7 – OId World
In this entry, any Civilization game would fit the bill, but I think that if I’m going to write a list about the 10 best strategy games set in medieval and ancient times, then the 4X title that’s going to be a feature should exclusively focus on that. Enter Old World, a critically acclaimed turn-based 4X strategy game set exclusively in the ancient world, combining classic empire-building with deep historical storytelling, making it a very cool mix between traditional Civilization-esque gameplay of setting up a civilization and expanding it, as well as Crusader Kings, where players act as leaders for their dinasties and have to assure continuity and prestige to remain on top.
The game emphasizes meaningful decisions through its unique orders system (essentially, this means players cannot use every unit, every turn, and must prioritize), dynastic mechanics, and event-driven narratives. The rest of the game is what you would expect: set up a civ, explore, expand, and conquer those around you. It’s a really good game, and one that’s still in active development, and has a backlog of DLC that’ll keep you entertained for years.
6 – Manor Lords
While Manor Lords still has a long way to go before reaching its full potential, it’s undeniable that the game came out swinging and instantly cemented itself as one of the best medieval strategy games of all time. Despite trading the typical trill of the battlefield for the mundane aspects of day-to-day life, it’s one of the most realistic and complex city-builders you can play in 2026, and setting up a successful hamlet and seeing it grow organically into a lively town is one of the most satisfying experiences I’ve had with a strategy game in the last couple of years. The only thing Manor Lords is missing is a skirmish mode, because, despite the military aspect not being the focus, it has, quite ironically, one of the most realistic depictions of medieval combat ever.
5 – Wargame Design Studio – Sword & Siege: Crusades Book 1
Wargame Design Studio – Sword & Siege: Crusades Book 1 is one of the most detailed, historically focused turn-based wargames you’ll find on the market today. The game explores the large-scale medieval sieges (and some battles) of the First and Second Crusades with a strong emphasis on realism and tactical precision. The game includes 65 scenarios in total, and the most accurate representation of the forces involved you’ll find in any video game, ever. In my review, I gave it an 8 out of 10, calling Sword & Siege a “worthwhile addition to any medieval strategy gaming enthusiast. With an impressive roster of units and an even more generous number of scenarios for the price point, paired wup with historically plausible battle outcomes”, making it a game that’s hard to pass by.
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