The Best Gaming Subreddits for Strategy Tips

17 February 2026

Gaming isn't just about button mashing and flashy graphics—it's also a mental battlefield. Whether you're clawing your way up the StarCraft ladder, fine-tuning your Civilization empire, or figuring out how to outwit your foes in total war, strategy is everything. But let’s be honest, even the most seasoned tacticians hit a wall. That’s where Reddit steps in like a trusty sidekick with a ton of experience.

Reddit's a goldmine for gamers, especially if you're into strategy. There's a whole universe of niche communities, aka subreddits, packed with seasoned players who've been through the trenches and are happy to share their wisdom (sometimes with memes, sometimes with long, detailed guides). So, if you’re on the hunt for the best gaming subreddits for strategy tips, buckle up—I’ve put together the ultimate list that’ll help sharpen your mind and level up your gameplay.

Why Reddit Is a Strategy Gamer’s Paradise

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of which subreddits rule the strategy scene, let’s talk about why Reddit is so valuable. Unlike most forums where it’s easy for things to go stale, Reddit thrives on active, continually updated content. You’re getting real-time advice, current meta discussions, and interactions with players from across the skill spectrum.

It's kinda like having a war room full of generals who’ve seen every tactic under the sun—and they’re all ready to lend a hand.

1. r/strategy – The Thinking Gamer's Home Base

Let’s start with the obvious — r/strategy. This subreddit isn’t tied to a specific game. It's a zone for all things strategy, from chess to real-time strategy (RTS) games to even military history and business tactics. It's about the principles that make a strategy work.

If you’re the kind of gamer who wants to go beyond "what to do" and really understand "why it works," this is your haven. You’ll find:

- Deep discussions on decision-making processes
- Analysis of risk vs. reward
- Flowcharts and mental models for approaching complex problems

You're not just picking up tips—you’re getting a mindset shift that can be applied across countless games.

2. r/realTimeStrategy – For the Fast-Thinkers

If your thing is commanding armies in real-time, r/realTimeStrategy is your frontline post. This subreddit is a treasure for fans of games like StarCraft, Age of Empires, and Company of Heroes.

What makes this community stand out? It’s laser-focused on pure RTS content—no fluff. You’ll spot:

- Build orders and timing strategies
- Micro vs. macro management techniques
- Counter build discussions
- Replays and breakdowns of high-level matches

It's also newbie-friendly. So if you’ve ever been stomped in an RTS and wondered, “What did I even do wrong?”—you’ll find answers here.

3. r/CivStrategy – For Civilization Conquerors

Ah, Civilization—the ultimate game of “just one more turn.” If you're a fan of any iteration of Sid Meier’s Civilization series, r/CivStrategy is your playground.

Unlike the broader r/civ subreddit, this one narrows its focus to strategy ideas and gameplay discussions. It’s where players break the game down to a science. Expect to find:

- Optimal build paths for different civilizations
- Victory condition guides (Science, Domination, Culture, you name it)
- Era-specific tactics
- Civ tier lists based on current patches

If you’ve ever wondered when to go full Science over Culture or how to wage a war without putting your economy in the gutter, this subreddit serves like a Civ mentor whispering in your ear.

4. r/XCOM – For Turn-Based Tacticians

When every move counts, and one wrong step could doom your entire squad, you know you’re deep in XCOM territory. r/XCOM is more than a fanbase—it’s a strategy war council.

This subreddit covers all games in the XCOM universe, and it’s loaded with insights that can turn a rookie commander into a hardened veteran.

Look for:

- Squad builds and role specialization
- Survival tips for Ironman mode
- Tactics for different enemy types and scenarios
- Map positioning strategies

If permadeath stresses you out, these tactical tips will be your lifeline. It’s like having your very own battlefield advisor whispering, “Don’t put your sniper on the front line, you absolute madman.”

5. r/CrusaderKings – Schemes, Power, and Political Maneuvers

Crusader Kings isn’t your typical strategy game—it’s more like medieval Game of Thrones with a strategy engine underneath. And r/CrusaderKings is where the mastermind plots are born.

From marriage alliances to assassinations and dynasty management, this community knows how to drive a dagger into the heart of rival empires—all while keeping a straight face.

What you’ll find:

- Dynasty survival guides
- Inheritance manipulation tricks
- Tips for managing vassal loyalty
- Dealing with rebellions without burning your realm to the ground

If you want to go from a mere count to Emperor of the known world—with minimal blood spilled (or maybe a lot)—this subreddit will show you how.

6. r/TotalWar – The Grand Battlefield

Total War fans know the pain of losing a battle you thought you had locked down. That’s why r/TotalWar is such a lifesaver.

This community dives deep into the series, from Warhammer to Rome to Shogun. You’ll find:

- Unit counters and battlefield positioning
- Campaign economy guides
- Discussions on faction strengths and weaknesses
- How to manage morale and formations effectively

If you’ve ever blundered into a siege you weren’t ready for, this subreddit has a ton of posts from players who’ve been exactly where you are—and figured out how to survive.

7. r/Starcraft – Where Strategy Meets Speed

StarCraft isn’t just a game—it’s an eSport with a learning curve steep enough to make your eyes water. r/Starcraft is one of the best places to learn from high-level players who eat, sleep, and breathe strategy on a tight timer.

Key content includes:

- Detailed build orders and resource management tips
- “What went wrong?” threads with replay analysis
- Balance discussions and patch breakdowns
- Tips on climbing ranked ladders

Whether you’re a Protoss purist or a Zerg swarm enthusiast, you’ll find strategies to tighten up every part of your gameplay muscle memory.

8. r/boardgames – Strategy Beyond the Screen

Okay, hear me out—digital strategy game lovers can learn a ton from physical board games. r/boardgames isn’t just about cardboard—it’s about game mechanics that test your mental agility.

Games like Twilight Struggle, Terraforming Mars, or Scythe offer pure, distilled strategy. By diving into:

- Game theory breakdowns
- Turn optimization tips
- Decision-making under pressure
- Player interaction mechanics

—you’ll start seeing strategies in your favorite digital games with new eyes. Plus, there’s just something magical about sitting across the board from your opponent and reading their mind, isn’t there?

9. r/paradoxplaza – The Grand Strategy Nexus

If names like Stellaris, Europa Universalis, or Hearts of Iron ring a bell, r/paradoxplaza is your home base. Paradox games are known for their depth and incredibly complex systems, and this subreddit breaks it all down.

Whether you're roleplaying a tiny nation into global dominance or navigating galaxy-wide political webs, this community has every cheat-sheet, guide, and tip you’ll need.

Expect:

- Nation-specific strategies
- Game mechanics breakdowns
- Political and trade route optimization
- War declaration and peace negotiation tactics

It’s like playing chess while also running a county and managing ten different spreadsheets. You’re gonna want help.

10. Honorable Mentions: Niches That Pack a Punch

Here are a few smaller but mighty communities worth peeking into:

- r/IntoTheBreach — Turn-based strategy fans, this game's subreddit is a goldmine of puzzle-solving tactics.
- r/Wargame — Military simulation fans can dive deep into tactical realism and modern warfare.
- r/SlayTheSpire — Yep, even deck-building roguelikes have strategy under the hood. Learn synergies that’ll win runs consistently.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Reddit Strategy Subs

Alright, now that you’ve got the list, here’s how to really squeeze the juice out of these communities:

1. Use the Search Bar – Most questions have been asked. Reading old threads often reveals quality info that's stood the test of time.
2. Sort by “Top” or “All Time” – Want golden wisdom? That’s where the classics live.
3. Ask Smart Questions – Be specific. Instead of “How do I get better at Civ?” try “What’s an efficient Science rush strategy in Civ 6 as Korea?”
4. Share Your Gameplays or Replays – You’d be surprised how generous people are with feedback.
5. Give Back – Once you’ve leveled up, help others. That’s how great communities stay great.

Final Thoughts

Strategy gaming is one of the most rewarding genres out there. It challenges the mind, encourages problem-solving, and gives that sweet, sweet taste of victory when your plan finally comes together. And Reddit? It’s like your 24/7 strategy dojo. Whether you're micromanaging troops, plotting political takeovers, or just building a better base—there’s a subreddit for that.

Dive into these communities, gut-check your gameplay, and don’t be afraid to ask the “dumb” questions. Even grandmasters started somewhere.

Oh, and remember—sometimes, the best strategy is just to press "end turn" and see what happens.