I’ve been playing War Online with my friends, but it’s starting to feel too shallow for my taste. It’s based on a family board game, so the mechanics are pretty simple and can lead to repetitive strategies. While I’ve tried to convince them to switch to more complex games like Civilization or Stellaris, the hefty tutorials just intimidate them. I’m looking for multiplayer strategy games that have more depth than War Online but aren’t too overwhelming for beginners. Any suggestions that could ease them into the world of strategy games?
6 Answers
Halo Wars 2 might be a good fit too. My son was able to get into it at just 7 years old, and it’s pretty straightforward to pick up.
You could also try Heroes of Might and Magic 3. It’s a classic with great depth and strategy. It’s available on GOG with an expansion pack that adds even more content. Plus, it has an active online community, which could be fun!
You might want to check out Mechabellum for a turn-based strategy experience. If RTS is more your style, Beyond All Reason is a solid choice. Both games have enough depth to keep you engaged without being too complicated for newcomers.
Have you considered base-building games like Command and Conquer? They have a high skill ceiling, but the gameplay is straightforward enough that you won’t need insane APM against players of similar skill.
If you’re looking for something really accessible, Age of Empires II is a great option! It has a comprehensive tutorial, a rich tech tree, and ample room for strategy without being overwhelming. Plus, its ongoing updates keep it fresh!
Age of Wonders 4 could be worth looking into! It offers a lot of customization options and you can pick how complex the game gets with optional DLC. There have been some reports of multiplayer desync issues, but if they get patched, it’s a fantastic choice!
