The Middle Ages—a period steeped in tales of chivalry, kingdoms, and epic confrontations. This era, characterized by its blend of romance and savagery, political machinations, and triumphant victories, has long captivated game developers. They've crafted immersive worlds where you can embody the role of a valiant knight, a sovereign ruler, or a cunning diplomat.
In this article, we've curated a list of 15 exceptional medieval-themed games that offer expansive battles, intricate political intrigue, governance challenges, and the harsh realities of survival in a bygone era. Prepare to don your armor and immerse yourself in a world governed by the sword and the crown!
Table of Content ---
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
If you're seeking an intense medieval gaming experience, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (KCD II) is the perfect choice. The protagonist has matured and grown stronger since the first installment, but have you evolved alongside him? The game retains its challenging nature, although the combat system has been refined, reducing the strike directions from five to four. Mastering combat remains essential.
KCD II introduces new elements like a slightly cumbersome inventory system, the ability to wear multiple outfits simultaneously, and opportunities to learn blacksmithing, craft potions, and forge weapons. The storyline is gripping, though it may not appeal to those who prefer less dialogue. I highly recommend diving into this game to fully experience the dark and brutal essence of the Middle Ages.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
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Release Date: May 18, 2015
Developer: CD PROJEKT RED
Download: Steam
It's impossible to overlook this iconic game centered around the legendary Witcher. As you search for Ciri, you'll find yourself entangled in romantic affairs, playing Gwent, tackling side quests, and assisting others. The game's immersive atmosphere ensures constant engagement, whether you're wielding a sword or casting spells. Your choices directly influence the ending, so pay close attention to dialogues to avoid disappointment. Enhance your experience with mods from this curated list.
The Witcher 3 combines a robust crafting system, character progression, and quests for improved armor, delivering a quintessential RPG experience. Despite its fantasy setting, the game masterfully captures the medieval ambiance.
Medieval Dynasty
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Release Date: September 23, 2023
Developer: Render Cube
Download: Steam
Ever dreamed of establishing your own medieval village? Medieval Dynasty offers that opportunity. Beyond constructing a village, you'll attract new residents and enhance your crafting skills. Engage in activities like hunting, cooking, and sewing clothes for your community and for trade.
Don't overlook personal life; your character must marry and have a child who will eventually inherit your achievements. Children are born not just to your character but to other villagers as well, growing up over several in-game years. Time passes swiftly as you farm, complete quests, hunt, and manage your burgeoning settlement.
Manor Lords
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Release Date: April 26, 2024
Developer: Slavic Magic
Download: Steam
Another title where you can build and develop your own settlement, Manor Lords was crafted by a single developer and became a sensation in 2024. A recent update has further thrilled the gaming community.
In Manor Lords, you not only build a village but also engage in territorial conquests and defense. This dynamic adds a layer of thrill and engagement.
I particularly appreciate the game's graphics and the ability to control a character directly. Your ruler feels more real as you see and guide them through your domain. However, managing the economy is crucial; mismanagement can lead to a premature end. Learn more about it here.
Medieval II: Total War
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Release Date: November 15, 2006
Developer: CREATIVE ASSEMBLY, Feral Interactive (Mac), Feral Interactive (Linux)
Download: Steam
This renowned series immerses players in the Middle Ages, where you must manage a nation, build cities, and fortify armies to expand territories and ensure prosperity. Choose from Western European or Middle Eastern nations, with 17 factions available, though initially, only five are accessible: Britain, Venice, the Holy Roman Empire, France, or Spain.
Engage in single-player campaigns or multiplayer mode with friends. The game's terrain and weather systems add strategic depth, impacting battles in various ways.
Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
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Release Date: October 25, 2022
Developer: TaleWorlds Entertainment
Download: Steam
Set 200 years before the original, Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord offers an RPG experience with enhanced medieval warfare. Explore a vast world, conquer neutral and claimed territories, and build your army by recruiting warriors. The game features hundreds of units with customizable classes.
In addition to combat, managing the economy is vital. Trade grain for profit, monitor feudal economy stats, clear bandit-infested routes, and resell items to amass in-game currency. Engage in multiplayer battles for added excitement.
Stronghold Series
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Release Dates: 2001 to 2021
Developer: Firefly Studios
Download: Steam
"The people hate you, my lord!" This might be a humorous aside, but earning your people's love is essential for a lasting reign. Stronghold combines real-time strategy with city-building simulation. Construct castles, manage finances, defend your realm, and conquer others. Build defenses, develop the economy, and ensure your citizens' happiness, all while keeping an eye out for wolves that could devastate your resources.
Beyond castle sieges, you'll face enemy assaults, manage time and resources effectively, and produce weapons in a timely manner.
Mount & Blade: Warband
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Release Date: March 31, 2010
Developer: TaleWorlds Entertainment
Download: Steam
Returning to Mount & Blade, Warband offers a realistic medieval setting that transports you to the era of knights and crusades. Despite its 2010 release, it remains highly immersive. You can rise to become the ruler of your own kingdom, recruiting knights and granting them lands. The refined combat system focuses on parrying and blocking.
Warband shares a similar concept and gameplay style with Bannerlord, offering a cohesive experience.
Bellwright
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Release Date: April 23, 2024
Developer: Donkey Crew
Download: Steam
Bellwright plunges players into a world of rebellion and intrigue. Wrongfully imprisoned, you must clear your name and lead a revolution against a tyrannical ruler. Build and manage settlements, gather resources, and recruit villagers to strengthen your cause. Each new recruit brings valuable skills, unlocking new technologies for your towns.
Victory requires not just military prowess but also strategic city management. Liberate villages, expand outposts, organize workers, and train elite soldiers. Choose your weapons and armor from various medieval options, mastering swordsmanship, archery, or any other preferred fighting style.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
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Release Date: November 18, 2014
Developer: BioWare
Download: EA
A cataclysm has thrown these vast lands into turmoil. Dragons terrorize the skies, mages battle their oppressors, the Templars, and nations clash. As the Inquisitor, you must lead the Inquisition to restore order and combat the forces of chaos.
Dragon Age: Inquisition is a classic RPG where you level up your character, craft items, complete quests, and explore the world. Don't overlook side quests, which bolster the Inquisition's strength.
Dragon’s Dogma 2
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Release Date: March 22, 2024
Developer: Capcom
Download: dragonsdogma.com
A traditional medieval fantasy, Dragon's Dogma 2 features brave heroes, powerful magic, and mythical creatures from various cultures. An evil dragon selects a human to become the Arisen every generation, granting immense power but taking their heart in return.
Your sacred mission is to defeat the dragon, reclaim your heart, and save the world. The open world is four times larger than the first game, teeming with points of interest from enemy camps to hidden treasures and the Sphinx's riddles.
Grappling is a core gameplay mechanic, allowing the main character to latch onto objects or creatures. The unique companion system lets the Arisen summon "pawns," beings from another realm that resemble humans but lack free will.
A Plague Tale: Requiem
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Release Date: October 17, 2022
Developer: Asobo Studio
Download: Steam
After defeating the Inquisitor, the protagonists flee south to escape destruction and suffering. Though Hugo's mysterious illness has paused, it hasn't vanished, prompting the family to seek alchemical help. When Hugo collapses and visions guide him to a healing island, the siblings embark on a perilous journey.
The sequel features more expansive, "open" locations, though the freedom might be somewhat illusory. Stealth is crucial, taught early alongside alchemist Lucas. Stealth enthusiasts will appreciate memorizing enemy patrols, scouting locations, and timing their movements carefully.
Graveyard Keeper
Image: steamxo.com
Release Date: August 15, 2015
Developer: Lazy Bear Games
Download: Steam
As a graveyard keeper, you awaken in the Middle Ages after a modern-day accident. Your objective is to manage burials and turn a profit, making this an economic simulator with a humorous twist. Despite death being a business opportunity, the game also weaves in a love story and a touching narrative that might evoke tears.
Foundation
Image: store.steampowered.com
Release Date: January 31, 2025
Developer: Polymorph Games
Download: Steam
This city-building simulator transports you to medieval Europe, where you construct and manage a settlement. Keep your citizens content with unique buildings and learn about historical architecture amidst religious rivalries.
As a ruler of a small settlement, your goal is to expand it into a thriving city by managing resources, constructing monumental buildings, and ensuring citizen welfare. Use "smart brushes" to place structures that meet environmental standards and visually modify them to conserve resources.
Banished
Image: store.steampowered.com
Release Date: February 18, 2014
Developer: Shining Rock Software
Download: Steam
Closing our list is Banished, a city-building simulator with strategic elements focused on resource management and developing an isolated medieval society. The economy operates on barter, with each resource having its own market value.
Your most valuable resource is your population; your goal is to expand territory while preventing deaths due to hunger or despair. There are no tech trees or skill lines; you can build any structure you can afford. Gather resources, trade with merchants, and develop various industries. Residents can learn up to twenty professions, requiring you to plan strategically for your city's needs.
This concludes our selection of the 15 best medieval-themed games, spanning various genres to suit every gaming preference.