In a world where power brings you success and riches, there’s only a tiny group of people who ever get to experience such a thing. Thankfully, the gaming world has given us plenty of opportunities to gain our own power, found our own kingdoms and lead them to success thanks to some of the best empire building games ever created. Whether that be raising our civilization out of the stone age and into the modern era to conquering the world with an army of Huns, there are endless possibilities and a whole host of great empire building games to satisfy your conquesting itch.
What are the Best Empire Building Games to play in 2023?
10) Hearts of Iron IV
Hearts of Iron IV allows you to take control of any nation that existed in 1936 as you prepare for the inevitable second world war that is just around the corner. Players must build up their equipment stocks, improve infrastructure, build facilities and factories for your war effort as well as researching new weapons, armor, planes, and ships. At its heart (no pun intended), Hearts of Iron IV is a complex strategy game that allows you to change the course of history and ensure that your country is victorious.
Whether you want to play as Germany, the Soviet Union, Great Britain or any number of smaller nations including Romania or Hungary, the choice is yours. If you’re looking for an empire building game that takes place in more modern times, Hearts of Iron IV is for you.
Release Date: 2016
Price: £34.99
Want to buy Hearts of Iron IV? Click Here.
9) Civilization VI
Civilization is considered one of the best strategy franchises on PC and Civilization 6 takes the series to new heights improving on what was already a well-executed formula.
Rather than being an RTS, Civilization VI is a turn-based strategy game and allows you to choose from a number of different factions and cultures to begin your conquest with. As the ruler of your civilization, you must lead them from the start of human history into the space age. There are numerous ways to win the game, whether that be a technological, economic or diplomatic victory. Or you can conquer the world the good old fashion way by waging war.
Release Date: 2016
Price: £49.99
Want to buy Civilization VI? Click Here.
8) Songs of Syx
Set in a low-fantasy universe, Songs of Syx is a city-builder at heart which tasks players with growing their kingdom from a small colony to a metropolis and an empire. At the start of the game, players begin building their capital however, to support its continued growth and the evolution of your kingdom, you’ll need to expand. Whether that is forging alliances with the other kingdoms in the region to building and sustaining other settlements, Songs of Syx is a complex game that offers lots of replayability. Each of your citizens live their own lives and have their own personalities which you can explore. There’s also immigration, diplomacy, nobility, slavery, warfare, climate and weather to contend with. Songs of Syx really does offer a living and evolving world and while most of your time will be spent building your cities, you’ll always aware of the bigger picture. As easily as new kingdoms can form, they can just as easily collapse. With or without your intervention.
Release Date: 2020
Price: £19.49
Want to buy Songs of Syx? Click Here.
7) Victoria 3
Victoria 3 is one of the most complex empire building games you can play. Set throughout the 19th and 20th century, you can choose from dozens of nations from around the entire world to lead them through the industrial revolution and beyond. From managing your economy, development and growth to negotiating trade and treaties with other nations, Victoria 3 presents rulers with a range of options to evolve their nation and grow an empire to dominate the world. Not only that, but the Victoria 3 is famed for its society simulator which provides deep and detailed population mechanics which add another layer of depth to the game. The economic system is arguably just as deep with rulers having to exploit their natural resources, build factories and meet the economic needs and desires of their population in an ever-changing world. Will you change the course of history?
Release Date: 2022
Price: £41.99
Want to buy Victoria 3? Click Here.
6) Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is the long-awaited sequel to Warband and has been well received by fans of the franchise since its full release. The Mount & Blade series is popular for its empire building mechanics and real-time combat and Bannerlord improves and builds upon these features further by allowing players to create their very own medieval kingdom. In Bannerlord, players play as one single character in a vast sandbox world. From here, it is up to players to forge their own destiny, whether that be living life as a mercenary for hire, trying to become a vassal of a powerful lord or, if you so desire, forming your own kingdom by conquering land and building up your empire. Featuring more in-depth sieges, improved economic features, crafting and character management, Bannerlord is sure to be one of the best empire building games for a long time to come.
Release Date: March 2020
Price: N/A
Want to buy Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord? Click Here.
5) Stellaris
If you’re in the mood for conquering space and pitting your civilization against a host of different human and alien factions in one huge universe, then Stellaris is the game for you. Stellaris is one of the largest space strategy sandbox games that has been made and discovering new galaxies and civilizations forms a key aspect of Stellaris. Once discovered, it’s up to you to decide though how you handle the new species and factions you’ve come across. Players must grow their civilization both from within and in the outer reaches of the galaxy. Construct ships, build space stations, research new technology and control your population as you see fit. Will your empire be one of co-operation and freedom or will you opt to be an oppressive and brutal ruler who only cares about advancing their own empire? The choice truly is yours.
Release Date: 2016
Price: £34.99
Want to buy Stellaris? Click Here.
5) Imperator: Rome
Imperator: Rome is the latest game by Paradox Interactive who is known for creating some of the best empire building games currently available. In the game, you take control of a nation in the years following the collapse of Alexander the Great’s empire. From your small roots, you must expand and conquer as you build an empire strong enough to survive centuries of warfare and turmoil. Not only is Imperator: Rome a perfect example of a map-painter if ever there was one, but there’s also a lot to do when you’re not busy conquering your neighbours. The game has taken aspects from all of Paradox’s most popular games and while that has created a game that includes managing characters, populations as well as having an in-depth trading and resource management system, it has left Imperator: Rome feeling like it’s a jack of all trades but master of none. Still, don’t be put off by the reviews on Steam as there’s an enjoyable empire building game here and Paradox are already addressing fans concerns with the game.
Release Date: 2019
Price: £34.99
Want to buy Imperator: Rome? Click Here.
4) Total War: Attila
To be honest, any Total War game could have featured in this list although then it would have been a Total War list rather than giving other games a chance to shine. While no longer the latest entry in the Total War series, Attila arguably offers for the most variation when it comes to how you build and manage your empire. For those who are looking for stunning graphics and huge battles, Attila will quench your thirst for power and blood. Allowing players to conquer land and increase the power of their faction, Total War: Attila is one of the best empire building games money can buy.
Taking place during the collapse of the Roman Empire, Total War: Attila allows you to take control of a number of factions including the Western or Easter Roman Empires as well as the Huns themselves. You must guide your civilization through one of the most turbulent periods of human history in a battle for survival. No longer is your goal to conquer the world. Instead, it is a case of survival of the fittest. The weakest fall while the strong get stronger.
Attila introduces a whole range of new features including the option to become nomadic and travel across Europe, wreaking havoc as you go without a permanent home. Equally, your only means of survival may be to abandon your settlements and resettle in an entirely new part of Europe as you battle against the elements and other factions.
Release Date: 2015
Price: £29.99
Want to buy Total War: Attila? Click Here.
3) Total War: Three Kingdoms
Total War: Three Kingdoms is arguably one of the best games released in the Total War franchise to date. A big part of that is due to the game’s complexity and depth away from the battlefield which makes you really feel like your trying to build a thriving empire as you attempt to become the dominant force in 190CE China. The real-time strategy combat in Three Kingdoms is exactly what we’ve come to expect but it’s more fun than ever to build up your settlements as you manage the needs of your empire, whether that be ensuring there is enough food being supplied to keeping your citizens happy and under control. You’ll have to manage all aspects of your empire, ranging from the loyalty and satisfaction of your generals and government ministers to creating a strong and robust economy. Diplomacy and trade are also crucial elements and all help to create the feeling of being a true emperor.
Release Date: 2019
Price: £34.99
Want to buy Total War: Three Kingdoms? Click Here.
2) Crusader Kings III
Crusader Kings III combines RPG elements and RTS to provide a truly unique experience that makes it one of the best empire building games around. The game plays very similar to Europa Universalis IV, except in Crusader Kings III you must create your own character and attempt to make your dynasty as powerful and successful as possible.
If you have an interest in playing as a medieval lord or noble and gaining power and riches from your enemies while creating a dynasty which your heir will inherit, Crusader Kings III will be right up your street. Crusader Kings III also includes online competitive multiplayer where you can face off against 32 other players to establish your dominance across Europe and its borders.
Release Date: 2020
Price: £41.99
Want to buy Crusader Kings II? Click Here.
1) Europa Universalis IV
You can choose to take control of one of the hundreds of empires available to you as well as having the option to create your own country and empire from scratch using the nation editor which came as part of the El Dorado expansion. The game starts in 1444 and plays out over the course of just under 500 years, although with basic modding these can be changed. Europa Universalis IV has it all from exploration, trade, diplomacy, and warfare to managing your own affairs within your country, improving the buildings in your regions and raising your armies.
Release Date: 2013
Price: £34.99
Want to buy Europa Universalis IV? Click Here.
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