Strategy games offer some of the most engaging, challenging, and rewarding experiences in gaming, where the thrill of tactical decisions, managing vast empires, or surviving against all odds truly shines. With the power of handheld gaming PCs like the GPD Win 4, Win MAX 2, Win Mini, as well as the ONEXPLAYER X1 AMD and ONEXPLAYER X1 Mini, fans of strategy games can now bring their favorite titles anywhere. These portable gaming PCs allow you to dive into intricate battles, explore detailed worlds, and command armies with the flexibility and convenience of a compact gaming PC.
This list of the top 10 best strategy games for handheld gaming PCs will show you which titles offer the best handheld experience on these powerful mobile gaming PCs, combining immersive gameplay with accessibility and performance on the go.
1. Civilization VI
Civilization VI challenges you to lead a civilization from the ancient era to the modern age, building cities, managing resources, and outwitting rival leaders in a race for world dominance. This turn-based game offers incredible replayability with its diverse leaders, terrain layouts, and strategic depth.
- Why You Should Play It: Endless replayability and numerous ways to achieve victory make it a must-play for strategy fans.
- Performance Tips: On the GPD Win 4, set medium settings and cap the frame rate at 30 FPS for extended battery life.
- Best Features on Handhelds: Its turn-based gameplay is ideal for a mobile gaming PC, allowing for easy pickup-and-play sessions during commutes.
2. XCOM 2
In XCOM 2, players lead a resistance movement against an alien-occupied Earth, managing resources and commanding soldiers in tactical, turn-based battles. Each decision counts as you progress through missions, unlock technology, and train soldiers to stand against a relentless alien force. This is my (Dave) best strategy games for handheld gaming PCs.
- Why You Should Play It: A highly replayable experience with tense missions and deep squad customization.
- Performance Tips: On the ONEXPLAYER X1 AMD, use medium settings and disable shadows to improve frame rates for a smoother experience.
- Best Features on Handhelds: The ONEXPLAYER X1 AMD’s large screen enhances battlefield visibility, making it an immersive experience on this portable gaming PC.
3. Total War: Three Kingdoms
Total War: Three Kingdoms combines kingdom management with real-time battles set in ancient China. Players will engage in large-scale conflicts, form alliances, and lead armies as they try to unify China. The game’s mix of strategic depth and action-packed battles makes it an exciting choice.
- Why You Should Play It: The historical setting and dynamic mix of strategy types make it an exceptional choice for strategy fans.
- Performance Tips: On the ONEXPLAYER X1 Mini, lowering battle settings to medium can provide smoother gameplay.
- Best Features on Handhelds: The ONEXPLAYER X1 Mini’s compact size is perfect for quick, strategic sessions on the go, truly embracing the portable gaming computer concept.
4. Stellaris
Stellaris lets you build a space-faring empire in a galaxy filled with unique civilizations, engaging in diplomacy, warfare, and exploration. Its massive universe offers endless ways to shape your empire and encounter new challenges.
- Why You Should Play It: A deep sci-fi strategy game with extensive customization and role-playing possibilities.
- Performance Tips: On the GPD Win MAX 2, cap FPS at 30 and disable bloom for more consistent play.
- Best Features on Handhelds: Stellaris is well-suited for a handheld gaming PC experience, as its slower pace allows for thoughtful gameplay on a compact gaming PC.
5. Company of Heroes 2
Set during WWII, Company of Heroes 2 is a real-time strategy game that emphasizes squad-based tactics and intense combat in destructible environments. The game rewards careful planning and strategic foresight, making each battle a challenge. This is a no brainer for one of the best strategy games for handheld gaming PCs.
- Why You Should Play It: An intense, immersive tactical experience that rewards smart, decisive gameplay.
- Performance Tips: Lower textures on the ONEXPLAYER X1 AMD for stable frame rates during large battles.
- Best Features on Handhelds: The ONEXPLAYER’s screen size and resolution make it easy to manage squads and enjoy high-detail battles on a mobile gaming PC.
6. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
This remastered version of Age of Empires II transports players back to the medieval era, where they gather resources, advance through ages, and conquer their foes. The Definitive Edition boasts improved visuals and a wealth of content for both solo and multiplayer play.
- Why You Should Play It: A classic real-time strategy title that’s perfect for historical strategy fans.
- Performance Tips: Use medium settings on the GPD WIN Mini for smooth play without sacrificing visuals.
- Best Features on Handhelds: With streamlined controls, this portable gaming PC experience allows for engaging gameplay even in short sessions.
7. Frostpunk
Frostpunk combines survival and city management as you oversee a city struggling to survive in an endless winter. Players must make tough decisions to keep their citizens alive and morale high while balancing scarce resources and harsh weather.
- Why You Should Play It: Its unique blend of survival and city building offers a challenging, thought-provoking experience.
- Performance Tips: On the ONEXPLAYER X1 Mini, setting shadows to low and capping FPS to 30 provides stable performance.
- Best Features on Handhelds: Its immersive gameplay is perfect for a handheld gaming computer, allowing you to tackle tough choices wherever you are.
8. Crusader Kings III
Crusader Kings III blends grand strategy with role-playing as players manage a medieval dynasty through politics, war, and intrigue. Every choice affects the fate of your lineage, and every playthrough offers a unique, dynamic experience.
- Why You Should Play It: A deep and richly layered strategy game that combines storytelling with empire-building.
- Performance Tips: Lower anti-aliasing on the GPD Win MAX 2 to keep gameplay smooth and responsive.
- Best Features on Handhelds: The GPD Win MAX 2’s screen and control scheme make it easy to manage your dynasty, perfect for a mobile gaming PC.
9. Into the Breach
Into the Breach is a turn-based, grid-based strategy game where you control mechs to protect cities from alien attacks. Its quick, puzzle-like gameplay is incredibly engaging, and the minimalist style fits well with portable gaming and deserves a place in our best strategy games for handheld gaming PCs list.
- Why You Should Play It: Perfect for short gaming sessions, with every mission providing a new tactical challenge.
- Performance Tips: The ONEXPLAYER X1 Mini handles it flawlessly even on higher settings.
- Best Features on Handhelds: Its bite-sized missions and quick sessions make it ideal for compact gaming PCs, perfect for on-the-go gameplay.
10. Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus
In Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus, players lead the Adeptus Mechanicus faction on a mission to acquire alien technology. The game combines turn-based combat with squad customization, adding a layer of strategy to every mission in the Warhammer universe.
- Why You Should Play It: A unique and atmospheric turn-based tactics game with rich Warhammer lore.
- Performance Tips: Lowering effects settings on the GPD Win 4 can provide smooth gameplay without interruptions.
- Best Features on Handhelds: An excellent fit for handheld gaming PCs, bringing tactical depth and immersive sci-fi worlds into the portable gaming computer format.
These top strategy games showcase the incredible versatility of handheld gaming PCs like the GPD Win 4, Win MAX 2, Win Mini, ONEXPLAYER X1 AMD, and ONEXPLAYER X1 Mini. With the power of a compact gaming PC, you can command empires, manage cities, and conquer galaxies from wherever you are. Handheld gaming computers make these immersive experiences accessible, turning any moment into a chance for strategic action.
What are your best strategy games for handheld gaming PCs?
We’d love to hear from you—share your favorite strategy games in the comments, and let us know which titles you enjoy playing most on your portable gaming PC!
