Best strategy games for brain training
Best Strategy Games for Brain Training
Strategy games are not only entertaining but also great for enhancing cognitive skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making. Whether you're looking for a game to challenge your intellect, improve memory, or develop strategic planning, there are plenty of brain-training strategy games available.
In this article, we'll explore the best strategy games for brain training, how they help with mental development, and why they’re worth playing.
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Why Strategy Games Are Great for Brain Training
Playing strategy games engages the brain in multiple ways. Here’s how they help in brain training:
Improves Memory – Many strategy games require players to remember past moves, opponents' patterns, and game rules.
Enhances Decision-Making – Quick thinking and decision-making skills are crucial for winning in strategy games.
Boosts Problem-Solving – Players must analyze situations, solve puzzles, and anticipate opponent moves.
Develops Patience and Focus – Most strategy games require careful planning and patience to execute successful strategies.
Encourages Creativity – Players must think outside the box to develop winning strategies.
Now, let’s dive into the best strategy games for brain training across different platforms.
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Best Strategy Games for Brain Training (PC & Console)
1. Chess (PC, Mobile, Board Game)
Why It’s Great: Chess is the ultimate strategy game that enhances critical thinking, memory, and problem-solving skills. Players must plan several moves ahead and anticipate their opponent's actions.
Brain Benefits:
✔️ Improves memory and logical thinking.
✔️ Enhances decision-making and pattern recognition.
✔️ Boosts problem-solving skills.
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2. Civilization VI (PC, PS, Xbox, Switch, Mobile)
Why It’s Great: Civilization VI is a turn-based strategy game where players build and expand their own civilization. It requires careful planning in city-building, diplomacy, warfare, and resource management.
Brain Benefits:
✔️ Enhances strategic thinking and planning.
✔️ Develops long-term decision-making skills.
✔️ Teaches economic and military strategy.
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3. StarCraft II (PC)
Why It’s Great: StarCraft II is a real-time strategy (RTS) game that challenges players to manage resources, build armies, and defeat opponents using tactical warfare.
Brain Benefits:
✔️ Enhances multitasking and resource management.
✔️ Improves reaction time and quick decision-making.
✔️ Develops adaptability and strategic foresight.
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4. Total War Series (PC, Console)
Why It’s Great: The Total War games combine turn-based strategy with real-time tactical battles, requiring players to manage economies, military campaigns, and diplomacy.
Brain Benefits:
✔️ Develops military strategy and leadership skills.
✔️ Enhances decision-making under pressure.
✔️ Strengthens long-term planning and adaptation.
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5. XCOM 2 (PC, Console)
Why It’s Great: XCOM 2 is a tactical turn-based strategy game where players command a resistance force against alien invaders, making critical strategic decisions for survival.
Brain Benefits:
✔️ Improves problem-solving skills and strategic planning.
✔️ Enhances resource management abilities.
✔️ Boosts adaptability and tactical decision-making.
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Best Strategy Games for Brain Training (Mobile & Tablet)
6. The Battle of Polytopia (iOS, Android, PC)
Why It’s Great: A simplified yet engaging turn-based strategy game where players expand their empire, gather resources, and battle enemies.
Brain Benefits:
✔️ Enhances planning and critical thinking.
✔️ Improves decision-making and adaptability.
✔️ Strengthens memory and strategy development.
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7. Plague Inc. (iOS, Android, PC, Console)
Why It’s Great: In Plague Inc., players control a virus and strategize how to spread it globally while countering efforts to stop it.
Brain Benefits:
✔️ Enhances critical thinking and analytical skills.
✔️ Teaches cause-and-effect relationships.
✔️ Improves decision-making in complex situations.
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8. Clash of Clans (iOS, Android)
Why It’s Great: A real-time strategy game where players build a base, train armies, and attack opponents while defending their own resources.
Brain Benefits:
✔️ Improves resource management and planning.
✔️ Enhances teamwork and coordination in clan wars.
✔️ Boosts patience and strategic execution.
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9. Sudoku (iOS, Android, Web, Paper Game)
Why It’s Great: Sudoku is a classic number-based logic puzzle that challenges players to complete a grid using logic and deduction.
Brain Benefits:
✔️ Strengthens logical reasoning and problem-solving.
✔️ Improves concentration and pattern recognition.
✔️ Helps with memory retention.
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10. Mini Metro (iOS, Android, PC, Console)
Why It’s Great: A puzzle strategy game where players design subway systems for growing cities, balancing efficiency and expansion.
Brain Benefits:
✔️ Enhances problem-solving and spatial awareness.
✔️ Improves time management and efficiency.
✔️ Encourages creative thinking.
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Best Strategy Board Games for Brain Training
11. Risk
Why It’s Great: A classic strategy board game focused on world domination through tactical battles and alliances.
Brain Benefits:
✔️ Develops long-term planning and risk assessment.
✔️ Enhances strategic thinking and decision-making.
✔️ Encourages negotiation skills.
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12. Catan (The Settlers of Catan)
Why It’s Great: A resource-management board game where players trade, build, and expand their settlements.
Brain Benefits:
✔️ Improves negotiation and critical thinking.
✔️ Enhances resource management skills.
✔️ Strengthens adaptability and planning.
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13. Go
Why It’s Great: A 4,000-year-old strategy game that requires deep thinking, patience, and tactical positioning.
Brain Benefits:
✔️ Enhances long-term planning and pattern recognition.
✔️ Develops deep strategic thinking.
✔️ Boosts memory and decision-making skills.
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14. Stratego
Why It’s Great: A classic two-player strategy game where hidden pieces engage in battle based on rank and positioning.
Brain Benefits:
✔️ Improves strategic planning and deception skills.
✔️ Enhances memory and prediction skills.
✔️ Develops patience and risk assessment.
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Tips for Improving Brain Function While Playing Strategy Games
1. Play Regularly – Consistent play helps reinforce cognitive skills.
2. Challenge Yourself – Increase difficulty levels for a greater challenge.
3. Analyze Your Mistakes – Reflect on errors and develop better strategies.
4. Mix Different Types of Strategy Games – Play a variety of games to train different aspects of your brain.
5. Take Breaks – Give your brain time to process and absorb new strategies.
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Final Thoughts
Strategy games offer more than just entertainment—they are powerful tools for brain training. Whether you prefer turn-based tactics, real-time strategy, puzzle-based challenges, or board games, these games help develop essential cognitive skills like problem-solving, decision-making, and memory.
Are you ready to boost your brainpower while having fun? Choose a strategy game from this list and start sharpening your mind today!

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