Since the first Age of Empires game released back in 1997, the game has been comfortably sitting on the throne when it comes to the Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games genre. The game covers the eras from the gritty Stone Age and Iron Age all the way to the ruthless age of colonialism in North and South America.

Age of Empires is one of the best real-time strategy games to be ever released. After not receiving any love from the developers for quite a while, a new version of Age of Empires was finally unveiled in 2017. After releasing some gameplay footage in 2019, Microsoft announced that the game will release in 2021. The latest Age of Empire game will cover four different historical ages:

While the age classification is the same as previous version of the games, the developers have ensured that the new game will start earlier and finish later than Age of Empires 2. To pass the time till this new game hits the market, check out the following excellent Age of Empires alternatives:

  • Age of Mythology
  • Sid Meier’s: Civilization VI
  • Starcraft 2
  • Rise of Nations
  • Command and Conquer: Tiberium Alliances
  • Empire Earth
  • Warcraft III – Reforged
  • Empire
  • The Settlers Online
  • Bad North
  • Stronghold Crusader
  • Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak
  • 0 A.D.
  • Tropico 6
  • Total War: WARHAMMER II

1. Age of Mythology

2. Sid Meier’s: Civilization VI

Availability: Battle.net (Free to try; $39.99)

Availability: Steam ($19.99)

6. Empire Earth

7. Warcraft III – Reforged

8. Empire

Developed by BlueBite, The Settlers is a free to play browser-based real-time strategy game which has a few in-game purchases. The Settlers Online introduces brand new additions and improvements to the genre.

When I saw the trailer for the Bad North for the first time, I was hyped. I mean the game looks drastically different from all the other strategy based games I have played and yet it’s still one of the best real-time strategy games that you can play. At first glance, the games cartoonish graphics and mellow music might fool you, but make no mistake, this is as brutal a game as they come.

Even though the game follows the same pattern of gameplay as the first Stronghold game, unlike its predecessor, Stronghold Crusader is set in the Middle East during the Crusades and features new Arabian units.

The game takes place long before the original Homeworld games, where you and your civilization is trying to survive in a harsh desert environment while fighting the technologically advanced religious fanatics. Being a prequel to the popular Homeworld games, it neither feels too different nor too overshadowed by the franchise.

0 A.D. lets the players build their base and train their army. The game also features other elements such as combat and technology research. It offers twelve different civilizations, each of the civilization is  represented at their best.

The game starts you back in the 20th century and you work your way to the modern era, all the while developing your island to make it stand against its enemies. What I love about Tropico 6 is that your problems are not just war but also politics and economics. That makes the game a little more nuanced and more fun to play. The game also brings a multiplayer mode which allows you to start building an island with your friends.

Each race has their own benefits and drawbacks and you will have to live with them once you choose one. The game features one of the biggest world maps that you can find in an RTS game with some of the best-looking aesthetics. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t play this game.

Q. What game is the most like Age of Empires?

Many games offer a similar RTS mechanics like the Age of Empire. But if you want to go by look and feel, I feel that the Age of Mythology is the most like Age of Empires.

There are several games like Age of Empires on mobile devices. If you have not tried any game, here are few you should download and play:

Q. Is Northgard like Age of Empires?

Northgard is similar to the Age of Empires but it has different game mechanics. First, it features a seasonal campaign. Second and more importantly, it cuts down on the RTS mechanics in favor of the modern definition of RTS. This decision makes the game more accessible. You can try it if you found AOE too involving.

Q. Is Age of Empires free?

No.

Every civilization in Age of Empires III has its pros and cons. My favorite civilization is the Ottoman because I find it to be the most balanced. That said, it depends on your playing style and strategy. That’s why you will find different players having different preferences.

All the games listed above are considered the best strategy games of all time. Each game offers a unique setting and/or gameplay elements, which makes it unique in its own right. These games have not only contributed to, but also helped revitalize, the Real-Time Strategy genre, which deserves much more love and attention from players. So, if you like Age of Empires, you are surely going to love these games.