Medieval Games: Top 15 Picks

Journey back in time to an era of chivalry, conquest, and intrigue: the Middle Ages. A period brimming with both brutal warfare and romantic tales, this historical setting has captivated game developers for decades, offering players the chance to embody valiant knights, cunning rulers, or shrewd diplomats. This article presents fifteen exceptional medieval-themed games, each offering a unique blend of large-scale battles, political maneuvering, kingdom management, and the struggle for survival in a harsh, unforgiving world.

Prepare to don your armor and plunge into a world ruled by steel and crown!

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

Release Date: February 4, 2025 Developer: Warhorse Studios Download: Steam

For a hardcore medieval experience, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II offers countless hours immersed in a brutal and unforgiving world. Henry, older and more seasoned, returns, but have you grown since the first game? The challenging gameplay remains, though the combat system has been refined from five to four strike directions. Mastering combat remains crucial. New features include a less-than-convenient inventory system, the ability to wear multiple outfits, blacksmithing, potion brewing, weapon crafting, and much more. The narrative is compelling, but be warned: the dialogue-heavy approach may not appeal to all players. Despite this, the game offers unparalleled immersion into the dark realities of the medieval period.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Release Date: May 18, 2015 Developer: CD PROJEKT RED Download: Steam

No list of great medieval games is complete without The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Geralt’s epic quest to find Ciri is filled with romance, thrilling combat, the card game Gwent, countless side quests, and much more. The game's captivating atmosphere keeps players engaged whether wielding a sword or casting magic. Your choices directly impact the ending, so pay close attention to dialogue. For an even more immersive experience, consider exploring the many available mods. The crafting system, character progression, armor upgrades, and diverse quests create a classic RPG experience. Though fantasy-based, the medieval setting is remarkably well-realized.

Medieval Dynasty

Release Date: September 23, 2023 Developer: Render Cube Download: Steam

Always dreamed of building your own medieval village? Medieval Dynasty lets you do just that. You won’t just construct buildings; you’ll develop a thriving community, attracting new residents and expanding your crafting capabilities. Villagers can hunt, cook, sew, and contribute to the settlement's economy. But don't forget about your personal life! Marriage, children, and the legacy you leave behind are all part of the experience. Children born to both the main character and other villagers will grow over several in-game years, adding depth to the simulation. Farming, questing, hunting, and village management combine for a deeply engaging experience.

Manor Lords

Release Date: April 26, 2024 Developer: Slavic Magic Download: Steam

Another compelling settlement builder, Manor Lords, developed by a single person, gained immense popularity in 2024. Recent updates have further enhanced the gameplay. Here, village building is intertwined with territorial conquest and defense, adding a layer of strategic combat. The game's graphics are stunning, and the ability to directly control your character adds a unique level of immersion. Careful economic management is key to success; mismanagement can lead to a swift end to your reign.

Medieval II: Total War

Release Date: November 15, 2006 Developer: CREATIVE ASSEMBLY, Feral Interactive (Mac), Feral Interactive (Linux) Download: Steam

This renowned strategy game series transports players to the medieval era, where managing populations, building cities, and raising armies are essential to conquering territories and ensuring prosperity. Choose from various Western European and Middle Eastern factions. The 17 available factions add replayability, with five nations (Britain, Venice, the Holy Roman Empire, France, and Spain) recommended for beginners. Engage in single-player campaigns or join friends in multiplayer mode. Dynamic weather and terrain conditions add depth and unpredictability to battles.

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord

Release Date: October 25, 2022 Developer: TaleWorlds Entertainment Download: Steam

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is an RPG with a focus on medieval warfare, set 200 years before the first game. The sequel boasts an improved combat system and an expansive game world. Explore, conquer territories, recruit warriors, and lead your troops in realistic battles. Hundreds of units with unique classes and customizable equipment provide tactical depth. Multiplayer mode allows for fierce player-versus-player battles. Economic management is also vital, with opportunities for profitable trade and the need to secure trade routes from bandits.

Stronghold Series

Release Dates: 2001 to 2021 Developer: Firefly Studios Download: Steam

The Stronghold series blends real-time strategy with city building. Players must construct, finance, defend, and expand their castles. Develop the economy, manage resources, and ensure the happiness of your citizens. Repel enemy assaults, manage production, and keep a watchful eye out for those pesky wolves!

Mount & Blade: Warband

Release Date: March 31, 2010 Developer: TaleWorlds Entertainment Download: Steam

Mount & Blade: Warband, a predecessor to Bannerlord, offers a realistic medieval setting with immersive environments. Despite its 2010 release, it remains highly engaging. Build your kingdom, recruit knights, and grant them lands. The refined combat system emphasizes parrying and blocking. While similar to Bannerlord in concept, it provides a distinct experience.

Bellwright

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, each with unique skills that contribute to your cause. Strategic city management is as crucial as military might. Liberate villages, expand outposts, train elite soldiers, and choose your preferred fighting style.

Dragon Age: Inquisition

Release Date: November 18, 2014 Developer: BioWare Download: [ttpp]

A cataclysm has thrown the land into chaos. Dragons ravage the kingdoms, mages and Templars clash, and nations are at war. As the Inquisitor, you must lead the Inquisition, restore order, and confront the forces of chaos. This classic RPG features character progression, crafting, questing, and exploration. Don't neglect side quests, as they strengthen the Inquisition's power.

Dragon’s Dogma 2

Release Date: March 22, 2024 Developer: Capcom Download: dragonsdogma.com

A traditional medieval fantasy, Dragon's Dogma 2 features brave heroes, powerful magic, and terrifying creatures from various mythologies. An evil dragon chooses a human, the Arisen, granting them immense power at the cost of their heart. Your mission: defeat the dragon, reclaim your heart, and save the world. The expansive open world, four times larger than its predecessor, is filled with points of interest, from enemy camps to hidden treasures. The unique grappling system and companion system, featuring "pawns" from another realm, add depth to the gameplay.

A Plague Tale: Requiem

Release Date: October 17, 2022 Developer: Asobo Studio Download: Steam

Following the events of the first game, Amicia and Hugo flee south, seeking a cure for Hugo's mysterious illness. Their journey leads them to a potentially healing location, but dangers abound. The sequel features larger, more open environments, though stealth remains a crucial mechanic. Master the art of avoiding enemies, carefully planning your movements, and using the environment to your advantage.

Graveyard Keeper

Release Date: August 15, 2015 Developer: Lazy Bear Games Download: Steam

As a graveyard keeper in the Middle Ages, your goal is to bury the dead and make a profit. This economic simulator features a blend of dark humor and a surprisingly poignant story.

Foundation

Release Date: January 31, 2025 Developer: Polymorph Games Download: Steam

This city-building simulator lets you construct a medieval settlement, keeping your citizens happy with unique buildings. Manage resources, erect monumental structures, and ensure the well-being of your people using intuitive "smart brushes" that ensure efficient construction.

Banished

Release Date: February 18, 2014 Developer: Shining Rock Software Download: Steam

A city-building simulator with strategic elements, Banished focuses on resource management and the development of an isolated medieval society. The barter-based economy requires careful planning and resource allocation. Your most important resource is your people; prevent starvation and despair to ensure the survival of your settlement. With no tech trees, you can build any structure you can afford, developing various industries and assigning residents to up to twenty professions.

This concludes our exploration of fifteen exceptional medieval-themed games. With a diverse range of genres and gameplay styles, there’s something here for every player. Choose your adventure and step into the captivating world of the Middle Ages!