The year 2026 promises to be a golden age for strategy game fans. From the return of iconic franchises to bold new experiments, the calendar is packed with titles that will test our tactical skills and keep us glued to our screens. After closely monitoring the announcements and demos, I've compiled a list of the ten games I'm most looking forward to this year.
10. Empire Eternal
Under the MicroProse umbrella, Empire Eternal acts as the spiritual successor to Empire Earth. It combines the real-time progression of Age of Empires with the breadth of Civilization, allowing players to lead their people from the Stone Age to the distant future. For fans of forgotten RTS gems, this is the closest thing to a return to Empire Earth.
9. The Last General
Developed by a single developer, The Last General is an ambitious project that promises massive battlefields, up to 400 square kilometers, with economy and production. It is reminiscent of the indie success of Manor Lords, proving that a single author's vision can bring something unique to the strategy genre.
8. Dust Front RTS
Set in a dieselpunk world ravaged by endless wars, Dust Front RTS combines striking aesthetics with massive battles. Players command hundreds or thousands of units against humans and monsters. A dark palette of grays and reds, along with fluid animations, makes it one of the most visually striking RTS titles on the horizon.
7. Game of Thrones: War for Westeros
Details are still scarce, but the idea of a real-time strategy set in the world George R. R. Martin sounds tempting. Early footage hints at both battlefield engagements and grand-strategy elements. If it lives up to its promise, War for Westeros could become the ultimate strategy experience for fans of the Seven Kingdoms.
6. Kriegsfront Tactics
This turn-based strategy game takes players to 1970s East Asia, where melee dominates the battlefield. Inspired by classics like XCOM and Jagged Alliance, it adds fresh mechanics like mech control (automated war machines), a targeting system, and PS1-style graphics. The prologue has already made a strong impression, raising expectations for the full version.
5. Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 4
Following the acclaimed remaster of the original Dawn of War in 2025, the series returns with a vengeance. Dawn of War 4 promises beloved factions, playable Primarchs, and a wealth of single-player content. For series veterans, this could be a long-awaited redemption title.
4. Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era
One of the most beloved names returns. Olden Era evokes the spirit of the late '90s and early 2000s, offering a familiar yet refreshed experience. For many, it evokes memories of playing on the Game Boy Color, and expectations are high that this sequel will revive the series.
3. Task Force Admiral
War games take on a new dimension with Task Force Admiral. Set during the Battle of the Coral Sea in World War II, it combines realism, accessibility, and high replay value. An early demo has already been called a “next-generation war game,” and its early 2026 release could redefine the genre.
2. MENACE
From the creators of Battle Brothers comes MENACE, a brutal turn-based tactical game with deep unit customization. Its unique turn system (taking turns moving units between players) completely changes the rhythm of combat. With a gritty industrial aesthetic and a February release, this is one of the most anticipated titles of the year.
1. Star Wars: Zero Company
At the top of the list is Star Wars: Zero Company, a dream come true for fans of both XCOM and a galaxy far, far away. Set during the twilight of the Clone Wars, players lead a mercenary team that includes a Mandalorian, a Clone Trooper, and a Jedi. While details are still scarce, the promise of XCOM-like gameplay in the Star Wars universe makes it the most exciting strategy release of 2026.
Conclusion
From dieselpunk battlefields to intergalactic mercenary squads, 2026 brings a diverse and ambitious lineup of strategy games. Whether you're drawn to nostalgic throwbacks or bold experiments, this year shows that the genre remains just as exciting and unpredictable. Strategy fans can expect many sleepless nights spent enjoying the aforementioned titles.
The text was prepared by the GL team in cooperation with Vijesti. For more gaming content, visit www.gamerslife.me
Bonus video:
