Best Historical games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated historical games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free historical games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Romance of the Three Kingdoms IX with Power Up Kit
"Romance of the Three Kingdoms Ⅸ with Power Up Kit" is an expanded version of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms Ⅸ," which was released in 2003 as the 9th game in the series. RTK Ⅸ is a strategy based simulation game based in China's chaotic Three Kingdoms period.
Field of Glory II
Field of Glory II is a turn-based tactical game set during the Rise of Rome from 280 BC to 25 BC.
Computer Tycoon
Computer Tycoon is a fairly complex Business Grand Strategy game about Computer Evolution. Start in the 70s, invent until 2034, create the best computer systems, upgrade your infrastructure, lead a team, and alter computer history! It is time to "Think Different"
Bronze Age - HD Edition
What was it like to be a chief of a tribe in 6000 year B.C.? Oh, you know, the usual - feed your people, build them shelters, defend them from raids of neighbors. And if you are lucky, sooner or later you will build a kingdom and become their king!
Warbands: Bushido
Warbands:Bushido is a miniatures board game arena with cards, miniatures, dice and beautiful terrains to fight on, with both multiplayer battles boardgamers are used to, and challenging single-player scenarios.
Oriental Empires
Turn based 4X strategy game, recreating the civilizations of ancient China. Develop your land, build great cities, raise huge armies and fight epic battles, with hundreds of soldiers fighting right on the game map. Advance your technologies, culture and religion to create one of mankind’s biggest empires.
Rock of Ages 2: Bigger & Boulder™
The greatest rock-racing, tower defense, art history game is back! Like the title says, Bigger & Boulder cranks up the surrealism and gameplay with chaotic 4P multiplayer, new time periods, and improved graphics, physics, and destructibility powered by UE4 to be, well… BIGGER AND BOULDER.
Hakuoki: Kyoto Winds
Romance 12 handsome warriors and the samurai of the Shinsengumi, uncover their dark secrets, and conquer your demons in this historical fantasy visual novel! Your narrative choices unlock multiple branching storylines and 30 different endings!
Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth
12th century, England: In a time of poverty and war, a small town begins the construction of a cathedral to claim wealth and safety for its people. In their struggle to survive, lives and destinies intertwine. Based on Ken Follett's world-bestseller ‘The Pillars of the Earth’.
Sudden Strike 4
Sudden Strike is back! The beloved Real Time Strategy series returns, this time with bigger battlefields, more units, better graphics, new scenarios and legendary commanders – making Sudden Strike 4 more tactical and realistic than ever before!
Demise of Nations
Demise of Nations is a 4X turn-based grand strategy wargame covering the rise of Rome till the fall of modern civilization.
Ultimate General: Civil War
Ultimate General: Civil War is a tactical real time strategy war-game. Experience the bloodiest period of U.S. history - the American Civil War of 1861-1865.
The End Is Nigh
The End Is Nigh is a sprawling adventure platformer where you die a lot, but thats ok because you are probably already dead anyway.
Cold Waters
Spiritual Successor to the Microprose Classic “Red Storm Rising”.
Rising Storm 2: Vietnam
Red Orchestra Series' take on Vietnam: 64-player MP matches; 20+ maps; US Army & Marines, PAVN/NVA, NLF/VC; Australians and ARVN forces; 50+ weapons; 4 flyable helicopters; mines, traps and tunnels; Brutal. Authentic. Gritty. Character customization. And napalm in the morning.
Flying Tigers: Shadows Over China
FLYING TIGERS: SHADOWS OVER CHINA is an air-combat action game based on the historical events of America’s secret volunteer squadrons that defended China against Japan in the China-Burma-India theatre of World War 2.
Steel Division: Normandy 44
Steel Division: Normandy is a tactical real-time strategy (RTS) game that pits players against AI enemies in a single-player campaign -- or against several opponents in massive 10-on-10 multiplayer battles.
SAMURAI WARRIORS: Spirit of Sanada
Struggle for survival. Death before surrender! Experience the dramatic story and epic, action-packed battles of the Sanada clan during Japan's Warring States period.
Bounty Train
Explore the dangerous life, the accurate historic events and contemporary inventions of the North American/US 19th century. Acquire one of the most legendary steam machines and transform it into a fortress on rails.
One Dog Story
One Dog Story is an engaging pixel adventure game with RPG elements, gameplay that’ll get you hooked for hours, and well-developed characters. You wake up in an underground laboratory, free again after a horrific accident. Prepare to explore this expansive game world and its many secrets and mysteries.
Expeditions: Viking
Circa 790 AD. A small band of Norse warriors lands on the shores of England. History may have forgotten their names, but their actions live on. As the chieftain of your clan, let ambition guide your choices in the party-based RPG Expeditions: Viking. How will history remember you?
Battle Brothers
Battle Brothers is a turn based tactical RPG which has you leading a mercenary company in a gritty, low-power, medieval fantasy world. You decide where to go, whom to hire or to fight, what contracts to take and how to train and equip your men in a procedurally generated open world campaign.
Day of Infamy
Experience close-quarters battles in iconic WWII settings. Defend the line, storm the beach, torch the enemy, or use a radio to call in fire support. Day of Infamy is a teamwork-oriented shooter that will keep you on your toes and coming back for more with its diverse game modes and authentic arsenal.Most played historical games on Steam
Take a look at the top historical games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 19th 2025.
1. Hearts of Iron IV
Victory is at your fingertips! Your ability to lead your nation is your supreme weapon, the strategy game Hearts of Iron IV lets you take command of any nation in World War II; the most engaging conflict in world history. Hearts of Iron IV is a strategy, world war ii and grand strategy game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on June 06th 2016 has received 337,250 reviews of which 300,980 were positive and 36,270 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played historical game, thanks to its 33,646 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.8
300,980
36,270
33,646
players
2. Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI
Expand your empire, advance your culture and go head-to-head against history’s greatest leaders. Will your civilization stand the test of time? Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI is a strategy, turn-based strategy and multiplayer game developed by Firaxis Games, Aspyr (Mac) and Aspyr (Linux) and published by Aspyr (Mac), Aspyr (Linux) and 2K. Released on October 20th 2016 has received 347,424 reviews of which 301,756 were positive and 45,668 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. While seeing 24,859 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among historical games based on player count.
8.6
301,756
45,668
24,859
players
3. Europa Universalis IV
Rule your land and dominate the world with unparalleled freedom, depth and historical accuracy. Write a new history of the world and build an empire for the ages. Europa Universalis IV is a grand strategy, strategy and historical game developed by Paradox Development Studio and Paradox Tinto and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on August 13th 2013 has received 133,505 reviews of which 115,574 were positive and 17,931 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. While seeing 14,535 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among historical games based on player count.
8.6
115,574
17,931
14,535
players
4. Sid Meier's Civilization® V
Create, discover, and download new player-created maps, scenarios, interfaces, and more! Sid Meier's Civilization® V is a turn-based strategy, strategy and turn-based game developed by Firaxis Games, Aspyr (Mac) and Aspyr (Linux) and published by Aspyr (Mac), Aspyr (Linux) and 2K. Released on September 23rd 2010 has received 203,484 reviews of which 194,977 were positive and 8,507 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 14,375 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played historical games.
9.5
194,977
8,507
14,375
players
5. Victoria 3
Paradox Development Studio invites you to build your ideal society in the tumult of the exciting and transformative 19th century. Balance the competing interests in your society and earn your place in the sun in Victoria 3, one of the most anticipated games in Paradox’s history. Victoria 3 is a grand strategy, economy and historical game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on October 25th 2022 has received 51,679 reviews of which 34,331 were positive and 17,348 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. With 5,617 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played historical games.
6.6
34,331
17,348
5,617
players
6. Total War: ROME II - Emperor Edition
Emperor Edition is the definitive edition of ROME II, featuring an improved politics system, overhauled building chains, rebalanced battles and improved visuals in both campaign and battleEmperor Edition contains all free feature updates since its release in 2013, which includes bug fixes, balancing, Twitch. Total War: ROME II - Emperor Edition is a strategy, historical and turn-based strategy game developed by Creative Assembly and published by SEGA. Released on September 02nd 2013 has received 87,437 reviews of which 72,882 were positive and 14,555 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 4,747 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played historical games.
8.2
72,882
14,555
4,747
players
7. Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition
Spanning the most turbulent era in Western history, your quest for territory and power takes you through Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and even onto the shores of the New World. Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition is a strategy, medieval and historical game developed by Creative Assembly and Feral Interactive (Linux) and published by Feral interactive (Mac), Feral Interactive (Linux) and SEGA. Released on November 15th 2006 has received 32,998 reviews of which 31,584 were positive and 1,414 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 3,357 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played historical games.
9.4
31,584
1,414
3,357
players
8. Assassin's Creed® Odyssey
Assassin's Creed Odyssey is an action-adventure game where you choose the hero you want to become. Embark on an epic journey from outcast to living legend to uncover the secrets of your past and change the fate of Ancient Greece. Fight in visceral battles on both land and sea to become a true hero Assassin's Creed® Odyssey is a open world, rpg and singleplayer game developed by Ubisoft Quebec, Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft Bucharest, Ubisoft Singapore, Ubisoft Montpellier, Ubisoft Kiev and Ubisoft Shanghai and published by Ubisoft. Released on October 05th 2018 has received 170,693 reviews of which 151,822 were positive and 18,871 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 3,185 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played historical games.
8.8
151,822
18,871
3,185
players
9. Total War: EMPIRE – Definitive Edition
Command the seas, control the land, forge a new nation, and conquer the globe. Total War: EMPIRE – Definitive Edition is a strategy, historical and military game developed by Creative Assembly and Feral Interactive (Linux) and published by Feral interactive (Mac), Feral Interactive (Linux) and SEGA. Released on March 04th 2009 has received 35,137 reviews of which 31,892 were positive and 3,245 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 2,428 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played historical games.
8.9
31,892
3,245
2,428
players
10. Total War: SHOGUN 2
Total War: SHOGUN 2 is the perfect mix of real-time and turn-based strategy gaming for newcomers and veterans alike. Total War: SHOGUN 2 is a strategy, historical and turn-based strategy game developed by Creative Assembly and Feral Interactive (Linux) and published by Feral interactive (Mac), Feral Interactive (Linux) and SEGA. Released on March 14th 2011 has received 24,952 reviews of which 22,620 were positive and 2,332 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 2,296 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played historical games.
8.9
22,620
2,332
2,296
players
Best deals on historical games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of historical games available on Steam right now, updated on April 19th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted historical games.
1. Field of Glory II
Field of Glory II is a turn-based tactical game set during the Rise of Rome from 280 BC to 25 BC. Field of Glory II is a strategy, simulation and turn-based strategy game developed by Byzantine Games and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on October 12th 2017 has received 1,148 reviews of which 954 were positive and 194 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Featuring a massive 96% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for historical category.
7.9
954
194
-96%
30.00€
1.20€
2. Oriental Empires
Turn based 4X strategy game, recreating the civilizations of ancient China. Develop your land, build great cities, raise huge armies and fight epic battles, with hundreds of soldiers fighting right on the game map. Advance your technologies, culture and religion to create one of mankind’s biggest empires. Oriental Empires is a strategy, simulation and indie game developed by Shining Pixel Studios and published by Iceberg Interactive. Released on September 14th 2017 has received 2,928 reviews of which 2,354 were positive and 574 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in historical games.
7.8
2,354
574
-95%
30.00€
1.50€
3. Ancestors Legacy
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. Ancestors Legacy is a strategy, rts and medieval game developed and published by Destructive Creations. Released on May 22nd 2018 has received 8,335 reviews of which 6,569 were positive and 1,766 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in historical games.
7.7
6,569
1,766
-95%
37.20€
1.86€
4. Ozymandias: Bronze Age Empire Sim
Build an empire in a single sitting. All the strategy of a classic 4X in a faster format, which also shines in multiplayer. Ozymandias: Bronze Age Empire Sim is a grand strategy, turn-based strategy and 4x game developed by The Secret Games Company and published by Goblinz Publishing and IndieArk. Released on October 11th 2022 has received 1,508 reviews of which 1,325 were positive and 183 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for historical games.
8.4
1,325
183
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
5. 11-11 Memories Retold
11th November 1916, a young photographer leaves Canada to join the western front in Europe. The same day, a German technician is told that his son is missing in action. Both want to preserve their humanity and come back alive to their loved ones. 11-11 Memories Retold is a adventure, casual and world war i game developed by Aardman Animations and Digixart and published by BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe. Released on November 08th 2018 has received 1,963 reviews of which 1,688 were positive and 275 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for historical games.
8.2
1,688
275
-90%
25.20€
2.52€
6. Grand Ages: Rome
As Governor of a Roman Province in the time-honoured Roman Empire, its fortune very much lies in your hands. Choose one of five Roman noble families such as Caesar’s Julii with different abilities to accomplish the comprehensive missions. Grand Ages: Rome is a strategy, city builder and simulation game developed by Haemimont Games and published by Kalypso Media Digital. Released on March 05th 2009 has received 780 reviews of which 585 were positive and 195 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for historical games.
7.2
585
195
-90%
10.10€
1.01€
7. CivCity: Rome
CivCity: Rome, an innovative city builder inspired by the world of Sid Meiers Civilization, and created by a collaboration between Firefly Studios and Firaxis Games, invites players to shift focus from building a multi-city empire and zoom-in on the great cities of the Roman Empire, culminating in Rome itself! CivCity: Rome is a strategy, city builder and rome game developed by FireFly Studios and Firaxis Games and published by 2K. Released on April 06th 2007 has received 846 reviews of which 615 were positive and 231 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for historical games.
7.0
615
231
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
8. Total War: ATTILA
Against a darkening background of famine, disease and war, a new power is rising in the great steppes of the East. With a million horsemen at his back, the ultimate warrior king approaches, and his sights are set on Rome… The next instalment in the multi award-winning PC series that combines turn-based strategy with real-time tactics,... Total War: ATTILA is a strategy, historical and war game developed by Creative Assembly and published by SEGA. Released on February 17th 2015 has received 34,828 reviews of which 28,575 were positive and 6,253 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for historical games.
8.1
28,575
6,253
-89%
44.36€
4.88€
9. Hearts of Iron III
Hearts of Iron III lets you play the most engaging conflict in world history, World War 2, on all fronts as any country and through multiple different scenarios. Guide your nation to glory between 1936 and 1948 and wage war, conduct diplomacy and build your industry in the most detailed World War 2 game ever made. Hearts of Iron III is a grand strategy, strategy and world war ii game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on August 07th 2009 has received 5,940 reviews of which 4,525 were positive and 1,415 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for historical games.
7.4
4,525
1,415
-88%
9.83€
1.18€
10. The Great War: Western Front™
The Great War: Western Front is the definitive WW1 strategy game. Play a deciding role in history with this real-time tactical experience as you take charge in the iconic Western Front from 1914 to 1919. Pick your faction and lead your forces to victory. The Great War: Western Front™ is a strategy, world war i and rts game developed by Petroglyph and published by Frontier Foundry. Released on March 30th 2023 has received 2,853 reviews of which 1,931 were positive and 922 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for historical games.
6.6
1,931
922
-85%
34.99€
5.24€
Free historical games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play historical games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 19th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play historical games.
1. Crusader Kings II
Explore one of the defining periods in world history in an experience crafted by the masters of Grand Strategy. Crusader Kings II is a grand strategy, strategy and medieval game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on February 14th 2012 has received 73,649 reviews of which 66,224 were positive and 7,425 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 1,747 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free historical games on Steam.
8.9
66,224
7,425
1,747
players
2. Supremacy 1914: World War 1
Take over the control of one of the mighty nations during the times of World War 1 in the biggest WW1 strategy game of all time. Conquer provinces, forge alliances and build up your economy in real-time on persistent maps. Build experimental weapons of World War 1 and become the one true superpower! Supremacy 1914: World War 1 is a strategy, free to play and war game developed and published by Bytro Labs GmbH. Released on July 16th 2019 has received 3,781 reviews of which 2,833 were positive and 948 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 361, this historical game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free historical games on Steam.
7.3
2,833
948
361
players
3. CivIdle
CivIdle is an idle/incremental game that allows you to lead your own civilization through thousands of years from ancient times to the modern era. Expand your territory, explore a vast tech tree, build various wonders, and trade with global players: empire must grow and numbers must go up! CivIdle is a early access, idler and base building game developed and published by Fish Pond Studio. Released on February 16th 2024 has received 606 reviews of which 457 were positive and 149 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 239, this historical game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free historical games on Steam.
7.2
457
149
239
players
4. Gladiators: Survival in Rome
Gladiators: Survival in Rome is an Action RPG with casual survival game mechanics and active city building. You'll experience a new type of survival game with quests & dungeons, continuous progression, seasonal events and lots of spear poking. Gladiators: Survival in Rome is a early access, rome and action rpg game developed and published by Colossi Games. Released on April 13th 2023 has received 359 reviews of which 233 were positive and 126 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free historical games on Steam.
6.2
233
126
21
players
5. Battle Grounds III
After 6 years of development, Battle Grounds III (BG3) is the next iteration in the classic franchise which began 17 years ago. Prepare for battle in the American War of Independence! Battle Grounds III is a historical, free to play and multiplayer game developed and published by The Battle Grounds Game Development Team. Released on July 14th 2024 has received 3,952 reviews of which 3,407 were positive and 545 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free historical games on Steam.
8.3
3,407
545
14
players
6. 中华三国志 the Three Kingdoms of China
Three Kingdoms of China is a free, open-source single-machine strategy three-country game developed by the domestic folk team. The game does not have any commercial nature, hoping to create a dream of Three Kingdoms for the fans of the three kingdoms. 中华三国志 the Three Kingdoms of China is a free to play, indie and strategy game developed and published by 中三之家. Released on March 30th 2019 has received 1,343 reviews of which 1,153 were positive and 190 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free historical games on Steam.
8.2
1,153
190
4
players
7. WARSAW RISING: City of Heroes
WARSAW RISING: City of Heroes is a challenging turn-based tactical RPG set in an occupied capital during WWII. Pick your heroes. Navigate historic streets. Confront occupiers. And try to survive the 63 days of hell in this historically accurate portrayal of Poles fighting for their city. WARSAW RISING: City of Heroes is a tactical rpg, wargame and turn-based strategy game developed by Pixelated Milk and Retrovibe Games and published by Instytut Pamięci Narodowej. Released on October 02nd 2019 has received 1,306 reviews of which 850 were positive and 456 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free historical games on Steam.
6.3
850
456
4
players
8. The Cat and the Coup
In The Cat and the Coup, you play the cat of Dr. Mohammed Mossadegh, the first democratically elected Prime Minister of Iran. During the summer of 1953, the CIA engineered a coup to bring about his downfall. The Cat and the Coup is a free to play, indie and cats game developed by Peter Brinson and Kurosh ValaNejad and published by Peter Brinson and Kurosh ValaNejad and USC Games. Released on June 15th 2011 has received 1,061 reviews of which 994 were positive and 67 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free historical games on Steam.
8.8
994
67
3
players
9. Heads Will Roll: Downfall
Heads Will Roll: Downfall is a combination of a tactical role-playing game and visual novel, in which you will assume the role of a medieval soldier. Heads Will Roll: Downfall is a turn-based combat, roguelike and historical game developed by 1917 Studios and published by Valkyrie Initiative. Released on October 20th 2022 has received 409 reviews of which 277 were positive and 132 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free historical games on Steam.
6.5
277
132
2
players
10. 攻城与召唤 Siege and Summons 【5分钟一局 策略竞技 】
Siege and Summon is an online turn-based competitive card game set in the Three Kingdoms era. Players can use soldier cards and skill cards to build a deck of cards to challenge powerful players in the world of the tk. NPCs can also fight against other players and form teams to challenge dungeons. 攻城与召唤 Siege and Summons 【5分钟一局 策略竞技 】 is a multiplayer, historical and alternate history game developed and published by Siege and Summons. Released on May 17th 2024 has received 1,072 reviews of which 1,024 were positive and 48 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free historical games on Steam.
9
1,024
48
1
players