Strategy and tactics games are two popular genres of video games that require different skills and approaches from players. Both terms are often used interchangeably, but fundamentally they refer to different aspects of gameplay. While both types of games involve strategic thinking, their focus and gameplay mechanics differ. In this article, we will explore the key differences between strategy and tactics games. Depending on your preferences, you might be able to find out which of the two you would prefer after reading.

1. Scope

In strategy games, the player typically takes on the role of a leader, such as a ruler, general, or president, and may call for overseeing entire nations or civilizations, building and managing numerous infrastructures, conducting various researches and developments, and waging multiple wars. Strategy games customarily place more attention on long-term planning and resource management, demanding players to think ahead and consider the overall picture of their empire, army, or civilization. Players must make strategic decisions that will have lasting effects on the game, including which technologies to research, which units to build, and where to allocate resources.

For example, in Civilization, the player controls an entire civilization and is responsible for managing resources like food, production, gold, building cities, managing diplomacy with other players, and leading their military in battles. The player's decisions and actions affect the course of their faction over centuries of game time.

In contrast, tactics games have a narrower scope and usually stress on short-term decision-making and individual battles or skirmishes. The emphasis is on achieving imminent objectives and using tactical maneuvers to outmaneuver and defeat opponents. Players may control a smaller group of units, specifically a squad of soldiers or a team of characters, and are tasked with directing their actions in battle. Tactical decisions may comprise of positioning units, selecting specific abilities or weapons, and coordinating attacks.

For instance, in a game like XCOM, the player supervises a team of soldiers in battles against alien invaders. The player ought to make tactical decisions about positioning, cover, and weapon use in each individual battle to come out victorious. While there may be some overarching strategic decisions to make, the centre of attention is primarily on the immediate tactical situation.

2. Scale

Strategy games generally feature a larger scale than tactics games, and they also need players to manage larger and more complex systems. To exemplify, as players progress into the late game in Starraft, they typically have massive armies and multiple bases, and battles can involve hundreds of units. The game mechanics are inevitably complex, with many interdependent systems that need players to understand and manage, plus the huge number of units to control, they pose a test to the player's multitasking ability.

Contrarily, tactics games usually have a smaller scale, placing a greater weight on the development of individual units and commanding them in battles. Players may have a limited number of units to control, and battles are commonly oriented at specific objectives, such as destroying enemies’ castles, subjugating opposition generals, etc. The game mechanics tend to be more focused on tactical maneuvres, for instance choosing the right weapon or commanding units to take advantage of terrain and cover.

3. Pace

The pace of gameplay can vary widely depending on the specific game and its mechanics. These games also boast different gameplay experiences depending on whether the game is played in real-time or turn-based. As their name suggests, real-time games are played on-the-fly and players have to react immediately to changing situations. Turn-based games, however, are conducted in phases, where each player could take their time to plan and strategize their next move before the other player can act. Regardless of whether the game is played in real-time or turn-based, the pace of gameplay in strategy games versus tactics games could still differ to some extent.

Generally speaking, strategy games have a slower pace of gameplay because they oblige players to consider the lasting consequences of their decisions. It tends to mean that players are tasked with building up resources, managing an economy, and establishing development plans over a prolonged period. As such, they may take hours or even days to complete.

Tactics games, on the other hand, are typically more fast-paced, as they demand that players think on their feet and make instantaneous decisions in response to rapidly changing circumstances. In tactics games, battles are often fought on a smaller scale, with fewer units or characters involved. This indicates that the action can be more intense and concentrated, with players having to make quick decisions about positioning, movement, and attack strategies.

4. Micromanagement vs Macromanagement

In strategy/tactics games, micromanagement is a more attentive skill that involves performing small, precise adjustments to detailed gameplay elements. This could mean selecting specific units and giving them detailed orders, like telling them where to move or what actions to take. Another example of micromanagement comprises the balancing of the input of resources against its consumption, for example limiting the size of your army according to the upkeep required and the income that you could generate.

Contrastingly, macromanagement consists of making high-level decisions that could affect the overall course of the game. This might include deciding what types of buildings to construct or what types of units to produce. In addition, deciding which battles to take and which to give up is also a type of macromanagement. It indicates players’ ability to contemplate from a broader perspective, and the highlight is more on long-term strategy than on the details of individual battles or engagements.

Both strategy and tactics games have different expectations of players’ micromanagement and macromanagement skills. Strategy games often emphasize more on managing resources and establishing long-running strategic plans at the macro level. As a result, players must have strong macromanagement skills to effectively manage the economy, infrastructure, and military forces of their empire. On the other hand, players have to make calculated decisions to outmaneuver and defeat their opponents in tactics games. Thus, players should develop strong micromanagement skills to position their units, use cover effectively, and make the most of their abilities in order to achieve victory.

Closing remarks

Needless to say, there is some overlap between these two genres, and most games may incorporate elements of both strategy and tactics, thus it could be quite hard to find “pure strategy” or “pure tactics” games in the market. However, understanding the key differences between them can help players choose games that align with their preferences and play styles.

Games that focus more on strategic gameplays will centre on long-term planning and complex deliberations, offer a satisfying challenge for those who enjoy thinking several steps ahead. For starters, the Civilization series mentioned above, Crusader Kings III is a grand strategy game set in the medieval era of Europe and parts of Africa and Asia. The game features a complex character system that lets players interact with and influence other characters, and a detailed map of the world with various provinces and territories. Players could also try out Stellaris, a space-based 4X strategy game where players could explore the galaxy, colonize planets, research technologies, build fleets, and encounter numerous events and challenges.

Alternatively, games that place more weight on tactical elements will offer gameplays that require immediate, on-the-ground decision-making, providing a thrilling rush for those who enjoy reacting to rapidly changing situations. Examples include the Fire Emblem series which features rich stories and character development elements, with various casts of unique characters that players can recruit and level up over the course of the game. The game features a permadeath system, which means that these characters will die permanently if they fell in battles, thus players have to make their moves carefully in order not to lose their precious partners. Besides that, the Total War series is a more expansive take on tactical gameplay. While the series is well-known for its thrilling real-time battles carried out on a large-scale map of a historical setting, such as ancient Rome or medieval Europe, players must also engage in strategic battles to expand their empire and achieve victory.

Ultimately, both strategy and tactics games deliver fun and rewarding gameplay experiences. Although most games will contain elements from both genres, players can choose the game with the best mix from both styles based on their individual preferences. Whether you prefer the deep, immersive gameplay of a strategy game or the fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled action of a tactics game, there's something out there for everyone.

These are the opinions of gamers online regarding strategy vs tactics games, as compiled by Lluvia along with some of my views. You’re welcomed to share your take on this topic, as well as your favourite strategy/tactics games.