6 Examples of Games That Take Skill and Time to Master

It is no secret that for many, video games and other types of games are a casual way to have some fun. Pastimes that are not too demanding can be great when you want to escape from your everyday life.

On the other hand, games can also be a great way to motivate yourself if you are looking to get good at something. 

There are quite a few games that take skill not just to learn but also to master. Of course, if you want to become really good at a game, you need to seek competitive environments.

Tournaments, whether they are on LAN or online, are a good way to find great players that can help you become even better.

Now, as for what games one can consider being skill-based, there are quite a few available options that we will cover below.

 

Card Games

Let’s start with card games. The likes of Blackjack and Poker have been around for ages, and there are still plenty to be considered about them, particularly the latter.

In traditional card games, the skill of a player might not seem like that big of a deal. However, such a perception is common only in those people who did not really play the games in a slightly competitive environment.

Sure, there is some luck involved, but your decision-making plays a prominent part in the whole thing, particularly when it comes to bluffing.

Collectible card games like Gwent, Hearthstone, and MTG are also good examples of card games that take time to master. However, CCG is different from traditional card games, with far more RNG and intricacies involved. Though at the same time, the more challenging and RNG-based aspects might make those games extra interesting, so do not discard them that easily.

 

RTS Games

RTS video games happen to be one of the most competitive genres in the gaming industry. Professional players compete in tournaments and show off their skills throughout the year.

Some of the best real-time strategy examples include titles like Age of Empires, Warcraft III, and Starcraft II.

A lot of the skill comes down to a player’s APM (actions per minute). Since you need to control multiple units and manage them in battles while also keeping tabs on your economy and buildings, becoming a top player is a significant challenge.

Expect to practice a lot to get good at different aspects of an RTS game. Also, you need to be practicing consistently. Otherwise, it will not take too long before you become rusty.

 

Action Brawlers

Action brawlers like Dota 2 and League of Legends are arguably the biggest reason why RTS games are not as popular as they once were.

The skill involved in MOBA games is similar to real-time strategies, except for the fact that you have to control a single unit instead of multiple units. 

These games revolve not just around yourself but also around other players. You need to cooperate with teammates and still be at the top of your game awareness-wise. Moreover, each match is different depending on the hero picks, meaning that you will need to adjust your strategy to increase the odds of winning. That in itself is a sign of how skillful someone is at a game.

Looking at some gameplay, you might be reluctant to try MOBAs because they seem to require decent computers, right? Well, that is not really the case. Even if you are on a laptop, you do not have to worry about the device’s battery dying fast because, for the most part, action brawlers are not that demanding resource-wise.

 

FPS Games

First-person shooters also have a significant industry in the world of esports. Right now, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Valoran are arguably the most popular titles in the FPS genre, though one should also not underestimate PUBG and Fortnite (these two are battle royale, which is a bit different from traditional FPS games).

Reaction time and predicting your enemies while having an excellent understanding of what is happening around you is also a big part of the game.

 

Chess

If there is one outstanding example of a game that requires a lot of skill, Chess has to be it. The game has been around for many, many years, but it continues to evolve thanks to new players joining in and introducing different approaches to the game.

You can start from the very bottom and work your way up to become a professional chess player. And even if you have no such aspirations, Chess is still an excellent choice if you like a challenge.

 

Certain Board Games

Chess can be considered a board game, but there are other board games that take skill. If you would like to try the likes of Hive, Catan, Blokus, Pandemic, and other similar board games, be sure to do that. Who knows, you might get hooked and find a new hobby that will encourage you to improve on a regular basis to become a better player.