Strategy games for Android have gotten very good over the last few years. What were once simple tower defense or card games now let you build huge empires or play intense competitions. The best strategy games for phones now are as good as games for computers.
Better phone processors, graphics, and screens help make these great games. New phones can easily run strategy games that look amazing. This makes developers create even better Android strategy games.
Below are some of the absolute best different types of strategy games you can get for your phone. From classic tactics to real-time battles, these games have excellent gameplay, are complex and challenging, and have single-player modes.
Get ready to give your brain a workout as we look at the top strategy game apps you can install and play on phones and tablets in 2024.
1. Sid Meier’s Railroads!
Sid Meier’s Railroads! takes you back to the early 1900s to run railroad companies. Your goal is to connect towns by building rail networks. You need to manage your money wisely to expand your rails most smartly.
You also compete with other railroad bosses who want your business.
There is a nice, thoughtful pace as you carefully decide each business move. While Sid Meier’s Railroads! does not have multiplayer, the computer players face plenty of challenges in the big solo-player campaign.
Overall, Sid Meier’s Railroads! is a great pick for Android users who like thoughtful, not too action-packed strategic games. The pace and complex decisions make it a standout economic game.
2. Defense Derby combines tower
Defense Derby combines tower defense battles with auto battlers. Your goal is to defend against monster waves using smart tactics and teams. After you place units, battles play out automatically so you can focus on high-level plans.
The key to success is bidding against other players for powerful fighters. You must balance short-term savings versus long-term potential. Mastering these gameplay elements takes work but feels very rewarding.
While mainly player versus computer-focused, Defense Derby also has online multiplayer. This lets you test skills against human foes on the competitive rankings.
With considerable depth and challenge, Defense Derby delivers a top auto battler experience for serious Android strategy fans. Just know that sophisticated gameplay has a steep learning curve at first.
Defense Derby makes money from in-app purchases, from $0.99 to $99.99 per item. But you can play the full core game for free.
3. Queen’s Gambit Chess
The Queen’s Gambit Chess aims to make classic chess more welcoming for players with all skill levels. Beginners can learn basic rules and strategy in an easy way. More experienced players have a competitive ranked mode for equal matches against human opponents.
By supporting both new and expert players, The Queen’s Gambit Chess works as an Android chess app for everyone. Newcomers smoothly learn while experts can test skills in a serious setting. Either way, the deep strategy of chess stays.
4. Worms W.M.D: Mobilize
Worms W.M.D: Mobilize is the latest mobile Worms game. It keeps the classic turn-based, platform gameplay but adds new weapons, customizations, and quality upgrades.
As always, you creatively use cartoon weapons to defeat enemy worms across destructible landscapes. Mobilize includes local and online multiplayer to battle friends anywhere.
Worms W.M.D: Mobilize is sure to please existing fans with smart changes while remaining inviting to new players. The simple idea and pick-up-and-play matches make this a great first Worms game to try.
5. Honkai: Star Rail
Honkai: Star Rail is a Gacha turn-based RPG with anime-inspired characters and worlds. You explore fantastical planets and battle enemies strategically with your party.
Unfortunately Honkai: Star Rail uses an aggressive monetization model that demands high spending to stay competitive. However, the combat itself is more straightforward and faster-paced than other bulky mobile RPGs.
So while serious gacha fans may dislike the monetization, casual players just wanting quick, polished gameplay should still enjoy it. The short battles and beautiful presentation help offset issues from its free-to-play model.
6. Civilization VI
Long-running strategy hit Civilization VI needs no introduction. This mobile version keeps the beloved PC game’s unmatched depth while optimizing interfaces for touchscreens.
As always, you guide your civilization through history. Expand cities, use diplomacy, advance technology, and wage key wars against AI rivals. Each new era brings added complex decisions in seeking victory.
Despite friendlier controls, Civilization VI still delivers a heavyweight mobile strategy best played on tablets. But fans wanting maximum depth and replayability get extremely rewarding Android gameplay here.
7. Into the Breach
Into the Breach is a sci-fi roguelike mixing turn-based tactics with grid puzzles. You battle huge attacking aliens using specialized mech groups. Each fight lasts just a few turns, so you must carefully place units to maximize the damage dealt while minimizing risk.
With no respawning of lost units, one mistake can quickly spiral out of control. This unforgiving challenge makes Into the Breach perfect for strategy veterans wanting a tough mental workout. There is great satisfaction in unlocking the puzzle of each battle through smart coordination and planning.
8. Defend Viking islands
Bad North has you defend picturesque Viking islands from invading raider waves. You strategically position your squad to intercept and defeat successive enemy attacks across dozens of randomly generated landscapes.
Bad North shines in its simplicity. With limited unit types and easy controls, matches become elegant puzzles rather than complex contests. Yet as intensity ramps up quickly, so does the difficulty. Don’t let the charming graphics fool you about the hardcore strategy needed here.
While struggle is guaranteed, frustration somehow never comes. This polished, refined experience makes Bad North a must-install for Android users wanting tough tactical battles in snack-sized doses.
9. Polytopia
The Battle of Polytopia delivers a classic 4X strategy with an inviting, cute look. As a leader, you aim to rule through smart exploration, research, diplomacy, and war. With single + multiplayer, gameplay variety abounds.
Don’t let the bright, blocky art fool you – this is grade-A empire creation through and through. And with twelve races having unique traits, no two matches are the same. Whether waging war or chasing a peaceful technology win, the strategy options run very deep.
Accessible for newcomers yet rewarding for experts, The Battle of Polytopia is a rare gem. This civilization builder should top every Android gamer’s must-play strategy list.
10. Bloons TD 6
Bloons TD 6 continues the acclaimed tower defense series where you place monkey defenders to pop invading balloons. With 3D graphics, co-op, and staggering customization, this entry takes the fun gameplay to new heights.
Twenty monkey types and three upgrade paths per monkey provide tremendous strategic versatility. Combine that with daily challenges, specialty modes, and millions of possible map layouts and TD fans get endless gameplay possibilities. All wrapped in the signature charm that makes Bloons so appealing.
From new players to seasoned veterans, Bloons TD 6 offers a joyful strategy for all. This is easily Android’s best tower defense experience.
Conclusion
This look at the top 2024 Android strategy games shows the genre has grown and diversified a lot. From hardcore historical simulators to cute physics puzzles, there are all types to pick from.
Importantly, this variety means all strategy fans can find titles matched to their tastes. Both longtime veterans and tentative newcomers will discover challenging, rewarding, and fun experiences.
So why not check out the games above that best fit your interests? Download a few to your device, get cozy, and test your strategic skills. Just be ready to lose entire evenings as you dive deeper into these immersive mobile worlds. The intricate and rewarding designs will have you hooked in no time. Happy gaming Android strategists!