Unraveling History: The 7 Best Grand Strategy Games for History Buffs

Grand Strategy games provide a unique blend of education and entertainment, where players indulge in complex decision-making processes, immerse in different time periods, and witness significant historical events firsthand. Here are the seven best Grand Strategy thought-provoking games that allow you to dive deep into history while crafting your story.

7. Total War: THREE KINGDOMS

Total War: THREE KINGDOMS places players at the heart of the epic saga of China in the time of the Han Dynasty with real-time battles and a turn-based sandbox campaign strategy. Taking control of one of 12 warlords, you'll build an empire while maneuvering through countless historical events, military tactics, and cultural nuances. The game excels in bridging the past with the present, offering stunning visuals and detailed insight into Ancient Chinese history.

6. Crusader Kings 3

Catering to lovers of medieval history, Crusader Kings 3 offers rich insight into the power dynamics, societal structures, strategies, and tactics of the Middle Ages. Players are thrust into the shoes of a ruler and offered the chance to shape their realm and dynasty in an intricate simulation of feudal life. Known for its historical accuracy, Crusader Kings 3 takes the learning experience further by providing a myriad of situational events, from political maneuvers to dynastic dramas, all set against a backdrop of real historical occurrences.

5. Knights Of Honor 2: Sovereign

Knights Of Honor 2: Sovereign takes the players back to medieval Europe, where dynasties rise and fall before the might of empires. Master the art of diplomacy, religion, economy, and warfare, to shape Europe as per your vision. Its living world feature gives you an authentic and immersive real-time grand strategy experience.

4. Hearts Of Iron 4

Giving players the reins of World War 2, Hearts Of Iron 4 adequately represents a time of blistering conflicts and intense political intrigue. Players can engage with major powers in an immersive game environment, which relies on strategic warfare. The multiple scenarios, real historical events, and flexible gameplay make this game an absolute treasure for history enthusiasts and strategic minds.

3. Europa Universalis 4

Europa Universalis 4 provides a unique perspective on the exploration age, where players act as the ruler of a nation. With a variety of tactics at your disposal, from trading and warfare to diplomacy, you can shape the world in the era of the Renaissance to the age of Napoleon. This game thrives in its depth and scale, boasting a sophisticated and historically accurate portrayal of an intriguing period of human history.

2. Victoria 2

Victoria 2 engulfs players in the turbulent epoch of 19th-century colonization. This diplomatic and political strategy game lets you take care of the complex economic and political reform game mechanics spread over 200 years. It exposes players to key concepts such as the industrial revolution, the abolition of slavery, power struggles, and the rise of capitalism.

1. Civilization 6

Civilization 6 transports players through the annals of time, offering the chance to reshape history as we know it. From the Stone Age to the Information Age, you have the opportunity to establish the most significant civilizations, lead notable leaders, and delve into various human advancements and changes. Civilization 6 remains true to its educational roots, keeping historical accuracy at its core and placing players at the heart of every decision-making process.

Conclusion

Based on players' reviews and popularity, Civilization 6 is the top recommendation for the best grand strategy game suitable for learning about history. Its sweeping historical narrative, combined with engaging strategy gameplay, makes it an unbeatable choice for historical gaming enthusiasts. However, each of these seven games brings its unique historical era, engaging mechanics, and immersive storytelling, offering hours of educational and entertaining gameplay.