Strategy Games and Apps for Android: Types and Picks

Strategy is a family, not one genre

When someone searches for strategy games on Android, they may want very different things. Some want to build a base and send armies, some want to place defenders on a lane, some want slow turn-based thinking, and some just want a light tactical puzzle. All of these carry the same label, so the first step is to decide which kind of thinking you enjoy.

Real time base builders reward daily check-ins and long term planning. Tower defense is the quick, visual cousin, while turn-based RPGs let you think without a clock. Games with a management angle, such as tycoon and city building, replace battles with economy.

A note about this particular tag

The collection under this label is mixed. Alongside actual strategy games you will find downloaders, an editor and a torrent client, which were tagged by the publishers or the site. If you want a game, ignore those, and if you came for tools, the apps section is a cleaner place to browse.

How to choose a strategy game

Look at the pace first. If the game wants you to wait for timers, it suits people who check in a few times a day, not people who want long sittings. Then look at how much of the game is PvP, because competing against other players can turn into a spending race. Finally, check whether the game works offline, since many empire builders need a constant connection.

Before you install

Read the Android version requirement and the size. Large strategy games often download extra data on first launch, so use Wi-Fi. For MOD builds, the typical change is more resources or faster upgrades, but online games check state with a server, so a modified client can fail to log in or lose progress after an update. Keep your expectations modest and read the notes on each page, and see the guides if the install fails.

• Age of Origins: a strategy title where you develop a base and field forces against other players.
• Game of Warriors: a MOD build of a warrior themed strategy game, so read the page for what it unlocks.
• KineMaster: a video editor, not a strategy game, listed here by label.
• uTorrent: a torrent client, useful only if you need file transfers.
• SnapSave: a downloader app, again a utility rather than a game.

For more games of this kind, see the games list and the MOD section.