The 19 best Android strategy games in the Google Play Store
The range of strategy games on Android is impressively extensive. They can range from slower-paced economic simulators like Sid Meier’s Railroads to the fast-paced action of Rusted Warfare. Whether you’re gaming leisurely on your phone or challenging your mind and reflexes, there’s a game out there for everyone. While you can play these games on any Android phone,we recommend a budget Android tabletfor a better experience.
To help you find the right match within the genre, we’ve rounded up the best strategy games on the Play Store. We’ve included a wide selection, from tower defense options to top-tier simulators to suit everyone’s tastes.
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19Sid Meier’s Railroads!
Sid Meier’s Railroads might be one of thebest simulation games, but the competitive and strategic gameplay earns it a place on this list. You’ll compete against the AI, posing as a historical railroad baron to make the most profit by connecting towns and industries by rail. While some elements feel dated (the original game was released in 2003), it still has the strategic depth to match any game on this list.
Sid Meier’s Railroads is the perfect game to play if you prefer a subtler form of strategy game. Unfortunately, there’s no online play, but the AI is more than capable of providing a challenging experience.
18Defense Derby
Defense Derby is part tower defense, part auto-battler. You’ll compete against other players online to be the last one standing against successive waves of monsters. While you won’t battle directly against other players, you’ll bid against each other to draw new characters. You’ll need an excellent grasp of the game’s concepts and a willingness to take risks to succeed.
Defense Derby is an excellent addition to the auto-battler genre thanks to its multi-layered strategy. Just be aware that it has a steep learning curve.
17The Queen’s Gambit Chess
Chess is the ultimate strategy game, but its popularity means it can be tough to choose from the variety of chess games on the Play Store. We like The Queen’s Gambit Chess as it’s got a little bit for everyone. Newcomers will appreciate the gentle introduction to chess, while experts can sink their teeth into the competitive ranked mode.
The Queen’s Gambit Chess is geared towards newcomers, but we think it’s perfect for all levels of players. Don’t worry if you haven’t watched the titular show; the story merely serves as a framework for teaching you new mechanics.
16Worms W.M.D: Mobilize
Worms W.M.D is inspired by the classic Worms Armageddon game from the 90s but packs in plenty of new features and quality-of-life changes that make this one of the best Worms games ever. It’s still the same turn-based platformer you love, but with a massive amount of content to sink your teeth into.
Best of all, Worms W.M.D has local and online multiplayer, so you can compete with your friends wherever they are.
15Honkai: Star Rail
Yes, it’s a gacha game; it’s riddled with gambling and microtransactions, but Honkai: Star Rail offers some of the most spectacular turn-based combat we’ve seen in a mobile game. While there are some flaws, Honkai: Star Rail offers straightforward strategy battles that will suit those who don’t want to spend hours fiddling with the perfect team composition.
Swiftly hopping across the HoYoverse galaxy
We recommend playing Honkai: Star Rail for a strategy game that doesn’t waste your time.The gameplay is fast-paced, the visuals are spectacular, and it’s packed with interesting characters.
14Civilization VI
The Civilization name needs no introduction; the venerable franchise has won the hearts of strategy lovers for decades, and now the latest installment is on mobile. It’s the same experience you can expect on a desktop, but with enough UI tweaks to make it comfortable to play on a touchscreen (although we recommend playing it on an Android tablet for the best experience.
Civilization VI puts you in command of a civilization of your choosing, from England to the Huns. You must shepherd them through history while defeating rivals, researching technology, and spreading your religion. It’s a fantastic experience that’ll suck you in for hours. Just note that older devices may encounter performance issues late game.
13Into the Breach
Into the Breach is a roguelike puzzle game that puts you in command of three mechs to save humanity. You’ll battle the Vek, giant alien monsters set on destroying you and the human cities you’re protecting. Battles consist of five turns, and you’ll only have one chance to reload if you make a mistake. Clever positioning will trap the Vek into attacking each other or burning alive, whereas a mistake can have catastrophic consequences for your battle.
Learn how to conquer this mech-powered chessboard
Into the Breach is one of the finest turn-based strategy games available for mobile, but as a Netflix exclusive, you’ll need a subscription to play.
12Bad North
Bad North is a Viking-themed roguelike that pits your men against waves of fierce marauders set on watering the ground with their blood. You’ll give your soldiers general orders before the battle starts, but they’ll respond to enemy actions intuitively. This allows you to avoid micro-managing and focus on the larger battle. Like Into the Breach, one wrong move can cost you the battle and send you back to the start, so plan carefully.
Bad North is also a visual masterpiece. Fetching cliffs and flowers decorate each procedurally generated island; take a moment to admire the view before the ground is stained red.
11The Battle of Polytopia
Love Civilization VI but want something a little more relaxed? The Battle of Polytopia has you covered. This isometric strategy game might look quaint, but it’s got everything the more popular 4X games offer. Once you’ve picked your tribe, you’ll engage in warfare, diplomacy, and espionage to achieve victory. There are three ways to achieve success, and each requires an entirely different strategy.
The Battle of Polytopia is the most accessible 4X strategy game available for mobile, but it’ll take some time before you master the game. It’s complex, rewarding, and a must-play.
10Bloons TD 6
Once a titan of the online flash game world, the Bloons franchise has shifted seamlessly to mobile devices. Bloons TD 6 is the latest entry and is easily the best. It’s a reasonably simple tower defense game at its core; place monkeys to defend against enemies, which are sent out in several waves. The monkey vs. balloon concept might seem silly, but you’ll need to practice with every tool at your disposal to win.
Bloons TD 6 has a colossal amount of game modes and maps; while the standard game mode will keep you occupied for hours, try one of the more challenging modes to see just how well you know your monkeys and balloons. If you don’t want to pay for a Netflix subscription you can buy the standalone version with in-app purchases for $7.
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