Are you thinking about trying a strategy game for the first time but feeling a little nervous? Don’t worry, you are not alone. Many beginners feel overwhelmed because strategy games can look complicated at first. But once you find the right one, you’ll discover how much fun and rewarding these games can be.
In this article, you’ll learn which strategy games are perfect for beginners. You’ll also find tips to make your first gaming experience enjoyable and smooth.
Let’s dive in!
What Makes a Good Beginner Strategy Game?
Before we list the best games, it’s important to understand what to look for. A good beginner strategy game should:
- Be easy to learn: You should be able to understand the basic rules quickly.
- Offer helpful tutorials: A game with a friendly tutorial will teach you how to play step-by-step.
- Be forgiving of mistakes: As a beginner, you’ll make mistakes. A good game won’t punish you too harshly.
- Have a slow pace: Fast games can make you feel rushed. A slower pace lets you think and plan properly.
- Be fun and engaging: The most important thing is that you enjoy the game!
Best Beginner Friendly Games
Now that you know what to look for, here are the best beginner-friendly strategy games you should try.
1. Plants vs. Zombies
If you are completely new to strategy games, Plants vs. Zombies is a perfect place to start.
In this game, you defend your home from silly zombies by planting different types of plants. Each plant has a special ability — some shoot, some block, and some explode!
Why it’s great for beginners:
- The rules are very easy to learn.
- The pace is slow, so you have plenty of time to think.
- It’s colourful, funny, and light-hearted.
- The difficulty rises slowly, giving you time to improve.
Tip: Focus on learning which plants work best together. It will make your defence stronger and more fun!
2. Civilization VI
If you want something a little more serious but still beginner-friendly, Civilization VI is an excellent choice.
In this game, you lead a civilization from ancient times to the modern era. You build cities, research technologies, fight wars, and make friends with other civilizations.
Why it’s great for beginners:
- The tutorial is very detailed and helpful.
- You can play at your own pace without feeling rushed.
- It teaches real-world history and strategy.
- You can win in different ways — by culture, science, war, or diplomacy.
Tip: Start on the easiest difficulty setting. Focus on building strong cities and exploring the map slowly.
3. Into the Breach
Into the Breach is a simple but smart strategy game where you control robots to fight off alien creatures.
Each battle takes place on a small 8×8 grid, and every move matters a lot. What makes it beginner-friendly is that the game clearly shows what the enemies will do next, so you can plan properly.
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Small maps make it less overwhelming.
- You can clearly see the consequences of your actions.
- It’s turn-based, so you can take your time.
- Short missions make it easy to play in short bursts.
Tip: Don’t rush your moves. Always think about where your robot will stand after an action.
4. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
If you are curious about real-time strategy (RTS) games, Age of Empires II is a legendary place to start.
You pick a civilisation and gather resources, build towns, and create armies to defeat your enemies.
Why it’s great for beginners:
- It has a very detailed tutorial.
- The AI (computer opponents) can be set to easy.
- You learn useful skills like managing resources and multitasking.
- It’s a classic with a huge friendly community online.
Tip: Practice in skirmish mode against the easiest AI before trying multiplayer matches.
5. Fire Emblem: Three Houses
If you have a Nintendo Switch, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a fantastic tactical role-playing game (RPG) to start with.
You control a group of students and guide them through school life and battles. The game is story-rich and focuses on building relationships with characters.
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Easy difficulty settings are available.
- You can turn off permanent character death (called “permadeath”) to lower the stress.
- The story keeps you invested.
- Battles are turn-based and easy to follow.
Tip: Get to know your characters well. Pairing the right students together in battle can make a huge difference.
6. Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
Don’t let the silly looks fool you — Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is a fun and clever strategy game.
You control Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Rabbids as they fight against enemies on a grid-based battlefield.
Why it’s great for beginners:
- It’s very easy to understand.
- The difficulty rises gently.
- Funny animations keep the mood light.
- It teaches you to think ahead without feeling stressful.
Tip: Always use cover to protect your characters from enemy attacks.
7. Slay the Spire
If you like the idea of mixing strategy with card games, Slay the Spire is perfect for you.
You climb a spire by battling enemies using cards. Each card represents an action like attacking, blocking, or using special powers.
Why it’s great for beginners:
- You can learn as you play.
- It’s easy to restart if you make a mistake.
- Every game feels a little different.
- It teaches you to plan with limited resources.
Tip: Focus on building a small, strong deck rather than collecting too many cards.
How to Choose the Right Strategy Game for You
Here are some quick questions you can ask yourself to pick the best game:
- Do you want a light and funny experience? → Try Plants vs. Zombies or Mario + Rabbids.
- Do you enjoy history and building? → Go for Civilization VI or Age of Empires II.
- Are you interested in strong stories? → Pick Fire Emblem: Three Houses.
- Do you love puzzles and short missions? → Try Into the Breach.
- Do you like card games? → Slay the Spire is your best bet.
No matter which one you choose, the key is to have fun and not stress too much about winning at first!
Tips for Beginners Starting a Strategy Game
Starting a new type of game can feel tough, but these tips can make it much easier for you:
- Start on the easiest difficulty: There’s no shame in it. It’s the best way to learn.
- Take your time: Many strategy games are turn-based, so think before you move
- Learn from mistakes: Losing or making a bad move is part of learning. Don’t give up
- Watch tutorials or beginner guides online: They can help you understand tricky parts.
- Play solo first: Before you play against other people, get comfortable with the game alone.
- Enjoy the journey: Winning is fun, but learning and improving is even better.
Final Words
Strategy games might look difficult at first, but once you get started, they open up a whole new world of fun, thinking, and adventure. You don’t have to be perfect. You just need to start with the right game.
Whether you’re planting goofy plants against zombies, leading a civilisation to glory, guiding students into battle, or solving alien invasions on a tiny grid — there’s a perfect strategy game waiting for you.
Pick one from the list, jump in, and enjoy the thrill of outsmarting your challenges. You’ll be surprised how quickly you’ll fall in love with strategy games!
Happy gaming!