Download and install the best free apps for Strategy Games on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android from CNET Download.com, your trusted source for the top software picks. Download and install the best free apps for Strategy Games on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android from CNET Download.com, your trusted source for the top software picks.

When it comes to strategy games on Mac, there are a lot of impressive choices. Some of these are available through Apple Arcade, while others are just a download away from the Mac App Store. Here are our current favorites.

Civilization V

When it comes to turn-based strategy games, you can't do better than Sid Meier's series of Civilization titles. In this fifth edition, you begin with 20 historical leaders, and your job is to slowly take over the world from the dawn of man into the space age. Along the way, you'll get to discover surprising new civilizations and wonders, excellent gameplay systems, and much more.

Currently, Civilization V offers 10 in-app purchases, including Brave New World and Gods and Kings. With these options, you get to decide just how far you want to go through the game.

How far will you go?

Civilization V

Diplomacy or War?

Sid Meier's Civilization V offers a brilliant story that's advanced further with a lengthy listing of in-app purchases big and small.

Source: Aspyr Media, Inc.

And here we go again! Similar to the previous installments, Civilization VI has one goal for players: to create and maintain a lasting civilization. In this most recent installment, you achieve victory through military domination, technological superiority, or cultural influence. It offers a nice mix of new and old civilizations. There's also renewed emphasis on the terrain and fresh artificial intelligence mechanics for computer-controlled opponents.

The game's first expansion pack, Rise and Fall, features entry into a prosperous Golden Age and terrifying Dark Age. There's also a Heroic Age. The second expansion pack, The Gathering Storm, features ecosystem difficulties that could impact the entire planet, including floods, volcanoes, and more.

The newest in the series

Civilization VI

Bigger than ever

This game is the newest in the long Civilization series and was first introduced to Mac in 2016.

Source: Dinosaur Polo Club

Being stuck in traffic is never fun unless you're playing Mini Motorways! The strategy simulation game gives you the power to keep existing roads clear while also expanding your digital city by adding new locations and road networks.

Featuring different color modes, including colorblind and night, Mini Motorways is for anyone with an imagination. Better still, like all Apple Arcade games, it comes without in-app purchases or any additional costs.

They will come

Mini Motorways

Create your city

As your city expands, make sure it remains easy to get from point A to point B. Otherwise, no one will be happy.

Source: Feral Interactive

Offering 3D real-time battles on land and at sea, Total War: Empire allows you to lead one of 12 great nations. Your success is determined by your diplomatic skills and military force, when necessary. Set in the 18th century, the game allows you to conquer overseas territories to establish colonies and profitable trade networks. Along the way, you'll need to learn more about your enemies and beat them on the battlefield accordingly.

First introduced on Mac in 2014, Total War: Empire is the fifth installment in the Total War series, which, as a whole, comes recommended. The turn-based strategy game was released for Windows in 2009. Before purchasing the game, just check the Mac App Store for compatibility with your Mac, since some older machines aren't supported.

Non-stop action

Total War: Empire

How will you succeed?

Empire is a thrilling installment in the Total War series. Just make sure your Mac supports it!

Source: Blindflug

In this multi-player real-time strategy game, you are fighting for control of distant planets. You have just seven minutes to destroy your opposition or the world as you know it will collapse and explode right before your eyes.

To accomplish your goal, you slowly gain access to rockets, tanks, and stealth generators. Futuristic troops are also available if you can find a way to unlock them.

Stellar Commanders is currently one of the best-reviewed Apple Arcade games available. Download it today.

Fly those rockets

Stellar Commanders

The world needs your help

You have seven minutes until success or destruction. Which path will you take?

Source: Tortuga Team

Old-school meets the 21st century in this impressive turn-based strategy game from Tortuga Team. Featuring a unique system of dynamic turn-based battles that last no more than 15 minutes, Spaceland features 10 different enemies from alien animals to unnerving monsters.

Offering a squad of space rangers, each with a unique fighting style, the game includes an exciting backstory about a mysterious planet, which you must protect. Use rifles, machine guns, grenade launchers, and more to get the job done. Fail, and you must start again!

Single player fun

Spaceland

Protect this fascinating world

Shoot, kick, blow up, and destroy and achieve greatness in this Apple Arcade game.

Source: iMore

In This War of Mine, you aren't a great commander or a space fighter looking to protect the outer reaches of the universe. Instead, you're just one in a group of civilians trying to survive in a besieged city. Along the way, you must struggle with the lack of food, water, and medicine. At the same time, there's a constant worry that snipers and hostile scavengers could cause further pain.

This War of Mine has been well-received since it was first released and continues to receive kudos with each new expansion. While it's not necessarily a 'fun' game to play, per say, it tells a relevant and emotional story that should not be missed.

Can you survive?

The War of Mine

There's no escape

Can you find and explore all of the different outcomes of the game?

What's your favorite?

Strategy games and Macs go together well. Which games are you currently enjoying on your desktop or laptop? Let us know in the comments below. Perhaps we'll add it to our list on a future update!

macOS Catalina

Main

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Battle for Wesnoth 1.14.7
The Battle for Wesnoth is a free, turn-based strategy game with afantasy theme. Fight to regain the throne of Wesnoth, of which you arethe legitimate heir, or use your dread power over the Undead to dominatethe land of mortals, or lead your glorious Orcish tribe to victoryagainst the humans who dared despoil your lands. Wesnoth has manydifferent sagas waiting to be played out. You can create your own customunits, and write your own scenarios - or even full-blown campaigns. Youcan also challenge your friends - or strangers - and fight multi-playerepic fantasy battles.

• License: Freeware
• Developer/Publisher: Battle for Wesnoth Team
• Modification Date: April 22, 2019
• Requirements: Mac OS X 10.9 or higher - 64-bit

Download File Size: 466 MB

Civilization V 1.4.1
Sid Meier’s Civilization V: The Complete Edition is the definitiveCivilization V collection for Mac gamers who have yet to experience thefamous “just-one-more-turn” addictive gameplay that has madeCivilization one of the greatest game series of all time. The CompleteEdition includes the original 2010 Game of the Year award-winningstrategy game Sid Meier’s Civilization V, plus the twocritically-acclaimed expansion packs (Gods & Kings and Brave New World)and all of the released add-on content in one complete package for anamazing value.

• License: Buy, $50 for the Complete Editon, $30 for Civilization V or for the Campaign Edition
• Developer/Publisher: Aspyr
• Modification Date: April 11, 2019
• Requirements: Mac OS X 10.11 or higher - 64-bit

Download File Size: 5.1 GB - App Store - Civilization V: Campaign Edition for $30

Download Steam - The Complete Edition for $50

Download Steam - Civilization V for $30

Civilization VI 1.2.1
Originally created by legendary game designer Sid Meier, Civilization isa turn-based strategy game in which you attempt to build an empire tostand the test of time. Become Ruler of the World by establishing andleading a civilization from the Stone Age to the Information Age. Wagewar, conduct diplomacy, advance your culture, and go head-to-head withhistory’s greatest leaders as you attempt to build the greatestcivilization the world has ever known.
Civilization VI offers new ways to engage with your world: cities nowphysically expand across the map, active research in technology andculture unlocks new potential, and competing leaders will pursue theirown agendas based on their historical traits as you race for one of fiveways to achieve victory in the game.

• License: Buy, $15 with In-App Purchases for Expansion Packs
• Developer/Publisher: Aspyr
• Modification Date: April 4, 2019
• Requirements: Mac OS X 10.11 or higher - 64-bit

Download File Size: 9.8 GB - App Store

Download File Size: 9.8 GB - Steam

Command & Conquer: Generals Deluxe 1.1.2
The genre defining Command & Conquer: Generals Deluxe Edition returns tothe Mac, exclusively on the Mac App Store!
In a time of modern war, recent military aggressions around the globehave many nations worried. Between the United States, China, and theGlobal Liberation Army, tensions run high. Their leaders profess nointerest in escalating the situation, but words ring hollow whensatellite photos tell a different story.
This award winning Deluxe version includes both C&C Generals and thestand-alone expansion Zero Hour!

• License: Buy, $10
• Developer/Publisher: Aspyr
• Modification Date: December 2, 2015
• Requirements: Mac OS X 10.9.5 or higher - 32-bit

Download File Size: 4.4 GB - App Store

Company of Heroes 2 1.3.1
Direct your troops through fast-paced real-time battles in the brutalfight to turn the tide of World War II. From the desperate defence ofStalingrad to victory in Berlin, you must defeat a tenacious enemy andthe deadly cold of the Russian winter.
Objective-based missions challenge you to maneuver soldiers, guns, andtanks across feature-rich environments to scope out the battlefield,secure targets and destroy enemies. Navigate the hazardous terrain, takeadvantage of cover and overcome the freezing temperatures andtreacherous ice that can make the difference between crushing defeat andhard-won victory.

• License: Buy, $20
• Developer/Publisher: Feral Interactive
• Modification Date: October 1, 2018
• Requirements: macOS 10.14 or higher - 64-bit

Download File Size: 42.1 GB - App Store - Company of Heroes 2 Collection - $40

Download File Size: 28 GB - Steam

Dota 2 7.22h
Dota is a competitive game of action and strategy, played bothprofessionally and casually by millions of passionate fans worldwide.Players pick from a pool of over a hundred heroes, forming two teams offive players.

• License: Free to Play
• Developer/Publisher: Valve
• Modification Date: October 16, 2019
• Requirements: Mac OS X 10.11 or higher - 64-bit

Download - Steam

Dota Underlords
Hire a crew and destroy your rivals in this new strategy battler set in the world of Dota.

• License: Free to Play - Early Access
• Developer/Publisher: Valve
• Modification Date: October 26, 2019
• Requirements: Mac OS X 10.13.6 or higher - 64-bit

Download - Steam

Heroes of the Storm 2.48.2
You can play alone, randomly matched players, or with your friends; youcan play against the computer or other human beings; you can play rankedor just for fun… The point is, there are a LOT of ways to play. Heroeshave an array of powerful abilities that set them apart from each other.Although unique in their own right, every hero has a kit geared towardsa particular role.

• License: Free, Buy More
• Developer/Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
• Modification Date: October 15, 2019
• Requirements: Mac OS X 10.10 or higher - 64-bit

Download File Size: 4.1 MB Installer

League of Legends 9.20
League of Legends is a fast-paced, competitive online game that blendsthe speed and intensity of an RTS with RPG elements. Two teams ofpowerful champions, each with a unique design and playstyle, battlehead-to-head across multiple battlefields and game modes. With anever-expanding roster of champions, frequent updates and a thrivingtournament scene, League of Legends offers endless replayability forplayers of every skill level.

Free Strategy Game Mac

• License: Free to Play, Buy Stuff
• Developer/Publisher: Riot Games Inc
• Modification Date: October 8, 2019
• Requirements: Mac OS X 10.10 or higher - 64-bit

Download File Size: 86.7 MB Installer

Medieval II: Total War 1.1
Rally to the standard and light up the Dark Ages in this classic TotalWar game of real-time battles and turn-based strategy. As a warriorking, expand your area of influence and consolidate power with an artfulmix of diplomacy, commerce and war.
Rule wisely across the campaign map to build your empire’sinfrastructure, cities and trade routes, then master the art ofdiplomacy to disarm enemies, empower allies and gain the favour of thePope and on the battlefield, conduct siege warfare and lead your armiesinto epic clashes to bring rival kingdoms to their knees.

• License: Buy, $25
• Developer/Publisher: Feral Interactive
• Modification Date: October 24, 2018
• Requirements: macOS 10.14 or higher - 64-bit and Metal

Download File Size: 25.7 GB - App Store

Download File Size: 25.7 GB - Steam

Myth II: Soulblighter 1.8.3
Myth II: Soulblighter is a unique strategy game, set in a 3D world ofdangerous alliances and ancient evil, where all beings tremble beforethe wrath of Soulblighter, cruelest and most cunning of the evil FallenLords.
The installer can update any previous version of Myth II andcan also be used to install and update Myth II directly from theoriginal CD.

• License: Update
• Developer/Publisher: Bungie/Project Magna
• Modification Date: December 30, 2018
• Requirements: Mac OS X 10.3.9 or higher - 64-bit

Download File Size: 21.7 MB

Gate of Storms - You can still play here

Northgard
Northgard is a strategy game based on Norse mythology in which youcontrol a clan of Vikings vying for the control of a mysterious newfoundcontinent.
After years of tireless explorations, brave Vikings have discovered anew land filled with mystery, danger and riches: Northgard.
The boldest Northmen have set sail to explore and conquer these newshores, bring fame to their Clan and write history through conquest,trading, or devotion to the Gods. That is, if they can survive the direwolves and undead warriors roaming the land, befriend or defeat thegiants, and survive the harshest winters ever witnessed in theNorth.

• License: Buy, $30
• Developer/Publisher: Shiro Games
• Modification Date: October 3, 2018
• Requirements: Mac OS X 10.9 or higher - 64-bit

Download - Steam

Starcraft 1.23.1

Games For Mac Computers

In the distant future, the newly formed Terran Dominion faces thearrival of two hostile alien races: the savage Zerg and the enigmaticProtoss. Gather resources and expand your forces to lead them tovictory. The only allies are enemies. The only choice is war.

• License: Buy, $15
• Developer/Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
• Modification Date: September 24, 2019
• Requirements: Mac OS X 10.11 or higher - 64-bit

Download File Size: 3 MB Installer

StarCraft II 4.10.4
StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty is the long-awaited sequel to theoriginal StarCraft, Blizzard Entertainment's critically acclaimed sci-fireal-time strategy game. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty is both achallenging single-player game and a fast-paced multiplayer game, and italso taps into Battle.net - Blizzard Entertainment's fully-featuredonline gaming service.

• License: Wings of Liberty campaign free to play / Heart of the Swarm, Legacy of the Void and Nova Covert Ops $15 each
• Developer/Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
• Modification Date: October 22, 2019
• Requirements: Mac OS X 10.11 or higher - 64-bit

Download File Size: 3.2 MB Installer

Sudden Strike 4 1.14
Sudden Strike is back! The beloved Real Time Strategy series returns,this time with bigger battlefields, more units, better graphics, newscenarios and legendary commanders with individual abilities – all ofwhich makes Sudden Strike 4 more tactical and realistic than everbefore!
Sudden Strike 4 sends you off on three extensive campaigns set amongstthe battlefields of World War 2. Commanding the British and American,German or Soviet troops, you will lead over 100 different units intobattle; like the German bomber Heinkel He111, the Russian T-34 tank, theBritish Hawker Typhoon fighter plane and the notorious GermanPanzerkampfwagen VI Tiger. In a first for the Sudden Strike series, youcan now choose from one of nine individual commanders, such as GeorgePatton or Bernard Montgomery, who will each allow for differentapproaches to combat and boast unique abilities.

• License: Buy, $30 to $45
• Developer/Publisher: Kite Games/Kalypso Media
• Modification Date: December 20, 2018
• Requirements: Mac OS X 10.9 or higher - 64-bit

Download File Size: 6.7 GB - App Store

Download File Size: 6.7 GB - Steam

Download File Size: 6.7 GB - GOG

Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia 1.0.4

Strategy Games For Mac Computer

A Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia combines huge real-time battleswith engrossing turn-based campaign, set at a critical flashpoint inhistory. Anglo-Saxons, Gaelic clans and Viking settlers clash forcontrol. What Kingdom will you build?

• License: Buy, $40
• Developer/Publisher: Creative Assembly/Feral Interactive
• Modification Date: February 7, 2019
• Requirements: macOS 10.13.4 or higher - 64-bit

Download File Size: 11.2 GB - App Store

Download File Size: 11.2 GB - Steam

Total War: SHOGUN 2 1.5
As leader of one of nine competing clans, use political ambition,military brilliance and ruthless cunning to unify 16th century Japanunder one undisputed shogun: you. Master your clan’s unique martialstrengths to triumph in spectacular real-time battles and dominate theturn-based campaign map.
With strategic gameplay inspired by the Samurai code of honour andstriking graphics that evoke Japanese art and landscape, Total War:SHOGUN 2 is a dramatic and detailed depiction of epic events and aunique expression of the Total War series’ magnificent heritage.

• License: Buy, $45
• Developer/Publisher: SEGA/Feral Interactive
• Modification Date: October 1, 2019
• Requirements: macOS 10.14.4 or higher - 64-bit

Download File Size: 14.4 GB - App Store

Download - Steam - Total War: Shogun 2

Total War: Three Kingdoms
Total War: Three Kingdoms is the next great historical strategy game inthe award-winning Total War series, and the first to explore ancientChina as a theatre of conflict.
The year is 190 AD. China, a beautiful but fractured country, calls outfor a new emperor and a new way of life. Unite it under your rule, forgethe next great dynasty, and build a legacy that will last through theages.
Choose from a cast of 11 legendary warlords and conquer the realm.Recruit heroic characters to aid your cause and dominate your enemies onall fronts: military, technological, political, and economic.

• License: Buy, $60 and In-App purchases
• Developer/Publisher: Creative Assembly/Feral Interactive
• Modification Date: May 23, 2019
• Requirements: macOS 10.14 or higher - 64-bit

Download - Steam

Total War: Warhammer 1.1.4
In Total War: Warhammer, Creative Assembly’s Total War series joins withGames Workshop’s Warhammer Fantasy Battles. The result is a spellbindinggame of grand strategy and high fantasy.
The Old World echoes to the clamour of ceaseless battle. In an age ofrelentless conquest, warring Races battle ceaselessly for control of theOld World. While Orcs and Goblins of the Greenskin tribes hunger forcarnage, and Vampire Counts man their armies with the living dead,Dwarfs ascend from their ancient mines to settle old scores, and theEmpire of Man seeks to unite its fractured nation.
Build your empire and conquer this world by unleashing your might uponthe battlefield, harnessing storms of magical power and taking to theskies with flying creatures.

• License: Buy, $60 and In-App purchases
• Developer/Publisher: Feral Interactive
• Modification Date: September 28, 2017
• Requirements: macOS 10.12.4 or higher - 64-bit

Download File Size: 34.24 GB - App Store

Download File Size: 34.24 GB - Steam

Total War: Warhammer II
Total War: Warhammer II is a strategy game of colossal proportions.Choose from four iconic Races from the world of Warhammer FantasyBattles, and mount a campaign of conquest to save or destroy the NewWorld.
Enjoy hundreds of hours of sophisticated gameplay with a combination ofturn-based strategy on the campaign map and immense real-time clashes onthe battlefield.
The second in a trilogy and sequel to Creative Assembly’s multiaward-winning Total War: Warhammer, Warhammer II delivers a breathtakingnew narrative campaign set across the magnificent continents of Lustria,Ulthuan, Naggaroth and the Southlands.
Command High Elves, Lizardmen, Dark Elves or Skaven in the Great Vortex Campaign
Delve into a deeply engrossing campaign playing as one of eightLegendary Lords belonging to any of four awe-inspiring Races. You mustperform a series of arcane rituals to control the Great Vortex, apowerful maelstrom of enormous magical energy.

• License: Buy, $60
• Developer/Publisher: Feral Interactive
• Modification Date: November 20, 2018
• Requirements: macOS 10.14 or higher - 64-bit

Download - Steam

XCOM 2 1.2.3
Twenty years have passed since world leaders offered an unconditionalsurrender to alien forces. XCOM, the planet’s last line of defense, wasleft decimated and scattered.
Now, in XCOM 2, the aliens rule Earth, building shining cities thatpromise a brilliant future for humanity on the surface, while concealinga sinister agenda and eliminating all who dissent from their new order.
Only those who live at the edges of the world have a margin of freedom.Here, a force gathers once again to stand up for humanity. Always on therun, and facing impossible odds, the remnant XCOM forces must find a wayto ignite a global resistance, and eliminate the alien threat once andfor all

• License: Buy, $25
• Developer/Publisher: Take Two Interactive/Feral Interactive
• Modification Date: February 23, 2017
• Requirements: Mac OS X 10.11.6 or higher - 64-bit

Download File Size: 13.55 GB - App Store

Download - Steam

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn Of War II 1.0.3
The sinister science fantasy universe of Warhammer® 40,000® comes tosavage life with Dawn of War® II on Mac and Linux.
It’s the 41st Millennium in the Sub-Sector Aurelia, a cluster of worldson the edge of the Milky Way, where a battle of epic proportions isabout to begin. As a newly promoted Force Commander of the Blood RavensChapter, it is your privilege to lead crack squads of Space Marines intobattle against the forces of Orks, Tyranids and Eldar that threaten theImperium of Man.
Driven by an innovative campaign narrative steeped in the lore ofWarhammer 40,000, armies of technologically advanced warriors wagebrutal war against remorseless enemies in a series of addictivelyfast-paced and visceral combat missions.

• License: Buy, $20
• Developer/Publisher: Sega/Feral Interactive
• Modification Date: December 12, 2018
• Requirements: macOS 10.14 or higher - 64-bit

Download File Size: 16.5 GB - App Store

Download File Size: 16.5 GB - Steam