This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:10:59
The video by ColdBeer reviews a variety of free strategy games available on Steam, covering different historical, fantasy, and space settings. The key games discussed include **SpellForce 3 Versus**, which allows PVP matches with factions like Orcs, Humans, and Elves; **War Selection**, a real-time strategy game that spans seven historical eras; and **Zero-K**, a highly rated RTS game with over a hundred units and extensive missions.
Other notable mentions are **Lambda Wars**, set in the Half-Life 2 universe; **Hades' Star**, a space strategy game free of pay-to-win elements; and **Empires Apart**, reminiscent of Age of Empires but with significant in-app purchases. **Crusader Kings II** is highlighted for its deep medieval political gameplay. Lastly, **Blood of Steel** and **Wyrmsun** are discussed for their unique historical troop management and modernized classic RTS elements, respectively.
The games vary in theme—from medieval Europe in Crusader Kings II to space empires in Hades' Star—and appeal, including PvP challenges, tactical planning, and engaging in base building and combat. Despite some games having monetization issues or smaller communities, they collectively offer a rich array of strategic experiences without the financial barrier.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, ColdBeer introduces his list of the best free strategy games on Steam, emphasizing that these are real strategy games, not low-quality mobile games. He starts with “SpellForce 3 Versus,” a game that offers free access to Spellforce battlefields where players can compete against AI or other human players in Ranked and Unranked PVP matches. The game’s economy is similar to Northgard, and the heroes’ concept is inspired by Warcraft 3. Players can randomly be assigned one of three factions: Orcs, Humans, or Elves, each with unique strengths and traits. Despite his Starcraft 2 experience, ColdBeer admits he found the game challenging.
Next, he discusses “War Selection,” a real-time alternative history strategy game involving base building, resource extraction, and warfare on a large procedurally generated map. The game can feature battles with up to 15 versus 15 players, though the small community often makes this difficult. Players start in the Stone Age and progress through seven historical eras, with unique mechanics at each stage. Although the game has positive Steam reviews, ColdBeer warns about the toxic community, suggesting playing with friends.
Lastly, he briefly mentions “Lambda Wars Beta,” indicating it is less well-known.
00:03:00
In this segment, the video discusses three distinct games, each with unique characteristics and appeals.
First is “Lambda Wars,” a free multiplayer modification for Alien Swarm set in the Half-Life 2 universe. It allows players to engage in real-time strategy battles as either the Resistance or the Combine, featuring a variety of units, abilities, and missions, including single-player and strategic AI opponents.
Next is “Zero-K,” a traditional real-time strategy game where players command over a hundred units with unique abilities. It offers extensive content with over 70 solo and co-op missions, challenging AI, and various multiplayer modes. The game is truly free with no paid advantages and receives very positive reviews on Steam.
Lastly, “Monolithic” may not be visually stunning or bug-free but presents an interesting premise where players guide a pantheon of gods and their followers through different eras. Despite limited playtime potential and minimal Steam reviews, it is free to try.
The segment concludes with a plug for the creator’s t-shirt designs, encouraging viewers to support by purchasing these self-made designs.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses three different games:
1. **Hades’ Star**: A space strategy game set in a shared galaxy where players build and expand their space empires. The game is noted for its balanced economy, absence of ads, and no pay-to-win elements. It can be played casually on mobile devices, making it convenient during quarantine.
2. **Empires Apart**: A game similar to Age of Empires II, but it includes in-app purchases and lootboxes. It offers only one free civilization, with additional ones available for purchase. The game lacks a campaign mode and has cosmetic upgrades that also cost money. Despite these monetization concerns, players can still enjoy various game modes, including skirmish and online matches.
3. **Crusader Kings II**: Described as a game for “slow thinkers,” it focuses on medieval politics and diplomacy rather than real-time combat. Set in medieval Europe, the Middle East, and India, players use tactics like diplomacy and scheming to climb the political ladder. The game is highly rated on Steam, praised for its depth and the ability to forge alliances through strategic marriages.
00:09:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker describes two strategic games that immerse players in different historical and fantasy settings. “Blood of Steel” is highlighted as a strategy game that combines troop formation and combat tactics with close combat duels between heroes. The game allows generals to achieve victory through tactical planning and intense battlefield engagements. “Wyrmsun” is described as a modern take on “Warcraft 2” with updated controls, support for unlimited unit selection, and higher resolutions. The game features three playable civilizations, story-based scenarios, heroes with persistent levels and abilities, and extensive modding capabilities. The segment concludes with a call to like and subscribe to the channel.