Best Strategy Games That Are Punishing But Fair, Ranked

Strategy games are fascinating, as they not only offer players various factions they can use to take on their enemies, but also interesting locations where huge battles take place. While some strategy games play at a slower pace, others are extremely quick, forcing players to make split-second decisions to emerge victorious.

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One of the greatest things about strategy games is their narrative. However, there are some other great titles of the genre that have no main story and still work. In any case, most strategy games have a high level of difficulty. Here are some of the best strategy games that are punishing, but fair. It should be noted that the titles on this list aren’t ranked by how hard they are, as they all pose a challenge. Instead, they’re ranked by how good they are overall and how well the difficulty complements them.

7

Stellaris

Deep Space Combat Has Never Been More Interesting

Released

May 9, 2016

ESRB

E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Violent References, Mild Language

• Grand strategy elements
• Players can pick from various traditions

One of the greatest things about Stellaris, besides its grand strategy and 4X elements, is that it takes place on a map in a procedurally generated galaxy. This means that all players get to have a slightly different experience due to the constant changes the game undergoes.

Throughout the game, players can pick from the best traditions in Stellaris and take on their enemies in the middle of space in large-scale battles that are always exciting and visually appealing. The combat is punishing, but never unfair.

6

Hearts Of Iron 4

A Grand Strategy Game Set In World War 2

Systems

Released

June 6, 2016

ESRB

Everyone 10+

• Provinces form states
• Set in World War 2

As far as grand strategy war games go, it’s undeniable that Hearts of Iron 4 is among the top contenders. Revolving around World War 2, players can take on the role of any nation involved in the conflict between 1936 and 1939.

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Every nation in the game has ground, naval and aerial forces, each with their own warships and warplanes. The map of Hearts of Iron 4 is divided into independent regions, or provinces, which can later be grouped to form states. The combat mechanics are great, and while battles can be challenging, they never feel overwhelming in a sense that could be perceived as unfair.

5

Darkest Dungeon 2

Interesting Art And Concept

Systems

Released

May 8, 2023

ESRB

t

• Stress levels play a significant role in the game
• The Kingdoms DLC gives this title an interesting spin

In Darkest Dungeon 2, players will get to manage a roster of varied heroes as they explore dark places full of danger. While this title is much closer to an RPG and a rogue-like, the DLC for the game, Kingdoms, helps it feel more like a strategy, turn-based digital boardgame, making it a fine addition to the list.

Darkest Dungeon 2 features interesting game mechanics, such as stress levels, which will increase as the characters progress through the game. If a character is too stressed, they will have a meltdown in combat, reducing their efficiency. This is why it’s important to know some of the best tips for stress relief in Darkest Dungeon 2.

4

Europa Universalis 4

Various Nations Racing To Be The Ultimate Conqueror

Systems

Released

August 13, 2013

ESRB

T For Teen due to Drug Reference, Mild Language, Mild Sexual Themes, Mild Violence

• The game ends when players’ nations are removed from the map or the year 1821 is reached
• Players can take over the world through brute force or control of trade routes

Europa Universalis 4 is very interesting given how it divides its map. The Earth is divided into the provinces that compose nations and it’s highly interactive. The provinces within each country can affect it negatively or positively depending on how many resources they can provide.

There are many ways to take over the world, including military might, colonial superpower, and even trade dominance, controlling the largest exchange routes and benefiting from them. The game only ends when players’ nations are removed from the map or the year 1821 is reached. Europa Universalis 4 has some great countries for beginners, making it fair to players at all levels.

Great Strategy Elements During Intense Battles

Released

February 5, 2016

ESRB

T For Teen due to Blood, Use of Tobacco, Violence

• Players can task their companions with offensive maneuvers and secondary objectives
• A special militarized force must take down alien invaders

The XCOM franchise has been around for a very long time, and with the addition of XCOM 2, it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere any time soon. Taking place about 20 years after the events of Enemy Unknown, this title tells the story of a military organization desperately trying to fight off an alien invasion.

The game is played from a top-down perspective and uses turn-based tactics for combat. Players can issue commands to human soldiers to kill alien enemies on the map and complete secondary objectives. Those looking for a unique experience can try some of the best XCOM 2 mods out there to freshen up their gameplay.

2

Crusader Kings 3

A Great Take On Grand Strategy In The Middle Ages

Released

September 1, 2020

ESRB

T for Teens: Drug Reference, Language, Mild Violence, Suggestive Themes

• Rare empires can be formed
• Players can choose to start their journey in the 9th, 11th, or 12th century

Similar to its predecessors, Crusader Kings 3 retains the grand strategy and dynasty simulation elements that have made the franchise famous. Set in the Middle Ages, players can start their journey in either 867 during the Viking era apogee, 1066, or 1178, during the period of the largest crusades in history.

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One of the greatest improvements that Crusader Kings 3 saw over the previous title is that the map is over four times more detailed, giving players a lot more control and allowing them to plan out their strategies more carefully. With enough dedication, players will be able to have one of the rarest formable empires in Crusader Kings 3.

1

StarCraft 2: Wings Of Liberty

A Great Addition To An Already Wonderful Franchise

Systems

Released

July 27, 2010

ESRB

T for Teen: Blood and Gore, Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence

• Three species to choose from
• The Prestige system greatly elevates the experience

Lastly, there’s StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty which is part of the world-famous StarCraft series. Similar to its predecessors, this game allows players to pick between three different species: the Terrans (humans), the Zerg, and the Protoss. Each faction has its own unique traits that can help players get an edge in combat.

The combat mechanics and the design of the battles that take place in this title are great, and while they can sometimes feel extremely challenging, they never feel unfair or overwhelming. On top of this, the Prestige system implemented into StarCraft 2 elevates it to a whole new level, offering a new experience to players.

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