Games To Play If You Like Age Of Empires

The Age of Empires franchise is a titan of the RTS genre. A mark of an excellent game is one that players feel they can't put down. Age of Empires certainly fits the bill in that regard. The series' influence is such that many other games have taken inspiration from the vaunted franchise over the years. Plenty of alternatives populate the market for fans who can't get enough of Age of Empires.

These games focus on city-building, RTS combat, grand strategy, or combining all three. AoE fans will be more than satisfied with the wealth of games that have taken inspiration from this series time and time again. These RTS games have built upon the series' basics while adding unique spins of their own to keep players interested in the long run. While some games like Age of Empires are clearly inspired by this title, others do their own thing with varying levels of success. Both types of strategy games are worthwhile for players who want to either stick to something familiar or try something new and interesting.

Updated July 3, 2024 by Ritwik Mitra:Age of Empires is one of the most popular RTS video game series of all time. The first game set the foundation that the second game would perfect, with many people finding The Age of Kings to be a legendary title that still has a devoted fanbase to this day.

Later games in the series have also added their unique spin to this formula, making for a great time as players build up a well-protected base and amass a sizeable army that can take out most enemies in a flash. Players who love this series and want to check out more games like Age of Empires will love the many options they can choose from.

Factorio

Perfect For Players Who Love Setting Up Defenses And Automating Tasks In Age Of Empires

A huge part of Age of Empires involves amassing resources to ensure a regular flow of units and buildings to help a base stand strong. Players who love this form of gameplay will find Factorioto be a worthy recommendation, despite the complexity present in this title. The learning curve is immense but worthwhile once players manage to understand how to set up an optimal factory with many failsafes.

The alien planets where players set up their factory will leave them vulnerable to hostile creatures unless some protection is set up to keep the factory intact. Players who set up towers, castles, and protective units to ensure that an opposing force is hampered in Age of Empires will find these pseudo-tower defense mechanics to be oddly familiar.

Warlords Battlecry 3

A Fantasy RTS With Some RPG Elements

• Released: May 19, 2004
• Developers: Infinite Interactive
• Platforms: PC

Fans who felt that Age of Empires' gameplay could benefit from RPG elements will love the Warlords Battlecry series. Players can create heroes who can equip powerful weapons and armor to take out their enemies. However, it's also important to set up bases and form units so that said heroes aren't mobbed and killed due to a lack of support.

Players can choose from numerous factions, classes, and races, adding a lot of variety to one's playthrough. Harvesting Gold, Metal, Crystal, and Stone makes it a similar game to Age of Empires and a gameplay loop that players will become familiar with in no time. This, coupled with the game's RPG mechanics, makes Warlords Battlecry 3 one of the most unique video games players should check out.

Homeworld

A Sci-fi RTS Game That Still Holds Up

Before the turn of the millennium, strategy fans were graced with one of the greatest sci-fi RTS games of all time, spawning a series that is still going strong to this day. Homeworld's learning curve can be pretty massive, but players won't mind as long as they get to experience rich worldbuilding with unique gameplay mechanics that let players form fleets and take out any opponents standing in their way.

Age of Empires fans who want to check out another RTS game with a sci-fi twist will find Homeworldto be right up their alley. The many spaceships that players can move around in this game look amazing to this day, and grabbing a remastered version of this classic title will help players get into a series that deserves all its plaudits and then some.

Total War: Warhammer

A Fantasy-Themed Total War Game That Is A Blast To Play Through

Given the historical focus of most Total Wargames, it's easy to see why fans were pleasantly surprised to see the studio take a crack at a Total War game set in a fictional universe. To make things even better, Total War: Warhammerwas one of the best games released by Creative Assembly, with this collaboration being a massive hit.

Not only is this one of the best Total Wargames of all time, but it's arguably the best Warhammergame of all time too. The focus on politics and warfare makes this title a bit more complex than Age of Empires but something that strategy fans will feel right at home with after a point.

Europa Universalis 4

Turn A Nation Into A Superpower By The End Of The Napoleonic Era

Paradox Entertainment is known as the king of the grand strategy genre, releasing a wealth of games in this department that have all been pretty fun for fans of complex political sims.Europa Universalis 4 is a game where players must become a superpower by any means necessary, combining diplomacy, warfare, and economic superiority in one engaging bundle.

The title has a steep learning curve, but most players won't mind putting in the effort to enjoy a ridiculously detailed grand strategy game where every playthrough is different. People seeking out games likeAge of Empiresneed to do some homework before getting into this title, but the effort is a worthwhile one that will lead to players enjoying one of the most impressive grand strategy games ever made.

Halo Wars

A RTS Spinoff Of One Of The Greatest Sci-Fi FPS Franchises Of All Time

The Haloseries is one of the most popular FPS franchises of all time, even if some people felt like the latest release, Halo Infinite, did not live up to the high standards set by the series. Still, the single-player campaign was a highlight, with its open-world integrations being fairly seamless.

Given how popular Halois, it's no surprise that the series has enjoyed its fair share of spinoffs. One such title isHalo Wars, an RTS-themed game where players must tackle a wealth of missions as they build bases and use their powerful units to take out enemies with a fair bit of preparation. The strategy elements of this title may ring a bit hollow for players, but Halo Wars more than makes up for it with stellar cinematics, a fun story, and an excellent interpretation of the Halouniverse that adds some much-needed credence to this IP. The fact that the studio behind Age of Empires 4worked on this title makes Halo Warsan easy recommendation for these fans.

Warcraft 3

One Of The Richest, Most Imaginative Settings Ever Devised For An RTS

There's a reason why so many fans were enraged to see the state in which Warcraft 3: Reforged was launched. Not only did it prevent people from enjoying a version of the game that is clearly superior to Reforged, but it also feels like a lazy release from a developer that hasn't been at its best right now.

Even after all the concessions that players need to make, Warcraft 3 still stands strong as one of the best RTS games ever made. The game is dripping in atmosphere, lore, and story, which is a rarity for most games in the genre. People seeking out a game like Age of Empires with a fantasy twist will love what Warcraft 3brings to the table.

Frostpunk

A Hardcore City Adventure Set In A Nuclear Winter

Age of Empiresis a game that players with varied skill sets can enjoy. Some people love these titles for how easy they are, while others love the challenge of higher difficulties. For the latter, Frostpunkis a perfect fit that mixes elements of simulation, survival, and story-heavy gameplay to make for a fun time.

Trying to survive during the age of an eternal winter is easier said than done, and players need to be smart about how they build their settlement and tackle certain problems if they don't want to face endless trials and tribulations every step of the way. It requires a fair bit of thought, but players who manage to understand how this game works will go through its many challenging scenarios without too many problems.

Sid Meiers Civilization 6

A Beloved 4X Strategy Game That's Easy To Get Into

Civilizationis a popular grand strategy series that makes for one of the most unique and approachable games in the genre. Each and every title in the series allows players to control a leader of a popular real-world civilization, starting from ancient times before transforming their utopia into something truly special.

Civilization 6 is the latest entry in the genre that has served as a marked improvement in every department. It's one of the few grand strategy games that doesn't seem too intimidating from the get-go, allowing players to slowly ease themselves into the mechanics before attempting a playthrough at higher difficulties, making it perfect for people seeking out games like Age of Empires!

Empire Earth

Age Of Empires On Steroids

Players who enjoy the gameplay loop of Age of Empires will love whatEmpire Earthbrings to the table. This title is essentially AoEon steroids, letting players start from the very beginning of human life before reaching modern times and eventually reaching the future as well! It's easily one of the most ambitious RTS titles that went all out with the level of progress that players could achieve and enjoy in the game.

It helped that the campaign of this game was pretty great too, covering both historic and fictional scenarios to make for a spectacular experience. There aren't many RTS games that boast an excellent story, making Empire Earth pretty unique and a title that fans of classic RTS games should definitely not miss out on.

Age Of Mythology

A Mythological Take On Classic AoE Gameplay

Perhaps the most obvious game like 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.

Company Of Heroes

An RTS Title Set During World War 2

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.

Stronghold 2

A Fun Game Focused On Base Building And Management

• Released: April 18, 2005
• Developers: Firefly Studios
• Platforms: PC

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

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 AoEseries.

Medieval 2: Total War

A Great Combination Of Massive Real-Time Battles And Turn-Based Strategy

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 for people seeking out games likeAge of Empires fans.

Medieval 2is 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.

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

An RTS Gameplay Set In The LotR Universe

The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth 2represents 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.

Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds

A Star Wars Game Pretty Identical To Age Of Empires

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 added 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.

Crusader Kings 3

One Of The Most Approachable Paradox Interactive Grand Strategy Games Around

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 CK3's gameplay will likely appeal to AoEfans.

The sense of accomplishment that comes from leading a dynasty to greatness in CK3 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.

Anno 1800

An RTS Game Set In The Industrial Age

Anno 1800is 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.

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.

Cossacks: European Wars

One Of The Most Epic Battles In An RTS Game

• Released: November 30, 2000
• Developers: GSC Game World
• Platforms: PC

Sticking with the theme of history, this blast from the past certainly deserves a spot on the list. In many respects, Cossacks: European Wars is a game similar to Age of Empires. 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.

Steel Division 2

A World War 2 RTS Game

Steel Division 2is yet another RTS set during World War 2 that AoEplayers 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.