Deal | This 92% positive economic grand strategy classic is under $5 on Steam right now

When it comes to grand strategy, it is hard to avoid Paradox – and that was already the case 16 years ago. Released in 2010, Victoria II is hardly less complex than the company's newer titles: The campaign begins in the 1830s and runs all the way to the eve of World War II, covering an era shaped by industrialization, political upheaval, colonialism and the rise of modern nation-states. Players can choose from more than 200 nations, each of which can be developed in very different economic, political, diplomatic and military directions. The strategy game is 75% off on Steam until August 17, bringing the price down to $4.99 from just under $20. According to SteamDB, the game was last available for less around three years ago, although the current deal is in line with its usual discount level.

Players can turn a small nation into a great power, establish colonies or attempt to form historical nation-states such as Germany or Italy. Unlike many other strategy games, constant warfare is not the main focus. Instead, much of the gameplay revolves around population, politics and economics – with the latter being particularly extensive. More than 50 different goods are produced and traded, factories need to be built and players must drive the industrialization of their country. At the same time, they set taxes and government spending while ensuring that the needs of the population are met. The various systems are closely interconnected: Factories, for example, require capitalists, craftsmen and clerks, while the size of the army depends on how many soldiers are actually available.

Gaming website GameWatcher praised the game's enormous strategic depth, detailed population system and political simulation at release. According to the publication, it is particularly satisfying to start with a small, insignificant country and gradually turn it into a great power. Criticism, however, was directed at the steep learning curve and comparatively simplistic warfare. The AI and game balance also left room for improvement, according to the review. Even so, Victoria II earned a solid score of 8.5 out of 10. Metacritic lists the game with a Metascore of 75 and a User Score of 8.3. On the Steam Deck, the strategy game is rated “Playable.”

The picture on Steam is even more positive: 92% of nearly 20,000 Steam reviews are positive. Among grand strategy fans, Victoria II continues to enjoy a special reputation to this day – particularly for its complex economic, population and political systems. While they are not exactly beginner-friendly, they offer plenty of strategic depth and ensure that the Paradox classic still has a lot to offer even 16 years after release.

By the way: Darkest Hour: A Hearts of Iron Game is another Paradox grand strategy classic currently available at a steep discount. The strategy game covers a period from World War I into the Cold War and is currently available for just $1.99 on Steam.

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