15 Best Free Strategy Games: PC, Mac & Mobile

Here’s a curated list of the 15 best free strategy games you can play right now. It includes multiple subgenres, time periods, and platforms like PC, Mac, and mobile. Every title is 100% free-to-play, and some of them might surprise you.

Table of Contents

ℹ️ TIP: Keep in mind that open-source games are actively developed and updated over time. Their original release date is just the starting point—it doesn’t mean they’re outdated.

Let’s dive in:

StarCraft II

No introduction needed, one of the highest-rated RTS games in strategy gaming history. It features an epic conflict between three asymmetrical factions: Protoss, Terran, and Zerg, set in a futuristic sci-fi universe.

StarCraft II is a trilogy, and the first chapter, Wings of Liberty, is officially free-to-play. 

Genre: RTS – Real-Time Strategy.
Release Year: 2010.
Platform: PC (Windows) & Mac.

Download StarCraft II Free

0 A.D.

An open-source RTS inspired by Age of Empires. What started as a mod evolved into a standalone project. It offers greater historical accuracy and depth, with detailed mechanics that enhance realism in architecture, gameplay, and civilization design—perfect for players who value precision and immersion.

Genre: RTS – Real-Time Strategy.
Release Year: 2010, continuously developed with updates roughly every 2 years.
Platform: PC (Windows), Mac, Linux, and more.

Download 0 A.D. Free

StarCraft

The original StarCraft game, a groundbreaking RTS that revolutionized the genre with its asymmetrical factions. Both the base game and its expansion, Brood War, are now free.

Genre: RTS – Real-Time Strategy.
Release Year: 1998.
Platform: PC (Windows) & Mac.

Sid Meier’s Civilization

The origin of the Civilization franchise, a genre-defining and award-winning strategy game. Lead a civilization from ancient times to the year 2100, managing key systems like exploration, technology, politics, and warfare. 

Genre: Turn-Based Strategy & 4X.
Release Year: 1991.
Platform: PC (now adapted to multiple platforms).

Crusader Kings II

A deep dynasty simulation strategy game set in the Middle Ages. Manage a noble family across Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa. Control politics, economy, religion, diplomacy, marriages, and more—packed with intricate systems.

Genre: Grand Strategy.
Release Year: 2012.
Platform: PC (Windows), Mac, Linux.

Forge of Empires

A strategy game focused on city-building mechanics. Develop your empire from the Stone Age to the future, managing resources, researching technologies, and engaging in turn-based combat.

Genre: City Builder (strategy & development) with turn-based combat.
Release Year: 2014.
Platform: Web Browser (HTML5), iOS, Android.

Stronghold Kingdoms

A medieval RTS centered around castle building and defense. Manage resources realistically, build armies, fortify defenses, and launch attacks against rivals. 

Genre: RTS – Real-Time Strategy.
Release Year: 2012.
Platform: PC (Windows), Mac, iOS, Android.

OpenTTD

An open-source remake of Transport Tycoon Deluxe. A business simulation and management game where you build and operate transport networks including roads, railways, ports, and airports. Features massive maps and robust multiplayer. 

Genre: Economic Simulation; Business Management; City Builder.
Release Year: 2004 (initial) / 2010 (v1.0).
Platform: PC (Windows), Mac, Linux, Android, and more.

OpenRA

An open-source reimagining of the classic Command & Conquer series, including Tiberian Dawn, Red Alert, and Dune 2000. Enhanced gameplay, improved visuals, and multiplayer upgrades bring new life to these iconic RTS titles. 

Genre: RTS – Real-Time Strategy.
Release Year: 2010, actively updated.
Platform: PC (Windows), Mac, Linux, and more.

Battle for Wesnoth

An open-source turn-based strategy game set in a fantasy world. Features humans, elves, dwarves, orcs, dragons, and more. Terrain, day/night cycles, and unit experience all impact gameplay.

Genre: Turn-Based Strategy.
Release Year: 2005, continuously updated.
Platform: PC (Windows), Mac, Linux, iOS, Android.

War Selection

A developing RTS where you guide a civilization from the Stone Age through multiple eras, eventually shaping it into a modern nation based on your choices. Supports up to 62 players in massive matches. 

Genre: RTS – Real-Time Strategy.
Release Year: 2019 (Early Access, still evolving).
Platform: PC (Windows), Linux.

Zero-K

An open-source RTS inspired by Total Annihilation. Control autonomous units, robots, and advanced sci-fi tech. Players start equal, but strategy determines outcomes. Features physics-based mechanics and terrain deformation. 

Genre: RTS – Real-Time Strategy.
Release Year: 2010, regularly updated.
Platform: PC (Windows), Mac, Linux.

Warzone 2100

A tactical RTS set in a post-apocalyptic world. Lead a faction called The Project to rebuild civilization. Features full 3D environments, free camera control, and deep unit customization. 

Genre: RTS – Real-Time Strategy.
Release Year: 1999 (open-source since 2004, frequently updated).
Platform: PC (Windows), Mac, Linux, and more.

FreeCiv

An open-source turn-based strategy game inspired by Civilization I and II, with deeper customization. Lead a nation from 4000 BC to the space age, managing diplomacy, cities, tech, and warfare. Supports up to 126 players in multiplayer. 

Genre: Turn-Based Strategy & 4X.
Release Year: 1996, updated yearly.
Platform: PC (Windows), Mac, Linux, Web Browser, and more.

FreeOrion

An open-source turn-based strategy game inspired by Master of Orion. Build and manage an interstellar civilization, explore the galaxy, colonize planets, and design custom ships. Deep economic and technological systems. 

Genre: Turn-Based Strategy & 4X.
Release Year: 2004, frequently updated.
Platform: PC (Windows), Mac, Linux.

Share your thoughts:

You’ve just explored a list of the best free strategy games. Hopefully you found some great picks—if you know any must-play titles that deserve a spot, drop them in the comments👇.
Thanks for reading!