The medieval era has always been a fascinating period in history, characterized by knights, castles, and epic battles. Thanks to the world of video gaming, we can now step back in time and experience the thrill and drama of this age for ourselves. In this blog post, we will take you on a journey through the virtual Middle Ages and introduce you to the 10 best medieval video games, with a special focus on “Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord.”
1. Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
Let’s start our list with a game that has captured the hearts of medieval gaming enthusiasts worldwide: “Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord.” This action role-playing game, developed by TaleWorlds Entertainment, takes you to the fictional continent of Calradia, where you can lead your army, engage in massive battles, and even forge your own kingdom. The open-world sandbox nature of the game and its realistic combat mechanics make it a must-play for fans of medieval history.
In “Bannerlord,” players are given the opportunity to immerse themselves in the intricate politics, warfare, and dynamic world-building that defines medieval life. Set in a fictional realm resembling medieval Europe, the game offers a sandbox experience where players can shape their destiny. Whether you wish to become a chivalrous knight, a cunning trader, or a ruthless warlord, the choice is yours.
One of the standout features of “Bannerlord” is its deep and detailed combat system. Melee battles feel visceral and authentic, requiring players to master the art of blocking, attacking, and timing their strikes. The addition of mounted combat and extensive weapon variety adds depth to the experience.
Another fascinating aspect of the game is its extensive modding community. “Bannerlord” supports a wide range of player-created mods, allowing for a diverse array of experiences. From historical recreations to fantasy overhauls, modders have added a layer of depth and replayability to the game that keeps players coming back for more.
The game’s open-world nature lets you explore a sprawling map with various cities, villages, and landscapes. You can undertake quests, build relationships with NPCs, and participate in epic battles that can influence the fate of the realm. Whether you choose to serve a liege lord or set out on your path to conquer Calradia, “Bannerlord” ensures a medieval adventure like no other.
2. Medieval II: Total War
The “Total War” series is known for its epic real-time battles and grand strategy elements, and “Medieval II: Total War” takes you to the medieval period. With numerous factions to choose from and an extensive campaign map, you can lead armies in epic battles and engage in intricate diplomacy.
“Medieval II: Total War” is a masterpiece in combining turn-based strategy with real-time tactical battles. It offers a vast, historically inspired campaign map featuring Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, where you can select from various medieval factions, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses. Whether you choose to lead the English to glory, command the might of the Byzantine Empire, or conquer the Holy Land as a Crusader, the game provides a diverse range of experiences.
The strategic depth of “Medieval II: Total War” is exceptional. You’ll need to manage your economy, conduct diplomacy, and navigate the complex web of medieval politics while preparing for battles. The game’s tactical battles are where it truly shines. Massive armies clash on detailed battlefields, and players can employ various unit types, from infantry and cavalry to archers and siege engines. The attention to historical detail is evident in the design of the units and the period-accurate weaponry and armor.
Additionally, the game’s expansion packs, such as “Kingdoms,” introduce new campaigns and factions, extending the gameplay experience. Whether you’re defending your realm from invading Mongols or participating in the brutal Reconquista, these expansions add layers of content to an already massive game.
Modding is another significant aspect of “Medieval II: Total War.” The modding community has created an abundance of mods that offer alternative historical scenarios, fantasy settings, and enhanced graphics, further enhancing the game’s replayability.
3. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
While not a traditional medieval game, “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” offers a rich and immersive medieval-inspired fantasy world. You play as Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter in a land filled with knights, castles, and mythical creatures. The game’s open-world design and intricate storytelling make it a standout in the medieval genre.
“The Witcher 3” transports players to the Continent, a beautifully crafted, high-fantasy world with a strong medieval influence. The game combines the best elements of an open-world RPG with an intricate narrative, crafting a complex and emotionally engaging storyline.
Geralt, as a Witcher, is a warrior skilled in swordplay and magic. He travels the land, confronting beasts, sorcery, and political intrigue. The game’s deep and morally complex characters, as well as its branching storyline, immerse players in a world where their choices have far-reaching consequences.
The Continent’s medieval-inspired setting is stunning, with lush forests, ancient ruins, and bustling cities. Knights, peasants, and monsters inhabit this richly detailed world, creating an authentic medieval atmosphere. The game’s attention to detail, from armor and weapons to architecture, adds to the immersion.
One of the notable aspects of “The Witcher 3” is its extensive side quests and storytelling. Players can become embroiled in the various tales and dramas of the world, often with choices that lead
to different outcomes. It’s a game where your decisions carry weight, affecting not only the characters you encounter but also the fate of the realms in the story.
Furthermore, the game’s expansion packs, “Hearts of Stone” and “Blood and Wine,” offer extensive additional content, including new regions to explore, characters to meet, and quests to undertake. These expansions are widely regarded as some of the best examples of downloadable content in modern gaming.
4. Kingdom Come: Deliverance
“Kingdom Come: Deliverance” offers a realistic and historically accurate portrayal of medieval life. Set in 15th century Bohemia, you play as Henry, a blacksmith’s son who becomes embroiled in a quest for revenge and justice. The game’s attention to detail and challenging combat system make it a unique medieval gaming experience.
“Kingdom Come: Deliverance” is a departure from the typical medieval fantasy setting, offering players a grittier and more realistic representation of life during the Middle Ages. The game boasts a meticulously researched historical backdrop, with accurate architecture, clothing, and weaponry.
The game’s commitment to authenticity is most evident in its combat system. Combat in “Kingdom Come: Deliverance” is highly skill-based, requiring precise timing and strategy. Whether you’re engaging in sword fights, archery, or unarmed combat, you must learn and master the techniques to succeed. This emphasis on realism adds to the immersion and challenge, making each encounter feel intense and satisfying.
“Kingdom Come: Deliverance” also excels in storytelling. The game’s narrative follows the journey of Henry, an ordinary blacksmith’s son who finds himself entangled in a complex web of political intrigue and personal vendettas. The game doesn’t cast you as a hero from the start; you must earn your place through determination, skill, and resourcefulness.
The open-world exploration aspect of the game is equally impressive. Players can roam through a vast recreation of medieval Bohemia, encountering towns, villages, and castles. The world feels lived-in and authentic, with NPCs going about their daily lives, traders haggling, and soldiers patrolling the roads. The game also pays attention to the passage of time and weather, further enhancing the immersion.
“Kingdom Come: Deliverance” isn’t just about combat and storytelling; it offers an array of activities and quests that capture the essence of medieval life. You can engage in activities like hunting, alchemy, and dice games, or participate in the evolving political struggles of Bohemia.
5. Dark Souls III
The “Dark Souls” series has a reputation for its challenging and atmospheric gameplay. “Dark Souls III” transports players to a dark, medieval-inspired world filled with formidable foes and epic boss battles. While it’s a dark and fantastical interpretation of the medieval period, it’s a must-play for action RPG fans.
While “Dark Souls III” presents a dark and grim interpretation of a medieval-inspired world, it captures the essence of a harsh and unforgiving era. The game places you in the role of the Ashen One, a character tasked with linking the First Flame and preventing the world from plunging into darkness.
The “Dark Souls” series is renowned for its challenging and precise combat mechanics. Players must learn enemy patterns, time their attacks, and make strategic decisions to overcome foes. This level of difficulty is a defining feature of the series, offering a satisfying sense of accomplishment when players emerge victorious from challenging encounters.
The game’s world design is another standout aspect. Players traverse a beautifully interconnected world filled with atmospheric locations, from crumbling castles and eerie swamps to towering cathedrals and ancient ruins. The interconnectedness of the world adds depth and a sense of discovery as players explore its nooks and crannies.
In addition to its combat and world design, “Dark Souls III” boasts a deep lore that players can uncover through item descriptions, dialogue, and environmental storytelling. The game’s cryptic narrative invites players to piece together the history and significance of the world they inhabit.
“Dark Souls III” may be a dark and fantastical take on the medieval era, but it’s a game that showcases the brutality, despair, and heroism that can define such a time period.
6. Age of Empires II
“Age of Empires II” remains a beloved classic in the real-time strategy genre. It spans multiple historical periods, including the medieval era, and offers an engaging blend of strategy and history.
“Age of Empires II” takes players on a historical journey through different epochs, from the Dark Ages to the Imperial Age. The medieval era is a central focus of the game, offering a rich experience of medieval warfare, economics, and culture.
Players can choose from various civilizations, each with its unique strengths and units. The game’s single-player campaigns offer diverse scenarios, from leading Joan of Arc’s army in the Hundred Years’ War to defending against Mongol invasions. These campaigns weave historical events and characters into the gameplay, creating an engaging educational experience.
The gameplay involves resource gathering, city-building, and commanding armies. You’ll manage your economy, construct buildings, research technologies, and train armies to conquer your foes. The real-time strategy mechanics provide a dynamic and challenging gaming experience.
“Age of Empires II” also features a robust multiplayer mode, allowing players to challenge friends and other enthusiasts in epic medieval battles. The game’s active modding community has produced a wealth of user-generated content, adding new civilizations, maps, and campaigns, ensuring that the game remains fresh and engaging even after many years since its initial release.
The medieval era has long been a source of inspiration for video game developers, and the 7 titles listed above offer a diverse range of experiences. Whether you prefer the grand strategy of “Total War Medieval II,” the visceral combat of “Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord,” or the fantasy world of “The Witcher 3,” there’s a medieval game for every type of player. So, don your armor, wield your sword, and step into the virtual Middle Ages for an unforgettable gaming experience. Each of these games offers a unique journey through time, allowing players to explore, conquer, and experience the rich tapestry of the medieval period in their own way.