People have been playing games of strategy for thousands of years. One of the oldest, Senet, was played in ancient Egypt over 5000 years ago.
But strategy games come in different forms, for example, chess is what we call an Abstract Strategy game. This means that the game is played the same way whether you’re using Star Wars pieces or the traditional King, Queen, Knight, etc.
Then there are Simulation Strategy games such as Hearts of Iron IV, where there is a theme to create a realistic/believable environment. But some games cross both genres -Junta springs to mind- and further subgenres therein.
Today, thanks to modern technology, there are hundreds of strategy games that leap effortlessly from one form to another.
Casino games are well known for their strategic element, with poker and blackjack being two of the most popular strategic casino games available.
Now, nearly all casino providers offer blackjack, poker, and other strategy-based casino games in a digital format so players can easily access their favorite games.
To play some of the top strategy-based games you are not limited by being stuck at your desk or console either. There’s a seemingly endless stream of games, just one touch away, on your mobile device.
That’s all well and good, but for those new to mobile strategy games, this can be a little overwhelming. And that’s where we come in.
Here we’re going to take a look at some of the finest mobile strategy games out there. Abstract or Simulation and everything else in between, here are six of the very best.
Door Kickers
You have a bird’s eye view of the action in Door Kickers, anyone who played the first GTA might be feeling a little nostalgic right now. And a bit like GTA, it’s all about mini missions and the gathering of information/weapons, etc to get you onto the next phase.
Award-winning it may be, but it might not be the best game for strategy newbies as it’s hard. The last thing you need when you’re getting your head around a new genre is more challenges, but it’s definitely worth a shot.
Into the Breach
This turn-based game involves battling huge insects with a squad of three robots. Your main aim is to protect civilians by protecting their infrastructure and, of course, taking out the invading hoards with tactical souse.
Don’t be fooled by relatively uncomplicated graphics or the deceptively simple gameplay. In terms of having your brain re-wired to provide the best outcome this one is a total winner.
Boom Beach
If you’re new to mobile strategy games, Boom Beach is a great place to start. Firstly, it looks nice -you’re on a beach after all and the game provides a rounded overview of what constitutes a ‘mobile strategy game.’
Your mission is to overthrow Blackguard, the evil overlord who has enslaved the inhabitants of the islands. You’ll be working alongside gamers from across the world to free the slaves and defeat the evil overlord!
Viking rise
If the word ‘Viking’ puts you off, bear with us, this trip through Valhalla isn’t all about blood and guts. For a start, the game looks beautiful and while you’re expanding your territories, you’ll need to keep an eye out on your own settlement.
This game is also about good old-fashioned storytelling, so if you’re into getting right into the psychology of the game, check it out. Play online with friends or fellow gamers, whatever it takes to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Rise of Kingdoms
Another great game for those new to the genre, and it’s super smartphone friendly as well. Also, you’ve eleven civilizations to choose from, so you can play the game in a style that suits you.
Play against other gamers or a powerful AI, which may even be a deal breaker for some. Either way, you get to oversee your own kingdom with guile and strategic thinking in what may be the best game on this page.
Clash of Titans
Having said that, Clash of Titans is pretty hard to beat. It’s one, if not the, most popular mobile strategy game out there as it combines the best parts of the other games we’ve mentioned.
It’s customizable, engaging, and fun and has the uncanny ability to appeal to new strategy gamers and old hands. It’s also one of those mobile games that can be enjoyed with friends, strangers, or alone, and is even great for couples!
We can’t imagine there won’t be a bunch of mobile strategy gamers who are staggered we haven’t included Final Fantasy, Clash Royale, etc. And that says a lot about the sheer range of options that are available to gamers in this genre.
Having said all of that, you don’t need a smartphone or a tablet to enjoy strategy games. You can find loads in a humble deck, or one of those game compendiums you had as a kid. And they work without electricity too!