Interestingly enough, many history based games come out only on the PC. First person shooters do much better on Xbox One and the PS4. There are some exceptions of course. Games such as Battlefield and Call of Duty don’t really capture the essence of World War 1 or 2 eras, mostly because it is always a story of the American side of the war.

But if you’re interested in historical events and simulating them, here are some series worth checking out.

#6. Anno

Available on: PC

Latest Game: Anno 1800 (16 April 2019)

The Anno series first started with Anno 1602 in 1998. It was originally developed by Max Design and published by EA, but the latest game saw the shift to Blue Byte and publisher Ubisoft.

The Anno series features exploration and colonisation of islands, exploring, setting up diplomacy, managing resources and features land and sea combat. The games are set in many different eras, some in the far future as well. The games feature a rich story as well as a complex web of many features to protect and serve your nation.

#5. Crusader Kings

Available on: PC

Latest Game: Crusader Kings 2 (12 February 2012)

Despite Crusader Kings 2 being 7 years old, developer Paradox Interactive has kept it alive through DLCs which added further spice to the game. The game allows the player to control a dynasty 1066 to 1453. DLC allowed the starting dates to go back even further. Many historical figures appear (some playable) throughout the game.

You can choose between European empires, Asian dynasties and many more. The complexity of this game is what makes this game fun and frustrating. You have to carefully plan wars, trade & commerce, marriages, succession and many other factors while controlling your dynasty.

#4. Total War

Available on: PC

Latest Game: Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia (3 May 2018)

The Total War series debuted in 2000. Many games have been released from the series capturing themes from Rome, Shogun, Rome, Attila and others. Total War also has a couple of games from the fictional Warhammer Universe.

A series of strategy games, Total War lets you control a kingdom and engage in battles and trade with your surrounding neighbours and far off lands. The games are based on real-world historical events and is a simulation and turn-based game which requires you to plan the spread of your religion and empire. These games are too in-depth to just write about!

#3. Europa Universalis

Available on: PC

Latest Game: Europa Universalis IV (13 August 2013)

Europa Universalis was developed by Paradox Interactive and is very similar to Crusader Kings 2. The difference between the two is that in Europa Universalis you control a country and in Crusader Kings 2 you control a dynasty. The mechanics are different from each other but Europa Universalis is equally complicated.

Conquest, trade, plunder, marriage, religion and many other themes are present in the game. You can play as many different countries and try to extend your influence.

#2. Assassin’s Creed

Available on: PC, Xbox One, PS4, Spin-Offs: Switch, iOS, Android

Latest Game: Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey (5 October 2018)

Assassin’s Creed is a series that mixes a fictional story into different eras of history. Set in a modern day version, the games put the characters into a device called the “Animus” which takes a player back to their ancestors time or another assassin’s time.

You play as an Assassin in different settings such as the Crusades, Italian Renessaince, American Revolution, French Revolution and others. The game also makes you meet different historical figures and the plot is a great mix of fiction and reality. The combat and open world make the games even more fun and add a huge spice to the games.

#1. Civilization

Available on: PC, Nintendo Switch

Latest Game: Civilization VI (21 October 2016)

Civilization is a huge name in the market of strategy games. Civilization allows you to control one king/queen of a particular country/dynasty from the Stone Age to the end of the game. You need to settle and grow your civilization with resources, trade, education, warfare and much more.

Each Civilization has game has had a long life span, with DLCs being released regularly to expand the content. You can spend hours and hours playing this turn-based game because there is always something to do and something to improve. Civilization 5 is one of the best and most polished games ever. Civ 6 has been great but with a few flaws.

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