Strategy games have always been one of the most difficult types of games to play. It requires a lot of mental work to make sure that you are playing the game right. Most strategy games involve different mechanics and play styles that you need to learn from scratch.
These games have more than just one facet of gameplay. Sometimes, they can have layers and layers of strategy involved which makes them even more difficult.
However, practicing and learning the game comes with the territory and when you do overcome such obstacles, the game is often a very rewarding experience. Read on to learn about some of the hardest strategy games.
StarCraft II
StarCraft II is the follow-up to the widely successful StarCraft game. Released in 2010, the game is a direct sequel to StarCraft and its expansion Brood War.
Fans of the game waited in bated breath when it was announced that a sequel was being developed, and even more so when it was released after waiting 12 years.
Much like its predecessor, StarCraft II is a real-time strategy game that revolves around three different species, namely the Terrans, the Protoss, and the Zergs.
The game follows the story of Jim Raynor and his attempts at dismantling the Terran Dominion, while also searching for ways to get the love of his life back.
Command & Conquer: Tiberian Dawn
Known for being one of the first real-time strategy games to be played, Command & Conquer: Tiberian Dawn is oftentimes tagged as one of the most difficult strategy games to play for a few reasons.
First, fans of the game have already clamored for changes when they realized that the AI in this game is very challenging to beat. Players would often get stomped during the early phase by attacking your base early on.
Aside from the overturned AI, the game also has very vague mission objectives that can have consequences in the later parts of the campaign. Most of the game's specific missions can be very misleading and they are often misunderstood by players.
Overall, Command & Conquer: Tiberian Dawn is still a fun real-time strategy game that covers all the necessary features that every RTS fan can enjoy. Someone just needs to tone down the AI a bit and clear things up with the objectives of each mission to make this game more enjoyable.
Dawn of Discovery
This is another real-time strategy game with a very different take on the genre. Many RTS games often use different kinds of units to expand, invade, and eliminate an opposing faction. In Dawn of Discovery, you can win without having to fight your opponents.
And, this is where the game gets difficult. Yes, you can still use force to gain control of resources and territory, but it is not the ultimate goal of the game. Players benefit more from using diplomacy as a way of winning the game instead of the use of violence.
When you deal with diplomacy, you will have to interact and create a relationship with other factions in the game that is controlled by an AI.
This could very well mean trading and providing a good economic relationship with your opponents. Alliances are also a key factor in winning the game which adds even more depth to an already difficult strategy game to play.
Heroes of Might and Magic III
Heroes of Might and Magic III is the third installment of the Heroes of Might and Magic franchise. This turn-based strategy game incorporates different factions as you try to expand your domain by conquering other factions within the map.
Players will have to seek out resources to fund their units which are replenished every week. What truly makes Heroes of Might and Magic III strategically difficult is that it has over 9 different factions, and each faction has almost 14 units to choose from.
Apart from learning the mechanics of each unit, you will also have to learn how to move each unit during battles, like playing chess.
Playing a single game of Heroes can last from an hour or even five if you are playing on a very large map. The game has been widely praised by many critics due to its diverse and unique factions apart from its turn-based combat system and in-depth strategy.
Conclusion
While most games offer simple mechanics to make it easier, there is also a wide audience of players that are compelled to play some of the most strategic games.
The games listed above have been known to be quite difficult to win, but are very rewarding to play when mastered. If you want to learn about how to play other video games, then check out our other articles.
