Best RPG and Strategy Games for 2024: What’s Really Worth Your Time?
Alright, let’s talk games. Not just any games—those heart-pounding, story-soaking, mind-bending RPG games and strategy games that make you forget to eat. You're sitting in Bangalore or Hyderabad, late at night, craving a digital escape. Maybe you tried that weird asmr beauty treatment crazy games thing (yeah, we saw you), but nah—real gamers need depth. We need battles, choices, empires to rise and fall. So this? This is your 2024 cheat code.
Why RPG Games Still Dominate the Scene
Let’s be real. You can't beat the feeling of stepping into someone else’s boots and rewriting their destiny. **RPG games** do this better than any other genre. They blend emotion with mechanics—quests with consequences, skills with sacrifice. It’s not about button mashing. It’s about *living*. And in 2024, studios aren't just making long games—they’re making *meaningful* ones. Think morally grey decisions, NPCs with actual personalities (looking at you, *Disco Elysium*), and story arcs deeper than a borewell in Rajasthan.
- Player-driven narratives are back in a big way.
- Branching dialogue trees = actual emotional engagement.
- Customization is deeper than ever—skills, looks, even karma paths.
The Best RPGs to Play This Year
Not all RPGs deserve a throne on your SSD. But these do:
- Baldur’s Gate 3 – Yes, it's still going strong. DnD lovers are in heaven.
- Starfield – Massive universe, flawed, but oddly compelling. Space junkie’s paradise.
- Black Myth: Wukong – Finally! A AAA Chinese-inspired epic. Boss fights that'll make you cry (from pain and beauty).
- Final Fantasy XVI – More action than your gym instructor. Story’s solid, chocobos still cool.
- Vampyr – Quiet, brooding, vampire doctor with moral choices? Yes, please.
Top Strategy Games Taking Over 2024
If RPGs feed the heart, strategy games feed the brain—and often the competitive side we all pretend we don’t have. These titles? They're chess on adrenaline. From war-room-level planning to resource madness, they'll make your Wi-Fi feel under pressure. Real-time, turn-based, city builders—there's no shortage of options that force you to *think* before you click.
| Game | Type | Difficulty | Multiplayer? |
|---|---|---|---|
| XCOM 2: WotC | Tactical | 9/10 | No |
| Crusader Kings III | Grand Strategy | 7/10 | Limited |
| Age of Empires IV | RTS | 6/10 | Yes |
| BattleTech | Tactical Mechs | 8/10 | No |
| Pokémon Scarlet & Violet DLC | RPG-Strategy Hybr | 5/10 | Yes |
RPG and Strategy Mash-Ups You Should Try
Why pick sides when you can have both? The coolest trend in 2024 is genre-blending. Think RPG depth with real-time warfare, or strategy combat with narrative consequence. These hybrids are sneaky addictive.
- Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader – Huge world. Dialogue matters. But you also command a warship. Insane combo.
- Shadowrun Returns – Cyberpunk magic meets turn-based tactics. Yeah, we know—sounds odd, feels amazing.
- Battle Brothers – Not an RPG in the classic way. But managing a mercenary band? Names, injuries, betrayal? That's roleplaying.
These are the ones people forget but end up obsessed with. No flashy trailers. Just soul.
Hidden Gems: Best Non-RPG Story Games on Steam
Okay. You said “best non rpg story games on steam," so let’s deliver. Not everything needs XP bars or leveling. Sometimes a story is strongest when it’s *linear* but *gut-wrenching*.
| Game Title | Genre | Play Time | Emotional Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disco Elysium – The Final Cut | Narrative RPG / Detective | 30 hrs | 😮😮😮 |
| The Norwood Suite | Absurdist Adventure | 5 hrs | 😖😖😕 |
| Outer Wilds | Space Mystery | 18-25 hrs | 😸😷😇 |
| Kentucky Route Zero | Magical Realism | 10 hrs | 😵😟😁 |
Pro tip: Use low-cost regional pricing from Indian Steam wallets. You can grab these for less than a plate of biryani in Pune.
The ASMR Beauty Treatment Crazy Games Experiment
Wait—did we just go from epic RPGs to asmr beauty treatment crazy games? Yep. Because someone, somewhere (probably in a dark room with headphones), searched this and landed here. So hey, let’s talk about them. These odd little browser or mobile games—like virtual facials, scalp massages, or tooth straightening with exaggerated squishes—are ridiculous… but oddly soothing.
Seriously, after six hours of *Baldur’s Gate* stress? A 20-minute *Makeup Simulator* on phone is *peace*. They’re not competitive. No grinding. Just vibes. Like digital aromatherapy.
Verdict: Won’t make the tier list, but deserves a honorable mention for mental health.What Makes a 2024 Game “Tier S"?
We built a “tier list" in our heads. Here's what actually bumps a game up—especially for you Indian gamers dealing with spotty servers and budget builds.
✔️ Runs on mid-range specs (RTX 3050 or Vega 8 friendly) ✔️ Local servers (or P2P for multiplayer) ✔️ Offline mode = king ✔️ Great value per ₹1 spent ✔️ No forced live-service BS
Bonus if there’s Hindi or Tamil subtitles. Still rare? Sadly, yes. But mods are helping now. The community? Legendary. People on Reddit and Discord sharing optimized settings like family recipes.
Mob vs PC: Where Are Indian Gamers Actually Playing?
Fascinating shift. Most think we're all mobile. But surprise—PC RPGs and strategy games? Exploding. Steam data shows massive spikes from India in late 2023, early 2024. Why? Cloud gaming access, better broadband in tier-2 cities, and more Steam gift card options through Paytm and UPI.
- Laptop users prefer lighter strategy RPGs: *Goblin Inc.*? *King’s Bounty II*.
- Premium players lean toward *Crusader Kings* and *Total War* for deep gameplay.
- But mobile still holds the “snack session" market—5–15 min plays between classes or commutes.
Yet, when night hits? Desktop reigns. Especially in hostels across Pune, Dehradun, and Vizag. Full headsets, low lights, deep dives into RPG campaigns lasting months.
Don’t Sleep on Indie Gems
Triple-A is flashy. But 2024 indie **RPG games** are where the art lives. Small teams, insane creativity, games that punch way above their price tag.
Try this lineup on Steam (under $10):
- Chants of Sennaar – Language-based puzzle RPG. Zero combat. Full brain tease.
- Alpa – Visual storytelling. Minimal dialogue. Maximum vibe.
- Dred – Lovecraft horror + Metroidvania. Set underwater. Claustrophobia level: max.
- Eldestblade – Retro-style strategy RPG with daily quests. Free, well-polished.
Oh—and they often support controllers. Some even run on 4GB RAM setups. Bless.
Future Trends: What’s Coming for RPG and Strategy Fans?
We’re not done evolving. AI companions in RPG games are getting scarily real. NPCs that remember your actions? That form grudges or loyalty? Yeah, *that's* coming. Already in some *Sims 4* mods using machine learning models. Soon—mainstream titles.
Strategy games? Expect more hybrid AI directors. Like a Dungeon Master that dynamically adjusts enemy aggression, supply drops, or monsoon weather based on your habits. No fixed scenarios. Always fresh.
And cloud integration? Games like *Total War* running through Xbox Cloud to your cheap laptop in Amritsar? Closer than we think.
Final Tier List – The Ultimate RPG and Strategy Ranking for 2024
Based on depth, value, tech friendliness, and overall fun (with a soft spot for Indian gamer needs), here’s the final call:
- Tier S (Legendary) – Baldur’s Gate 3, Disco Elysium, Crusader Kings III
- Tier A (Highly Recommended) – XCOM 2, Outer Wilds, Black Myth: Wukong
- Tier B (Solid Fun) – Starfield, Age of Empires IV, Warhammer 40K RT
- Tier C (Meh or Flawed) – Pokémon SV Deluxe, Most VR RPGs (still pricey!)
If you haven’t played *Baldur’s Gate 3* or *Disco Elysium*? You’re losing brain cells. Honestly. Go download.
Conclusion: Game On, But Play Smart
Gaming in 2024 isn’t just about what looks good in a YouTube ad. It’s about what sticks—what makes you care. Whether you’re into deep **RPG games**, cerebral strategy games, or even the occasional giggle with asmr beauty treatment crazy games, it's your time. Your device. Your rules.
Look for **best non rpg story games on steam** if narrative drives you. Or chase empire-building highs in grand strategy epics. But always ask: *Did it make me feel something?* That’s the real win.
So from Delhi LAN parties to solo Bangalore streams—game on, friends. And remember: turn down the graphics if needed, turn up the music, and never stop exploring.
Cheers,
Some guy who plays too many RPGs.