The Best Kickstarter Games for Strategy Fans

16 September 2025

If you’re a strategy game enthusiast, chances are Kickstarter is one of your go-to platforms to discover diamonds in the rough. The crowdfunding site has been a treasure trove for indie games, especially when it comes to strategy titles. It’s like opening a gift box—you never really know what you’re going to get, but once in a while, you strike gold.

In this article, I’ll spotlight the best Kickstarter games for strategy fans, breaking down what makes each one special and why they’re worth your time. Whether you’re into complex tactical maneuvers, deep resource management, or board-game-inspired brilliance, there’s something here to ignite your passion for strategy.

Why Kickstarter Is the Perfect Hub for Strategy Games

Let’s be honest: AAA publishers don’t always prioritize strategy games. They’re usually busy churning out the next blockbuster shooter or open-world adventure. But Kickstarter? It gives indie designers the chance to breathe life into their dream projects—games they’d probably never be able to pitch to a traditional publisher.

For strategy fans, this is amazing news. From turn-based tactics to sprawling civilization simulators, Kickstarter offers a playground for innovation and niche gems. You won’t just find games that cater to the masses; you’ll find games that cater to you.

What Makes a Great Strategy Game?

Before we dive into the list, let’s define what we’re looking for. A great strategy game isn’t just about challenging gameplay. It’s about that perfect blend of:

- Depth: Do your decisions matter? Can you lose yourself in planning five steps ahead?
- Replayability: Does the game feel fresh after multiple playthroughs, or does it gather dust on your virtual shelf after a single go?
- Engagement: Is it fun to play? Does it reward creative problem-solving and experimentation?

The Kickstarter gems we’re about to discuss check all these boxes—and then some.

The Best Kickstarter Games for Strategy Fans

1. Frostpunk: The Board Game

Have you ever played the original Frostpunk video game? It’s one of those "What would you do to survive?" city-building strategy games that’s not just challenging—it’s emotionally gut-wrenching. Now imagine taking all of that intense decision-making and translating it into a tabletop experience.

Why It’s Awesome:
In this board game adaptation, players work together to keep the last city on Earth alive in a frozen apocalypse. Balancing dwindling resources, managing the morale of your people, and making impossible ethical choices are at the core of the game. It’s not just about strategy; it’s about surviving with your humanity (mostly) intact.

Fun Fact: The campaign raised an eye-popping $2.5 million, smashing its initial funding goal!

2. Gloomhaven – Light in the Darkness

Alright, so Gloomhaven technically didn’t start as a Kickstarter project, but its massive sequel and spinoff, Frosthaven, sure did. And boy, was it worth the hype.

Why It’s Awesome:
Gloomhaven isn’t your average dungeon crawler. It brings together tactical combat, deep storytelling, and a legacy-style progression system where your choices literally alter the game world. Think of it as a mix between a strategy board game and a full-blown RPG.

If you love working through tough puzzles while battling enemies and upgrading your hero, this game will keep you busy for months.

3. Root: A Game of Woodland Might and Right

Ever wondered what a war between adorable woodland creatures might look like? Don’t let the cute art style fool you—Root is as cunning and tactical as any strategy game out there.

Why It’s Awesome:
Each player controls a unique faction with distinct abilities and objectives. From the militaristic cats to the sneaky raccoon vagabond, gameplay revolves around outsmarting opponents and taking control of the forest.

Plus, the Kickstarter community has helped fund tons of expansions, adding even more layers of depth to this already brilliant game.

4. Kingdom Death: Monster

Kingdom Death: Monster isn’t for the faint of heart—both in terms of gameplay and theme. It’s dark, it’s brutal, and it’s ridiculously addictive for hardcore strategy fans.

Why It’s Awesome:
This cooperative campaign game is all about survival. Players build settlements, craft gear, and face off against terrifying monsters in tactical combat. The gameplay is complex and brimming with tough choices, making every victory feel earned.

Did You Know? The original Kickstarter campaign for Kingdom Death: Monster raised over $12 million, proving that people are all-in on this grim strategy masterpiece.

5. The Banner Saga: Warbands

If you’ve played the video game series The Banner Saga, you already know it’s a feast for strategy lovers. But its board game adaptation, Warbands, might just take things to another level.

Why It’s Awesome:
This cooperative tabletop game focuses on decision-making and tactical planning as you lead your warband through a harsh, Viking-inspired world. It’s a lot like the video game but with an even greater emphasis on teamwork.

Banner Saga: Warbands nails that “every decision matters” vibe, making it a solid pick for anyone who loves tough moral dilemmas mixed with smart strategy.

6. Sea of Legends

If piratical intrigue and open-world exploration are your jam, Sea of Legends is the game for you. This narrative-driven sandbox strategy game lets you step into the shoes of a swashbuckling captain navigating a high-seas adventure.

Why It’s Awesome:
Players compete to earn infamy by completing quests, battling enemies, and forming alliances with NPC factions. It has a refreshing mix of strategy, storytelling, and chaos—perfect for fans who want a little bit of everything.

The Kickstarter campaign smashed its funding goals, and the team has since released expansions to keep the adventure alive and kicking.

7. Nemesis

Imagine Alien in board game form, and you’ve got Nemesis. This semi-cooperative strategy game is dripping with tension.

Why It’s Awesome:
Each player has secret objectives, and while you may technically "work together," you also have to watch your back. Whether you’re repairing the ship or trying to eliminate alien threats, gameplay is immersive and full of nail-biting moments.

For strategy fans who love a little bit of paranoia with their planning, Nemesis is an absolute must-play.

8. Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon

This one’s for the fans of Arthurian legends with a dark twist. Tainted Grail combines deep story-driven gameplay with exploration and strategic combat.

Why It’s Awesome:
The game offers branching narratives, allowing players to shape their journey through the cursed land of Avalon. Strategic resource management and tactical battles make it a perfect pick for anyone who loves a good brain workout alongside gripping storytelling.

It’s like playing chess, but with knights, druids, and a whole lot of mythological chaos.

Why These Games Stand Out

What makes these Kickstarter campaigns special isn’t just how well they’re executed—it’s the passion behind them. You can tell the creators poured their hearts and souls into these projects. They’re not just games; they’re love letters to the genre.

How to Support Future Strategy Games on Kickstarter

If any of these games catch your eye, consider backing similar projects in the future. It’s a win-win—it helps developers bring their ideas to life and gives you the chance to play innovative games you won’t find anywhere else.

Keep an eye out for updates, engage with the community, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Who knows? You might help fund the next big thing in strategy gaming!

Final Thoughts

Kickstarter has truly become a haven for strategy game lovers. From epic board games to video game adaptations bursting with tactical brilliance, there’s no shortage of gems to discover. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into these games and let your inner strategist shine.