How to become a master of strategy games for PC games

Author : Nancie Lara

Published: 11.13.2024

Views : 147338

There are many genres in the world of computer games, but among them, strategy games (or RTS - real-time strategy) occupy a special place. They require not only dexterity and reaction, but also analytical thinking, the ability to plan several steps ahead and coordinate many aspects of the gameplay at the same time. In this article, we'll take a look at the best strategy games for PC games and provide useful tips on how to become a master in RTS and other genres.

What is RTS and why are they so popular?

RTS (Real-Time Strategy) games are games in which the action takes place in real time, rather than in turn-based strategy games. Players manage resources, armies, and construction, making decisions that can instantly affect the course of the game. Some of the most popular RTS games include titans such as StarCraft, Age of Empires, Warcraft, Command & Conquer, and many more.

Notably, RTS games provide players with a high level of engagement. Each match is unique, as there is no predetermined strategy that would guarantee victory. This creates space for creativity, as well as develops the ability to quickly adapt to changes and react to the actions of the enemy.

Key strategies for RTS games

1. Resource Management

In any RTS game, the most important element is the proper management of resources. To build an army and develop your base, you need to efficiently collect resources (e.g. gold, wood, stone, etc.), construct buildings and use them to create units and upgrades. It is important for beginner players to master the principles of resource gathering and make sure that their economy is always afloat.

Advice:

• Don't forget to keep an eye on the balance between resource extraction and army building. Overspending at one stage can lead to a deficit that slows down your progress.
• In the early stages of the game, focus on rapidly expanding your base and building important facilities for resource extraction.

2. Exploration and map control

It is impossible to win without information. Knowing the position of the enemy's forces allows you to make more competent decisions, whether offensive or defensive. Scouting gives you the ability to monitor the enemy's movements, find their vulnerabilities and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Advice:

• Constantly send units to scout new areas of the map. It is important to monitor key points such as resources and strategic facilities.
• Develop the ability to stealth and use units for reconnaissance in order to learn about the enemy's intentions in time.

3. Building a strong army

The army is your main force, but it must be diverse and balanced. One type of unit may be effective in one situation, but useless in another. The ideal army is a combination of infantry, cavalry, archers, siege troops, and other types of units, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

Advice:

• Use the principle of "counter-units", in which certain types of troops are strong against others. For example, marksmen are effective against infantry, but vulnerable to cavalry.
• Pay attention to the possibility of mass production of units in order to have a superiority in numbers at a critical moment.

4. Micromanagement and macro management

Micromanagement is the ability to effectively manage individual units and groups in battle, while macromanagement is the ability to manage the entire army, base, and resources as a whole. In order to become a master in RTS, it is important to learn how to use both of these techniques.

Advice:

• Practice controlling individual units during hostilities. The ability to quickly move and attack units at the right time is key.
• Constantly monitor the development of the economy and the army so as not to find yourself in a situation where you are caught off guard.

5. Strategic moments and timing

In many RTS games, there is a key point in time when one side can change the course of the game. It could be when the enemy is weakened, his economy is in crisis, or when your troops are ready for a decisive blow. Timing is the most important component of strategy.

Advice:

• Study and analyze the key moments of the game when the attack or defense will be most effective.
• Prepare in advance for decisive battles, creating the conditions for your success at the right moment.

Strategies for other genres

In addition to RTS, there are many other genres of strategies, such as turn-based strategies (TBS), card strategies, mobile strategies, etc.

Turn-based strategies (TBS)

In TBS games, the emphasis is on tactics and planning. Here, each move can radically change the balance of power, so it is important to always think over your actions a few steps ahead.

Advice:

• In turn-based strategies, it is worth considering the weaknesses and strengths of both your own and enemy units.
• Plan your move in such a way as to minimize damage from the enemy and make the most of your resources.

Card Strategy

Card strategies such as Hearthstone or Gwent require not only the ability to arrange cards in the right sequence, but also competent deck management, knowledge of enemy weaknesses, and quick decision-making.

Advice:

• Build a balanced deck that will be strong in any situation.
• Play card games with awareness of your strategy and always try to predict your opponent's move.

Mobile strategies

Mobile strategies are often based on simplified mechanisms, but require attentiveness and quick decision-making. It is important to manage time and resources wisely.

Advice:

• In mobile games, take into account the dynamic change of the situation, where your army or resources can change in a few minutes.
• Focus on upgrading quickly and defending in the first minutes of the game.

How to become a master?

To become a master in RTS and other strategy genres, you need not only to develop technical skills, but also to master the key principles of management. Here are some important recommendations:

• Practice is the most important element in becoming a master. Play often, even if you lose. Every loss is an opportunity to learn.
• Learning other people's strategies - analyze professionals and watch their matches. Learn from their successes and mistakes.
• Experiment with tactics – try different strategies and approaches. You can't become an expert if you don't experiment with different methods.
• Development of critical thinking – the ability to make decisions quickly and correctly is one of the most important skills.

Conclusion

Strategy games are not only entertainment, but also a real arena for training mental abilities. To become a master in the genre of RTS and other strategies, you need to work on developing the skills of management, analysis, adaptation and decision-making. And most importantly – never stop there, improve your skills, and success will not be long in coming.