The Best Strategic Gameplay In Simulation Games

Simulation games turn what seem like mundane activities into compelling metrics that players must keep track of to ensure that everything is flowing smoothly at all times. The best games in the genre know how to keep players engrossed with an addictive gameplay loop that can suck hours out of a person’s life before they even notice how much time they’ve sunk in.

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Some simulation games bring with them a heavy dose of strategic gameplay that will force players to wrack their minds and figure out the best way to deal with any given situation. From setting up defenses to dealing with enemy groups, these strategy-simulation games are a joy to play through and will keep players engaged for a long while.

8

Sid Meier’s Civilization 6

A Beginner-Friendly Grand Strategy Game With Fun Simulations Of Growing Civilizations

Civilization 6 is another stellar entry in the series that fans can’t get enough of. The 4X grand strategy gameplay is as compelling as ever, with the low barrier to entry ensuring that beginners can have an easy time getting into the game as they come to grips with the many systems governing this title.

However, players who want to enjoy a hardcore simulation can increase the difficulty, forcing them to make more strategic decisions on the fly. Allies, resources, and development are paramount for players who want to achieve victory by any means necessary, which is easier said than done.

7

Total War: Warhammer 2

Managing Armies And Controlling Empires Is A Blast

Many fans wondered if a fantasy Total War game could work after the series made a name for itself with various real-life empire simulations, but the Warhammer trilogy silenced any doubts with its compelling stories, unique gameplay, and a refreshing change of pace compared to other titles in the series.

Most people consider Warhammer 2 to be the best game in this trilogy, with the Total War gameplay being absolutely fantastic, regardless of whether players are engaging in strategic battles or enjoying the fantasy simulation gameplay on a grand scale.

6

Factorio

Simulating A Factory And Protecting It Against Alien Threats Is Very Compelling

Simulation

Real-Time Strategy

Systems

Released

August 14, 2020

Developer(s)

Wube Software

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

Players who think that running a factory and optimizing its processes sounds boring will sing a different tune after checking out Factorio. The learning curve of this game is massive, but it rewards players with an in-depth simulation where they must keep track of numerous metrics and optimize them for the most efficient outcomes.

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The planet they construct their factory on is full of alien hostiles who will periodically attack the player and their factory. This makes it important to strategize and set up defenses from time to time if they don’t want all their hard work to be undone.

5

FTL: Faster Than Light

This Spaceship Sim Involves Strategic Combat And Great Roguelike Trappings

FTL: Faster than Light is one of the most beloved roguelikes around. It seamlessly blends elements of spaceship simulation and strategic combat to great effect. Players will quickly get into the gameplay loop, which consists of outrunning a rebel fleet and staying stocked up on fuel, ammo, and other resources at all times to be prepared for the worst.

Ensuring that their spaceship is operating at full capacity all the time and the route they take is optimal and keeps them (mostly) out of danger is way more captivating than players would assume. Eventually, they will gain access to bigger and better spaceships that help them deal with tougher enemies and take risks in each playthrough.

4

Crusader Kings 3

One Of The Best Grand Strategy Games Doubles As A Compelling Historical Simulation

Systems

Released

September 1, 2020

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Players who want to enjoy a riveting simulation of medieval empires with some RPG mechanics added to the mix will love what Crusader Kings 3 brings to the table. The game may be complex, but the tutorials and tooltips will be more than enough for players to grasp the basics.

With each playthrough, players will figure out the best way to strategize and enhance their kingdom’s development while ensuring that their dynasty perseveres at all costs. It’s one of the best blends of strategy and simulation gameplay around, and fans will be enamored by it in no time.

3

Hearts Of Iron 3

Serving As The Commander Of The Armed Forces And Simulating Wars Is A Blast

Hearts of Iron III

Systems

Most people prefer Hearts of Iron 3 over its successor because of the greater degree of strategy involved on the player’s end. Instead of giving loose instructions that the military must follow, players have greater control over their war forces in Hearts of Iron 3.

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This rewards players for formulating ironclad strategies and winning battles where the odds are against them. The strategic depth of this warfare simulation title is off the charts and makes Hearts of Iron 3 the perfect game for players interested in World War 2 and its many conflicts.

2

RimWorld

A Colony Simulation Where Players Must Strategize Every Step Of The Way

Systems

Released

October 17, 2018

Developer(s)

Ludeon Studios

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

RimWorld is one of the most in-depth and strategic colony simulation games players can check out. It employs some clever procedural generation to let players enjoy a varied group of colonists every single time, each with unique personalities, strengths, and weaknesses.

The beauty of RimWorld stems from its complex systems, which will take a while to learn but synergize perfectly once players learn the basics. Every failure is a learning experience that helps players smooth ut the functioning of their colony and strategize properly for the escalating threats that assault their base from time to time.

1

Dwarf Fortress

One Of The Most Complex Strategic Simulations Around Is Jam-Packed With Content

When people talk about complex simulation games that involve a ton of strategy, the first thing that comes to mind is often Dwarf Fortress. This colony simulation title boasts a ton of content and is still nowhere close to being finished, which is hard to believe.

From the classic gameplay loop of helping a dwarven colony thrive to the roguelite adventure mode that is added to the mix, there is no shortage of ways players can approach Dwarf Fortress. The failures may be frustrating early on, but they will slowly nudge players toward the correct path, rewarding them for finally cracking and helping their colony thrive for a long time.

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