Age of Empires is a historical real-time strategy game that was originally released in 1997. Since then, nine games have been released including Age of Empires II, Age of Empires III, Age of Empires Online, Age of Empires: The Age of Kings, and Age of Mythology. The most recent title, Age of Empires IV, was released in 2021.
A commercial success, more than 25 million copies have been sold worldwide.
Did you recently finish playing the game? Looking for titles similar to Age of Empires? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading for some recommendations!
Top 10 Games Like Age Of Empires In 2024
Without further ado, here are some games that you may enjoy if you like Age of Empires.
10. Northgard
Northgard is a Viking-themed strategy game that allows you to control a clan of Vikings in the mysterious newfound continent of Northgard. Throughout the game, the player will navigate through various maps, during which they may come across creatures, as well as resources to exploit. At the end of the day, the goal is to build an efficient settlement, and to do that, you must assign your Vikings to various jobs (e.g. farmer, sailor).
Players will also have to prepare for the freezing winter conditions by collecting food and wood ahead of time- only then will they be able to survive the harsh conditions.
Developed by Shiro Games, Northgard was officially released on March 7, 2018, and is currently available for PC, Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, and Switch. There’s also an online mode where you can play against your friends. Will you be able to reach the final Norse God rank?
9. Iron Harvest
Iron Harvest is a real-time strategy game developed by King Art Games. Similar to Age of Empires, it’s a historical game that it’s set in the 1920s, albeit in an alternative history universe. Unlike the former, however, it has a diesel-punk mecha theme. Instead of Vikings, players can control infantry, mecha, and hero units.
In total, there are more than 20 different missions, all of which are focused on the conflict between the nations Saxony, Rusviet, and Polania. The Operation Eagle DLC also adds Ursonia, which is based on the United States, as another playable nation.
In addition to an online mode, which lets you play against friends, there’s also a single-player Skirmish mode, where you can fight against the AI. The best part is that you can set your own rules so there are endless ways to play.
Released on September 1, 2020, Iron Harvest is currently available for Windows, Xbox Series X/S, and Playstation 5.
8. Cossacks 3
Cossacks is a real-time strategy game that’s set in 17th and 18th century Europe.
Developed by GSC Game World, it’s a remake of Cossacks: European Wars, which was originally released in 2001. Unlike the original, however, it features modern 3D graphics, dynamic lighting, and updated textures and models. Not only that but it also comes with full mod support, which allows for game customization.
Similar to the 2001 title, the game includes 12 nations; the various units, technologies, and historical buildings also make a return. It also features the same compelling formula of base-besieging and base-building.
What’s more, is that it features support for up to 8 players (compared to 7 in the original), terrain bonuses, revamped game mechanisms, as well as a realistic ballistic engine that provides players with various tactical opportunities against enemies.
Various DLCs have also been released including Days of Brilliance, Guardians of the Highlands, Rise to Glory, The Golden Age, and Path to Grandeur. Currently, the game is available for Microsoft Windows and Linux.
7. Halo Wars: Definitive Edition
Halo Wars; Definitive Edition was developed by Ensemble Studios, the same video game developer who created Age of Empires. In fact, it was the last game that they released before they were closed by Microsoft. Following their closure, the former employees at Ensemble founded Robot Entertainment, through which they released updates and DLCs.
Released on December 20, 2016, the game is an enhanced version of the original Halo Wars, which came out in 2009. While it’s more sci-fi than historical, it offers the same type of real-time strategy experience with the narrative structure and technology of the Halo game- this makes it ideal for newcomers.
Set in the year 2531, the game initially takes place aboard the warship Spirit of Fire as soldiers fight in an effort to stop an ancient fleet of ships from falling into the hands of Covenant, a genocidal alien from outer space. Combat is balanced by a “rock-paper-scissors” system” and special abilities can be activated using “supplies”, which can be generated or found on the battlefield.
If anything, Halo Wars is easily one of the best-selling games on the market. Currently, it’s available for Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.
6. Age of Mythology
Age of Mythology, as you may be able to tell from its name, is created by the same developers as Age of Empires. Unlike the latter, however, it’s based on mythological beliefs. More specifically, the legends and myths of ancient civilizations. In total, there are three empires that the player can choose from: Greek, Norse, and Egyptian, each of which has its own culture and religion.
Similar to Age of Empires, however, the game is also based on historical events. Not only that, but it also features the same formula of building a base, managing resources, and conquering opposing civilizations. The game also allows you to choose your own God based on the civilization that you’ve selected and as you progress through the game, you’ll be able to unlock minor deities that will grant special abilities.
Originally released on October 30, 2002, the game was a huge comercial success, having sold more than one million copies within four months. An expansion pack, Age of Mythology: The Titans, was later released a year later. Since then, a second expansion pack called Age of Mytholog: Tale of the Dragon, has come out for Windows via Steam in January 2016.
5. Sid Meier’s: Civilization VI
Sid Meier’s: Civilization VI is a little different from Age of Empires in that it’s turn-based. However, it features a similar formula in that you want to build your resources and conquer. If anything, the depth of strategy involved in the game is even more impressive as it brings nearly everything to the table from espionage to religion. Players can also found new cities and deploy military troops to defend and attack from others, while researching new technologies.
The only thing is that it can be a little more challenging, especially for beginners. For one thing, there are hundreds of thousands of choices that you can make, each of which will impact the outcome of your game. If you have time to invest, however, you’ll grow to love it.
While the game was originally released for Microsoft Windows and macOS on October 21, 2016, it has since been ported to iOS, Linus, Playstation 4, Xbox One, Android, and the Nintendo Switch. A second expansion, as well as a season pass, have also been released in 2019 and 2020 respectively. In fact, they’ve also announced an additional expansion, which will be released sometime in 2023.
4. Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty
Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty is a sci-fi real-time strategy game that revolves around three species: the Terrans (humans), the Protoss (technologically advanced species with psychic abilities), and the Zerg (a superspecies known for its ability to mass produce).
Set four years after the events of the previous games, it follows Jim Raynor as he leads a group against the Terran Dominion. Other characters from the original StarCraft also make a return. Ultimately, the goal is to come up with the best strategies and to lead your units to victory in the intergalactic war.
Upon its release in 2010, the game was met with critical acclaim, with many praising the title for its engaging gameplay and storytelling. While some people criticized the game for its lack of LAN Play, it still became the fastest-selling real-time strategy game at the time, with more than three million copies sold worldwide in the first month. Since November 2017, however, the game has been free-to-play.
Since then, numerous expansion packs have been released including StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm, StarCraft II: Nova Covert Ops, and StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void, all of which feature one of the three playable races.
3. Warcraft III – Reforged
Warcraft III: Reforged is the remastered version of the 2002 real-time strategy game Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos. It also includes the expansion pack The Frozen Throne, which was originally released in 2003, in addition to Reign of Chaos, the second sequel to Warcraft: Orcs & Humans. Not only does it feature updated graphics but it also comes with new campaign gameplay settings, in addition to online play.
If anything, it’s considered an RTS classic, right beside Age of Empires. Developed by Blizzard, it takes players on an epic journey where they can command various creatures such as the Undead, Night Elves, Humans, and Ores, as they build up their base and assemble an army. There are three campaign difficulty levels to choose from, one of which is aimed at newcomers and one of which prevents individuals from using game cheats.
Keep in mind, however, that while the remastered version retains the original gameplay, some aspects have been changed to balance the battle system. For example, the competitive ladder and replay saving options have been removed, though it’s rumored that they will return in upcoming patches.
Currently, the game is available for Microsoft Windows and macOS computers.
2. Bad North
Bad North’s visuals are drastically different from Age of Empires and the other games on our list. However, it remains one of the best real-time strategy games released in recent years. Its gameplay is also similar to AoE in that the main goal is to defend the kingdom from invading Vikings.
Instead of European civilizations, however, it involves islands, each of which has a different layout, which allows for different attacks and strategies. For example, the Viking invaders can chuck torches into houses, which span various tiles. Players must devise a well-planned strategy to save the island’s people from the enemy’s attacks. There are three difficulty levels to choose from: easy, normal, and difficult. A fourth “Very Hard” option can also be unlocked once a player has finished the game on Hard.
Another great thing about Bad North is that it’s affordable, at least compared to some of the other mentioned titles. Currently, it’s available on Steam for $14.99. It can also be played on the Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, Xbox One, Android, and iOS devices.
A free expansion pack known as the “Jotunn Edition” has also been released.
1. Age of Darkness: Final Stand
Age of Darkness: Final Stand is a real-time strategy survival game in which you must build and defend humanity’s last bastion against an army of evil creatures. You must also illuminate the battlefield strategically as it’s covered with a deadly fog, one that not only conceals teh enemes, but drains energy from the player’s soldiers.
Another thing that sets the title apart from others is that it features a day/night system- one that affects the gameplay. For example, you want to do your hunting during the night and expanding during the day.
There’s also an extensive skill tree that you can use to improve your unit’s proficiency. Unique Heroes are also available, which will give your army an edge against the nightmarish creatures. What’s more, is the game features an internally developed technology known as “SwarmTech”, which allows it to render more than 70,000 enemies on the screen at once.
The only drawback is that the game lacks a multiplayer mode, though the developer has stated that they may be adding it to the game at a later stage.
Those who are interested in giving it a try can get it on Steam for $21.99. It’s currently available for Microsoft Windows, Mac, and Linus operating systems.
There’s no alternatives. Sorry… AOE2 IS the best game ever.
Anyway you forgot the Red Alert and Jurassic War.