Home
/
Indie games
/
Indie game reviews
/

Challenging games without real time combat options

Challenging Games Without Real-Time Combat | Players Seek Thoughtful Choices

By

Chloe Kim

Dec 30, 2025, 07:00 AM

Updated

Dec 30, 2025, 07:08 AM

2 minutes of duration

A collage of strategy and logic games including characters and elements from Crusader Kings 3 and Fear and Hunger, set against a background of gaming devices like PC and Switch.
popular

A rising number of players are advocating for games that provide brainy challenges without the strain of real-time combat. This push comes as gamers increasingly report physical discomfort during action-heavy gameplay, sparking a conversation about alternatives that stimulate the mind while being easier on the hands.

New Titles Gaining Attention

Players have highlighted several games that cater to cerebral tastes, emphasizing their difficulty and strategic depth:

  • Divinity Original Sin 2: Noted for its harder combat mechanics, making it a strong contender for strategic gameplay.

  • Fantasian: Recommended for its challenging turn-based gameplay, especially in the latter stages.

  • Against the Storm: Offers a unique twist, focusing on settlement building without combat pressures.

  • Darkest Dungeon: Acknowledged for its challenging mechanics that don't provoke physical discomfort with its turn-based system.

  • XCOM 2: Continues to be a staple recommendation among the community for its blend of strategy and difficulty.

  • Fire Emblem games: Praised for tough challenges, especially on the hardest difficulties.

"The dialogue in Tactical Breach Wizards is incredibly well done," one player remarked, signaling that engaging narratives and strategic mechanics are a big draw.

Players Share Their Experiences

Many comments reveal a strong desire for games like Etrian Odyssey, where tactical decisions are crucial and every turn counts. Users are embracing titles that are both mentally stimulating and offer robust challenges without the frustration of real-time combat.

One gamer cautioned, "You should be playing on honor mode or at least turn legendary actions on in BG3. The bosses with legendary actions are so good!"

Highlights from the Community

As players explore their options, the conversation continues to evolve:

  • Echoing Frustrations: Players like one who stated, "I just want to play some games that will make my brain work hard without causing me actual physical pain," reflect a shared sentiment.

  • Game Recommendations: Suggestions like Triangle Strategy and Phoenix Point are cropping up as worthy contenders, emphasizing strategic gameplay.

Key Insights

  • โ—ˆ Many players favor games that prioritize strategy over reflex-based action.

  • โšก Divinity Original Sin 2 and Darkest Dungeon lead as preferred recommendations for difficult turn-based challenges.

  • โ—ผ๏ธ Amid shared frustrations, the community is actively curating lists of compatible titles, striving for enjoyable gaming experiences.

Players are clearly looking for a shift in gaming experiences, aiming for options that present tough challenges without the common physical toll of action-driven games. As this movement continues to gain momentum, developers may take note of this demand for smarter, more thoughtful gameplay.