by 10. Empire Eternal
Under the auspices of MicroProse, Empire Eternal acts as a spiritual successor Empire Earth-a. Combines real-time progression from Age of Empires-and with width Civilizations, 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 comeback Empire Earth-and.
9. The Last General
Developed by one man, The Last General is an ambitious project that promises huge battlefields, up to 400 square kilometers, along with economy and production. Reminiscent of indie success Manor Lords-a, proving that the vision of one author can bring something unique in the strategic genre.
8. Dust Front RTS
Set in a dieselpunk world destroyed by endless wars, Dust Front RTS combines striking aesthetics with massive battles. Players command hundreds or thousands of units against humans and monsters. The dark palette of gray and red tones, along with fluid animations, makes it one of the most visually impressive 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 of George RR Martin sounds enticing. Early footage also hints at combat and elements of the grand-strategy genre. If he fulfills his promises, War for Westeros could become the ultimate strategy experience for Seven Kingdoms fans.
6. Kriegsfront Tactics
This turn-based strategy game takes players to 1970s East Asia, where matches dominate the battlefield. Inspired by classics like XCOM-a Jagged Alliance-a, adds fresh mechanics like control of mechs (automated war machines), aiming system and PS1 graphic style. The prologue has already made a strong impression, raising expectations for the full version.
5. Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 4
After the acclaimed remaster of the original Dawn of War-in 2025, the series returns with full force. Dawn of War 4 promising beloved factions, playable Primarchs, and rich single player content. For series veterans, this could be a long-awaited redemption title.
4. Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era
One of the favorite names is returning. 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 get a new dimension with Task Force AdmiralSet 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 wargame,” and a release in early 2026 could redefine the genre.
2. MENACE
From the creators Battle Brothers-and is coming THREATENS, a brutal turn-based tactical game with deep unit customization. Its unique move system (alternately moving units between players) completely changes the rhythm of combat. With a rough 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 and XCOM-and galaxies 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 there aren't many details yet, 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.
