Dustin is a passionate board game enthusiast with a competitive edge and a love for cooperative gaming. With a strong foundation in mathematics, he enjoys delving into the statistical and probability aspects of games. Outside of the gaming world, Dustin is a keen chess player and enjoys exploring the great outdoors on hiking trails.
Hey there! If you're looking for some good simple strategy games, you've come to the right place. As a game designer, I've had the pleasure of creating and playing a wide variety of board games, including many that are perfect for beginners or those who prefer a more straightforward strategy. If you're interested in unique strategy games, check out our guide to unique strategy board games. Now, here are a few of my top recommendations:
1. Ticket to Ride: This game is a classic and a personal favorite of mine. It's easy to learn and perfect for players of all ages. The goal is to build train routes across the country, connecting cities and completing your tickets. The strategy lies in deciding which routes to claim and blocking your opponents from completing theirs. It's a great introduction to strategy games and offers a good mix of luck and planning. Ticket to Ride is also featured in our list of top 10 family-friendly board games.
2. Carcassonne: In this game, players take turns placing tiles to build a medieval landscape. The goal is to strategically place your meeples (little wooden figures) on roads, cities, and fields to score points. The simple rules make it easy to pick up, but the strategic decisions of where to place your meeples can be quite challenging. It's a game that offers endless possibilities and can be enjoyed by both casual and experienced players.
3. Splendor: Splendor is a gem-collecting game where players take on the role of Renaissance merchants. The objective is to collect and trade gems to purchase development cards, which in turn provide permanent bonuses. The game is easy to learn, but the strategy lies in efficiently managing your resources and timing your purchases. It's a game that rewards careful planning and can be enjoyed by both beginners and more experienced players. If you're a fan of puzzle-solving, you might also enjoy our top picks for puzzle board games.
4. Azul: Azul is a visually stunning game where players take turns drafting and placing colorful tiles to decorate a palace. The goal is to score points by completing rows and columns of tiles. The strategy comes into play when deciding which tiles to take and where to place them. It's a game that requires both tactical thinking and long-term planning, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a mix of strategy and puzzle-solving.
5. Kingdomino: Kingdomino is a tile-laying game where players build their own kingdoms by connecting different types of terrain. The goal is to create the most valuable kingdom by strategically placing tiles and maximizing your scoring opportunities. The game is easy to learn, but the strategy lies in making the best choices based on the available tiles and the scoring conditions. It's a game that offers a good balance between simplicity and depth.
So there you have it, some good simple strategy games to get you started. Whether you're new to strategy games or just looking for something a bit more straightforward, these games are sure to provide hours of fun and strategic thinking. If you're interested in hosting a board game night with friends, check out our guide on how to host the ultimate board game party. Happy gaming!