Simulation games provide an opportunity to engage in real-life activities from the comfort of your own space, and the Middle Ages offer a rich backdrop for gaming experiences. Medieval simulation games not only entertain but also offer a glimpse into the complexity of life during that era beyond just warfare.
The top medieval simulation games are not only immersive and full of choices but also ensure a fun gaming experience, sometimes at the expense of strict historical accuracy. Below, players can explore a diverse range of medieval simulation titles, from city-building to dynasty management games.
6 Kingdoms And Castles
Metascore: 71
Kingdoms and Castles is a cozy medieval city-building sim that serves as a friendly entry point into the genre. While lacking depth, the game excels in presentation, focusing on keeping citizens both productive and content by strategically utilizing elements like churches, taverns, and festivals.
Players not only design their city layout and manage the population but also face external threats such as Viking raids, dragons, and harsh winters.
5 Medieval Dynasty
Metascore: 73
Medieval Dynasty offers a unique perspective by immersing players in a first or third-person experience. Starting as a survival game, it evolves into a village-building and management challenge. The goal is to establish and grow a village into a thriving center of agriculture and trade.
Interacting with NPCs across the map allows players to recruit help for hunting, farming, and animal husbandry, fostering a self-sustaining village ecosystem. Returning from expeditions, players find a flourishing harvest and essential resources, showcasing the depth of simulation.
4 The Sims Medieval
Metascore: 77
- Platforms: PC, iOS
- Released: March 22, 2011
- Developer: Electronic Arts
The Sims Medieval is a delightful spin-off set in a whimsical medieval realm. Players create Hero Sims to embark on quests that enhance the kingdom's reputation and yield rewards. While offering less freedom than traditional Sims games, players can construct dream castles instead of modern homes.
3 Total War: Medieval 2
Metascore: 88
Total War: Medieval 2 stands out in battle simulation, offering historical engagements like the Battle of Agincourt. With real-time battles and diverse units, players experience immersive medieval warfare. Despite dated graphics, the gameplay and strategy remain compelling, especially in the campaign mode where economic management and military training are crucial.
2 Going Medieval
Steam User Rating: 89%
Going Medieval challenges players with colony-building in a post-plague medieval world. Rebuilding society from scratch involves managing resources, shaping landscapes, and constructing settlements. As the game evolves in early access, players can anticipate fresh content and updates to enrich the experience.
1 Crusader Kings 3
Metascore: 91
Crusader Kings 3 stands as the pinnacle of medieval simulation, offering a grand strategy experience where players shape the destiny of medieval dynasties. Managing characters in a living world, players craft an alternate medieval history rich in roleplay. Balancing character traits, marriages, vassals, and conquests, players can forge a lasting legacy.