Games Like Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition

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%, Strategy 16%, City Builder 14.1%, Base Building 13.2%, Historical 7%

Why You'll Like It: It's the closest overall match, with villagers, aging up, counter-based armies, historical factions, and a huge amount of skirmish and multiplayer depth.

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 24.6%, Base Building 17.3%, Strategy 13%, City Builder 11%, War 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: It keeps the same gather-build-tech-battle loop as AoE IV, but shifts the setting to the colonial era and adds strong civ asymmetry.

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 28.2%, Base Building 17.7%, Action RTS 11.8% ★, Resource Management 10.7%, Strategy 10.4%

Why You'll Like It: Despite the mythic setting, it mirrors AoE IV's structure with workers, base expansion, faction identity, and fast-paced large army battles.

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

Why similar: RTS 40.8%, Strategy 20.4%, War 10.1%, Historical 9.4%, Multiplayer 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: It blends Age-style economy and base-building with territory control and age progression across a broader sweep of history.

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 29.9%, Strategy 17.4%, Base Building 14.7%, City Builder 12.8%, Historical 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: The first AoE is more old-school, but it still delivers the same clean historical RTS foundation of gathering, teching, and army timing.

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 19.3%, City Builder 15.3%, Base Building 13%, War 12.9%, Strategy 10.8%

Why You'll Like It: Its medieval setting, fortress building, resource chains, and siege-heavy combat make it one of the best castle-war alternatives to AoE IV.

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 19.9%, War 11.1%, Base Building 10.7%, Strategy 10.2%, Action RTS 8.6% ★

Why You'll Like It: If you love booming your economy and fielding enormous historical armies in real time, this delivers that same grand-battle appeal.

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 22.3%, City Builder 18%, Base Building 14.3%, Medieval 10.6%, Strategy 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: It leans more into castle management than AoE IV, but the medieval economy, walls, and siege warfare feel very adjacent.

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 55.3%, Strategy 28.1%, Multiplayer 10.2%, Historical 4.3%, Singleplayer 1.1%

Why You'll Like It: The older version still delivers classic Ensemble-style economy management and myth-infused battles that feel instantly familiar to Age players.

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 39.7%, Strategy 18.2%, War 13.4%, Historical 9.2%, Multiplayer 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: Clearly inspired by Age-style multiplayer RTS, it offers historical factions, resource gathering, teching, and competitive base-building matches.

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 33%, Strategy 19.2%, Medieval 14.2%, Historical 10.9%, War 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: This is more tactical and squad-based than AoE IV, but its medieval factions and emphasis on positioning, raiding, and battlefield control make it a strong crossover pick.

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 29.7%, Base Building 23.2%, Strategy 14.4%, War 11%, Multiplayer 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: Its evolution-through-eras structure and constant base growth echo AoE's sense of technological escalation in multiplayer matches.

Company of Heroes 3 combines heart-pounding combat with deeper strategic choices in a stunning Mediterranean theatre of war. In Company of Heroes 3, every battle tells a story...what's yours?

Why similar: RTS 31.6%, Action RTS 14.8% ★, Strategy 14.5%, Historical 9%, War 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: This is more tactical and less economy-driven, but its real-time frontline decisions and combined-arms warfare appeal to AoE IV players who enjoy high-pressure RTS battles.

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 26.1%, Strategy 21.6%, City Builder 16.8%, Medieval 13%, Multiplayer 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: Another strong castle-focused RTS option, especially if your favorite part of AoE IV is fortifying, booming, and breaking defenses.

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 19.8%, City Builder 16.1%, War 13.5%, Base Building 13.5%, Medieval 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: It shifts eastward and adds warlord mechanics, but still offers a comparable mix of economy, fortification, and siege-led RTS combat.

Rewrite medieval history through bloody siege combat in a fusion of RTS and Grand Strategy genres. Rule, build, and serve your King as a minor lord in medieval Europe. Experience siege, field and naval combat with an unseen degree of brutality. Rogue-like progression, epic towns and battles await…

Why similar: RTS 24.3%, Base Building 15.6%, City Builder 13.9%, War 11.6%, Action RTS 11.4% ★

Why You'll Like It: It fuses medieval city-building, real-time sieges, and resource management into a grittier take on the same build-and-conquer fantasy.

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 41.3%, Base Building 20.8%, Strategy 16.4%, War 11.9%, Multiplayer 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: Although simplified and sci-fi, it captures the same satisfying loop of expanding, teching, countering unit types, and winning map control.

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 39.7%, Base Building 21.6%, Strategy 16.3%, War 11.4%, Multiplayer 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: Not historical, but it's a great pick if what you really want is polished old-school RTS base-building and decisive army pushes.

A classic real-time strategy game with an epic single player campaign, multiplayer & coop, set in the alternate reality of 1920+

Why similar: RTS 38.6%, Base Building 19.5%, War 15.6%, Strategy 13%, Multiplayer 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: It translates classic base-building RTS rhythms into a dieselpunk setting with strong faction identity and heavier battlefield tactics.

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 54.2%, Strategy 19%, Base Building 12.1%, War 4.6%, Multiplayer 3.8%

Why You'll Like It: Theme aside, it delivers modern base-building RTS fundamentals like resource harvesting, build orders, unit counters, and multiplayer pressure.

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 50.5%, RTS 26.7%, War 7.5%, Historical 5.1%, Multiplayer 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: It trades villager economy for tactical territory play, but it remains a strong RTS recommendation for players who like intense map-control warfare.

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 58.5%, Strategy 32.8%, Multiplayer 8.1%, Singleplayer 0.5%

Why You'll Like It: Its style is different, but the classic RTS rhythm of expanding, producing, teching, and maneuvering armies will feel familiar.

Total War: THREE KINGDOMS is the first in the award-winning series to recreate epic conflict across ancient China. Combining a gripping turn-based campaign of empire-building & conquest with stunning real-time battles, THREE KINGDOMS redefines the series in an age of heroes & legends.

Why similar: RTS 25%, War 23.7%, Strategy 23.3%, Historical 21.2%, Multiplayer 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: It is far more grand-strategy than AoE IV, but it still fits if your favorite part is commanding large historical armies and shaping wars between distinct factions.

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 19.2%, RTS 15.4%, Historical 12.9%, Resource Management 12.5%, Medieval 12.4%

Why You'll Like It: It emphasizes defense and survival more than standard skirmish RTS, yet the worker economy and medieval fortification gameplay overlap nicely.

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 29%, City Builder 28.1%, RTS 21.5%, Medieval 13.6%, Multiplayer 6.8%

Why You'll Like It: This one pushes further toward economy sim, but its historical setting and emphasis on building a functioning settlement make it a softer alternative.

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 21.2%, City Builder 16.2%, Base Building 14.6%, War 14.1%, Medieval 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: It is more management-heavy and dated, but the castle-building, medieval economy, and siege focus remain close to AoE IV's appeal.

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 60.2%, RTS 14.7%, City Builder 9.6%, Medieval 7.4%, Historical 3.1%

Why You'll Like It: This is a slower, more economy-heavy medieval RTS where production chains and settlement planning matter as much as military timing.

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 35.5%, Strategy 16.5%, Medieval 9.8%, Base Building 9.5%, City Builder 7.4%

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 29.1%, City Builder 18.5%, Strategy 11.6%, Base Building 11.4%, War 9.6%

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: RTS 31.3%, City Builder 24.4%, Strategy 16%, Historical 11%, Resource Management 8.1%

The award-winning strategy game franchise returns with a revolutionary new chapter. Sid Meier's Civilization® VII empowers you to build the greatest empire the world has ever known!

Why similar: War 24.4%, City Builder 24.3%, Historical 18.6%, Strategy 15.3%, Multiplayer 11.9%

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

Why similar: City Builder 35.7%, Strategy 23.8%, Multiplayer 11.4%, Medieval 6.7%, RTS 5.7%

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 30.9%, Historical 17.8%, War 16.6%, City Builder 16.2%, Multiplayer 12.1%

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 36.6%, Strategy 18.5%, RTS 15.4%, Multiplayer 10.1%, Resource Management 10%

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: Base Building 24.2%, City Builder 22%, Historical 15.7%, Resource Management 14.8%, Strategy 13.6%

Stormgate is a free-to-play real-time strategy game with a full single-player campaign, 3-player co-op, and PvP versus modes on over 60 maps. Our Editor is also freely available for you to craft just about any custom game mode you can imagine. Join our development journey today!

Why similar: RTS 30.5%, Base Building 20.1%, War 19%, Strategy 11.2%, Multiplayer 8.9%

Rule a fantasy realm of your own design! Explore new magical realms in Age of Wonders’ signature blend of 4X strategy and turn-based tactical combat. Control a faction that grows and changes as you expand your empire with each turn!

Why similar: War 41%, Strategy 30%, Multiplayer 17.8%, Co-op 7.8%, Singleplayer 3.4%

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: Base Building 17.4%, City Builder 16.5%, War 16.4%, RTS 13.5%, Medieval 11.4%

From the Command & Conquer veterans at Petroglyph comes the first ever survival RTS set in the savage world of Conan the Barbarian. Play solo or team up in multiplayer in Conan Unconquered’s action-packed co-op Mode where you build a shared stronghold and fend off the hordes together.

Why similar: RTS 34.1%, Strategy 22.2%, City Builder 17%, Base Building 11.3%, Multiplayer 6.9%

Rewrite history by shaping a civilization as unique as you are. Combine 60 cultures from the Ancient Era to the Modern Age to lead your empire to victory. Build thriving cities, outsmart rivals in epic battles, spread your influence and leave your mark on HUMANKIND™.

Why similar: Strategy 28.5%, City Builder 24.4%, Historical 16.9%, War 12.6%, Multiplayer 12.1%

From the multi-award-winning strategy series, A Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia combines huge real-time battles with engrossing turn-based campaign, set at a critical flashpoint in history. Anglo-Saxons, Gaelic clans and Viking settlers clash for control. What Kingdom will you build?

Why similar: RTS 29.6%, Strategy 19.2%, Historical 16%, War 13.7%, Medieval 11.5%

A city builder with simulated citizens, set in a procedurally-generated world map. Grow your kingdom through the eras from a tiny medieval hamlet into a prosperous global empire! Cooperate or compete in real-time with your friends in multiplayer mode.

Why similar: City Builder 25.8%, Base Building 17.7%, RTS 14.2%, Strategy 8.4%, Resource Management 7.8%

Be the Ultimate Modern Warfare General

Why similar: RTS 40.1%, Strategy 29%, Base Building 14.3%, Multiplayer 14.1%, Singleplayer 2.5%

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 36%, War 20.8%, Strategy 11.8%, Base Building 11.7%, Multiplayer 11%

Old World is a revolutionary new historical strategy game where you lead your dynasty over generations of rule against rival kings and queens. Wage massive wars, manage your court, and build a dynasty — or watch your empire crumble to dust. What legacy will you leave behind?

Why similar: War 30.4%, Historical 22.1%, Strategy 19.2%, Multiplayer 14.3%, Management 5.8%

Age of Darkness: Final Stand is a dark fantasy survival RTS where you must illuminate, build and defend humanity’s last bastion against hordes of Nightmares. Set in the remnants of a kingdom consumed by a deadly fog, you decide. Will you hide in the light? Or take back your world.

Why similar: RTS 26.7%, Base Building 17.5%, Action RTS 14.5% ★, Medieval 10.3%, Strategy 9.7%

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 36.4%, Base Building 17.3%, Strategy 13.9%, Action RTS 10.9% ★, Multiplayer 9.1%

A 4X real-time strategy game from the developers of the critically acclaimed Northgard. Set in Frank Herbert’s groundbreaking Dune universe, you must lead your faction and battle for control and dominance over the harsh desert planet of Arrakis.

Why similar: RTS 29.2%, Base Building 17%, War 16.9%, Strategy 10.7%, Multiplayer 7.8%

Inspired by The Iliad and brought to life through the award-winning strategy game series, A Total War Saga: TROY brings a blend of grand, turn-based empire management and spectacular real-time battles to the heart of the Trojan War.

Why similar: RTS 35%, War 21.1%, Strategy 17.6%, Historical 15.7%, Multiplayer 7.1%

Build a nation starting at any point in human history and compete for supremacy in this epic turn-based strategy game. Engage in diplomacy, fight wars, and go head-to-head with other leaders from history.

Why similar: Strategy 27.2%, Historical 24.8%, Resource Management 21.8%, City Builder 10.6%, Management 5.7%

Rebuild hope in a world that was lost in the fog. Lead your Pioneers across the isles of Pagonia, unite scattered tribes, raise thriving communities and discover the history of your people as you reclaim your world in the new story campaign.

Why similar: RTS 22.8%, Base Building 15.6%, City Builder 14.2%, Resource Management 10.1%, Medieval 9.7%

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 43.8%, Strategy 19.3%, War 16.9%, Multiplayer 7%, Base Building 6%

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 35.9%, Strategy 25.5%, Medieval 17.9%, Historical 9.9%, Multiplayer 5.4%

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

Why similar: RTS 26.8%, City Builder 18.2%, Action RTS 12.9% ★, Strategy 12.7%, Historical 8%

The Settlers®: New Allies is a strategy game with an in-depth build-up experience and real-time strategic battles.

Why similar: City Builder 36.1%, Strategy 25.9%, Base Building 11.9%, RTS 9%, Multiplayer 5.2%

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 22.1%, Base Building 15.2%, City Builder 14.9%, Action RTS 13.6% ★, Strategy 8.7%

Use war, trade or diplomacy to satisfy your grandest ambitions and dominate five centuries of history in the newest version of Europa Universalis, Paradox Interactive's flagship historical grand strategy game.

Why similar: Resource Management 25%, Historical 21.3%, War 19%, Strategy 19%, Multiplayer 12.6%

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 42.4%, Strategy 19%, Base Building 11.3%, War 11.2%, Multiplayer 7.4%

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

Why similar: RTS 27%, City Builder 18.5%, Action RTS 13.1% ★, Strategy 11.4%, Historical 8.1%