6 great strategy games that are good for beginners

Strategy video games are not the most accessible genre for newbies, but luckily there are some great options for newcomers to the genre.

Available is not exactly a word that is associated with global strategy games . After all, this is a video game genre where half the fun is figuring out why everyone is at war against you or why your territories keep going bankrupt. The point is that global strategy games had to be as complex as possible to simulate the exciting level of geopolitics; they are usually based on a true story.

And out of a few dozen pure global strategies, it’s safe to say that only a handful are actually accessible or accessible to mainstream attention today (thank you, social media!). Because most of the time their lessons are not about teaching, but about baptism by fire. But with enough fortitude and maybe half a dozen shots of caffeine by two in the morning, these next grand strategy games could teach newcomers what it means to lead a country or faction—or rather, how stressful it can be.

6/6 Total War: Shogun 2

• Release date: 2011
• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux

It’s over ten years old now, but the atmosphere of Total War: Shogun 2 has yet to be replicated among its historical counterparts in the Total War lineup. In addition, it is a good starting point for newcomers to global strategy; all players have to do is choose a Japanese clan and lead their samurai armies to the top. Among all historical games, Shogun 2 offers the most perfect and immersive experience.

Some GP proponents argue that Total War games are hardly “grand strategy”, and they are partly right. These games are divided into two aspects of gameplay, namely turn-based campaign map and real-time tactical battles. In the first case, the strategy is being developed , and this is the basis and lacks complexity . But it’s precisely for this reason that Total War games are a good stepping stone to the deeper rabbit holes of global strategy.

Total 5/6 War: Warhammer (Original)

         Release date: 2016

• Platforms: macOS, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Classic MacOS

It’s not based on history, but if players want something a little more fun than historical chess matches in Total War , then the Warhammer line offers an awesome change of scenery. It is based on the Warhammer Fantasy universe , in which vampires, humans, gnomes, and greenskins (orcs) face off against each other for reasons most players would likely forget.

Not to mention the cause of the conflict, of course; it’s a series called “total war”. Either way, Total War: Warhammer proved to be even more popular than the historical games in the Total War franchise . We recommend starting with the first game; in the second and third there is too much going on with too many races and factions.

Due to the asymmetrical nature of the races and combat, both the turn-based campaign map and real-time battles have a deeper level here compared to historical Total War games .

4/6 Crusader Kings 3

• Release date: 2020
• Platforms : Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5

This is a game where players can turn their entire family tree into a family circle through incest, or even feed the townsfolk with their entire noble cast in case of a famine. These are just a few of the things that Crusader Kings 3 allows on a regular basis. For many fans, it’s like The Sims for medieval domination, only more violent and depraved.

In addition to being a grand strategy game, it is also a dynasty simulator. Players can choose a medieval faction including the countries of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East and write any story they want with them with their decisions and orchestrations. The big difference compared to Crusader Kings 2 is that the third game has a more benevolent tutorial and will readily guide players on how to achieve certain moves or strategic dexterity.

3/6 Stellaris

• Release date: 2016
• ​Platforms: Linux, macOS, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

As a Total War game, it’s a bit tricky to pinpoint exactly where Stellaris fits in the genre box. But people usually see this game as a hybrid of 4X and grand strategy genres with a bit of real time strategy (RTS). In addition, he was created by the developers of the Crusader Kings franchise . However, it’s also a good way for those new to grand strategy to learn more familiar mechanics.

Stellaris usually starts out as a regular 4X game where players push their limits. The second half of this majority of playthroughs tends to move into grand strategy, where players must outsmart, dominate, and outgun their opponents. Because by this point in this space strategy, the boundaries are getting tight. For beginners, smaller maps are recommended for easier learning.

2/6 Europa Universalis 4

• Release date: 2013
• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux

Another game from Paradox again – developers Stellaris and Crusader Kings , Europa Universalis 4 is an ambitious retelling of the colonial period (from its inception to its heyday). It will take players through four dramatic centuries of European history and development. It begins in 1444 and ends in 1821. a time period rife with colonialism, trading companies, powdered wigs, and an obsession with sugar and spices.

As far as Paradox Studios games are concerned, this one tends to be a bit more accessible. It’s relatively easy to learn compared to some of Paradox’s offerings (like Hearts of Iron or Victoria ), but expect to still have to learn new game mechanics even after hundreds of hours of gameplay. After all, economics is a cryptic puzzle.

1/6 Hegemony 3: Clash Of The Ancients

• Release date: 2015
• > Platforms: Microsoft Windows

Hegemony 3: Clash of the Ancients focuses on a different but equally epic Classical era period when the Greeks and Romans dominated historical texts. A more unified focus on warfare and frontier expansion makes Hegemony 3 more straightforward compared to other more complex economy GP games.

In fact, she is closer. in Total War than in most other major strategy games. Here, players must choose their preferred Mediterranean faction or country and bring them to power with the historical canon of the rise of the Roman Empire. However, players can rewrite history so that Greek salad is more prominent than Caesar, thereby making pineapple and pizza less taboo. The possibilities are endless.