Dominate with these 10 Best Strategy Games Android in 2024

If you think strategy games are confined to big, beefy machines, it’s time to reconsider. I’ve mostly played PC games on my laptop on platforms like Steam. I’ve realized there’s a lot of crossover now, and some of my favorite games have been ported over to the Google Play Store.

Well, it’s 2024, and understandably, handheld devices have become powerful enough to run more complex games. With that being said, still, don’t underestimate the Google Play Store, though, as there are several gems that you can get whether you want to build an empire, command an army, or go through dungeons. 

We’ll dive headfirst into the best ones so you can ditch the mindless tapping and start sharpening your wits since these games will demand that you think, adapt, and conquer!

Android Strategy Games to Enjoy on Your Phone or Tablet

Strategy games require you to think ahead and plan out your moves. Making the right decisions that sway the outcome in your favor is the secret to winning and enjoying these games.

There are several subgenres, from turn-based to real-time, tower defense, and roguelike. We made sure to include as many of these as possible so you’ll know which ones will interest you. However, they all share the common goal of testing your skills and strategy.

Read More: How to use an Android tablet: All Basics Explained (very easy)

The Battle of Polytopia

Don’t underestimate the blocky visuals of The Battle of Polytopia, as this turn-based gem throws you into a world of adorable tribes all vying for map dominance. Like most turn-based strategy games, getting all that glory requires cunning and adaptability.

It reminds me of the Civilization series I played, giving the same vibe in terms of strategy and depth that it offers. However, the upside of Polytopia is you don’t need to be as committed, as each turn will only take a minute or two.

Depending on your game mode, you can go for bite-sized conquests for on-the-go play or sprawling campaigns that test your long-term mettle and tactical prowess.

The Battle of Polytopia is a strategy game that’s easy to pick up but deceptively deep. The endless replayability factor is a plus, and the diverse roster of tribes is more than enough to keep you returning for more.

Download The Battle of Polytopia

Price: Free

Bloons TD 6

If you think tower defense games are filled with stoic heroes, Bloons TD 6 will change your mind. This vibrant tower defense masterpiece throws colorful monkeys armed with darts, planes, and pineapple bombs into maps to stop your enemies from going through. In this case, you face an army of devious balloons with different characteristics.

Bloons TD is endlessly addicting and offers bite-sized tower defense bliss for casual players and surprising depth for strategy veterans. I was surprised the game was rated so highly on the Google Play Store – until I played it.

The objective is simple. Defend your base against waves of ever-crazier balloons. You’ll have to place your monkeys strategically around the map to maximize their popping power and abilities. Mastering the elaborate map layouts also counts, as it’s one of the keys to popping your way to victory.

Don’t underestimate the tactical depth, as upgrade paths and synergies can mean the difference between popping all balloons that pass through or defeating.

Bloons TD 6 isn’t your usual tower defense game. If you’re a tower defense connoisseur, it’s a game that I highly recommend. 

Be prepared for endless balloon-popping glee, as it’s incredibly addictive. I always tell myself, “Just one more round,” but I never seem to get my hands off my tablet.

Download Bloons TD 6

Price: $6.99

Read More: Top 6 Best Tablets for Playing Roblox

Slay the Spire

Ahh, Slay the Spire. It looks like a card game plays like a card game, but it offers you a lot more than one. Run through random dungeons filled with monsters and relics. The wildcard of your decks changing at every stop also gives it that additional layer of depth that can quickly alter how you play.

Slay the Spire blends deck-building and dungeon-crawling elements into one, making it a masterpiece. It’s an eclectic mix, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll find its uniqueness incredibly addictive.

As a roguelike, every run in Slay the Spire is a fresh puzzle. You start from scratch every time and must adapt your deck on the fly. Make the tough decisions on which cards to keep, upgrade, and discard.

This fresh run is also true with the dungeons, as each one is a different challenge where you’ll encounter traps, mini-bosses, and epic guardians that you need to slay to proceed to the next one.

Slay the Spire has me hooked. I have it installed on my laptop, phone, and tablet as proof of that. If you’re a dungeon crawler or deck-building games fan, it’s a title you need to play. However, if you’re someone who loves a good challenge, I can’t recommend this game enough.

Download Slay the Spire

Price: $9.99

Kingdom Rush Vengeance

Don’t let the Kingdom Rush title fool you. Yes, it’s from Ironhide Games, and yes, it’s a tower defense game. But all the similarities end there. As the name suggests, Kingdom Rush Vengeance flips the script and puts you in the villain’s shoes, commanding fearsome goblins and undead hordes to crush your human enemies.

However, it won’t be a walk in the park, even if you have necromancers raising skeletal armies on your side. The humans fight back with cunning tactics and powerful heroes, so you must up your strategy game to defeat them.

As a Tower Defense game fan and a Kingdom Rush fan, Vengeance is a title that refines and expands the genre. The deeper hero customizations are something that I enjoyed a lot, and the wealth of strategic options gives the game insane depth.

Of course, the thought of crushing the human resistance brick by brick excites me, and I’m looking for ways to do it in the most devastating way possible. Whether you’re a seasoned commander or new to the tower defense fold, Vengeance welcomes you with open arms – and plenty of bite!

Download Kingdom Rush Vengeance

Price: $4.99

Iron Marines 2: Invasion

It feels like yesterday when I commanded tiny pixelated space marines to battle monstrous creatures on alien planets. Iron Marines 2: Invasion reboots the beloved RTS series and makes it playable on a more mobile platform. It retains that classic charm while sprinkling in new units, mechanics, and interstellar intrigue.

As a sequel, it doesn’t mess with what works. You still command squads of diverse troops to defeat an alien threat coming from all corners of the galaxy. The one aspect I thoroughly enjoyed about playing Invasion is the characters’ witty banter and charming personalities.

One thing I have to say is that it feels similar to the first installment of Iron Marines. However, don’t get me wrong, they’re both interesting and exciting games, giving you a good couple of hours of gameplay.

It’s still a must-play title and proves that RTS on mobile doesn’t have to sacrifice depth or personality.

Download Iron Marines 2: Invasion

Price: $2.99

Clash of Clans

Clash of Clans is a strategy game classic. I’ve played it on and off, and the thrill of launching your troops at a rival’s town hall never gets old. Even though it’s been around for over a decade, it’s still raking in players and proving its appeal to newbies and veterans.

At its core, Clash of Clans is about building up your army and managing resources. You’ll need to upgrade your buildings and train troops so you can unleash a powerful army upon your foes in epic battles.

Supercell has continuously delivered fresh updates by adding new troops, spells, and game modes to keep the game engaging for veterans and newcomers. Every time I open it up, something new hooks me back into the game for a couple of months or more.

Clash of Clans has evolved from mindless troop-flinging. The element of strategic base design also plays a crucial role in fending off raids from other players. Cunningly placed walls, traps, and defensive buildings can turn the tide, especially if you’re up against stronger forces.

Clan Wars add a layer of teamwork as you collaborate with fellow members to strategize attacks and conquer rival bases. If you’re the competitive type, then the League system is your thing, allowing you to climb the ladder and become the best player in the world.

Download Clash of Clans

Price: $2.99

Door Kickers

Door Kickers isn’t your typical SWAT simulator action game. Forget barging into a room with guns blazing, as this tactical gem puts you in the shoes of a SWAT commander. You’re in charge of orchestrating high-pressure hostage rescues and terrorist takedowns with meticulous planning.

It’s a game that will surely put your mettle to the test. No two missions are the same, and you’ll spend most of your time poring over blueprints, deciding on entry points, and positioning your team for maximum efficiency.

Each of your assigned moves carries weight, as a misplaced breaching charge will expose your team. You can feel the tension after calculating your moves and as you prepare to tap the “Go” button to watch your plan unfold in real time.

Door Kickers is a breath of fresh air, especially compared to the fast-paced action adventure or strategy games in app stores. It’s easily become one of my favorites, especially with its tactical depth and the rush a flawlessly executed plan gives me.

When things go wrong, that’s where you’ll enjoy the replayability factor. Analyzing my mistakes, tweaking the plan, and getting another crack at it were the times I enjoyed the most.

Download Door Kickers

Price: $3.99

Clash Royale

Undoubtedly the king of real-time mobile brawlers, Clash Royale deserves a place in our best strategy game list. It’s an addictive, fast-paced battler that hooks you in and keeps you playing round after round. At its core, it’s a satisfying frantic tug of war where a well-placed drop into the battlefield can secure a last-second victory.

You create your army from a diverse selection of units featuring iconic Clash of Clans troops, spells, and buildings. As you battle an opponent, you deploy them into battle in real-time, aiming to destroy their base before they do the same.

Even though it seems you’re just sending your army to their side of the map, deep tactics and strategies are involved. You must master quick thinking and card placement, which can make or break your battles. Creating clever card combos is satisfying, especially if your opponent does not anticipate them.

I find it satisfying whenever I outsmart my opponent with a surprise Pekka drop or a well-timed fireball to their goblin horde.

The game makers also update it often, adding game-altering cards, keeping things fresh even if you’re a veteran. It does offer a steeper learning curve for newcomers, as you’ll be in the midst of the action after a few training sessions.

Download Clash Royale

Price: Free

Reigns

If you’re looking for a different take on the strategy game genre, Reigns is for you. It throws you face-first into the role of monarch, wielding absolute power through the swipe of your thumb. This minimalist masterpiece strips strategy to its very essence by presenting you with a constant stream of dilemmas.

Every turn is a decision whether you want to appease the church or strengthen your kingdom’s military might. You must also choose between your people and indulge your desires. Each decision, a mere right or left swipe, carries the weight rippling through your kingdom, ultimately shaping your reign.

The game is the essence of simplicity, with cards flashing by depicting a pressing concern. Whether it’s a plague, an army at the border, or your treasury dwindling, a flick of your finger selects your stance.

There’s no time for deep pondering or crafting intricate plans. You react, adapt, and hope that your swipes don’t lead to a gruesome end.

What I like about Reigns is that it can be as quick or long as you want. You can play it in bursts or stretches, depending on the amount of throne room drama you want for the day. The game’s unpredictability is another factor that I enjoy so much, as it keeps every round fresh.

Download Reigns

Price: $2.99

Northgard

Your journey on Northgard begins on a frigid island brimming with resources and dangers. As the leader of a Viking clan, you organize your people to gather food, secure shelter, and explore the map. You’ll slowly uncover ancient lore and battle mythical creatures like wolves and the hulking Jötnar.

As you play, the seasons also change, presenting you with different challenges. In the spring, floods threaten your camps, while droughts in the summer can wither your crops. The key here is to become adaptable as you shift your focus on gathering resources or building your military might.

As a real-time strategy game, you can expect some form of combat, which isn’t straightforward. You can think of clever unit synergies and strategic use of the terrain to sway the battle in your favor.

In a surprising twist, war isn’t the only path to victory, as you can achieve it through diplomacy. If you’re the type of gamer who enjoys carving your own path and not necessarily following some pre-determined quests, Northgard is an absolute feast for your senses.

Download Northgard

Price: $8.99

Wrap Up: Which Strategy Game is for You?

Whether you’re craving real-time card battles, turn-based tactics, or a satisfying tower defense, these games will put your strategic mettle to the test. They’re surely going to keep you glued to your screens for hours.

Dive into the chaotic charm of Clash Royale or unleash your inner villain in Kingdom Rush Vengeance. Mobile strategy isn’t just about quick thrills, as these games offer you level after level of tactical depth and intricacies.

What are you waiting for? Sharpen your minds and prepare to conquer mobile strategy with these amazing gems. If you’re looking to buy an Android tablet for gaming, make sure you buy one with great battery life.

Oh, you could also consider using these hacks to play PC games on your Android if you have a favorite that hasn’t been ported onto Android.

Read More: The 5 Best Tablets For Playing Fortnite