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List of historical video games

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The historical video game belongs to a video game genre in which stories are based upon historical events, environments, or people. Some historical video games are simulators, which attempt an accurate portrayal of a historical event, civilization or biography, to the degree that the available historical research will allow. Other historical video games are fictionalized tales that are based on mythology, legends or a fictional character within a historical setting.

Panhistorical video games

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Video games that take place across many periods of history.

Title Release date Time period Notes on setting
Empire Earth 2001 500,000 BC – 2,200 AD (in skirmish mode)/1200s BC – 2098 AD (in Story mode) A strategy game that spans multiple historical periods, from Prehistoric Age to Space Age.
Ara: History Untold 2024 10.000 BC – 2050s AD Ara: History Untold is a turn-based grand strategy video game that allows players to build and lead a nation through an alternate history from Stone Age to Singularity Age.
Millennia (video game) 2024 10.000 BC – 2100s AD Millennia is a 4X turn-based strategy video game in which players lead their nation through 10 different ages, from Age of Stone to Age of Transcendence.
Empire Earth III 2007 1200s BC – 2100s AD A sequel in the same vein as the original Empire Earth, covering ancient to modern times.
Empire Earth II 2005 2333 BC – 2070 AD (in Campaign)/50,000 BC – 2,230 AD (in Skirmish mode) A strategy game that covers thousands of years, from ancient times to futuristic warfare.
Rise of Nations 2003 10,000 BC – 1970 AD A real-time strategy game where players advance through historical eras, starting from ancient times.
Humankind (video game) 2021 10,000 BC – 2020s AD A turn-based strategy 4X video game where players advance through historical eras, starting from Neolithic Era to Contemporary Era.
Civilization 1991 4,000 BC – 2100 AD A turn-based strategy 4X video game where players advance through historical eras, starting from Ancient Era to Space Era.
Civilization Revolution 2008 4,000 BC – 2100 AD A turn-based strategy 4X video game where players advance through historical eras, starting from Antiquity Age, through key historical eras such as the Classical and Renaissance periods, to Modern Age. The game highlights significant historical moments, including early military conquests, the exploration and colonization of new lands, and the development of modern democracies and technology.
Civilization Revolution 2 2014 4,000 BC – 2100 AD A turn-based strategy 4X video game where players experience history from the foundation of early cities in 4,000 BC through major global historical developments such as the rise of empires, technological revolutions, and global diplomacy.
Civilization III 2001 4,000 BC – 2050 AD A turn-based strategy 4X video game, where players start in 4,000 BC, founding early cities and expanding into larger empires by navigating historical events such as the Iron Age, the Renaissance, and the Age of Imperialism. The game introduces elements of global trade, colonial expansion, and the development of nation-states, reflecting the broader historical context of human civilization.
Civilization IV 2005 4,000 BC – 2050 AD A turn-based strategy 4X video game where players guide civilizations through ancient conflicts, the rise of major religions, the formation of powerful empires, and modern global diplomacy. The game emphasizes cultural development, religion, and historical advancements in science and warfare.
Civilization V 2010 4,000 BC – 2050 AD A turn-based strategy 4X video game where players lead their civilization through ancient empires, the rise of feudal kingdoms, industrial expansion, and modern global politics. The game focuses on the interactions between ancient cultures, world-changing technological advancements like gunpowder and electricity, and global conflicts like the World Wars.
Civilization VI 2016 4,000 BC – 2050 AD A turn-based strategy 4X video game where players engage with real-world historical figures and events, managing ancient kingdoms, imperialistic expansion, and industrial and digital revolutions. The game emphasizes the geographical and political developments of civilizations, highlighting how cities, technologies, and cultures evolve across eras.
Civilization VI: Rise and Fall 2018 4,000 BC – 2050 AD This expansion for Civilization VI adds new mechanics that reflect the ebb and flow of civilizations throughout history. Golden ages and dark ages mirror real-world historical cycles of prosperity and decline, while governors and loyalty mechanics represent the internal dynamics of historical empires.
Civilization VI: Gathering Storm 2019 4,000 BC – 2050 AD With a focus on climate change and natural disasters, this expansion emphasizes how human civilizations have impacted and been shaped by their environment. From ancient agricultural practices to industrial pollution, players must navigate environmental challenges while advancing through historical eras.
Civilization VII 2025 4,000 BC – 2050 AD A turn-based strategy 4X video game where players advance through historical eras, starting from Antiquity Age, and through Exploratipon Age, to Modern Age.
Civilization II 1996 4,000 BC – 2010 AD A turn-based strategy 4X video game where players encounter significant events such as the rise and fall of empires, the spread of religions, and the Industrial Revolution. They must navigate ancient diplomacy and warfare, and advance through technological, cultural, and societal developments.

Games set in the Stone Age (before 10.000 BC)

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Title Release date Time period Notes on setting
Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey 2019 10,000,000 – 2,000,000 BC The game is set in prehistoric Africa, allowing players to experience the evolution of the human lineage through the ages.
Far Cry Primal 2016 10,000 BC Set during the end of the Upper Paleolithic and the beginning of the Mesolithic period, the game explores the conflict between early human tribes in the Oros Valley.
Dawn of Man 2019 10,000 BC The player guides a prehistoric settlements through different eras, starting from the Paleolithic to the Iron Age.
BC Kings 2008 10,000 BC A strategy game combining traditional RTS elements with role-playing mechanics set in a prehistoric world.

Games set in Antiquity and Classical antiquity (10.000 BC - 500 AD)

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Title Release date Time period Notes on setting
Age of Empires 1997 8000 BC – 476 AD A classic strategy game covering different ages, from the Stone Age to the fall of the Roman Empire.
Predynastic the Egypt 2016 5000 – 3150 BC The game is set in Predynastic Egypt, from first settlements to unification of Upper and Lower Egypt.
Egypt: Old Kingdom 2018 3500 – 2140 BC A strategy game where players build Egypt's first empire, from tribal unification to the establishment of the Old Kingdom.
The Scorpion King: Rise of the Akkadian 2002 3200 – 3000 BC The game is set during the First Dynasty of Egypt.
Chariots of War 2003 3100 – 1200 BC A strategy game set in the ancient Near East, covering the historical period from early Mesopotamian civilizations.
Builders of Egypt 2021 3100 – 30 BC A city-building strategy game that spans from the foundation of the Old Kingdom of Egypt to its annexation by Rome.
Immortal Cities: Children of the Nile 2004 3100 – 30 BC A city-building game set in ancient Egypt, focusing on the cultural and economic development of the Nile civilizations.
Pharaoh 1999 3000 – 30 BC A city-building game where players oversee the development of cities in ancient Egypt from the Old Kingdom to Roman times.
Old World 2021 3000 BC – 500 AD A grand strategy game set during the Bronze and Iron Ages around the Mediterranean and beyond, mixing historical events and characters.
Egypt III 2004 1279 – 1213 BC Another game in the Egypt series, this one set during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II.
Emperor: Rise of the Middle Kingdom 2003 2205 BC – 1234 AD A city-building game set in ancient China, focusing on the rise and fall of dynasties from Xia to Jin.
Zeus: Master of Olympus 2000 2000 – 1000 BC A city-building game centered on the ancient Greek civilization, with mythological elements.
Age of Mythology 2002 9000 – 1100 BC Set during the mythological age, covering mythological events from Greece, Egypt, Scandinavia and Atlantis, it features major mythological events like the destruction of Atlantis located in Atlantic Ocean (9.000 BC according with Plato) and the Trojan War (1194–1184 BC). Mythological figures such as Achilles, Agamemnon, Ajax the Great, Hippolyta, Odysseus, Heracles, Jason, Theseus, Brokkr, Eitri and Perseus are playable in the campaign.
Age of Mythology: Tale of the Dragon (DLC) 2016 9000 – 1100 BC An expansion to the remastered version, introducing a new Chinese mythology campaign.
Age of Mythology: Retold 2024 9000 – 1100 BC A complete remaster of Age of Mythology, with updated graphics and features.
Pharaonic 2016 1550 – 1525 BC A sidescrolling RPG set in ancient Egypt during the reign of Ahmosis I, the Red Pharaoh.
Rise of the Argonauts 2008 1300s BC Based on the myth of Jason and the Argonauts, this action RPG takes place during the Late Bronze Age.
Ancient Conquest: Quest for the Golden Fleece 1999 1300s BC A strategy game inspired by the mythological journey of Jason and the Argonauts.
Disney's Hercules 1997 1300s BC A platform game based on Disney’s animated adaptation of the myth of Hercules.
Heracles Chariot Racing 2007 1300s BC A racing game centered around the mythological hero Heracles, featuring chariots.
Kid Icarus: Uprising 2012 1300s BC An action-adventure game based loosely on Greek mythology, including characters like Pit and Medusa.
Theseus: Journey to Athens 2018 1300s BC A role-playing adventure game set in ancient Greece, following the journey of Theseus to Athens.
Mytheon 2011 1300s BC An action RPG heavily influenced by ancient Greek mythology and mythological creatures.
Egypt II: The Heliopolis Prophecy 2000 1360 BC An adventure game set in ancient Egypt, revolving around the construction of the city of Heliopolis.
Loki 2007 1200s BC – 1500s AD An action RPG where players control heroes from various mythologies, including ancient Egypt, Greece, and Norse mythology.
Total War: Pharaoh 2023 1205 – 1155 BC Set during the Late Bronze Age collapse, focusing on Egypt and surrounding civilizations. Historical characters like Ramses III, Merneptah, Seti II, Tausret, Amenmesse, Ninurta-apal-Ekur, Adad-shuma-usur and Suppiluliuma II appear in the game.
Total War Saga: Troy 2020 1200 - 1180 BC A strategy game centered on the events of the Trojan War, blending myth and history.Mythological figures such as Achilles, Agamemnon, Paris, Hector, Ajax the Great, Penthesilea, Menelaus, Hippolyta, Diomedes, Rhesus of Thrace and Memnon are playable in the campaign.
Warriors: Legends of Troy 2011 1200 BC An action game set during the Trojan War, based on Homer’s Iliad.
Battle for Troy 2004 1200 BC A strategy game centered around the legendary Trojan War.
Odyssey: The Search for Ulysses 2000 1200 BC An adventure game based on Homer’s Odyssey, focusing on the journey of Ulysses.
Spartan 2004 1200 – 100 BC A strategy game that covers ancient Greek city-states and their rise and fall, including Sparta.
Egypt 1156 B.C. 1997 1156 BC An adventure game where the player investigates the theft of a royal tomb in ancient Egypt.
Invictus 2000 1000s BC A strategy game where players control legendary Greek heroes during ancient times.
CivCity: Rome 2006 756 – 27 BC A city-building strategy game set in the Roman Republic, with an emphasis on city planning.
Caesar 1992 756 – 27 BC The first in the Caesar series, pioneering the city-building genre with a focus on managing a Roman city.
Caesar II 1995 756 – 27 BC A more refined version of the city-building formula with improved mechanics and graphics.
Caesar III 1998 756 – 27 BC Widely regarded as a classic, known for its detailed city management and historical setting in ancient Rome.
Caesar IV 2006 756 – 27 BC The first 3D entry in the series, bringing new visual depth and strategic complexity to Roman city-building.
Legion Arena 2005 509–27 BC
Apotheon 2015 500s BC
Hades 2020 500s BC
Immortals Fenyx Rising 2020 500s BC According to the dialogue between Zeus and Prometheus from the Immortals Fenyx Rising: Story Trailer, when Zeus is shocked to learn that video games will be invented in 2,500 years [1].
Rygar: The Legendary Adventure 2002 500s BC
Hegemony III: Clash of the Ancients 2015 500–300s BC Ancient Italy - the unification of Italy, Pyrrhus of Epirus campaign
Builders of Greece TBA 500–300 BCE
Legion Gold 2002 500 BC–16 AD
The History Channel: Great Battles of Rome 2007 500 BC–16 AD
0 A.D. 2018 500–1 BCE, 1–500 CE
Ancient Wars: Sparta 2007 490–480 BC
300: March to Glory 2007 480 BC
God of War: Chains of Olympus 2008 480 BC In the beginning of the game, Kratos confront an Persian King who led the massive siege upon Attica to bring Greece down by the Persian Empire. Nameless, fictional King of Persia in Chains of Olympus is most likely based on King Xerxes I, famous for the war he fought against the Spartans in 480 B.C.
Assassin's Creed Odyssey 2018 480–420 BCE The plot tells a mythological history of the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta. Real historical figures such as Leonidas, Xerxes I, Herodotus, Pericles, Socrates, Pythagoras, Alcibiades, Cleon, Aspasia, Brasidas, Sophocles, Euripides, Aristophanes and Artaxerxes I appear in the game.
God of War 2005 404 BC Ares, the god of war, besieges Athens, and Kratos is sent by Athena, the goddess of wisdom, to stop him. The historical Siege of Athens, the last battle in the Peloponnesian War, happened in 404 BC.
Total War: Rome II 2013 431 BC – 275 AD From Peloponnesian War to Crisis of the Third Century of Roman Empire. Real historical figures such as Hannibal, Julius Caesar, Scipio Africanus, Vercingetorix, Octavian Augustus, Cleopatra, Mark Anthony, Pericles and Aurelian appear in the game.
Hegemony Gold: Wars of Ancient Greece 2012 400–300s BC Ancient Greece - the campaigns of Philip II of Macedon and the Peloponnesian War between Sparta and Athens
The Lost City of Atlantis 1995 400s BC
God of War: Ghost of Sparta 2010 1600 BC The game depicts the destruction of Atlantis, located in Crete. Kratos destroys the city with the help of a titan named Thera, named after the volcano that erupted in 1620 BC, destroying Akrotiri, the city that archaeologists believe inspired Plato to write the legend.
Fate of Hellas 2008 396–326 BC
Imperiums: Greek Wars 2020 359 BC
Rome: Total War: Alexander 2006 336–323 BC The main campaign of Alexander centers around Alexander the Great's conquest of the Persian Empire.
The Great Battles of Alexander 1997 336–323 BC
Alexander: The Heroes Hour 2004 336–323 BC
Age of Alexander 2009 336–323 BC
Alexander 2004 333–323 BC Startegia
Rise and Fall: Civilizations at War 2006 333–30 BC
Tin Soldiers: Alexander The Great 2004 333–323 BC
Imperator: Rome 2019 304–27 BC
Spartan: Total Warrior 2005 300 BC
Titan Quest 2006 282 BC - after destruction of Colossus of Rhodes After killing Typhon, the protagonist apparently explores the ruins of the Colossus of Rhodes, destroyed by an earthquake in 282 BC, in Titan Quest: Immortal Throne expansion pack.
God of War II 2007 282 BC The Colossus of Rhodes which was destroyed in 282 BC by an earthquake in the historical reality, is brought back to life by Zeus and destroyed by Kratos in a battle. Zeus kills Kratos and annihilates Sparta. In historical reality, Sparta lost its independence as a military power in 192 BC.
God of War III 2010 389–426 AD Decline of Greco-Roman polytheism presented as destruction of Greek pantheon and massacre of Greek gods by Kratos. City of Olympia, Greece appears in the game as being attacked by centaurs, cyclops, chimeras and titans. For each time Kratos killed a god, a disaster occurs. In real history, Olympia was a major Panhellenic religious sanctuary of ancient Greece, where the ancient Olympic Games were held every four years throughout Classical antiquity, from 776 BC to 394 AD. In the 3rd century, Olympia the site suffer heavy damage from a series of earthquakes and from germanic invasion. The Temple of Zeus was destroyed around 426 AD.
Europa Universalis: Rome 2008 280–27 BC Set during the time of the Roman Republic.
Aggressors: Ancient Rome 2018 280 BC–500 AD
Centurion: Defender of Rome 1990 275–27 BC
Rome: Total War 2004 270 BC–14 AD The rise and expansion of Roman Empire.
Nemesis of the Roman Empire 2003 264–146 BC
Walls of Rome 1993 264–146 BC
Legions of Death 1987 264–146 BC
Pax Romana 2003 264–50 BC
Salammbo: Battle for Carthage 2002 241–237 BC
The Great Battles of Hannibal 1997 218–201 BC
Rise of the Phoenix 1993 206–202 BC
Imperivm: Great Battles of Rome 2005 200–30 BC
Gladius 2003 100s BC
Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising 2011 100s BC
Expeditions: Rome 2022 60s BC
Grand Ages: Rome 2010 60 BC–9 AD
Praetorians 2003 58–45 BC
The Great Battles of Caesar 1998 58–45 BC
Legionnaire 1982 58–45 BC
Celtic Kings: Rage of War 2002 50 BC
Hegemony Rome: The Rise of Caesar 2014 50s BC Ancient Rome - the gallic campaign of Jules Caesar.
Assassin's Creed Origins 2017 49–44 BC The game is set in Ancient Egypt near the end of the Ptolemaic period and follows a Medjay named Bayek, and explores the origins of the centuries-long conflict between the Hidden Ones—forerunners to the Brotherhood of Assassins. Real historical figures like Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, Pompey the Great, Ptolemy XIII and Marcus Junius Brutus appear in the game.
Warrior of Rome 1991 48 BC
Warrior of Rome II 1992 48 BC
Shadow of Rome 2005 44 BC The plot is a fictionalized version of the assassination of Julius Caesar.
Rome: Caesar's Will 2000 44 BC
Teudogar and the Alliance with Rome 2003 27 BC–14 AD RPG in the style of Ultima VII
Glory of the Roman Empire 2006 1–100 AD
Imperium Romanum 2008 1–100 AD
The Forgotten City 2021 1–100 AD
Ryse: Son of Rome 2013 58–68 AD Set in an alternate version of Ancient Rome, Ryse follows the 10 years of the life of the Roman centurion Marius Titus as he becomes one of the leaders in the Roman Legion during the reign of the Roman emperor Nero. In the game, Tiberius and Commodus appear as Nero's sons. Marius participates in the expedition from Britain in AD 61 to defeat Queen Boudica's rebellion. The game ends with Nero's suicide, set in AD 68.
Nethergate 1998 60–61 AD
Pompei: The Legend of Vesuvius 2000 79 AD
Rome: Pathway to Power 1992 92 AD
Catechumen 2000 100s AD
Circus Maximus: Chariot Wars 2002 100s AD
The Gladiators of Rome 2002 100s AD
Age of Gladiators 2016 100s AD
Age of Gladiators II: Rome 2018 100s AD
Horrible Histories: Ruthless Romans 2009 101–106 AD
Gladiator: Sword of Vengeance 2003 117 AD
Colosseum: Road to Freedom 2005 177–192 AD Set around the time of the Emperor Commodus
Gladiator Begins 2010 177–192 AD Set around the time of the Emperor Commodus
Three Kingdoms: Fate of the Dragon 2001 184–220 AD
SPQR: The Empire's Darkest Hour 1997 193–211 AD point-and-click Myst-style game set in Ancient Rome
Dragon Throne: Battle of Red Cliffs 2002 208–209 AD
Kessen II 2001 220–280 AD
Romance of the Three Kingdoms 1985 220–280 AD
Total War: Three Kingdoms 2019 220–280 AD Set during the Three Kingdoms period.
Rome: Total War: Barbarian Invasion 2005 363–476 AD Decline of Roman Empire
Against Rome 2004 400s AD
Annals of Rome 1986 400s AD
King Arthur 2004 400s AD
Conquests of Camelot: The Search for the Grail 1990 400s AD
Legion: The Legend of Excalibur 2002 400s AD

Games set in the Post-classical Era (500–1500)

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Post-classical history era refers to the period from about 500 CE to 1500 CE, roughly corresponding to the European Middle Ages.

Title Release date Time period Notes on setting
Age of Empires II/Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition 1999 394–1598 Sequel to the original Age of Empires, Age of Empires II covers a large period of time, from as early as Alaric I to as late as the Battle of Noryang.
Total War: Attila 2015 395–814 From Final partition of the Roman Empire and Hunnic Invasion under Attila to rule of byzantine emperor Justinian I and coronation of Charlemagne
Requital 2006 500s
Stronghold Legends 2006 516–1477 Set in middle-age, gives the player a choice of different starting rulers with different troop types (including King Arthur and his knights of the round table, Count Vlad Dracul, and Siegfried of Xanten)
Silkroad Online 2004 600s
Quraish 2005 632–661
Crusader Kings 2 2012 769 – 1452 A grand strategy game with a heavy RPG flavor set in medieval Europe, northern Africa and the middle East. Through DLCs the map has also expanded to include India. The game is played from the perspective of a ruler in that time period, changing perspective to the primary heir once the ruler dies. The focus is on building up your house(family).
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice 2017 790
Saga: Rage of the Vikings 1998 793–1066 Set in the Viking Age
Rune 2000 793–1066 Set in the Viking Age
Rune II 2019 793–1066 Set in the Viking Age
Curse of Atlantis: Thorgal's Quest 2003 793–1066 Set in the Viking Age
Viking: Battle for Asgard 2008 793–1066 Set in the Viking Age
Valhalla Chronicles 2003 793–1066 Set in the Viking Age
Volgarr the Viking 2013 793–1066 Set in the Viking Age
War of the Vikings 2014 793–1066 Set in the Viking Age
Jotun 2015 793–1066 Set in the Viking Age
Northgard 2017 793–1066 Set in the Viking Age
Vikings: Wolves of Midgard 2017 793–1066 Set in the Viking Age
The Frostrune 2017 793–1066 Set in the Viking Age
Valheim 2021 793–1066 Set in the Viking Age
Kingdoms of England II: Vikings, Fields of Conquest 1992 793–1066 Set in the Viking Age
Bad North 2018 793–1066 Set in the Viking Age
Dusk of the Gods 1991 793–1066 Set in the Viking Age
Hammer of the Gods 1994 793–1066 Set in the Viking Age
Heimdall 1991 793–1066 Set in the Viking Age
Heimdall 2 1994 793–1066 Set in the Viking Age
Thorgal: Curse of Atlantis 2002 793–1066 Set in the Viking Age
Vikings: The Strategy of Ultimate Conquest 1996 793–1066 Set in the Viking Age
Besieger 2004 793–1066 Set in the Viking Age
Ancestors Legacy 2018 793–1300s
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time 2003 800s Set in Persia during the 9th century AD
Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands 2010 800s The game takes place in the seven-year gap between Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time and Prince of Persia: Warrior Within.
Prince of Persia: Warrior Within 2004 800s Set in Persia during the 9th century AD
Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones 2005 800s Set in Persia during the 9th century AD
Persian Wars 2001 800s
Assassin's Creed Valhalla[2] 2020 847–886 The game recounts a history of the Viking invasion of Britain, Norse colonization of North America, Viking Expansion in Ireland and Siege of Paris (885–886)
Assassin's Creed Mirage 2023 861 Set in Baghdad during the Islamic Golden Age. Includes events from the Anarchy at Samarra.
Crusader Kings III 2020 867–1453 Crusader Kings III is a grand strategy game and dynasty simulator set in the Middle Ages. Players can choose a start date of either 867 or 1066 and play until 1453.
Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia 2018 878–900s
Cosmology of Kyoto 1993 900s–1000s
Brave 2012 900s–1000s
Cultures 2000 986
Cultures 2: The Gates of Asgard 2002 986
For Honor 2017 1000–1200s Players can play as a character from one of four different factions, namely the Iron Legion (Knights), the Warborn (Vikings), the Dawn Empire (Samurai), and the Wu Lin (Ancient Chinese).
Knights of Honor 2004 1000s–1300s
Medieval Lords: Build, Defend, Expand 2004 1000s–1300s
Rampart (video game) 1990 1000s–1300s
Medieval Lords: Soldier Kings of Europe 1991 1028–1400s
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2010 1047 The setting of Lords of Shadow is during "the end of days" in the year 1047
Age of Empires IV 2021 1066–1453
Medieval II: Total War 2006 1066–1530 From Norman Conquest and Crusades to Inquisition and Age of Discovery
Crusader Kings 2004 1066–1452
Maldita Castilla 2016 1081
Conqueror A.D. 1086 1995 1086
Knights of the Temple: Infernal Crusade 2004 1096–1099
Knights of the Temple II 2005 1096–1099
Lords of the Rising Sun 1989 1100s
Crusaders: Thy Kingdom Come 2009 1100s
The History Channel: Crusades - Quest for Power 2003 1100s
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves 1991 1100s–1200s
Robin Hood: Defender of the Crown 2003 1100s–1200s
Conquests of the Longbow: The Legend of Robin Hood 1991 1100s–1200s
Robin Hood: The Legend of Sherwood 2002 1100s–1200s
Empires Apart 2018 1100s–1300s
Lords of the Realm 1994 1100s–1300s
Lords of the Realm II 1996 1100s–1300s
Lords of the Realm III 2004 1100s–1300s
Portugal 1111: A Conquista de Soure 2004 1111
Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth 2017 1135–1162 The game begins with the option of an interactive tutorial inside a cathedral. It then transitions to the Prologue which is set in Shiring in 1135.
Defender of the Crown 1986 1149
Medieval II: Total War: Kingdoms 2007 1174–1521 From Third Crusade and Northern Crusades to First War of Scottish Independence and Spanish colonization of the Americas
Genji: Dawn of the Samurai 2005 1179–1189
Genji: Days of the Blade 2006 1179–1189
Yoshitsune Eiyūden: The Story of Hero Yoshitsune 2005 1184–1189
Genghis Khan II: Clan of the Gray Wolf 1992 1184–1274
Genghis Khan: Aoki Ookami to Shiroki Mejika IV 1998 1189–1370
The Kings' Crusade 2010 1189–1192
Empires: Dawn of the Modern World 2003 1189–1945
Dante's Inferno 2010 1189–1191 The story follows Dante, a Templar knight from the Crusade who (despite his faith) has committed numerous atrocities during the Third Crusade. At the city of Acre, Dante is entrusted to keep a group of Saracen prisoners safe so King Richard I could obtain a holy relic from Saladin.
Assassin's Creed 2007 1191 The plot is set in a fictional history of real-world events and follows the centuries-old struggle between the Assassins, who fight for peace with free will, and the Templars, who desire peace through control. The game primarily takes place during the Third Crusade in the Holy Land in 1191, with the plot revolving around the Secret Order of Assassins, based upon the Hashshashin sect.
Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines 2009 1192 Beginning shortly after the events of the first game, Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad learns of a plan of the remaining Templars to escape to Cyprus, and so infiltrates one of their strongholds in Acre to stop them from doing so.
The Cursed Crusade 2011 1198–1204 Fourth Crusade
Stronghold: Crusader 2002 1100s
Stronghold Crusader II 2014 1100s
Stronghold 2001 1200s
Stronghold 2 2005 1200s
Stronghold: Warlords 2021 1200s
Stronghold 3 2011 1200s
XIII Century 2007 1200s
Real Warfare 2: Northern Crusades 2011 1200s
Castles 1991 1200s
Knights and Merchants: The Shattered Kingdom 1998 1200s
Mordhau 2019 1200s–1500s
Genghis Khan 1987 1206–1227
Pilgrim: Faith as a Weapon 1997 1208
The Legend of the Prophet and the Assassin 2000 1208
The Golden Horde 2008 1237–1242
Ghost of Tsushima 2020 1274 Featuring an open world, it follows a samurai on a quest to protect Tsushima Island during the first Mongol invasion of Japan.
The First Templar 2011 1291–1307 From Siege of Acre (1291) to Trials of the Knights Templar
Braveheart 1999 1296–1305
The Legend of William Tell 1990 1300s
Time Gate: Knight's Chase 1996 1300s
Castle Strike 2004 1300s–1400s
Bladestorm: The Hundred Years' War 2007 1300s–1400s
Murder in the Abbey 2008 1327
The History Channel: Great Battles Medieval 2011 1337–1453
A Plague Tale: Innocence 2019 1348 In 1348, Amicia de Rune is a 15-year-old Frenchwoman of noble descent who lives in Aquitaine during the Hundred Years' War between England and France.
A Plague Tale: Requiem 2022 1348
Inquisition 2002 1348 The 3rd person game, is set in 1348 Paris, France, where the main character, a young thief named Matthew, has come to find his riches.
For the Glory 2009 1399–1819
Europa 1400: The Guild 2002 1400s
The Guild 2 2006 1400s
The Patrician 1992 1400s
Patrician II: Quest for Power 2000 1400s
Patrician III: Rise of the Hanse 2003 1400s
Patrician IV 2010 1400s
Theocracy 2000 1400s
Aztec: The Curse in the Heart of the City of Gold 1999 1400s
Gold and Glory: The Road to El Dorado 2000 1400s
Knights of the Cross 2002 1400s
American Conquest 2002 1400s–1800s
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2018 1403 It is set in the medieval Kingdom of Bohemia, an Imperial State of the Holy Roman Empire, with a focus on historically accurate content.
Anno 1404 2009 1404
Europa Universalis II 2001 1419–1820
1428: Shadows over Silesia 2022 1428
Joan of Arc: Siege & the Sword 1989 1428–1431
Wars and Warriors: Joan of Arc 2004 1428–1431
Jeanne d'Arc 2006 1428–1431
Europa Universalis IV 2013 1444–1821 Being a grand strategy game, all nations represented in the game are playable with flavor events existing even for smaller nations. It is possible to continue playing a save from Crusader Kings 2 via a DLC that converts a save in the earlier set game.
Europa Universalis III 2007 1453–1821
War of the Roses 2012 1455–1487 Set during the Wars of the Roses.
Assassin's Creed II 2009 1459–1499 The main narrative takes place at the height of the Renaissance in Italy during the 15th and early 16th century.
Sengoku 2011 1467
Sid Meier's Colonization 1994 1492–1850
Europa Universalis 2000 1492
Exploration 1994 1492
Conquest of the New World 1996 1493
The Seven Cities of Gold 1984 1493

Games set in the Age of Discovery (1500–1800)

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Age of Discovery refers to the period from about 1500 to 1800, roughly corresponding to the Early modern period.

Title Release date Time period Notes on setting
Imperialism II: Age of Exploration 1999 1500s
Uncharted Waters 1990 1500s
Galleons of Glory: The Secret Voyage of Magellan 1990 1500s
Gold of the Americas: The Conquest of the New World 1989 1500s
Nioh 2 2020 1500s Set in Japan during the late 1500s
Demon Chaos 2005 1500s
Red Ninja: End of Honor 2005 1500s
Samurai Warriors 2004 1500s
Devil Kings 2005 1500s
Sword of the Samurai 1989 1500s
Tenchu: Stealth Assassins 1998 1500s
Anito: Defend a Land Enraged 2003 1500s
Port Royale: Gold, Power and Pirates 2002 1500s–1600s
Port Royale 2 2004 1500s–1600s
Port Royale 3: Pirates & Merchants 2012 1500s–1600s
No Man's Land 2003 1500s–1700s
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood 2010 1500–1507 The main story takes place immediately after the plot of Assassin's Creed II, featuring Assassin Ezio Auditore da Firenze in 16th century Italy and his quest to restore the Assassin order, and destroy his enemies: the Borgia family.
Anno 1503 2002 1503
Assassin's Creed: Revelations 2011 1511–1512, 1191–1257 Revelations features two other returning protagonists: Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad in 12th and 13th century Masyaf, and Ezio Auditore da Firenze in 16th century Constantinople.
Pentiment 2022 1518
Expeditions: Conquistador 2013 1518–1520
The Secrets of Da Vinci: The Forbidden Manuscript 2006 1522
Total War: Shogun 2 2011 1540s–1600s
Kessen III 2004 1550–1590
Jerusalem: The Three Roads to the Holy Land 2002 1552
Onimusha: Warlords 2001 1560s
Nobunaga's Ambition 1986 1560s–1580s
Touché: The Adventures of the Fifth Musketeer 1995 1562
Age of Empires III/Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition 2005 1565–1866
Kessen 2000 1570s–1603
Lionheart: Legacy of the Crusader 2003 1588
Astrologaster 2019 1590s The game follows Simon Forman in Elizabethan England.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice 2019 1600 The game takes place in a fictionalized Japan set during the Sengoku period, and makes strong references to Buddhist mythology and philosophy.
Assassin's Creed Shadows 2025 1579-1581 Set in 16th-century Japan towards the end of the Sengoku period, during the Azuchi-Momoyama period, including Nobunaga's assault on the Iga province in 1581. The game feature as a central character Yasuke,a black from Portuguese Mozambique who served as a retainer to Oda Nobunaga and become an samurai.
Nioh 2017 1600–1615 Set during a fictionalized version of the year 1600, the plot follows the journeys of William Adams, an Irish sailor named after and inspired by the historic Englishman who became one of the only ever Western samurai.
Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun 2016 1600s–1700s
Trek to Yomi 2022 1600s–1700s
Cossacks: European Wars 2001 1600s–1700s
Cossacks 3 2016 1600s–1700s
East India Company 2009 1600s–1700s
Age of Pirates: Caribbean Tales 2006 1600s
Age of Pirates 2: City of Abandoned Ships 2009 1600s
Corsairs: Conquest at Sea 1999 1600s
Cutthroats: Terror on the High Seas 1999 1600s
Pirate Hunter 2003 1600s
Tortuga: Two Treasures 2007 1600s
Sid Meier's Pirates! 2004 1600s
Betrayer 2014 1600s Set in colonial Virginia.
Buccaneer 1997 1600s
Pirates of the Caribbean 2003 1600s
Raven's Cry 2015 1600s
Anno 1602 1998 1602
7 Blades 2000 1650
High Seas Trader 1995 1650
Sea Of Thieves 2018 1650–1750
An Eye for Optical Theory 1666[3] 2023 1666
Versailles 1685 1997 1685
Cutthroat Island 1995 1688
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden 2024 1695 Set in colonial New England.
Card Shark 2022 1700s Set in France.
Mir-Mahna 2011 1700s
Skull & Bones 2022 1700s
The Case of the Golden Idol 2022 1700s
Empire: Total War 2009 1700
Anno 1701 2006 1701
Call to Arms 1982 1750–1942
Birth of America 2006 1755–1783
Rise of Prussia 2010 1756–1763
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag 2013 1715–1722 Golden Age of Piracy
Assassin's Creed Freedom Cry 2013 1735
Assassin's Creed Rogue 2014 1751–1776 Seven Years' War
Assassin's Creed III 2012 1754–1781 American War of Independence
Assassin's Creed III: Liberation 2012 1765–1777
Assassin's Creed Unity 2014 1776–1794 French Revolution
China: The Forbidden City 1998 1775
Age of Sail 1996 1775–1820
Age of Sail II 2001 1775–1820
Liberty or Death 1993 1775–1783
Mozart: The Conspirators of Prague 2009 1788
Imperial Glory 2005 1789–1815
Napoleon Senki 1988 1796–1802
War and Peace: 1796–1815 2002 1796–1815
Napoleon: Total War 2010 1796–1815
Pirates of the Barbary Coast 1986 1798
Cossacks II: Napoleonic Wars 2005 1799–1815

Games set in the Modern period (1800–1945)

[edit]
Title Release date Time period Notes on setting
Anno 1800 2019 1800
Imperialism 1997 1800s
Alter Ego 2010 1800s
Black Book 2021 1800s Set in Russia.
Outlaws 1997 1800s
Ravenous Devils 2022 1800s
Taipan! 1979 1800s
This Land Is My Land 2021 1800s
Wooden Ships and Iron Men 1996 1800–1815
Return of the Obra Dinn 2018 1807
March of the Eagles 2013 1805–1820
Guns of Fort Defiance 1981 1812
1821: The Struggle for Freedom 2001 1821
1453–1821: The Coming of Liberation 2008 1821–1830
Nightmare Creatures 1997 1834
Victoria: An Empire Under the Sun 2003 1836–1936
Victoria II 2010 1836–1936
Victoria 3 2022 1836–1936
Amnesia: The Dark Descent 2010 1839
Walden, a game 2017 1845-47 Re-enacts Henry David Thoreau's time living on Walden Pond
The Oregon Trail 1985 1848
Aviary Attorney 2015 1848
Gold Rush! 1988 1848
Square's Tom Sawyer 1989 1855
Red Dead Revolver 2004 1860s
Ultimate General: Civil War 2016 1861–1865
Ultimate General: Gettysburg 2014 1863
Total War: Shogun 2: Fall of the Samurai 2012 1864–1867
Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood 2009 1864–1866 A prequel to Call of Juarez, the game follows the adventures of Confederate deserters Ray and Thomas McCall during the search of the legendary Gold of Juarez in Mexico.
Voyage: Inspired by Jules Verne 2005 1865
3 Skulls of the Toltecs 1996 1866
Fenimore Fillmore's Revenge 2008 1866
Inspector Schmidt - A Bavarian Tale 2023 1866
Like a Dragon: Ishin! 2014 1866
The Westerner 2003 1866
Assassin's Creed Syndicate 2015 1868 Victorian London
1869 1992 1869
Desperados III 2020 1870s
Rails West! 1984 1870–1900
America 2000 1870–1900
Stanley: The Search for Dr. Livingston 1992 1871
80 Days 2005 1873
Darkwatch 2005 1876
Way of the Samurai 2002 1878
ZuluWar! 1996 1879 Anglo-Zulu War
Gun 2005 1880
Chocolatier 2007 1880
Colonial Conquest 1985 1880
Doctor Lautrec and the Forgotten Knights 2011 1880s
The Gene Machine 1996 1880s
Kim 2016 1880s
Dust: A Tale of the Wired West 1995 1882
Black Sails: The Ghost Ship 2010 1884
Call of Juarez 2006 1884
The Order: 1886 2015 1886
Dance of Death: Du Lac & Fey 2019 1888
The Lost Files of Sherlock Holmes 1992 1888
The Lost Files of Sherlock Holmes: The Case of the Rose Tattoo 1996 1889
Dead Man's Hand 2004 1890s
Heart of Africa 1985 1890s
A Vampyre Story 2008 1890s
Curse: The Eye of Isis 2003 1890
Hunt: Showdown 2019 1895
ARIDA: Backland's Awakening 2019 1896
The Yukon Trail 1994 1897
Koudelka 1999 1898
Maid of Sker 2020 1898
Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs 2013 1899
Red Dead Redemption 2 2018 1899–1907 The story is set in 1899 in a fictionalized representation of the West, Midwest, and Southern United States and follows outlaw Arthur Morgan.
Aggression – Reign over Europe 2008 1900s–1950s
Nostalgia 1907 1991 1907
Call of Juarez: Gunslinger 2013 1910
Shadow of the Comet 1993 1910
Red Dead Redemption 2010 1911–1914 The Sequel timeline wise to Red Dead Redemption 2
Titanic: Adventure Out of Time 1996 1912
Shadow Hearts 2001 1913
The Last Express 1997 1914, 24–27 July Adventure game set on the Orient Express just before World War 1
Tannenberg 2019 1914 World War I
Wing Nuts: Battle in the Sky 1995 1914 World War I
Valiant Hearts: The Great War 2014 1914–1917 World War I
World War One 2008 1914–1918 World War I
Warbirds 1991 1914–1918 World War I
The Great War: Western Front 2023 1914–1918 World War I
The Entente: Battlefields WW1 2003 1914–1918 World War I
Battlefield 1 2016 1915–1918 World War I
Shadow Hearts: Covenant 2004 1915
Verdun 2015 1916 World War I
Vampyr 2018 1918
Command HQ 1990 1918–2023
Daughter of Serpents 1992 1920s
Draugen 2019 1920s
Gangbusters 1982 1920s
Gangster Town 1987 1920s
Gangsters: Organized Crime 1998 1920s
A Golden Wake 2014 1920s
The Hound of Shadow 1989 1920s
Layers of Fear 2016 1920s
Omerta – City of Gangsters 2013 1920s
Post Mortem 2002 1920s
The Ship 2006 1920s
The Sinking City 2019 1920s
Nocturne 1999 1920s–1930s
Empire of Sin 2020 1920–1933
SOS 1993 1921
Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth 2005 1915–1922 Set mostly in the year 1922
Clive Barker's Undying 2001 1923
The Colonel's Bequest 1989 1925
Black Mirror 2017 1926
Codename Eagle 1999 1927
Cruise for a Corpse 1991 1927
Necronomicon: The Dawning of Darkness 2000 1927
Gangsters 2 2001 1928–1929
Glass Rose 2003 1929
Shadow Hearts: From the New World 2005 1929
Rule of Rose 2006 1930
Nancy Drew: Secret of the Old Clock 2005 1930
Total Eclipse 1988 1930
Blues and Bullets 2015 1930s
Borrowed Time 1985 1930s
Call of the Sea 2020 1930s
Calvino Noir 2015 1930s
Chicago 1930 2003 1930s
Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge 2003 1930s
Heart of China 1991 1930s
Jack Orlando 2001 1930s
Mafia 2002 1930s
Mob Enforcer 2004 1930s
Prisoner of Ice 1995 1930s
Agatha Christie: Murder on the Orient Express 2006 1934
The Godfather 2006 1936
Lost Horizon 2010 1936
Murder on the Zinderneuf 1983 1936
Ripley's Believe It or Not!: The Riddle of Master Lu 1995 1936
Hearts of Iron 2002 1936–1948 World War II
Hearts of Iron II 2005 1936–1948 World War II
Hearts of Iron III 2009 1936–1948 World War II
Hearts of Iron IV 2016 1936–1948 World War II
The Secrets of Atlantis: The Sacred Legacy 2006 1937
Amnesia: Rebirth 2020 1937
Crimson Skies 2000 1937
Spirit of Speed 1937 1999 1937
Deadfall Adventures 2013 1938
Agatha Christie: And Then There Were None 2005 1939
Noir: A Shadowy Thriller 1996 1940
The Saboteur 2009 1940 World War II
Secret Weapons Over Normandy 2003 1940s World War II
Company of Heroes 2 2013 1940s World War II
Company of Heroes 3 2023 1940s World War II
Battlefield V 2018 1940–1945 World War II
Call of Duty: WWII 2017 1940–1945
Enemy Front 2014 1940–1945
Soldiers: Heroes of World War II 2004 1940–1945 World War II
Faces of War 2006 1940–1945
Men of War 2009 1940–1945
Axis & Allies 2004 1940–1945
Battlestations: Midway 2007 1941–1942
Battlestations: Pacific 2009 1941–1945
Call of Duty: Vanguard 2021 1941–1944
1942: Joint Strike 2008 1942
Bomber Crew 2017 1942
Call of Duty: World at War 2008 1942
Medal of Honor: Allied Assault 2002 1942
Sniper Elite III 2014 1942
Battlefield 1943 2009 1943
Sniper Elite 4 2017 1943
Call of Duty 3 2006 1944
D-Day 2004 1944
Martha Is Dead 2022 1944 Set in Italy against the backdrop of World War II.
Order of War 2009 1944
Sniper Elite 5 2022 1944
Steel Division: Normandy 44 2017 1944
Steel Division 2 2019 1944
Company of Heroes 2006 1944
Fran Bow 2015 1944
Sniper Elite 2005 1945
Sniper Elite V2 2012 1945

Games set in the Contemporary Era (1945–2025)

[edit]

The current period that corresponds to the Atomic Age, Space Age and the Information Age.

Title Release date Time period Notes on setting
Mafia II 2010 1945–1951
L.A. Noire 2011 1947 Set in 1947 Los Angeles post-WW2, the game follows detective Cole Phelps's rise among the ranks of the Los Angeles Police Department as he solves a range of cases across various bureaus.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2010 1961-1968 Main Events: Bay of Pigs Invasion, Assassination of John F. Kennedy, Vietnam War - Tet Offensive, Laotian Civil War during the Cold War. The game's single-player campaign follows CIA operative Alex Mason as he attempts to recall specific memories in order to locate a numbers station set to instruct Soviet sleeper agents to deploy chemical weapons across the United States.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War 2020 1981 Main Events: Iran hostage crisis, Fracture Jaw, MKUltra, Presidency of Ronald Reagan, Set in 1981, Black Ops Cold War's single-player story follows CIA operative Russell Adler and his team of agents as they hunt down a Soviet spy named Perseus, the code name of a hypothetical Soviet atomic spy that would have been instrumental for the Soviets in the development of nuclear weapons.
Call of Duty: Black Ops II 2012 1986-2025 Main Events: Angolan Civil War, Soviet–Afghan War and United States invasion of Panama during the First Cold War; Rare earths trade dispute and Yemeni civil war (2014–present) during Second Cold War
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 2024 1991 Dissolution of the Soviet Union and Gulf War
Mafia III 2016 1968
Medal of Honor (2010 video game) 2010 2002 Takes place during the War in Afghanistan, loosely based on parts of Operation Anaconda; specifically, the events surrounding the Battle of Roberts Ridge.
Six Days in Fallujah 2023 2004 Set in the Second Battle of Fallujah of the Iraq War over the span of six days in November 2004,
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City 1986 2002 Set in 1986 within the fictional Vice City (based on Miami and Miami Beach), the single-player story follows mobster Tommy Vercetti's rise to power after being released from prison and becoming caught up in an ambushed drug deal. The game contains vehicles, picture of Ronald Reagan shooting a picture of Mikhail Gorbachev and radio channels with music from the 1980s ( Michael Jackson, Daryl Hall & John Oates, Iron Maiden).
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas 1992 2004 The narrative is based on multiple real-life events in Los Angeles, including the Bloods and Crips street gang rivalry, 1990s crack epidemic, 1992 Los Angeles riots, and Rampart scandal.
Grand Theft Auto III 2001 2001 Set within the fictional Liberty City (loosely based on New York City), the story follows Claude, a silent protagonist who, after being left for dead by his girlfriend during a robbery, embarks on a quest for revenge leading him to become entangled in a world of crime, drugs, gang warfare, and corruption. The game was delayed following the September 11 attacks to allow the team to change references and gameplay deemed inappropriate. President Bush is featured in a report by the Liberty Tree titled 'The W' to Drop in on Liberty City on February 1st 2001
Grand Theft Auto IV 2008 2008 Grand Theft Auto IV takes place in 2008, within a redesigned version of Liberty City. Initially, bridges are locked down due to a terrorist threat, and police constantly pursue players if the bridges are crossed. Niko Bellic, an Serbian ex-soldier, arrives in Liberty City aboard a cargo ship to escape his criminal past, pursue the American Dream, and search for the man who betrayed his unit to an ambush during Yugoslav Wars (ten years prior).
Grand Theft Auto V 2013 2013 Grand Theft Auto V follows three protagonists—retired bank robber, street gangster and drug dealer and gunrunner, and their attempts to commit heists while under pressure from a corrupt government agency and powerful criminals. Players freely roam San Andreas's open world countryside and fictional city of Los Santos, based on post-modernist Los Angeles after Great Recession.
Grand Theft Auto VI 2025 2025 Grand Theft Auto VI is set within the fictional open world state of Leonida—based on Florida—and its Miami-inspired Vice City, the story is expected to follow the criminal duo of Lucia and her male partner. The game world parodies contemporary American culture, with satirical depictions of social media and influencer culture, and references to Internet memes such as the Florida Man.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7Vafm-Skk8&list=LL&index=8
  2. ^ "Assassin's Creed Valhalla reshapes the series' RPG storytelling by giving you a Viking settlement". Eurogamer. 30 April 2020.
  3. ^ "An Eye for Optical Theory 1666 on Steam". store.steampowered.com. Retrieved 2024-02-28.