Games Like Blackthorn Arena

Re-experience the thrill and challenges of managing a Gladiator arena in this management/simulation game. With new content, new graphics, Quality of Life updates, and all DLCs packed into this new experience, this is how Blackthorn Arena was meant to be experienced.

Why similar: CRPG 23.6%, Real Time Tactics 17.5%, Medieval 14.9%, Management 14.7%, Dark Fantasy 11.2%

Why You'll Like It: This is the definitive, updated version of the seed game, offering refined mechanics and improved balance.

A strategic autobattler sim where you build a team of gladiators, compete in arenas, plan fight tactics, and form alliances. Combine fighters, beasts, and mages, develop and equip them to optimize your well-oiled fighting machine, dominate the championships, and leave your mark on the world.

Why similar: Turn-Based Tactics 23.5%, Management 21.8%, Medieval 21.4%, Building 20.6%, Strategy 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: It shares the core loop of managing a roster of fighters and training them for tactical arena combat.

Mortal Glory is a fantasy-themed tactical roguelike game about recruiting a team of gladiators and pitting them against brutal competition in a blood-soaked tournament. Train your gladiators, find a legendary sword, learn ancient spells, recruit a celebrity, cheat - do whatever it takes to bring glory to your name!

Why similar: Turn-Based Tactics 25.4%, Management 20%, Turn-Based Combat 20%, Difficult 16.1%, Top-Down 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: A roguelike gladiator management game that captures the high-stakes, brutal nature of arena combat.

Lead a mercenary company in this tactical RPG set in a medieval fantasy world. Chase fame and fortune as you choose where to go, who to recruit, which contracts to pursue, and how to train and equip your men in a procedurally generated open world campaign.

Why similar: Medieval 21.1%, Sandbox 18.5%, Realistic 14.4%, Open World 13.4%, Third Person 11.7%

Why You'll Like It: A highly acclaimed mercenary management game that features deep tactical combat and permanent character death.

Train gladiators. Manage a ludus. Fight in the arenas. Conquer the tower. Gods of Sand is a gladiator manager with intense turn-based combat, inspired by the Swords and Sandals series, in a dark and unforgiving setting.

Why similar: Perma Death 26.8%, Management 26.1%, Turn-Based Combat 23.7%, Strategy 11.9%, Simulation 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses heavily on the management and training of gladiators in a harsh, desert-themed environment.

Wartales is an open world RPG in which you lead a group of mercenaries in their search for wealth across a massive medieval universe. Explore the world, recruit companions, collect bounties and unravel the secrets of the tombs of the ancients!

Why similar: Medieval 27%, Open World 21.7%, Turn-Based Combat 21.5%, Sandbox 13.4%, Strategy 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers deep mercenary management and tactical turn-based combat in a gritty, open-world setting.

Age of Gladiators II: Rome is a single-player strategy/management sim set at the height of the bloody gladiatorial games in ancient Rome. As your fighters increase in level, it will be up to you to decide how to forge their attributes and abilities. Build your story. Build your empire.

Why similar: Management 27.2%, Turn-Based Combat 23.1%, Turn-Based Tactics 22.2%, Strategy 14.9%, Simulation 11.2%

Why You'll Like It: A dedicated management simulation that lets you build and run a gladiator school in ancient Rome.

Fight & strategize your way through spectacles and arenas -- rise from lowly slave to Grand Champion and earn your freedom. Or... die trying. This Gladiator RPG Roguelite features in-depth career management and a unique physics simulated combat system. To those who are about to die, I salute you!

Why similar: Medieval 24.8%, Sandbox 19.7%, Realistic 17.5%, Combat 12.9%, Third Person 12.4%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a more visceral, physics-based take on gladiator combat that complements the management aspects.

Dead Monarchy is an open-world, turn-based tactical RPG set in a low fantasy world. Personally lead and manage your mercenary company as the captain and embark on your personal quest to defeat the arena champions.

Why similar: Turn-Based Tactics 20.3%, Strategy 14.2%, Perma Death 14%, Dark Fantasy 11.6%, Medieval 10.9%

Why You'll Like It: A tactical RPG focused on managing a mercenary company in a violent, low-fantasy world.

Manage a team of traveling gladiators in this turn-based fantasy roguelike. Find the best recruits, discover powerful item combinations and come up with clever tactics on the battlefield. The tournament awaits those who desire MORTAL GLORY!

Why similar: Turn-Based Tactics 29.3%, Turn-Based Combat 23.5%, Management 21.3%, Top-Down 11.7%, Strategy 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: The refined sequel to the original, offering more depth in party-based tactical combat and management.

Explore the open world of Terscara as you advance through the challenging and tactical encounters in this epic turn-based tactical RPG. Form and lead a group of battle-proven companions, delve into the ancient dungeons to collect the elusive vault crystals, and end Xandar’s Wraith once and for all.

Why similar: Turn-Based Tactics 22.5%, Sandbox 17.6%, Dark Fantasy 15.2%, Turn-Based Combat 14.7%, Management 12.2%

Why You'll Like It: Features tactical turn-based combat and party management within a sandbox fantasy world.

Urtuk is an open world, tactical turn-based RPG in a low-fantasy setting. Guide your band of adventurers through the ruins of an ancient world. Recruit new followers, loot the corpses of your fallen foes, and do your best to survive in this harsh and unforgiving realm.

Why similar: Turn-Based Tactics 23.6%, Perma Death 19.1%, Dark Fantasy 17%, Difficult 15.8%, Turn-Based Combat 15.5%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, tactical RPG that emphasizes party management and survival in a hostile landscape.

Adventure and fight in a medieval fantasy open world! Build heroic characters with various abilities, travel through villages, cities, or perilous dungeons. Strategic turn-based combat system and advanced character building - Fog of war, charging and flanking, and more in the fast-paced Arena mode.

Why similar: CRPG 28.2%, Turn-Based Tactics 22%, Turn-Based Combat 19.7%, Medieval 16.9%, Sandbox 13.1%

Why You'll Like It: Offers deep tactical combat based on classic D&D rulesets, perfect for fans of turn-based strategy.

Determine the destiny of Rome as you conquer foreign lands and navigate political intrigue in this turn-based RPG. Directly fight with your party of Praetorians, guide your legion to victory, and choose your own path in a story where every decision matters. How will you shape the future of Rome?

Why similar: CRPG 43.3%, Turn-Based Tactics 25%, Strategy 12.3%, Top-Down 9.8%, Turn-Based Combat 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: Combines deep tactical combat with squad management and RPG elements in a historical setting.

Gladiator School is a Tycoon-style simulation game. You play as the master of a newly formed school for gladiators. Your job is to prepare and train recruits before you send them away to fight for their survival and entertain the crowd in the arena.

Why similar: Management 29.2%, Simulation 26.5%, Strategy 26.1%, Difficult 15.5%, Singleplayer 2.8%

Why You'll Like It: A management-focused simulation where you oversee the daily operations and training of a gladiator academy.

"Age of Gladiators" is a single-player strategy/management sim set at the height of the bloody gladiatorial games in ancient Rome. As your fighters increase in level, it will be up to you to decide how to forge their attributes and abilities.

Why similar: Management 37.3%, Medieval 23.4%, Strategy 19%, Simulation 16.8%, Singleplayer 3.6%

Why You'll Like It: The original entry in the series, focusing on the core management and simulation of gladiator careers.

Stoneshard is a hardcore turn-based RPG about the harsh life of a medieval mercenary: travel with your own caravan, descend into procedurally generated dungeons, learn new skills, survive hunger and injuries - and remember, every mistake can mean death and loss of progress.

Why similar: Turn-Based Combat 18.4%, Dark Fantasy 18.1%, Medieval 16.4%, Difficult 14%, Sandbox 12.9%

Why You'll Like It: A dark fantasy tactical RPG with survival elements that tests your ability to manage resources and combat.

Age of Gladiators II: Death League is a single-player strategy game set in the futuristic 3000AD, during the rebirth of the violent and hyper-competitive gladiatorial games. Manage your franchise while forging the attributes and abilities of your warriors. Build your story. Build your empire.

Why similar: Turn-Based Tactics 31.5%, Management 17.7%, Turn-Based Combat 17.1%, Strategy 15.5%, Simulation 15%

Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi themed management sim that applies the gladiator formula to a futuristic setting.

Defend the last bastion of humanity with your squad of heroes! Exterminate fiendish monsters with magic and brute force by night and re-build your battered city defenses by day in this tactical RPG with rogue-lite mechanics.

Why similar: Perma Death 24.3%, Turn-Based Tactics 23.7%, Turn-Based Combat 20%, Dark Fantasy 19.8%, Strategy 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: A tactical defense game that requires careful management of your squad and resources during intense battles.

Raiders! Forsaken Earth is a strategy/management game where you play as the leader of a merciless band of post-apocalyptic marauders. Build up your organization while extorting, kidnapping, and destroying the last remnants of civilization. The wasteland doesn't need another hero...

Why similar: CRPG 32.2%, Sandbox 14.5%, Management 14.5%, Building 14.4%, Open World 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: Combines management and tactical combat in a post-apocalyptic sandbox environment.

Wildermyth follows heroes over their whole careers, from their pitchfork days to their powerful primes, and on into old age and memory. It’s a party-based procedural storytelling RPG where tactical combat and story decisions will alter your world and reshape your cast of characters.

Why similar: Turn-Based Tactics 82.2%, Strategy 14.3%, Singleplayer 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: Features tactical turn-based combat and character-driven stories that evolve over time.

Veil of crows is a sandbox style real-time strategy game set in a chaotic medieval world. From violent, and overtly bloody battles, to completely destructible castles, RPG style hero development, and meaningful interactions with other factions. Trade, extort, and conquer!

Why similar: Medieval 41.1%, Sandbox 32.8%, Strategy 24.2%, Singleplayer 1.9%

Why You'll Like It: A strategy game that blends medieval combat with management and sandbox exploration.

The country of Grand Chien is thrown into chaos when the elected president goes missing and the paramilitary force known as “the Legion” seizes control. Hire mercs, meet interesting characters, and fight in tactically deep turn-based combat in this true successor to a beloved franchise.

Why similar: Turn-Based Tactics 47.6%, Turn-Based Combat 29%, Strategy 21.3%, Singleplayer 2.2%

Why You'll Like It: Offers deep squad management and tactical combat that rewards careful planning and character development.

Eisenwald: Blood of November is a new sandbox adventure in the world of Eisenwald. Take up your arms and fight for your cause (and find out first who or what you want to be fighting for).

Why similar: CRPG 26.3%, Medieval 16.6%, Turn-Based Tactics 13.3%, Turn-Based Combat 12.1%, Sandbox 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: A tactical RPG that emphasizes medieval strategy and party-based combat.

Legends of Ellaria is a unique blend of sandbox action-RPG and real-time strategy. Build a new kingdom for your people, construct and manage its cities, command your troops in epic battles and join them fighting in third-person action, and live adventures in an immersive high fantasy world.

Why similar: Strategy 32.3%, Building 16%, Sandbox 15%, Open World 12.1%, Medieval 10%

Why You'll Like It: A hybrid of strategy and RPG that allows you to manage a kingdom while engaging in tactical combat.

Live through an epic role-playing Viking saga where your strategic choices directly affect your personal journey. Make allies as you travel with your caravan across this stunning yet harsh landscape. Carefully choose those who will help fight a new threat that jeopardizes an entire civilization.

Why similar: Strategy 94%, Singleplayer 6%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on tactical combat and caravan management in a beautifully realized fantasy world.

TROUBLESHOOTER: Abandoned Children is the first season of a turn-based strategy SRPG that takes place in the world of Troubleshooter.

Why similar: CRPG 44.9%, Turn-Based Tactics 27.6%, Turn-Based Combat 18.3%, Strategy 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A deep tactical combat game with extensive character customization and progression systems.

Turn-based fantasy gladiatorial game with monster breeding. Crossbreed various species to create monster hybrids for gladiatorial combat. Manipulate creatures’ traits with surgery, magic, and alchemy. Manage your enterprise, craft items and upgrade your base. Fight in the arena for gold and glory!

Why similar: Turn-Based Tactics 18.1%, Perma Death 14.3%, Management 13.3%, Sandbox 11.9%, Turn-Based Combat 11.2%

Lead a strike force against an alien threat in this turn-based tactical RPG from the developers of Battle Brothers. Answer distress calls across different worlds, train and equip infantry, deploy tanks and mechs, and plan and execute missions in detailed turn-based battles.

Why similar: CRPG 31.9%, Turn-Based Tactics 18.8%, Turn-Based Combat 17.7%, Dark Fantasy 14.9%, Strategy 8.4%

The fantasy wargaming classic is back! Lead powerful heroes and mighty armies into battle in this critically acclaimed turn-based strategy milestone. Level up and train your units and guide them through a gripping story campaign to decide the fate of a world on the brink of destruction.

Why similar: Turn-Based Tactics 25.8%, Turn-Based Combat 23.3%, Strategy 18.4%, Dark Fantasy 17.2%, Management 12.5%

Why You'll Like It: Provides turn-based tactical combat with a strong emphasis on unit management and fantasy themes.

Age of Reforging: The Freelands is a medieval high-freedom sandbox adventure CRPG. You'll be a reforger in the freelands chosen by the Goddess to embark on a medieval adventure tour at your own pace, gathering teammates, fighting for survival, and craft your unique legend!

Why similar: Real Time Tactics 18.4%, CRPG 17.3%, Sandbox 15.3%, Medieval 14.5%, Open World 11.6%

SpellForce 3 - The perfect blend between RTS and RPG!

Why similar: Strategy 37.4%, Open World 21.7%, CRPG 21.6%, Building 12.9%, Singleplayer 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: A unique blend of real-time strategy and RPG mechanics that offers a deep tactical experience.

Bloodgrounds merges tactical turn-based combat with strategic management, RPG and roguelite elements. Forged in the pits of the arena, you fought your way out and now as a wealthy patron you recruit, train, and command your team of hardened Gladiators to glory - or death.

Why similar: Perma Death 30%, Turn-Based Tactics 25.1%, Turn-Based Combat 21.5%, Management 15%, Strategy 6.8%

Gladiator Guild Manager: Prologue is a battle sim about managing your own Gladiator Guild in an epic fantasy world. Build and run your own guild, hire and train gladiators, develop unique tactics, manage resources, compete for the rank in the arena, and much more.

Why similar: Management 24.1%, Medieval 21.1%, Turn-Based Tactics 20.8%, Strategy 11.7%, Simulation 11.5%

A deck-building roguelike game with unique semi-real-time combat system. Step into the shoes of an ancient gladiator and do your best to survive in the coliseum. Combine various skills and equipment, develop your own fighting style, and defeat all the enemies to become the next champion!

Why similar: Turn-Based Tactics 22.5%, Turn-Based Combat 21.7%, Medieval 20.9%, Dark Fantasy 20.5%, Strategy 12.2%

Discover a unique blend of Colony Sim and Tactical RPG. Recruit and train your heroes, build your outpost, explore dungeons and engage in turn-based strategic battles to protect and expand your domain. Shape your stories by managing moods, relationships, ambitions and more!

Why similar: Building 19.3%, Management 15.7%, Sandbox 15.2%, Strategy 10.6%, Open World 8.4%

JIANGHU CHRONICLES is a Wuxia-themed clan simulator, which focuses on simulating Jianghu clans and experiencing realistic battle. Set up a clan of your own, recruit disciples, complete missions... And eventually make your clan second to none by improving its power and reputation.

Why similar: Real Time Tactics 50.4%, Top-Down 18.1%, Simulation 13.2%, Combat 8.2%, Exploration 6.7%

A Turn-Based Fighting Game Set in the Roman Era, where you can develop your Gladiators and fight them in arenas to increase the glory of your Ludus.

Why similar: Turn-Based Combat 30.2%, Medieval 26.6%, Turn-Based Tactics 22.2%, Strategy 18.9%, Singleplayer 2%

Colony building RPG with detailed characters, driven by procedurally generated Stories. Build a hut, a village, a town, a city, a kingdom. 5 different races. Ally with unique factions. Rule an Undead empire. Craft Legendary items. Tame creatures. Enslave enemies. It's all here.

Why similar: Dark Fantasy 17.8%, Building 14%, Medieval 13.4%, Management 10.5%, Sandbox 9.1%

Escape the Mad Empire is a party-based, rogue-like dungeon crawler with intense and deeply tactical combat. Overcome the challenges as a band of heroes, and preserve their lives and sanity by managing resources and growing your base. Can you Escape the Mad Empire?

Why similar: CRPG 28.5%, Perma Death 20.2%, Management 17.2%, Dark Fantasy 13.5%, Difficult 12.5%

A dark, immersive Turn Based Strategy RPG. Master tactical combat and the art of 17th century alchemy to liberate a doomed city from a bloodthirsty cult inspired by the great alchemist Mephisto.

Why similar: Perma Death 26.6%, Turn-Based Tactics 20.5%, Turn-Based Combat 16.2%, Difficult 14.3%, Realistic 11.4%

A turn-based RPG that is action-oriented but rewards a thoughtful approach. Explore a fantastic land populated by different animal tribes. Follow the main story or hunt for treasures in ancient ruins and mysterious dungeons. Develop your character and gain powerful equipment.

Why similar: Medieval 17.7%, Dark Fantasy 15.9%, Turn-Based Combat 15.4%, Sandbox 15.1%, Open World 10.2%

Command, endure, and prosper in The Iron Oath, a turn-based tactical RPG where the fate of your mercenary company rests on your decisions. Customize your roster, build your renown, and discover the secrets that await in the medieval fantasy realm of Caelum.

Why similar: CRPG 30.5%, Turn-Based Tactics 17.6%, Turn-Based Combat 17.4%, Medieval 15.3%, Open World 9.9%

"Crown Champion: Legends of the Arena" is a fantasy RPG/Management simulator set in the ruthless world of gladiatorial combat. Develop your academy and train your fighters. Increase your power and influence in the realm. Reap the rewards of your labours.

Why similar: Building 52.1%, Difficult 47.9%

A roguelike deckbuilding tactics game that combines elements from 'Slay the Spire' and 'Into the Breach'. Play as a gladiator to survive. With roguelike deckbuilding and hex-based tactics, no longer bound by simple attack and defense. Make use of dodges and knockbacks to stay alive!

Why similar: Turn-Based Tactics 39.8%, Difficult 24.1%, Dark Fantasy 21.3%, Strategy 12.8%, Singleplayer 2%

Build your dungeon, command demons, set traps, and slay invading adventurers with powerful spells.

Why similar: Real Time Tactics 40.8%, Dark Fantasy 20.4%, Management 13.3%, Strategy 12.1%, Medieval 11.5%

Iratus: Lord of the Dead is a turn-based tactical roguelike RPG set in a dark fantasy universe. Lead an army of undead to help an angry necromancer in his quest to reach the surface world and bring death to the mortal realms!

Why similar: Turn-Based Combat 31.9%, Dark Fantasy 26.2%, Strategy 18.7%, Turn-Based Tactics 14.4%, Difficult 8.7%

Build the best ludus in the world! and survive in ancient Rome.

Why similar: Management 23.9%, Simulation 21.7%, Strategy 18.7%, Open World 14.5%, Difficult 12.7%

An open-world adventure RPG. Choose your favorite character, train your elite legion step by step, and crush all enemies on the battlefield. Strengthen yourself, establish a powerful family, create a great dynasty, and become the dominator of this fantasy world.

Why similar: Real Time Tactics 47.4%, Sandbox 27.1%, Open World 13.5%, Strategy 11%, Singleplayer 1%

Enter a world of blood, influence and secrets in this easy to learn, yet deep strategy sim where you control a group of Gladiators, guiding them through combat and competition. Bribe, gamble and slash your way to an arena championship!

Why similar: Turn-Based Tactics 27.2%, Strategy 25.3%, Simulation 24.6%, Management 23%

Rise through the ranks and lead your band of Gladiators to glory. Can you build the ultimate fighting force and a kingdom to rule all! Be careful who you trust. Becoming a Gladiator Trainer isn't easy.

Why similar: Difficult 33.4%, Strategy 20.9%, Third Person 20.5%, Open World 20%, Singleplayer 5.2%

Rising Lords is a medieval turn-based strategy game with card and board game elements. Send your serfs to fight and die in your name... or let them prosper, and use them to your advantage!

Why similar: Turn-Based Tactics 28.2%, Medieval 25.9%, Turn-Based Combat 16.1%, Strategy 11.3%, Sandbox 10.8%

A fantasy gladiator strategy RPG with vibrant characters, funny random events, team management mechanics, and emergent relationship-building. Uncover a sinister conspiracy; fight deep turn-based tactical battles; watch your characters grow together!

Why similar: Turn-Based Tactics 32.5%, Turn-Based Combat 27.7%, Management 25.8%, Strategy 11%, Singleplayer 2.9%

Harness the elements in fierce real-time battles while gathering and upgrading a crew of fantasy creatures in this rogue-lite adventure across a world torn apart by war.

Why similar: Real Time Tactics 43.8%, Dark Fantasy 33.5%, Strategy 18.8%, Singleplayer 3.9%

Gladiator Manager is a sports management and tactical battle simulation game.

Why similar: Strategy 38.6%, Simulation 36.4%, Management 25%

"STRANGER SAGA" is a turn-based SRPG where you lead a resistance army against a mighty enemy force. Raise citizens into elite warriors and conquer challenging strategy battles!

Why similar: CRPG 34.5%, Turn-Based Tactics 20.1%, Medieval 16.3%, Turn-Based Combat 11.1%, Dark Fantasy 7.2%

Legend of Keepers is the perfect mix between Dungeon Defender and Roguelite. You have been hired as a dungeon manager by the Dungeons Company. Your job is simple: protect their dungeons!

Why similar: Turn-Based Combat 21.8%, Difficult 18.7%, Management 17.5%, Turn-Based Tactics 15.8%, Dark Fantasy 14.8%

Play as either Nairi, an imprisoned Dryad fighting for her freedom, or Gilrock, a drunken Dwarven Lord on a quest to restore his family's honour (or just to kick some arse!). The Age of Fear series is a deep and complex turn-based strategy that fuses a tabletop wargame with RPG elements.

Why similar: Perma Death 20.8%, Turn-Based Tactics 17.1%, Difficult 12.9%, Turn-Based Combat 10.5%, Dark Fantasy 10.1%

Hellslave is a dark fantasy dungeon crawler where you make a pact with the Devil to fight back a demon invasion. Customize your character with powerful demonic abilities, explore a cursed world, and battle nightmarish enemies to save humanity if you can resist the darkness.

Why similar: Dark Fantasy 49.7%, Turn-Based Combat 45.4%, Singleplayer 4.8%