Age of Empires (AoE) is a beloved classic in the world of real-time strategy (RTS) games. Since its launch, it has captivated players with its historical themes, tactical gameplay, and strategic depth. As the game evolved through multiple sequels and expansions, it continued to define the genre. However, many players are on the lookout for similar games that can offer a comparable experience. Whether you’re looking for games like Age of Empires for PC or Android, this article will guide you through some of the best options available today.
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Why Games Like Age of Empires Are So Popular
Age of Empires stands as one of the most influential RTS franchises of all time. Its appeal lies in the combination of real-time tactical combat, resource management, and historical accuracy. The game allows players to build empires, manage economies, and lead armies in a bid to conquer rival civilizations. Age of Empires offers both single-player campaigns and multiplayer modes, making it versatile for all types of gamers.
The game’s success has inspired many developers to create similar RTS games, offering everything from historical settings to fantasy worlds, medieval themes, and even modern-day combat. This article highlights some of the best alternatives that capture the essence of the Age of Empires.
Top PC Games Like Age of Empires
1. Empire Earth
Empire Earth is a direct competitor to games like Age of Empires, offering a deep and rich gameplay experience. The game spans 15 epochs, from the Prehistoric Age to the Nano Age, allowing players to witness and control the evolution of humanity. Like AoE, Empire Earth involves resource management, base building, and combat.
The game is known for its expansive campaigns, offering a mix of historical fiction and reality. Players can engage in different modes, including single-player, multiplayer, and skirmish modes, with a range of civilizations and technologies to unlock.
Key Features:
- 15 historical epochs to progress through.
- Ability to control units like infantry, artillery, and aircraft.
- Advanced diplomacy and strategy systems.
2. Rise of Nations
If you’re looking for a game that mixes the essence of Age of Empires with elements from turn-based strategy, then Rise of Nations is the game for you. This game takes players through history, starting from the Ancient Age and advancing into the Information Age. What makes Rise of Nations unique is its hybrid mechanics, combining RTS with aspects of territorial control and nation-building.
Key Features:
- Strategic map control, where borders and territories matter.
- Units and nations have unique abilities and advantages.
- A combination of strategic resource management and real-time combat.
3. Empire: Total War
For fans of the games like Age of Empires series who want to experience a more military-focused strategy, Empire: Total War is a fantastic option. Unlike AoE, which is centered around ancient to medieval civilizations, Empire: Total War delves into the Age of Enlightenment and features massive battles, political intrigue, and naval warfare. The game’s turn-based campaign system and real-time tactical battles set it apart from traditional RTS games.
Key Features:
- Large-scale land and naval battles.
- In-depth diplomacy system.
- Realistic 18th-century settings, including the Napoleonic Wars.
4. Stronghold Crusader
For players who enjoy the medieval setting of Age of Empires, Stronghold Crusader provides a similarly detailed experience. The game revolves around building a stronghold, managing resources, and defending your kingdom against enemy forces. It emphasizes the use of siege warfare, as well as managing the happiness of your people to ensure your economy remains strong.
Key Features:
- Focus on castle-building and siege tactics.
- Real-time combat with a strong emphasis on defense.
- Unique resource management based on medieval society.
5. Anno 1800
If you’re drawn to the industrialization aspects of the Age of Empires, Anno 1800 takes this concept to a new level. Set in the 19th century, this game combines city-building, exploration, and trade. It features both land and naval combat, and players can build sprawling cities, manage resources, and develop global trade networks.
Key Features:
- Rich city-building mechanics with a focus on trade and industry.
- Players can build and conquer both on land and the sea.
- A beautifully crafted historical setting with Industrial Revolution themes.
Top Android Games Like Age of Empires
While many RTS games are traditionally played on PCs, mobile games have made significant advancements in recent years. The following Android games offer a similar experience to Age of Empires, with their unique features.
1. DomiNations
DomiNations is a free-to-play mobile game that offers a highly enjoyable RTS experience. Players start in the Stone Age and gradually advance through various historical periods, much like the Age of Empires. The game features empire-building, resource management, and battle mechanics, with the addition of a variety of civilizations to choose from.
Key Features:
- Multistage gameplay with multiple eras to progress through.
- Engage in real-time multiplayer battles.
- Unique civilizations, each with their strengths and weaknesses.
2. Clash of Clans
Although it doesn’t have the same historical depth as Age of Empires, Clash of Clans is a highly popular mobile strategy game. The gameplay focuses on base building, resource collection, and clan warfare. Players must design their bases, train units, and raid other players’ bases to gather resources.
Key Features:
- PvP battles and clan-based warfare.
- A wide variety of troops, defenses, and spells to customize strategies.
- Multiplayer-focused gameplay.
3. Rise of Kingdoms
Rise of Kingdoms is an RTS game that mirrors many aspects of the Age of Empires. It features historical civilizations, including Rome, China, and Egypt, and players must build cities, gather resources, and conquer enemies. The game offers real-time tactical battles and a comprehensive battle system that mirrors AoE in many ways.
Key Features:
- Multiple civilizations to choose from.
- Real-time strategy with historical themes.
- Strategic battles with real-time combat and army control.
4. Lords Mobile
Lords Mobile is another excellent mobile RTS game where players build an empire, train an army, and fight against other players. Unlike Age of Empires, Lords Mobile features a fantasy setting, with heroes, mythical creatures, and magic. The game is centered around empire-building, resource management, and PvP combat.
Key Features:
- Fantasy setting with real-time combat.
- A large number of heroes and units to customize.
- Alliance-based gameplay for strategic alliances.
5. Age of Civilizations II
For those who enjoy the Age of Empires series and want to take their strategy to the global scale, Age of Civilizations II offers a more abstract but highly engaging RTS experience. It allows players to control entire civilizations, engage in diplomacy, and wage war across the globe, much like AoE’s empire-building mechanics, but with a focus on strategy rather than real-time combat.
Key Features:
- Focus on diplomacy, warfare, and global strategy.
- Turn-based gameplay with a geopolitical map.
- Engage in long-term empire management.
Conclusion: A New World of Strategy Awaits
Whether you’re looking for a classic PC experience or mobile strategy action, numerous games like Age of Empires offer exciting and immersive experiences. From empire-building to resource management and military combat, these games provide the strategic depth that Age of Empires fans love.
For PC players, titles like Empire Earth, Rise of Nations, and Stronghold Crusader capture the spirit of Age of Empires, while mobile players can dive into DomiNations, Rise of Kingdoms, and Clash of Clans for fun and engaging RTS action on the go.
Each game brings something unique to the table, but they all share one thing in common: the thrill of building an empire and leading it to glory.