Games Like Age of Empires II (Retired)

42 Civilizations, 229 Campaign Missions, Singleplayer, Co-Op, Multiplayer, In-Game Editor, Mods, Cross-play...It is good to be the king.

Why similar: RTS 29.3%, Strategy 15.6%, Classic 9.8% ★, City Builder 8.7%, Medieval 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: It is the modern, fully supported version of AoE II with the same core gameplay loop, expanded civs and campaigns, and a much healthier multiplayer scene.

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 35.7%, Strategy 16.6%, Medieval 9.8%, Base Building 9.6%, City Builder 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: It recreates AoE II’s historical base-building RTS structure with modern visuals, distinct civilizations, and strong focus on economy, teching, and siege warfare.

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 30.1%, Strategy 16.5%, Classic 15.1% ★, Historical 8.2%, City Builder 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: It shares the same classic gather-build-advance-conquer formula as AoE II, just in an earlier ancient-era setting with a very similar overall feel.

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

Why similar: RTS 35.7%, Classic 24.6% ★, Strategy 17.2%, Historical 7.7%, Multiplayer 5%

Why You'll Like It: It blends AoE-style resource gathering and city growth with broader territorial expansion, making it one of the best historical RTS alternatives for macro-focused players.

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 44.2%, Strategy 19.6%, Classic 18.4% ★, Multiplayer 7.6%, Base Building 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: Under its Star Wars theme, it uses an AoE-style design so closely that the economy, base layout, unit production, and match flow feel immediately familiar.

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 45%, Strategy 16.2%, Base Building 14%, Multiplayer 9.8%, Resource Management 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: It keeps the Ensemble-style economy-and-army formula intact while swapping medieval history for mythology and adding powerful god-based asymmetry.

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 34.7%, Strategy 17.8%, Base Building 12.2%, City Builder 9.4%, Historical 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: Although faster and more gunpowder-focused, it still scratches the same itch of managing an economy, building a settlement, and fielding civ-specific armies in real time.

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 33.6%, Strategy 16.6%, Historical 11.5%, Base Building 8.9%, City Builder 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: Its huge historical battles, worker-driven economy, base expansion, and army composition make it one of the closest large-scale RTS cousins to AoE II.

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: RTS 28.8%, Strategy 15.7%, Medieval 15.3%, City Builder 13.9%, Historical 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: This emphasizes desert castle-building and siege-heavy warfare, offering a similarly satisfying blend of economy setup, defense, and army pressure.

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: RTS 28.2%, Medieval 14.2%, City Builder 13.7%, Strategy 12.8%, Historical 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: It leans more heavily into castle economy and fortification, but the medieval setting, resource chains, and real-time assaults line up well with AoE II fans’ tastes.

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 39.4%, Classic 26.7% ★, Strategy 19.2%, Multiplayer 6.6%, Real-Time 3% ★

Why You'll Like It: If you want the older-school Ensemble RTS feel specifically, this delivers the same villager management and base growth loop with mythological flair.

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 41.3%, Strategy 18.2%, Real-Time 9.6% ★, Historical 8.9%, Multiplayer 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: This is a faster modern RTS clearly inspired by Age-style faction economies, tech progression, and historical civilization matchups.

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: RTS 24.3%, Strategy 22.1%, Medieval 20%, Historical 14%, Classic 10.2% ★

Why You'll Like It: Even with its turn-based campaign layer, it is one of the best historical medieval strategy games for players who want larger armies and grounded faction warfare.

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 42.3%, Classic 21.9% ★, Strategy 16.7%, Base Building 11.3%, Multiplayer 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: It trades history for modern warfare, yet its classic base-building, harvesting, and unit production loop is still very appealing to fans of old-school RTS design.

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 55.8%, RTS 14.1%, Classic 11.1% ★, Medieval 7.5%, City Builder 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: Its medieval setting and deep production-chain economy make it a great fit for players who love the slower, settlement-building side of classic RTS games.

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

Why similar: Strategy 29.5%, City Builder 27.6%, Multiplayer 13.4%, Medieval 9.1%, RTS 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: It has much less direct combat focus than AoE II, but its medieval-era economy building and settlement growth are excellent for players who love the macro side most.

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: RTS 26.7%, Medieval 13.4%, City Builder 13.2%, Real-Time 11.7% ★, Strategy 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: It carries the Stronghold formula into an East Asian setting, keeping the familiar loop of building defenses, running an economy, and breaking enemy fortifications.

Cossacks: Back to War contains all of the gameplay features of Cossacks: European Wars and Cossacks: The Art of War, this is a complete care package for all current and future Cossacks fans. This add-on contains two new nations: Switzerland and Hungary.

Why similar: RTS 32.6%, Classic 30% ★, Strategy 22.7%, Historical 7.2%, Multiplayer 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: This classic entry offers old-school historical RTS pacing with sprawling economies and massive armies that will feel natural to AoE veterans.

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 50.4%, RTS 41.5%, Multiplayer 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: It is more tactical and less economic than AoE II, but its historical setting and readable large-scale real-time battles still hit a similar strategic note.

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 26.3%, Strategy 20.8%, Medieval 13.8%, Classic 10.2% ★, City Builder 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: It modernizes the castle-siege emphasis of the older Stronghold games and remains a good pick for players who want medieval RTS with heavier fortification play.

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 44.2%, Classic 25.3% ★, Strategy 23.9%, Multiplayer 5.6%, Action 0.7%

Why You'll Like It: Though fantasy-themed, it delivers a classic RTS rhythm of workers, base growth, teching, and army control that old-school AoE players often enjoy.

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: RTS 24.3%, Medieval 19.4%, Historical 18%, Base Building 13.2%, Resource Management 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: It is more of a survival RTS, but the loop of booming an economy, building walls, and defending against huge assaults lines up with AoE-style base management appeal.

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: RTS 28.2%, Medieval 14.7%, City Builder 13%, Real-Time 12.8% ★, Strategy 10.4%

Why You'll Like It: Its combination of castle management, economy building, and medieval warfare overlaps well with AoE II, even if it is more city-sim oriented.

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: Strategy 31.1%, RTS 25.3%, City Builder 19.2%, Medieval 16.4%, Multiplayer 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: This focuses more on medieval settlement management than combat, but it is a strong match if your favorite AoE II moments are building up an economy from scratch.

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 43%, Strategy 20.2%, Base Building 16.5%, Multiplayer 11.1%, Historical 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: Its age-spanning progression, base development, and real-time macro play make it feel like a rougher but interesting cousin to the Age of Empires formula.

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 47.2%, Strategy 27.7%, Historical 17.3%, Multiplayer 6.4%, 2D 0.8%

Why You'll Like It: This is a lesser-known historical RTS that still offers resource gathering, army building, and era-appropriate battles in the spirit of classic strategy games.

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 33.8%, Medieval 15.8%, City Builder 13.6%, Strategy 12%, Base Building 11.1%

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 50.4%, Strategy 19%, Base Building 12.4%, Classic 6.9% ★, Multiplayer 6.8%

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: RTS 19.4%, Medieval 17.2%, City Builder 14.3%, Strategy 13.3%, Base Building 12.2%

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 52.8%, RTS 29.1%, Historical 5.2%, Multiplayer 4.3%, Tactical 2.6%

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: Classic 38.9% ★, Strategy 34.3%, Historical 15.2%, Multiplayer 6.6%, City Builder 3.6%

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. This legacy version also grants access to the latest version of COH, just called "Company of Heroes".

Why similar: RTS 47.9%, Strategy 20.7%, Multiplayer 7.6%, Historical 6.6%, Base Building 6.3%

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 50.6%, Strategy 21.5%, Multiplayer 7.4%, Classic 7.1% ★, Historical 4.6%

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

Why similar: Classic 27.7% ★, City Builder 27.4%, Strategy 24%, Historical 20.2%, Singleplayer 0.7%

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 46.3%, Strategy 24.8%, Historical 16.3%, Multiplayer 6%, Tactical 5.4%

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 46.7%, Classic 17.7% ★, Strategy 17.4%, Multiplayer 9.6%, Base Building 6.8%

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 28.9%, City Builder 11.7%, Strategy 11%, Real-Time 10.4% ★, Historical 10%

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 41.7%, Strategy 16%, City Builder 16%, Base Building 8%, Multiplayer 6.2%

This game is devoted to the key events of the XVII–XVIII centuries.

Why similar: Strategy 49.8%, RTS 35.7%, Historical 13.8%, Singleplayer 0.7%

Commandos 2: Men of Courage is a tactical action/strategy game set against the backdrop of World War II. Take control of an elite group of commandos who must venture deep into enemy territory and utilize their combined expertise to complete a series of mission-based objectives.

Why similar: Strategy 31.3%, Classic 29% ★, RTS 21.1%, Tactical 9.3%, Multiplayer 3.5%

Command & Conquer Generals puts your trigger finger on the pulse of modern warfare. Prepare your forces General... it's time to engage in the next generation of real-time strategy.

Why similar: RTS 41.7%, Strategy 29%, Multiplayer 12.9%, Base Building 7.5%, Classic 6.8% ★

In American Conquest, Players set sail from Europe to discover new world and conquer its innumerable riches.

Why similar: RTS 50.1%, Strategy 32%, Historical 17.3%, Singleplayer 0.6%

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: RTS 26.1%, Medieval 13.4%, City Builder 13.2%, Real-Time 12.1% ★, Historical 9.6%

Rome: Total War - Alexander is the second official expansion pack to Rome: Total War. An entirely new campaign map that stretches from Macedonia to Greece and into the heart of the ancient Persian Empire New campaign game that tasks players with matching the exploits of Alexander the Great as he swept across Central Asia and dominated...

Why similar: RTS 37.6%, Strategy 35.1%, Historical 15.1%, Classic 7.7% ★, Multiplayer 4.1%

Command & Conquer Generals Zero Hour brings you closer to the enemy than ever before. Engage opposing forces at hot spots around the globe as you match strategies and arsenals against the new masterminds of modern war.

Why similar: RTS 48.2%, Strategy 15%, Multiplayer 13.5%, Classic 8% ★, Base Building 7.6%

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 31.1%, Historical 24.7%, Strategy 17.4%, Resource Management 12.4%, Base Building 10.2%

The High Definition edition of Majesty Gold contains main game, the Northern Expansion Pack as well as 2 new quests and several other graphics and gameplay updates.Majesty is a Real-time strategy game with indirect control – your heroes have a will of their own!

Why similar: Strategy 37.2%, RTS 27%, Classic 11.2% ★, Base Building 10.8%, Medieval 5%

The great Lords of England have their eyes on the the English throne! Muster an army and overrun your enemies' castles in this classic, nail-biting strategy game that blends turn-based and real-time gameplay.

Why similar: Strategy 43.1%, Classic 30.3% ★, Medieval 20.9%, Multiplayer 5.8%

Relive the real-time tactics masterpiece that defined the genre like no other: Commandos 2 - HD Remaster is a true homage to one of gaming’s most celebrated masterpieces.

Why similar: Strategy 72.5%, Classic 19.4% ★, Tactical 4.2%, Isometric 2.7%, Singleplayer 1.1%

Cossacks II: Battle for Europe is a standalone add-on for "Cossacks II: Napoleonic Wars" presenting new nations with the possibility to wage multiplayer battles.

Why similar: Strategy 43.7%, RTS 39.9%, Historical 16.4%

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: RTS 23.1%, Strategy 21.7%, Medieval 13.3%, City Builder 11.9%, Classic 7.7% ★

Relive the beginnings of the Anno® series with Anno® 1602 History Edition, updated and optimized for current computers.

Why similar: RTS 39.4%, Strategy 18%, City Builder 16.2%, Historical 11.1%, Medieval 9.2%

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: Classic 54.7% ★, Strategy 30.3%, Multiplayer 11.6%, Co-op 2.5%, Singleplayer 0.7%

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: RTS 27.8%, Strategy 24.7%, Medieval 19.8%, Classic 12.9% ★, Historical 9.1%

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: RTS 39.8%, Strategy 26.9%, City Builder 17.1%, Medieval 16.1%

Tzar: The Burden of the Crown is an RTS classic by Haemimont Games, originally released in 2000

Why similar: RTS 34.5%, Classic 28.2% ★, Strategy 28.1%, Medieval 9.2%

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

Why similar: RTS 39.9%, City Builder 16.5%, Strategy 16.3%, Historical 11.3%, Medieval 9.4%

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 62.5%, Strategy 21.1%, Base Building 6.8%, Real-Time 4% ★, Multiplayer 4%