Age of empires has a cult following. There are very few other games that have carved out a genre for themselves.
Sooner than later, however, every gamer needs a change. With exposure to a civilization game like the Age of Empires, you would, of course, want to play something similar.
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The question which then arises is, which are the best games like Age of Empires?
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With our carefully curated list of Best 15 Games To Play If You Like Age Of Empires, you don’t need to spend hours to find such games. All you need to do is go through our list below, and you can choose the one that seems fun.
1. Age of Mythology
Age of Mythology goes a step ahead of the age of empires. Rather than just incorporating the historical events, it includes the legends from Greek, Egyptian, and Norse civilizations. That is what makes it more interesting.
Ensemble Studious, its developer, has tried to incorporate the mythological aspects as well.
The basics of the game remain unchanged. You have first to build an army and conquer the opposing civilizations. To build an army, you have to manage your resources as well.
You get the option to choose from 3 civilizations, which are:
- Greek
- Egyptian
- Norse
The unique thing is that each civilization has its own culture and religion. That is why, when you choose a different civilization, the game becomes unique.
You can even choose your major God and unlock minor Gods when you progress through the ages.
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The extra features of the age of mythology certainly make it one of the best games to play if you like this genre.
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2. Rise of Nations
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Big huge games are the developer of Rise of nations. The best feature about this game is that it allows you to choose between 18 civilizations. Not only that, there are 8 ages in total.
It is one of the rare real-time strategy games which provides you with so many options.
The game revolves around territory building and protection.
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You can construct the building within your territory as well as that of your friends. As you progress by collecting more resources, building more buildings, and creating an army, you can take down your opponents more efficiently and at the next stage.
The aim is to advance to the next ages and to decimate your enemy. That is what makes it similar to the age of empires.
3. Empire Earth
The USP of Empire Earth is that it spans 500,000 years. It starts right in the prehistoric era, and the last stage is the 90s age.
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Right from the start, you need to focus on gathering resources, constructing buildings, increasing the population, and conquering other civilizations.
The map editor means that you can customize the terrain and the territory which you get.
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The unique feature, however, is the Morale system available for every individual unit. Also, there is another concept which goes by the name of the hero. You can build a hero and the town center or the capital. Heros can perform various functions depending on the character you choose. These can include healing units, demoralizing enemies, and so on.
A couple of unique features certainly help it stand out when it comes to Age of empires.
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4. Empire
Empire has become one of the most famous games in its genre. That is because it is entirely free to play and has a real-time strategy game.
The multiplayer capability certainly makes it more exciting. Good Game Studios have created it in such a way that it starts at the medieval age.
After that, you need to build your empire from scratch by collecting resources, constructing buildings, and creating an army.
The main aim, however, is to build as many armies as you can. You can also trade with other players and increase your army strength to conquer others.
This game’s strategy aspect allows you to partake in different formations and use different battle techniques to conquer others.
The free availability of the game and the multiplayer aspect help it score over many others.
5. Warcraft III – Reforged
Warcraft is a game series similar to the age of empires. It follows the classic real-time strategy model.
The developer of the game Warcraft III is one of the largest gaming studios in the world. In Warcraft, it takes gamers through a fantasy journey. There are various creatures like
- Night Elves
- Undead
- Orcs
- Humans
The premise of Warcraft III – Reforged involves building the base, recruiting heroes to attack others. Due to the strong background and fantasy storyline, this game is certainly worth playing.
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6. Tropico 6
Tropico 6 provides you your island as a territory. You have to develop the island of just a tribe into an Empire. Initially, creating plantations, growing crops, and various other tasks are relatively easy.
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The game starts in the early 20th century, and you have to progress towards the modern era.
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The best thing about this game is that it involves an empire and politics and economics. The real-time nature of this game makes it even more unpredictable. Due to this, it is undoubtedly much more engaging than many other options on this list.
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7. Total War: WARHAMMER II
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Total War: WARHAMMER II is a distinct real-time strategy game created on a pretty large scale. There are continents by the name of
- Lustria
- Ulthuan
- Naggaroth
- Southlands
As the name suggests, the game is a sequel to its predecessor. There are 8 legendary lords to choose from among 4 races. The aim is to develop your army and to attack others to causes disturbances in the giant vortex. The disturbances will halt or slow down the progress of other races.
The reason it is on our list is because of the vast maps which it has. The scale at which this game has been designed is almost unparalleled.
8. Stronghold Crusader
Stronghold Crusader allows you to choose between various Middle Eastern empires 2 build your own and attack others.
Once you start the game, you will get a map where you can build houses, farms, and so on. However, the resources are limited for all the players, and therefore, you have to compete with others to develop your empire.
Once you gather the resources, you can develop your military and attack others. The premise is quite similar to the age of empires. That certainly makes it a worthy alternative.
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9. Sid Meier’s: Civilization VI
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Sid Meier’s: Civilization VI makes you start at the nomadic tribe level, and after that, you have to gather resources and develop your civilization to become a superpower.
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The turn-based strategy game is not as easy as it sounds. While the graphics and the music selection make it more enjoyable than others, it is indeed difficult to grasp the game’s nature.
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For every step, you need to strategize to build your empire. There are quite a few aspects to this game like:
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- Nation-building
- Religion
- Espionage
- Diplomacy
All these can keep you occupied and well entertained. The unique facets of this game are the reason why it is on our list.
10. Starcraft 2
Starcraft 2 is another good option by Blizzard Entertainment. Taking a historical approach, the game has taken a futuristic approach.
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The civilization is based in the 26th century and has the intergalactic battle between 4 different species. You have to choose the specie and then battle it out for universe domination.
The storyline in between is quite entertaining, which certainly helps you play the game for a longer time.
The interrelated aspect and the need to strategize before taking any step make it a good choice.
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11. The Settlers Online
The Settlers Online is another free game on this list. The browser-based game makes it easier for you to play.
The aim of the game is simple. You have to collect as many resources as you can. Along with that, you have to complete various in-game missions to build your kingdom. Capturing territories and exploring the map is one of the main aims of this game.
The massively multiplayer online capability is what makes it exciting.
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There are numerous levels which you can surpass. Not only that, there are bandit camps which you can destroy and even interact with other players or wage war against others.
The possibilities are endless. These numerous possibilities make the game exciting.
12. Anno Online
Anno Online by Ubisoft allows you to create a city and control its economics as well. You have to expand your empire to make it play continually. It does not just involve construction and buildings but also various other aspects like:
- Diplomacy
- Trade
- Exploration
If you love managing entire cities rather than just waging war against others, you should try out this game.
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13. Etherium
Etherium is one of the few futuristic games on this list. It has also been placed across a futuristic universe. You have to collect as much Etherium as you can. It is a powerful resource that allows you to build your civilization.
The advantage of this futuristic game is that you can play it on a solo basis are in the multiplayer mode. You can choose between different empires as well. The futuristic nature of this game certainly helps it stand out.
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14. 0 A.D.
0 A.D. is an open-source alternative to the age of empires. You can play it in the browser, ensuring that you don’t need a high-end machine for the same.
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The game starts around 500 BC. and goes all the way to 1 B.C. The 2nd part of the game is slated to be from 182 580.
You must gather as many resources as possible to technologically advance your civilization and create an army that you can train and lead. There are 12 different civilizations to choose from. Each civilization comes with its advantage.
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There are various aspects of history integrated into the game. As you experience them, there will be new technologies, buildings, and units that you can unlock.
The open-source alternative and browser-based gameplay make it a good option.
15. Command and Conquer: Tiberium Alliances
Command and Conquer: Tiberium Alliances is a unique game by E.A. The plots and subplots of the game make it more interesting than others. It is a free game and a multiplayer feature that allows you to play against various other players.
The advantage is that you can choose the territory which you want to start. After that, you have to progress, collect resources, and build a military base.
Once you do so, you can harness your military power to attack others and expand your empire.
If you like the game age of empires, you will love these games. While there are quite a few others that have similar gameplay but these games certainly take the cake. Due to the same, these are a must-try. The next time around, you’re looking for games which you can enjoy along with the age of empires or instead of the age of empires, refer to our list above.