Medieval Games That Don’t Feature Swordplay

Medieval Games That Don't Feature Swordplay

Key Takeaways

  • Medieval life was not as brutal as commonly portrayed in pop culture games, with proper hygiene and a realistic feudal system.
  • Medieval-inspired games like
    Kingdoms and Castles
    offer engaging city-building experiences with minimal combat.
  • Games like
    Potion Craft
    and
    Pentiment
    provide unique gameplay experiences in alchemy and historical narratives.

As a seasoned gaming veteran with over two decades under my belt, I must say that these games are a breath of fresh air for those of us who have grown tired of the endless stream of blood-soaked, sword-wielding adventures set in the Middle Ages. These titles offer a more nuanced and peaceful perspective on Medieval life, focusing on city-building, strategy, and management rather than hack-and-slash combat.


In popular perception, the Medieval Era often appears quite different from its actuality. While life expectancy was indeed shorter compared to modern times, it wasn’t as dramatically reduced as commonly believed. Contrary to popular belief, there were practices of basic hygiene during this era; games like ‘Kingdom Come’ and its sequel demonstrate this, showing that the reaction to walking around covered in mud during Medieval times was surprisingly similar to how people today would react. Moreover, the feudal system as commonly understood today is more a misconception rooted in later historical interpretations rather than an accurate portrayal of the actual system during the Middle Ages.

If there’s one thing that Medieval games, both those rooted in history and fantasy, get right, it’s that war was a frequent fact of life. Often, simple farmers would be drafted to fight in their lord’s wars, and if their liege had not hired enough mercenaries to build a death stack that trampled the enemy’s armies, as Crusader Kings 3 teaches us, bloody death awaited most soldiers. However, gaming doesn’t always have to be about bloody death! These Medieval-inspired games are engaging and engrossing without relying on in-depth duels or swordplay.

8 Kingdoms And Castles

Lightweight Siege Mechanics Alongside A Great City Sim

The game Kingdoms and Castles, in simple terms, offers a fantastic, user-friendly city building experience that is perfect for beginners. It gradually introduces complexity in construction, but never becomes too overwhelming. Although it does involve some combat such as dragon attacks and raids, these elements are more distant, with no hand-to-hand duels or intricate war mechanics to focus on.

For individuals solely interested in developing their humble hamlet into a thriving metropolis and expanding beyond with colonies, it’s possible to disable these combat engagements instead.

7 Potion Craft: Alchemist Simulator

Brew A Variety Of Potent Elixirs

In this engaging game, titled “Potion Craft: Alchemist Simulator“, players are tasked with exercising their intellect and creativity. As customers present diverse demands for concoctions, it becomes the player’s responsibility to decipher which ingredients will yield the desired outcomes.

As a gamer, I’ve found that the gradual accumulation of gear and supplies in this game might seem daunting to newcomers, but once you get the hang of alchemy, it becomes an immensely rewarding skill to master. It may not involve any sword-wielding action, but the sense of accomplishment it brings is more than worth the initial struggle.

6 Pentiment

An Iconic Medieval Game Like No Other

In a class of its own, Pentiment is undoubtedly one of Obsidian Entertainment’s finest creations, and that’s saying something significant. This game, rich with historical narrative, offers numerous chances for players to shape the story’s ending.

This work delves profoundly into the emotions and wisdom of Bavaria, though it slightly misses the Medieval epoch itself. Yet, it skillfully incorporates much of the period’s impact by having its main character as an artist, whose traditions trace back to those times.

5 Yes, Your Grace

A Medieval Styled Political Drama

PlatformsXbox Series X and S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, macOS, Android
ReleasedMarch 6, 2020
DeveloperBrave At Night
GenreRPG, Strategy

For some time now, Your Grace has stood out among admirers of narrative-driven games due to its ability to blend tough decisions with maintaining a good reputation and stirring intrigue. Although the game does involve combat, it presents it in a more dramatic and story-focused manner.

Managing an entire kingdom is no small feat, and in this game, Your Grace allows players to immerse themselves in this challenge, all while dealing with complex, heartfelt issues within the royal family.

4 Medieval Dynasty

A Slower Paced City Builder RPG

The game titled “Medieval Dynasty” leans more towards tranquility rather than violence. Instead of traditional medieval weapons like swords, it primarily features farming implements such as spears, clubs, bows, and crossbows for hunting purposes, rather than combat.

As a gamer, I’d say this game masterfully combines city-building and role-playing aspects into an engaging experience. Instead of getting caught up in brutal conflicts and duels, it offers a unique opportunity to focus on cultivating crops, hunting for food, and creating my own thriving community. This game is definitely for those who crave a more peaceful, farming-focused adventure.

3 The Guild 2

A Classic Medieval Life Sim

The sequel to “The Guild,” along with its numerous expansions, has become a cherished, though veteran, addition to the historical gaming world. In this game, players are immersed in Medieval Europe, with the ability to shape it dramatically through their decisions.

The game primarily concentrates on city-building features and high-level strategy rather than intricate details such as close-combat scenes. Instead, it offers a broader perspective on Medieval societal structures, although it does include some aspects related to combat.

2 Banished

A City Sim Focused On Fluidity

Slipped unnoticed by many city-builders enthusiasts, this game offers an exceptional and remarkably authentic medieval experience for those seeking a more leisurely-paced and immersive title in the genre.

Apart from relying on the weather to cultivate crops, players have another choice: they can establish and manage their own towns without having to follow a tech tree structure, which means any structure they wish to construct is immediately available for them to build.

1 Tavern Master

Keep A Cozy And Bustling Tavern

PlatformsPC, macOS, Linux
ReleasedJune 24, 2021
DeveloperUntitled Studio
GenreSimulation

In the realm of captivating games, Tavern Master immerses players into the role of managing a bustling tavern during the Middle Ages. The challenge lies in catering to each patron’s varying tastes and demands for an array of quality food and drinks.

Over time, the tavern grows more prosperous, allowing for a gradual expansion both horizontally and vertically, according to the player’s preferences. This growth enables the creation of numerous useful spaces, providing opportunities to tailor the tavern uniquely based on various specializations.

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2024-11-24 12:34