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
Mirror of Heaven
The Qi has awakened demons, they wreak havoc on our world. You traverse ancient realms with the aid of the "Kunlun Mirror," embarking on a journey of cultivation and acension to gods.
Thriving City: Song
In 960 A.D., the Zhao Song Dynasty was established. As the mayor, you'll need to help the townspeople settle down, cultivate the land and expand. However, when the emperor issues a national mandate, conflicts between factions threaten city development—what strategy will you adopt?
WARNO
Realistic, immersive, breathtaking. WARNO is the ultimate World War III battle simulator from the masters of strategy, Eugen Systems. A Cold War turns decisively hot as you command hundreds of units on a beautiful and brutal battlefield. Outsmart, outfight, and lead your forces to total victory.
Viking Rise
Race against other players to explore Valhalla and conquer Midgard!
Survival: Fountain of Youth
Survival: Fountain of Youth is a challenging single-player open-world adventure game set on the Caribbean islands. Survive as a shipwrecked 16th-century explorer, craft tools and shelter, and uncover the secrets of both an ancient civilization and your own fate.
A Tower Full of Cats
A Tower Full of Cats is a hidden object game where you need to gather cats through the whole history of catkind... and beyond!
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.
Ghost of Tsushima DIRECTOR'S CUT
A storm is coming. Venture into the complete Ghost of Tsushima DIRECTOR’S CUT on PC; forge your own path through this open-world action adventure and uncover its hidden wonders. Brought to you by Sucker Punch Productions, Nixxes Software and PlayStation Studios.
Men of War II
Experience warfare like never before! Men of War II, the anticipated sequel to the highly acclaimed RTS franchise is here with all-new units, locations, campaigns, game modes and true trademarks of the series: historical fidelity and action-filled gameplay on the Eastern and Western Fronts of WWII.
SAMURAI WARRIORS 4 DX
The sparks of destiny ignite in this rich depiction of the Warring States period that features a total of 55 different officers. The deluxe edition contains more than 150 previously released DLC from "SAMURAI WARRIORS 4," including costumes, weapons, customization parts, scenarios, and BGM!
Manor Lords
Manor Lords is a medieval strategy game featuring in-depth city building, large-scale tactical battles, and complex economic and social simulations. Rule your lands as a medieval lord – the seasons pass, the weather changes, and cities rise and fall.
Wishful Journey:Love Across Time
Xu yuan, who was a loser in real life traveled to an ancient palace. By transforming into the male protagonist, players will be in love with many beauties with different personalities, such as the unruly princess, the cold female assassin, embark on a love adventure that spans time and space.
The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty
Trek across ancient China in a dark, boundary-pushing visual novel inspired by traditional Chinese art with modern animation. Escort four girls to the prosperous city of Luoyang in a branching narrative with themes of revenge, cannibalism, involuntary servitude, and more on a redemptive journey.
The Shell Part II: Purgatorio
Detective Reiji Tokisaka is back to face down a mystery that spans decades, if not centuries. With the aftermath of his last case weighing on his soul and a long-silent cult resurgent, can he solve the crime—or will it become his curse?
Ignited in Cavern
In the waning years of the Northern Wei Dynasty, a rumor circulates about a stone statue that bestows blessings in the mortal realm. Lured by the rumor, Anu and Chu Qingqing, a Xianbei General and her Han captive, are led to Dunhuang to face their fates.
Headquarters: World War II
Headquarters: World War II is a fast-paced turn-based strategy game where your battlefield tactics are as important as your army management skills. Experience both sides of the war, battling in Europe as the USA, the UK, or Germany. Storm bunkers, occupy houses, win tank duels.
Botany Manor
Welcome to Botany Manor, a stately home in 19th century England. You play as inhabitant Arabella Greene, a retired botanist. Explore your house and gardens, filled with research, to figure out the ideal habitat of forgotten flora. Grow each plant to discover the mysterious qualities they hold…
Sons of Valhalla
Sons of Valhalla is a combat and base-building game set in the Viking Age. Build fortresses and lay siege to enemy strongholds, gather warriors and board longboats, and engage in personal combat as you raid and conquer across England.
Classified: France '44
Command an elite team of allied special operators in Nazi-occupied France wreaking havoc in the run up to D-Day in this ambitious turn-based tactics game. Take on the might of Germany's war machine and launch daring raids in occupied territory. Can you do enough to ensure Allied victory?
Builders of Greece
Immerse yourself in the beautifully recreated golden age of Hellenic city-states. Builders of Greece is a city management game that lets you display your strategic and economic mastery. Build your Polis from scratch, make meaningful decisions, trade, fight and expand to become the ultimate ruler.
Primitive Society Simulator
In this game, you'll be the leader of an ancient tribe, guiding your people to explore the natural world, to hunt, and to farm. As culture and civilization prosper, you shall establish a tribal alliance, a community with a shared future of tribes.
Bootstrap Island
Bootstrap Island is an intense, realistic VR survival game, inspired by "Robinson Crusoe". As the sole survivor of a 17th-century shipwreck you must quickly learn and adapt to survive against vicious beasts, explore the island and improve your skills to discover the mysteries of the tropical island.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 30th 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 337,948 reviews of which 301,552 were positive and 36,396 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 23,200 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.8
301,552
36,396
23,200
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 347,827 reviews of which 302,129 were positive and 45,698 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. While seeing 17,726 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among historical games based on player count.
8.6
302,129
45,698
17,726
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 203,684 reviews of which 195,180 were positive and 8,504 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. While seeing 11,528 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among historical games based on player count.
9.5
195,180
8,504
11,528
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 133,611 reviews of which 115,671 were positive and 17,940 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 10,317 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played historical games.
8.6
115,671
17,940
10,317
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 published by SEGA. Released on September 02nd 2013 has received 87,638 reviews of which 73,072 were positive and 14,566 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 3,739 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played historical games.
8.2
73,072
14,566
3,739
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 51,921 reviews of which 34,526 were positive and 17,395 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. With 3,731 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played historical games.
6.6
34,526
17,395
3,731
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 33,102 reviews of which 31,686 were positive and 1,416 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 2,694 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played historical games.
9.4
31,686
1,416
2,694
players
8. 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 35,248 reviews of which 31,995 were positive and 3,253 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 2,048 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played historical games.
8.9
31,995
3,253
2,048
players
9. 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 170,976 reviews of which 152,064 were positive and 18,912 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 1,974 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played historical games.
8.8
152,064
18,912
1,974
players
10. 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 103,306 reviews of which 74,577 were positive and 28,729 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. With 1,838 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played historical games.
7.2
74,577
28,729
1,838
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 30th 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 1,149 reviews of which 956 were positive and 193 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
956
193
-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 2,930 reviews of which 2,355 were positive and 575 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
2,355
575
-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 8,341 reviews of which 6,574 were positive and 1,767 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
6,574
1,767
-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. 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 781 reviews of which 586 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 #5 position in the best deals for historical games.
7.2
586
195
-90%
10.10€
1.01€
6. 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 34,860 reviews of which 28,602 were positive and 6,258 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for historical games.
8.1
28,602
6,258
-89%
44.36€
4.88€
7. 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 133,611 reviews of which 115,671 were positive and 17,940 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for historical games.
8.6
115,671
17,940
-88%
38.83€
4.66€
8. Soldiers: Heroes of World War II
The first instalment in a series that would become known as Men of War. Take control of American, British, Soviet, or German forces to play out battles set in World War II. Primarily a strategy game, but you can directly control your forces with keyboard and mouse as well! Soldiers: Heroes of World War II is a strategy, world war ii and rts game developed by Best Way and published by Fulqrum Publishing. Released on July 03rd 2014 has received 852 reviews of which 728 were positive and 124 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for historical games.
8.1
728
124
-85%
4.99€
0.74€
9. 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. Men of War: Red Tide is a strategy, world war ii and rts game developed and published by Fulqrum Publishing. Released on November 01st 2009 has received 817 reviews of which 697 were positive and 120 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for historical games.
8.1
697
120
-85%
4.99€
0.74€
10. Broken Lines
Broken Lines is a story-driven tactical RPG set in an alternate-history version of WWII. Lead a squad of soldiers and face the horrors of war. In the included expansion, 'The Dead and the Drunk', guide your troops through fights against both the living and the undead. Broken Lines is a war, singleplayer and historical game developed by BirdIsland/PortaPlay and published by SuperGG.com. Released on February 25th 2020 has received 680 reviews of which 535 were positive and 145 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for historical games.
7.5
535
145
-85%
24.50€
3.67€
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 30th 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 73,691 reviews of which 66,260 were positive and 7,431 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 1,340 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free historical games on Steam.
8.9
66,260
7,431
1,340
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 3,800 reviews of which 2,851 were positive and 949 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 331, this historical game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free historical games on Steam.
7.3
2,851
949
331
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 606 reviews of which 456 were positive and 150 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 231, this historical game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free historical games on Steam.
7.2
456
150
231
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 366 reviews of which 238 were positive and 128 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free historical games on Steam.
6.3
238
128
21
players
5. 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 1,308 reviews of which 851 were positive and 457 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free historical games on Steam.
6.3
851
457
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 3,949 reviews of which 3,403 were positive and 546 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
3,403
546
5
players
7. 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 #7 spot among the most played free historical games on Steam.
9
1,024
48
2
players
8. 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 1,155 were positive and 188 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free historical games on Steam.
8.2
1,155
188
2
players
9. 1943 Berlin Blitz
Join a Lancaster bomber crew during a raid over Berlin in World War Two. 1943 Berlin Blitz is a indie, vr and free to play game developed and published by BBC Media Applications Technologies Limited. Released on October 03rd 2018 has received 307 reviews of which 284 were positive and 23 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free historical games on Steam.
8.5
284
23
1
players
10. 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 611 reviews of which 495 were positive and 116 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free historical games on Steam.
7.7
495
116
1
players