Historical Strategy Games With The Best Stories, Ranked

Key Takeaways

Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition offers accurate medieval warfare depictions.
Total War: Three Kingdoms features complex, character-driven military campaigns.
Europa Universalis 4 allows players to lead nations and alter history with real-life events.

As someone who’s spent countless hours immersed in the rich tapestry of historical strategy games, I can confidently say that these five titles are absolute gems. Each offers a unique blend of storytelling and strategic gameplay that transports players to different eras and civilizations.

Strategic games, particularly those that allow players to command vast armies and siege units, have remained among the most beloved in the gaming world for many decades. The allure lies in the ability to conquer new lands and establish diverse civilizations on them. The fusion of strategy with historical backgrounds has undoubtedly been one of the game developers’ most brilliant ideas, resulting in numerous iconic games throughout the years.

Instead of just concentrating on world-creation and combat in certain historical strategy games, others opt for unique narratives to make their stories more captivating. Here are some exceptional historical strategy games known for their compelling tales.

5 Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition

An In-Depth Look Into Medieval Warfare Strategies

Accurate depiction of medieval military campaigns.
Joan of Arc’s campaign is rich in narrative.

During the Middle Ages, I’ve found myself immersed in the captivating world of Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition, a game that seamlessly blends civilization growth and territory conquest set against the backdrop of historical events. Famous figures like Saladin, Joan of Arc, and Genghis Khan come to life, adding an authentic touch to the gameplay. It’s not just about battles, but also the intricate stories of different warfare campaigns and the rise and fall of civilizations and armies, offering a detailed exploration of medieval warfare.

The “Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition” boasts one of the most remarkable narratives within its genre, seamlessly combining military campaigns that require resource management with intriguing tales about renowned leaders and their histories. For instance, Joan of Arc’s campaign offers captivating narrative aspects that keep players engaged and invested.

4 Total War: Three Kingdoms

A Struggle For Power And Territory Control In Ancient China

Complex narrative-driven military campaigns.
The three main characters form alliances, and also plot against each other.

In ancient China, during a period of intense conflict, the game Total War: Three Kingdoms is set. After the fall of the Han dynasty, various factions are vying for power and control over vast territories. Players will witness the strategic alliances and cunning betrayals between figures like Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Sun Jian as they navigate this tumultuous time.

Three Kingdoms”. By combining strategic gameplay with storytelling focused on characters, the game provides players with a rich historical context and authenticity.

3 Europa Universalis 4

Lead A Nation Through The Centuries To Turn It Into A Superpower

The game features real-life events like the Protestant Reformation.
Players can change history in many different ways.

As a dedicated enthusiast, I must say that Europa Universalis 4 stands out among its peers, seamlessly traversing more than four centuries. This captivating game immerses you in global history, taking you from the Dark Ages to the Age of Enlightenment. In this strategic masterpiece, you assume control over a nation and guide it through the annals of time, aiming to foster prosperity and expand your territory and influence.

Europa Universalis 4 encompasses diplomacy, military expeditions, territorial expansion, and aspects of trade. It also incorporates actual historical events like the Protestant Reformation, weaving them into captivating narratives while striving to preserve authenticity. A unique facet of this game is that the outcome can significantly differ based on players’ decisions, resulting in scenarios that may not have transpired in reality.

2 Crusader Kings 3

A More Personal Approach To Warfare Tactics

Offers a more personal perspective of military leaders.
Players can conquer territories and form alliances either through marriage or by force.

In Crusader Kings 3, you get to oversee a dynasty, which means you can handle political alliances, strategic battles, and personal ties. The game presents various rulers’ tales, giving you a close-up view of marital issues, the pain of being betrayed, and the pressure of devising battle strategies.

Over time, players can create various partnerships within the game, either by marrying into influential families or by conquering territories of independent nations. Simultaneously, engaging narrative-based scenarios unfold, incorporating strategic decision-making and diplomatic interactions without being excessively complicated. In essence, Crusader Kings 3 authentically portrays the rise and decline of kingdoms, offering unique viewpoints not commonly found in similar genre games.

1 Rome: Total War

One Of The Greatest Historical Strategy Games Ever

The game covers important real-life events of Roman history, such as the conquest of Carthage and numerous Greek States, and the Punic Wars.
Provides players with an in-depth look into both Roman warfare, politics, and its complex societal issues.

In Rome: Total War, players find themselves stepping into the roles of various Roman factions as the mighty Roman Empire expands. The game skillfully blends the brutal realities of warfare with the calculated strategies of military commanders and the heated debates within the Roman Senate. It offers a detailed portrayal of Rome’s campaigns against other civilizations, immersing players in an engaging narrative that encompasses multiple dimensions.

Known for being one of the top-tier games exploring the extensive subject of Roman history, “Rome: Total War” immerses players in the conquest of authentic historical civilizations. This includes the tumultuous epoch of the Punic Wars, a period crucial to Rome’s rise as the dominant global power. Few games have successfully encapsulated the intricacies of Roman civilization like “Rome: Total War,” which is why it continues to receive praise from both seasoned players and novices.

2024-09-15 19:03