Most Complex Simulation Games, Ranked

Most players love simulation games for turning what seems like mundane activities into riveting ones that will leave them craving more. Some games in this genre aspire to be simple enough for most people to wrap their heads around the gameplay without too many problems.

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However, hardcore gamers love excessively complex simulation games that boast a steep learning curve. Newcomers may find it frustrating to get into these titles, but all it takes is one magical moment when everything falls into place and they can become masters in these games.

Players Must Keep Track Of Several Stats And Spreadsheets To Make Their Team As Efficient As Possible

Just like every other game in this series, Football Manager 2024 will overwhelm players as they’re bombarded with expiring contracts, numerous spreadsheets, a host of tactical options, and everything else along the same lines. However, as long as players are familiar with soccer, they should have the motivation they need to get past this massive learning curve.

After playing a few matches and realizing how things work, players can turn into masters of Football Manager 2024 as they utilize a 4-3-3 Gegenpress or any other optimal formation to rip apart other teams in an addictive gameplay loop. Controlling a top-level team is perfect for beginners who are still learning the ropes, while veterans love picking a game from the lower leagues and helping them earn promotion after promotion before eventually becoming champions in an unlikely rise to success.

7

Crusader Kings 3

Controlling A Dynasty And Helping It Succeed Is Oddly Compelling Despite Its Complexities

Systems

Released

September 1, 2020

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

While Crusader Kings 3 may seem devilishly complex at first complex, it doesn’t take long for players to realize that this is one of the most accessible grand strategy games ever made by Paradox Interactive. The tutorial does a great job of introducing gameplay basics, while the tooltips ensure that players can read up on anything else that confuses them.

As a result, players may not even need a guide to control harder rulers, which is an achievement for a Paradox Interactive game. It’s impressive how Crusader Kings 3 manages to be so accessible without losing any of the complexities that made previous titles in the genre so compelling to play through for long-time fans.

6

Victoria 3

Managing Economies, Alliances, And A Nation’s Development Is Easier Said Than Done

Victoria 3 disappointed fans with a lack of content at launch, but this was a blessing in disguise for newcomers. Instead of having to keep track of numerous metrics at launch, fans had all the time in the world to get comfortable with the base gameplay mechanics before Paradox eventually commenced with their DLC creep.

4:22

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As long as players had a grasp of the basics, the new mechanics added to Victoria 3 didn’t flummox them all that much. However, players checking this game out may be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of things they must keep track of to help their kingdom prosper in changing times. It’s recommended that players check out the base game first and see if it’s up their alley before getting their hands on the expansions.

5

Hearts Of Iron 4

A World War 2 Simulation Where Tactical Superiority Is A Must To Turn The Tide Of This Worldwide Conflict

It’s only a given that a game simulating the conflicts in World War 2 would be so complex, which is why Hearts of Iron 4 can be challenging for newcomers. They must ingratiate themselves with a ton of complicated gameplay mechanics, with a few oversights punching a hole in their amateurish strategies and letting the enemy emerge victorious in every encounter.

Players must be willing to put in the world and endure a steep learning curve before they eventually get into Hearts of Iron 4. It’s another great Paradox Interactive game that simulates the conflicts of World War 2 with immense realism, roping in fans in no time if they give it the time to grow on them.

4

Europa Universalis 4

Colonization, Diplomacy, And Trade Must Be A Priority For Countries To Prosper

One of the most complex simulation games by Paradox Interactive that has won fans the world over, players will love how immersive it is to help a country flourish and develop, starting from the Late Middle Ages and ending with the Napoleonic Era in Europa Universalis 4.

Colonization, diplomacy, trade, and warfare are just a few of the many ways players can transform their country into a superpower, but this isn’t an overnight journey. Players must be aware of the intricacies of this game and optimize processes to establish global superiority in no time.

3

RimWorld

A Colony Simulator That’s Very Complex And Has Impressive Procedural Generation

Systems

Released

October 17, 2018

Developer(s)

Ludeon Studios

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

RimWorld is a fascinating colony management and simulation game where players control a group of procedurally generated individuals stranded on a hostile planet. Players will watch their colonists die over and over again before they eventually figure out how to optimize processes and create a thriving settlement in no time.

3:24

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While the goal is to develop a spaceship and escape the planet, this task takes a while for players to achieve. They must figure out how to expand their colony, fortify defenses, and acquire valuable resources before they can even think of working toward the endgame.

2

Factorio

Maintaining A Factory On A Hostile Alien Planet Is About As Complicated As One Would Expect

Systems

Released

August 14, 2020

Developer(s)

Wube Software

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

Managing a factory sounds like a boring and complex task, and the latter is true for Factorio. However, it’s the game’s set dressing and captivating gameplay that makes it all the more engaging to help a factory thrive in an alien environment where hostile extraterrestrials will mount an attack on the factory as it pollutes their environment.

As long as players don’t mind contaminating a planet’s atmosphere, they’ll have a great time optimizing factory processes and ensuring that their output is maintained at maximum levels. A single oversight is enough to break a factory’s processes, making it important for players to understand how Factorio works before they try to get into the more complicated areas of the game.

1

Dwarf Fortress

The Quintessential Complex Simulation Game That Keeps Getting Bigger

The poster child for how complicated a simulation game may be, Dwarf Fortress enjoyed a massive player base well before its paid launch. The fact that the game is still technically in development despite boasting more content than most other completed releases is a testament to Dwarf Fortress‘ complex gameplay loop.

A player’s colony is bound to fail over and over again before they finally figure out how to cover all their bases and ensure that their dwarves can enjoy their lives and fight off any external threats. An Adventure mode turns this title into a roguelike turn-based title where the combat is just as complex as players would expect and lets them take on the threats of the world in whatever manner they see fit.

3:39

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