Which strategy game for an absolute beginner to the genre?

FuryV · March 2023

I've been looking at gameplay of Civ 6 and Crusader Kings 3 recently as I felt like trying out a strategy game for the first time ever. I've been gaming for over 25 years but have never stepped foot into the turn based strategy genre.

My issue has been when watching gameplay videos, it all seems unbelievably complicated. The UI is filled with so many different buttons and the game itself can have so many different consequences based on what I choose to do each turn. I usually end up watching gameplay vids and then just decide to not bother with the game as it seems overly complex and just puts me off.

I really want to try one out though, but I'm just weary about how I'm gonna manage to play it. This is coming from someone who's played pretty much every souls-like out there, but the sense of dread I'm getting from these games is 100x worse than trying out a souls-like game haha.

Is there any you guys could suggest for someone like me who's absolutely new to the strategy genre? Out of the two mentioned above, which is easier, and do these games have a decent tutorial to get used to all the mechanics?

Vrika · March 2023

If you're completely new to strategy games, I'd start with something simpler than grand strategy.

For example a turn-based tactical battle game like Fire Emblem: Three Houses (only if you have Switch), or XCOM: Enemy Unknown:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/200510/XCOM_Enemy_Unknown/

Or a real-time strategy game like Age of Empires:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1466860/Age_of_Empires_IV_Anniversary_Edition/

Grand strategy games like Civilization or Crusader Kings are the hardest to start with, because with them you're playing a single game that can take dozens of hours, and it often takes hours before you're able to see the consequences of your actions. Compared to that a real-time strategy or a game with more focus on tactical battles is easier to learn because you see how you're doing much faster.

But if you want to play a grand strategy game, then for a beginner Civilization is easier to learn than Crusader Kings.

Sovrath · March 2023

They are old but Masters of Orion II and Andromeda.

Darkhawke · March 2023

Fallen Enchantress : Legendary Heroes

Sorcerer King : Rivals

Either are great for starters to TBS genre

Mendel · March 2023

Sovrath said:

They are old but Masters of Orion II and Andromeda.

I prefer the originals -- Masters of Orion (MoO) and Master of Magic (MoM). There are updated versions available on Steam. I still play the originals (with DosBox). MoM is surprisingly deep, with the various combinations of races and magic.

DigDuggy · March 2023

Vrika said:

If you're completely new to strategy games, I'd start with something simpler than grand strategy.

For example a turn-based tactical battle game like Fire Emblem: Three Houses (only if you have Switch), or XCOM: Enemy Unknown:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/200510/XCOM_Enemy_Unknown/

Or a real-time strategy game like Age of Empires:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1466860/Age_of_Empires_IV_Anniversary_Edition/

Grand strategy games like Civilization or Crusader Kings are the hardest to start with, because with them you're playing a single game that can take dozens of hours, and it often takes hours before you're able to see the consequences of your actions. Compared to that a real-time strategy or a game with more focus on tactical battles is easier to learn because you see how you're doing much faster.

But if you want to play a grand strategy game, then for a beginner Civilization is easier to learn than Crusader Kings.

Agreed. These types of games are probably the best. They'll give you a firm start in resource management and foundations for unit and building development. I'd add something like starcraft which is older, but very much still relevant for many people.

kitarad · March 2023

I tried this genre at least three times and each time I have done poorly. I am just so bad at planning and looking beyond 2 steps to see what is to come.

I wish you better luck than I have had at this genre.

Theocritus · March 2023

Mendel said:

Sovrath said:

They are old but Masters of Orion II and Andromeda.

I prefer the originals -- Masters of Orion (MoO) and Master of Magic (MoM). There are updated versions available on Steam. I still play the originals (with DosBox). MoM is surprisingly deep, with the various combinations of races and magic.

MoM was a fun game no doubt...I have never played it outside of Dos though

Sovrath · March 2023

kitarad said:

I tried this genre at least three times and each time I have done poorly. I am just so bad at planning and looking beyond 2 steps to see what is to come.

I wish you better luck than I have had at this genre.

I can't say I'm great at them. I do put on easy so that's a help.

Scot · March 2023

For easier play I would go for a and Age of Wonders or a Planetfall. If you are concerned about difficulty you can use this golden rule: the more recently the game was released the easier it is likely to be.

So the most recent in a franchise is almost invariably easier, Civ 6 is a classic example of that and if it is not easier it will never be harder than a previous iteration, never.

KnightFalz · March 2023

Heroes of Might and Magic 3: Complete would be another suitable option for one starting out in my view.

If you use Good Old Games it is available there for $13.50 CDN.

Steam has the high definition version of the game, but that doesn't include the expansions of the game and is missing the map generator so is not the best option. It is however currently on sale for $3.74 CDN.

If price isn't an issue, that offered at GOG is far superior.

Scot · March 2023

KnightFalz said:

Heroes of Might and Magic 3: Complete would be another suitable option for one starting out in my view.

If you use Good Old Games it is available there for $13.50 CDN.

Steam has the high definition version of the game, but that doesn't include the expansions of the game and is missing the map generator so is not the best option. It is however currently on sale for $3.74 CDN.

If price isn't an issue, that offered at GOG is far superior.

Better than my suggestion, try that first, not as good a game, but really cheap and you get a feel for some aspects of the genre.

kitarad · March 2023

KnightFalz said:

Heroes of Might and Magic 3: Complete would be another suitable option for one starting out in my view.

If you use Good Old Games it is available there for $13.50 CDN.

Steam has the high definition version of the game, but that doesn't include the expansions of the game and is missing the map generator so is not the best option. It is however currently on sale for $3.74 CDN.

If price isn't an issue, that offered at GOG is far superior.

My god I have the game in my steam library. Must have gotten it when I was thinking I can play these types of games. Now I am so tempted to try again. I remember in my frenzy about trying to play these games I got a few of them on both GoG and Steam. GoG it was during those summer sales where you had to sit there and quickly grab the games before they disappeared.

Do you recall those sales GoG used to have where you had to camp the games as they came up?

KnightFalz · March 2023

kitarad said:

KnightFalz said:

Heroes of Might and Magic 3: Complete would be another suitable option for one starting out in my view.

If you use Good Old Games it is available there for $13.50 CDN.

Steam has the high definition version of the game, but that doesn't include the expansions of the game and is missing the map generator so is not the best option. It is however currently on sale for $3.74 CDN.

If price isn't an issue, that offered at GOG is far superior.

My god I have the game in my steam library. Must have gotten it when I was thinking I can play these types of games. Now I am so tempted to try again. I remember in my frenzy about trying to play these games I got a few of them on both GoG and Steam. GoG it was during those summer sales where you had to sit there and quickly grab the games before they disappeared.

Do you recall those sales GoG used to have where you had to camp the games as they came up?

It is certainly worth a try and eases one into the game, and the turn-based strategy genre overall, quite nicely.

If you find you like it you can get a lot of playtime out of it.

Also, if you happen to have local friends interested in that type of game it has hotseat play. I don't know it can be played with others remotely though.

Heh, yes I remember those sales. A little bit crazy.

Brainy · March 2023

Starcraft 2 - Real Time Strategy (newb friendly tutorial while you play, but has amazing depth)
Rimworld - Strategy Sim (98% Overwhelmingly Postive on Steam)
Civ 4 - Turn based Strategy (Civ 6 is not newb friendly, I think its actually the worst Civ of all also)

Nilden · March 2023

Good old Risk!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1128810/RISK_Global_Domination/

Perfect beginner game for this genre! Also free!

Personal recommendations that I have in my Steam library already...

Crusader Kings 2
Disciples 3
Dominions 4&5
Endless Legends
Endless Space
Civilization
Stardrive 2
Stellaris

DigDuggy · March 2023

It's kind of funny. If you look at most of the recommendations (which I agree with), they're older games or newer versions of older games. As time has passed, games have gotten more complex and 'sophisticated'. Gotta do a little old school for some basics

Adamantine · April 2023

Why yes. Good game concepts never die.

Look no further than chess. Or go.

Prakharlohiya · January 8

For an absolute beginner to strategy games, "Civilization VI" is an excellent choice. This game is renowned for its intuitive interface and in-depth tutorials, making it accessible for newcomers. In "Civilization VI," players lead a nation from ancient times into the future, making decisions about politics, technology, and military strategy. The game progresses in turns, allowing players to think through their decisions without feeling rushed. Additionally, its varying levels of difficulty cater to both beginners and experienced players, ensuring a comfortable learning curve. With its blend of historical education and strategic gameplay, "Civilization VI" is not only entertaining but also informative, making it an ideal starting point for those new to the genre.

felixharri · March 18

Prakharlohiya said:

For an absolute beginner to strategy games, "Civilization VI" is an excellent choice. This game is renowned for its intuitive interface and in-depth tutorials, making it accessible for newcomers. In "Civilization VI," players lead a nation from ancient times into the future, making decisions about politics, technology, and military strategy. The game progresses in turns, allowing players to think through their decisions without feeling rushed. Additionally, its varying levels of difficulty cater to both beginners and experienced players, ensuring a comfortable learning curve. With its blend of historical education and strategic gameplay, "Civilization VI" is not only entertaining
Niles Garden Circus
but also informative, making it an ideal starting point for those new to the genre.

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Which strategy game for an absolute beginner to the genre?

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Which strategy game for an absolute beginner to the genre?

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