Grand strategy games like Crusader Kings 3 or Hearts of Iron 4 can be a great time, but the complexity that lies at the center of their appeal can also be intimidating to genre newcomers. Fortunately, those who want a gentler introduction to the strategy space can find enjoyably (but not impenetrably) dense starting points like Total War: Pharaoh, Age of Empires 4, or, very soon, the RTS and grand strategy mash up of the upcoming Renaissance Kingdom Wars.