Games Like 9 Kings. 7 Grim Strategy Alternatives to Play

Don’t worry, I’ve been there, and I’ve scoured the gaming world for seven grim strategy games that scratch that same itch. Whether you love the chaotic card combos, the empire-building thrill, or the dark fantasy aesthetic, these alternatives will keep you scheming through the night. Here’s a beginner-friendly breakdown of these 9 Kings-like gems, complete with tips to get you started and stories from my own playtime disasters (and triumphs).

Thronefall

Imagine a kingdom so small you can see every corner from your horse. That’s Thronefall, a minimalist strategy game where you build by day and defend by night. Like 9 Kings, it’s accessible yet punishing. You place buildings and units on a small map, balancing economy and defense. My first night in Thronefall was a disaster—I built too many farms and got overrun by goblins. Lesson learned: prioritize archers early.

What makes Thronefall stand out is its clean visual design and real-time feedback loop—each decision you make in the day echoes in the brutal clarity of the night’s invasion. It mirrors 9 Kings’ high-stakes rhythm, where a single mistake can unravel an otherwise perfect run.

Thronefall strips strategy to its core, making it perfect for 9 Kings fans who want quick, intense sessions without grinding.

Slay the Spire

9 Kings proved how fun it is to build broken decks—and Slay the Spire pushes that further. This roguelike deckbuilder has you climbing a tower, battling monsters with cards you collect. Its grim art and tough choices (do I take this curse card for a reward?) echo 9 Kings’ strategic depth. My first run as the Ironclad ended with me cursing a poison card that killed me. But when I finally synergized a strength-build deck? Pure bliss.

What sets Slay the Spire apart is its dynamic card synergy system paired with a haunting, minimalist art style that keeps the focus on strategy and tension. This resonates with 9 Kings players who appreciate the thrill of crafting combos that can either make or break your run, emphasizing thoughtful deck construction over luck.

Slay the Spire is a must for 9 Kings players who love crafting unhinged card combos.

Inscryption

Okay, Inscryption is weird. It’s a deckbuilder with a horror twist, set in a creepy cabin where you play cards to survive against a shadowy figure. Like 9 Kings, it’s about building synergies, but the grim atmosphere and hidden puzzles make it feel like you’re unraveling a mystery. My first game had me sacrificing squirrels to summon bears—until the game threw a curveball I won’t spoil. Let’s just say I was spooked.

Inscryption’s unique blend of meta-narrative and eerie, tactile card mechanics creates a deeply immersive experience that pulls you into its dark world. This layered storytelling and the need to adapt to constantly shifting rules echo 9 Kings’ appeal for players who crave both strategic depth and a gripping atmosphere.

Inscryption is perfect for 9 Kings fans who want a darker, story-driven deckbuilder with surprises around every corner.

King of Avalon

If 9 Kings’ kingdom-building and battles hooked you, King of Avalon delivers a similar vibe on a grander scale. This mobile strategy game has you constructing a castle, training troops, and forging alliances in a fantasy world. I still remember the time I sent my army into a foggy ambush—forgot to scout, and a dragon turned them to ash. Pro tip: always check your opponent’s buffs.

What elevates King of Avalon is its massive multiplayer environment combined with real-time alliance diplomacy, making every battle feel like a high-stakes chess match. This social and strategic depth mirrors 9 Kings’ kingdom management and tactical warfare, satisfying fans who enjoy both empire-building and cooperative competition.

King of Avalon offers 9 Kings’ empire-building thrill with a focus on diplomacy and epic battles.

Battle Brothers

Battle Brothers is like 9 Kings if it traded cards for a band of gritty mercenaries. This turn-based strategy game throws you into a low-fantasy world where you manage a company of fighters. My first contract had me fighting bandits with under-equipped goons—half died. The grim vibe and tactical depth make it a great 9 Kings alternative.

What makes Battle Brothers compelling is its brutal permadeath system combined with detailed tactical combat that rewards careful positioning and resource management. This unforgiving yet rewarding gameplay appeals to 9 Kings fans who thrive on tough decisions and meaningful consequences.

Battle Brothers is for 9 Kings players who want a brutal, tactical challenge.

Rise of Kingdoms

For 9 Kings fans who love historical settings, Rise of Kingdoms is a gem. You lead a civilization, manage resources, and wage war. It’s like 9 Kings’ empire-building but with real-world flair. I once lost a city because I neglected my walls—don’t make my mistake.

What distinguishes Rise of Kingdoms is its expansive world map and real-time battles combined with a rich historical backdrop, giving players a sense of scale and legacy. This historical immersion and strategic complexity align with 9 Kings’ empire-building appeal, especially for those who enjoy thoughtful long-term planning.

Rise of Kingdoms blends 9 Kings’ strategic depth with historical immersion.

Quasimorph

If 9 Kings’ dark fantasy hooked you, Quasimorph takes it to a sci-fi horror extreme. This turn-based strategy game has you scavenging in a grim-dark future, facing Eldritch horrors. My first mission ended with my squad devoured because I didn’t pack enough ammo. It’s unforgiving but rewarding.

Quasimorph stands out with its claustrophobic environments and resource scarcity mechanics, creating a tense atmosphere where every decision feels critical. This grim, high-stakes gameplay mirrors 9 Kings’ unforgiving nature and dark tone, appealing to players who want a relentless challenge.

Quasimorph is for 9 Kings players craving a grim, challenging strategy fix.