2019 is over, 2020 is here. We've had a pretty interesting year as far as strategy games go. Everything from board game ports, to indie hits and new AAA releases have flown the flag of our favourite genre, and while it wasn't a break-out year it was still something to be proud of. This list was originally created to keep track of what strategy games were due to arrive during the 2019 calendar year.

• New Rts Games 2019
• Best Rts Games 2019 Machines

Now that that the year is gone, we're doing one final update to recap what our favourite strategy games of 2019 have been, as well as any last minute news on those games that never made their release windows.

What Are The Best Strategy Games of 2019?

Jun 11, 2018 Total War: Rome II – Emperor Edition is definitely one of the best strategy games for Mac. It’s set during the early civilization of Rome, where you take up the role of the emperor. From political decisions to action-rich battles, you have to take decisions based on strategy. Jan 20, 2020 Best Strategy Games 2020: All the top picks for veterans and newcomers alike Trusted Reviews has compiled a definitive selection of the best strategy games including the likes of Stellaris, XCOM 2. 91 rows  Feb 01, 2020  Most of the best games are available on Mac. Indeed, Mac gaming has come.

Missing Strategy Games 2019

Not everything that gets announced gets released, and games being delayed or missing their release windows is pretty common. Now that that year's over, let's look at the games we were expecting, but never showed up.

Auto Chess PC

You may have seen us talk about Auto Chess a fair bit this year - with the breakout success of the DOTA 2 Mod now apparent, everyone's looking to get involved in this new emerging sub-genre of turn-based strategy (if you want to get technical, Auto Chess-like games could be described as 'WEGO', like BSG Deadlock). The original Auto Chess creators have been spending most of their time porting the mod to mobile in a more legitimate form. With that done, the team are now planning to come back to PC with a more souped-up version of the game made in the Unreal engine.

Since the PC version is an Epic Store exclusive, we've note kept as close an eye on it as we perhaps would like - it's something we'll remedy in the New Year. As far as we know, the beta is still on-going, so while the 'full' release probably was never planned for 2019, I would be surprised if it doesn't release an official 1.0 version this year.

Dwarf Fortress

The official grand-daddy of sim/management games, Dwarf Fortressis finally coming to Steam in a bespoke, premium version aimed at offering a more accessible version for new audiences. It's a bit of a bitter-sweet event - the joy of many being able to dabble in a legend in way that doesn't involve looking at ASCII code (although there are skin-pack mods available for the free version) is mitigated somewhat due to the fact that the only reason we're getting this is because the developers are being let down by the US Health System.

It was perhaps a bit optimistic of us to think the game would be releasing in 2019 - the devs work to their own schedule and arn't even close to committing to a release window just yet. Might appear in 2020, might not.

Xenonauts 2

There's more than one contender for X-Com's throne. While the original creator was busy with Phoenix Point, anyone who wanted a more modern X-COM experience and didn't want to have to deal with 2K's mainstream offering had Xenonauts to scratch that itch. The sequel, Xenonauts 2, is not a direct follow-on more an updated portrayal of the same events using a different scenario. Alien interference has prevented the end of the Cold War, and you're tasked with heading up a clandestine organisation charged with combating the alien threat and holding the world together by any means necessary.

At the time of writing X2 is currently running through its sixth Beta version and developments seems to be progressing nicely. We listed this game here as we were expecting the general 'Early Access' release in 2019, but it's most definitely slipped into 2020 now.

Desperados III

The creators of the rather excellent real-time tactical game Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun are working on the third instalment of the Desperados series. Desperados 3 will see you take control of up to five desperadoes as you go on an epic journey through 1870's America. Missions can be approached from multiple angles, and there are lethal and non-lethal ways of dealing with anyone who gets in your way.

We quite enjoyed Shadow Tactics, so we're very much looking forward to seeing Mimimi's new game, although your mileage on the theme may vary. This was originally slated for a Summer 2019 release but clearly that didn't happen. At the time of writing, the Steam Page still just says '2019'. Clearly it slipped, although we're not sure when it's expected to release now.

Stellaris: Federations

Stellaris finally has a new expansion officially on the cards. Federations is the 'diplomacy' update, and will focus on making the Federation mechanic more meaningful, as well as introducing a new 'Galactic Community' mechanic that revolves around a Senate and passing resolutions.

A release window was never given for this so we weren't actually expecting it in 2019, however the development team confirmed just before Christmas that this would be a 2020 release.

End State

A cross between Phantom Doctrine and XCOM, this squad/turn-based tactics game puts you in charge of a mercenary outfit hunting down terrorists in a fictional war-torn country. It's got an open-world strategy layer with all the trappings of modern XCOM, coupled with a free-form approach to goals and objectives. It was supposed to launch into Early Access sometime in 2019, but at the time of writing it just says 'Coming Soon'.

What were your personal highlights of 2019? Any other games you were expecting that didn't show? Let us know in the comments!

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Mac isn’t a gamer’s go-to platform, due to obvious reasons. But, thanks to some awesome developers and publishing platforms like Steam, Mac users have a decent selection. So, even if you cannot enjoy GTA V on your brand-new MacBook Pro, there are some cool strategy games in Mac.

In this article, we have listed some of the best strategy games for Mac. While some of them are heavy with graphics, some work on low-end devices. We have also mentioned system requirements along with each of the titles.

Most of the games are available via Steam. However, if you are interested, you can find standalone versions as well. Shall we check out the list, then?

Read: 20 Best Simulation Games for Android (2018)

Best Strategy Games for Mac

#1 0 A D

Let’s start with something completely free. 0 A D is an open-source strategy game for Mac. When you start the game, you’re a leader who is up for the challenge. Using the resources around, you have to set up your civilizations and beat down enemies ahead. Quite interestingly, the game brings a battle between 2 different civilizations — one from 500AD and another one from 500BC. It’s still under development and there may be a few bugs. Still, 0 A D is a must-check out.

Price: Free, Open Source

System Requirement: You should have an Intel-based Mac released after 2006

#2 Democracy 3

Democracy 3 is a wonderful political strategy game for Mac. It’s available via Steam and it has lots of extra downloadable content too. One of the popular simulation games too, Democracy 3 wants you to be a leader. The story is set in a western industrialized nation and you have to address all sorts of issues, from crime to climate change. It has a wonderful User Interface that enhances the strategy gaming experience. In this game of politics, each of your decisions matters.

Price: Democracy 3 is priced at $24.99

System Requirement: 2Ghz Processor, 1GB RAM, 256MB Graphics and 500MB Storage space

#3 XCOM: Enemy Unknown

If you are looking for a strategy game with tactical gameplay, make sure you play XCOM: Enemy Unknown. As the head of a paramilitary organization, you have to protect the world from a potential alien invasion. A graphic-intensive game, you have to take part in on-ground combat, action and strategy. There are also some Role-Playing elements in the game, in case you are interested. The game features a huge number of missions you can keep playing.

Price: XCOM: Enemy Unknown is priced at $29.99

System Requirement: 2GHz Processor, 4GB RAM, 20GB Storage, 256MB Video Memory

#4 Civilization V

Civilization V is where you become the ruler of a civilization that travels from old ages to the current one. As you guide the people, you will discover more people and technologies. You have to use your strategies when it comes to building your space as well as combat. It comes with an impressive UI that lets you manage your world easily. You can keep downloading new maps to explore so that you never get bored with Civilization V.

Price: Civilization V is priced at $29.99

System Requirements: Intel Core 2 Duo, 2GB RAM, 8GB Storage Space, 256MB Video Memory

#5 StarCraft II

If you want to extend your game to an interstellar scenario, StarCraft II is one of the best strategy games you can get for Mac. Once you have constructed your base, you can start building the army. After that, you have to lead the army to beat the opponents and conquer the galaxy. There are three different races in the game, who play in different modes. It does not matter which one you choose, you need the right strategy to lead your team and win.

Price: StarCraft II is free to play

System Requirements: Intel Core 2 Duo, GeForce GT330M or ATI Radeon HD4670 or better, 4GB RAM, 30GB Storage space

#6 This War of Mine

This War of Mine is an awesome Mac game that wants both strategy and survival tactics. Instead of being a super-soldier with weapons, you are made a civilian. Making your way through radars and aimed snipers, it is your duty to protect you and others. The decisions are important here, because you have to keep everyone on the hooks. It comes with impressive graphics and one of the intriguing gameplay experiences. There is additional downloadable content too.

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Price: This War of Mine is priced at $19.99

System Requirements: Intel Core 2 Duo or later, 2GB RAM, 512MB Graphics

#7 Total War: Rome II – Emperor Edition

Total War: Rome II – Emperor Edition is definitely one of the best strategy games for Mac. It’s set during the early civilization of Rome, where you take up the role of the emperor. From political decisions to action-rich battles, you have to take decisions based on strategy. Versatility is one thing that gamers love about Total War series, and Total War: Rome II – Emperor Edition offers better. Every decision matters, depending on what you build at the end of the day.

Price: Total War: Rome II – Emperor Edition is priced at $59.95

System Requirements: 1.7GHz Core i5 or better, 4GB RAM, 25GB Storage Space, 512MB Video Memory Dream daddy game free mac.

#8 Sproggiwood

Even if you’re not an expert in Finnish mythology, you would love Sproggiwood. It has been packed with an awesome design and storyline. You start off as a farmer but you come across a spirit and a rivalling group of civilization. What happens next depends on your actions and decisions. Sproggiwood lets you nurture various classes and prepare them for battle. It’s a roguelike game and you have the standard features like looting as well as building options.

Price: Sproggiwood is priced at $14.99

System Requirements: 1GHz or faster, 512MB RAM, 350MB Storage Space, Any Graphics Card after 2004

#9 Mount & Blade: Warband

Are you ready to travel towards the throne of Calradia? To do that, you have to prepare your team for never-ending battles and combat. Mount & Blade: Warband is one of the most graphics-rich games for Mac, and it brings 64-player online gaming battles as well. Being a king, you have to take both personal and political decisions, even your marriage. In short, it has some impressive RPG elements too. You should consider this title if you are into high-end gameplays.

Price: Mount & Blade: Warband is priced at $19.99

System Requirements: 1GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce 8600M / ATI Radeon 2400 or better, 1GB Storage space

#10 Robothorium: Rogue-Like RPG

Robothorium: Rogue-Like RPG is the perfect combination of strategy and role-playing gaming. Just in case you wanted to be a savior for humanity, sorry. Robothorium: Rogue-Like RPG wants you to be the leader of a revolution against humanity. You have to build a robot-based attack team and conquer the silly beings on the earth. Of course, you need to have a proper strategy; otherwise, you fail. The game comes with turn-by-turn tactics, online multiplayer and more.

Price: Robothorium: Rogue-Like RPG is priced at $13.49

System Requirements: 1.3GHz Processor, 2GB RAM and 1.2GB Storage Space

#11 Europa Universalis IV

Europa Universalis IV is a strategy game that takes you through a long period of time. You have to build your civilization and see how it survives the test of time. Compared to other strategy games, Europa Universalis IV offers more freedom for your decisions. As you progress through the large-enough map, you can get used to different systems like trading and commerce. It also offers cross-platform multiplayer games where your strategy and combat are important alike.

Price: Europa Universalis IV is priced at $39.99

System Requirements: Intel Core 2 Duo, 2GB RAM, ATI Radeon HD 6750 / NVIDIA GeForce 320 / NVIDIA GeForce 9600 or higher, 2GB Storage space

#12 Total War: SHOWGUN 2

Another title from the Total War series, Total War: SHOWGUN 2 is set at a period when Japan is struggling through its hard time. You have to be the clan leaders and bring solace, through your political decisions and more. The clan will conquer places and extend the empire to other places, while you have to take the right decisions. Thanks to the larger community, you can play online multiplayer missions as well. This title has an impressive set of graphics and gameplay to offer.

New Rts Games 2019

Price: Total War: SHOWGUN 2 is priced at $29.99

System Requirements: 1.8GHz Processor, 4GB RAM, 256MB Graphics, 25GB Storage Space

#13 The Banner Saga 2

The Banner Saga 2 is primarily RPG in nature. However, without the right strategy and tactics, you can’t win this game. It’s based on an epic story and each character has something behind the trail. As you move along the timeline, you have to engage in battle and take some worthy decisions. While making sure that Viking clans are completely safe, The Banner Saga 2 wants you to explore sub-plots as well. It’s actually about the story than the gameplay, you know.

Price: The Banner Saga 2 is priced at $19.99

System Requirements: 2GB RAM and 4GB available space

#14 RimWorld

RimWorld is still available as an early-access title on Steam. However, this does not mean that you have to compromise features or performance. When RimWorld starts, you have three characters — survivors — who are struck in an unknown world. Each of these three survivors have different stories to play, you know. That is the best part about RimWorld: it lets you change the story depending on the slight details. If you love a lot of stories that involve strategical playing, RimWorld would never bore you.

Price: RimWorld is priced at $29.99

System Requirements: Core 2 Duo, 4GB RAM, Intel HD Graphics 3000 with 384 MB of RAM, 500MB Space

#15 Medieval II: Total War

We’d like to conclude this list with another title from the Total War series. Medieval II: Total War is set in a time when bloodthirsty battles were common. When it comes to gameplay, the graphics and choreography get better and better. You can also engage in multiplayer matches via Internet or LAN. One of the best things about this strategy game is its reach itself. You have a huge community of gamers to play with. And, nothing beats a strategy game with a large user-base, you know.

Price: Medieval II: Total War is priced at $19.99

System Requirements: 1.8GHz Processor, 4GB RAM, 256MB Graphics, 32GB Storage space

Best Rts Games 2019 Machines

The Bottom Line

Most of these strategy games can work on the current Macs, subject to storage space and performance. So, you can focus on getting a game of your taste instead of worrying about compatibility. Also, if you think you know some other great strategy games for Mac, do let us know via comments.

Read: 20 Best Online Games for Android