Games likeAge of Empires II,Chivalry: Medieval Warfare, andKingdom Come: Deliveranceare allset in the Middle Ages. In fact, the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Gothic periods come up as settings in video games surprisingly often. This in itself can lure people in, but some games show their dedication to the time period through more than just their scenery.
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Often, when people think of the word “medieval”, images of knights, castles, alchemy, battles, and plagues instantly come to mind. When gameplay focuses on one or more of these elements, players can be immersed in an era very different from their own. These are some of the best games inspired by the Middle Ages.
12Kingdom & Kingdom: New Lands
Platforms:Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Xbox One, Linux, Classic macOS
Kingdomand its sequels are strategy and resource management games in which players control a king or queen. This 2D sidescroller lets players explore, build, defend, and conquer the islands they land on. Players can recruit commoners, promote subjects to knights, upgrade their castles, and fight off dark enemies. Thispixel art gamealso lets players explore forests and expand their kingdom until a boat is built to send them to the next island, where they repeat the entire process.
Platforms:PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5
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From Soft’sDark Soulsgamestake place in the kingdom of Lordran and are all combat-heavy games. They havemany options for weapons, armor, and magic, making the game customizable to just about any play style. Players must learn from their past mistakes to advance and discover the story of their undead character. TheDark Soulsuniverse encourages exploration with multiple zones that are all interconnected in one large world and allows for teleportation to bonfire checkpoints.
10Assassin’s Creed
Platforms:PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series
TheAssassin’s Creedfranchise is full of action-adventure games focused on stealth, parkour, and combat. In the first one, the open-world map is based on a region of the medieval Middle East. As a member of the Order of Assassins, players must traverse the landscape and fight against Templars if they are to survive theage-old fight between the two warring factions. The game melds history with the fantasy, creating a fictional universe while mixing in real historical people and events.
Platforms:Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, iOS, Android
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Graveyard Keeperis a management simulator with a medieval setting. Players can build, manage, and upgrade their graveyard, church, and garden.From crafting and selling items, to dissecting the dead, resurrecting zombies, and creating potions,Graveyard Keeperoffers many options for gameplay. NPCs provide quests and DLCs are available for more content. The game has similarities toAnimal Crossing, but with a spooky twist.
8For Honor
Platforms:Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
For Honoris an action-packed fighting game set in a fantasy version of the Middle Ages. This game offersintricate combat mechanicsto be used in both campaign and PvP modes. Players can choose from a variety of historical warriors spanning five factions. Every character has their own unique weapons, traits, and fighting techniques, while different character matchups ensure varying advantages and disadvantages between battles.
7Dragon Age: Inquisition
Platforms:Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
Dragon Age: Inquisitionis an action RPG game in which players control the Inquisitor, savior of Thedas. Factions must use strategic combat to fight not only demonic invasion, but also other factions. The world is large, detailed, and a perfect place for exploring. With anarrative influenced by the player’s choices, the map and events change dynamically based on these decisions, making for a unique experience every time.
6Yes, Your Grace
Platforms:Microsoft Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Yes, Your Graceis a kingdom management RPG in which players control King Eryk of Davern. This game is based on Slavic folklore with fictional elements such as magic and monsters. Between helping commoners, befriending lords, regulating supplies, and taking care of the royal family,Yes, Your Graceis a game of choices. Something as simple as a decision to throw a thief in jail could make a difference down the line.
5Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Platforms:Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrimis an action RPG and the fifth game in theElder Scrollsseries. It takes place in Skyrim, the northernmost area of Tamriel.The Dragonbornmust develop their skills, complete quests, and explore the open-world environment to progress. NPCs can be talked to, fought, or even hired as companions. In cities, players can join factions or acquire jobs. With many character options to choose from, the game offers ample opportunities for players to carve their own paths.
4The Witcher 2: Assassin’s of Kings & The Witcher 3
Platforms:Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, OS X, Linux, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5
TheWitcherfranchise is made up of action RPG games based in a fictional medieval world that’s based on Slavic myths. The main character isGeralt of Rivia, who is a Witcher, meaning that he possesses supernatural powers that are used to fight monsters. NPCs and quests send Geralt around the map to collect weapons, upgrade magic, and buy weapons. Morality lies in a grey area, and the ending of the game varies depending on the choices players make throughout their playthrough.
Platforms:Microsoft Windows, OS X, Linux, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, iOS, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
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Darkest Dungeonis a roguelike RPG. The gothic adventure has players recruit and train a team of heroes. Fight terrifying monsters, manage stress and disease, and avoid the all-consuming darkness. While participating in turn-based combat, players explore a variety of procedurally-generated locations from crypts to forests. All the while, victories and failures are narrated, and run-throughs of the game offer the opportunity totry new strategies for success.
