Table of Contents
Strategy games are an excellent way for beginners to develop critical thinking, planning, and resource management skills. This guide will introduce you to the top 10 strategy games that are perfect for newcomers to the genre.
1. Chess
Chess is a classic strategy game that has been played for centuries. It involves two players competing to checkmate the opponent’s king. The game teaches tactical thinking and foresight.
- Players: 2
- Duration: 15-60 minutes
2. Settlers of Catan
This board game combines strategy and resource management. Players collect resources to build roads, settlements, and cities while trading with each other.
- Players: 3-4
- Duration: 60-120 minutes
3. Ticket to Ride
In Ticket to Ride, players collect train cards to claim railway routes across a map. The game is easy to learn and offers strategic depth with route planning.
- Players: 2-5
- Duration: 30-60 minutes
4. Risk
Risk is a strategic board game where players aim to conquer territories and eliminate opponents. It requires planning and negotiation skills.
- Players: 2-6
- Duration: 120-240 minutes
5. StarCraft II
StarCraft II is a real-time strategy game that involves managing resources, building armies, and defeating opponents. It has a steep learning curve but is rewarding for strategic thinkers.
- Players: 1-8
- Duration: 15-60 minutes per match
6. Age of Empires II
This historical real-time strategy game allows players to build civilizations, gather resources, and engage in battles. It’s beginner-friendly with various tutorials available.
- Players: 1-8
- Duration: 1-3 hours
7. Plants vs. Zombies
A fun tower defense game where players use plants to defend against waves of zombies. It’s easy to pick up and provides strategic challenges.
- Players: 1
- Duration: 10-60 minutes
8. XCOM 2
XCOM 2 is a turn-based strategy game that involves managing a squad of soldiers to fight against alien invaders. Its tactical gameplay is engaging and offers deep strategies.
- Players: 1
- Duration: 20-60 minutes per mission
9. Total War: Shogun 2
This game combines turn-based strategy with real-time battles set in feudal Japan. Players manage their clans, engage in diplomacy, and lead armies into battle.
- Players: 1-8
- Duration: 30-60 minutes per turn
10. Civilization VI
Civilization VI is a turn-based strategy game where players build and expand their own civilizations. The game is rich in content and allows for various strategies to achieve victory.
- Players: 1-12
- Duration: 60-600 minutes
These strategy games offer a great starting point for beginners looking to dive into the genre. Each game provides unique challenges and opportunities for strategic thinking.