If you enjoy strategy games, then you know there is just no quite comparable feeling to outmaneuvering a rival, whether that be a buddy in multiplayer or a highly tuned AI. At the core of their being, strategy games are all about thinking several moves ahead, adapting to new challenges, and mastering complex systems. From the grand, large-scale world domination to the minor, turn-by-turn tactics, games like Civilization VI, Crusader Kings III, and XCOM 2 defined genres. But how do you take yourself from casual player to seasoned strategist? We go in-depth for some vital tips on how to master strategy games and become a true pro.
Embrace the Grand Strategy
With the games of a grand strategy, you are often dealing with a nation, a dynasty, or sometimes even an entire galaxy. All the moving pieces can be overwhelming at times, but the trick is to break it down into manageable objectives.
Crusader Kings III: Fate of Iberia drops you right into the middle of a complex web of medieval politics on the Iberian Peninsula. It’s not a game about mastering immediate military tactics but rather an intricate character system, alliances, dynastic marriages, and intertwined webs of politics decide everything. You need to balance your short-term goals, such as expanding your borders, with the long-term ones, such as securing succession. Do not forget to take advantage of the expanded narrative choices in Fate of Iberia-see events transpire and shape your legacy across the generations.
Europa Universalis IV: Leviathans took it to an even further extreme, with the ability to tailor-fit your nation’s government structure and policies. It’s all about flexibility here. Adapt your strategy to the unique strengths of your nation and be always ready to change at a given time with the times. By Leviathan’s overhauled trade and diplomacy systems, focus on establishing a sound economic base first; without wealth, power is brittle. Remember, improved AI will contest every step, so practice adapting your plans in flow.
Hearts of Iron IV: Together for Victory takes place in the Pacific Theatre with much emphasis on logistics and supply management. You will find that the ability to keep supply lines open and resources managed effectively can make all the difference between victory and defeat. It’s like playing a huge, real-time chess game where every piece has its role and strength. Be sure to make full use of the new nations and units to take advantage of your opponent’s weaknesses while ensuring the efficiency of your own nation.
MASTERING 4X STRATEGY GAMES
Games like Stellaris: Nemesis and Civilization VI: Gathering Storm belong to the 4X strategy genre, standing for eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, and eXterminate, offering wide worlds to conquer, but the process needs thoughtful balancing of exploration and exploitation.
Stellaris: Nemesis-an end-game crisis system with an unpredictable twist. Of course, it is great to build alliances at the start of the game, but not to such an extent that you place all your eggs in a single basket; keep room for contingencies. Always keep in mind the diversification of fleets and building a strong economy so that when hard decisions have to be taken about resource allocation and military buildup, you can sit with your thumbs. Of course, adaptability is your best companion weapon in Stellaris.
With Civilization VI: Gathering Storm, climate change and environmental disasters are going to add some real long-term thinking. Founding cities now involves considering the geographical implications of such a factor. Will your coastal city survive the rising sea levels? The new World Congress system is one of the most powerful tools-if one knows how to bend the votes to their will. Learn to play the diplomatic game with favors, trade, and alliances that allow you to propel global policies forward for your benefit or lock down your rivals.
Tactical Turn-Based Strategy Games Most of the turn-based strategy games often compel one to think several moves beforehand-like playing chess. Especially for XCOM 2: War of the Chosen, every move here counts. Every turn provides an opportunity for revising one’s strategy, but then again, it may be observed that you actually walk into disaster. War of the Chosen ups the ante with new enemy factions and abilities; it’s thus evermore important to adapt your tactics. Positioning your squad is all-important-use the environment to your advantage, keep your soldiers in cover, and never bunch them together to avoid enemy grenades or area attacks. Patience is key. Sometimes taking that additional turn to have a clear shot is better than hurriedly charging in, risking it all. Total War: Warhammer III brings a unique blend of fantasy and strategy to the table, where your aim is not simply to defeat an enemy but to build an empire capable of withstanding the test of time. Emphasize building an army that will match your playing style, whether you like huge cavalry charges or a more passive strategy, relying on range; there’s a faction for everything. And don’t forget about mythical elements, because legendary heroes and magical units are sometimes a key to victory on the battlefield. Learn to use them.
Real-Time Strategy Games: Quick Thinking and Adaptation
Fans of real-time strategy know that quick thinking and adaptation are the names of the game. Games like Age of Empires IV let you manage resources, build your empire, and command your armies simultaneously. The new campaign system in Age of Empires IV is all about telling stories and being more aligned with history, thus making you more attached to the civilization that you chose. To truly succeed, delve deep into the intricacies of what makes each civilization uniquely stand out in its units and strengths. Adapt to the situation—sometimes a surprise amphibious assault will succeed where a blind, and straightforward charge would have never worked.
Company of Heroes 3 delivers an all-new theatre for World War II by taking you to Italy and North Africa. Here, the familiarity of the terrain and how to use that to one’s advantage is key in several ways. With even better graphics and AI, you face a more realistic, challenging experience. Pay more attention to flanking maneuvers, usage of covers, and the calculated risks involved. Sometimes, it is not the most extensive army but rather the best positioned that makes all the difference.
Conclusion: Practice, Learn, Adapt
Success in strategy games is all about practice, learning from mistakes, and constant adaptation of tactics. Whether one has to command an empire in Crusader Kings III or a small squad of soldiers in XCOM 2, reaching the pro level means knowing the unique mechanics or strategic layers that any one game can afford. Never be afraid to try new strategies, play different scenarios, and above all, learn from every defeat. After all, something new is always lurking around the corner in the world of strategy games that is challenging you. Take up your mouse, grit your teeth on the keyboard, and jump once more into the battlefield. Who knows, maybe the next victory will belong to you.