The Most Hardcore Android Strategy Games of All Time
Writer Chris Gruchacz contributed to this list.
Strategy games have always appealed to those of us who crave a tactical challenge. There are quite a few gems on Google Play hidden between the masses of mediocrity. But how to find the most hardcore Android strategy games? Rather than spend hours sifting through all the strategy titles Android has on offer, simply scan our list of the greatest strategy games on Android.
17. The Escapists 2
Excited by the idea of busting out of prison but not too keen on ending up there in the first place? Then live out your prison escape dreams in The Escapists 2 by developer Team 17 Digital Limited. To escape, you will need to be inconspicuous. This means learning your prison routine and showing up for meals, roll call and exercise time as your absence will be noticed.
The Escapist 2, like its predecessor, is an open-world game. You’ll build your reputation with prisoners by completing side quests. Craft makeshift weapons, disguises, and tools to aid in your escape. Escaping takes strategy and precision. If you are caught trying to escape, security heightens, which makes escaping even more of a challenge. Though primarily a strategy game, The Escapist 2 offers RPG elements, including character stats. Working out upgrades your characters’ strength, for example, which is useful in a brawl. Study to level up intellect, which allows you to craft more durable items. The Escapist 2 is a prison life simulator that is as brutally challenging as it is fun.
Available on Google Play
16. The Battle of Polytopia – An Epic Civilization War
The Battle of Polytopia is an engaging Android strategy game that is all about expanding your empire. The game manages to be both simplistic and challenging. Start by choosing a tribe. Starting out, you will only be able to choose between three tribes, but more tribes can be unlocked with a little cash. Each tribe starts out with a particular technology unlocked. The Xin-xi tribe begins each game with the climbing ability unlocked while the Bardur tribe starts out with the hunting ability. Unlock technologies, build stronger soldiers, and expand your empire in this charming turn-based title.
Domination mode allows the player an infinite number of turns and is great for new players. If you are looking for more of a challenge, try Perfection mode. Perfection mode only lasts thirty turns, so make each one count. The Battle of Polytopia has an online multiplayer mode, as well as a local play mode in which players pass around the device. While the tech tree is rather simple, the game is well balanced and challenging. You will undoubtedly be on the edge of your seat as you fight to keep your empire thriving. Not only is this game seriously fun, but it also boasts adorable graphics.
Available on Google Play
15. Kingdom Two Crowns
Build a kingdom from scratch in Raw Fury’s masterpiece, Kingdom Two Crowns. Take on the role of a monarch atop their loyal steed who must recruit loyal subjects, build their empire, and protect their crown. Players can only directly control their monarch, so every click must be well thought out. Evil creatures called the greed attack your kingdom nightly. If they nab your crown, it’s game over. This game also offers engaging gameplay and breathtaking 2D graphics. It also boasts a split-screen mode, allowing coop play, where two monarchs build a kingdom together. Whether you choose to go it alone or team up with a friend Kingdom Two Crowns is an epic Android strategy game you shouldn’t overlook.
Available on Google Play
14. Rebuild 3: Gangs of Deadsville
The zombie apocalypse has left the world’s cities in ruins. Rebuild 3: Gangs of Deadsville lets players rebuild cities building by building. Created by solo-developer Sara Northway, Rebuild 3 is a city-builder with heart. You will recruit compelling survivors, each with their own backstory. Send survivors to scavenge for supplies in zombie-infested buildings. After clearing out a building, you can reclaim it.
You will come across other groups of survivors, and it’s up to you to decide whether to form an alliance or take hostile action. Rebuild 3 offers players the option of turn-based or real-time gameplay. The game also features hundreds of random events that you will need to deal with as they pop up. Is an epidemic spreading through your city? It is up to you to decide whether to treat the patients yourself, let your doctor handle it or do nothing. With interesting characters, fun yet challenging gameplay and zombies, Rebuild 3: Gangs of Deadsville is one hardcore Android strategy game.
Available on Google Play
13. Rebel Inc
Many strategy games have you commanding soldiers on the battlefield. But what happens when the dust settles, and the soldiers go home? In Rebel Inc by Ndemic Creations, players must stabilize their country and stop insurgents from taking over. Balancing the needs of your citizens and the needs of your military is no simple task. To win civilian support, you will need to put money into civilian initiatives such as providing electricity and vocational training.
However, the more money you put into initiatives, the greater the risk of corruption within your government. There are also government and military initiatives. It is important to have soldiers at the ready when insurgents make a move. However, enacting military initiatives can upset civilians and lower your support rating. If insurgents are left unchecked, they can take over a sector which effects your support. With its unique premise and strategic gameplay, is an easy pick for any best of Android list.
Available on Google Play
12. Bad North
This hybrid of RTS and roguelite exemplifies a unique marriage of simplicity and intensity. Following the success of its initial console release in 2018, Bad North can be purchased for the fair price of a few dollars and includes loads of DLC features. Additionally, it offers nearly endless replayability. You’ll instantly get hooked on the tense gameplay and beautifully ethereal visuals. One might expect the fast-paced battles and bloody animations to clash with Bad North’s dreamy art style. However, the unlikely combination is stunning. Paired with the need for hyper-awareness throughout the game, the graphics bring this title to life like no other mobile RTS.
Command troops of soldiers to defend your island homes from Vikings invading from the sea. Swipe around the screen to change your view and simply tap your units to guide them into position. Despite the simple selection of troops, players have significant freedom when deploying them. Enemies approach from all sides, so plan your defenses carefully. Successfully defending your island allows you to proceed to the next one. Chart your course on the maritime map, but beware the Vikings on your tail. As you progress, more islands become available to explore and defend. This means gameplay is not strictly linear. Moreover, when the Vikings encroach on your fleet, they block off the possibility of backtracking to undefended islands. Luckily, Bad North allows for multiple playthroughs, so you can engage in battles you may have skipped previously.
Available on Google Play
11. Tropico
Congratulations, Sr. Presidente! You’ve officially begun your first day in office. Were you elected legitimately or did you rig the system? Ah, forget it, does any of that matter anyway? The island of Tropico is your oyster. In Tropico, players take control of their island nation and rule as they please, just like any good authoritarian. Play as one of history’s infamous despots or design an autocrat in your image. Tropico is a diverse city-builder with stunning graphics that captures the best elements of the original PC version.
While the purchase price may be daunting, Tropico is as promising as it is popular. With over 10,000 Google Play downloads, this banana republic simulator thrives on its robust reputation. Tropico is a brilliant blend of humor and strategy as players balance political tensions and the nature of their autocrat’s farting habits. Yes, you read that correctly. In this game, even flatulence has consequences. Have you encountered a more realistic feature in a game?
Build your nation’s cities, explore the island and bolster that sweet power you so deserve. Visually, this title boasts a balance of smooth, realistic 3D environments and highly detailed statistics sheets, blueprints and financial planners. The UI takes some getting used to but, luckily, Sandbox mode serves as a great method for players to get their bearings. With enough acclimation, players of all backgrounds will find themselves immersed in Tropico’s life of luxury.
Available on Google Play
10. Civilization VI
Originally developed by Firaxis Games, developer and publisher Aspyr Media oversaw the port of this reputable strategy series from PC to mobile. Building on the franchise’s successful foundation, Civilization VI pushes the boundaries of Android strategy. Choose from 19 civilizations and expand through the ages using any tactics you desire. Should you wish to dominate and conquer, research and explore, or build a robust economy, Firaxis has your back. There is no single correct method of achieving victory, and each civilization’s unique characteristics emphasize the need for complex strategy.
Some civilizations are better equipped for war while others are more efficient builders, negotiators or scientists. Play to the strengths of your people, but don’t forget to pay mind to their weaknesses. Opposing nations will exploit your shortcomings or attack when least expected, so a keen eye and quick sense of judgement are indispensable.
While Firaxis maintained the gameplay elements that make Civilization a memorable franchise, the transition to mobile initially wasn’t as smooth as we’d like it to be. The developers simplified the graphics, cinematics and voice acting to the point that they pale in comparison to their PC predecessors. Fortunately, the glitches and faulty saving mechanics aren’t enough to knock this title from its well-deserved pedestal. Jump into this timeless story of human development and take the world by storm from your phone.
Available on Google Play
9. Plague Inc
Back in 2014, we brought you a story regarding Plague Inc’s peculiar boost in popularity thanks to Ebola. Now, in the age of COVID-19, this title resonates yet again and remains on our radar as an unforgettable experience. Plague Inc has as much clout in the gaming sphere as it does relevance during the coronavirus pandemic. With over 100 million downloads and praise from leading media outlets, this Android strategy game boasts a reputation as the global top-performing mobile game.
Ironically, the initial premise of the game seats players on the nefarious side of history. Your goal in Plague Inc is to end humanity as we know it by spreading and mutating a deadly virus. Tinker with 12 different disease types that range from mind control to raising the dead. Each of these viruses must be mastered using drastically different strategies. Plot spreader events in over 50 countries and evolve hundreds of your pathogen’s traits.
There is a shred of hope for humanity despite Plague Inc’s grim nature. A new expansion allows players to stand against the virus, countering it with science and technology. Will you engineer humanity’s downfall or rise up as its savior?
Available on Google Play
8. Door Kickers
Ever wanted to be part of a swat team? With Door Kickers, you will get your chance. Developed by KillHouse Games, Door Kickers is a real-time strategy game that puts in you control of a group of troopers. The game’s top-down aesthetic makes each level feel like an architectural blueprint. Pause the game to tactically plan out your trooper’s movements. Some levels even have hostages that you need to save. You will need to take the lay of the land into account as narrow halls, and large open spaces each have their own challenges.
Real-time tactical combat may throw off some armchair tacticians. However, Door Kickers offers a detailed way point system, so that each encounter can be elaborately planned. Some of the missions can prove rather challenging but not to the point of absurdity. What’s more, there is a bona fide rush when you overcome them via superior tactics. If you’re looking to throw flash bombs, take down tangos, and you guessed it kick down doors or if you just love tactical games, pick this one up.
Available on Google Play
7. Kingdom Rush: Origins
Kingdom Rush Origins is the king of tower defense games. Command an elven army and build defenses to defeat your enemies. Unlike most tower defense games, Kingdom Rush: Origins offers some sweet boss battle action. Bosses will have special abilities such a Bram, The Beheader’s instant kill attack, or The Spider Goddess’s ability to create a web that temporarily traps your soldiers. A tower defense game is nothing without its towers and Kingdome Rush: Origins has some cool ones. The Mystic Dias tower provides magical attacks while the defender barracks provide the player with elven soldiers. There are also special towers that are limited to certain levels, such as the Faery Dragon Aerie tower, which appears in the Crystal Lake level. You’ll come for the beautiful 2D graphics and fun storyline, and you’ll stick around for the smartly designed missions, well-balanced units, and challenging gameplay.
Available on Google Play
6. This War of Mine
Unlike many strategy games in which you control soldiers, 11 bit studios’ This War of Mine places you in control of a group of survivors stranded in fictional war-torn Graznavia. The game utilizes a grey color scheme to emphasize the desperate situation theses survivors find themselves in. Sniper fire makes it too dangerous to leave your hideout during the day, so you spend your daylight hours trading, improving your hideout, and tending to the refugees’ emotional and physical needs. At night you can choose to send a survivor to scavenge for supplies at different locations.
This War of Mine will tug at your heartstrings as it forces you to make life or death decisions. Low on food? It is up to the player to decide who gets to eat and who goes hungry. This War of Mine’s expansion pack, The Little Ones, brings parenthood into the mix. How do you protect your child in a war-torn country? You often will not have enough supplies to craft everything you need. Gameplay that carries emotional impact is rare thing and This War of Mine delivers poignant gameplay in spades. Every decision is heart-wrenching as a simple choice can have detrimental effects in terms of both gameplay and the title’s emergent storyline.
Available on Google Play
5. Company of Heroes
Picture it: D-Day, 1944. The beaches of Normandy sprawl before your platoon and the gunfire of German soldiers rains over the hillsides. Though you won’t be fearing for your life while playing Company of Heroes, there are myriad dangers to keep in mind at all times. While this mobile iteration of the classic 2006 RTS title is a bit clunky on Android, the frantic nature of the game is alive and well. Hoorah, indeed.
Command three companies of the U.S. Army: Able, Dog and Fox. Each possesses unique strategic advantages like artillery fire, paratrooper deployment or construction. Believe us when we say you will need to make ample use of all of them. Whether German tanks, infantry, cavalry or artillery seek to obliterate you, there’s a plan for everything. Luckily, players may pause the game while dishing out orders. While this isn’t necessarily realistic, it makes the game playable. Position your troops, equip them with specialized weaponry and collect some resources while you’re at it. It’s all hands on deck to keep this well-oiled war machine running.
Follow the tense progression of historic warfare from the shores of France all the way to the infamous Battle of Falaise Pocket. The recent DLC Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts now grants players the opportunity to command the British strike against the German Panzer Elite. This expansion covers new campaigns in the French city of Caen as well as the Rhine region. While the base price and expansion cost are a bit steep, the experience provided by this Android strategy game is worth the investment.
Available on Google Play
4. Conquest of Elysium 3
Join me, if you will, as we venture back to the days of deep fantasy lore and intricate geographic conquest. While the visuals of Conquest of Elysium 3 are nothing to write home about, the retro appearance complements the classic vibe. It even includes an online user guide, hearkening back to classics like Neverwinter Nights in which players had to actually study their characters. Brain power required, eh? Gasp! I know. Isn’t it beautiful?
The land of Elysium is up for grabs. Players control one of 18 factions to claim dominion over the kingdom. Each faction relies on unique abilities that range from raising the dead to human sacrifice to magical summoning and more.
Players achieve success in Conquest of Elysium 3 using classic strategy criteria like resource gathering and annexing settlements. But this game makes these common mechanics infinitely more complex than the run-of-the-mill strategy title. Resource collection goes hand in hand with turn-based combat and expansion. While two core resources are universally useful, each faction benefits from specific alternatives they must specifically procure. Whether simply farming for materials or purging entire villages of their vitality to please the gods, gameplay is diverse.
The same goes for combat. Different factions and their respective units utilize unique damage types. Additionally, factors like morale, defense and magic play a role in the effectiveness of your tactics. This title is as much of a brain game as it is an epic fantasy story.
Available on Google Play
3. Battle Legion: Mass Battler
Battle Legion, a newcomer to the strategy gaming community, is steadily growing in popularity. This semi-idle strategy gem turns traditional strategy gaming on its head. Rather than reacting on the fly, players do their planning before the battle begins. They start with a blank battlefield and a selection of combatants. The number of deployable units is limited by your Army Points, which increase as you progress. Each unit type consumes a certain number of points.
You’ll eventually command hundreds of units. It’s called Mass Battler for good reason. With several dozen unit types, the possibilities are endless. Once you’ve plotted your troops, swipe the screen to launch into battle. Your troops attack automatically, targeting the closest enemies. Watch the mayhem unfold as your strategy either flourishes or fails miserably.
Troop placement is critical. Once you picked your units, drag them around your half of the battlefield in anticipation of how your enemy might strike. Battle Legion is primarily a multiplayer experience, so your adversaries plan their units similarly. You can create three army layouts, meaning you can play offensively, defensively or some combination of the two. Every battle is a gamble. You never know what strategy your foe will employ. You might find success with your layout, but it isn’t guaranteed to work forever. As you level up and acquire new units, so do your enemies. You’ll constantly change your strategy and test new tactics.
Since we reviewed Battle Legion in 2020, the developers at Traplight have introduced additional features. Players may join clans for passive ability boosts, and you can chat with clan mates in the official Discord server. Story elements like Skirmishes, Raids and Bounty Hunting have added incredible depth. Keep an eye on this game; it is only getting better with age.
Available on Google Play
2. The Banner Saga 1 & 2
Take the Oregon Trail, stir in a compelling narrative, stellar graphics, and a dash of fantasy, and you have got The Banner Saga franchise. In these hardcore strategy games, players lead caravans through unforgiving terrain while managing scarce resources and fighting off the dredge, humanoid beings made of stone. The games take place in a Viking inspired fantasy world with beautifully hand-drawn graphics.
The Banner Saga 1 and 2 are story-based RPGs that do not disappoint. As leader of the caravan, you will constantly be making tough decisions that impact the outcome of the game. The Banner Saga series offers an elegant turn-based tactical grid style combat system that requires you to think before you click and is sure to get your blood pumping. It takes strategic leadership to lead your caravan successfully. With a compelling storyline and challenging gameplay, The Banner Saga 1 and 2 are epic Android strategy titles that you will not soon forget.
Available on Google Play
1. XCOM: Enemy Within
Hostile aliens have attacked earth, and it is up to you to stop them. In XCOM: Enemy Within, you take on the role of commander of an elite military group. Command your troops and defeat aliens in squad-based tactical battles. When not out battling aliens, you will need to strategically manage your base and resources. XCOM: Enemy Within, an expansion of XCOM: Enemy Unknown which subsumes the original game, introduces a new alien material known as meld, which can be used in genetic and mechanical research. Not only can you enhance your soldiers with psionic abilities, but players can also upgrade their genetics. The Secondary Heart genetic upgrade, for instance, causes a soldier to be critically wounded when his health reaches zero rather than dying. XCOM: Enemy Within is an utterly engaging Android strategy game that will keep you glued to your mobile device.
Available on Google Play
Did you enjoy this list of the best Android strategy games of all time? Be sure to check out more of Hardcore Droid’s lists, like The Best Android Strategy Games You Never Heard Of and Best Idle RPGs on Android.
