Agrand strategy wargame or simplygrand strategy game (GSG)^[1][2] is awargame that places focus ongrand strategy: militarystrategy at the level of movement and use of anation state orempire's resources. The genre has considerable overlap with4X games, but differs in being "asymmetrical", meaning that players are more bound to a specific setup and not among equally free factions in exploring and progressing the game and an open world.^[3]

Grand strategy games can be played on a computer or as aboard game. They often include a map of the game world, which can range from a single continent to the entire globe. Players typically control a nation or empire and make decisions that affect its development, such as buildinginfrastructure, recruiting and trainingmilitary units, and negotiating with other players.Combat is often a major part of the game, but it is typically abstracted or simplified compared to more tactical wargames.

Examples of grand strategy board games includeRisk,Diplomacy, andAxis & Allies. These games focus on warfare and conquest, but do not include detailed representations of military units or tactics. More realistic grand strategy games, such asRise and Decline of the Third Reich andEmpires in Arms, include specific military units and combat rules. Computer-based grand strategy games, such asHearts of Iron,Europa Universalis, andTotal War, often have more detailed and sophisticated mechanics and can be played in real-time or with turns.^[4]Paradox Interactive is one of thevideo game publishers most active in the development of grand strategy video games through its subsidiary companyParadox Development Studio.

Various games have different methods for resolution of combat results, a central core dynamic for any wargame.

The wargamePanzerblitz is a leading game in the genre of tactical wargames, and was an iconic new type of game when published by Avalon Hill in 1970.^{[citation needed]} In this game, each unit has an attack strength and a defense strength. To resolve combat, the attacker's attack rating and the defender's defense rating are calculated into a simple ratio; the result is rounded off in the defender's favor. One dice cube is rolled. The "Combat Results Table" provides the effect based on which number is rolled; the results can range from "no effect" to partial damage, or another roll, or complete destruction of the unit being attacked.^[5][6][7]

In the board gameAxis and Allies, each unit has an attack value and a defense value. During a single attack, each attacking unit gets one dice roll and each defending unit gets one dice roll. If a dice result is the same or less than the appropriate value, then that unit destroys the enemy. It is possible for both units to be destroyed using this system.^[8][9]

Grand strategy games can be useful in education and the study of international affairs because they allow players to simulate real-world scenarios and make strategic decisions that affect the outcome of the game. They can also provide insight into historical events and the complex interactions between various political, economic, and military factors. Some grand strategy games are based on real historical events and can be used to explore alternative scenarios andcounterfactuals.^[10][11]

• 4X
• List of grand strategy video games
• Government simulation game
• List of board wargames
• Wargame (video games)