Complexity
Best Deep systems Games
Interconnected mechanics requiring significant learning
48 games ranked by deep systems intensity
Songs of Syx
WindowsmacOSLinux
City/empire buildingSandboxTerritory controlPixel artOpen world
ISLANDERS
WindowsmacOS
City/empire buildingMinimalistMeditativeBase managementResource management
Before We Leave
WindowsmacOS
City/empire buildingSandboxBase managementResource managementPick-up-and-play
They Are Billions
Windows
City/empire buildingBase managementResource managementDeep systemsEmergent narrative
Darkest Dungeon® II
WindowsmacOS
Cosmic horrorTurn-based combatMethodicalExplorationTense
Baldur's Gate 3
WindowsmacOS
Dialogue choicesLinear storyTurn-based combatDeep systemsFantasy mythology
Pillars of Eternity
WindowsmacOSLinux
ExplorationOpen worldFantasy mythologyLinear storySolo contemplative
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire
WindowsmacOSLinux
Dialogue choicesOpen worldExplorationTurn-based combatDeep systems
Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition
WindowsmacOSLinux
Dialogue choicesOpen worldLinear storyDeep systemsFantasy mythology
Divinity: Original Sin 2 - Definitive Edition
WindowsmacOS
Dialogue choicesExplorationLocal multiplayerTurn-based combatMethodical
Divinity: Original Sin - Enhanced Edition
WindowsmacOSLinux
Open worldLocal multiplayerTurn-based combatCo-op chaosExploration
Pathfinder: Kingmaker — Enhanced Plus Edition
WindowsmacOSLinux
Dialogue choicesOpen worldTurn-based combatDeep systemsLinear story
Pathologic 2
Windows
Dialogue choicesMystery and detectiveOpen worldLinear storySkill mastery
Fallout 2: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game
Windows
Open worldExplorationSandboxTurn-based combatSolo contemplative
Cattails | Become a Cat!
WindowsmacOS
Pixel artBase managementOpen worldPick-up-and-playResource management
Farm Together
WindowsmacOSLinux
Base managementSandboxDeep systemsMeditativeCo-op chaos
Caves of Qud
WindowsmacOSLinux
Open worldPixel artDialogue choicesTurn-based combatSci-fi technology
Tainted Grail: Conquest
WindowsLinux
Deck buildingDialogue choicesRoguelike loopsBase managementLinear story
Disco Elysium - The Final Cut
WindowsmacOS
Dialogue choicesMystery and detectiveOpen worldLinear storySolo contemplative
Planescape: Torment: Enhanced Edition
WindowsmacOSLinux
Dialogue choicesLinear storyTurn-based combatDeep systemsFantasy mythology
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous - Enhanced Edition
WindowsmacOS
Open worldSolo contemplativeExplorationLinear storyTurn-based combat
Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition
WindowsmacOSLinux
Fantasy mythologyDialogue choicesDeep systemsSolo contemplativeLinear story
The Bard's Tale IV: Director's Cut
WindowsmacOSLinux
Turn-based combatExplorationPuzzle solvingFantasy mythologyDialogue choices
Cult of the Lamb
WindowsmacOS
Base managementWhimsicalSolo contemplativeExplorationResource management
Wasteland 3
WindowsmacOSLinux
Dialogue choicesOpen worldTurn-based combatDeep systemsLinear story
Dragon Age™: The Veilguard
Windows
Dialogue choicesSolo contemplativeMethodicalTurn-based combatDeep systems
Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew
Windows
Dialogue choicesMap scaleStealthMethodicalResource management
Slay the Princess — The Pristine Cut
WindowsmacOSLinux
TenseDialogue choicesLinear storySolo contemplativeExistential dread
SPORE™
Windows
Open worldSandboxBase managementResource managementExploration
The Scroll Of Taiwu
Windows
SandboxOpen worldFantasy mythologyAnime/mangaMelee combat
Gujian3(古剑奇谭三)
Windows
Open worldFantasy mythologySkill masteryAnime/mangaLinear story
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
WindowsmacOS
Dialogue choicesLinear storyTurn-based combatMethodicalSolo contemplative
Fallout: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game
Windows
Open worldExplorationSandboxTurn-based combatSolo contemplative
Tree of Savior (English Ver.)
Windows
MMO socialAnime/mangaExplorationOpen worldFantasy mythology
Europa Universalis IV
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleSandboxSpreadsheet territoryMethodicalMulti-hour deep dives
Crusader Kings II
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleSandboxSpreadsheet territoryMulti-hour deep divesDiplomacy
Crusader Kings III
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleDialogue choicesResource managementTech/research treesSpreadsheet territory
Hearts of Iron IV
WindowsmacOSLinux
DiplomacyMap scaleSandboxOpen worldMethodical
Hearts of Iron III
WindowsmacOS
Map scaleSandboxSpreadsheet territoryMethodicalMulti-hour deep dives
Stellaris
WindowsmacOSLinux
Territory controlMap scaleExplorationSandboxSci-fi technology
Victoria 3
WindowsmacOSLinux
Territory controlMap scaleSandboxSpreadsheet territoryMulti-hour deep dives
Imperator: Rome
WindowsmacOSLinux
Territory controlMap scaleOpen worldSandboxDialogue choices
Total War: THREE KINGDOMS
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleSandboxMethodicalTurn-based combatTerritory control
Total War: ROME II - Emperor Edition
WindowsmacOS
Map scaleMethodicalTurn-based combatTerritory controlSpreadsheet territory
Total War: ATTILA
WindowsLinux
Map scaleOpen worldMethodicalResource managementTurn-based combat
Total War: PHARAOH
WindowsmacOS
Map scaleMethodicalResource managementTech/research treesReal-time combat
Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition
WindowsmacOSLinux
Map scaleSandboxMethodicalResource managementTech/research trees
A Total War Saga: TROY
WindowsmacOS
Fantasy mythologyMap scaleSandboxMMO socialMethodical