Thrones and Battlegrounds: The 24 Best Medieval Games Ever

The Definitive List of 24 Medieval Masterpieces

Best Medieval Games Ever

Step into the world of gallant knights, grand fortresses, intricate diplomacy, and intense warfare. Experience the riveting highs and lows of ruling kingdoms or simply living through the harsh realities of the Middle Ages with our handpicked list of the top 24 medieval games. From the intricate castle-building in Stronghold to the merciless life of a mercenary in Wartales, these games not only masterfully replicate the era’s essence but also offer an immersive gaming experience that has captivated players around the globe.

Whether you’re a strategy aficionado, a fan of immersive role-playing games, or someone looking for a captivating trip back in time, there’s a medieval masterpiece waiting just for you. Buckle up, for it’s time to draw the swords and raise the drawbridge as we dive into the realm of ‘Thrones and Battlegrounds: The 24 Best Medieval Games Ever’.

Stronghold – The Supreme Castle Simulator

There isn’t a game within the realm of medieval simulation that captures the essence of castle fascination quite like Stronghold. Imagine a depiction of the Middle Ages devoid of their iconic fortresses, it simply wouldn’t feel authentic. In Stronghold, we get to shape the future of these fortresses, meticulously constructing them brick by brick or reducing them to a pile of ruins in the aftermath of a thrilling siege battle. Stronghold transports you to the epoch of the High Middle Ages, oscillating between settings in the historically rich landscapes of Germany and Great Britain.

At a certain point in the game, your in-game adviser might suggest, “It’s getting late, my lord, you must be tired.” It’s an amusing and captivating attention to detail that brings the player closer to the world of the game. Stronghold masterfully amalgamates the mechanics of economic and military strategy, construction, and demolition, driving its way into the hearts of gamers worldwide. Its distinctive knack for siege battles sets it apart from other games.

Stronghold offers an intriguing campaign that holds your attention, but it doesn’t stop there. It extends the excitement to multiplayer mode, creating exhilarating moments such as narrowly securing strategic landmarks and outpacing the enemy’s transport oxen. It’s a game that has aged wonderfully, maintaining its charm even when its 3D successors fell short of expectations. The timeless graphics and engaging gameplay of the first edition continue to mesmerize players even today. If you’re intrigued, it’s recommended you check out the HD version available on Steam.

Medieval II: Total War – The Confluence of Empire and Warfare

The two installments of the Medieval series, Medieval: Total War (2002) and Medieval: Total War 2 (2006), exhibit the harmonious blend of empire management in a turn-based strategy game with real-time warfare—a recipe that aligns perfectly with the medieval backdrop.

The brilliance of this series isn’t solely limited to its well-orchestrated game mechanics but also lies in the tantalizing possibility of altering the course of Europe’s history, albeit through historically plausible methods. Imagine, for instance, the Fourth Crusade being preemptively squashed because Venice lays in ruins by 1198!

Medieval 2 presents you with a plethora of epic mass battles, putting you in the shoes of a master tactician. It’s in these moments, where your light cavalry ambushes spearmen from behind or armored soldiers brandish two-handed swords to breach the enemy lines, that you truly feel like a strategic genius. But if you prefer a grand strategy, the campaign map offers a captivating turn-based alternative.

Thanks to an active modding community, Medieval 2 remains an engaging game even today. Two recommended mods are Stainless Steel and Deus lo vult, both of which overhaul the gaming experience and iron out many of the original game’s shortcomings. Or if you’re in the mood for a unique twist, try Third Age: Total War for an exciting adventure set in Middle-earth.

Age of Empires 4 – A Modern Twist on a Classic

Age of Empires 4 chooses to stand on the shoulders of its predecessors rather than attempting to reinvent the genre. Consequently, it retains many elements that made the second installment a perennial classic. One notable shortcoming, however, is the relatively low content at launch, but it’s fair to remember that Age of Empires 2 had a 20-year head start.

As time progresses, it’s not far-fetched to foresee Age of Empires 4 potentially being celebrated as a classic. If you’ve started to find Age of Empires 2 a bit antiquated, the fourth installment offers a refreshing modernized take on the game. It’s particularly appealing to multiplayer fans, although those seeking an engrossing single-player campaign might find it lacking.

Age of Empires 4 is tailored for the modern era of gaming and is thus continually updated to prevent any foreseeable issues. Designed as a service game, new seasons are regularly introduced to keep the gameplay fresh and engaging. For instance, Season 4 was launched in February 2023, bringing game changes, a new game mode, and maps to the fold.

Dawn of Discovery – Conquering New Horizons

As its name subtly hints, Dawn of Discovery whisks you back to the exciting era of the 15th century – the late Middle Ages. Your mission is to establish settlements across various European islands, and if you fancy, you can venture into the rich, cultural expanse of the Orient. Not only does this open up new, thrilling gameplay challenges, but it also introduces you to a plethora of exotic goods, enough to satisfy the aristocrats luxuriating in your peaceful towns.

Considered not just as one of the finest medieval games, Dawn of Discovery holds its own as one of the all-time greats in the strategy gaming genre. True to the Anno tradition, you’ll colonize multiple islands, connecting their production chains via sea trade routes to cater to your citizen’s needs and build grand, medieval metropolises. Whether you’re immersed in the captivating campaign or hooked to the endless game, Dawn of Discovery is bound to keep you motivated for countless hours of gameplay.

Anno 1404, as it’s also known, is like a fine wine – it’s aged gracefully over time. To this day, it boasts spectacular visuals and sets a gameplay benchmark for subsequent building games. A must-play, particularly for those with a passion for construction strategy games. Ubisoft has also launched an updated version as part of their History Collection.

Banished – The Unforgiving Middle Ages

Banished might lack the presence of wars and castles, but it offers an unfiltered representation of the Middle Ages from the perspective of ordinary people. These times were often characterized by hard manual labor in the fields, with hopes of surviving the harsh winters and overcoming the scarcity of supplies.

Banished begins in a simple and classic way, with a handful of hunters and woodcutters. However, as you delve deeper into the gameplay, it reveals a plethora of engaging and potentially disastrous details. While your settlement may flourish one year, it could fall apart the next due to an aging workforce or rampant diseases. Fail to prepare adequately for winter, and you may have to start from scratch! The unforgiving nature of Banished’s gameplay provided the foundation for the genre of survival strategy.

Although survival strategy games have evolved and grown over the years, with titles like Frostpunk even surpassing Banished, this game remains a timeless classic, providing just as much entertainment today as it did at its release.

Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord – The Unearthly Middle Ages

Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord might not be set in our world, but it does a fantastic job of emulating an earthly Middle Ages ambiance, albeit in the fictional continent of Calradias and its unique factions. It takes a leaf from the hierarchical structure of medieval times, eschewing the use of magic for a more authentic experience.

On your first look, Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord might not steal your breath away due to its modest graphics. However, a deeper dive into the game will reveal an exceptionally liberating gameplay concept, allowing you to experience the Middle Ages in the way you prefer. You can choose to live the life of a trader striving to amass wealth, a warlord seeking power, or even a bandit living on the fringes of society. You can even aspire to become a king! The game shines with its remarkable skirmishes where you, as a leader or a soldier, can guide your troop of knights to victory.

Released as a full version in October 2022, one of the main attractions of Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord is the vibrant community modding scene, which kept its predecessor, Warband, alive and popular for many years.

Knights & Merchants – Echoes of the Middle Ages

Delve into the European Middle Ages with Knights & Merchants, a game that, more specifically, draws inspiration from the Anglo-Saxon period. The game transports you to the grand isle in Northern Europe where you take on the mantle of a 13th-century centurion. Your noble task is to serve the king by reconciling the fractured provinces under a single, unifying crown.

This game easily fits into the category of classic gems from the past that still hold their charm. With its cosy graphics and intricate economic systems reminiscent of the Settlers series, along with a comprehensive military aspect, Knights & Merchants has carved out its unique niche. A delightful feature that deserves mention: command your army to charge and watch the unstoppable human wave continue until it reaches its destination or crumbles.

Despite the discontinuation by the original developer, the game garnered a dedicated fan base that continues to play this strategy game with gusto, nearly two decades later. Fans have taken the initiative to rectify bugs with unofficial patches and enhance playability, especially in multiplayer mode. You can readily purchase Knights & Merchants on Steam and join in on the fun.

Wartales – Mercenary Life in a Hostile World

Wartales, an open-world role-playing game, lets you manipulate the destiny of a mercenary squad in a world that, while fictional, accurately captures the harsh realities of soldier life in the Middle Ages. You’re not leading gallant heroes, but a group of rugged warriors through a hostile world.

If the idea of leading a mercenary team across an open-world map and engaging in challenging turn-based combat intrigues you, Wartales is the perfect adventure to embark on. The game offers an in-depth mercenary management system that promises to keep you engrossed. However, the storytelling could use a little bit more work.

The game was fully launched in April 2023 and has shown substantial improvements since its Early Access period. Boasting a large world, tactically demanding battles, and a grim, dark scenario, Wartales also offers an online co-op mode that supports up to four players.

Grand Ages: Medieval – The Trading Empire

Grand Ages: Medieval offers you the chance to conquer medieval Europe. Beginning in the year 1050 AD, you are tasked with overseeing a single city. Over time, you’ll add new settlements and connect them via a well-organized network of traders. But beware of battles with bandits and other affluent individuals.

Fans of strategic trading simulations will find their niche in Grand Ages: Medieval. While it may appear akin to Medieval 2: Total War at first glance due to its world map, the game’s core revolves around classical economic simulation in the tradition of Patrician. Your typical day as a medieval noble involves establishing businesses, managing production chains, and connecting cities through profitable trade routes.

However, if you prioritize battles over trading in strategy games, Grand Ages: Medieval might not be the best fit. But if the idea of spending countless hours fine-tuning your trading empire sounds appealing, you will find a welcome abode here.

Despite its release in 2015, Grand Ages: Medieval’s visual quality seems somewhat outdated. Furthermore, unlike the Patrician series, it lacks the nostalgic factor. Although it might not be the strongest title on this list, with the necessary investment in learning and adapting, it can still provide a few enjoyable hours of gameplay.

Going Medieval – Building from the Ashes

Imagine the world-building intricacies of RimWorld but set against the backdrop of the 14th century. Welcome to Going Medieval! Instead of being marooned on an alien planet, you find yourself in a post-plague era where much of humanity has been wiped out. The responsibility to resurrect civilization falls squarely on your shoulders.

The journey starts with rudimentary tasks like gathering food and constructing modest huts. But, over time, you can transform these humble beginnings into a bustling city fortified by grand castles. If you find joy in creating settlements and monitoring the everyday activities of your industrious inhabitants, Going Medieval offers an irresistible allure. From a small band of survivors, you’re tasked with developing a thriving medieval colony. The colony’s fate, whether it flourishes or perishes, is in your hands.

Despite being in Early Access, Going Medieval’s developers have consistently rolled out helpful updates since the game’s launch, enhancing the depth of this medieval building simulation. If the charm of construction strategy games captivates you, Going Medieval is definitely worth exploring.

Medieval Dynasty – Life of a Middle Age Farmer

Medieval Dynasty catapults you into the life of a humble farmer in the Middle Ages. Instead of battles and warfare, the game focuses on hunting and community building. You’ll face challenges such as harsh winters and unexpected events that will test your resourcefulness.

This immersive game is perfect for fans of construction who wish to dive deeper into the intricacies of medieval life. It offers a unique perspective, serving as a medieval simulator rather than a strategy game. Regular updates keep the game fresh and exciting, with many new features, including a full co-op mode, on the horizon.

If you’re inclined towards a slightly more combat-centric game set in a different era, keep an eye out for the upcoming sequel, Sengoku Dynasty. This game is set in ancient Japan and is slated for a 2023 release.

Patrician II: Quest for Power – The Trade Empire

The “Dark Ages” were not just about blood, battle, and plague. They also witnessed the evolution of professional trade between cities. The Hanseatic League’s wealth and influence grew exponentially through its trading networks, increasing its political significance.

In Patrician II, you step into the shoes of a simple ship’s captain, aiming to become one of the most influential figures in medieval northern Germany. However, strategy game enthusiasts should note that Patrician II is an economic simulation in the truest sense. It may not be the right choice for those who love the Middle Ages for its military conflicts. Here, you must operate with a profit-oriented mindset and master the art of product cycles.

While the game is currently available bundled with the first installment on GOG, it can still be played without any issues. Despite the visuals being a bit outdated, the focus here is on the mechanics, which still function flawlessly even after two decades.

The Settlers 7: Paths to a Kingdom – Imagination meets Reality

While The Settlers 7 may carry a stronger fantasy essence than some Middle Age purists may appreciate, it does, in essence, depict a more imaginative interpretation of the High Middle Ages. It unquestionably holds more of the medieval spirit than Settlers 2 with its Roman themes.

The Settlers series has seen its fair share of peaks and troughs. However, Settlers 7 stands out as a distinct high point. It adheres to the classic series style where we create tranquil villages from scratch, intertwining complex production chains, gradually transforming them into charming towns.

The game introduces a novel element where multiple paths can lead to victory. Do we opt for military action, or do we triumph through trade or research? How can we leverage the neutral characters and other unique features on the map to our advantage? Settlers 7 offers more diversity than most of its predecessors.

Despite the mishap with The Settlers – New Alliances, Settlers 7 remains the most approachable in the series for contemporary audiences. It may not match the standard of Anno, but it’s still entertaining. Thanks to the cartoonish aesthetic, it hasn’t aged significantly.

The Guild 2 – Rise to Prominence

Set in 1400, The Guild 2 drops you in the latter stages of the Middle Ages. You get to experience bustling cities with an established bourgeoisie, where nobility no longer holds significant power. And you get to exploit this to your advantage.

While many medieval strategy games have you overseeing an entire kingdom or village, The Guild 2 adopts a more individualistic approach. You focus on your own financial success. How you ascend to be the leading citizen in your city is up to you, with various career paths to choose from.

Virtuous characters rise through trade and charity, while nefarious ones resort to crafty tactics and theft. The intersection of these varied play styles in multiplayer adds to the fun. Yes, you can still play The Guild 2 on Steam today, despite it showing its age. The basic game concept remains entertaining. However, we recommend the successor, Die Gilde 3, released in 2022 after five years in Early Access.

A Plague Tale: Innocence – Historical Fantasy

While we promised no fantasy, A Plague Tale isn’t a historically accurate representation of the Middle Ages – the swarms of rats alone are a departure from reality. However, it earns its place as one of the finest medieval games because it so vividly conjures up the atmosphere of the era, taking inspiration from historical events like the Inquisition, the France-England war, and the plague.

Beyond its atmospheric depiction of the Middle Ages, A Plague Tale stands out for its enchanting story about two siblings navigating a harsh world. Playing as a young noblewoman rather than a mighty warrior, we rely on stealth and wit to progress. Unless you’re a stickler for historical accuracy, you should definitely give A Plague Tale a try.

Since its release, A Plague Tale has retained its charm. It is often available at a discount on Steam or GOG and can be played on Microsoft’s Game Pass. The sequel, A Plague Tale: Requiem, released in October 2022, continues the siblings’ story, allowing you to extend your Middle Ages adventure after finishing the first installment.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance – A Journey Back in Time

Kingdom Come: Deliverance immerses you in a captivating open world that paints an incredibly atmospheric and believable picture of the Middle Ages. This game makes you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time as you wander through towns and castles of the era, or embark on hunting expeditions in the wilderness.

Contrary to most RPGs, this game injects a layer of authenticity by making regular eating and sleeping essential. Even though Kingdom Come can sometimes feel more cumbersome compared to other games of its genre, if you embrace these elements, you will find yourself experiencing a truly exceptional medieval game.

Over time, Kingdom Come has only improved. Initially, it was somewhat marred by irritating bugs, but these issues have largely been resolved. Additionally, the developers have introduced four major DLCs enriching the overall gaming experience.

Knights of Honor – A Taste of the High Middle Ages

Knights of Honor plunges you into the midst of medieval Europe. Although the game doesn’t pinpoint a specific year, judging from the plate armors, grand festivals, and war machines, we’re unmistakably in the High Middle Ages.

The game shares a similar niche with Crusader Kings or Medieval: Total War. It provides a strategic map where time advances in real-time, and you get to expand cities and form alliances. However, akin to Total War, the perspective shifts the moment a battle commences.

The combat sequences are reminiscent of the 2D sieges found in games like Stronghold and Age of Empires 2, with Knights of Honor adding its unique touch by deploying entire army banners against enemy fortresses.

Even with a significant fan base, Knights of Honor didn’t have a successor for quite some time. However, in a surprising move, THQ announced Knights of Honor 2: Sovereign, which was released in December 2022.

For Honor – When Knights, Vikings, and Samurai Collide

For Honor does require a bit of imaginative flexibility. The multiplayer battles don’t exactly mirror an accurate historical representation of the Middle Ages. There’s no recorded historical event where knights, Vikings, and samurai simultaneously clashed. However, this Ubisoft game secures a spot on our list, primarily because For Honor has almost mastered the art of sword combat, a crucial element in any medieval game.

The game mechanics may initially feel unfamiliar, similar to Chivalry. However, once you grasp the rhythm of parrying, dodging, and striking at the opportune moment, you will feel like a true medieval warrior. Each character comes with unique attack techniques, making it crucial to study your opponents’ tactics if you wish to triumph in a duel.

Even though many predicted a short lifespan for the game, For Honor continues to ride high. Every year, new content is added, introducing more warriors equipped with diverse weapons to the battlefield.

Mordhau – Embrace the Raw Spirit of Medieval Combat

Just mentioning the name ‘Mordhau’ immediately transports you to the gritty, combative ambiance of the Middle Ages. Perfectly mirroring the game’s essence, ‘Mordhau’ refers to a unique swordfighting technique where a knight grasps the sword by the blade and attacks with the hilt. As with Chivalry, players engage in fierce melee combat, wielding weapons such as swords or axes from a first-person perspective.

Chivalry initially pioneered the concept of multiplayer medieval action, eclipsing rivals like War of the Roses. However, with its focus gradually shifting towards less successful spin-offs and DLCs, a void emerged that Mordhau was ready to fill.

Mordhau augmented the basic chivalry framework, introducing new features like mounted combat and a sophisticated dueling system. At its heart, Mordhau thrives on massive, gritty battles that are far from tactical, often veering towards chaotic, brutal, yet extremely engaging gameplay.

Since its 2019 release, Mordhau has consistently garnered player attention on Steam. Though the numbers have dipped since the launch, there are always enough players around for an epic, large-scale clash, far exceeding its rival, Chivalry.

Chivalry 2 – The Evolution of Medieval Multiplayer Battles

Chivalry, initially a modification (Age of Chivalry), evolved into a significant multiplayer success story. Unlike other games, it doesn’t attempt to capture medieval warfare from a strategic standpoint or as a single-player experience; instead, it thrives on raw multiplayer action.

Chivalry 2 elevates the concept further, offering immersive medieval combat that rivals any other game in its genre. However, it’s not just about fighting; teamwork is key to achieving specific objectives. For instance, while one team attempts to storm a castle and eliminate the king, the other team must thwart this endeavor.

Chivalry 2, like its predecessor, does require some time to master. Once you’ve gotten the hang of it, gameplay becomes fluid and intuitive. However, a level of tolerance towards frustration is needed, as proficiency in the game isn’t achieved without skill. Thanks to the broad range of classes and subclasses, you can customize your playstyle to suit your preferences, with each of the four primary classes offering three specializations.

For a considerable period, Chivalry was the undisputed leader of medieval multiplayer games, until the developers transitioned to the less successful fantasy spin-off, Mirage. Chivalry 2 marks a return to their roots, continuously refreshed with regular updates and events, making it an excellent time to join in the fray.

Age of Empires 2 – A Timeless Classic Strategy Game

Age of Empires 2 seamlessly picks up from its predecessor, which capped its timeline at antiquity. As expected, the Middle Ages follows, and in Age of Empires 2, players traverse through various stages of this historical period. From the early Middle Ages to the late 15th century, players relive the captivating narratives of famed personalities such as William Wallace and Joan of Arc, as well as non-European figures like Saladin.

Even two decades after its launch, Age of Empires 2 retains its stature as one of the greatest real-time strategy games ever made. In our opinion, it holds the title for the best strategy game of all time. It caters to every strategist’s desires: a plethora of diverse civilizations with unique special units, base building, engaging campaigns, and the unmatched thrill of luring an enemy’s entire army into your castle with a single fleeing farmer.

The HD edition of this timeless classic operates seamlessly on modern computers. In addition, the Definitive Edition incorporates a series of significant enhancements in graphics and interface.

Assassin’s Creed – Embark on a Historical Journey

Although the Assassin’s Creed series has traversed far and wide through time, the first game embarks from the historically rich year of 1191, during the time of the third crusade. In this game, players are thrust into the thick of two warring factions, systematically eliminating the leadership of each side, whether they’re based on historical figures or are entirely fictional, Christian or Arabic.

Even today, Assassin’s Creed boasts impressive graphics, which were absolutely breathtaking at the time of its release. The freedom to explore historical cities using parkour-like movements, coupled with a multi-layered storyline rich in ambiguity, makes the game extremely engaging. This, despite some repetitive game mechanics.

As the assassin, Altaïr, players follow a predictable routine from information gathering to the actual assassination, particularly in the original game. Yet, this routine continues to offer fun gameplay and laid the foundation for the series’ global success.

Looking back, one might notice the repetitive nature of the game more now than when it was first released. But, donning your assassin’s robe in the present day should still prove enjoyable, especially if you appreciate the authentic feel of Middle Eastern cities during the Middle Ages. With Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, the series revisits the early Middle Ages, focusing on the 8th century Viking Wars.

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice – An Intense Medieval Journey

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice might not come to mind when discussing medieval games due to its absence of horse-riding knights and towering castles. Instead, it presents nightmarish creatures. Set toward the end of the 8th century, players join the Celtic warrior, Senua, on a harrowing journey into the Nordic underworld.

Senua is plagued by terrifying hallucinations, a consequence of her traumatic experiences during a Viking raid. What we perceive as monsters could merely be ordinary warriors, or they might not exist at all.

In Hellblade, your combat skills are put to the test as you engage in intense sword fights with formidable enemies from Senua’s over-the-shoulder perspective. Simultaneously, the game introduces optical puzzles that need solving.

The primary allure of Hellblade lies in its unique, unsettling atmosphere and the compelling portrayal of Senua’s emotional trauma and psychological state. However, this can be incredibly distressing, especially for those who are dealing with mental health issues. Released in 2017, Hellblade is a standalone single-player adventure that doesn’t necessitate any DLCs. Ninja Theory is currently developing a sequel, Senua’s Saga.

Crusader Kings 3 – A Journey through Medieval Epochs

Crusader Kings 3 encompasses most aspects commonly linked with the Middle Ages and spans the entire historical period, from the early Middle Ages to the late 15th century. Each decade is filled with noble intrigues, Viking invasions, dubious marriages, and formidable army marches.

The game truly shines when you craft your own narrative, such as spreading an unconventional nudist religion across the globe, which provides a whole new interpretation of William Wallace’s cry for “Freedom!”.

Those who find the Total War series insufficiently complex and real-time battles too frenetic will find their medieval fantasies realized in Crusader Kings 3. As the ruler of one of the many factions, you can manage every detail, from diplomacy to bestowing titles to scheming nobles who might not always share the king’s ambitions.

Crusader Kings 3, like its predecessor, remains intricately detailed, which can seem overwhelmingly complicated. However, its graphical representations of all characters and an excellent tooltip system make it significantly more accessible. The game continues to evolve, with dozens of DLCs already available for its predecessor, and a dedicated modding community tirelessly improving the game, similar to a fine wine that only gets better with age. For instance, an extensive Game of Thrones mod is already available.

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