Browser-based strategy games are easy to get into because they are free to play and do not require a high-end system or additional storage space.
You can play it on almost any machine having a browser and an internet connection.
Here, I’ve rounded up some of the best browser strategy games you can play online. They aren’t just limited to RTS titles, though.
You’ll find different styles of strategy games in this list. Some of them are short and fun to play, while others require time investment to improve.
Best Browser Strategy Games:
- Little War Games: A minimalistic RTS game
- Freeciv: An open-source Civilization game
- Strike Tactics: Fast-paced steamrolling RTS game
- Undergrave: Roguelike Strategy game
- Showgun Showdown: A turn-based Strategic Fighting game
- Waterworks: A well-made management RTS game
I’ve personally enjoyed playing all of the games as they are fun, built very well, and are endorsed by the community.
So, put on your thinking hats, and let’s dive into my list of the best browser strategy games.
Table of Contents
Little War Games
If you’re a fan of Real Time Strategy games, then you should try Little War Games on your browser. The game is best described as a toned-down version of other popular RTS games.
Here, your objective is simple. You have to make use of the Castle and the limited number of workers to make a formidable army and defeat your opponents.
You’ll need to use your skill to micromanage the resources, mobilize the best infantry, and use the best tactics to overcome your enemy.
The game also offers custom maps and different game modes where you can play the game single-player with the CPU AI, play together with your friends in a lobby, or even join a one-on-one competitive match with other players.
Freeciv
Freeciv is a free, open-source, turn-based strategy game that takes heavy inspiration from the original Civilization II.
You play as a leader of the tribe in the ancient era, and your goal is to guide your civilization to the next generation.
You do so by expanding your colony, developing new infrastructure, discovering new technologies, and dominating other nations.
The overall look and the RTS gameplay closely resemble that of Civilization II but with some added customization options and rules.
But the overall gameplay loop remains the same: managing resources for your colony, mobilizing your troops to capture the foreign land, or even making a pact to establish a peaceful bond, etc.
You’ll have to use the best strategy and capture all the other civilizations in order to beat the game.
Strike Tactics
Strike Tactics is a browser-based RTS game but with a slightly different take. It features good-looking visuals, base-building, resource management, research, and technological advancements with a deep economy system.
However, unlike other city-building RTS games, Strike Tactics is fast-paced and focuses more on steamrolling enemies rather than defensive gameplay. This is why I thoroughly enjoyed this game over others.
I’ve found the gameplay loop is easy to understand but a bit challenging to master. You start off with the Command Center, along with a bunch of worker drones.
You’ll have to command the drones to gather resources and build other construction sites such as Silo, Mech Factory, Tech Lab, etc.
After progressing further into the game, you can make your own space troops and fight against the enemies and capture their bases.
Undergrave
From Wild Dream Studio, the same developer of Red Ronin, comes Undergrave, a very short yet simple strategy dungeon crawler.
The game has you playing as a Ronin who is on a journey to bring back his loved one from the depths of the Void Realm. Along the way, you’ll encounter multiple monsters you must defeat to progress.
The combat in this game is turn-based. There are basically three different moves. i.e., jump, throw, and dash.
Every move you use will use your Action point; the only way to restore your Action point is by moving around on the map.
That being said, moving around the map carelessly can be fatal, as enemies will catch up to you very quickly.
So, you have to be aware of your position and strategize your moves carefully in order to beat the game.
Shogun Showdown
Shogun Showdown is a combination of different genres of video games. i.e., rogue-like, deck-building elements, etc.
On the surface, this might seem like a pixelated turn-based fighting game, but don’t be fooled, as there’s a lot more strategy involved than you think.
This indie title has created a unique style to the traditional turn-based strategy game formula.
The rules are simple: you must pick and use the weapon cards to defeat the enemies while changing your position and dodging their attacks.
The strategy bit comes into play when you change your position and use the weapon card. A good position will make you victorious, whereas a bad one will end your run prematurely.
The game is simple, lightweight, and perfect for playing on the web browser. And since the game is still in early access, you can expect the game to improve and get more content over time.
Waterworks
Waterworks is a card-based strategy game developed by Scriptwelder, the same developer of popular titles such as Deep Sleep and Don’t Escape. This is one of my favorite browser games, which I’ve spent countless hours in.
The plot of this game is quite simple. You’re responsible for the water supply for every household in the old town of Grudziądz.
At the same time, you’ll also be building new technologies to bring the medieval town to the new age.
And you’ll be doing all of this with the help of cards. At every turn, you will get a bunch of cards. Pick the cards you wish to use and leave the ones you want to discard.
To beat the game, you’ll have to form the best strategies and develop the town without decreasing your influence point below 0.
