The Middle Ages—a period steeped in the lore of knights, kingdoms, bloody battles, and grand conquests. It's an era brimming with romance and brutality, intrigue and glorious victories. Game developers have long been drawn to this rich historical tapestry, crafting immersive worlds where players can step into the shoes of valiant warriors, rule over vast empires, or navigate the complex web of medieval diplomacy.
In this article, we delve into 15 of the best medieval-themed games, each offering a unique blend of large-scale battles, political intrigue, state management, and survival challenges set against the backdrop of the past. Prepare to don your armor and immerse yourself in an age dominated by the sword and the crown!
Table of Contents
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Medieval Dynasty
- Manor Lords
- Medieval II: Total War
- Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
- Stronghold Series
- Mount & Blade: Warband
- Bellwright
- Dragon Age: Inquisition
- Dragon’s Dogma 2
- A Plague Tale: Requiem
- Graveyard Keeper
- Foundation
- Banished
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
Image: opencritic.com
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Developer: Warhorse Studios
Download: Steam
For those seeking a hardcore medieval experience, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II offers an unforgettable journey. The protagonist has matured and grown stronger since the first installment, but has your skill set evolved as much? The game remains as challenging as ever, with a slightly modified combat system that now features four strike directions instead of five, demanding players to master the art of combat.
New elements include a less user-friendly inventory, the ability to wear multiple outfits simultaneously, and opportunities to learn blacksmithing, craft potions, and forge weapons. The storyline is engaging, though dialogue-heavy, which might not suit everyone. Yet, it's highly recommended for those looking to immerse themselves in the dark and brutal ambiance of the Middle Ages.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
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Release Date: May 18, 2015
Developer: CD PROJEKT RED
Download: Steam
No list of medieval-themed games would be complete without The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. As you embark on the quest to find Ciri, you'll find yourself entangled in romantic subplots, the addictive card game Gwent, and a myriad of side quests that enrich your journey.
The game's atmospheric world captivates players, whether they're engaging in swordplay or casting spells. The outcome of your adventure hinges on your choices, making every dialogue crucial. For an enhanced experience, consider exploring the array of mods available. The crafting system, character progression, and the quest for superior armor encapsulate the essence of a classic RPG, with a strong medieval flair.
Medieval Dynasty
Image: youtube.com
Release Date: September 23, 2023
Developer: Render Cube
Download: Steam
Have you ever dreamed of founding your own medieval village? Medieval Dynasty allows you to turn that dream into reality. Not only do you build your village, but you also nurture its growth by attracting new residents and expanding your crafting capabilities. Engage in activities like hunting, cooking, and tailoring to meet the needs of your settlement and generate trade.
Personal life is equally important; your protagonist must find a spouse and raise a child who will inherit your legacy. The game's dynamic family system sees children born not only to you but also to other villagers, growing up over years as you manage your burgeoning community through farming, quests, and more.
Manor Lords
Image: yahoo.com
Release Date: April 26, 2024
Developer: Slavic Magic
Download: Steam
Manor Lords is another title where you can build and develop your settlement, crafted by a single visionary developer and soaring in popularity throughout 2024. A recent update has further delighted the community.
This game isn't just about construction; it also involves strategic combat to capture or defend land, adding layers of excitement and challenge. The game's stunning graphics and the ability to directly control your ruler make for a deeply immersive experience. Economic management is crucial, as mismanagement can lead to a swift end to your reign. Dive deeper into the game's mechanics here.
Medieval II: Total War
Image: steamcommunity.com
Release Date: November 15, 2006
Developer: CREATIVE ASSEMBLY, Feral Interactive (Mac), Feral Interactive (Linux)
Download: Steam
Medieval II: Total War is a cornerstone of the franchise, plunging players into the heart of the Middle Ages where you must govern a nation, construct cities, and bolster armies to expand your territory and secure your state's prosperity.
Choose from Western European or Middle Eastern factions, with a total of 17 to explore, though initially, you're limited to five: Britain, Venice, the Holy Roman Empire, France, or Spain. Single-player campaigns and multiplayer modes offer varied gameplay, enhanced by dynamic terrain and weather systems that can sway the tide of battle.
Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
Image: youtube.com
Release Date: October 25, 2022
Developer: TaleWorlds Entertainment
Download: Steam
Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is a prequel set 200 years before the original, featuring an enhanced combat system and a vastly expanded world. As you explore this expansive universe, you'll conquer neutral and claimed territories, build your army, and lead them into battle.
The game's economy is as crucial as combat; trade grain for profit, monitor feudal economics, clear bandit-infested routes, and engage in commerce. Multiplayer battles allow you to test your skills against other players, making for an intense medieval warfare experience.
Stronghold Series
Image: youtube.com
Release Dates: 2001 to 2021
Developer: Firefly Studios
Download: Steam
"The people hate you, my lord!" This playful quote underscores the challenge in Stronghold, where you must earn the love of your subjects to prolong your reign. More than just a real-time strategy game, it's a city-building simulator where you construct and defend your castle, manage your economy, and ensure the happiness of your citizens—all while fending off wolves and enemy sieges.
Resource and time management are key as you gather supplies, produce weapons, and prepare for inevitable attacks. Your success hinges on balancing these elements to create a thriving, fortified domain.
Mount & Blade: Warband
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Release Date: March 31, 2010
Developer: TaleWorlds Entertainment
Download: Steam
Mount & Blade: Warband offers a return to the medieval realm, with a focus on realism and immersive environments that transport you back to the age of knights and crusades. Despite its 2010 release, it remains a compelling experience, allowing you to ascend to rulership, recruit knights, and grant them lands.
The combat system emphasizes parrying and blocking, adding depth to every engagement. Together with Bannerlord, Warband shares a core gameplay concept, making both titles essential for fans of medieval warfare.
Bellwright
Image: gg.deals
Release Date: April 23, 2024
Developer: Donkey Crew
Download: Steam
In Bellwright, you're thrust into a world of rebellion and intrigue. Framed for a heinous crime, you must clear your name while leading a revolution against a despotic ruler. Build and manage settlements, gather resources, and recruit villagers to bolster your cause, each new member bringing unique skills that advance your uprising and unlock new technologies.
Strategic city management and military prowess are both essential for victory. As you liberate villages and expand your influence, you'll need to master various combat styles and equip yourself with medieval weaponry to prevail.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
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Release Date: November 18, 2014
Developer: BioWare
Download: EA
Dragon Age: Inquisition unfolds in a world thrown into chaos by a cataclysm. As dragons soar overhead and mages clash with Templars, you, the Inquisitor, must lead the Inquisition to restore order and combat the forces of darkness.
This classic RPG experience involves character leveling, crafting, questing, and world exploration. Side quests are crucial for bolstering the Inquisition's strength, making them indispensable to your success.
Dragon’s Dogma 2
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Release Date: March 22, 2024
Developer: Capcom
Download: dragonsdogma.com
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a medieval fantasy steeped in traditional elements: brave heroes, potent magic, and fearsome creatures from diverse mythologies. As the Arisen, chosen by an evil dragon to reclaim your heart, you embark on a perilous quest to vanquish the beast and save the world.
The expansive open world is four times larger than its predecessor, filled with enemy camps, hidden treasures, and the enigmatic riddles of the Sphinx. Grappling is a central mechanic, allowing you to interact with the environment and enemies in unique ways. The companion system introduces "pawns," loyal yet will-less beings from another realm, adding depth to your journey.
A Plague Tale: Requiem
Image: zing.cz
Release Date: October 17, 2022
Developer: Asobo Studio
Download: Steam
After their harrowing escape from the Inquisitor, the protagonists of A Plague Tale: Requiem seek refuge in the south, hoping to cure young Hugo of his mysterious affliction. When Hugo has a vision of a magical island promising healing, his siblings set out to find it at any cost.
The sequel introduces more expansive, though somewhat illusory, open-world areas. Stealth remains a core mechanic, enhanced by the guidance of the alchemist Lucas, making it essential for navigating the richly detailed environments undetected.
Graveyard Keeper
Image: steamxo.com
Release Date: August 15, 2015
Developer: Lazy Bear Games
Download: Steam
In Graveyard Keeper, you assume the role of a modern-day individual thrust into the Middle Ages after a bizarre accident. Your new life involves managing a graveyard, turning death into a lucrative business. Despite its dark premise, the game is laced with humor and includes touching narratives, including a love story that adds emotional depth to your journey.
Foundation
Image: store.steampowered.com
Release Date: January 31, 2025
Developer: Polymorph Games
Download: Steam
Foundation transports you to medieval Europe, where you build and manage a settlement, striving to keep your citizens content through unique structures and understanding the intricacies of medieval architecture, influenced by religious tensions.
As the ruler of a small settlement, your goal is to expand it into a thriving city by managing resources, constructing monumental buildings, and ensuring the well-being of your populace. The "smart brushes" feature allows for environmentally conscious building, while customization options help you optimize resource use.
Banished
Image: store.steampowered.com
Release Date: February 18, 2014
Developer: Shining Rock Software
Download: Steam
Banished rounds out our list with a city-building simulator focused on medieval resource management and societal development. The game's economy operates on barter, with no currency, and every resource having its own market value.
Your primary asset is your population, which you must nurture to prevent decline. Without tech trees or skill lines, you can construct any building you can afford, manage professions, and plan for long-term sustainability. The challenge lies in balancing these elements to ensure your community thrives.
That concludes our exploration of 15 of the best medieval-themed games! Spanning various genres, we're confident you'll find a title that captures your imagination and transports you back to the age of the sword and the crown.
