Best Atari 2600 strategy games

The Matrix has 23 strategy games on file for the Atari 2600, released between 1980–1990. 12 of them support multiplayer. They're ranked below by legacy score, so the games that shaped the genre on the 2600 come first, with lesser-known picks further down.

Strategy games reward planning over reflexes: command armies, manage resources and outthink opponents on turn-based or real-time battlefields.

Typical commitment: weekend project (roughly 6–20 hours). Tip: Read the manual or tutorial if one exists: retro strategy games often assume you know their rules. Save between missions.