Summary
Alongside its dragons, cutthroat politics, and questionable sibling relationships,Game of Thrones’epic battlesand grand conquests form a key cornerstone of its identity, both in the books and on the screen.
While the intricacies of the franchise’s narrative andits complex charactersare what ultimately keep people coming back to it, some fans still can’t help but lose themselves in the sheer brutal chaos of its numerous wars. The strategy games below offer gamers the opportunity to step into the shoes of war-faring generals and monarchs, who are akin to the many iconic rulers ofGame of Thrones.
There’s no better place to start this list than the franchise’s foray into video games withA Game of Thrones: The Board Game. A digital adaptation of the board game of the same name,A Game of Thronesallows players to assume control of one of the franchise’s iconic houses as they employ a combination of diplomacy and warfare to claim the throne following King Robert Baratheon’s death.
With the quality ofGame of Thrones’attempts to expand into the video game medium being a mixed bag, this digital board game stands out as one of the few titles under the IP’s umbrella that is worth players' time.
Genre
Strategy, Tabletop
Upon first glance, the inclusion ofRootmay seem like a strange decision. Its cartoonish art style and cute animal characters seem entirely at odds with the identity ofGame of Thrones, but it’s the game’s faction mechanics that will likely appeal to fans of the series.
Another title based on a board game of the same name,Rootallows players to take control of oneof four factionsas they seek to control the woodlands. The squabbling faction set up ofRootcreates a lighthearted reflection ofGame of Thrones' warring houses that will likely scratch the strategy itch for fans of the latter.
Slavic Magic’sManor Lordsprovides players with a mechanically deep sandbox within which they can construct and manage theirown medieval towns. While the game still includes the ability for players to wage war and control troops, its emphasis on actually managing towns and cities allows players to explore other aspects of themedieval ruler fantasy.
Another key drawing point forManor Lordsis its impressive historical accuracy, with its visuals and gameplay mechanics being directly informed by 14th-century Franconia, which may act as a point of excitement or disappointment depending on a player’s need for dragons and ice zombies in their Middle Ages gameplay experience.
Any title from theAge of Empiresfranchise is capable of giving players that empire-ruling fantasy, but it’sAge of Empires 2: Definitive Editionthat stands out as one of, if notthebest. Combining RTS and town management mechanics, players advance their kingdoms and empires through the various stages of their chosen civilization, building themselves up from a few humble buildings to establishing full-blown cities.
Age of Empires 2: Definitive Editionupdates the original classic with all the bells and whistles expected of a remaster: QOL improvements, updated visuals, and a bundle of all the game’s DLC.
TaleWorlds’Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlordoffers up a unique blend of RPG and strategy mechanics. In the game, players can create their character, customizing not only their visuals but also their history, and take command of hundreds of troops.
Unlike other entries on this list, during battle the player is in the thick of it, manually participating in the fight while also barking orders to regiments of soldiers. It’s a fun and chaotic combination of traditional ARPG gameplay and some genuine strategic thinking, allowing gamers to step into the shoes of battlefield generals like Jon Snow.
TheTotal Warfranchise as a whole is a great recommendation for fans ofGame of Thrones,as the series’s empire-building and grand battles deliver equal parts meticulous management and epic spectacle.Total War: Three Kingdomsstands out among the rest, however, for its fleshed-out diplomacy system.
Each entry in the franchise allows players to interact with different factions through diplomacy, allowing them to establish trade deals or alliances.Three Kingdomsbeefed up this mechanic by granting players more options when it comes to these interactions, as well as its inclusion of a family tree feature that allows players to manage the familial relations of their chosen general.
Though clunky to play now, nineteen years after its initial release,Total War: Medieval 2is another game from the titular series thatGame of Thronesfans should check out. The game’s vanilla experience is enough to satisfy fans, what with its medieval setting being reminiscent ofGame of Thrones’own, but it’s the modding community around the game that makes it especially noteworthy.
Mods likeWesteros: Total WartransformMedieval 2into the “Total War: A Game of Thrones” that never was by implementing units and factions ripped straight from the fantasy series.
Despite all this talk of battles, it is, at the end of the day, the political game at the heart of George R. R. Martin’s series that makes it unique. The schemes and relationships between characters have always been just as entertaining to watch as the franchise’s duels and battles. Which is why Paradox’sCrusader Kings 3sits as the best recommendation forGame of Thronesfans.
Though following a similar medieval sandbox setup as other entries on this list,Crusader Kings 3sets itself apart by allowing the player to enact various political plots. Not only that, players take control of a whole bloodline, seeing their lineage through centuries, all the while continuing to expand their empire.
