Summary
Strategy games are typically oriented around warfare, especially older titles and classic real-time strategy games. While some often feature options for diplomacy, particularly in the 4X genre, many of them encourage frequent combat and domination as their core gameplay mechanics.
Some strategy titles, however, allow players to take a more passive or even peaceful approach. These titles don’t necessarily facilitate conflict-free experiences. However, each of them gives players frequent opportunities to avoid conflict, be it the negotiation system inGriftlands, or the passive victory conditions inDune: Spice Wars. Here are some of the best strategy games for players who prefer diplomatic solutions.
Star Traders: Frontiersis a sandbox RPG that features two distinctive combat systems: one for ground, and another for spaceship battles. However, conflict can often be avoided inStar Traders, allowing players more freedom to pursue the trading aspect of the game.
Furthermore,Star Tradersfeatures a great deal of customization that allows players to specialize their ship and crew. For players thatenjoy space explorationand trading mechanics,Star Tradersis worth a shot. Still, combat is not entirely avoidable, so bear that in mind when diving in.
For The Kingis a strategy RPG with a roguelike structure that excels withits simple dungeon-crawlingand overworld exploration. It’s this overworld gameplay that helpsFor The Kingto stand out, offering a tabletop-like puzzle that encourages players to find the optimal path.
Primary combat encounters are not avoidable inFor The King, but avoiding enemies in the overworld can be integral to success. Being worn down by minor encounters en route to an important dungeon can be severely detrimental, and this puts an emphasis on careful exploration and planning to avoid unnecessary fights.
Kenshiisan RPG that emphasizes sandbox playwith an open world and a focus on player agency. It accomplishes this via a hands-off approach to design that allows players to set their own goals, rather than being funneled through scripted sequences or a preset narrative.
Supporting this is a variety of interlocking systems that facilitate emergent gameplay, resulting in a living, breathing world for players to explore. There are many opportunities for conflict inKenshi’sharsh and hostile world, and sometimes the situation is simply not avoidable. However, the agency that players are afforded ensures that, for the most part, they’re able to carve their own path.
Though somewhat abstracted by its casino theme,Balatro’sstring of score-attack encounters provide a great deal of conflict throughout each run. However, this deck-builder allows players to skip past these encounters — though they do so at their own risk.
Skipping a blind inBalatrogrants players a special boon called a ‘tag,’ which can provide useful enhancements. However, doing so robs players of the ability to purchase new cards and Jokers, as they’re only able to visit the shop after completing a blind. This adds an extra layer of strategy to an already strategic game, elevating the overall experience by allowing players to weigh their options and choose whether to avoid conflict.
Dune: Imperiumcombines worker-placementand deck-buildingfor a unique tabletop experience, expertly adapted to a digital environment by Dire Wolf. With its myriad board spaces and diverse selection of cards and characters,Dune: Imperiumprovides a denseand strategic sandbox.
Elevating this is a unique system for conflict, which offers up a series of rewards for competing in battle. Competing in these conflicts, however, is entirely optional. While it would be hard to win a game ofDune: Imperiumby avoiding every conflict, there remain other methods of scoring points.
Griftlandsisa distinctive roguelikedeck-builder that stands out with its RPG elements and, more specifically, its dual combat system. These two systems facilitate both violence and pacifism within the game, allowing players to negotiate with their enemies rather than killing them.
Though players may not be able to avoid conflict in the truest sense of the word, violence is frequently avoidable. As a result,Griftlandsis able to provide an experience that’s both diverse and immersive, and particularly unique for a roguelike deck-builder.
Dune: Spice Warsis a distinctive combination of 4X and real-time strategy that excels with its multitude of victory conditions. From outright domination to economic victory, there are many paths to success in the sandbox of Arrakis, especially giventhe diversity of playable factions.
Best of all,Dune: Spice Warsfeatures an intuitive system for politics and intrigue, allowing players to pursue political victories or supplement their current goals with powerful boons. All of this can be done without fighting one another, and peace treaties can often be beneficial for everyone. However, conflict can become unavoidable if a stronger player chooses to declare war.
