You run a nation’s economy, steer a research tree and push land, air and naval forces against human rivals, with rounds that unfold over weeks. Thoughtful rather than frantic, and the deepest war on our list.
Gentlest start02InnoGames’ long-running city builder carries one settlement from the Stone Age through the centuries and on into the future. You balance population, production and a research tree powered by Forge Points, raise famous Great Buildings and fight turn-based battles on hex grids. Calm, generous and endlessly fiddly in the best way.
Diplomat’s choice03A First World War grand strategy game on a real-time map of Europe. You manage an economy of raw materials, keep your provinces content, mobilise armies and spend as much time negotiating as fighting. Older and plainer than its stablemate, but the diplomacy is as sharp as anything in the genre.
Best long season04Travian Games’ village-building strategy MMO asks you to choose a role: king, who leads and protects a kingdom, or governor, who builds the economy inside its borders. You settle villages, upgrade them to cities, guard treasures and push towards a Wonder of the World across a round of around six months.
Castle classic05Goodgame Studios’ medieval strategy game, running since 2011, has you build and defend a castle, gather food, wood and stone, recruit commanders and train an army. As you grow, three further kingdoms open up, each with its own special resource, and alliances fight together across the map. Busy, colourful and very social.
For raiders06Plarium’s Norse strategy MMO puts you in charge of a Jarl and a growing stronghold. You train warriors through troop tiers, study Knowledge, send Heroes on raids and march across a kingdom map, while clans compete for the Place of Power at its centre and the Konung title that comes with it.
