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
Sid Meier's Civilization® V
Create, discover, and download new player-created maps, scenarios, interfaces, and more!
Cossacks: Back to War
Cossacks: Back to War contains all of the gameplay features of Cossacks: European Wars and Cossacks: The Art of War, this is a complete care package for all current and future Cossacks fans. This add-on contains two new nations: Switzerland and Hungary.
Victoria II
Carefully guide your nation from the era of absolute monarchies in the early 19th century, through expansion and colonization, to finally become a truly great power by the dawn of the 20th century. Victoria II is a grand strategy game played during the colonial era of the 19th century, where the player takes control of a country, guiding...
Making History II: The War of the World
What if Germany won the Battle of Britain? What if Moscow fell in 1942?You’re in charge. Anything can happen and history will never repeat itself in this classic WWII grand strategy game MAKING HISTORY II: The War of the World. Are you ready to battle for global dominance?
The Guild II Renaissance
For centuries Europe has been dominated by the church and nobility. On the shoulders of ordinary people the servants of god and the noble families justified their power and wealth. This was the incontrovertible, divine world order. A truly dark era… In the 14th Century the world order is beginning to transform itself.
Day of Defeat: Source
Valve's WWII Multiplayer Classic - Now available for Mac.
Mount & Blade: Warband
In a land torn asunder by incessant warfare, it is time to assemble your own band of hardened warriors and enter the fray. Lead your men into battle, expand your realm, and claim the ultimate prize: the throne of Calradia!
Assassin's Creed 2
An epic story of family, vengeance and conspiracy set in the pristine, yet brutal, backdrop of a Renaissance Italy. New low price!
Total War: NAPOLEON – Definitive Edition
Complete your Total War collection with this Definitive Edition of Total War: NAPOLEON, which includes all DLC and feature updates since the game’s release
Arsenal of Democracy: A Hearts of Iron Game
Taking place from 1936-64, Arsenal of Democracy lets you play as any nation during the era of WW2, complete with detailed models for economics, diplomacy, research, and intelligence. Warfare is also fully represented with all three branches of operations: land, sea, and air.
NecroVisioN: Lost Company
NecroVisioN: Lost Company is the prequel to original horror FPS shooter, taking place before the NecroVisioN story begins. It contains a bunch of unique levels, characters, weapons and gameplay elements as well as new main hero that presents the original game story from opposite perspective.
Pirates, Vikings, and Knights II
Pirates, Vikings, and Knights II pits three teams against each other in a struggle for wealth, power and total domination. Whether using the Gunpowder Keg to clear out a territory full of enemies, or the Javelin to pin your dead foes to a wall, you'll find this game both hilarious and exhilarating.
Nancy Drew®: Warnings at Waverly Academy
Enroll in a School Plagued by Suspicions and Lies!
Wings of Prey
Wings of Prey is based around the large-scale aerial combat and ground military operations of World War II. Players can participate in some of the war’s most famous battles piloting fighters, battle planes and bombers across a range of thrilling missions.
Sherlock Holmes versus Jack the Ripper
Recognized as one of the best licenses in gaming and lauded by the press, Sherlock Holmes is back with an investigation that is sure to be the most horrifying of the series. The famous detective stands against the most dangerous serial killer England has ever known - Jack the Ripper.
Men of War: Red Tide
Men of War: Red Tide is a sequel to the critically acclaimed RTS Men of War. Red Tide introduces a new story driven campaign based on the writings of Soviet scribe Alexander Zorich, it also includes dozens of new or upgraded units and weapons.
Order of War™
October 22, 2009 - Update has released free Downloadable Content for Order of War. The DLC will download automatically the next time you launch the game. This DLC contains all the formerly exclusive pre-order items which include: Heavy Bomber Squadrons - Addition of German Arado and Allied B-24 Marauder heavy bomber units to air support...
Silent Hunter®: Wolves of the Pacific
Hunt, hide and kill as you take command of U.S. submarines and crews and navigate the treacherous waters of the Pacific during WWII. Silent Hunter, the industry-leading naval warfare simulation franchise for over a decade, returns to its roots with next-generation graphical realism, immersive gameplay, innovative crew evolution and more...
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.
Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood
THE OLD WEST, 1864. In order to save their family, the McCall brothers will kill anyone who stands between them and the legendary Gold of Juarez.
Port Royale 2
The Caribbean in the 17th Century - Trade with over 60 towns, create your own production facilities, expand your trading empire and influence the development of the New World. As pirates and military fleets threaten your trade convoys, you'll need escort ships.
NecroVision
War is Hell. NecroVision is a first-person shooter that takes gamers across the frantic battlegrounds of World War I and into a dark underworld of vampires, demons and dark magic.
Men of War™
Men of War is a stunning Real-Time Strategy game that takes place during the height of World War II. Intense battles span Europe and North Africa as gamers play as Soviet, Allied or German forces across 19 massive single-player missions.
Velvet Assassin
Inspired by the fascinating story and unbreakable spirit of British secret agent Violette Szabo, players take control of Violette Summer, a beautiful World War II spy deep behind enemy lines with no support or official backing from the British Government.
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 June 16th 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 342,150 reviews of which 305,168 were positive and 36,982 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 30,016 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.8
305,168
36,982
30,016
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 349,920 reviews of which 304,053 were positive and 45,867 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. While seeing 23,194 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among historical games based on player count.
8.6
304,053
45,867
23,194
players
3. 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 204,265 reviews of which 195,724 were positive and 8,541 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. While seeing 13,866 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among historical games based on player count.
9.5
195,724
8,541
13,866
players
4. 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 134,436 reviews of which 116,432 were positive and 18,004 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 13,299 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played historical games.
8.6
116,432
18,004
13,299
players
5. 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 Feral Interactive and published by SEGA and Feral Interactive. Released on September 02nd 2013 has received 88,173 reviews of which 73,559 were positive and 14,614 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 5,155 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played historical games.
8.2
73,559
14,614
5,155
players
6. 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 52,618 reviews of which 35,043 were positive and 17,575 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. With 4,601 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played historical games.
6.6
35,043
17,575
4,601
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 33,344 reviews of which 31,910 were positive and 1,434 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 3,215 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played historical games.
9.4
31,910
1,434
3,215
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 172,193 reviews of which 153,091 were positive and 19,102 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 2,846 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played historical games.
8.8
153,091
19,102
2,846
players
9. Total War: THREE KINGDOMS
Total War: THREE KINGDOMS is the first in the award-winning series to recreate epic conflict across ancient China. Combining a gripping turn-based campaign of empire-building & conquest with stunning real-time battles, THREE KINGDOMS redefines the series in an age of heroes & legends. Total War: THREE KINGDOMS is a strategy, historical and war game developed by Creative Assembly and Feral Interactive (Linux) and published by Feral interactive (Mac), Feral Interactive (Linux) and SEGA. Released on May 23rd 2019 has received 103,745 reviews of which 74,951 were positive and 28,794 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. With 2,562 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played historical games.
7.2
74,951
28,794
2,562
players
10. Call to Arms - Gates of Hell: Ostfront
Call to Arms - Gates of Hell is a realistic RTS/ RTT game that offers endless replay value. Command all types of troops in historical singleplayer, dynamic campaign, PvP and PvE battles. Are you ready for some serious immersion in World War 2? Call to Arms - Gates of Hell: Ostfront is a world war ii, historical and real time tactics game developed by Barbedwire Studios and Digitalmindsoft and published by Digitalmindsoft. Released on June 11th 2021 has received 23,811 reviews of which 19,837 were positive and 3,974 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 2,435 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played historical games.
8.2
19,837
3,974
2,435
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 June 16th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted historical games.
1. Railroad Corporation
Relive the pioneering spirit of the Golden Age of Steam by establishing your own railroad empire across 19th century North America. Bring settlements together, produce and trade goods and develop new technologies to stay ahead of the competition. Want more? RAILROAD CORPORATION 2 Out Now! Railroad Corporation is a strategy, trains and management game developed by Corbie Games and published by Iceberg Interactive. Released on November 18th 2019 has received 1,387 reviews of which 1,028 were positive and 359 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for historical category.
7.1
1,028
359
-99%
35.10€
0.44€
2. 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 1,157 reviews of which 960 were positive and 197 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in historical games.
7.9
960
197
-98%
28.99€
0.66€
3. 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 2,934 reviews of which 2,358 were positive and 576 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in historical games.
7.8
2,358
576
-98%
28.99€
0.84€
4. Buzz Aldrin's Space Program Manager
Space Program Manager (SPM) is the ultimate game of space exploration. It is the mid 1950s and the race for dominance between the US and the Soviet Union is about to move into a new dimension: space. Buzz Aldrin's Space Program Manager is a simulation, strategy and space game developed by Polar Motion and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on October 31st 2014 has received 479 reviews of which 369 were positive and 110 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for historical games.
7.3
369
110
-98%
28.99€
0.77€
5. 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 858 reviews of which 624 were positive and 234 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for historical games.
7.0
624
234
-98%
9.99€
0.29€
6. 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 1,977 reviews of which 1,699 were positive and 278 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for historical games.
8.2
1,699
278
-97%
24.99€
0.82€
7. Egyptian Senet
The Mysterious Afterlife Journey And The Favorite Pastime Of The Pharaoh Tutankhamun. Don't Miss The Opportunity To Play The World's Oldest Board Game From Ancient Egypt. Egyptian Senet is a board game, historical and tabletop game developed and published by Ezzat Studios. Released on August 20th 2015 has received 354 reviews of which 277 were positive and 77 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for historical games.
7.3
277
77
-97%
9.75€
0.38€
8. Shadowhand: RPG Card Game
Shadowhand is a strategic RPG card game. Duel powerful enemies in 18th Century England with unique solitaire-style turn-based combat. Equip your character strategically to sneak, slice and blast through foes! Shadowhand: RPG Card Game is a crpg, visual novel and character customization game developed by Grey Alien Games and published by Positech Games. Released on December 07th 2017 has received 814 reviews of which 669 were positive and 145 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for historical games.
7.8
669
145
-96%
16.49€
0.71€
9. 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 134,436 reviews of which 116,432 were positive and 18,004 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for historical games.
8.6
116,432
18,004
-95%
49.99€
2.57€
10. 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 1,520 reviews of which 1,337 were positive and 183 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for historical games.
8.4
1,337
183
-95%
14.99€
0.83€
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 June 16th 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 73,809 reviews of which 66,359 were positive and 7,450 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 1,554 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free historical games on Steam.
8.9
66,359
7,450
1,554
players
2. Supremacy: 1914
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 is a strategy, free to play and war game developed and published by Bytro Labs GmbH. Released on July 16th 2019 has received 3,873 reviews of which 2,895 were positive and 978 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
2,895
978
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 by FishPond and published by Fish Pond Studio. Released on February 16th 2024 has received 636 reviews of which 480 were positive and 156 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 193, this historical game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free historical games on Steam.
7.2
480
156
193
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 rome, action rpg and survival game developed and published by Colossi Games. Released on June 10th 2025 has received 376 reviews of which 242 were positive and 134 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
242
134
17
players
5. 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 1,344 reviews of which 1,155 were positive and 189 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free historical games on Steam.
8.2
1,155
189
7
players
6. 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 3,947 reviews of which 3,404 were positive and 543 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free historical games on Steam.
8.3
3,404
543
1
players
7. Cyphers Game
It is the end of 1920. The Polish-Bolshevik war has been going on for almost two years. The battle for Korosteń – a key railway junction and technical supply base – is underway. Break Bolshevik cyphers, ensure radio communication, and neutralise the fearsome armoured trains. Cyphers Game is a historical, education and puzzle game developed by Chronospace and published by Instytut Pamięci Narodowej. Released on April 21st 2022 has received 614 reviews of which 496 were positive and 118 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free historical games on Steam.
7.6
496
118
1
players
8. 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 412 reviews of which 279 were positive and 133 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free historical games on Steam.
6.5
279
133
1
players
9. 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 1,325 reviews of which 864 were positive and 461 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free historical games on Steam.
6.4
864
461
1
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 1,074 reviews of which 1,024 were positive and 50 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free historical games on Steam.
9.0
1,024
50