Summary
- Unity of Command 2 offers an engaging gameplay loop with less complexity, making it a great entry-level grand strategy game.
- Total War: Shogun 2 strikes a balance between depth and accessibility for those building empires without overwhelming mechanics.
- Endless Legend combines Civilization's depth with an easily navigable UI and detailed yet simple systems.
The Grand Strategy genre is an underrated niche in the gaming community. Players control large-scale worlds and can create vast empires, legions, and even compete in global conflicts, depending on the setting.
A significant reason many players don't give grand strategy games a chance is the overwhelming sensation brought on by endless layers of text and complex systems, which can stop players in their tracks before they even get started. However, over the years, the grand strategy genre has evolved, and many games have taken player consideration and skill level into account. Here are some of the best grand strategy games that don't feel overwhelming.
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Unity Of Command 2
A Clean Introduction to The Grand Strategy Genre
- Developers: 2x2 Games, Croteam
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows, GeForce Now, macOS, Mac operating systems
- Initial release date: November 12, 2019
Unity of Command 2 is the second installment of the war-epic grand strategy game by 2x2 games. It's a great entry-level game for newcomers to the genre or for fans who want a less complex experience.
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Unity of Command 2 offers a visually pleasing interface complemented by an engaging gameplay loop that focuses on mission operations as players engage in the historical battles of World War II. It delivers the mental challenges of top performers in the genre, but tones down the overly complex systems and menus that have become common, while still making gameplay satisfying.
Total War: Shogun 2
A Game Full Of Depth Without Too Much Complexity
Total War: Shogun 2
- Released
- March 15, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Teen // Language, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Creative Assembly
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, Tactical
The Total War line of games are some of the most celebrated grand strategy games on the market, with each installment having a varied level of difficulty and fluctuating skill ceiling. Total War: Shogun 2 is a great entry point game for players seeking the satisfaction of building empires from the ground up, but not getting swamped by tasks, systems, and mechanics that layer on top of each other and suffocate the gameplay. The game takes place during the Sengoku period in Japan, and players can navigate the politically charged and violent climate to expand their reach and grow their power.
Crusader Kings 2
A Large Game With A Low Point Of Entry
Crusader Kings 2
- Released
- February 14, 2012
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Alcohol Reference, Mild Language, Mild Violence, Sexual Themes
- Developer(s)
- Paradox Development Studio
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Strategy
This grand strategy game by Paradox Interactive has become a prominent hit in the gaming community, and the second installment expanded upon what made the first title so successful. With a medieval setting, players can delve into a deep experience of forging a dynasty and cementing a legacy that will immortalize the family name in history books.
Crusader Kings 2 allows players to progress at their own pace. They can begin as the leader or count of a small hold, or grow into a king over an entire region without overwhelming expansions that make players lose track of their path. The narrative focus and scope of Crusader Kings 2 make it a perfect first game for players.
Northgard
Highly Accessible And Unique For New Grand Strategy Fans
Northgard
- Released
- March 7, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Developer(s)
- Shiro Games
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, City Builder
Northgard is a well-balanced blend of real-time and grand strategy elements, making it a good choice for players seeking a unique experience with a similar focus. Players take on a mysterious new land as a clan of Vikings and must ensure their people survive and prosper.
Northgard doesn't swarm players with an endless amount of spreadsheet-style material, and instead streamlines the focus on a small group of materials essential to the Clan's survival. Players can grow their numbers, expand their territory, and complete objectives, making the game a great choice for a first pick.
Risk: Global Domination
A Modern Take On A Classic Board Game
Risk: Global Domination
- Released
- December 3, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Developer(s)
- SMG Studio
- Genre(s)
- Strategy
Risk originated as a board game that friends could play against one another to gather troops, build armies, and take over the world. Risk: Global Domination takes the game, streamlines it, and brings it onto modern-day computers and gaming consoles . It also presents itself as a low-impact grand strategy game that can be played with friends or against AI.
Players choose a faction and engage in strategic maneuvers to control the world map. Risk: Global Domination doesn't overwhelm the player's experience with materials, resources, or relations to memorize. Instead, players can easily take to the game and enjoy the ride.
Star Trek: Infinite
A Vast Galactic Setting Attached To A Legendary Franchise
Star Trek: Infinite
- Released
- October 12, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Developer(s)
- Nimble Giant Entertainment
- Genre(s)
- Grand Strategy
The Star Trek franchise is one of the most popular and celebrated science fiction properties ever created, boasting an enormous fan base and continuing to receive new content for over five decades.
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The developers at Nimble Giant Entertainment have taken the franchise and layered it on top of their successful Stellaris game system, delivering an excellent science fiction strategy experience. While Stellaris was a vast and intricate game, Star Trek Infinite trims the fat and focuses on the gameplay, allowing players to have a clear path to their objectives and goals.
Endless Legend
The Perfect Mixture Of Distinct And Streamlined
Endless Legend
- Released
- September 18, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Developer(s)
- Amplitude Studios
- Genre(s)
- 4X, Strategy
Endless Legend combines the depth of the Civilization franchise with a wealth of lore and a fantasy setting, along with the 4X style of strategy games. Set on a dying planet, players must make the most of their ventures by using all their skills and talents to get ahead and forge their own path to victory, however short-lived it is.
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The benefit of playing Endless Legend is that it has several factors that make it easier to navigate than most strategy games, such as a cleaner UI, detailed yet not overly complex systems, and easily digestible information.
Civilization 6
The Best Pick Overall For Over Three Decades
Sid Meier's Civilization 6
- Released
- October 21, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ for Everyone 10+: Drug Reference, Language, Mild Violence, Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
- Firaxis Games
- Genre(s)
- Strategy
For years, Civilization has been the gold standard of grand strategy games, with every release pushing the envelope further and expanding and detailing the systems that make the game unique and immersive. While Civilization 7 is the newest release, Civilization 6 is a great choice and is currently available for free on Epic Games Store.
Civilization 6 has a wealth of content, and while not the most simplistic on the market, it provides a slew of tools to make learning the game easier. With the player-aid system prioritized and the ease of navigation throughout the game, Civilization 6 is a fantastic player-friendly grand strategy game that doesn't overwhelm the player with endless numbers and data.
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