Best games
Best Strategy games of 2011
The 34 best Strategy games released in 2011, ranked from 8,926 critic and player ratings.
The best Strategy game of 2011 is Galactic Civilizations II: Ultimate Edition, with a critic score of 92/100 — updated August 2026.
01
Galactic Civilizations II: Ultimate Edition
92
/100
02
S
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty - HD Edition
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty - HD Edition feature an increased 720p resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio, providing a clearer and wider view of the player's surroundings compared to the original 480p resolution and 4:3 ratio of the PlayStation 2 version. Cutscenes can now be viewed in full-screen or letterboxed format, while online achievements/trophies have been added as well. Most of the additional content from Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance has also been ported in this version, such as the Missions and Snake Tales modes, although the Skateboarding mini-game that was present in the PlayStation 2 version of Substance is absent.
89
/100
03
Total War: Shogun 2
In Total War: Shogun 2 you choose from one of 9 (10 with Ikko-Ikki dlc) clans, each with their own unique traits and skills and each with their own RPG-style warlord to lead them. Use a mixture of diplomacy, political manoeuvring, province building, research and special agents such as Ninja assassins or Geisha spies to get your enemies exactly where you want them. An intuitive user interface and a lovingly-created, complex and detailed campaign map make it both easy and enjoyable to build and run cities, recruit and move troops and issue commands – both noble and dishonorable, all with the aim of mastering enemy forces and seizing their lands.
88
/100
Galactic Civilizations II: Ultimate Edition
92
/100
02
S
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty - HD Edition
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty - HD Edition feature an increased 720p resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio, providing a clearer and wider view of the player's surroundings compared to the original 480p resolution and 4:3 ratio of the PlayStation 2 version. Cutscenes can now be viewed in full-screen or letterboxed format, while online achievements/trophies have been added as well. Most of the additional content from Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance has also been ported in this version, such as the Missions and Snake Tales modes, although the Skateboarding mini-game that was present in the PlayStation 2 version of Substance is absent.
89
/100
03
Total War: Shogun 2
In Total War: Shogun 2 you choose from one of 9 (10 with Ikko-Ikki dlc) clans, each with their own unique traits and skills and each with their own RPG-style warlord to lead them. Use a mixture of diplomacy, political manoeuvring, province building, research and special agents such as Ninja assassins or Geisha spies to get your enemies exactly where you want them. An intuitive user interface and a lovingly-created, complex and detailed campaign map make it both easy and enjoyable to build and run cities, recruit and move troops and issue commands – both noble and dishonorable, all with the aim of mastering enemy forces and seizing their lands.
88
/100
04
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Retribution
Command any of the six unique factions in the next standalone expansion of the critically acclaimed Dawn of War real-time strategy franchise. Choose to build a massive army or lead a small squad of elite heroes into battle and experience a single player campaign customized to your favorite race.
88
/100
05
Pokémon Black, White
Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version are the primary paired versions of Generation V. Black and White follow the trends set up by previous games in the series. Two player characters (one male and one female) travel a new region, Unova, on their Pokémon journeys. This region is inhabited by various Pokémon, and unlike before, none of those available prior to Generation V can be obtained before completing the main story by defeating Team Plasma. The games' names were revealed on the official Japanese Pokémon website on April 9, 2010, and scans from the subsequent issue of the magazine leaked the following day, April 10. Pokémon Black and White are followed in 2012 by two sequels, Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, which are set two years after the events of Black and White. Black 2 and White 2 are the second and final paired versions of Generation V.
87
/100
06
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is a first-person shooter video game, developed by Infinity Ward and Sledgehammer Games (Treyarch for the Wii version), with Raven Software having assisted in development and published by Activision.
85
/100
07
Frozen Synapse
85
/100
08
Outland
An action platformer with a combat/interactivity system based on polarity, Outland focuses on a hero who can switch between light and dark forms, an ability he'll need to exploit in order to destroy monsters and avoid attacks. He'll take damage from opposite-colored bullets but will be impervious to those of the same polarity. He'll also only be able to control objects that match his polarity. By switching between forms, he will be able to solve platforming puzzles and crush enemies in this mysterious new land he finds himself in.
85
/100
09
Anomaly: Warzone Earth
Anomaly Warzone Earth is an extraordinary mixture of action and strategy in a reversed tower defense formula. The game tasks you with saving a near-future Earth from an alien onslaught. The invaders have captured several of the world’s major cities, building huge turrets that destroy everything in their path. It’s up to you to lead an armor squad through the streets of cities like Baghdad and Tokyo, planning the route and strategically choosing which units to deploy in order to crush the opposition. Take control of the Commander, whose special abilities and quick thinking will be vital in supporting the squad in its mission as you engage in fast-paced, tactical battle across a story-driven campaign and in two heart-pounding Squad Assault Modes. Enjoy innovative game play, mixing action and strategy in a clever twist on the familiar formula--because this time you're attacking the towers. You will need to think both tactically and strategically, choosing the right squad and the best route for each mission. What worked in the last mission might lead you to wrack and ruin in the next one! Extend tactical possibilities by gathering resources to buy new units and upgrade your squad during a battle. The great graphics and audio tie this game up in a neat bundle, and a sure-fire hit with strategy and action fans alike.
85
/100
10
RIFT
84
/100
11
Football Manager 2012
84
/100
12
Orcs Must Die!
83
/100
13
Anno 2070
83
/100
14
Terraria
81
/100
15
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II: Retribution
80
/100
16
The Sims 3 Pets
79
/100
17
Tropico 4
78
/100
18
The Sims Medieval
78
/100
19
Might & Magic: Heroes VI
77
/100
20
Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012
77
/100
21
From Dust
76
/100
22
Galaxy on Fire 2 Full HD
76
/100
23
Atom Zombie Smasher
75
/100
24
Stronghold Kingdoms
75
/100
25
Rock of Ages
74
/100
26
Space Pirates and Zombies
74
/100
27
Worms Crazy Golf
73
/100
28
World of Tanks
73
/100
29
Nuclear Dawn
71
/100
30
Sanctum
70
/100
31
Cities in Motion
70
/100
32
Operation Flashpoint: Red River
67
/100
33
Worms Ultimate Mayhem
66
/100
34
Hydrophobia: Prophecy
64
/100
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Retribution
Command any of the six unique factions in the next standalone expansion of the critically acclaimed Dawn of War real-time strategy franchise. Choose to build a massive army or lead a small squad of elite heroes into battle and experience a single player campaign customized to your favorite race.
88
/100
05
Pokémon Black, White
Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version are the primary paired versions of Generation V. Black and White follow the trends set up by previous games in the series. Two player characters (one male and one female) travel a new region, Unova, on their Pokémon journeys. This region is inhabited by various Pokémon, and unlike before, none of those available prior to Generation V can be obtained before completing the main story by defeating Team Plasma. The games' names were revealed on the official Japanese Pokémon website on April 9, 2010, and scans from the subsequent issue of the magazine leaked the following day, April 10. Pokémon Black and White are followed in 2012 by two sequels, Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, which are set two years after the events of Black and White. Black 2 and White 2 are the second and final paired versions of Generation V.
87
/100
06
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is a first-person shooter video game, developed by Infinity Ward and Sledgehammer Games (Treyarch for the Wii version), with Raven Software having assisted in development and published by Activision.
85
/100
07
Frozen Synapse
85
/100
08
Outland
An action platformer with a combat/interactivity system based on polarity, Outland focuses on a hero who can switch between light and dark forms, an ability he'll need to exploit in order to destroy monsters and avoid attacks. He'll take damage from opposite-colored bullets but will be impervious to those of the same polarity. He'll also only be able to control objects that match his polarity. By switching between forms, he will be able to solve platforming puzzles and crush enemies in this mysterious new land he finds himself in.
85
/100
09
Anomaly: Warzone Earth
Anomaly Warzone Earth is an extraordinary mixture of action and strategy in a reversed tower defense formula. The game tasks you with saving a near-future Earth from an alien onslaught. The invaders have captured several of the world’s major cities, building huge turrets that destroy everything in their path. It’s up to you to lead an armor squad through the streets of cities like Baghdad and Tokyo, planning the route and strategically choosing which units to deploy in order to crush the opposition. Take control of the Commander, whose special abilities and quick thinking will be vital in supporting the squad in its mission as you engage in fast-paced, tactical battle across a story-driven campaign and in two heart-pounding Squad Assault Modes. Enjoy innovative game play, mixing action and strategy in a clever twist on the familiar formula--because this time you're attacking the towers. You will need to think both tactically and strategically, choosing the right squad and the best route for each mission. What worked in the last mission might lead you to wrack and ruin in the next one! Extend tactical possibilities by gathering resources to buy new units and upgrade your squad during a battle. The great graphics and audio tie this game up in a neat bundle, and a sure-fire hit with strategy and action fans alike.
85
/100
10
RIFT
84
/100
11
Football Manager 2012
84
/100
12
Orcs Must Die!
83
/100
13
Anno 2070
83
/100
14
Terraria
81
/100
15
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II: Retribution
80
/100
16
The Sims 3 Pets
79
/100
17
Tropico 4
78
/100
18
The Sims Medieval
78
/100
19
Might & Magic: Heroes VI
77
/100
20
Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012
77
/100
21
From Dust
76
/100
22
Galaxy on Fire 2 Full HD
76
/100
23
Atom Zombie Smasher
75
/100
24
Stronghold Kingdoms
75
/100
25
Rock of Ages
74
/100
26
Space Pirates and Zombies
74
/100
27
Worms Crazy Golf
73
/100
28
World of Tanks
73
/100
29
Nuclear Dawn
71
/100
30
Sanctum
70
/100
31
Cities in Motion
70
/100
32
Operation Flashpoint: Red River
67
/100
33
Worms Ultimate Mayhem
66
/100
34
Hydrophobia: Prophecy
64
/100
FAQ
What is the best Strategy game of 2011?
Galactic Civilizations II: Ultimate Edition currently tops the ranking with a score of 92/100 across 218 ratings. Ranking updated August 2026.
How is this ranking built?
Games are ranked on their aggregated critic score out of 100, with a minimum vote threshold so a single glowing review never outranks a proven classic; the Tier community's own F-to-S grades are shown alongside each game.