4 – Expeditions: Rome
At the number 4 spot, we have a game I don’t think I’ve ever covered in Strategy and Wargaming, Expeditions: Rome! An immersive turn-based strategy RPG set during the Roman Republic, making it a standout choice for fans of ancient-era warfare and those who love small-scale combat in the vein of XCOM and story-driven action that’ll take them from the hills of Rome to the forests of Gaul and olive fields of Greece. While not the most realistic game on this list by any means, it’s certainly one of the most fun, and by far the most unique and curated experience. This is also the latest game of the Expedition series, which contains another game that could be a feature here called Expeditions: Vikings. The basic premise is the same, but players are now a chieftain leading a band of Norse warriors in England.
3 – Strategos
This semi-realistic battle simulator came out in January of 2026, and it’s already making waves in the historical gaming scene, with players praising its extensive unit pool of over 120 units and 250 nations, as well as the authentic approach it takes to try and accurately portray how ancient battles unfolded. Out are health-pool bars, and in come moral and cohesion; Out are the immediate orders, and in come couriers, hurriedly traveling up and down the battlefield carrying important orders; And out are the fast-paced real-time strategy battles of games like Total War, and in come a slower experience. Strategos also looks pretty damn amazing for a game developed by a single person, and despite some criticism and a lack of multiplayer, in my review, I handed a pretty hefty 8/10.
2 – Total War: Rome 2
At the number 2 spot, we have Total War: Rome 2, quite possibly one of the most iconic strategy games ever made, and the game that I think started the trend of coming out in a terrible state and ending up being a master piece a couple of years later. Blending grand-strategy empire building and real-time strategy battles is what made Total War the powerhouse it is today in the strategy gaming genre, and Rome 2 is no different.
Set during the rise of the Roman Republic and the power struggles of the ancient Mediterranean, the game lets players command legendary factions such as Rome, Carthage, and Macedon, amongst countless others. With large-scale battles featuring thousands of units, deep political systems, and expansive campaign maps, Total War: Rome 2 captures the scope and brutality of ancient warfare while remaining accessible and fun. In my opinion, if you never played Total War: Rome 2, it still remains a must-play for anyone looking for a game that allows them to recreate and rebuild the glory of Rome. Why be depressed thinking about the Roman Empire, when you can become the Roman Empire itself?
Add the Total War pile of games you can play set in Ancient times and you’ll still have the decent Total War: Troy and the very good Total War: Pharaoh Dynasties.
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