15 Best Games Like Age of Empires in 2023

It’s hard to beat the classic strategy game Age of Empires. Its in-depth strategy elements and tactical combat have captivated gamers for decades. But sometimes, we want something a little different – something that can give us new challenges and allow us to play with fresh strategies. That’s why we’ve gathered up 15 games like Age of Empires that offer similar strategic depth but still bring something unique to the table.

Whether you’re looking for an alternative RTS experience or want some variety in your gaming life, these are the titles you should check out!

So how do these alternatives stack up? Most of them feature single-player campaigns and online multiplayer modes so that you can test yourself against other players worldwide.

They also come packed with innovative features such as custom maps, mod support, and more. And many of them have substantial replay value thanks to their varied objectives and mission types.

In short: if you’re after a deep strategy game experience, then any of these is sure to scratch your itch!

Best Age of Empires Like Game

Ready to dive into a world of challenging strategizing? Let’s look at our top 15 picks for games like Age Of Empires – each offering something unique while staying true to the spirit of this beloved franchise!

Age of Mythology

It is an RTS classic and one of the best games like Age of Empires. This game takes players back to when gods ruled the world and humans were just a footnote in their plans. You take control of one of three Greek, Egyptian, or Norse civilizations as they battle through various campaigns set in mythology-inspired landscapes.

The core gameplay draws heavily from other titles in the genre, such as Forge of Empires and Age of Empires, but with enough unique twists to make this title stand out.

One significant difference between this game and its contemporaries is that more emphasis is placed on developing your culture. Each civilization has access to different gods who can grant them special bonuses and abilities, which requires careful consideration when deciding how to spend resources.

Anno Online

Anno Online is a timeless classic in the realm of real-time strategy games. For those looking to recreate their empires, it stands tall among the pantheon of base-building delights. Unsurprisingly, this game has become such an enduring favorite – its mix of match game and building gameplay create a unique experience, unlike anything on offer from other titles like Age of Empires or Starcraft 2.

The best part about Anno Online is how easy it is to jump right into a game without feeling overwhelmed. Players can quickly learn the ropes and start creating vast empires with ease. The combination of resource management and strategic combat makes for a deep gameplay loop that’ll keep players coming back for more every day.

With all these features, it’s clear why Anno Online continues to be one of the most popular choices for playing empire-type games online.

This engaging blend of strategy and puzzle elements makes Anno Online an ideal choice for anyone who loves taking on ambitious projects and planning out complex strategies while trying to build up their empire as quickly as possible.

Starcraft 2

Starcraft 2 is the classic sci-fi real-time strategy game from Blizzard Entertainment. Players take on the role of commanders in a future galaxy, in charge of building and commanding armies to battle against alien foes.

The game features an intense single-player campaign and competitive multiplayer modes for up to eight players simultaneously. It’s also one of the few games called eSport worthy, with professional tournaments being held worldwide.

For fans of strategy games, Starcraft 2 is an absolute must-play – especially considering its status as one of the most popular eSports titles today.

For those looking for something more reminiscent of classic strategy titles like Sid Meier’s Civilization VI or War series, Starcraft 2 should fit the bill. With an expansive battlefront full of different unit types and abilities, all vying for supremacy, it provides an immersive experience, unlike any other title in this genre.

And while there are plenty of races and units to choose from during your battles, no two matches will ever feel precisely alike – ensuring you’re never stuck playing through a boring scenario twice!

TIP: If you want to get into pro-level competitions, try joining official leagues set up by Blizzard Entertainment themselves; many offer exclusive rewards and prizes for top performers!

Rise of Nations

Rise of Nations is an award-winning real-time strategy (RTS) game developed by Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft. It was first released in 2003 for the Windows operating system and has since been rereleased on Xbox Series X.

Players take control of a nation from antiquity to modern times. They are tasked with colonizing their opponents’ lands while growing their economies. This unique blend of historical accuracy and strategic gameplay makes Rise of Nations one of the most successful RTS games ever.

Here’s what sets Rise of Nations apart:

• An expansive map covers eight different ages, from ancient to modern times.
• There are various nations to choose from, each with its strengths and weaknesses.
• Over 200 units are available throughout the play, including military units such as infantry, cavalry, artillery, and aircraft and economic units like settlers and merchants.

Combining these features creates an engaging experience that keeps players returning for more. Whether you’re looking for a historically accurate simulation or want intense clashes between civilizations, Rise Of Nations has something for everyone.

And thanks to its accessibility across platforms, it’s easier than ever to jump into this timeless classic! With its deep strategic mechanics and exciting battles, Rise Of Nations remains one of gaming’s greats – no wonder it continues to be enjoyed by gamers today!

Command and Conquer: Tiberium Alliances

Command and Conquer: Tiberium Alliances takes the classic RTS gameplay of games like Age of Empires but adds a modern spin. It’s an online strategy game that pits you against your enemies in thrilling battles across lands rife with Tiberium crystals.

Its focus on multiplayer combat offers something unique compared to other AOE-style games such as Empire Earth or Dominations; instead of historical battles, you must plan and strategize for victory in intense PvP matches!

Single-player campaigns are also available, though they focus more on base building than traditional real-time strategy elements in most AOE titles.

The core mechanics remain the same – build structures and armies to defeat opponents – however, managing resources and trading with allies adds an extra layer of complexity. This makes Command and Conquer: Tiberium Alliances a great choice if you want a deep single-player experience alongside competitive multiplayer play.

DomiNations

When you hear mobile games, your first thought might be of those time-wasting distractions. But Dominations is a different animal – it’s one of the most excellent strategy games.

This real-time game set during the Middle Ages covers all the bases regarding great game mechanics. It features an impressive array of game modes. You can create a mighty empire and dominate your opponents through massive battles or go for something more peaceful and diplomatic by forming alliances with other players instead. The choice is yours!

The level of detail in this game will give any Age Of Empires fan a nostalgic thrill as you build cities, develop technologies, manage resources and military units, form armies, and wage wars against other nations in this world full of adventure. It’s sure to provide hours upon hours of engaging entertainment – no matter if you’re playing solo or against friends from around the globe.

Warcraft III

Warcraft III is a classic video game that has entertained strategy gamers for years. It features an epic clash between two powerful forces, the human Alliance and the supernatural Horde, as they vie for control of their world.

Players must build up their military units and empires using resource management and tactical thinking to gain victory over opponents. With its immersive graphics and intuitive user interface, Warcraft III easily stands out from other games in its genre.

Players can also take advantage of many exciting elements, such as Leonardo da Vinci’s workshop, where they may discover various inventions to help them progress through the game more quickly.

The game also provides opportunities for creative strategies by allowing players to customize their armies with unique weapons and tactics while taking on challenging missions across vast landscapes.

Here are some highlights of this beloved game:

• A fascinating storyline full of memorable characters
• Build massive armies full of various military units
• Empire Earth II brings the experience to the next level with improved visuals and enhanced strategic gameplay.

Warcraft III offers an enticing blend of action, adventure, real-time strategy, and fantasy-based combat that captivates casual fans and hardcore gamers.

The Settlers Online

The Settlers Online is the ultimate online turn-based strategy game! Developed by Blue Byte, this Stone Age world has everything – from intense multiplayer battles to sprawling settlements you can build up and customize.

It’s a perfect blend of Xbox Game Studios’ classic Age Of Empires-styled gameplay mixed with modern advancements in the genre. The intricately detailed environments are alive, with players vying for power on their way to glory!

You’ll find yourself engrossed in an experience that will keep your eyes glued to the screen as you battle enemies and develop intricate strategies alongside other players.

And no matter your mastery level, there’s something for everyone here, whether you’re new or experienced. With its robust multiplayer system, The Settlers Online lets you participate in epic battles against other gamers worldwide.

You can also team up with friends and allies to form powerful alliances to help you conquer your foes. This game provides hours upon hours of entertainment that keeps things fresh and exciting – so why wait? Grab some friends and dive into one of the best strategy games today!

Etherium

Etherium is the latest strategy game from Tindalos Interactive that transports gamers to a distant future, far beyond the age of empires. In this new adventure, players manage their colony on an alien planet and lead its inhabitants into a space age.

With unique game design elements inspired by human history, Etherium offers a captivating experience that will keep you coming back for more.

The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II

It is an epic game that immerses you in the world of Tolkien’s classic trilogy. Like a modern-day version of Ancient Civilizations, it transports players to Middle Earth. It puts them in charge as they battle against Sauron and his minions to control its vast lands.

As you guide your armies through forests, mountains, deserts, and another terrain, you’ll experience all the excitement of this beloved series. 

Battle Worlds are filled with strategic options; whether you use diplomacy or warfare to conquer enemies, there’s something here to challenge everyone. You can also expand your empire by building cities and castles, fortifying defenses, and researching new technologies to gain an edge on the battlefield.

TIP: To get ahead in The Lord of the Rings, try focusing on diplomatic relations before launching into full-scale war! This will give you more time to build up your forces and develop strategies before engaging in head-to-head combat with opponents.

Homeworld

Have you ever wanted to explore the depths of space and command fleets of starships? If so, Homeworld might be the perfect game for you. With its unique blend of classic Age of Empires-style resource management, Forge Points, multiplayer mode, and sci-fi tech trees that span from the Iron Age through space travel, it’s a profound experience, even if you’re only playing against AI opponents.

Homeworld is an incredibly immersive game with massive content to discover. From customizing your fleet to researching new technologies, hours upon hours of strategic gameplay are waiting for you in this interstellar adventure.

You can also play online with friends or rivals in heated battles across multiple galaxies – make sure to bring your strategy hat!

Age of Wonders III

Age of Wonders III is a classic, turn-based strategy game from Triumph Studios. It’s been described as one-part board games, one-part real-time strategy, and two-part military strategy – the perfect mix for any fan of Age of Empires looking to expand their gaming horizons!

Players start with a single city and must build an empire by forging points (the in-game currency) through combat and diplomacy. The ultimate goal? To become the most powerful ruler within the realm they inhabit.

The game features three distinct campaigns (Elven Court, Necromancer Lords, and Dwarven Clans), each offering unique challenges and play styles emphasizing resource management, unit customization, and tactical decision-making.

With over 150 different units available to command, players can customize their armies to fit their strategies while also taking advantage of special abilities like magic spells or divine blessings that can be used strategically on the battlefield.

In addition, plenty of minor races, such as goblins and trolls, may join your cause if you can appease them – adding even more depth and replayability.

Empire Earth

Empire Earth is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a strategy game similar to Age of Empires. It’s a classic title from Stainless Steel Studios and Best Strategy Games that will transport you back in time with its unique blend of historical periods. From the Stone Age up through modern times, this clone campaign simulates human history as never before seen.

While many of its mechanics are reminiscent of Bad North and other age of empires games, it introduces some new features such as morale, formation control, and more complex diplomacy systems.

As your civilization advances through the ages, you can create powerful units like tanks and nuclear weapons alongside researching technologies to improve production speed or unlock special abilities.

Along the way, you’ll have to manage resources while ensuring your citizens have enough food to keep them happy! All these elements combine into one enjoyable experience that any fan of historical strategy games should check out. With plenty of content and replay value options, Empire Earth remains one of the best strategy titles – perfect for those who want more than just Age Of Empires. 

American Conquest

If conquering a historical empire is your thing, American Conquest might be the game for you. This 2002 real-time strategy (RTS) video game from GSC Game World takes gamers to an alternate history version of the early Americas, providing hours of entertainment and challenge for all levels of players – whether they’re diehard Android device owners or online gaming enthusiasts.

American Conquest provides plenty of opportunities for any game lover to explore its unique historical setting, with George Takei lending his voice as narrator throughout each campaign mission.

Players can control 15 nations spanning four centuries, creating complex strategies to succeed in their attempts at total domination. There are two single-player campaigns with eight missions each, plus several standalone scenarios that span multiple maps and objectives – making it easy to play repeatedly without boredom. All this combined makes American Conquest one of the best games like Age Of Empires!

Total War: Warhammer II

Like a lightning bolt of strategy and combat, Total War: Warhammer II is the perfect storm for gamers looking to be swept up in its world. Combining intense real-time battles with an expansive single-player campaign set within the prestigious gaming industry of Warhammer Fantasy Battles, this game should not be overlooked.

You’ll understand why Warhammer II has become such a hit among gamers everywhere, from the first swing of your sword to a crack of magic. The amount of content featured in the game is staggering – from intense real-time battles against massive armies to mobile gaming adaptations that give fans access no matter where they are – there’s plenty here for beginners and veterans alike!

With nine different playable races, each with unique units, gear, and branching quest lines. Players will never run out of things to do when exploring all that Warhammer II offers.

The tactical depth in this title is unparalleled, allowing players to take control of every aspect of warfare while commanding thousands upon thousands of soldiers across vast battlefronts – making even minor skirmishes feel epic!

Whether you go it alone or team up with friends online, Warhammer II delivers an unforgettable experience that makes it one of the best total war games yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you play Age of Empires offline?

Absolutely! Age of Empires can be played in offline mode. This means you can enjoy the game without an internet connection. Just ensure you have set up the offline mode on your Windows 10/11.

Can you play Forge of Empires without spending money?

Yes, you can. Forge of Empires is a free-to-play game. While using premium currency (diamonds) can speed up your progress, it’s unnecessary. You can fully enjoy the game without spending a dime.

Can you still get Age of Empires on PC?

Yes, you can. Age of Empires, a game with a 20-year legacy, is available in its definitive form for Windows 10 PCs. It brings together all officially released content with modern gameplay and new visuals.

Can I play Age of Empires 4 on my phone?

Age of Empires is available on mobile, but it might not be easy to find. However, it might not be the fourth installment of the series.

Is Civilisation better than Age of Empires?

Both games have their unique qualities. Civilization is known for its in-depth empire management and strategic gameplay that can last hours. In contrast, Age of Empires is known for its rapid actions and shorter multiplayer games.

Is Age of Empire An MMO?

Yes, it is. Age of Empires Online is a massively multiplayer online real-time strategy game. It’s the online follow-up to the popular Age of Empires series, developed by Gas Powered Games and Microsoft Game Studios.

Conclusion

We’ve looked at the 15 best games, like Age of Empires, and it’s been a fun journey. From Age of Mythology to Total War: Warhammer II, plenty of excellent options exist for people looking for an enjoyable strategy game experience. Of course, the discussion would only be complete by mentioning the Age of Empires. It’s still one of the greatest real-time strategy franchises ever created. It continues to stand as an example for other titles in the genre. So, if you’re looking for a new game, any of these should satisfy your appetite! This list helps you find some excellent alternatives to Age of Empires (and its sequels). Thanks for reading, and happy gaming!