Games Like Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition

Celebrating its first year of delighting millions of global players, the award-winning and best-selling strategy franchise continues with Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition, putting you at the center of even more epic historical battles that shaped the world.

Why similar: RTS 29%, Strategy 16%, City Builder 14.1%, Base Building 13.2%, Historical 7%

Why You'll Like It: It is the closest modern counterpart, with historical factions, base-building, economy management, landmarks, campaigns, and competitive RTS pacing that clearly builds on AoE II's formula.

Play as mythological Gods and smite your enemies in this award-winning, mythological Real-Time Strategy classic given new life. Wage war across timeless campaigns, fierce skirmishes, and god-powered multiplayer modes.

Why similar: RTS 37.8%, Base Building 19.9%, Strategy 16.2%, Resource Management 10.5%, Multiplayer 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: Its villagers, drop-off economy, base layout, unit counters, and faction asymmetry feel extremely AoE-like even though the setting is mythological rather than historical.

Rise of Nations is back! Play the updated classic with full Steamworks integration and enhanced features!

Why similar: RTS 34.4%, Strategy 19.9%, Classic 14.4% ★, Historical 8.9%, City Builder 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers a very similar gather-build-tech-conquer loop, but stretches it across multiple ages with territory control and a broader historical scope.

Age of Empires, the pivotal real-time strategy game that launched a 20-year legacy returns with modernized gameplay, all-new 4K visuals, 8-person multiplayer battles and a host of other new features. Welcome back to history.

Why similar: RTS 25.4%, Strategy 17.1%, City Builder 15.4%, Base Building 10.5%, Historical 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: It shares the same core DNA of villagers, tech progression, and historical warfare, just in a slightly simpler and earlier-era form.

Lead the great armies of the Star Wars™ Episode II: Attack of the Clones saga in intense real-time strategy clashes. Enter the fray as the Galactic Empire, Rebel Alliance, Wookies, Trade Federation, Gungans or Royal Naboo to determine the course of the Galactic Civil War.

Why similar: RTS 43%, Strategy 22.7%, Classic 10.9% ★, Multiplayer 8.4%, Base Building 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: It was built directly on AoE-style design, so the economy flow, teching, army control, and match structure feel remarkably familiar despite the Star Wars skin.

Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition offers players a trial of this historical single & multiplayer RTS experience. *Note: To unlock all features of the game please see the “Base Game” product.

Why similar: RTS 27%, City Builder 17.1%, Strategy 16.6%, Base Building 16%, Historical 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: It keeps the series' resource-driven RTS backbone and civilization variety while shifting to a more colonial setting and slightly faster tempo.

Greetings sire! Your stronghold awaits you. Build a castle economy, besiege unforgettable villains and return to the 'castle sim' that started it all. Experience this classic RTS with upgraded visuals, modernised gameplay, Steam multiplayer and a new campaign.

Why similar: City Builder 24.6%, RTS 21.6%, Strategy 11.8%, Base Building 11.6%, Historical 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: If your favorite part of AoE II is balancing economy, walls, defenses, and medieval warfare, this is one of the strongest adjacent matches on Steam.

Gird your loins and sharpen your steel! Besiege 20 unique enemy lords and battle friends online, in this expanded remaster of the classic 'castle sim'. Relive history with new units, opponents, visuals, audio, campaigns, skirmish trails, co-op and larger maps.

Why similar: City Builder 25%, RTS 22.2%, Strategy 14.3%, Base Building 12.6%, Medieval 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: It emphasizes castle-building, economy optimization, and siege-heavy medieval combat in a way that strongly overlaps with AoE II's fortress play.

Cossacks 3 is the return of RTS classics. Obtain resources, build cities and research technologies while taking command of great armies, crushing enemies in grand historical warfares on land and sea!

Why similar: RTS 25.9%, City Builder 15.8%, Strategy 15.4%, Base Building 11.8%, Historical 10.7%

Why You'll Like It: This is another historical macro-RTS centered on workers, resource harvesting, base expansion, upgrades, and massive army battles.

Age of Mythology is back! Choose your god and take to the battlefield in this classic, upgraded with full Steamworks integration and enhanced features.

Why similar: RTS 40.2%, Strategy 23.5%, Classic 16.5% ★, Multiplayer 7.9%, Real-Time 3.7% ★

Why You'll Like It: Even in its older form, it remains one of the most AoE-like RTS games ever made thanks to its worker economy, build orders, and factional variety.

Northgard: Definitive Edition is a critically acclaimed real-time strategy game based on Norse mythology. Lead your clan, uncover the secrets of a mysterious newfound continent and defeat your enemies to conquer the Throne!

Why similar: RTS 30.9%, City Builder 27.8%, Strategy 14.2%, Base Building 10.2%, Multiplayer 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: It is a more streamlined RTS, but it scratches the same itch of expanding, managing resources, securing territory, and leveraging distinct factions.

Command & Conquer and Red Alert are both remastered in 4K by the former Westwood Studios team members. Includes all 3 expansions, rebuilt multiplayer, a modernized UI, Map Editor, bonus footage gallery, and over 7 hours of remastered music.

Why similar: RTS 39.6%, Strategy 18.8%, Base Building 18%, Classic 12.5% ★, Multiplayer 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: It is less historical and less economy-dense, but it nails the classic base-building RTS feel of expanding, producing, and countering under pressure.

Gather resources, build your base, and lead your people to victory in this captivating reimagining of classic RTS, set in the Bronze Age. Secure fertile land, fend off raids, and stockpile food to generate knowledge and unlock powerful village advancements.

Why similar: RTS 21.7%, City Builder 20.6%, Base Building 12.5%, Strategy 9.9%, Real-Time 9.6% ★

Why You'll Like It: This indie RTS is heavily inspired by classic historical base-building games, with workers, teching, and bronze-age warfare that feel very old-school AoE.

An exciting free-to-play Real Time Strategy game set in medieval times. Uniquely designed factions, customization options, singleplayer and multiplayer gameplay. Gather resources, raise an army and lead your civilization to victory in a classic RTS, brought to the modern age.

Why similar: RTS 37.1%, Strategy 19.6%, Real-Time 10.7% ★, Historical 9.6%, Multiplayer 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: This was designed very much in the shadow of Age of Empires, with historical factions, workers, teching, and competitive multiplayer matches.

Tax, torture or treat your peasants! Rehabilitate criminals or sentence them to death? Decide as you enjoy jousting over a lavish banquet, all while under siege from the warmongering Lord Barclay.

Why similar: City Builder 23.5%, RTS 21.8%, Base Building 12.6%, Real-Time 12.3% ★, Strategy 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: This expands the Stronghold formula with deeper castle life and medieval city-building while keeping real-time battles and siege play central.

Diplomacy is Not an Option is a strategy game set in a medieval fantasy world. Build your town and defenses, raise huge armies and fight against massive hordes of enemies. How long can you survive?

Why similar: Base Building 20.7%, RTS 19.9%, Historical 18.6%, Medieval 13.5%, Resource Management 11.8%

Why You'll Like It: It combines peasants, resource chains, walls, and large medieval battles into a macro-focused RTS that should click with AoE II players.

Halo Wars: Definitive Edition is an enhanced version of the real-time strategy classic, Halo Wars, updated to run natively on PC. Halo Wars: Definitive Edition includes improved graphics, new achievements and all of the DLC created for the landmark real-time strategy game.

Why similar: RTS 44.2%, Strategy 20.3%, Base Building 18.7%, Multiplayer 7.1%, Classic 3.7% ★

Why You'll Like It: It offers a cleaner, more accessible take on base-building RTS while preserving the satisfying loop of expansion, unit composition, and map control.

Relive the captivating gameplay of a true city-building classic with Anno® 1404 History Edition.

Why similar: City Builder 44.2%, Strategy 24.2%, Multiplayer 10.7%, RTS 5%, Medieval 5%

Why You'll Like It: If the settlement-building and resource-management side of AoE II is what hooks you most, this is one of the best historical strategy games for that fantasy.

Spanning the most turbulent era in Western history, your quest for territory and power takes you through Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and even onto the shores of the New World.

Why similar: Strategy 26%, RTS 23.9%, Historical 16.5%, Medieval 15.8%, Classic 6.1% ★

Why You'll Like It: While more campaign-driven and grand-strategic, it delivers the same appeal of commanding medieval civilizations and winning large historical battles.

War Selection is a compelling RTS game featuring base building, resource extraction and warfare. Evolve from a stone age tribe to a distinct industrial nation with unique game mechanics and battle for supremacy with dozens of players on a unique procedurally generated map.

Why similar: RTS 36.1%, Base Building 23.7%, Strategy 20.2%, Multiplayer 10.8%, Historical 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: Its age progression, base-building, resource harvesting, and multiplayer focus make it one of the more direct free-to-play alternatives to AoE-style RTS.

Ancestors Legacy is a squad-based real time strategy with a strong focus on tactics. Inspired by medieval European history, it brings to life four different nations and their conflicts, usually solved by war.

Why similar: RTS 30.2%, Strategy 20.3%, Historical 11.2%, Medieval 11%, Real-Time 10.3% ★

Why You'll Like It: Its historical factions, real-time warfare, and light base development make it a good fit if you like AoE II's medieval setting but want more tactical battles.

Relive the celebrated real-time strategy classic Praetorians, re-imagined in high definition. Praetorians is set amidst the political machinations of an emerging Roman Empire.

Why similar: Strategy 54.2%, RTS 37.3%, Multiplayer 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: It trades away most economy management for formation-heavy historical combat, but it still appeals to players who enjoy commanding armies in real time.

Build vibrant cities in a medieval world with this modernized version of The Settlers – Rise of an Empire. Each character leads their individual lives and can be observed by you at any time. Will you go down in history as a legendary king?

Why similar: City Builder 34.7%, Strategy 29.3%, RTS 18.8%, Medieval 10%, Multiplayer 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: It is more focused on production chains and settlement growth, but the medieval setting and RTS structure still make it a reasonable alternative for economy-minded AoE II fans.

Manor Lords is a medieval strategy game featuring in-depth city building, large-scale tactical battles, and complex economic and social simulations. Rule your lands as a medieval lord – the seasons pass, the weather changes, and cities rise and fall.

Why similar: City Builder 32%, Base Building 20.8%, Historical 18.1%, Strategy 16.1%, Resource Management 11.2%

Why You'll Like It: This is slower and more simulation-focused, but its grounded medieval atmosphere, town growth, and real-time battles make it a strong thematic follow-up.

The legendary city-builder returns! Lead the creation of one of the greatest civilizations the world has ever seen in this HD remake with modernized UI. Build monuments, manage your population and explore 4,000 years of history through over a hundred hours of gameplay.

Why similar: City Builder 44.7%, Historical 17.8%, Strategy 12.7%, Base Building 10.8%, Resource Management 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: It is much more city-builder than RTS, but its historical setting and deep logistics scratch the same satisfying economy-management itch.

Stronghold Crusader 2 is the long awaited sequel to the original castle sim. After 12 years Stronghold returns to the desert with a new 3D engine and powerful Havok Physics. Crusader 2 recaptures the original game’s addictive, fast-paced gameplay and authentic castle simulation.

Why similar: RTS 22.6%, Strategy 21.6%, City Builder 20.6%, Medieval 9.6%, Multiplayer 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: It is a rougher entry than the classics, but it still offers castle-building, economy management, and desert warfare in real time.

Catapult werewolves over castle walls, incinerate troops with dragon fire and command the Knights of the Round Table! This remaster of the mythical ‘castle sim’ features Steam multiplayer, Workshop support, new maps, achievements and DLC campaigns.

Why similar: City Builder 23.7%, RTS 20%, Base Building 12%, Real-Time 11.4% ★, Historical 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: It keeps the familiar Stronghold-style economy and siege gameplay, even if its fantasy units make it less grounded than AoE II.

Total War: ROME REMASTERED lets you relive the legacy that defined the award-winning strategy game series. Remastered to 4K with multiple improvements to visuals as well as refinements to gameplay, it’s time to revisit a true classic. Not everyone gets a second chance to conquer the Roman Empire.

Why similar: RTS 41.7%, Strategy 26.7%, Historical 17.7%, Multiplayer 6.4%, Tactical 6%

Why You'll Like It: It shares AoE II's love of historical factions and real-time battles, though it shifts the structure toward campaign strategy rather than constant base-building.

Age of Empires II has been re-imagined in high definition. With the release of Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, this product will not be updated further.

Why similar: RTS 29.2%, Strategy 15.7%, Classic 9.7% ★, City Builder 8.6%, Medieval 6.9%

Shape the Roman Empire in this genre-defining strategic builder game. Build cities while expanding your influence through Roman provinces. Govern using your economic prowess, diplomatic skills, or military might.

Why similar: City Builder 31.9%, RTS 29%, Strategy 17.1%, Historical 11.4%, Resource Management 5.5%

The highly anticipated sequel to the best-selling Stronghold, Stronghold Crusader HD throws you into historic battles and castle sieges from the Crusades with fiendish AI opponents, new units, 4 historical campaigns and over 100 unique skirmish missions.

Why similar: City Builder 25.1%, Base Building 15.7%, RTS 14.5%, Strategy 11.9%, Medieval 10.4%

The world erupts in conflict as Soviet forces invade American soil in Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2. You are the Supreme Commander. Arm yourself to the teeth with top-secret technologies and lead the Soviet or Allied troops to victory.

Why similar: RTS 44.2%, Strategy 19.8%, Multiplayer 10.8%, Base Building 10.7%, Classic 10.6% ★

Experience the ultimate WWII RTS platform with COH2 and its standalone expansions. This package includes the base game, which you can then upgrade by purchasing The Western Front Armies, Ardennes Assault and/or The British Forces. More info in the "About This Game" section below.

Why similar: Strategy 54.9%, RTS 25.1%, Historical 5.4%, Multiplayer 4.3%, Base Building 3%

As King, it is your duty to lead your people in their struggle to raise your kingdom from its humble beginnings to a position of power and prestige. War, diplomacy and a burgeoning economy are the means by which you increase your power and expand your influence.

Why similar: Strategy 29.6%, RTS 27.8%, Medieval 15.8%, Historical 10.9%, Classic 7.8% ★

The original castle sim, Stronghold HD allows you to design, build and destroy historical castles. Engage in medieval warfare against the AI in one of two single player campaigns or online with up to 8 players.

Why similar: RTS 26.2%, City Builder 24.6%, Base Building 14.7%, Strategy 11.1%, Medieval 9.8%

Immerse yourself in Ancient Egypt from the age of the great pyramids to the final years of the New Kingdom.

Why similar: City Builder 47.5%, Strategy 21.3%, Historical 17.9%, Classic 12.4% ★, Singleplayer 0.8%

Lead the battles that forged the greatest Empire of all time. Seven civilizations fighting for glory or freedom: Rome, Aegyptus, Britannia, Germania, Gallia, Hispania, and Carthago. Enjoy the fast-paced RTC “Real-Time Conquest” gameplay, an Old School RTS oriented to military conquest.

Why similar: RTS 42.6%, Strategy 30%, Historical 18.7%, Multiplayer 6.8%, 2D 1%

Return of the Classic, now remastered! Battle Realms is a fantasy RTS inspired by the stories told in martial- arts movies and oriental mythology. Develop your peasants into a highly trained and deadly efficient clan of warriors who are ready to die with your name on their lips.

Why similar: RTS 46%, Strategy 29.8%, Classic 16.1% ★, Multiplayer 6.8%, Action 1%

Anno 1800™ – Lead the Industrial Revolution! Welcome to the dawn of the Industrial Age. The path you choose will define your world. Are you an innovator or an exploiter? A conqueror or a liberator? How the world remembers your name is up to you.

Why similar: City Builder 44.9%, Strategy 18.5%, RTS 13.3%, Multiplayer 9.3%, Resource Management 6.3%

With this modernized History Edition dive into the diversified mix of enthralling build-up matches and exciting real-time fights. Manifold landscapes await to be explored and populated. Includes the main game plus the two expansions.

Why similar: City Builder 32.1%, RTS 31.8%, Strategy 25.8%, Medieval 10.3%

Prove your strength of mind and spirit and you just may be crowned Caesar!

Why similar: City Builder 47.1%, Strategy 21.4%, Historical 14.9%, Classic 14.6% ★, Isometric 1.6%

Besiege Great Khans, Imperial warlords and Shōgun commanders in Stronghold: Warlords, the latest 'castle sim' from Firefly Studios. Command AI warlords across the battlefield as you build a castle economy and new gunpowder-fuelled siege engines!

Why similar: City Builder 23.6%, RTS 20.5%, Base Building 11.7%, Real-Time 11.1% ★, Strategy 9.1%

A massively multiplayer grand strategy game, Stronghold Kingdoms is about forging alliances, political mind games, city-building and castle sieges with thousands of other players!

Why similar: Strategy 22.4%, RTS 19.3%, City Builder 18.9%, Real-Time 10.9% ★, Base Building 10.8%

KNIGHTS and MERCHANTS recreates the era of the Middle Ages. Apart from the purely fictitious geography of our world, all game elements and scenes are based on the Anglo-Saxon period, 1200 A.D. And we haven't used imaginary elements like fabled creatures, either. The player takes on the role of an ordinary captain in the Palace Guard.

Why similar: Strategy 58.4%, RTS 12.3%, City Builder 11.3%, Classic 5.9% ★, Medieval 5.3%

Experience the classic gameplay of 1503 A.D.: The New World, optimized for current computers with resolutions up to 4K.

Why similar: RTS 31.4%, City Builder 30.3%, Strategy 15.3%, Historical 10.6%, Medieval 5.9%

Command distinct factions in a desperate struggle for power and resources in Tempest Rising - a classic RTS set on Earth after a nuclear war.

Why similar: RTS 55.8%, Strategy 22.6%, Base Building 10.4%, Real-Time 4.4% ★, Multiplayer 4.1%

Ancestors Legacy Free Peasant Edition represents a part of the full product. Get a taste of medieval battles in this free version of the acclaimed historical RTS! 4 SP missions and 17 MP maps are now available to everyone. Challenge friends, AI, or take part in our League that will start in March!

Why similar: RTS 30.8%, Strategy 23.9%, Real-Time 14.5% ★, Historical 13.4%, Multiplayer 7.9%

The most popular Heroes® title of all time is back in HD! Fifteen years later, rediscover the epic tale of Queen Catherine Ironfist, as she re-embarks on her critically acclaimed quest to unite her ravaged homeland and re-conquer the kingdom of Erathia.

Why similar: Strategy 40.1%, Classic 36.7% ★, Multiplayer 14.8%, Great Soundtrack 3.6%, Co-op 3.2%

Expand your empire, advance your culture and go head-to-head against history’s greatest leaders. Will your civilization stand the test of time?

Why similar: Strategy 35.6%, City Builder 22.9%, Historical 19.9%, Multiplayer 12.8%, Tactical 4.2%

Delivering a visceral WWII gaming experience, Company of Heroes redefines RTS by bringing the sacrifice of heroic soldiers, war-ravaged environments, and dynamic battlefields to life. Please visit the "Company of Heroes - Legacy Edition" page for additional user reviews.

Why similar: RTS 47%, Strategy 23.9%, Multiplayer 8%, Base Building 5.4%, Historical 5.1%

Act of Aggression – Reboot Edition brings the techno-thriller RTS game Act of Aggression to a higher level. The Reboot Edition offers a full gameplay overhaul in skirmish mode against the AI and in your multiplayer battles.

Why similar: RTS 47.3%, Strategy 20.3%, Base Building 15.4%, Multiplayer 7.9%, Classic 4% ★

Set 10 years after the original, Stronghold 3: Gold follows the vengeful story of The Wolf in the third installment of the award-winning castle building series. The Wolf has cheated death become even more bitter and twisted. Build castles, rally your troops and save medieval England!

Why similar: City Builder 22.8%, Strategy 21.3%, RTS 18.8%, Medieval 8.7%, Base Building 5.9%

Medieval II: Total War Kingdoms is the official expansion to last year's award-winning Medieval II: Total War, presenting players with all-new territories to explore, troops to command, and enemies to conquer.

Why similar: Strategy 32.4%, RTS 19.4%, Medieval 17.6%, Historical 17.4%, Multiplayer 8.3%

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Definitive Edition is the ultimate Dawn of War experience, featuring the original Dawn of War and all its expansions, along with enhanced visuals, an improved camera, and 64-bit platform support.

Why similar: RTS 42.2%, Strategy 18.6%, Base Building 16.9%, Multiplayer 11.3%, Tactical 5%

Sid Meier's Civilization III: Complete, the latest offering in the Sid Meier's Civilization III franchise, provides gaming fans with Sid Meier's Civilization III, the highly-addictive journey of discovery.

Why similar: Strategy 41%, Classic 23.3% ★, Historical 18.1%, City Builder 8.1%, Multiplayer 7.5%

SpellForce 3 - The perfect blend between RTS and RPG!

Why similar: RTS 51.3%, Strategy 24%, Multiplayer 10.8%, Base Building 4.8%, Co-op 3.7%

Be the Ultimate Modern Warfare General

Why similar: RTS 37.2%, Strategy 31%, Multiplayer 13.9%, Base Building 11.1%, Classic 3.8% ★

One of the best games from acclaimed Tycoon series, with well designed gameplay mechanics, appealing graphics, and really high re-playability value. There’s no limit to what you can create so design and build the most thrilling roller coaster the world has ever seen!

Why similar: Classic 42.1% ★, Strategy 27.9%, City Builder 12.7%, Resource Management 5.5%, Multiplayer 4.8%

Become the king and fight over Europe in this fresh take on medieval real-time grand strategy. Manage provinces, gather armies, initiate diplomacy, and dabble in espionage. The path is open: become the true Sovereign of your people and bring them to glory.

Why similar: RTS 34.4%, Strategy 28.1%, Medieval 14.5%, Historical 10.7%, City Builder 6%