The weekend is here, and we feel like working out our minds with some strategy games!
Whether real-time, turn-based, an inventive take on the genre, or completely psychedelic, strategy games are great fodder for weekend gaming. Especially when you’re going up against (or working collaboratively with!) your mates. We had a whip around the Overlockers UK office to find out everyone’s favourite strategy games to play with friends.
Not in the mood for strategic thinking? Check out our other weekend gaming blogs for inspo!
Feeling Hyped for Sid Meier’s Civilization 7!
Gamescom may be dropping all the hottest game and tech announcements, but we are particularly stoked for Sid Meier’s Civilization VII. The launch date has been confirmed for February 11th 2025, so we officially have a date to count down to!
This latest addition to the award-winning franchise promises a revolutionary new chapter in strategic gameplay. You must construct cities and architectural wonders, developing your civilisation and leading them through the various ages of advancement. With phenomenal graphics, updated gameplay, and plenty of cultures to explore, Civ VII is set to bring us yet more hours of satisfying gameplay as we reach for the stars. (Side note: I didn’t think they could improve on narrators, but then they go and announce it’s Gwendoline Christie 
)
While we wait for February to come around, we have a new exciting trailer to watch and watch again.
Or perhaps it’s time to dive back into a classic strategy game!
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
If you had a PC in the late 90s and early 00s, then it’s likely you have played some form of Age of Empires. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition will fuel your need for nostalgia, but with enhanced graphics, new game modes, and additional content. Take your civilisation through the ages, develop your armies, and dominate the world! All in glorious 4K Ultra HD, no less.
The Definitive Edition added a new co-op mode, allowing you to share the adventure with your friends. Work together to build the most expansive empire!
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition Official Specifications
Is your gaming PC a Big Daddy or still stuck in the Stone Age?
| Component | Minimum Specs | Recommended Specs |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 10 64-bit |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo AMD Athlon 64×2 5600+ | 2.4GHz Intel Core i5 or greater AMD equivalent |
| Memory | 4GB RAM | 8GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GT 420 ATI Radeon HD 6850 Intel HD Graphics 4000 2GB VRAM | NVIDIA GTX 650 AMD HD 5850 |
| DirectX | Version 11 | Version 11 |
| Network | Broadband Internet connection | Broadband Internet connection |
| Storage | 15GB available space | 15GB available space |
| Additional Notes | 2GB of video memory + 4GB of system memory required |
Refract Gaming Jade Pre-Built PC
Create a vast empire with the Refract Gaming Jade. This pre-built gaming PC has been designed, engineered, and pre-tested by our tech team of experts, crafting a machine perfectly suited for 1080p and 1440p gaming. The AMD Ryzen 7 7700 processor is equipped with innovative Zen 4 architecture, which optimises your PC’s workloads like you co-ordinate your workers. Plus, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti GPU will beautifully render your budding civilisation in photo-realistic quality, thanks to AI-enhanced technologies. What’s more, with 32GB DDR5 RAM and a 1TB SSD, you can enjoy low latency on all your favourite strategy games.
The Refract Jade is part of our pre-built gaming PC range. Each is covered by a three years parts and labour warranty, for that extra peace of mind. Sadly, we can’t do anything about priests converting your PC.
Logitech G G432 7.1 Surround Gaming Headset
It wasn’t just the gameplay that got remastered, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition has its soundtrack overhauled too. So why not listen in glorious 7.1 surround sound? With the Logitech G G432 Gaming Headset, you can experience this soundtrack like never before thanks to the 50mm ad DTS Headphone:X 2.0 technology. Soundscapes will be simply cinematic. Plus, the deluxe, lightweight leatherette ear cups will remain comfortable throughout the ages.
Total War: Rome Remastered
Another remaster, we have Total War: Rome Remastered. Clearly the late 90s to early 00s was peak strategy gaming! Once again, you can enjoy incredible definition and new gameplay in this classic strategy game. Conduct battle with one of thirty-eight playable factions and enjoy quality-of-life enhancements such as map rotation and icon overlays.
This remaster also brought a multiplayer battle mode. Pit your favourite faction against your friends, and see whose Roman army is the best! Plus, there is crossplay support between Windows, macOS, and Linux, so you can conduct war no matter which operating system your friends use.
Total War: Rome Remastered Official Specifications
Is your gaming PC an army general or waiting to be picked off on the front lines?
| Component | Minimum Specs | Recommended Specs |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 64-bit (version 1809) | Windows 10 64-bit (version 20H2) |
| Processor | Intel Core i3 Series AMD FX-4000 Series | Intel Core i5-4570 AMD Ryzen 5 1600 |
| Memory | 6GB RAM | 8GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GTX 600 Series 1GB VRAM AMD HD 7000 Series 1GB VRAM Intel UHD 620 | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770 4GB AMD Radeon R9 290 4GB |
| DirectX | Version 11 | Version 11 |
| Storage | 45GB available space | 45GB available space |
| Additional Notes | * PC Integrated graphics chipsets require 8GB RAM, e.g. Intel HD/UHD series * Estimated performance on Low settings at 1080p (66% gameplay resolution scaling): 30FPS * Frame rate may drop in large-scale, graphics-intensive battles | * Estimated performance on High settings at 1080p: 60FPS * Frame rate may drop in large-scale, graphics-intensive battles |
OcUK Gaming Radiance Ember Configurable PC
Rule your empire with power at your back, with the OcUK Gaming Radiance Ember. Powered by ASUS, this gaming PC is equipped with a 13th Gen Intel CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series GPU. Only the best hardware for Roman Emperors! The improved hybrid architecture means the Intel Core i5 13600 has more E-cores to elevate efficiency in all your work loads. Plus, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti GPU harnesses all the innovations of Ada Lovelace architecture, for phenomenal graphical output.
The OcUK Gaming Radiance Ember is one of our configurable gaming PCs. Choose from a selection of hardware options to tailor this gaming PC to your exact needs. Configure the cables, GPU, operating system, and choose up to three ultra-fast SSDs. Please note that any changes will affect the price.
Fancy taking on a solo strategy adventure? We tried the new strategy colony sim from Team 17 and Covenant.dev, Gord. Check out our thoughts to see if you want to take on this Slavic-inspired game.
Sid Meier’s Civilization VI
From Sean Bean’s smooth Yorkshire accent to the rich gameplay, you cannot go wrong with Cid Meier’s Civilization VI. In this turn-based strategy, you choose a world leader and try to bring your civilisation from its humble beginning to the space age. There’s espionage, diplomacy, and plenty of high-powered combat to be had in this beautifully detailed game. Plus, no two scenarios will ever play the same, so you can dominate time and time again.
After practising against the AI world leaders, you can compete against your friends either online or via a shared/split screen. Use spies to infiltrate their cities, send scouts out to claim fresh land as your own, and outpace them in every metric you can. Science, religion, army – yours are all way more civilised!
Sid Meier’s Civilization VI Official Specifications
Is your gaming PC a wonder waiting to be discovered or just another barbarian tribe?
| Component | Minimum Specs | Recommended Specs |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 / 8.1 / 7 64-bit | Windows 10 / 8.1 / 7 64-bit |
| Processor | Intel Core i3 2.5GHz AMD Phenom II 2.6GHz | Fourth Generation Intel Core i5 2.5GHz AMD FX8350 4.0GHz |
| Memory | 4GB RAM | 8GB RAM |
| Graphics | 1 GB AMD 5570 NVIDIA 450 Intel Integrated Graphics 530 | 2GB AMD 7970 NVIDIA 770 |
| DirectX | Version 11 | Version 11 |
| Storage | 17GB available space | 17GB available space |
| Sound Card | DirectX Compatible Sound Device | DirectX Compatible Sound Device |
| Additional Notes | Initial installation requires one-time Internet connection for Steam authentication; software installations required (included with the game) include Steam Client, Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 and 2015 Runtime Libraries, and Microsoft DirectX. Internet connection and acceptance of Steam™ Subscriber Agreement required for activation |
OcUK Gaming Khopesh Configurable PC
You won’t reach the space age without bleeding-edge technology. The OcUK Gaming Khopesh features both AMD Ryzen 7000 Series and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series hardware, keeping you at the pinnacle of performance. Thanks to Zen 4 and Ada Lovelace architecture, you can soar through all the eras with advanced gaming and AI technology. The result? Cid Meyer’s Civilisation VI will have never looked better, rendering in stunning detail whilst your gaming PC operates with enhanced efficiency.
Plus, the OcUK Gaming Khopesh is another of our configurable gaming PCs. If the standard AMD Ryzen 7 7700X does not fit the needs of your budding civilisation, you can opt for a more different model from the series. Other customisable options include the PC case, memory, CPU cooler, graphics card, cables, operating system, and choosing up to three ultra-fast SSDs. Please note that any changes made will affect the price.
Perhaps you like a sprinkling of pirates in your strategy gaming? Then check out Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew, an RTS that’s a nautical good time!
For the King
Taking the strategy genre in a slightly different direction, we have For the King. This game balances strategy with RPG and a hint of rogue-like mechanics, to create an engaging adventure around the land of Fahrul. There are a few different campaigns to try, each with randomly generated maps and progressing difficulty. Both combat and gameplay are turn-based, with all your actions’ success relying on a dice roll mechanic like the TTRPGs it took inspiration from. This can lead to some spectacular crits and equally epic whiffs!
In a party of up to three players, you can co-operatively explore Fahrul. Each player can choose a class and customise their avatar to create a balanced team with a unique aesthetic. Or go for all out melee power, if that’s how you and the squad roll. Just be careful, a TPK will end the adventure entirely!
For the King Official Specifications
Is your gaming PC ready to explore the wonders of Fahrul or is it caught up in the Chaos?
| Component | Minimum Specs | Recommended Specs |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10 64-bit | Windows 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10 64-bit |
| Processor | Intel Core2 Duo E4300 AMD Athlon Dual Core 4450e | Intel Core i5-4570T AMD FX-6100 |
| Memory | 4GB RAM | 4GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTX 768 MB Intel HD 4600 AMD Radeon HD 3850 512 MB | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2048 MB AMD Radeon HD 7850 2048 MB |
| DirectX | Version 9.0c | Version 9.0c |
| Storage | 3GB available space | 3GB available space |
MSI Katana 15 Gaming Laptop
Add some portability to your strategy, with the MSI Katana 15 Gaming Laptop. Equipped with an Intel Core i7-13620H, this gaming laptop utilises enhanced hybrid architecture to intelligently manage your workload whilst you juggle various quests. What’s more, it is paired with 16GB DDR5 RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD, to keep this gaming laptop running efficiently with lightning-fast loading times. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU will render For the King’s iconic hexagonal style in photo-realistic quality, thanks to cutting edge Ada Lovelace architecture. Better yet, it’s up to spec for the sequel, too!
To keep this laptop cool as you travel across Fahrul, it utilises Cooler Boost 5 technology. Dedicated to cooling both the CPU and GPU, the shared heat pipe design efficiently manages thermal flow, drawing heat away from these vital components. The MSI Katana 15 studio stays cool and quiet. No distracting noises while you play your fave strategy games.
Corsair Nightsword RGB USB Gaming Mouse
Every great adventurer needs a sword! With the Corsair Nightsword RGB Gaming Mouse is the perfect peripheral to take into battle. It features a PixArt PMW3391 sensor, with up to 18,000 DPI for pixel-precise gaming, and durable OMRON switches, rated for 50 million clicks. What’s more, this gaming mouse is highly customisable, beyond adjusting the sensitivity. There are ten programmable buttons for in-game macros, four individually addressable RGB zones, and additional weights for you to fine tune the modular weight system. Make this mouse unique to your needs, like your character!
If you feel like you have exhausted For the King, For the King II released on November 2nd 2023. We have a gameplay breakdown and review as part of our Indie Showcase.
Homeworld Remastered Collection
Our final pick is yet another classic, also with a new game that released in May 2024.Homeworld Remastered Collection is your quintessential selection sci-fi strategy games, including the original Homeworld, Homeworld 2, and Homeworld Steam Multiplayer. Build and battle over one hundred different spaceships, in gloriously remastered gameplay – done by key members of the original dev team, no less!
Homeworld Steam Multiplayer allows you to pit races from Homeworld 1 and 2 against each other, with up to eight players. There are twenty-three maps to conduct your carnage and even more game modes to discover. All in a weekend’s gaming, really!
Homeworld Remastered Collection Official Specifications
Is your gaming PC a finely crafted spaceship, or closer to being space junk?
| Component | Minimum Specs | Recommended Specs |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows Vista | Windows Vista |
| Processor | 2.2GHz Dual Core Processor | 2.3GHz Quad Core Processor |
| Memory | 1GB RAM | 4GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB ATI Radeon HD4800 512MB | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 ATI Radeon HD 5850 1GB VRAM |
| Storage | 20GB available space | 20GB available space |
| Additional Notes | * Game engine uses OpenGL3.3 It is important that you get the latest drivers for your video card to ensure compatibility with this product. | * Game engine uses OpenGL3.3 It is important that you get the latest drivers for your video card to ensure compatibility with this product. |
8Pack Meteoroid MK2 Overclocked PC
Do you need the 8Pack Meteoroid MK2 to play Homeworld Remastered Collection? No, it’s sheer overkill. But we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to pair up the space-themed names. Plus, it’s always fun to imagine gaming on an 8Pack machine and it’ll more than cover you for Homeworld 3! (Plus, all your other favourite strategy games, too!)
The 8Pack Meteoroid is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 9 7900X CPU, overclocked by 8Pack, himself. Boasting twelve cores and twenty-four threads, this Zen 4 processor can easily handle multi-tasking, elite-tier gaming, content creation, and streaming. Paired with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Super GPU, and you can enjoy all this in glorious 4K resolutions. What’s more, the 64GB DDR5 RAM will keep this PC running efficiently whilst the two M.2 SSDs will provide high-speed storage for all your strategy games, projects, and media.
If you are keen to play the latest Homeworld, we have a full breakdown of the third installment.
Time to Work Those Little Grey Cells!
Have we got you itching to think strategically? Let us know which your favourite strategy games are in the comments below!
PC specs are subject to change.
- 13 min read
Emily Haylock
Author
Emily is a board and cosy gamer, keyboard obsessive, and content copywriter for Overclockers UK. She has been with Overclockers UK since 2020, writing about everything from noblechairs to 8Pack PCs. She writes from within her desk nest with a foster pup at her feet. (What, a desk duvet is a totally normal thing!) In her downtime, she likes to play board games, farming sims, and old-school Final Fantasy. IX to be specific. It is the best, and that is a hill she will die on.
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Thankyou Emily Haylock for your Article.
I, like you enjoy strategy games as the go too. Company of heroes 3 is currently a good game to jump in follow up on Company of heroes 2. Possible updates required. I will check out Cantata as this looks like it will be worth a exploring. Nothing wrong with a psychedelic adventure. Rome total war is my favourite from your list, takes me back to the early 00’s.
Keep writing your articles, it was a great read.
Alex
Glad you enjoyed it Alex! Age of Empires is the one that always takes me back – spent many a Saturday afternoon playing that with the sisters. Have a psychadelic time trying out Cantata!