Best Online Strategy Games That Test Your Luck and Skill

Online games that involve some element of luck and strategy are hugely popular. Unlike pure luck-based games, which can quickly lose a player’s interest, strategy-driven games invite players to think, plan, and try new tactics each time they play. These games allow players to develop their skills over time, drawing them back to try new strategies and see if they can improve their results. 

The challenge of adapting to unpredictable elements keeps players engaged and eager to try their luck while honing their strategy.

Blackjack

Blackjack remains a top choice for casino fans because it blends simple strategy with the thrill of luck. The objective is clear: get as close to 21 without exceeding it, and beat the dealer’s hand. Players start with two cards and then decide whether to “hit” (take another card) or “stand” (keep their hand as is). Because the dealer has to follow fixed rules, players have a chance to make more strategic choices that can influence the game’s outcome.

Basic blackjack strategies, such as “doubling down” on strong hands or “splitting” pairs, can improve odds, letting players take calculated risks based on their cards. This element of strategy gives players more control over their game, distinguishing blackjack from other purely luck-based casino games.

Available online on nearly every casino gaming platform, blackjack is easy to find and play. New players can use the welcome bonus for Virgin games to explore the game and develop a strategy before playing with higher stakes. 

Against the Storm 

Players take on the role of the Viceroy, tasked with expanding an empire in an environment plagued by destructive, unpredictable storms. 

Unlike typical city-builders, Against the Storm incorporates roguelike elements, meaning that each settlement is a unique challenge where resources are scarce, and survival depends on careful balance and quick adaptability.

The game’s innovative structure earned it high praise, including a rating of 10/10 on Steam with over 24,000 reviews. Its standout design also won the “Best Design” award at the Taipei Game Show 2024 and was nominated for Strategy/Simulation Game of the Year at the 27th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards. By May 2024, Against the Storm had sold over a million copies, solidifying its place as a favourite among strategy and simulation fans.

Each playthrough feels distinct due to the game’s random generation of resources, maps, and objectives. Players must make critical choices, such as deciding which buildings to construct and which settlers to bring, creating high-stakes moments where every decision impacts survival. 

Roulette

Roulette is one of the most exciting games, revolving entirely around the spin of a wheel. Players place bets on numbers, colors (red or black), or groups of numbers, and the game’s outcome depends on where the ball lands after the wheel spins. Roulette’s appeal lies in its straightforward rules and multiple betting options, which allow players to mix higher- and lower-risk bets for varied gameplay. 

Although roulette largely relies on luck, some strategies help guide betting choices. For instance, the Martingale system encourages players to double their bet after each loss, aiming to recover previous losses with a win. Others prefer a more balanced approach, betting small amounts consistently to extend gameplay.

Endless Legend

In Endless Legend, a fantasy 4X strategy game by Amplitude Studios, players compete to conquer or ally in a beautifully rendered, complex world. With varied factions—each featuring unique traits like vampiric ghosts or necrophagic insects—players face intricate challenges in diplomacy, warfare, and survival. 

Randomized resources and encounters keep the gameplay fresh, forcing tough choices between taking bold risks and playing it safe, making it a perfect mix of strategy and luck.

Summary

Strategy games with a touch of luck bring a unique blend of challenge and excitement that keeps players engaged over time. Games like Blackjack, Against the Storm, and Roulette offer players the thrill of unpredictable outcomes alongside opportunities to test their strategic skills. 

Each choice, whether in the fast-paced rounds of blackjack, the spin of a roulette wheel, or the tough survival calls in a city-builder, keeps gameplay fresh and players returning to improve and adapt.