Top 7 Dark Ages RPGs You Can’t Miss!

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Summary

  • RPGs set in the Dark Ages offer rich narratives & culture, with games like Darkest Dungeon 2 & Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.
  • Darkest Dungeon 2 is a grim and brutal journey through roguelike gameplay set in the Dark Ages underworld.
  • Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord immerses players in medieval conflicts with impressive visuals & customization, set in a fictional world.

With so many different Role-Playing Games (RPGs) available, choosing a fresh game to explore can feel like a veritable smorgasbord for players. For many dedicated gamers, titles that delve into historical settings are particularly appealing. These games not only immerse you in the culture and lifestyle of the past, but they also broaden your understanding and trivia bank.

Role-playing games immersed in the time period known as the Dark Ages, also recognized as the Middle Ages or Medieval Era, abound with culture, intrigue, and above all, compelling and enchanting storylines. Here are some remarkable role-playing games that are deeply rooted in the Dark Ages, organized based on character development, action, and the degree of open-world exploration they offer.

7. Darkest Dungeon 2

Find Courage Amidst Chaos

The “Darkest Dungeon” series explores the grim undersides of various eras throughout history, but the Dark Ages setting in “Darkest Dungeon 2” stands out as particularly potent. This game offers a roguelike experience for those doomed souls, where peril lurks everywhere in the main adventure, hiding behind every corner.

Darkest Dungeon 2 presents a unique level of suspense due to its unpredictable gameplay mechanics. Each character in the game has ties to the criminal underworld, and they’re all vying for survival. This game offers a bleak portrayal of the harsh realities faced by rogues, criminals, and the impoverished during that era. It’s a tough, disheartening roguelike experience, but the payoffs make the effort worthwhile. In other words, Darkest Dungeon 2 is definitely not for those with weak hearts.

6. The Valiant

The Ultimate Call To Arms

Platforms PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, PC
Released October 19, 2022
Developer Kite Games
Genre Strategy, RPG

Simultaneously in the Middle East and Europe during the heart of the 13th century, “The Valiant” follows an extraordinary voyage of the main character, Theodoric von Akenburg.

In The Valiant game, players have complete freedom over when, where, and why Akenburg commands his squads during missions, using an engaging squad-based real-time strategy approach. This game offers a vast selection of armor and weapons to experiment with, all aimed at achieving triumph and justice for the greater cause. Players can experience The Valiant either as a single player or join in on both competitive and cooperative multiplayer sessions.

5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Battlelands Of Bohemia

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is a captivating role-playing game centered around a compelling narrative. Notably, its massive open world and opportunities for exploration are nothing short of breathtaking. This adventure unfolds in the Kingdom of Bohemia during the mid-15th Century, a region that corresponds to modern-day Czech Republic.

In the follow-up to the grand saga titled Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, the play area and the cast of characters are significantly larger compared to its predecessor. Set during the Dark Ages, Kutna Hora was once the second most populous city in Bohemia towards its end. The story revolves around Henry, a blacksmith’s son who is compelled to spearhead a perilous uprising against the unjust king, King Sigismund. Additionally, Henry harbors some lingering conflicts with Sigismund, making this tale as much about Henry as it is about Bohemia itself.

4. Pentiment

When Free Will Meets Fate

The Dark Ages, as they are known, marked a significant and swift downturn in anything deemed progressive for human development, particularly in the fields of science and culture. Pentiment delves into the everyday experiences of individuals residing during these periods, portraying the challenges they encountered as their nation underwent both political and religious transformations simultaneously.

In the game titled Pentiment, the main character is Andreas Maler, a highly gifted artist residing in Bavaria (part of the Federal Republic of Germany). He’s grappling with his true identity amidst the challenges he faces. The unique charm of this game comes from the profound influence that every choice made by the player exerts on the community at large. As Maler gets deeper into a Medieval predicament, his actions have a significant impact on the course of events unfolding around him.

3. Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord

A Fight For Life On The Battlefield

The era of European history referred to as the Dark Ages was marked by intense conflict, and one game that effectively portrays this is the action RPG Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord. This eagerly awaited sequel offers players a chance to tailor their character meticulously before plunging into the fray on the battlefields of Calradia.

In a fictional Medieval setting, the main character serves as both leader and foremost warrior of their tribe. They find themselves engulfed in a struggle not just for their own survival, but also that of their people. The graphics and visuals, particularly during large-scale battles, are exceptionally striking, making it an immersive experience for players seeking to live and endure as if they were truly inhabiting the Dark Ages. This game caters to those who yearn for such a historical immersion.

2. Fear & Hunger

Escape The Monsters In The Mind

From the game title alone, it’s clear that Fear & Hunger is an extraordinary roguelike dungeon crawler unlike any other. It’s set in the ominous Dark Ages, blending accurate historical details with contemporary ideas to form a chilling and original experience.

Players have the option to select from four different characters as their main character in this game. They will face a variety of challenges ranging from chilling riddles to disquieting creatures, as well as a plethora of hidden and unsettling emotional struggles. The ambiance of this game is unique and hard to find a match for, making it a must-play for history enthusiasts and fans of dungeon exploration games. In other words, if you’re fond of history and love delving into dungeons, then Fear & Hunger is definitely worth checking out.

1. Crusader Kings 3

Lead The People Through The Dark Ages

In a game that serves as a precursor to Game of Thrones, Crusader Kings 3 presents you with the opportunity to choose from among several influential noble houses, tasking you with guiding them towards greatness. Set in either 1066, the year of the Battle of Hastings, or else 867, this game showcases a vast map encompassing Europe during the Dark Ages. It also delves into how the era affected Northern Africa.

The intriguing backstory and tales associated with Crusader Kings 3 are worth experiencing firsthand, and it’s evident that the game creators invested numerous years delving into precise research. Although the main character’s role can vary based on the player’s chosen persona, many enthusiasts speculate that it is indeed William the Conqueror who invaded in 1066, given its widespread assumption.

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2025-02-11 08:04