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
Broken Sword - Shadow of the Templars: Reforged
The classic multi-award winning adventure "Broken Sword - the Shadow of the Templars" returns with glorious 4K visuals and iconic remastered audio, pitching intrepid American George Stobbart and fearless journalist Nico Collard into a journey of perilous adventures and ancient conspiracies.
Fantasy Map Simulator
Fantasy Map Simulator: Create and watch imaginary worlds evolve over centuries. Design maps, simulate nations, and control destinies. See empires rise and fall on your desktop wallpaper. A unique simulation for history buffs and creative minds.
Northend Tower Defense
Jump into a realtime strategy, action filled battlefield, deploy relentless soldiers, unlock powerful troops and vehicles, upgrade your army, decimate the enemy. If that's not enough, jump into a chaotic Zombie mode, with traps, fun upgrades, and a new gameplay!
The Crimson Diamond
Follow amateur geologist and reluctant detective Nancy Maple to the ghost town of Crimson, Ontario to investigate the discovery of a massive diamond in this retro-inspired, EGA text parser mystery adventure!
Fate/stay night REMASTERED
Seek the root of the Fate franchise. Return to where it all began.
Car Manufacture
Car Manufacture is an automotive tycoon game. Start in the beginning of the XX century and create thriving business. Build cars, manage people, expand your plant and research new technology. Make tons of money and stay on top.
JIANGHU CHRONICLES
JIANGHU CHRONICLES is a Wuxia-themed clan simulator, which focuses on simulating Jianghu clans and experiencing realistic battle. Set up a clan of your own, recruit disciples, complete missions... And eventually make your clan second to none by improving its power and reputation.
Elder Legacy
This is a role-playing game with survival elements. Embark on a heartfelt journey inspired by Boreyian myths and legends, filled with vibrant and unforgettable adventures, uncover the mystery behind the attempt to conquer the noble Boreyian people.
CONSCRIPT
During the First World War, a lone French soldier must navigate twisted trenches, scavenge for limited supplies and solve complex puzzles - all whilst fighting for survival in the midst of mankind’s most brutal and horrifying conflict. CONSCRIPT is a new take on classic survival horror.
Norland
Lead your noble family in this medieval colony sim, facing off against class conflict, religious struggle, and political treachery. Tend to your people’s needs, uncover the lost knowledge of a fallen empire, and engage in nefarious plots against your enemies.
Vampire Therapist
Guide vampires through centuries of emotional baggage, decades of delusions and the odd bout of self-loathing with real cognitive behavioral therapy concepts and become a Vampire Therapist! Even vampires need a shoulder to cry on when a neck to bite just won’t do.
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!
Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic
Build a soviet republic from an impoverished country into a rich industrial superpower in a city builder with intricate production chains and a fully simulated global economy. Manage the lives of your citizens from education to work and party loyalty to criminal activity.
Republic of Pirates
Establish and grow a pirate utopia during the Golden Age of Piracy. Create a resource-based economy, engage in real-time naval combat, and conduct diplomacy with rival powers. Explore the far reaches of the Caribbean in search of the ultimate fortune and glory.
TFC: The Fertile Crescent
Gather resources, build your base, and lead your people to victory in this captivating reimagining of classic base-building RTS, set in the Bronze Age. Secure fertile land, fend off raids, and stockpile food to generate knowledge and unlock powerful village advancements.
Empires of the Undergrowth
Command swarms of warriors at an unprecedented scale of warfare in this blend of RTS and base-building. Lead ant colonies against the many fearsome threats of the insect world, while building intricate nests, developing pheromone-based tactics, and evolving to meet growing dangers.
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!
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 15th 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 34,133 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.8
305,168
36,982
34,133
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 25,209 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
25,209
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 14,891 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
14,891
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 14,875 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
14,875
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 5,268 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
5,268
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 5,179 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
5,179
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 3,534 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
3,534
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 3,084 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
3,084
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 2,850 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
2,850
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 2,741 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
2,741
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 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted historical games.
1. 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, medieval and rts game developed and published by Destructive Creations. Released on May 22nd 2018 has received 8,373 reviews of which 6,597 were positive and 1,776 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for historical category.
7.7
6,597
1,776
-99%
34.99€
0.55€
2. 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. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in historical games.
7.1
1,028
359
-99%
35.10€
0.44€
3. 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 #3 best deal in historical games.
7.9
960
197
-98%
28.99€
0.66€
4. 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. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for historical games.
7.8
2,358
576
-98%
28.99€
0.84€
5. 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 #5 position in the best deals for historical games.
7.3
369
110
-98%
28.99€
0.78€
6. 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 #6 position in the best deals for historical games.
7.0
624
234
-98%
9.99€
0.29€
7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for historical games.
8.2
1,699
278
-97%
24.99€
0.81€
8. 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 682 reviews of which 537 were positive and 145 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for historical games.
7.5
537
145
-97%
24.50€
0.76€
9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for historical games.
7.3
277
77
-97%
9.75€
0.38€
10. 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 #10 position in the best deals for historical games.
7.8
669
145
-96%
16.49€
0.69€
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 15th 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 1,639 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
1,639
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 375, this historical game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free historical games on Steam.
7.3
2,895
978
375
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 220, this historical game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free historical games on Steam.
7.2
480
156
220
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
20
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
10
players
6. 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 #6 spot among the most played free historical games on Steam.
6.4
864
461
3
players
7. 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 1,068 reviews of which 1,000 were positive and 68 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free historical games on Steam.
8.8
1,000
68
2
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played free historical games on Steam.
9.0
1,024
50
1
players
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played free historical games on Steam.
8.3
3,404
543
1
players
10. The Odyssey of the Mammoth
Through lavish but perilous landscapes, assist a mammoth mother and her child escape from their extinction. Discover breathtaking views from 12,000 years ago. Beware of the increasingly hostile environment. Protect your offspring from the hunters tracking you and send them flying! The Odyssey of the Mammoth is a adventure, historical and dynamic narration game developed by Mighty Tusks and published by UQAT - Création et nouveaux médias. Released on March 04th 2022 has received 470 reviews of which 418 were positive and 52 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free historical games on Steam.
8.3
418
52
1
players