Embark on a Journey Through Time: 15 Must-Play Medieval Games

The Middle Ages – a captivating era of chivalry, kingdoms, epic battles, and ambitious conquests. A period blending romance and brutality, intrigue and glorious triumphs. Game developers have long been drawn to this rich tapestry, crafting immersive worlds where you can embody a valiant warrior, a powerful emperor, or a cunning diplomat.

This article showcases 15 exceptional medieval-themed games, offering a diverse range of experiences: large-scale warfare, political maneuvering, kingdom management, and the struggle for survival in a challenging historical setting. Prepare to don your armor and delve into an age defined by steel and crown!

Table of Contents

• 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

Image: opencritic.com

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

For a hardcore medieval experience, KCD II delivers unforgettable hours in a brutal world. The protagonist is older and stronger, but have you evolved since the first game? The challenging gameplay remains, although the combat system has been refined (from 5 to 4 strike directions). Mastering combat is still essential.

New features include a less-than-convenient inventory, the ability to wear multiple outfits, blacksmithing, potion and weapon crafting, and more. The narrative is compelling, but the extensive dialogue might deter some. Nevertheless, it's a highly recommended immersion into the dark heart of the medieval era.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

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

This legendary Witcher saga deserves a place on any best-of list. Your quest to find Ciri intertwines with romance, Gwent, countless side quests, and acts of heroism.

The game's atmosphere is captivating. Whether wielding a sword or wielding magic, players will find endless engagement. Your choices shape the ending, so pay close attention to dialogue – the consequences can be significant. Consider enhancing your experience with mods.

The crafting system, character progression, armor upgrades, and diverse quests create a classic RPG experience. While fantasy-based, the medieval setting is impeccably rendered.

Medieval Dynasty

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

Always dreamed of establishing your own medieval village? Medieval Dynasty lets you build and grow a settlement, attracting new inhabitants and expanding your crafting capabilities. Villagers can hunt, cook, sew, and produce goods for both internal consumption and trade.

Personal life is also a factor. Marry, have children, and watch your heir grow up. Children will be born to other villagers as well, maturing over several in-game years. Farming, quests, hunting, and settlement management will keep you busy, making time fly by.

Manor Lords

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

Another settlement-building game, this solo-developed title gained immense popularity in 2024. Recent updates have been well-received.

Here, you'll not only construct a village but also engage in territorial conquest and defense, adding a thrilling dimension to the gameplay.

The graphics are stunning, and the character control is exceptional. Your ruler feels like a real person, enhancing the immersion of exploring your domain. Careful economic management is crucial for success.

Medieval II: Total War

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

This renowned series transports you to the Middle Ages, where you manage populations, build cities, and raise armies to expand your territory and ensure your nation's prosperity.

Choose from Western European and Middle Eastern factions (17 in total, with staggered availability). Beginners should select from Britain, Venice, the Holy Roman Empire, France, or Spain.

Engage in single-player campaigns or multiplayer battles. Dynamic weather and terrain significantly impact combat.

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord

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

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is an RPG with medieval warfare at its core, set 200 years before the first game. Expect improved combat and an expanded world.

Explore the vast landscape, conquer territories, and build your army by recruiting warriors. Lead your troops in realistic battles with hundreds of unique unit classes and customizable equipment. Multiplayer battles are also available.

Economic management is vital. Profit from grain sales, monitor fluctuating prices, clear trade routes, and resell goods to earn in-game currency.

Stronghold Series

Image: youtube.com

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

Stronghold blends real-time strategy and city-building simulation. Construct and defend your castle, manage your finances, and conquer enemy lands. Maintain your citizens' happiness, and beware of those pesky wolves!

Repel sieges, manage resources, and produce weapons efficiently. Balancing your time and resources is essential for survival.

Mount & Blade: Warband

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

Warband, a predecessor to Bannerlord, offers a realistic medieval setting with immersive environments. Despite its 2010 release, it provides exceptional immersion.

Become a kingdom ruler, recruit knights, and grant them land. The refined combat system emphasizes parrying and blocking. Similar in concept and gameplay to Bannerlord.

Bellwright

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• Release Date: April 23, 2024
• Developer: Donkey Crew
• Download: Steam

Bellwright plunges you into a world of rebellion and intrigue. Imprisoned for a crime you didn't commit, you must clear your name and lead a revolution against a tyrannical ruler.

Build and manage settlements, gather resources, and recruit villagers, each bringing unique skills. Strategic city management is as important as military might. Liberate villages, expand outposts, train soldiers, and choose your preferred combat style.

Dragon Age: Inquisition

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• Release Date: November 18, 2014
• Developer: BioWare
• Download: (Platform unspecified - needs clarification)

A cataclysm has plunged the land into chaos. Dragons terrorize kingdoms, mages battle Templars, and nations clash. As the Inquisitor, you lead the Inquisition, restoring order and confronting the forces of chaos.

This classic RPG features character progression, crafting, quests, and exploration. Don't neglect side quests, which strengthen the Inquisition.

Dragon's Dogma 2

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

A traditional medieval fantasy with heroes, magic, and creatures from various mythologies. An evil dragon chooses a human (the Arisen) to grant immense power, but at the cost of their heart.

Defeat the dragon and save the world. Explore a vast open world (four times larger than the first game), filled with points of interest. Grappling and a unique companion system (pawns) are key gameplay elements.

A Plague Tale: Requiem

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• 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 illness. Their journey leads them to a mysterious island.

Larger locations offer more freedom, although stealth remains crucial. Master stealth mechanics, memorize enemy patterns, and choose your approach carefully.

Graveyard Keeper

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• 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 also features a love story and a poignant narrative.

Foundation

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

This city-building simulator lets you construct a medieval settlement, keeping your citizens happy and learning about historical building practices. Manage resources, erect structures, and ensure the well-being of your populace. "Smart brushes" aid in efficient construction.

Banished

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

A city-building simulator with strategic elements, focusing on resource management and the development of an isolated medieval society. Barter is the economic system, with each resource having its market value.

Your primary resource is your population; prevent starvation and despair to ensure survival. Build structures, gather resources, trade with merchants, and develop industries. Residents can learn up to 20 professions.

This concludes our exploration of 15 captivating medieval-themed games. With a diverse range of genres, there's something for every player.