The most complex strategy games

Strategy games don't necessarily have to challenge the player every step of the way. The inclusion of difficulty options paired with more casual approaches to this genre ensures that players will have fun playing these games without feeling too challenged.

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However, some players actively enjoy the idea of ​​playing hardcore strategy games filled to the brim with many complex factors to keep track of. A lot of patience and knowledge is required to ensure that players do not tear their hair out while playing these strategy games.

8

Sovereign

A turn-based strategy RPG with lots of tough choices to make



Sovereign

Released

December 4, 2020

Sovereign is one of the political strategy games with a deeper plot that players can experience. The game involves a lot of reading as players are advised by their ministers on how to approach each policy and reform as Anton Rayne tries to make strides as president.

Players require a fair amount of political knowledge to make sound decisions. Not performing consistently can have serious repercussions for players, who could find themselves caught between a rock and a hard place if they mess up too many times.

7

Crusader King 3

Controlling the leader of a dynasty and making him more glorious than ever is complicated but fun



Crusader King 3

Released

September 1, 2020

OpenCritic rating

Powerful

Crusader King 3 is one of the greatest strategy games of all time. What makes this title so special is its beginner-friendly nature despite being mechanically complex.

This means that players will find it easy to settle into their role as ruler as they learn to understand how the game works. Players who develop a decent understanding of the game can eventually try to control the strongest dynasties and help them fight against the odds to establish a fearsome legacy.

6

Victory 3

Helping a country prosper during the Victorian era, which can be difficult to understand



Victory 3

Systems

PC-1

Released

October 25, 2022

OpenCritic rating

Strong

Victory 3 was a bit disappointing for players who found the game a bit sterile at launch, but things have changed a bit since then. Players willing to invest in the promise of this game will be able to make the most of a wide range of additional content to make their games more special than ever.

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The Victorian era is full of cultures in transition and political intrigue that must be navigated skillfully. A tutorial can only help so much and most fans can resort to guides to make their journey through this game easier.

5

Hearts of Iron 4

Formulating strategies to win tactical battles during World War II is quite challenging



Hearts of Iron 4

Systems

PC-1

Released

June 6, 2016

OpenCritic rating

Strong

Formulating tactics to help armies secure victory on the front lines isn't exactly easy, here's why Hearts of Iron 4 it can be a really daunting game to get into. Helping the Allied or Axis powers secure victory in strategic battles requires a lot of mental gymnastics that may be too exhausting for fans.

It takes some time for players to familiarize themselves with how the game works so that their gameplay runs as smoothly as possible. It takes a little time and patience, but the players who give Hearts of Iron 4 time of day will slowly but surely be taken over by a strategic military game with lots of levels.

4

Europa Universalis 4

A great strategy game with many complex parameters to keep track of



Europa Universalis 4

Systems

PC-1

Europa Universalis 4 is a grand strategy game where players lead their country to prosperity during the early modern age. Diplomacy and trade are as important as war, if not more, making this title complex in every way.

Players must ensure they expand their territories and establish dominance through colonialism as they slowly become a superpower that other countries will fear. It's an enticing gameplay loop that revels in its complexity, creating Europa Universalis 4 an unmissable game for fans of great strategy titles.

3

Stellaris

An epic sci-fi game with numerous levels that players must understand to get the most out of their game



Stellaris

Released

May 9, 2016

OpenCritic rating

Strong

Stellaris is one of the most addictive sci-fi games ever made, filled to the brim with all kinds of content. Unlike most of Paradox Interactive's other offerings, Stellaris takes place in a fictional environment that requires more attention from the player than ever before.

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The beauty of Stellaris comes from its free-form 4X gameplay where both beginners and experts can approach the game in different ways and still have fun. It may be a complex title, but its sci-fi trappings are strong enough to slowly make players fall in love with it Stellaris'complex gameplay.

2

RimWorld

A colony management game with strategic elements that requires the player's time and attention for hours



RimWorld

Released

October 17, 2018

Developer(s).

Ludeon Studios

OpenCritic rating

Powerful

RimWorld is one of the most popular strategy simulation games that players can get their hands on. The roguelike nature of this title means that players will always find themselves with a diverse and unique group of settlers that they can form bonds with in no time.

The learning curve is slow but rewarding as players figure out how to gather resources and create complex structures in no time. Defending a base from raiders, increasing the size of the colony, and engaging in critical missions all require a fair bit of strategy that can be overwhelming for players who aren't yet familiar with the basics.

1

Dwarf Fortress

A legendary game where sound strategies are needed to build a heavily fortified city



Dwarf Fortress

Systems

PC-1

Platform(s).

Linux, macOS, Microsoft Windows

Released

August 8, 2006

OpenCritic rating

Powerful

Dwarf Fortress It's the gift that keeps on giving, with each update to this title moving things in a bold new direction. The mechanical complexity of this title is immense and will force new players to familiarize themselves with its systems for hours before they finally figure out what they're getting at.

It's only after overcoming this steep learning curve that players can finally enjoy the magic Dwarf Fortress. Helping their dwarven colony succeed after numerous failures brings a feeling of satisfaction that cannot be expressed in words.

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8 best one-shot strategy games

These strategy video games offer excellent gameplay that can be enjoyed in short sessions, allowing for quick one-shot matches.

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