2. Jagged Alliance 3. The best strategy games of 2023

Jagged Alliance 3, Haemimont Games, 2023.

Jagged Alliance in the top spot? Are we back in the 90s?! Yet what seemed impossible (especially after the many mediocre installments of the series released over the years) became a reality this year. Jagged Alliance 3 has not only finally made it to store shelves but also marked the return of this series in all its glory, much to the delight of fans.

As for what it comes with, fans of the series shouldn't be surprised. We once again lead a bold group of mercenaries who find themselves in the fictional state of Grand Chien. It's all about moving to fight the paramilitary organization that overthrew the country's president and seized power in the country. The battles are fought in turn-based mode, and the key in them is the proper use of our soldiers' skills, their deployment, and reconnaissance of the terrain before entering the operation.

During the game, we also need to take care of our finances and try to gain the support of the locals. As a result, taking over subsequent sections of the terrain should be a much easier task.

However, if you still don't believe that the new Jagged Alliance is a really great game, it would be best to quote the words of Martin Nothing, who reviewed this title: "Personally, I just think this is a piece of a very well-made game. This is not your perfect title, but it certainly is an extremely successful continuation of the legend from 1999. If you are fans of Jagged Alliance 2 and were quietly counting on a modernized version of the game, part three will definitely meet your expectations."

1. Wartales

Wartales, Shiro Games, 2023.

Wartales is a standout game, and not only because of its quality. You might be familiar with the game by Shiro Games studio from its accessibility in Early Access. The fact that the game is in first place in our ranking after its official debut shows us what a polished and addictive title we are dealing with (let's also take the 91% positive reviews on Steam as an indication).

However, if you have been living under a rock for the past few years and have no idea what this is actually about, I rush to explain. Wartales is, at its core, a pretty simple game. We start as a small group of mercenaries in a dark world with a medieval setting and fantasy elements. Our job is to keep our soldiers alive, which means fulfilling numerous contracts and traveling across the land.

But where's the strategy in that? You will find it in various aspects of the game, such as in turn-based battles that demand a strategic approach. After all, the definitive death of our subordinates can come very easily. There's also no shortage of strategic elements related to expanding the camp, controlling finances, and managing the team.

If this sounds good, it's also worth noting that now is likely the best time to begin your journey with Wartales. The game has not only left Early Access a long time ago but has also received its first expansion – Pirates of Belerion, which will take your mercenaries to a completely new area.