Strategy Games: A Guide for Beginners
Strategy games are a type of video game that emphasize thinking and planning over direct action in order to achieve a goal. They can be very challenging and rewarding, but also require some skills and knowledge to play well. In this article, I will provide you with an introduction to the history, types, and tips of strategy games, as well as some recommendations for beginners to try.
strategy games
History of strategy games
The history of strategy games begins on tables and boards, crammed inside cupboards alongside that knackered old box of Risk that every home seems to possess. The moment strategy made the leap to consoles and computers, it was already familiar. These werent just inspired by the games people were playing, in many cases they were direct copies that had been squeezed, sometimes awkwardly, onto a new platform.
In 1972, Invasion was released for the Magnavox Odyssey. It was Risk, essentially, but with Pong-like battles that were fought on top of overlays that had to be slapped on the front of the television. Aside from the battles, Invasion was mostly played on a physical board, so the actual strategy game didnt really take place on the console at all. The Odysseys limited capabilities ended at displaying a few squares that could be moved by twiddling the knobs attached to the little boxes that served as controllers.
The success of microcomputers like the TRS-80 and Apple II inspired a new wave of tabletop adaptations, spearheaded by Strategic Simulations Inc. So began a cavalcade of wargames, and more than a few RPGs, that would last for around 20 years. Founder Joe Billings had shopped around the idea of making adaptations of existing wargames to tabletop publishers like Avalon Hill, but had no takers. That didnt deter him. SSIs first game, Computer Bismarck, bore a striking resemblance to Avalon Hills Bismarck. The publisher noticed. Quickly, Avalon Hill started releasing its own games on computers, competing with SSI. The pair churned out wargames with dizzying momentum, but SSI took the lead early, launching 12 games in 1981. Some of these games were tabletop wargames with a digital componenttheir boxes full of tokens, maps and thick manualsbut others, including Computer Bismarck, featured AI opponents and could be played entirely on a computer.
Eastern Front (1941), published by Atari in 1981, immediately made its contemporaries seem antiquated. It was one of the first great leaps forward in strategy gaming, presenting players with a single year of Operation Barbarossa, the German invasion of the Soviet Union, where everything from troop morale to the weather played a role. It was meaty and complex, but also accessible and elegant. It was also the first strategy game to use a hexagonal grid, a feature that would become synonymous with the genre and continue to appear in many of its greatest games.
Eastern Front (1941) was also the first strategy game to be influenced by the work of Sid Meier, the godfather of the genre. Meier had created a series of simulations for various platforms, including a submarine simulator called Silent Service and a fighter jet simulator called F-15 Strike Eagle. He was interested in creating games that were more than just realistic recreations of historical events, but rather "interesting decisions" that challenged the player's creativity and problem-solving skills.
Meier's breakthrough came in 1987, when he released Civilization for the PC. Civilization was a grand strategy game that spanned the entire history of human civilization, from the ancient times to the modern era. The player had to guide their chosen nation through exploration, expansion, exploitation, and extermination (the four Xs that gave rise to the term 4X strategy game). Civilization was a game of epic scope and scale, where every decision had long-term consequences and every game was different. Civilization was not only a critical and commercial success, but also a cultural phenomenon that inspired countless sequels, spin-offs, clones, and mods.
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Types of strategy games
Strategy games are a diverse and rich genre that can be divided into several subgenres based on their gameplay, mechanics, and themes. Here are some of the most common and popular types of strategy games:
Turn-based strategy games
Turn-based strategy games are games where players take turns to make their moves, usually on a grid or map. Turn-based strategy games often involve managing resources, building units, researching technologies, and engaging in combat. Turn-based strategy games can be further classified into two subtypes: turn-based tactics games and turn-based 4X games.
Turn-based tactics games
Turn-based tactics games are games where players control a small group of units or characters in discrete scenarios or battles. Turn-based tactics games focus on tactical combat and positioning, rather than strategic planning and resource management. Examples of turn-based tactics games include XCOM, Fire Emblem, Final Fantasy Tactics, and Advance Wars.
Turn-based 4X games
Turn-based 4X games are games where players control a large empire or civilization in a vast map or galaxy. Turn-based 4X games focus on exploration, expansion, exploitation, and extermination (the four Xs), as well as diplomacy, trade, culture, and science. Examples of turn-based 4X games include Civilization, Master of Orion, Endless Space, and Stellaris.
Real-time strategy games
Real-time strategy games are games where players make their moves simultaneously in real time, usually on a map or terrain. Real-time strategy games often involve collecting resources, building bases, producing units, researching technologies, and engaging in combat. Real-time strategy games can be further classified into two subtypes: real-time tactics games and real-time 4X games.
Real-time tactics games
Real-time tactics games are games where players control a small group of units or characters in continuous scenarios or battles. Real-time tactics games focus on tactical combat and coordination, rather than strategic planning and resource management. Examples of real-time tactics games include StarCraft, Warcraft, Command & Conquer, and Age of Empires.
Real-time 4X games
Real-time 4X games are games where players control a large empire or civilization in a vast map or galaxy. Real-time 4X games focus on exploration, expansion, exploitation, and extermination (the four Xs), as well as diplomacy, trade, culture, and science. Examples of real-time 4X games include Sins of a Solar Empire, Distant Worlds, and Stellaris.
Grand strategy games
Grand strategy games are games where players control a nation, empire, or faction in a historical or fictional setting. Grand strategy games focus on politics, diplomacy, economy, culture, and warfare, as well as historical accuracy and realism. Grand strategy games are usually played on a large map that represents the world or a region. Examples of grand strategy games include Crusader Kings, Europa Universalis, Hearts of Iron, and Total War.
Tactics games
Tactics games are games where players control a small group of units or characters in discrete scenarios or battles. Tactics games focus on tactical combat and positioning, rather than strategic planning and resource management. Tactics games are usually played on a grid or terrain that represents the battlefield. Examples of tactics games include XCOM, Fire Emblem, Final Fantasy Tactics, and Advance Wars.
Wargames
Wargames are games that simulate historical or hypothetical wars or battles. Wargames focus on military strategy and tactics, as well as historical accuracy and realism. Wargames are usually played on a map or terrain that represents the battlefield. Examples of wargames include Panzer General, Steel Panthers, Combat Mission, and War in the East.
Tips and tricks for playing strategy games
Strategy games can be very rewarding and fun, but also very challenging and frustrating. Here are some tips and tricks to help you improve your strategy game skills:
General tips
Learn the rules and mechanics of the game. Strategy games often have complex and nuanced systems that govern how the game works. You need to understand how these systems interact and affect your decisions. Read the manual, watch tutorials, play tutorials, or consult guides to learn the basics of the game.
Plan ahead and think long-term. Strategy games require you to think not only about your current situation, but also about your future goals and consequences. You need to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and how you want to achieve it. You also need to anticipate the possible outcomes and risks of your actions. Plan your moves carefully and adapt to changing circumstances.
Manage your resources wisely. Strategy games often involve managing various resources, such as money, food, energy, materials, units, etc. You need to balance your income and expenses, as well as your supply and demand. You also need to allocate your resources efficiently and effectively. Don't waste your resources on unnecessary things or hoard them for too long. Use your resources to gain an advantage over your opponents or enemies.
Analyze your opponents or enemies. Strategy games often involve competing or fighting against other players or AI opponents. You need to know your opponents' strengths and weaknesses, as well as their strategies and tactics. You also need to know how to counter their moves or exploit their mistakes. Study your opponents' behavior and patterns, and adapt your strategy accordingly.
Experiment and try new things. Strategy games often have multiple ways to play and win. You need to explore different options and possibilities, as well as different strategies and tactics. You also need to try new things and learn from your failures. Don't be afraid to make mistakes or lose sometimes. Experimenting and trying new things can help you discover new insights and solutions.
Tips for turn-based strategy games
Take your time and think carefully. Turn-based strategy games allow you to take as much time as you need to make your moves. You don't have to rush or act impulsively. You can take your time to analyze the situation, weigh the pros and cons of each option, and make the best decision possible.
Save often and use multiple slots. Turn-based strategy games often have a save feature that lets you save your progress at any point in the game. You can use this feature to save before making an important move or after completing a difficult challenge. You can also use multiple save slots to create different scenarios or outcomes. This way, you can go back to a previous point in the game if you make a mistake or want to try something different.
Use the undo or rewind feature if available. Some turn-based strategy games have an undo or rewind feature that lets you undo or rewind your last move or action. You can use this feature if you make a mistake or change your mind about something. This way, you can avoid losing progress or wasting resources.
Use the pause feature if available. Some turn-based strategy games have a pause feature that lets you pause the game at any time. You can use this feature if you need a break or want to do something else for a while. This way, you can resume the game whenever you are ready.
Tips for real-time strategy games
Be fast and efficient. Real-time strategy games require you to make your moves quickly and effectively, as the game does not stop or wait for you. You need to be fast and efficient in managing your resources, building your base, producing your units, researching your technologies, and engaging in combat. You also need to be fast and efficient in reacting to your opponents' or enemies' moves and adapting to changing situations.
Use hotkeys and shortcuts. Real-time strategy games often have hotkeys and shortcuts that let you perform various actions or commands with a single keystroke or mouse click. You can use these hotkeys and shortcuts to save time and effort, as well as to improve your accuracy and precision. You can also customize your hotkeys and shortcuts to suit your preferences and playstyle.
Use the mini-map and the fog of war. Real-time strategy games often have a mini-map that shows you a small overview of the map or terrain. You can use this mini-map to navigate, scout, and monitor the game. You can also use the fog of war, which is a feature that obscures parts of the map or terrain that are not visible to you or your units. You can use the fog of war to hide your movements and plans, as well as to reveal your opponents' or enemies' positions and activities.
Use the pause feature if available. Some real-time strategy games have a pause feature that lets you pause the game at any time. You can use this feature if you need a break or want to do something else for a while. You can also use this feature to plan your moves or review your situation without losing time or momentum.
Tips for grand strategy games
Learn the history and context of the game. Grand strategy games are often based on historical or fictional settings that have their own background, events, characters, and factions. You need to learn the history and context of the game to understand its rules, mechanics, and themes. You also need to learn the history and context of the game to appreciate its accuracy and realism, as well as its creativity and imagination.
Choose your nation, empire, or faction wisely. Grand strategy games often let you choose your nation, empire, or faction from a list of options, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges. You need to choose your nation, empire, or faction wisely based on your goals, preferences, and playstyle. You also need to choose your nation, empire, or faction wisely based on the game's scenario, difficulty, and balance.
Balance your domestic and foreign affairs. Grand strategy games often involve managing both your domestic and foreign affairs, such as politics, diplomacy, economy, culture, and warfare. You need to balance your domestic and foreign affairs to maintain stability, prosperity, and security in your nation, empire, or faction. You also need to balance your domestic and foreign affairs to influence and interact with other nations, empires, or factions in the game.
Use the save feature often and use multiple slots. Grand strategy games often have a save feature that lets you save your progress at any point in the game. You can use this feature to save before making an important decision or after completing a significant achievement. You can also use multiple save slots to create different scenarios or outcomes. This way, you can go back to a previous point in the game if you make a mistake or want to try something different.
Tips for tactics games
Know your units and characters. Tactics games often involve controlling a small group of units or characters, each with their own abilities, stats, and roles. You need to know your units and characters well to use them effectively and efficiently. You also need to know your units and characters well to customize and upgrade them according to your needs and preferences.
Use the terrain and environment. Tactics games often involve using the terrain and environment to your advantage or disadvantage, such as cover, elevation, obstacles, hazards, etc. You need to use the terrain and environment to protect your units and characters, as well as to attack or ambush your opponents or enemies. You also need to use the terrain and environment to create or exploit opportunities and challenges in the game.
Use the turn order and initiative. Tactics games often involve using the turn order and initiative to determine when your units and characters can act or move, as well as when your opponents or enemies can act or move. You need to use the turn order and initiative to plan your moves and actions, as well as to anticipate or interrupt your opponents' or enemies' moves and actions. You also need to use the turn order and initiative to create or exploit advantages and disadvantages in the game.
Use the save feature often and use multiple slots. Tactics games often have a save feature that lets you save your progress at any point in the game. You can use this feature to save before making an important move or action, or after completing a difficult challenge. You can also use multiple save slots to create different scenarios or outcomes. This way, you can go back to a previous point in the game if you make a mistake or want to try something different.
Tips for wargames
Learn the history and context of the game. Wargames are often based on historical or hypothetical wars or battles that have their own background, events, characters, and factions. You need to learn the history and context of the game to understand its rules, mechanics, and themes. You also need to learn the history and context of the game to appreciate its accuracy and realism, as well as its creativity and imagination.
Choose your side and scenario wisely. Wargames often let you choose your side and scenario from a list of options, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges. You need to choose your side and scenario wisely based on your goals, preferences, and playstyle. You also need to choose your side and scenario wisely based on the game's difficulty, balance, and historical accuracy.
Balance your offense and defense. Wargames often involve balancing your offense and defense, such as attacking, defending, maneuvering, retreating, etc. You need to balance your offense and defense to achieve your objectives, as well as to prevent or inflict casualties. You also need to balance your offense and defense to adapt to changing situations and conditions in the game.
Use the save feature often and use multiple slots. Wargames often have a save feature that lets you save your progress at any point in the game. You can use this feature to save before making an important decision or action, or after completing a significant achievement. You can also use multiple save slots to create different scenarios or outcomes. This way, you can go back to a previous point in the game if you make a mistake or want to try something different.
Conclusion
Strategy games are a type of video game that emphasize thinking and planning over direct action in order to achieve a goal. They can be very challenging and rewarding, but also require some skills and knowledge to play well. In this article, I have provided you with an introduction to the history, types, and tips of strategy games, as well as some recommendations for beginners to try. I hope you have learned something new and useful from this article, and that you will enjoy exploring the diverse and rich world of strategy games. Strategy games can offer you hours of fun and entertainment, as well as challenge your mind and improve your thinking skills. If you are interested in strategy games, I encourage you to try some of the titles I have mentioned, or look for other games that suit your taste and preference. You can also join online communities and forums where you can share your thoughts and experiences with other strategy game fans. Strategy games are more than just games, they are a way of learning, creating, and expressing yourself.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about strategy games:
What are the benefits of playing strategy games?
Playing strategy games can have various benefits for your mental and emotional well-being, such as:
Improving your cognitive abilities, such as memory, attention, logic, problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking.
Enhancing your emotional skills, such as patience, perseverance, resilience, confidence, and motivation.
Reducing your stress levels, anxiety, and depression, by providing you with a positive and engaging activity that distracts you from negative thoughts and feelings.
Increasing your social skills, by allowing you to interact and cooperate with other players online or offline, as well as learn from different perspectives and cultures.
Expanding your knowledge and interest in various topics, such as history, geography, science, politics, culture, etc., by exposing you to different settings and scenarios in the games.
What are the best strategy games for beginners?
The best strategy games for beginners are those that are easy to learn but hard to master, that offer a variety of options and possibilities, that have a friendly and helpful interface and tutorial, that have a reasonable difficulty curve and balance, and that have a high replay value and customization. Some examples of such games are:
Civilization VI: A turn-based 4X game that lets you build and lead a civilization from the ancient times to the modern era.
StarCraft II: A real-time tactics game that lets you command one of three factions in a sci-fi setting.
Crusader Kings III: A grand strategy game that lets you control a medieval dynasty in a historical setting.
XCOM 2: A turn-based tactics game that lets you lead a resistance force against an alien invasion.
Total War: Warhammer II: A wargame that lets you control one of four races in a fantasy setting.
How can I improve my strategy game skills?
You can improve your strategy game skills by following these tips:
Practice regularly and consistently. The more you play, the more you will learn and improve.
Learn from your mistakes and failures. Don't be discouraged by them, but rather use them as opportunities to analyze what went wrong and how to avoid or fix it in the future.
Seek feedback and advice from other players. You can join online communities and forums where you can ask questions, share tips, and learn from others' experiences and strategies.
Watch and study other players' games. You can watch online videos or streams where you can see how other players play and explain their moves and actions. You can also watch replays or recordings of your own games or others' games where you can analyze and review the game in detail.
Read and research about the game. You can read online articles, guides, reviews, blogs, etc. where you can find useful information, insights, opinions, and suggestions about the game. You can also research about the game's history, context, mechanics, systems, etc. where you can gain more knowledge and understanding of the game.
What are some of the challenges and drawbacks of playing strategy games?
Playing strategy games can also have some challenges and drawbacks, such as:
Being too complex or difficult. Strategy games often have complex and difficult systems that can be overwhelming or frustrating for some players, especially beginners. Strategy games also often have steep learning curves and high skill ceilings that can be discouraging or intimidating for some players.
Being too time-consuming or addictive. Strategy games often require a lot of time and commitment to play and enjoy, as they can be very long, deep, and immersive. Strategy games also often have a lot of replay value and customization that can make them very addictive and hard to stop playing.
Being too competitive or stressful. Strategy games often involve competing or fighting against other players or AI opponents that can be very challenging and aggressive. Strategy games also often involve making important decisions and actions that can have significant consequences and risks. These factors can make strategy games very competitive and stressful for some players.
Being too isolated or antisocial. Strategy games often involve playing alone or online, rather than with friends or family in person. Strategy games also often require a lot of focus and concentration, rather than interaction and communication. These factors can make strategy games very isolated or antisocial for some players.
How can I balance my strategy game playing with other aspects of my life?
You can balance your strategy game playing with other aspects of your life by following these tips:
Set a limit and stick to it. You can set a limit on how much time, money, or energy you spend on playing strategy games, and stick to it. You can use a timer, an alarm, a calendar, a budget, or any other tool that helps you keep track of your limit.
Have a schedule and prioritize. You can have a schedule on when you play strategy games, and prioritize your other responsibilities and activities first. You can use a planner, a to-do list, a reminder, or any other tool that helps you organize your schedule and prioritize your tasks.
Have other hobbies and interests. You can have other hobbies and interests besides playing strategy games, such as reading, writing, drawing, music, sports, etc. You can use these hobbies and interests to diversify your entertainment and enjoyment, as well as to develop your skills and talents.
Have a social life and support system. You can have a social life and support system besides playing strategy games, such as friends, family, classmates, colleagues, etc. You can use these social contacts to share your experiences and feelings, as well as to seek and offer help and support.
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