Top 20 Historical Strategy Games

In 2019, Paradox released “Imperator: Rome”, a grand strategy game that lets you play through the age of antiquity. Unfortunately, it suffered from a poor release, causing many to abandon the game quickly. There have been major updates since, and with great efforts from the modding community, this is now regarded as one of Paradox’s greatest games. It pulls features from their other most popular games, like the economy of “Victoria II”, the warfare of “Europa Universalis IV”, and the human mechanics of “Crusader Kings”. These all come together wonderfully, in what many consider to now be the greatest antiquity simulator. If you haven’t given this one a try, it’s certainly worth coming back to more than 5 years after release.

Released way back in 2009 by Paradox, this is one of the most comprehensive World War II grand strategy games ever made. Players can take control of any nation in the world, and guide them through one of the largest wars in history. Every single aspect of the nation is at the players' fingertips, from the production and research to politics and diplomacy. Be warned before getting into this one - it’s probably the most complex game ever developed by Paradox. This provides an unparalleled level of strategy, however, to many players, it’s just too intimidating, but once you’ve pushed through the early hours you’ll be rewarded with one of the most satisfying strategies ever made.

Now for our first 4X game on the list, it’s Mohawk Games’ “Old World”. Released in 2021, and designed by the lead designer of “Civilization IV”, it’s an ancient-era strategy with a unique focus on dynasty expansion. Unlike the “Civilization” franchise, instead of playing as an immortal ruler, your leaders will grow old and die, forcing you to groom a strong heir and ensure the succession is safe. Another unique feature is the order system, where actions are a resource, which gives you only a limited quantity of decisions each turn. ”Old World” is a breath of fresh air for the genre, and is a must-play for longtime fans of the genre.

Now for Paradox’s newest title, the Victorian economic simulator “Victoria 3”. This game received an overwhelmingly negative reception at release, but has received improvements since. It allows you to take complete control over a nation in the 19th century, and guide them through the Industrial Revolution and the age of imperialism. It features a deep economic simulation, which forces players to balance the needs of their nation’s varied population, such as the capitalists and the workers. Unfortunately, the military aspect of the game leaves a lot to be desired, but if all you care about is economy and diplomacy - this is the game for you!

2020 saw the release of the third installment in Paradox’s “Crusader Kings” franchise, which was met with largely positive reviews. It’s a grand strategy game, focused on managing a dynasty in the Middle Ages. This results in players taking on the role of many different characters over centuries, and you’re constantly having to groom heirs and manage your vassals. This makes for some hilarious situations, and has some of the best character stories out of any strategy game. Unfortunately, the game still hasn’t received as much love and support as its predecessor, and as a result, your actions feel less impactful and it is lacking in flavor, but hopefully, with enough time, it’ll become the best in the series.

Ensemble Studios released this gem of real-time strategy way back in 2005, which transports players into the centuries-long colonial era. You can choose from a plethora of interesting civilizations, such as the British Empire or the Ottoman Empire, giving players the freedom to explore and conquer the New World. It features a unique “Home City” mechanic, where your colonies can call upon the home nation for aid, which can come in the form of reinforcements and resources. This is one of the most well-rounded RTS games, and lets you manage all aspects of your colony, from warfare to economy. As such, this is one of the most beloved entries in the series, with close to infinite replayability.

Related Designs released “Anno 1404” in 2009, and it immediately became a cherished gem in the franchise. Not only is it a city builder, but it’s also an economic simulator that dabbles in RTS. Throughout the game, players will establish a colonial city during the Renaissance period, and will then have to manage their resources and economy to meet their population's demands. If done successfully, your colony will thrive, and blossom into an industrial powerhouse. It’s been more than 15 years since its release, and many players still come back to this stunningly immersive strategy.

Creative Assembly released this masterpiece in 2015, and it’s become the defining strategy game set during the Migration Period. You can choose to play as either the Roman Empire in its most turbulent years, barbarian tribes, or most excitingly - the Huns, led by the renowned Attila. Few developers have attempted to recreate this period, given its tumultuous nature, however, this game portrays it magnificently. Cities are constantly threatened by invasion, famine, and internal strife, meaning players will always have a lot on their plate. It features unique migration mechanics, reflecting the movement of peoples during this era, all while Attila the Hun wreaks havoc across Europe. This is a standout in the Total War series, and the only game to truly capture Rome's fall.

Most real-time strategy games tend to focus on a specific period in history, such as the Middle Ages or the Ancient World. Where Rise of Nations differs, however, is that it lets you battle it out in every era you can imagine all in the same match. In Rise, if you don’t eat up territory or advance technologically fast enough, you could find yourself trying to use spears and arrows against tanks and bi-planes. Created by game designer Brian Reynolds, who had previously worked on the Civilization series, Rise had a lot more depth in its economy and diplomacy systems than other RTSs at the time, including a focus on expanding your borders so your units don’t take attrition on enemy soil.

Another marvel of strategy, “Medieval II” was released in 2006 to critical acclaim. It lets players wage warfare and immerse themselves in Europe’s Middle Ages. You will be divided between epic real-time battles and a fascinating grand strategy campaign, where you manage whichever unique Kingdom or Empire you have chosen. Other features include the Crusades and Jihads, masterfully replicating the religious strife the Middle Ages faced. The real-time battles are where the game truly shines, giving players the chance to engage in giant sieges and stunning field engagements. This game will forever be a fan favorite, boasting a plethora of mechanics that still don’t feel dated.

The Industrial Revolution was one of the most impactful periods of history, and Ubisoft’s “Anno 1800” wonderfully recreates it. Players take charge of a city, and are tasked with turning it into a thriving industrial metropolis. This is considered by many to be the pinnacle of the franchise, due to its beautiful blend of history and engaging gameplay. The game’s mechanics focus on balancing the needs of different population types, as is standard in an “Anno” game, but 1800 has some of the most intricate and rewarding production line mechanics in any game. This is a shining jewel of strategy, which combines city-building with industrialization to a marvelous degree.

This is the most commercially successful entry in one of strategy’s oldest franchises, developed by Firaxis Games and released in 2016. 8 years on, and it still holds up remarkably. Like all “Civilization” games, you play as a historical figure and are tasked with leading their civilization throughout all of human history. The major strength of this entry is the addition of specialized districts, which adds a lot of strategic depth to empire building, rather than in prior entries where each city could do everything. It also possesses a vibrant art style, which combines with intricate mechanics to make it endlessly replayable.

Arguably the best “Total War” game since “Rome: Total War”, “Three Kingdoms” is set during one of the most fascinating periods of history. Players can take the role of multiple legendary warlords, and then embark on a struggle to unite China during the third century’s tumultuous Three Kingdoms period. Playable characters include Cao Cao, Sun Jian, and of course the popular Liu Bei. The focus on characters is more prominent than in any other game in the franchise, making character management crucial to victory. Of course, the stunning real-time battles “Total War” is known for are still here, making for one of the most well-rounded strategy games of all time.

While there are plenty of first-person shooters that let you get into the grit and mayhem of World War 2, there are significantly fewer games that let you take control of the action from a top-down perspective and belt out orders like General Patton. But that’s okay, because we have the Company of Heroes series to help us get our fix of tight, tactical combat and historically accurate, WW2-era strategy. In addition to taking control of infantry battalions and tank divisions, Company of Heroes also let players call in airstrikes, laydown artillery bombardment and capture strategic points like machine gun emplacements and AA guns.

Released back in 2010, “Victoria II” is still to be topped as the greatest Victorian economic simulator of all time. More than 200 states are available to play, and you can manipulate their industry, political ideology, military, diplomacy, and navy. This is one of the most deep strategies ever released, and it can be extremely rewarding to guide your nation through the 19th century, industrializing the whole way. Whether you want to make a liberal Russia, free from serfdom, or a Brazilian socialist utopia - this game allows all that, and more. The modding community has also created some amazing overhauls, which means it can still feel fresh almost 15 years after its release.

The second game in the beloved Age of Empires series, AOE 2 flashed things forward a few hundred years from the original game’s Bronze Age setting to Medieval Times. Featuring a plethora of new units from around the world, including mounted knights, Aztec Jaguar Warriors, and even katana-wielding samurai, each faction had a unique flavor that made for some spectacular engagements on the field of honor. Age of Kings also had wide variety in its single-player campaigns that let you follow in the footsteps of famous historical figures like Joan of Arc and Genghis Khan, to less well-known warriors like El Cid and Frederick Barbarossa. Heck, the tutorial even lets you play as Braveheart himself, William Wallace.

Sid Meier’s Civilization games pioneered the 4x genre of games by giving players options to win beyond just crushing all opposition. Explore, expand, exploit or, yes, exterminate as you see fit with your choice of civilization and leader. While Civilization IV was one of the deepest games in the series, V both simplifies and innovates the formula pioneered by its predecessors to create one of the most refined strategy experiences ever made. It even changed the ground the series stood on by replacing the traditional square grid with a hexagonal one. With a total of 43 civilizations including the ones from DLC and expansion packs, few games offer as much choice, flexibility, and fun as Civilization V.

Ah Rome, home of the Vatican, Fountain of Trevi and birthplace to one of history’s single most successful empires. In Rome: Total War, the third game in the Total War franchise, players got the chance to take control of one the Republic’s feuding families and lead their indefatigable legions to glory against barbarians, Carthaginians, Greeks, and anyone else fool enough to question the might of Rome. Alternatively, you could chose to take control of one of those unique barbarian, Greek, or Near-Eastern factions and make the Eternal City a footnote in world history.

If there’s one thing that the fantasy genre has taught us, it’s that destroying your enemies with guile and manipulation can be just as satisfying as running them through with a sword. Crusader Kings 2 is a 4x game from Paradox Interactive that lets you unleash your inner Lannister as you guide the destiny of a Medieval dynasty using treachery, assassination, and even diplomacy to become the most powerful family in the realm. However, before you can get around to poisoning nobles and seducing siblings for the sake of political advancement, you have to make it over CK2’s punishing difficulty curve and impenetrable menus. But, if you’re willing to put in the work, no other game makes it feel so good to be bad.

One of the deepest grand strategy games out there, EU4 makes Civilization look like Clash of Clans. Whether you want to rule the world with your crushing military might, shrewd diplomacy, or economic acumen, EU4 gives you the tools to make any path to victory the right one. Also unlike the Civilization series, EU4 takes place in real-time. So if you’re the sort who likes to spend your sweet time admiring the vast dominion of your realm, you might want to hotkey the pause button. While complex, the game is much more inviting than its predecessors with smart design decisions that will let you tweak every aspect of your empire without getting bogged down in too many menus.

Were any of your favorite Historical strategies missed, or maybe ones set in the distant future which you enjoy? Drop us a comment letting us know!