Games are often played as an escape, and what could be more different from the technology and screens of the modern world than the tranquility of rural medieval life? While some medieval games focus on combat, including longsword duels and cavalry charges, others allow players to experience the day in the life of a medieval blacksmith, farmer, or merchant.
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These games allow players to build and manage their own Medieval cities to become the Kings and Queens they deserve to be.
These games can be relaxing, teach players about history, and yet are still fun and rewarding. With games set in the Middle Ages becoming more and more popular thanks to the success of titles such as Kingdom Come: Deliverance and Manor Lords, players can also check out these new upcoming medieval games, some of which will supposedly allow players to experience daily life.
Medieval Dynasty
Farm, Craft, Cook, Fish, Forage, & Fight
Medieval Dynasty
- Released
- December 17, 2020
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Strategy
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
If players are looking for a relaxing experience of medieval life via the medium of video games, then look no further than Medieval Dynasty. At first, it is somewhat of a survival game, as players must forage for food and gather resources to build shelter. However, it won't take long for players to start building their own village and populating it with farmhands, hunters, and craftsmen.
From then on, players can enjoy many aspects of rural medieval life, all in first or third person. They can chop trees, plow, plant, and harvest the fields over the changing seasons, hunt, fish, cook, craft, build, and much more with the aim of growing the village into a thriving town. The open world also allows players to take on the roles of medieval merchants or adventurers. Best of all, Medieval Dynasty can be enjoyed with friends in co-op, and while it does have some historical inaccuracies, such as a lack of a religion, it is still a highly immersive game.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
The Legacy Of The Forge DLC, In Particular, Lets Henry Live A Medieval Life
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
- Released
- February 4, 2025
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Use of Alcohol, Blood and Gore, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity
- Developer(s)
- Warhorse Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Deep Silver
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Action-Adventure, Open-World
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is, without a doubt, the best medieval game ever made, but as an RPG with a huge story and a record amount of dialogue, how much of a simple medieval life can players lead? At a couple of times throughout the main story, players are in more of a rush due to pressing matters. However, most of the time, and particularly after finishing the main quest line, players are free to do what they like, and that includes simulating medieval life.
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These open-world games are not only incredibly long but also feature immersive mechanics to keep players engaged in their virtual worlds for hours.
This is particularly true with the Legacy of the Forge DLC, which sees Henry settle down in Kuttenberg as a blacksmith and member of the guild. He will have daily commissions, invitations to play dice, and much more, while players are also free to go to the tavern for drinks. At his new home, players will have eggs and honey to collect in the morning, a kitchen to cook in, and herbs to gather. Plenty of the side quests also see Henry engage in different medieval livelihoods. For example, he can work in a vineyard, help out at a mill, and there are, of course, plenty of opportunities to play as a warrior.
Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord
Play As A Merchant, Blacksmith, Or Mercenary
Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord
- Released
- October 25, 2022
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Violence
- Developer(s)
- TaleWorlds Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
- TaleWorlds Entertainment
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Strategy
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord is mostly about warfare, and if players want to live the life of a medieval mercenary, soldier, or bandit in a large simulated sandbox, then this is a great option. However, for those who like to taste other elements of life in the Middle Ages, there are thankfully a few other options outside of combat.
For example, players can take on the role of a merchant, traveling far and wide across the large map, buying rare goods cheaply where they are produced and then selling them for more in towns where the demand is higher. Trade has also been expanded with the War Sails DLC, which allows the transportation of goods via ships. On land and at sea, merchants will have to be wary of bandits and so must travel with a guard. There is also the option to become a medieval blacksmith with plenty of options for customization, although this won't be performed in person like the best games for playing as a blacksmith.
The Guild Franchise
Choose One Of Many Professions & Grow Your Business
The Guild 2
- Released
- September 15, 2006
- Platform(s)
- PC
For those who prefer the hustle and bustle of life in a prosperous town in the late Middle Ages, The Guild franchise offers some fantastic experiences of daily life. While The Guild III is the most recent with the best graphics, many of the reviews suggest sticking with the first two games, and if players like these, they should keep an eye on The Guild - Europa 1410, which aims to revitalize the series.
Medieval Games That Are Not Historically Accurate
The following medieval games fail to deliver on historical accuracy, regardless of whether authenticity was their aim.
In essence, The Guild games allow players to choose a profession and grow their business, bringing wealth and respect to their family. The list of medieval professions includes farmers, bakers, innkeepers, millers, fishermen, smiths, tailors, carpenters, stonemasons, priests, thieves, merchants, and more.
Bellwright
Similar To Medieval Dynasty, But With More Combat
Bellwright
- Released
- April 23, 2024
- ESRB
- m
- Developer(s)
- Donkey Crew
- Publisher(s)
- Snail Games USA, Donkey Crew
- Genre(s)
- Survival, Open-World, RPG
- Platform(s)
- PC
Bellwright is an Early Access, medieval survival game, similar to Medieval Dynasty, but with a greater emphasis on combat as the player's village can be raided, and they are tasked with conquering other settlements. Nevertheless, players are still able to hunt, fish, build, and experience other aspects of rural life in the Middle Ages outside of combat.
All of this is done in third person and can be enjoyed alongside friends via online co-op. There is also a large emphasis on recruiting NPCs, both as workers in the village and warriors on the battlefield.
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