Summary
- While medieval fantasy games are popular, there's a shortage of realistic medieval history-based games.
- Games like Medieval Dynasty, Robin Hood, and The Valiant offer engaging experiences with a historical setting.
- From survival RPGs to strategy games, there are diverse options for players interested in medieval history.
There is never a shortage of fantasy games inspired by medieval history and settings. Whether it is Final Fantasy 16, World of Warcraft, or The Witcher games, fans have a lot of choices when it comes to medieval fantasy games that cover a range of genres. It is somewhat surprising and disappointing that there is a shortage of games based on or around medieval history and time settings that do away with most fantasy elements.
When it comes to entertainment mediums, most fans are not expecting perfect historical accuracy, but having a variety of choices for those looking for something more realistic should have options. Thankfully, games are catering to history buffs and sword and sorcery fans.
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Updated October 24, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: The Medieval period is an ideal setting for video games. Whether gamers enjoy strategy, action, combat, or survival games, they can immerse themselves in a captivating world that draws inspiration from this intriguing and challenging era of history. This list features several games perfect for those who have a passion for medieval history.
22 Medieval Dynasty
An Engaging Survival RPG To Play Alone Or With Others
Medieval Dynasty
- Released
- December 17, 2020
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Developer
- Render Cube
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
There are a lot of games in which players take on the roles of knights, warriors, and conquerors, but there aren't many that involve survival and building a town in a harsh medieval environment. In Medieval Dynasty, it's up to the player to develop their villages and ensure the safety of its occupants. It's a game into which players can pour countless hours, engaging in crafting and building.
Set in the medieval era, Medieval Dynasty is a challenging survival RPG hybrid in which players must navigate the perils of a severe environment that threatens the village. The objective is to continuously develop the village until it evolves into a thriving city, attracting new residents who bring valuable skills and become integral to the player's burgeoning society.
21 The Valiant
An Accessible And Enjoyable Medieval RTS
- Released: 2022
- Developer: Kite Games
- Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
The Valiant is a real-time strategy game set in the 13th Century, with the story and battles taking place across Medieval Europe and the Middle East. Players take on the role of a Crusader knight forced back into the miliary and tasked with obtaining a precious ancient artifact.
It's a refreshing take on the RTS genre, featuring a worthwhile story that's better than similar titles like Ancestor's Legacy. The Valiant is accessible, but challenging, with some missions requiring a lot of thought and planning. It features a 15-hour campaign and online battles to keep players busy after the story ends.
20 Robin Hood: The Legend Of Sherwood
An Excellent Strategy And Stealth Game
Robin Hood: The Legend of Sherwood
England, Anno Domini 1190 – Richard the Lionheart is held prisoner and his brother, Prince John rules over the simple peasants with an iron hand and this pure force of arms forces them to bend to authority. Only one man takes up the struggle against the oppressors, supported by a small band of brave and loyal followers. His name; Robin Hood.
Roam the dense foliage of Sherwood, come face to face with royal trouble and battle against Prince John’s forces as you take on the role of legendary nobleman, Robin Hood. Team up with Little John and the rest of the Merry Men as the battle for the King’s throne ensues in this stealth-based, real-time strategy game.
Key features: Non-linear campaign system with over 30 different missions, Mission types from Robbery and Infiltration to Castle Attack and Ambush, Combines action and adventure with stealth tactical elements, Innovative combat system, interact with the mouse while fighting to access special combat skills, Play as Robin Hood, Little John, Friar Tuck or even Maid Marian, nine characters in all, each with specific abilities and attributes, Spectacular graphics with realistic atmospheric conditions like day, night and fog, Explore historic locations; Sherwood Forest, Nottingham Castle, York and many more.
Robin Hood: The Legend of Sherwood is an isometric real-time stealth and strategy game in the mold of the Commandos and Desperado games. Set in the late 12th Century, the game places players in the role of the eponymous Robin Hood who leads his band of Merry Men against. It features open-ended, non-linear missions where the legendary outlaw must overcome Nottingham's oppressive military forces led by the Sheriff and Prince John.
Like Desperados, players control five characters and utilize their unique skill sets to infiltrate and liberate enemy forts and castles. The objective is to subdue rather than eliminate foes, allowing Robin to enlist more rebels into his Band of Merry Men, accompanied by other legendary figures such as Little John, Friar Tuck, and Maid Marian.
19 Assassin's Creed: Valhalla
A Stunning Medieval World To Explore
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
- Released
- November 10, 2020
- Developer(s)
- Ubisoft
- Platform(s)
- Stadia, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Assassin's Creed Valhalla serves as the conclusion to the Origins saga: Assassin's Creed Origins and Assassin's Creed Odyssey. It puts players in the shoes of Eivor, a Viking that can be male or female with stellar performances from the voice actors.
The game recreates iconic sieges and battles, with the Siege of Paris DLC being a particular standout. Assassin's Creed Valhalla follows a similar timeline to the TV shows The Last Kingdom and Vikings. Fans of those shows will enjoy the journey of this entry in the Creed series, even if it does suffer from padding and endless collectibles.
18 Chivalry 2
All-Out Medieval Warfare
Chivalry 2
- Released
- June 8, 2021
- Developer(s)
- Torn Banner Studios
- Platform(s)
- Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- Genre(s)
- Hack and Slash, Action
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Chivalry 2 is an online multiplayer game in which players can fight it out in massive battles for up to 64 players at a time. It's a refreshing take on large-scale online warfare where players can get up close and personal. The combat is more arcade-like than simulation, and it is a style that works perfectly in the format.
After getting killed, players will respawn and get thrust back into the action as a defender of a castle/fort or an attacker. Players can fight on foot or horseback, with jousting battles or swinging a sword.
17 Jeanne d'Arc
A Strategic Fantasy Retelling Of Real History
Jeanne d'Arc
- Released
- November 22, 2006
- Developer(s)
- Level 5
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- Genre(s)
- Tactical
Jeanne d'Arc is a tactical RPG still hailed as one of the best titles on the PSP. It melds real-life history set during the Hundred Years' War in the 15th century with fantasy and magical elements. In terms of its narrative and storytelling, it is anime-like, with its demons, magic, and melodrama. However, the setting will appeal to fans of history and adaptations of historical events surrounding Joan of Arc.
It puts a different spin on Joan's real-life story as she is guided by voices from the heavens to fight back against the English after they burned down her village. The tactical gameplay is reminiscent of Final Fantasy Tactics and Triangle Strategy, with turn-based battles fought on a grid. There is an element of rock, paper, and scissors to the gameplay with its implementation of Sol, Luna, and Stella. These mechanics get more interesting as the story progresses and battles get more challenging.
16 For Honor
Excellent Timing-Based Medieval Combat
For Honor
- Released
- February 14, 2017
- Developer(s)
- Ubisoft Montreal
- Platform(s)
- Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 4
- Genre(s)
- Action
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
If players ever wanted to find out who would win in a fight between a Samurai Warrior and a medieval European Knight, then For Honor is the closest they can get. Released in 2017, the online fighter has become a major hit for Ubisoft, and fans have access to a wealth of content released over the years.
Now, players can choose from Vikings, Ninjas, Gladiators, Pirates, and more. The combat is based on deflections and timing, and those going into fights without mastering the tutorials in For Honor first will quickly find that it is no ordinary fighting game. For Honor is a cinematic, technical, and surprisingly well-balanced game with varied fighting styles.
15 Medieval 2: Total War
The Ultimate Medieval Grand Strategy War Game
Medieval 2: Total War
- Released
- November 14, 2006
- Developer(s)
- Creative Assembly, Feral Interactive
- Genre(s)
- Real-Time Strategy, Tactical
Released in 2006, Medieval 2: Total War looks more dated than the recent hits in the Total War franchise. However, in its depth, gameplay, and medieval lore, Medieval 2 stands the test of time. The scale and scope of the battles on screen can pull players into the brutality of warfare, as they watch their tactics unfold on the screen.
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Moreover, thanks to its age, it is also one of the most easily accessible games available on Android and older PCs. Years after its release, Medieval 2: Total War is still among the greatest grand strategy games fans of medieval history can play.
14 Crusader Kings 3
A Deep And Strategic Game
Crusader Kings 3
- Released
- September 1, 2020
- Developer(s)
- Paradox Interactive
- Platform(s)
- PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Grand Strategy
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Released in 2020 on PC, Crusader Kings 3 marks the first time the series has landed on consoles. Thanks to the loading speeds of current-gen hardware, console players can finally experience one of the best strategy games in years.
The developers at Paradox Development Studio have done an admirable job of getting the game to work on a controller without sacrificing depth. It is a game that can last players forever as Crusader Kings 3 is designed to play as a dynamic and reactive experience. As with most grand strategy games, the mechanics can be intimidating, but the rewarding gameplay makes it worth the steep learning curve.
13 Ancestors Legacy
An Accessible, Old-School Real-Time Strategy Game
Ancestors Legacy
Ancestor's Legacy is a real-time strategy game with similar mechanics to the Command & Conquer series. It lacks the complexity of a grand strategy game, but it's a great entry point for newcomers to the strategy genre.
Ancestors Legacy lets gamers play as the Anglo-Saxons during the events of 1066. The Viking campaign is set in 793, chronicling their first raid on the Lindisfarne Monastery, with the second part set in 892. Additionally, there are campaigns where gamers can play from the perspectives of the Slavs and Teutons.