I’m very fond of Medieval-themed video games, especially if they’re story-driven. The tale of a King leading a prosperous kingdom, or a maiden that needs saving (although I do enjoy it more if she is the one doing the saving). I just find this type of games quite entertaining, whatever form they come in. Well, almost.
FPS and games where the strategy skills have to be extremely detailed are not really my cup of tea. Don’t misunderstand, I do prefer if there are some basic rules set in place so that I know what needs to be done, but I also kind of like winging it to see what happens if I choose something over another… Although I suppose that’s the reason why I always end up getting exiled in Frost Punk.
Everyone has different tastes when it comes to what kind of games they prefer playing. Luckily, I’ve compiled a list of 11 Medieval-themed video games that in my opinion are worth playing. From MMO to Turn-based combat, from City Builder to Simulation, this list will cater to everyone’s interests.
BANISHED
Let’s start this list with a fan-favourite, shall we? In case you’re not familiar with this game, Banished is a city-building strategy game where you control a group of exiled travelers who have to restart their lives somewhere new. Your job is to make sure they survive and thrive in their village.
I find Banished quite intriguing because, with no skill tree to unlock, the success—or failure—of a town depends on the capability of the player to manage both risks and resources. I also enjoy the way weather and external factors can affect the gameplay, like making sure the town has enough available means to get through a harsh Winter. Or the villagers are prepared for natural disasters. At least I can sleep well knowing there won’t be a Godzilla causing havoc and terrifying those poor folks.
KINGDOM COME: DELIVERANCE
Welcome to Bohemia. Located in the heart of Europe, the region is rich in culture, silver, and sprawling castles. The death of its beloved ruler, Emperor Charles IV, has plunged the kingdom into dark times: war, corruption, and discord are tearing this jewel of the Holy Roman Empire apart.
As a story-driven open-world RPG, Kingdom Come: Deliverance is another game definitely worth playing, especially since your actions as a player influence how the rest of the story develops. I mean, it can’t be worse than having to decide whether to save Chloe or Arcadia Bay, right? RIGHT?
GOING MEDIEVAL
Another popular game, Going Medieval is a colony-building sim where you’re tasked with helping a group of settlers survive during a deadly age of history. Once again, it’s up to you to make sure they don’t perish.
Somehow this kind of reminds me of The Sims, if The Sims had your townies burn the bodies of the enemies you kill while defending your settlement. However, just like in EA’s simulation game, you can create amazing builds. Your villagers will work hard to gather all the required resources and you can construct majestic castles, arrow-proof strongholds, and why not, even caverns.
CHIVALRY: MEDIEVAL WARFARE
If simulation games are not your thing and you prefer a more “direct” approach, perhaps Chivalry: Medieval Warfare might be more up your alley, since it’s a fast-paced FPS with a focus on multiplayer battles. Instead of modern weapons, though, you’ll have your shot with swords, shields, and longbows.
Like I mentioned at the beginning of this article, FPS are not my favourite type of games—as I have terrible aim with ranged weapons—however, maybe a sword wouldn’t be that bad, so I’m seriously considering giving this a try. Who knows, I might become a super skilled swordswoman!
CONQUEROR’S BLADE
On the line of multiplayer battles, Conqueror’s Blade is another game I found worthy of this list. Compete in server-wide PvP battles, join player-controlled Alliances, or fight alongside your fellow warlords and expand your holdings.
This tactical action MMO reminds me of similar games I’ve played on my phone in the past. Personally, I think the key to enjoying these games is to find a group of people who genuinely put effort into playing. The feeling of accomplishing something together with your team is truly rewarding.
CRUSADER KINGS III
Speaking of tactical games, Crusader Kings III is one I certainly had to include in this list of Medieval-themed video games. Choose your noble house and lead your dynasty to greatness in the Middle Ages. It’s not just a matter of breeding heirs to continue your legacy, though. This game requires you to be an expert strategist and use your diplomatic skills, knowledge of your realm, and true cunning to make sure your reign continues for generations.
The interactive map in Crusader Kings III reminds me of the Risk board game I used to play as a child, although I think it’s more fun to conquer the neighbouring countries by being sneaky (instead of advancement by dice roll). I’ll take a cocktail of deception and bootlicking to go, please.
LORD & VILLEINS
Another colony-building sim worth mentioning is Lord & Villeins. Here you’ll be able to shape the dynasty of the ruling family—not by managing the daily life of every villager, but by dealing with whole families and their descendants as a whole.
I love Medieval-themed video games where you give your villagers tasks and work together with them so your land can prosper and thrive. Definitely not because this game has pixel art and the characters look adorable. Yes, definitely not for that.
MEDIEVAL DYNASTY
I was backpacking through western Europe… No wait, wrong story. We’re still in Europe, though. In Medieval Dynasty, you take on the role of a young man who has fled from war and wants to take his fate into his own hands. Tough winters and unexpected events challenge your skills and dexterity as you strive to build your own legacy.
The good thing about this game is that you can freely choose whether you want to follow the storyline, or try and survive completely on your own. You can also complete quests given to you by other villagers in order to befriend them. It’s always good to have friends in case you need help. Or, you know, if you run out of sugar.
TAVERN MASTER
Simulation games are really popular at the moment, and Tavern Master is one I’ve had my eyes on for quite some time. As the name suggests, you’re the master of your own tavern and it’s up to you to make sure your establishment flourishes like no other. You’ll be in charge of hiring personnel, order supplies, furniture, and even book entertainment so your customers will return and bring in more business.
What I find great, besides the fact that I can customise my tavern as much as I want, is the option to unlock more drinks and dishes as the game progresses. Special events are also another positive aspect in this Medieval-themed video game. Who knew there could be quirky costume parties in the Middle Ages?
POTION CRAFT: ALCHEMIST SIMULATOR
The Middle Ages are not all war and blood, and Potion Craft: Alchemist Simulator is a different game I’m bringing to this list. If ruling a kingdom or managing a tavern is not something you wish to do, why don’t you try learning the art of potion-making? In this sandbox-style you’ll grind, mix, and boil ingredients to make—that’s right—potions, as well as sell them to whoever needs them.
It’s amazing how you actually need to actively be in the potion-making process (instead of just clicking where the game tells you to), to me it makes the gameplay more entertaining. Although now I feel like I’m gonna have to make a choice: do I become a tavern master or a successful alchemist?
PATRON
Last but not least, there’s Patron, a survival city builder with a unique social dynamics system. To make the best of the opportunities in your chosen location, you will need to construct residential houses, farms, production plants, manufacturing buildings and dozens of other buildings needed to harvest the riches of the land.
Patron differs from the other survival city builder games by focusing on the needs of individuals rather than the entire village, which I think makes the experience quite challenging. If the saying “you can’t please everyone” applies in this game (as much as in real life), I’m very curious to give it a try. Hopefully I won’t get exiled here, too.
[wpdiscuz-feedback id=”r7wn6dhbjf” question=”Do you have any other Medieval-themed video games to recommend? Let me know in the comments!” opened=”0″]Do you have any other Medieval-themed video games to recommend? Let me know in the comments![/wpdiscuz-feedback]
