2020 is here and there are a slew of new video game titles to look forward to playing. With that said, now’s a good time to start marking down what video games to keep an eye on when they officially launch. Let us lend a hand, as we’re going over the top strategy video games launching this year. While we try to rank the games to the best our ability, you likely shouldn’t pay too much mind on where each game is ranked as there is a mix of titles that have yet to make their way out into the market.
Click Here For The Best Upcoming Strategy Games Of 2021
#7 Gears Tactics
- Developer: Splash Damage, The Coalition
- Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
- Platforms: PC, XBO
- Release: April 28, 2020 (PC)
- Co-op: N/A
- Competitive Multiplayer: N/A
Gears Tactics is a spin-off turn-based tactical strategy title for the Gears of War franchise. The title was introduced to the world during E3 2018 alongside two other Gears video games which were Gears Pop and Gears 5. With this installment, The Coalition showcased the title where players are put over a top-down perspective as they issue out different commands to their squad of human soldiers. This game is set prior to the events of the first Gears of War video game title where players take control of a squad that is going up against the Locust Horde a year after Emergency Day.
Overall, the transition from a third-person action title to a tactical strategy game is pulled off rather well. It’s all about tactical battles as you make your way through map layouts and fight against the variety of locust horde. Each also has a unique attribute which makes having to pull off executions in a particular way such as avoiding an enemy that will explode leaving poisonous gas behind. There are even campaign missions that will have players complete optional secondary side quests throughout. Furthermore, this is still a Gears game which means you’re going to get an action-packed storyline filled with cinematic moments. If you never played a Gears title before and happen to be interested in strategy games then this could mark as a great entry point to the series.
#6 Crusader Kings 3
- Developer: Paradox Development Studio
- Publisher: Paradox Interactive
- Platforms: PC
- Release: September 1, 2020
- Co-op: N/A
- Competitive Multiplayer: Online
If you enjoyed the Crusader Kings franchise then you will be delighted to know that a third installment is being developed by Paradox. It’s a game that will retain its roots of being a strategy title set in the medieval times, but there is more of an emphasis on digging deeper with the lore and characters. In fact, this time around you’re taking the role of a character that’s the head of a dynasty, instead of controlling a faction. This means that there are more attributes that players can upgrade specifically for this character that will help chart out a path that should hopefully offer some unique storyline moments.
Of course, with that said, you can still expect some freedom in how you rule your dynasty from the religion your citizens must abide by to the way you combat against enemies such as the use of siege weapons. For now, it looks like we can expect this game to hit the market on September 1, 2020, and best of all, if you should see the title launch on the Xbox Game Pass for PC if you happen to be a subscriber.
#5 Wasteland 3
- Developer: inXile Entertainment
- Publisher: Deep Silver
- Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
- Release: August 28, 2020
- Co-op: Online
- Competitive Multiplayer: N/A
Fans can expect a new Wasteland installment to release in 2020. Wasteland 3 will keep the squad turn-based RPG mechanics but with the game being placed in a nuclear winter. Set in the cold tundra of what is left of Colorado, players take the role of a Desert Ranger and must work to keep your group alive in a time where you’ll face not only harsh environments but will have to build a base, train new recruits and face against cutthroat factions.
With that said, you don’t have to face the tough choices and manage resources alone. There will be a cooperative game mode where players can control their own squad of Rangers. Players can go through the campaign together or even split up to reach new grounds or missions. One of the elements that the development team is hoping to deliver on is an in-game world that is manipulated by the player. If you happen to go offline, your friend can still continue on and his choices may result in consequences that deal with your squad or resources. As a result, it appears that the game world may evolve quite a bit even if you’re not playing.
#4 Warcraft 3: Reforged
- Developer: Blizzard Entertainment, Lemon Sky
- Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
- Platforms: PC
- Release: January 28, 2020
- Co-op: N/A
- Competitive Multiplayer: Online
Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos released back in 2002 and now for fans who enjoyed the game when it initially released will get a chance to replay a newly revamped edition. This is a classic strategy title that came out early in 2020 that brings not only a visual improvement to the base game but also the expansion, Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne.
This title was in good hands as well which came from the team who put out StarCraft: Remastered. There was also some emphasis on making a few notable enhancements for players that are jumping into the game either for the first time ever or revisiting the classic years after it launched. For instance, we know some mechanics and AI was tweaked and that players can even expect new enemies. All-in-all, this game still holds up as a great tactical strategy game and the new coat of fresh paint will make revisiting this game a treat.
#3 Empire of sin
- Developer: Romero Games
- Publisher: Paradox Interactive
- Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO, NS
- Release: 2020
- Co-op: N/A
- Competitive Multiplayer: N/A
Empire of Sin is a mob strategy game where players are tossed into the 1920s Chicago. Gangs are at war between each other and the law as the city crumbles over the prohibition. As you may have guessed, this game puts a focus on you rising within the criminal empire as you establish rackets and recruit new mobsters that will not only be loyal but effective when on the streets. With the game focused on Chicago, you’ll have a variety of neighborhoods that are divided into groups. As you expand your empire territory you’ll need to threaten, bribe and coerce through any obstacles that may present themselves.
Unfortunately, this is a single-player focused game so you can’t take on other players and their criminal empires. Currently, at the time of writing this, there is no specific release date attached to the project just yet outside of just a launch window of spring 2020.
#2 Iron harvest
- Developer: September 1, 2020
- Publisher: Deep Silver
- Platforms: PC
- Release: September 1, 2020
- Co-op: Online
- Competitive Multiplayer: Yes
Iron Harvest is an RTS set in an alternate reality of the 1920s. In this game, players will follow an alternate end of the first World War where armies have used steampunk style machines in battle. Still recovering from the Great War, Europe has little time to rest or rebuild as a new threat will require them to use their machines and march back to war.
With over forty different unit types, players will be controlling a large faction across the different missions and competitive multiplayer. As a result, knowing your enemy and preparing your attacks in order to deliver a devastating blow is key. You’ll need to takee out the enemy threats, gather resources, build up your faction and press on to save Europe.
#1 Desperados 3
- Developer: Mimimi Games
- Publisher: THQ Nordic
- Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
- Release: June 16, 2020
- Co-op: N/A
- Competitive Multiplayer: N/A
Normally the old west setting for video games is typically met with action-adventure filled gameplay. However, for the Desperados series, we get a strategy tactical stealth game that has gained quite the following over the years. If you’ve never heard of the series or happened to be hesitant in jumping into a third installment, don’t be. Desperados 3 is set up to be a prequel to the very first game where players get an origin story to the main character, John Cooper. Players will be following John Cooper as he embarks on a journey that takes him from Colorado to Mexico with a gang of characters that all offer something a bit unique to the gameplay mechanics.
The game, as mentioned, is more aimed at stealth so rather than jumping into an area filled with enemies and firing away in hopes of coming out unscathed, players are more or less forced into using cover. Hiding away behind objects, sneaking around enemies, and slowly picking off NPCs on the screen until the area is ridden away from any hostile interaction. Of course, with the diverse cast of characters, going about clearing an area is not only a strategic puzzle but it also gives a bit more freedom in how you actually take the enemies out.
