Most Complex Strategy Games

Strategy games don't necessarily need to challenge the player every step of the way. The inclusion of difficulty options coupled with more casual takes on this genre ensures that players will have a great time playing such games without feeling too challenged.

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By  Dominic O'Leary

However, some players actively relish the idea of playing hardcore strategy games that are full to the brim with many complex factors to keep track of. A lot of patience and knowledge is required to ensure that players don't tear their hair out while playing these strategy games.

8 Suzerain

A Turn-Based Strategic Role-Playing Game With Many Tough Choices To Make

Suzerain is one of the deepest story-driven political strategy games players can check out. 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 major strides as president.

A decent amount of political knowledge is required by players to make sound decisions. Failing to behave consistently can have major repercussions for players, who may find themselves caught between a rock and a hard place if they screw up one too many times.

7 Crusader Kings 3

Controlling The Leader Of A Dynasty And Making Them More Glorious That Ever Before Is Complicated Yet Fun

Crusader Kings 3 is one of the greatest grand 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 of a ruler as they come to grips with how the game works. Players who develop a decent understanding of the game can eventually try to control tougher dynasties and help them fight against the odds to establish a fearsome legacy.

6 Victoria 3

Help A Country Prosper During The Victorian Era, Which Can Be Hard To Wrap One's Head Around

Victoria 3 was slightly disappointing for players who found the game to be somewhat barren at launch, but things have turned around somewhat since that time. Players willing to invest in this game's promise can make the most of a wealth of additional content to make their playthroughs more special than ever before.

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The Victorian Era is full of transitioning cultures and political intrigue that must be navigated deftly. A tutorial can only help out so much, and most fans may 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 2 Is Pretty Challenging

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

It takes a while for players to familiarize themselves with how the game works so that their playthrough goes as smoothly as possible. It takes some time and patience, but players who give Hearts of Iron 4 the time of day will slowly but surely get engrossed in a strategic military game with a ton of layers.

4 Europa Universalis 4

A Grand Strategy Game With Many Complex Metrics To Keep Track Of

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

Players must ensure that they expand their territories and establish dominance via colonialism as they slowly become a superpower that other countries will fear. It's a tantalizing gameplay loop that revels in its complexity, making Europa Universalis 4 a must-play for fans of deep grand strategy titles.

3 Stellaris

An Epic Sci-Fi Game With Numerous Layers That Players Must Understand To Make The Most Of Their Playthrough

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

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The beauty of Stellaris stems from its freeform 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 for players to slowly fall in love with Stellaris' complex gameplay.

2 RimWorld

A Colony Management Game With Strategy Elements That Demands A Player's Time And Attention For Hours

RimWorld is one of the most popular strategy simulation games players can get their hands on. The roguelike nature of this title means that players will always end up with a different, unique set of colonists with whom players can form bonds in no time.

The learning curve is slow yet rewarding as players figure out how to harvest resources and create complex structures in no time. Defending a base from raiders, enhancing 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 familiar with the basics yet.

1 Dwarf Fortress

A Legendary Game Where Sound Strategies Are Required To Build A Heavily Fortified City

Dwarf Fortress is the gift that keeps on giving, with every update for 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 make head or tail of things.

It's only after this steep learning curve is overcome that players finally enjoy the magic of Dwarf Fortress. Helping their dwarven colony become successful after numerous failures leads to a feeling of satisfaction that can't be put into words.