When it comes to strategy games, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West is a true classic. Developed by Microsoft in 1999, the game is set in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East during the Middle Ages. You take on the role of a ruler of the great intercontinental empires of the world, dominating the battlefields and managing your resources to gain the upper hand. With its impressive visuals, expansive campaigns, and intricate gameplay, it’s no wonder Age of Empires II has remained one of the most beloved real-time strategy games of all time.
If you’re looking for games like Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West that offer a similar experience, you’re in luck. Here are ten great alternatives to get your strategy-loving heart racing.
1. Stronghold Crusader II
Stronghold Crusader II is a real-time strategy game by FireFly Studios that takes place in the Middle East during the Middle Ages. You take on the role of a leader of a castle-building faction and lead them in a battle for control of the entire Middle East. Stronghold Crusader II offers an impressive amount of depth and complexity, as well as a variety of unique buildings and military units. The game also features a multiplayer mode, where you can team up with other players to conquer the world.
Similarities to Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West: Stronghold Crusader II has a similar medieval setting and game mechanics to Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West, with a focus on constructing buildings, managing resources, and leading an army of troops in battle.
Differences from Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West: Stronghold Crusader II’s multiplayer mode sets it apart from Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West, as it allows players to team up with others for epic real-time strategy battles.
2. Total War Three Kingdoms
Total War Three Kingdoms is a turn-based strategy game from Creative Assembly that takes place during the era of three warring kingdoms in ancient China. You take on the role of a warlord trying to unite the kingdoms and rule them, while also dealing with political intrigues and civil wars. The game is characterized by its tactical battles, its blend of realistic and mythical elements, and its expansive campaigns.
Similarities to Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West: Total War Three Kingdoms also has an expansive campaign mode and a focus on constructing buildings, managing resources, and leading troops into battle.
Differences from Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West: While Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West is set in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East during the Middle Ages, Total War Three Kingdoms is set in China during the Three Kingdoms period, giving it a unique twist on the formula.
3. Crusader Kings III
From developer Paradox, Crusader Kings III is a grand strategy game set in the Middle Ages in which you take on the role of a medieval ruler and must manage your kingdom and dynasty. You must deal with political and religious rivalries, deal with wars and battles, and build a dynasty that will last for centuries. The game also includes a map generator, so you can create and explore your own unique kingdom.
Similarities to Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West: Like Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West, Crusader Kings III is set in the Middle Ages and has a focus on constructing buildings, managing resources, and leading an army of troops into battle.
Differences from Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West: Crusader Kings III takes a more abstract approach to strategy, with a focus on managing a kingdom and dynasty instead of leading troops into battle.
4. Starcraft II
Starcraft II is a real-time strategy game from Blizzard Entertainment that takes place in a distant future where you take on the role of a commander of a powerful empire. You must compete against rival interstellar empires in a war for supremacy, managing your resources and leading your troops into battle. The game is characterized by its fast-paced action, its expansive campaigns, and its detailed strategic gameplay.
Similarities to Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West: Like Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West, Starcraft II has a focus on constructing buildings, managing resources, and leading an army of troops into battle.
Differences from Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West: While Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West is set in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East during the Middle Ages, Starcraft II is set in a distant future, giving it a science fiction twist.
5. Rise of Nations
Rise of Nations is a real-time strategy game by Big Huge Games that takes place throughout world history. You take on the role of a nation’s leader, managing its economy, waging wars, and managing its resources in order to build an empire that will last for centuries. The game is characterized by its wide range of nations, its multiple victory types, and its variety of play styles.
Similarities to Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West: Rise of Nations has a similar focus on constructing buildings, managing resources, and leading an army of troops into battle as Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West.
Differences from Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West: While Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West is set in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East during the Middle Ages, Rise of Nations takes place throughout world history, giving it a much bigger scope.
6. Total War: Warhammer
Total War: Warhammer is a turn-based strategy game by Creative Assembly that takes place in the fantasy world of the Warhammer universe. You take on the role of one of the Warhammer factions and must lead your armies in a grand campaign to conquer the Old World. The game is characterized by its expansive campaigns, its tactical battles, and its rich universe.
Similarities to Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West: Total War: Warhammer has a similar focus on constructing buildings, managing resources, and leading an army of troops into battle as Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West.
Differences from Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West: While Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West is set in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East during the Middle Ages, Total War: Warhammer is set in a fantasy world, giving it a decidedly different feel.
7. Age of Mythology
Age of Mythology is an offshoot of the Age of Empires series from developer Ensemble Studios. It takes place in a mythical world populated by gods, monsters, and legendary heroes. You take on the role of a leader of one of the mythical civilizations and must lead your people to glory. The game is characterized by its mythological setting, its variety of unique units and buildings, and its strategic gameplay.
Similarities to Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West: Age of Mythology has a similar focus on constructing buildings, managing resources, and leading an army of troops into battle as Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West.
Differences from Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West: While Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West is set in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East during the Middle Ages, Age of Mythology is set in a mythical world, giving it a more fantastical twist.
8. Anno 1800
Anno 1800 is a city-building game by Blue Byte that takes place in the 19th century. You take on the role of a leader of a city that is looking to expand and rise to power, managing resources and constructing buildings, while also dealing with moral and political dilemmas. The game is characterized by its detailed city-building, its expansive campaigns, and its variety of challenging scenarios.
Similarities to Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West: Anno 1800 has a similar focus on constructing buildings, managing resources, and leading an army of troops into battle as Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West.
Differences from Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West: While Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West is set in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East during the Middle Ages, Anno 1800 is set in the 19th century, giving it a much more modern twist.
9. SpellForce III
SpellForce III is a real-time strategy game by Grimlore Games that takes place in the fantasy world of Eo. You take on the role of a commander of a powerful army and must lead your troops in battles against powerful enemies. The game is characterized by its blend of role-playing and real-time strategy elements, its dynamic campaigns, and its big battles.
Similarities to Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West: SpellForce III has a similar focus on constructing buildings, managing resources, and leading an army of troops into battle as Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West.
Differences from Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West: While Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West is set in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East during the Middle Ages, SpellForce III is set in a fantasy world, giving it a decidedly different feel.
10. The Settlers
The Settlers is a city-building game by Blue Byte that takes place in the Middle Ages. You take on the role of a leader of a settlement and must build and manage your city, while also dealing with various events. The game is characterized by its detailed city-building, its expansive campaigns, and its challenging scenarios.
Similarities to Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West: The Settlers has a similar focus on constructing buildings, managing resources, and leading an army of troops into battle as Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West.
Differences from Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West: While Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West is set in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East during the Middle Ages, The Settlers is set in the Middle Ages, giving it a more historical twist.
Conclusion
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Lords of the West is an all-time classic, and for good reason. But if you’re looking for more games like it, then you won’t be disappointed. From grand strategy games like Crusader Kings III to real-time strategy games like Total War: Warhammer, there are plenty of great alternatives to choose from. Which one will you choose?