Complexity
Best Moderate depth Games
Some systems to learn, reasonable complexity
48 games ranked by moderate depth intensity
Crusader Kings III
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleDialogue choicesResource managementTech/research treesSpreadsheet territory
Total War: WARHAMMER
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleOpen worldMethodicalFantasy mythologyReal-time combat
Shadow Empire
Windows
Map scaleAsync communityMethodicalResource managementTech/research trees
ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS XIV
Windows
Warfare emphasisDiplomacyMap scaleTurn-based combatMethodical
Age of Wonders 4
Windows
Map scaleDialogue choicesExplorationMethodicalTech/research trees
Age of Wonders III
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleMethodicalTech/research treesTurn-based combatTerritory control
ENDLESS™ Space 2
WindowsmacOS
Map scaleOpen worldSandboxMethodicalResource management
ENDLESS™ Legend
WindowsmacOS
Map scaleExplorationOpen worldSandboxMethodical
Thea: The Awakening
Windows
Fantasy mythologyDialogue choicesResource managementTech/research treesTurn-based combat
Thea 2: The Shattering
Windows
Deck buildingResource managementTech/research treesTurn-based combatTerritory control
Sorcerer King: Rivals
Windows
Map scaleSandboxDialogue choicesSpreadsheet territoryTech/research trees
Worlds of Magic
WindowsmacOSLinux
MethodicalTech/research treesTurn-based combatSpreadsheet territoryTerritory control
Eador. Masters of the Broken World
Windows
MethodicalTech/research treesTurn-based combatTerritory controlFantasy mythology
Warlock - Master of the Arcane
Windows
Map scaleMethodicalTech/research treesTurn-based combatTerritory control
Warlock 2: The Exiled
WindowsmacOSLinux
Tech/research treesFantasy mythologyTurn-based combatTerritory controlSpreadsheet territory
Kenshi
Windows
Open worldSandboxCity/empire buildingCraftingResource management
Going Medieval
Windows
City/empire buildingSandboxBase managementResource managementEmergent narrative
Amazing Cultivation Simulator
Windows
SandboxFantasy mythologyBase managementOpen worldAnime/manga
First Feudal
Windows
City/empire buildingSandboxBase managementResource managementEmergent narrative
Tropico 5
WindowsLinux
City/empire buildingSandboxOpen worldResource managementBase management
Into the Breach
WindowsmacOSLinux
Turn-based combatPixel artMethodicalPuzzle solvingSci-fi technology
XCOM® 2
WindowsmacOSLinux
Turn-based combatPuzzle solvingMethodicalSci-fi technologyRoguelike loops
XCOM: Enemy Unknown
WindowsLinux
Turn-based combatMethodicalSci-fi technologySolo contemplativeRoguelike loops
XCOM®: Chimera Squad
Windows
MethodicalTurn-based combatSolo contemplativeSci-fi technologyResource management
BATTLETECH
WindowsmacOSLinux
MethodicalTurn-based combatSci-fi technologySolo contemplativeExploration
Jagged Alliance 3
Windows
MethodicalTurn-based combatCollectionSolo contemplativeWar and conflict
Wartales
Windows
Open worldExplorationSandboxTurn-based combatMethodical
Slay the Spire
WindowsmacOSLinux
Deck buildingTurn-based combatSolo contemplativeSkill masteryExploration
Darkest Dungeon®
WindowsmacOSLinux
Turn-based combatCosmic horrorExplorationTenseSkill mastery
Darkest Dungeon® II
WindowsmacOS
Cosmic horrorTurn-based combatMethodicalExplorationTense
Armello
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleCompetitive rankedTurn-based combatTerritory controlDeck building
Monster Train
Windows
Deck buildingDialogue choicesTurn-based combatMethodicalCompetitive ranked
Griftlands
WindowsmacOSLinux
Deck buildingDialogue choicesTurn-based combatLinear storySolo contemplative
Renowned Explorers: International Society
WindowsmacOSLinux
ExplorationDiplomacyMethodicalTurn-based combatSolo contemplative
For The King
WindowsmacOSLinux
Open worldLocal multiplayerCo-op chaosTurn-based combatExploration
ELDEN RING
Windows
Skill masteryOpen worldMelee combatTenseCompetitive ranked
DARK SOULS™ III
Windows
Skill masteryExplorationOpen worldMelee combatTense
Baldur's Gate 3
WindowsmacOS
Dialogue choicesLinear storyTurn-based combatDeep systemsFantasy mythology
Dragon's Dogma 2
Windows
Open worldSolo contemplativeExplorationPhysics puzzlesCollection
Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition
Windows
Melee combatSkill masteryCollectionCo-op chaosLinear story
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Windows
Open worldDialogue choicesSandboxLinear storyExploration
Sekiro™: Shadows Die Twice - GOTY Edition
Windows
Melee combatStealthOpen worldSkill masterySolo contemplative
Monster Hunter: World
Windows
Open worldExplorationSkill masteryMMO socialCo-op chaos
Lies of P
WindowsmacOS
Skill masteryExplorationDialogue choicesMelee combatSolo contemplative
Persona 5 Royal
Windows
Dialogue choicesMystery and detectiveAnime/mangaTurn-based combatLinear story
Pillars of Eternity
WindowsmacOSLinux
ExplorationOpen worldFantasy mythologyLinear storySolo contemplative
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire
WindowsmacOSLinux
Dialogue choicesOpen worldExplorationTurn-based combatDeep systems
Crusader Kings II
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleSandboxSpreadsheet territoryMulti-hour deep divesDiplomacy