Simulation games allow players to experience real-life activities from the comfort of their own homes, but these experiences don't always need to be set in the modern world. The Middle Ages, for example, is a popular setting for video games in general, and medieval sim games are more capable of presenting the full breadth of the period outside of combat.

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Whether it’s Assassin's Creed: Valhalla, For Honor, Crusader Kings 3, or more, fans have a lot of choices when it comes to medieval fantasy games.

The best medieval simulation games are immersive, full of choice, but most importantly still fun, even sometimes at the cost of historical accuracy. Below, players will find a wide variety of medieval sim titles, from battle simulators to farming simulators, and everything in between.

6 Kingdoms And Castles

Metascore: 71

Kingdoms and Castles is a cozy medieval city-building sim that serves as a welcoming introduction to the genre. While there isn't too much depth to the game, everything that has been presented has been done to a high level. Keeping the citizens productive and happy at the same time is one of the more amusing aspects of the game and this can be achieved with churches, taverns, and festivals.

On top of coming up with the best layout for their city and managing their population, players must also deal with outside threats such as raiding Vikings, fire-breathing dragons, and even the bitterness of a cold winter.

5 Medieval Dynasty

Metascore: 73

While most simulation games often take on a top-down perspective, Medieval Dynasty puts players into the thick of the action with either a first or third-person camera. At first, the experience is that of a survival game but it soon transitions into a building and management game. The aim of the game is to found a new village, and, over time, develop it into a thriving hub of agriculture and commerce.

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Around the map, players can find NPCs whom they can recruit to their village to hunt, work the land, and tend to the livestock. This is where the simulation really comes into play, as a well-managed village can quickly become self-sufficient. For example, after traveling, players can expect to return to a new harvest and all the resources required for medieval life.

4 The Sims Medieval

Metascore: 77

• Platforms: PC, iOS
• Released: March 22, 2011
• Developer: Electronic Arts

The Sims franchise is arguably the most well-known when it comes to simulation games, and unbeknownst to many, there is actually a Sims game set in the Middle Ages, The Sims Medieval. In this whimsical spin on the era, players create Hero Sims who are sent out to complete quests, which, if successful, will bolster the reputation of the kingdom amongst other more materialistic rewards.

While players don't have as much freedom as other Sims games allow them, there is still the ability to build, but instead of modern houses, players can create the castles of their dreams.

3 Total War: Medieval 2

Metascore: 88

When it comes to battle simulation games, the Total War series reigns supreme, and despite its age, Total War: Medieval 2 remains great. With the ability to play out iconic battles from the Middle Ages, such as the Battle of Agincourt, and access to a wide variety of units, players can get fully immersed in the action.

With battles happening in real-time, players must think on their feet and organize their troops efficiently. While the graphics are certainly outdated and may put some players off, the core gameplay and strategy are as good as any other titles in the series. In the campaign mode, other aspects of the medieval world are simulated, and players must manage their economy and train forces for their state.

2 Going Medieval

Steam User Rating: 89%

Going Medieval is a colony-building simulation game, set in an alternative 14th-century medieval world where 95% of the population has been wiped out by a deadly plague even worse than the Black Death. Starting out once more from nothing, players must overcome the difficulties faced by humanity and rebuild.

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Players are entirely responsible for their people and must manage and assign, all on top of shaping the terrain and building their settlements or castles. As the game is still in the early access stages of development, players can expect regular updates and new features to shake up the experience.

1 Crusader Kings 3

Metascore: 91

When it comes to medieval simulation games, there is no better option than Crusader Kings 3, a grand strategy masterpiece that sees players take on the role of medieval rulers, with the aim of forging a lasting legacy for the entire dynasty. Starting out in either 867 or 1066, players have control of just one character at a time, while the world simulates around them, creating an alternative medieval history.

With a large emphasis on roleplay compared to other strategy games, players must adhere to their character's unique personality traits and manage stress levels, all while trying to arrange marriages, control vassals, and conquer land.

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