Best grand strategy games but simpler?

[Richard I]

I am loving Civ VI, but want a different feel sometimes. Something where it's more of looking at a realistic world map and controlling a country. Then try to dominate the world however you wish as whatever country you choose.

I tried HOI4, but it's gonna be a bit before I can get into it. It's extremely complicated in my opinion.

[SLG]

Have you looked at Stellaris and Humankind?

[failsafe]

HOI4 / Stellaris / Crusader Kings - not really easy games, plenty of things that u need to learn and understand. These games seem playable after investing a lot of time. On the other hand: if you are looking for grand strategies... they have to be complex, this is idea of grand strategies. Maybe try RTS or something? I think Total War series seem to be a nice mix of strategy and tactics, both areas relatively okay (though strategy reduced to minimum) - try Shogun 2 for example.

[Crazy Tiger]

Paradox is the king of Grand Strategy, but they can be complex, yes. The Europa Universalis series in my opinion is the easiest to grasp. You might want to try Europa Universalis 3.

[skalisko]

How about the The UFO2Extraterrestrials: Battle for Mercury. You will control the whole planet Earth

[Canute VII]

https://store.steampowered.com/app/308173/Hegemony_III_Clash_of_the_Ancients/

https://store.steampowered.com/app/736820/Knights_of_Honor_II_Sovereign/