Summary: Discover the top 40 strategy games for iOS in 2025, featuring the most engaging and tactical experiences the App Store has to offer.
Strategy games continue to thrive on mobile, and 2025 is shaping up to be a standout year for iOS gamers. From deep tactical battles to fast-paced real-time challenges, the App Store is packed with titles that test your planning, patience, and precision.
Whether you’re into city-builders, war simulators, or card-based tactics, this curated list highlights the 40 best strategy games available on iOS right now.
Table of Contents
40 Best iPhone Strategy Games
Conclusion
40 Best iPhone Strategy Gamesin 2025
Discover the 40 best iPhone strategy games, packed with exciting challenges and tactical depth. Whether you’re a fan of turn-based or real-time strategy, these games offer something for every strategist.
Raid: Shadow Legends may look like a fantasy RPG, but don’t be fooled—it’s one of the top mobile strategy games for iOS. Completely free to play, it challenges you to build the ultimate squad from over 700 heroes across 15 factions. Strategic thinking is essential as you balance team synergy, gear optimization, and tactical placement in PvE dungeons and PvP arenas. With stunning visuals and consistent updates, Raid offers a surprisingly deep strategic layer beneath its flashy surface. And yes, it’s far from easy—assembling a team that can conquer all content takes brains, not just brawn.
Step into the shoes of a real wartime commander in Call of War: World War II, a massively multiplayer strategy game available for free on iOS. As one of the top mobile strategy games for iOS, it drops you into historic battles where you lead a nation, make diplomatic decisions, and wage war across a sprawling, persistent map. Players must carefully manage military, economic, and research strategies in games that unfold over weeks or even months. With hundreds of players per game, every move counts. If you’ve ever dreamed of rewriting WWII history, this is your strategic playground.
Imagine commanding a nation in a modern-day global crisis—Conflict of Nations: World War III makes it a reality. Free to play on iOS, this long-form strategy game lets you control one of dozens of countries in a hypothetical global conflict. Plan military campaigns, manage diplomacy, and research cutting-edge tech in matches that span real-world weeks. With asynchronous gameplay and deep mechanics, it’s easily one of the top mobile strategy games for iOS. Whether you’re forging alliances or launching nuclear strikes, the game offers a layered and time-invested experience for true strategy aficionados.
Think like a mob boss in Mafia City, a crime-themed real-time strategy game that’s free on iOS. Instead of commanding armies or building empires, you’re organizing criminal operations, recruiting specialized units like bikers, and expanding your underworld empire. With a unique setting and strong multiplayer focus, it’s a standout among the top mobile strategy games for iOS. Strategic planning is key as you balance resource management, base building, and player alliances or betrayals. Its addictive gameplay loop and flashy visuals have made it a long-time favorite for players who want something more urban and edgy than your average RTS.
Forge of Empires invites you to build a civilization that evolves from the Stone Age to the future. This free-to-play iOS title blends city-building with turn-based tactical battles, offering deep strategic decisions in both areas. As one of the top mobile strategy games for iOS, it gives players a long-term progression experience that’s both visually satisfying and mentally engaging. Develop technologies, expand your territory, and engage in PvP or PvE conflicts across eras. Whether you’re perfecting your city’s layout or devising the perfect military formation, Forge of Empires rewards careful planning and consistent play.
From InnoGames, Rise of Cultures offers a refined take on the city-building genre with a strong focus on cultural evolution. Free to play on iOS, this game emphasizes strategic placement, worker management, and technological progress. As one of the top mobile strategy games for iOS, it stands out for its focus on customizing your empire’s identity—from architecture to labor dynamics. As your city develops through historical ages, you’ll unlock new units, buildings, and benefits based on your chosen cultural path. Perfect for players who enjoy a slower, more thoughtful approach to empire-building with a personal touch.
Company of Heroes brings the acclaimed WWII RTS experience to iOS for $9.99. Developed by Feral Interactive, this adaptation smartly translates the iconic PC game into a touch-friendly version without losing its strategic depth. Despite the inherent challenges of adapting a mouse-driven interface to mobile, Feral has done an exceptional job, providing tactical real-time combat with impressive visuals. Command squads, engage in intense battles, and manage resources as you face enemies across key WWII theaters. The game retains its original strategic complexity, making it one of the best mobile strategy games for iOS for fans of the genre.
Bad North is a minimalist Viking tower defense strategy game available for $4.99 on iOS. As one of the best mobile strategy games for iOS, it combines simple controls with deep strategic gameplay. You’ll position your units across procedurally generated islands to fend off waves of Viking invaders. Each decision has weight, as losing a unit is permanent. The game is about managing risk and reward—defend just one more island, or pull back to preserve your forces? With its stunning art style and satisfying gameplay loop, Bad North is a perfect blend of simplicity and depth for strategy fans.
Rebel Inc. is a compelling political and military strategy game available for $1.99. Set in a post-war region, you must rebuild while preventing insurgencies from destabilizing the area. As one of the best mobile strategy games for iOS, it combines complex decisions with tactical gameplay. Players must balance economic development, military presence, and diplomacy while managing real-time challenges. Ndemic’s careful attention to detail in handling delicate reconstruction themes, supported by expert consultation, ensures an immersive experience. Every choice has far-reaching consequences in this nuanced and difficult-to-master game, where no decision is ever straightforward.
In Plague Inc., available for just $0.99, you’re tasked with designing a deadly pathogen and unleashing it on the world. One of the best mobile strategy games for iOS, it’s a unique mix of strategic planning and simulation. You must evolve your virus, bacteria, or other pathogens, strategizing its spread to devastate the globe while avoiding detection. This realistic simulation game requires both foresight and flexibility, making it a compelling challenge for strategy lovers. With its engaging mechanics and chilling realism, Plague Inc. continues to be a fan-favorite in mobile strategy gaming, providing endless hours of thought-provoking gameplay.
Kingdom Rush: Vengeance is the latest installment in the popular tower defense series, priced at $4.99 on iOS. As one of the best mobile strategy games for iOS, it offers a fresh twist on its predecessors with new towers, heroes, and enemies. While the game features in-app purchases, they are optional and don’t detract from the core gameplay. The goal is to defend your kingdom from invading forces by strategically placing towers and using hero abilities. With its charming art style, engaging levels, and witty humor, Kingdom Rush: Vengeance provides a rich and fun tower defense experience for all players.
Dominations is a free-to-play mobile strategy game that combines civilization-building with tactical combat. Spanning the Iron Age to the Space Age, players build cities, lead armies, and raid other players for resources. As one of the best mobile strategy games for iOS, Dominations offers a rich, multi-era progression system and a deep strategic experience. You’ll manage everything from diplomacy to military tactics, balancing your empire’s growth with defense. The game also includes historical wonders and an engaging multiplayer system. If you enjoy strategy with a historical twist, Dominations will keep you hooked for hours on end.
Iron Marines is a real-time strategy game set in space, available for $4.99 on iOS. A great choice among the best mobile strategy games for iOS, it features a blend of tactical squad combat and resource management. Players command a team of elite marines as they fight hostile alien forces across diverse planets. The game excels with its intuitive controls, variety of missions, and challenging difficulty, offering both short bursts of action and longer strategic planning. Whether defending bases or securing resources, Iron Marines delivers exciting tactical gameplay with a futuristic military twist.
Reigns: Game of Thrones, priced at $3.99 on iOS, is an intriguing blend of strategy and decision-making, set in George R.R. Martin’s universe. As one of the best mobile strategy games for iOS, it puts you in the seat of power where every decision—swiping left or right—has consequences. Managing your reign, handling court intrigues, and navigating Westeros’ politics require sharp judgment. With humor, tragedy, and betrayal at every turn, this game brings complexity to the simple mechanics of the Reigns series. Perfect for Game of Thrones fans who enjoy strategy with a personal touch.
Subterfuge, priced at $2.99, is a real-time strategy game where deceit and alliances rule the day. As one of the best mobile strategy games for iOS, it immerses players in a slow-burn strategic experience, where decisions take hours to unfold. Players command subs and bases, with the goal of gaining resources and military advantage, while navigating a web of alliances and betrayals. It’s a game that requires patience and careful planning, with a strong emphasis on long-term strategy. Perfect for players looking for a game with depth, subtlety, and the thrill of unexpected twists.
Rymdkapsel is a minimalist space base-building game priced at $3.99 for iOS. One of the best mobile strategy games for iOS, it combines strategic planning with spatial puzzles. You’ll manage a space station, place buildings, and explore the galaxy for resources and upgrades. The game’s minimalistic art style is beautifully complemented by its satisfying logistical challenges, making it both relaxing and engaging. Each new building placement requires careful thought as you expand your base, providing a perfect balance of strategy and efficiency. For fans of strategy and resource management, Rymdkapsel offers an addictive and thoughtful gameplay experience.
Fallout Shelter was a surprise launch from Bethesda, coinciding with Fallout 4‘s announcement, and is available for free on iOS. As the Overseer of a newly constructed vault, you manage survivors and ensure their basic needs—power, food, and water—are met. The game introduces various mini-dungeons and seasonal events to keep gameplay fresh. You’ll also explore the wasteland for loot and resources, balancing your vault’s growth while keeping its inhabitants safe. With ongoing updates and events, Fallout Shelter has become a fun, engaging simulation game for Fallout fans and newcomers alike.
In Tropico, priced at $11.99, you play as the ruler of a Caribbean island nation, where your goal is to shape the society according to your whims. This port of Kalypso’s popular strategy game brings the same charm, humor, and strategic depth to mobile. You’ll manage everything from building infrastructure to dealing with political and economic challenges. Whether you choose to be a benevolent leader or a ruthless dictator, Tropico offers a sandbox experience filled with opportunities for intrigue and development. If you enjoy complex management and a dash of humor, Tropico is a must-play.
Clash of Clans has become a staple of mobile strategy, and it’s free to play on iOS. As a player, you’ll build your village, train an army, and battle other players in multiplayer modes. The game’s emphasis on tower defense, resource management, and troop strategy helped define the genre. It’s still incredibly active, with leagues of players worldwide competing for supremacy. With regular updates and events, Clash of Clans continues to thrive, offering a dynamic and engaging experience that keeps players hooked for months. Join the action and see why this game is so legendary!
Rome: Total War, available for $9.99, is one of the greatest strategy games of all time, now brought to mobile by Feral Interactive. This iconic game combines real-time strategy battles with turn-based campaign play, offering a rich, immersive experience. As the leader of the Roman Empire, you’ll command legions, manage cities, and make strategic decisions that could change the fate of your civilization. Rome: Total War has been faithfully adapted to mobile, preserving its deep strategy mechanics and epic scale. If you love tactical combat and empire-building, this is a must-have for any strategy fan.
The Escapists 2, priced at $6.99, is an exciting prison escape simulation game that challenges you to plan and execute daring jailbreaks. Set in an isometric pixel world, you’ll take on various roles within the prison, attend roll call, and interact with other inmates. The game provides an open-ended sandbox experience where you can craft tools, form alliances, and work with fellow prisoners to break out. With multiple prisons to escape from, each with its own set of challenges, The Escapists 2 offers endless hours of creative strategy and problem-solving.
Clash Royale takes the core mechanics of Clash of Clans and reinvents them with a collectible card strategy twist. Available for free, Clash Royale allows you to build a deck of cards representing heroes, spells, and troops, which you’ll use in 1v1 duels against players worldwide. The game’s multiplayer focus, with leagues and trophy systems, ensures constant competition and excitement. While it may differ from Clash of Clans, its strategic depth and card-based gameplay have made it a fan favorite. If you enjoy fast-paced, real-time strategy, Clash Royale is a must-try mobile game.
Kingdom Two Crowns, available for $9.99, is a unique side-scrolling micro-strategy game where you play as a monarch traveling through your kingdom, defending it from external threats. As you ride your steed, you manage resources, recruit subjects, and build up your defenses to protect against greed and hostile forces. The game features charming pixel art, a minimalist design, and intuitive mechanics that focus on strategic decision-making. It’s a refreshing take on strategy, offering an experience that’s both engaging and relaxing. If you love strategy games with a simple but rewarding gameplay loop, Kingdom Two Crowns is for you.
The Bonfire 2, priced at $4.99, is an RTS-survival game where you build a settlement, gather resources, and defend against nightly monster attacks. The game combines strategy and survival as you grow your village, build defenses, and establish trade with neighboring settlements. The challenge lies in balancing town growth with keeping it safe from invading creatures. With its immersive atmosphere and resource management mechanics, The Bonfire 2 creates an engaging survival experience. If you enjoy games like Kingdom Two Crowns with a bit more complexity and danger, this game offers hours of strategic fun.
Xenowerk Tactics, available for $4.99, is a turn-based, squad-level strategy game set in a futuristic world where you control a private military force tasked with cleaning up after a disastrous experiment. Based on the Xenowerk series, this game includes squad management, base development, and tactical combat, though it leans more arcade-like compared to other tactical strategy games like XCOM. The game challenges players to preserve resources while completing missions and upgrading their teams. If you’re looking for a tactical challenge with real-time, action-oriented elements, Xenowerk Tactics is an exciting mobile strategy experience.
Ticket to Earth, available for $4.99, is a turn-based strategy game that mixes tactical combat with an engaging narrative. The game’s unique mechanics allow players to create strategic paths for their characters, while the story and world-building make it stand out. After the release of its fourth episode in 2019, the game became a complete package that delivers a satisfying gameplay experience. With its combination of strategic depth, compelling storylines, and puzzle-solving elements, Ticket to Earth is a must-play for fans of turn-based tactics and deep, narrative-driven gameplay.
Egypt: Old Kingdom, priced at $4.99, is a turn-based strategy game that immerses you in the ancient history of Egypt during the Old Kingdom period (around 2,100 BC). As the leader of Memphis, you must manage resources, develop your civilization, and assimilate other Egyptian tribes through diplomacy or warfare. This niche title offers a unique approach to strategy gaming, focusing on a specific historical era. With its depth in resource management and strategic decision-making, Egypt: Old Kingdom is perfect for history buffs and fans of turn-based strategy looking for something fresh and different.
Euclidean Skies, available for $5.99, is a visually striking puzzle tactics game that offers an exciting departure from its predecessor. The game introduces a vibrant and dynamic world, where you’ll solve puzzles while engaging in strategic combat. The game’s ambitious design takes full advantage of its isometric view and delivers an intense experience that feels both aggressive and beautiful. For fans of the genre, this is a must-buy as it takes the series to new heights, blending vivid art and challenging puzzles. The game’s captivating world ensures you’ll stay engaged throughout its creative, ever-evolving challenges.
Six Ages: Ride Like the Wind, priced at $9.99, is a spiritual sequel to King of Dragon Pass, offering a rich narrative-based strategy experience. Set in a vibrant new world, you’ll guide a tribe through a series of tactical decisions and mythical challenges. Unlike traditional empire-building games, it focuses on storytelling, character relationships, and cultural immersion, offering a blend of strategy and text-based narratives. With smooth gameplay and a unique, forced immersion approach, Six Ages delivers an unforgettable experience, exploring gods, humans, and the mysteries of life in an intricately woven narrative.
Darkest Dungeon is a turn-based dungeon crawler available for $4.99 that challenges players with its brutal difficulty and dark, Lovecraftian atmosphere. Managing a party of unique, flawed heroes, you’ll navigate eerie dungeons filled with eldritch horrors. The game’s tension arises not just from combat, but from the mental toll on your characters, who may succumb to stress, madness, or death. With beautiful hand-drawn art, captivating storytelling, and a strategic approach to managing resources, Darkest Dungeon is a standout for fans of tactical games who enjoy risk and dark narrative themes in a challenging setting.
XCOM: Enemy Within, priced at $9.99, is the ultimate turn-based tactical strategy game where you lead an elite squad defending Earth from an alien invasion. Offering deep tactical combat, resource management, and team development, this game is a masterclass in strategic decision-making. Players must carefully balance upgrading their base, researching new tech, and deploying squads for high-stakes missions. The game’s gripping narrative and challenging difficulty keep you on edge, making every victory feel earned. As the gold standard for tactical strategy games, XCOM: Enemy Within is a must-have for strategy enthusiasts.
Polytopia, free to play on iOS, is a delightful Civ-lite strategy game that distills the core elements of civilization-building into a compact and accessible experience. Players control one of several tribes, exploring a map, gathering resources, and competing for dominance through strategic decisions. The simple mechanics—such as upgrading technologies and conquering enemy tribes—make it easy to pick up and play, while still offering depth. Victory is achieved through points rather than conquest, and the grid-based map provides a clear, satisfying layout. If you’re looking for a casual yet engaging strategy game, Polytopia is a top choice.
Invisible Inc., priced at $9.99, is a strategy game where you control a team of spies trying to survive in a dystopian future controlled by mega-corporations. The game blends stealth and tactical combat, requiring careful decision-making and resource management. Each mission escalates in difficulty, with your agents needing to infiltrate secure locations without being detected. The game’s systems, such as AP and power, add an extra layer of tension and strategy, ensuring no mission is ever straightforward. With its deep, challenging gameplay and compelling narrative, Invisible Inc. offers a thrilling experience for fans of tactical espionage games.
Imbroglio, available for $3.99, is a rogue-like strategy game that challenges you to navigate a maze filled with weapons and enemies. Each character has a unique ability, and the goal is to collect treasure, survive, and level up weapons to defeat increasingly difficult enemies. The 4×4 grid adds a strategic layer to gameplay, forcing you to think several moves ahead. With random inputs, the game ensures that every run is different, offering high replayability. If you love games that reward tactical thinking and adaptability, Imbroglio provides a challenging and engaging strategic experience.
The Banner Saga, priced at $9.99, is a Norse-inspired strategy game that blends deep storytelling with tactical combat. As you lead a group of survivors through a world on the brink of destruction, you’ll make decisions that affect both the story and the fate of your people. The game features stunning art and challenging turn-based combat, where each decision counts. The world is dark, with powerful stone monsters and a sunless sky, and every choice you make will determine whether your tribe survives. For fans of narrative-driven strategy games, The Banner Saga is an unforgettable experience.
Civilization VI, available for $19.99 on iOS, is the mobile version of the legendary 4X strategy game where you lead a civilization from the dawn of history to the space age. Manage cities, build infrastructure, conduct diplomacy, and wage war against other civilizations. The game’s depth and complexity make it one of the best mobile strategy games available, offering hundreds of hours of gameplay. With numerous civilizations to choose from and multiple paths to victory, Civ VI delivers an engaging, world-building experience that’s perfect for fans of empire-building and turn-based strategy games.
War of the Visions: Final Fantasy Brave Exvius is a turn-based tactical RPG available for free, with in-app purchases. Taking heavy inspiration from Final Fantasy Tactics, the game immerses players in a rich narrative where you collect and command heroes to save a war-torn nation. The game features classic tactical combat, along with gacha mechanics to recruit and upgrade heroes. You can assemble a team tailored to your strategy needs, using each character’s unique abilities to turn the tide of battle. With stunning visuals and deep tactics, War of the Visions is a must for strategy RPG lovers.
Star Traders: Frontiers is a space-faring RPG available for $6.99 that allows you to captain your own starship and explore a vast open universe. You can choose to become a pirate, trader, or bounty hunter, with your decisions shaping the fate of your crew and ship. The game features deep role-playing elements and turn-based combat that adds strategic depth to your adventures. With procedurally generated worlds, Star Traders offers nearly endless replayability, allowing you to carve out your own unique path through the galaxy. It’s a great pick for those seeking an expansive, open-world RPG with tactical battles.
Fire Emblem Heroes, free to play with in-app purchases, brings the iconic Fire Emblem series to mobile with turn-based tactical combat. You can build a roster of characters from across the series, including iconic heroes and villains, to create powerful teams for battle. The gacha mechanics allow you to unlock and summon new characters, each with unique skills that can change the flow of battle. As you progress, the game introduces more challenges and strategic depth. Fire Emblem Heroes is perfect for fans of tactical RPGs and those who want to experience the world of Fire Emblem in a mobile format.
Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions, priced at $13.99, is a turn-based strategy classic now available on mobile. Originally released in 2007, this enhanced version brings the iconic tactics RPG to your fingertips. Set in the world of Ivalice, the game follows a gripping political drama intertwined with tactical battles. You lead a group of mercenaries through a rich narrative filled with betrayal, ambition, and complex characters. With its deep tactical gameplay, intricate class system, and narrative depth, Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions is perfect for strategy lovers who enjoy a great story alongside challenging combat.
With a wide range of gameplay styles, these top iPhone strategy games will keep you engaged for hours of tactical fun.
Conclusion
Exploring the top mobile strategy games for iOS introduces you to some of the most engaging and challenging titles available on the platform. Whether you’re managing empires, building kingdoms, or outsmarting opponents in tactical battles, there’s a perfect strategy game waiting for you on iPhone.
For PC users looking to enhance their single-player experience in strategy games like Civilization VI, we recommend using Xmod.
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