Summary
- Entry-level strategy games like Crusader Kings 3 provide tutorials to ease players into gameplay.
- Age of Mythology: Retold offers accessible difficulty options suitable for both newcomers and veterans.
- Marvel's Midnight Suns simplifies tactical gameplay, making it more beginner-friendly than XCOM.
While fans may be fans of the mindless action present in most mainstream titles, there's something about captivating strategy games that keeps players coming back for more. However, fans unfamiliar with this genre may find it daunting to get into such titles, especially if they lack the confidence to succeed in these titles.
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However, players shouldn't feel intimidated by this barrier to entry. After all, several amazing strategy games are accessible and do a great job of easing players into the gameplay without making them feel overwhelmed.
8 Crusader Kings 3
The Amazing Tutorial Makes It Easy To Get Into This Grand Strategy Title
Crusader Kings 3
- Released
- September 1, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Paradox Interactive
- Publisher(s)
- Paradox Interactive
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Grand Strategy
- Platform(s)
- PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Crusader Kings 3 did an incredible job of crafting a tutorial that introduces core aspects of the gameplay without overwhelming fans. The end result is a brilliant game that is surprisingly approachable for a grand strategy title.
Even players who feel that they aren't good at strategy games can get invested in the role-playing side of things and slowly learn how to optimize their rule. Over time, beginners will turn into CK3 veterans as they explore the wealth of content in this game that is slowly expanding courtesy of the many updates and expansions released by Paradox.
7 Age Of Mythology: Retold
Accessible Difficulty Modes Make It Easy To Get Into This Beloved RTS
Age of Mythology: Retold
- Released
- September 4, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- World's Edge, Forgotten Empires, Capture Age, Tantalus Media, Virtuos
- Publisher(s)
- Xbox Game Studios
- Genre(s)
- Strategy
- Platform(s)
- PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Not only is Age of Mythology: Retold a great way to re-experience the magic of Age of Mythology for existing fans, but players unfamiliar with this title will find it easier than ever to get into one of the most beloved RTS games of all time.
It helps that the difficulty options are expanded to accommodate all kinds of players, either giving veterans a substantial challenge or letting beginners learn the ropes with minimal frustrations. All of this combines to turn Age of Mythology: Retold into an excellent remake that can ease new players into the gameplay loop of real-time strategy games.
6 Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
A Great Collaboration With Simple Yet Engaging Tactical Gameplay
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
- Released
- August 29, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
The Nintendo Switch is a console stacked with amazing games, including an unlikely partnership between Nintendo and Ubisoft that combined some unlikely IPs. This led to the creation of Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, an excellent strategy game that fans will have a great time with.
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The tactical combat is approachable and doesn't get too overbearing, which is perfect given how accessible this title aims to be. Players who want to enjoy a fun crossover title with charming visuals and fun gameplay will have a great time with Kingdom Battle.
5 Sid Meier's Civilization 7
Despite Some Early Missteps, This Game Embodies The Beginner-Friendly Approach Of The Series
Sid Meier's Civilization VII
- Released
- February 11, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Firaxis Games
- Publisher(s)
- 2K
- Genre(s)
- Grand Strategy, Turn-Based Strategy, 4X
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
People who find strategy games daunting will love getting into Civilization 7 right now. The game is in its early release phase and isn't too overwhelming, making it easy for players to master the basics if they aren't familiar with how this 4X strategy game works.
It helps that the game boasts a ton of difficulty settings. Players can choose a setting they're comfortable with, giving them more leeway to make mistakes and learn from them so that they can tackle the AI at harder difficulties and test what they've learned.
4 Marvel's Midnight Suns
Compared To XCOM, The Tactical Gameplay Is Easier And More Beginner-Friendly
Marvel's Midnight Suns
- Released
- December 2, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Firaxis Games
- Publisher(s)
- 2K Games
- Genre(s)
- Tactical, RPG
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Firaxis's work on the XCOM reboots was praised by many, although the hardcore gameplay and permadeath system made it daunting for strategy newbies to get into this title. This issue is a thing of the past in Marvel's Midnight Suns, a game with excellent strategic combat that should've sold more units than it did.
The story is the only negative part of a title that is incredible to play otherwise. Players will love controlling an original character who teams up with other superheroes to lay waste to their enemies while strengthening their bonds with other heroes in between battles.
3 Age Of Empires 4
A Modern Take On The Classic AoE Gameplay That Newcomers Can Ease Themselves Into
Age of Empires 4
- Released
- October 28, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Relic Entertainment, World's Edge
- Publisher(s)
- Xbox Game Studios
- Genre(s)
- Real-Time Strategy
- Platform(s)
- PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Age of Empires 4 is a new entry in the series that has delighted long-time fans. It may be a bit too similar to the second game in the series for most people's liking, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing.
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The updated graphics and enhanced control options ensure that Age of Empires 4 will feel great to play. The game is accessible and forgiving enough for players to learn from their mistakes without completely derailing a single-player playthrough, although the same can't be said for the game's tense multiplayer match-ups.
2 Slay The Spire
The Quintessential Roguelike Deckbuilding Game That Rewards A Strategic Approach In Combat
Slay the Spire
- Released
- January 23, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Mega Crit
- Publisher(s)
- Humble Bundle
- Genre(s)
- Roguelike, Deckbuilding
- Platform(s)
- Android, iOS, PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Slay the Spire kickstarted the trend for deckbuilding roguelike games, and for good reason. The title's compelling gameplay loop sees players ascending to the top of the Spire in a bid to kill a mysterious heart and attain victory.
What makes Slay the Spire so compelling is how failure is welcomed and is a part of the learning process. Each hero will gain more abilities over time as they get stronger, giving players access to stronger cards that can be complete game-changers and make the trek through the game's three acts (or four, if players are ambitious) way easier than it has any right to be.
1 Balatro
Players Must Acquire Tactical Jokers And Play Their Hands Wisely To Clear All Eight Antes
Balatro
- Released
- February 20, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- LocalThunk
- Publisher(s)
- Playstack
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, Digital Card Game, Roguelike
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Android, iOS
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
The combination of poker with roguelike mechanics allows Balatro to stand out as one of the greatest indie video games ever made. The simple yet compelling gameplay loop is easy to understand, to the point where players who have no clue how to play poker will have no problem getting into this addicting title.
Balatro's allure becomes clear to players when they rack up points and multipliers to get insanely high scores with ease. Once players get a taste of success in Balatro, it's hard to stop as players become more obsessed with completing all eight antes with each deck.
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