5 Best Strategy Games of 2022, Ranked

Strategy games are often a relative niche market in the world of instant gratification players can get from other titles. That being said, there are many people who enjoy the slower approach to combat and problem-solving this genre offers. 2022 has been a splendid year regarding the supply of strategy games we received, and their quality tends to speak for itself. So without further ado, here are our picks for the 5 Best Strategy Games of 2022, Ranked.

5. Total War: Warhammer III

Total War: Warhammer III is a turn-based strategy game based in the world of the other Warhammer titles. The main gameplay loop of this title is to go around the map and conquer various lands while managing your settlements. There are several factions within the game, each with its own advantages and disadvantages in battle. Many of these lands pull their inspiration from real-world empires such as Russia and China.

The gameplay map seems to be at least twice the size of the game seen in the previous game, Total War: Warhammer II. There have also been several paid DLCs. These DLCs add more content to the game, such as new playable factions and gore effects. So if players have enjoyed past Total War titles, then this title surely won't disappoint players looking for an in-depth strategy experience. The game also has a robust multiplayer option that allows players to pit themselves against each other. Total War: Warhammer III is sure to satisfy the strategy enthusiasts out there looking for a quality title to play in 2022.

4. Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate Daemonhunters

Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate Daemonhunters is a reboot of the classic title from 1998. Players are in control of several Sons of Titan, which essentially are exceptionally powerful people in the universe. There are many gameplay elements that the player must keep up with throughout the game. In addition, each resource has a level of research ability that must be met to utilize an item fully. This go around, there are eight unique classes that you can choose from to build your ideal Knight.

There are also a ton of bosses within the game that can be quite a pain to defeat. However, you will soon learn what kind of experience you are in for when you complete the game's extensive tutorial. This lends itself well to the depth of the gameplay mechanics that players must learn as they go along. The game also features a significant amount of mission variety that keeps the experience fresh as you play through its grueling levels. Where this game truly shines, however, is within the boss fights of the game. These are outright spectacles that amaze me every time they are on screen. In closing, Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate Daemonhunters is a fantastic choice for any strategy game lover this year.

3. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope

Mario and Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is an absolutely delightful game. This game brings together the famous plumber of the Mushroom Kingdom and the Rabbids from the beloved Rayman series. The game is a direct sequel of 2017's Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, which was highly praised for its gameplay mechanics and presentation. Sparks of Hope's gameplay is similar to the Kingdom Battle game.

This time around, there are a few additions to the main character roster as well, as Rosalina and Lumas also have new forms introduced in this title. That isn't the only addition to the game, however, as for the first time, the Rabbid characters are also all fully voice-acted, a first for the series. In addition, the game's fundamental design differs from their first outing, citing the Divinity series as inspiration. The combat feels more real-time than ever. This means that players familiar with the grid layout system will have to adapt to the new mechanics. In closing, Mario and Rabbids Sparks of Hope is a game that builds upon its predecessor to create something new and is one of the best strategy games of 2022.

2. Marvel's Midnight Suns

Marvel's Midnight Suns is the new game developed by the developers of the famous XCOM series. This means they will bring all the lessons learned from the highly praised strategy series into this new title. The game's roster will feature some lesser-known faces from Marvel as well as a few fan favorites. The game's presentation is top-notch, with the combat mechanics being incredibly polished. If players are unfamiliar with the XCOM series, no fear; this game is decidedly more casual than the XCOM series. Players will be able to engage in thrilling turn-based combat as some of their favorite Marvel characters.

Players will initially create their own superhero from a pool of options and then fight alongside their superpowered allies. The powers that one has to choose from are rather vast, with around 40 options to choose from. With such a wide array of powers on offer, there will surely be something here for everyone. When it comes time to complete a mission, players can choose an additional three heroes to tag along with them on their journey. This plays well into the game's strategy elements, as you will want to be careful who you choose. The game also features a hub, the Abbey, where you can interact with characters and learn more about their stories. In closing, Marvel's Midnight Suns is a fantastic outing by the team behind the XCOM series that incorporates some lesser-known Marvel characters into its roster.

1. Songs of Conquest

Songs of Conquest is a strategy game that harkens back to past strategy games. The 90s era of strategy games inspired the game, and you can tell with its gameplay mechanics and presentation. Players will be able to control and tend to their own kingdom in the game and go to war with various other nations. This makes up the fundamental gameplay loop of the game. While the game may be in Early Access, it is shaping up as a more than competent release.

Players can choose from up to four factions, each with their own niches and Wielders, the game's version of magic users. You can also take advantage of different soldiers' abilities to create your own army. There are also a variety of battle locations that feature different biomes that play into the game's combat. One feature that helps this title stand out is its level editor. This allows players with a penchant for creation to create their boards to wage war on. So if you are looking for fantastic strategy games to play in 2022, look no further than Songs of Conquest.

So, what's your take on our picks for the 5 Best Strategy Games of 2022, Ranked? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.