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For fans who can’t get enough of Age of Empires, plenty of alternatives populate the market. Whether they focus on city-building, RTS combat, grand strategy, or a combination of all three, these games should satisfy AOE fans enough to keep them coming back time and time again.

Updated April 9, 2022 by Mark Hospodar: Games like Age of Empires aren’t going out of style anytime soon. It’s easy to get lost in a captivating grand strategy or RTS title. With so many interesting facets of gameplay to explore, it’s easy to see why games like Age of Empires are so popular.

Nevertheless, there’s more to the strategy scene than just AOE. This list has been expanded to include a few more noteworthy entries, in particular grand strategy titles. Whatever the subgenre, fans of AOE should find something to love on this list.

14 Age Of Mythology

Perhaps the most obvious alternative to Age of Empires is Age of Mythology, a spinoff title developed by the same studio as the mainline games. Ditching the historical settings in favor of fantastical ones, Age of Mythology takes place in a world populated with legendary creatures, monsters, and gods.

Gameplay-wise, fans of AOE will feel right at home with this title. Players will still select their civilization, build their base, recruit troops, and battle enemy forces. When in the mood for some fantasy action, it’s hard to go wrong with Age of Mythology.

13 Company Of Heroes

When discussing stellar RTS titles, the Company of Heroes franchise deserves to be on the list. Although the series is lighter on resource collection and base building compared to Age of Empires, the Company of Heroes series delivers pulse-pounding action that’s satisfying to behold.

The first Company of Heroes revolves around the Allied invasion of France. Company of Heroes 2 focuses on the savagery of the Eastern Front. Both games offer a wide array of fun scenarios that don’t get old very quickly. Best of all, the next entry, Company of Heroes 3, is slated to be released sometime in 2022.

12 Stronghold 2

If fans are itching for more medieval action after playing Age of Empires 2, then Stronghold 2 is a worthy choice. For players who enjoy the base-building aspect of AOE, they’ll find plenty to occupy their time in Stronghold 2.

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As a manor lord, fans possess a lot of freedom regarding how they want to build their estates. Providing sufficient protection for one’s subjects, however, also plays a major role in the game. Players need to jumpstart their economy while simultaneously erecting defenses and military units in much the same manner as the AOE series.

11 Medieval 2: Total War

Medieval action and intrigue aren’t limited to just RTS titles. The grand strategy genre is also well-endowed with plenty of popular titles to occupy fans’ time. Even though it’s rather dated at this point, Medieval 2: Total War is still worth recommending, especially to Age of Empires fans.

Medieval 2 is often cited as one of the greatest Total War games of the franchise. Instead of building cities and armies in real-time like in AOE, players will build their empires in a turn-based fashion on the campaign map. Battles are more in-depth in Total War, so players looking to test their tactical skills will get more of a challenge. Plus, there are still plenty of great mods available for Medieval 2 that keep the game fresh and exciting.

10 The Lord Of The Rings: The Battle For Middle-earth 2

The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth 2 represents a match made in heaven between the lore of Tolkien’s universe and AOE’s gameplay. Veterans of AOE will find very little to misunderstand when launching the Battle for Middle-earth 2 for the first time.

Players need to erect resource-generating structures, military production buildings, and defenses to achieve victory in a scenario. The game also utilizes a rock-paper-scissors combat mechanic that should be very familiar to AOE fans. It would be a real shame to overlook this RTS gem.

9 Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds

In a similar vein to Age of Mythology, Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds is a spinoff title from the mainline AOE games. Galactic Battlegrounds plays in an almost identical manner to Age of Empires 2, which isn’t a bad thing by any stretch.

Fans can play as the Empire, the Rebel Alliance, the Trade Federation, the Gungans, and the Wookiees. The Clone Campaigns expansion pack also adds the Republic and the Confederacy as playable civilizations. For gamers who want their AOE action to take place in the Star Wars universe, look no further than Galactic Battlegrounds.

8 Crusader Kings 3

Players who enjoy the depth and freedom that AOE games provide should certainly check out games developed by Paradox. In particular, Crusader Kings 3 is a medieval romp that shouldn’t be missed. The level of detail inherent in CK 3’s gameplay will likely appeal to AOE fans.

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The sense of accomplishment that comes from leading a dynasty to greatness in CK 3 isn’t that different from achieving a victory in AOE. History buffs will no doubt appreciate unpeeling all the layers that compose both of these historical epics.

7 Anno 1800

Anno 1800 is a natural choice for history buffs and lovers of AOE. Once again, fans who enjoy the satisfaction of creating something from nothing in AOE will be delighted with Anno 1800. Set during the Industrial Age of the 19th century, players can bask in the freedom of constructing a thriving city from scratch.

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Like any great city-builder, fans must be cognizant of a variety of factors when planning their city. Trade routes must be established, factories constructed, and citizens kept happy. For those who enjoy games with sandboxes and an eye for detail, Anno 1800 is perfect for whiling away the hours.

6 Cossacks: European Wars

Sticking with the theme of history, this blast from the past certainly deserves a spot on the list. In many respects, Cossacks: European Wars plays very similarly to AOE. Players have to collect a variety of natural resources to fuel their economies and build their military forces.

Nevertheless, one area where Cossacks: European Wars stands out is through its ability to portray grand, sweeping battles. Combat encounters in AOE look puny by comparison. Battle scenes are breathtaking, giving players a real sense of what it’s like to command thousands of troops in the heat of war.

5 Steel Division 2

Steel Division 2 is yet another RTS set during World War 2 that AOE players looking for more battlefield strategy may find interesting. Unlike the first Company of Heroes and Steel Division games, which are set on the Western Front, Steel Division 2 takes place in the East during Operation Bagration.

Fans can plan their strategies in a turn-based manner and fight battles in real-time. Tons of troop types, tanks, artillery, planes, and more are available for both the Axis and Allies. There are also quite a few DLC packs, so players won’t’ run out of content anytime soon.

4 0 A.D.

Players who enjoy being immersed in the ancient world should definitely check out 0 A.D. Interestingly, 0 A.D. originally started as a total conversion mod for Age of Empires 2. Since then, it’s expanded into a fully-fledged game of its own. It’s still under development by Wildfire Games as a free and open-source title.

The RTS gameplay of 0 A.D. takes its cue from the AOE series. Taking place from 500 B.C. to 1 B.C., players can choose from one of several ancient civilizations and lead it to glory through careful economic development and military growth.

3 Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3

If the AOE franchise is a bit too dry or serious, the Command & Conquer series is a fun and wacky alternative. Specifically, Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 is a prime choice. Instead of history or high fantasy, this particular title leans heavily into science fiction.

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The familiar formula of resource collection, base building, and combat that AOE players understand are present. Units, technologies, and structures are all given futuristic characteristics. Memorable performances from big-name actors, such as Tim Curry, George Takei, and Jonathan Pryce, among others, make this game hard to forget.

2 Shadow Tactics: Blades Of The Shogun

Rather than lead massive armies across sprawling battlefields like many of the other games on this list, Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is a smaller-scale affair. Fans of the popular Commandos series will find themselves right at home with this game, as will longtime players of AOE.

Set in the age of Feudal Japan, players command a small squad, carrying out various missions ranging from assassination to intelligence gathering. Each squad member has a specialized ability that makes them more useful at performing specific tasks. If fans ever get tired of fighting huge battles, Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun offers a fun reprieve.

1 Northgard

Northgard is yet another highly competent RTS title that AOE fans shouldn’t ignore. Taking the reins of one of several Viking clans, players are tasked with constructing a viable settlement that can stand against the harsh elements, as well as vicious wild animals and undead foes.

Players can strive for victory in several ways, including trade, conquest, fame, etc. Fans who love the multiplayer aspect of AOE can also test their skills online against friends or the A.I. For something fun and light, Northgard is certainly worth checking out.

Age of Empires 4 is currently available on PC.

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