Top Strategy Games That Start You With Almost Nothing, Ranked

Summary

Starting with minimal resources, strategy games like Thronefall and Dune: Spice Wars offer a challenging and rewarding experience.
Despite a lack of initial assets, titles like Battle Brothers and Darkest Dungeon provide players with intense and unforgiving gameplay.
StarCraft 2’s zero starting resources lead to a fast-paced and competitive gaming experience, requiring efficient decision-making and strategy.

Many games offer a swift feeling of achievement to players, allowing them to advance easily with minimal exertion initially. Yet, by limiting the number of starting resources, certain games create gameplay experiences that become increasingly satisfying as time passes.

These strategy games usually don’t offer many initial resources, particularly for match-based ones. But starting players from scratch isn’t always beneficial; the top games in this category often use limited resources as a source of conflict to foster engaging gameplay. By presenting challenges that require clever and efficient resource management, these games encourage creative problem-solving skills among the players.

8. Thronefall

A Minimalist Combination Of RTS & Tower Defense

In “Thronefall”, you’re engaged in a blend of minimalist tower defense and real-time strategy where you begin with minimal resources. Your objective is to build up your defenses as well as your economy using only a small amount of gold coins provided at the start. Balancing the management of these two aspects effectively is crucial for success in this game.

The user-friendly design in Thronefall is praiseworthy, yet it caters well to those seeking a test of skill. This is notably true due to the incorporation of a scoring mechanism. Nevertheless, Thronefall moves at a swift pace, meaning players won’t need to put in excessive effort before their realm starts expanding.

7. Quasimorph

Tactical Extraction In A Dark & Gritty Universe

In the harsh, turn-based strategy game you find yourself in, players start with just a minimal amount of supplies provided by Quasimorph. This is the sole act of kindness they receive. Surrounded by an ominous, Eldritch-filled future and confronted by belligerent goons, players must scavenge for survival amidst decaying facilities, always mindful not to meet their end.

In the world of Quasimorph, death is unavoidable. Yet, even with this permanent consequence, players can still leverage items stored in their cargo hold. This feature ensures a feeling of progression without easing up on the game’s challenge, leading to a remarkably satisfying gaming experience.

6. Dune: Imperium

Slow-Burning Deck-Building & Minimal Actions

As a devoted fan, I’ve found myself immersed in the strategic world of Dune: Imperium, where I begin with a humble collection of cards and scant resources to work with. The cards here are generally costly, and even procuring the less expensive ones often requires giving up turn efficiency. It’s a game of resource management, as we start with a limited supply, and, for the most part, there aren’t many exceptions.

In the game Dune: Imperium, the worker placement system initially presents a challenge due to limiting players to a single action per turn. Yet, this deliberate, measured progression ultimately leads to a richer and more satisfying gameplay experience.

5. Battle Brothers

An Unforgiving Sandbox RPG With Slow Progression

Battle Brothers is an open-world role-playing game where you manage a mercenary group in a perilous world with minimal magic elements. While there are options for customizing your initial locations, Battle Brothers usually starts players off with very few resources.

Based on the decisions players make, they receive minimal amounts of money. No matter what choices are made, resources and numbers are scarce, making Battle Brothers a challenging experience right from the beginning. Additionally, it’s quite simple to lose important members of your company during battles, and it takes numerous hours of gameplay before players can feel settled in their circumstances. However, this just makes each victory more satisfying.

4. Darkest Dungeon

A Constantly Punishing Dungeon-Crawler

In simpler terms, “Darkest Dungeon” is a challenging strategy role-playing game that leans heavily on roguelike elements. At first, you’ll find yourself with minimal resources, such as party members and equipment, and even the town itself needs significant improvements.

Starting off with just a bit of coin in Darkest Dungeon, every victory over its formidable challenges feels that much sweeter. While the game might initially seem grim, I’m greeted with a decent chunk of change to kick things off. But it doesn’t take long for those funds to start running low.

3. Kenshi

An Open-Ended Sandbox In A Hostile World

Offering a vast and merciless open world, Kenshi stands out as a sandbox RPG that empowers players with real autonomy. It doesn’t guide you towards specific objectives, instead opting for a hands-off approach that grants unprecedented freedom. Yet, this very feature might make Kenshi slightly challenging for beginners to grasp.

In Kenshi, the scarcity of starting resources makes it seem more challenging for newcomers. Regardless of the player’s chosen beginning point, the default setting typically gives control over a solitary character with minimal possessions. However, this blank slate offers the freedom to shape their character according to personal preferences.

2. Dune: Spice Wars

A Methodical Combination Of RTS & 4X Mechanics

Spice Wars” is a methodical strategy game that skillfully blends aspects from 4X and Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games. One aspect contributing to its gradual buildup is the scarcity of initial resources it provides players, leaving them with only limited access to the numerous resources scattered throughout the game.

As a fan, I’m excitedly diving into Dune: Spice Wars, where I start with no territorial claims other than a main base that initially remains off-limits for construction. The game kicks off with no military units or spice harvesters at my disposal, and just a solitary ornithopter to explore the vast landscape. This initial phase is quite thrilling as I scramble to claim valuable territories and swiftly build up resources, making every second count!

1. StarCraft 2

A Fast-Paced Race From Zero Resources

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but sing praises for StarCraft 2 – a timeless real-time strategy gem that remains engaging even today. What sets it apart is its unique, asymmetric factions and the mind-boggling build variety on offer. Yet, this game isn’t always a walk in the park; it can be an initially daunting experience, not just due to the breakneck pace necessary for competitive play, but also because each match begins with a clean canvas, leaving you to chart your own strategic course from scratch.

In the game of StarCraft 2, players begin with no resources at all and only twelve workers. This setup offers players total flexibility at the outset, but it also demands efficiency, as prematurely constructing army units or investing in technology may significantly strain a player’s economy. For beginners, mastering a basic build order can simplify StarCraft 2’s online gameplay, serving as a foundation for players to showcase their skills and foster creativity.

2025-03-19 07:34