Best Game Boy Color strategy games

The Matrix has 37 strategy games on file for the Game Boy Color, released between 1999–2002. 13 of them support multiplayer. They're ranked below by legacy score, so the games that shaped the genre on the GBC 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.