Humankind has been extremely fixated on family genealogies and dynasties for centuries. From the various wars fought because of succession disputes in the past to modern society being obsessed with the British royal family, people have been interested in the powers associated with the ‘right’ name. Those who have power desire to continue wielding it, whilst those who don’t have it yet, seek to establish their own. Although most people may not be obsessed with establishing their dynasties and family legacies in real life, several video games allow players to roleplay and satisfy their desire to create a powerful clan or house.

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The idea of creating a virtual family that consists of the player's heirs is an alluring prospect that a lot of titles have played around with. While it's true that this mechanic isn't all that prevalent in the realm of gaming, it's only a matter of time before players can easily fulfill their wildest fantasies in this department as games become more and more complex. A lot of games have already toyed around with this concept, enjoying varying results.

Updated on January 30, 2024, by Rie Takumi: There's a certain appeal to games that allow players to build out family dynasties. Whether it's seeing a character age, pass on wealth and skills, or solve a problem the previous generation couldn't, long-term gambles bearing fruit are always satisfying to watch. There's a lot of variety in how games execute these concepts as well. Large-scale, political games like Crusader Kings 3 and Star Dynasties use the player's dynasty to maintain their empire. Games like The Sims 4 and WolfQuest play with genetics and extend the playability of one family line. Meanwhile, titles like Wildermyth follow the player character throughout their entire life cycle before passing on to the next generation.

18 Star Dynasties

Mostly Positive (329 Steam Reviews)

star dynast Cropped

Release Date

September 01, 2021

Developer

Pawley Games

How Long To Beat

Management

Platform(s)

Microsoft Windows

Fans of Dune are in luck. In Star Dynasties, players take control of the head of a feudal house within a politically divided galaxy after the destruction of Earth. Players must work with and compete with rival aristocratic families to ensure that their bloodline and faction become the dominant power in the galaxy.

Each campaign features a procedurally generated galaxy that differs each time and players must adapt to the traits of their generational offspring as time goes by. As the universe is trapped in a scientific dark age, technology remains stagnant and foreign. Factions will fight over ‘pre-collapse’ artifacts and knowledge to maintain superiority. If players enjoy a game that intermarries Stellaris and Crusader Kings with plenty of political intrigue and murder, then this might be the right game.

17 Saelig

Very Positive (675 Steam Reviews)

saelig

Release Date

June 30, 2017

Developer

Stardog Games

How Long To Beat

3.5 Hours

Platform(s)

Microsoft Windows

A game that plays like Banished but incorporates RPG, strategy, and business management elements, Saelig centers around a player’s character and family as they attempt to build a profitable and powerful family.

Similar to The Guild 2, players can opt to start in a quiet hamlet or large town. Each offers its distinct advantages and disadvantages and will determine what professions players are allowed to pursue. Though noted to be a little buggy and repetitive, Saelig still offers a charming simulation of establishing a powerful lineage in a medieval world.

16 The Guild 2

Metascore: 63

guild 2

Release Date

October 12, 2006

Developer

4HEAD Studios

How Long To Beat

7 Hours

Platform(s)

Microsoft Windows

In the quintessential medieval life sim, players get to go back in time to the 1400s and create their legacy. The Guild 2 features extensive character creation and allows players to select a wide array of professions, which can include being a priest, stonemason, or even a thief.

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Players will start families and watch their lineage and power grow in size and influence. As everything is in real time, players can wander the streets and notice various "everyday" happenings in this medieval sim. Perhaps a rival is attempting to set fire to a nearby church, or a player’s son is about to get executed for wooing the wrong lady. Though quite dated and having a sequel (Guild 3), Guild 2 remains the favorite among fans and should be experienced at least once.

15 Ancestors: Humankind Odyssey

Metascore: 64

Three monkeys looking into the distance in Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey
Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey

Platform(s)
PC
Released
August 27, 2020
Developer(s)
Panache Digital Games
Genre(s)
Adventure

Ancestors: Humankind Odyssey covers the span of a hominid clan's evolution from 10 million years ago to two million years ago. To make it to the end of the evolutionary line, players ensure their clan's survival by outpacing predators, discovering new food, locations, and tools, and developing their neural system.

The game has a steep learning curve because of its evolution system. For clans to move on to the next generation, players must unlock neurons or skills. Their clan can manifest these skills through reinforcement points, which are earned by having babies or finding meteorites.

Generational changes move the timeline forward. By moving on, clan members age, babies manifest genetic mutations, and neurons are reinforced.

14 Record of Agarest War

Metascore: 67

Records of Agarest War sample gameplay turn based tactical rpg family dynasty

Release Date

August 27, 2019

Developer

Panache Digital Games

How Long To Beat

20 Hours

Platform(s)

  • Microsoft Windows
  • PlayStation 4
  • Xbox One

Building a family dynasty is in the title for Record of Agarest War, at least in Europe. Also known as Agarest: Generations of War in Europe and on Steam, the tactical RPG covers five generations. Each generation has a male protagonist who must marry one of three female companions through the Soul Breed system.

Player characters from the resulting union inherit their parents' appearance and abilities. Weapon type, physical and magic skills, and base stats depend on player lineage. However, players can change their alignment from light, neutral, or dark in every generation for role-playing or dating sim purposes.

13 The Sims 4

Metascore: 70

The Sims 4 Salaryperson Career
The Sims 4

Platform(s)
PS4 , Xbox One , PC
Released
September 2, 2014
Genre(s)
Simulation
Developer(s)
Maxis

The Sims 4 is a game that needs no introduction, with the fame facing a pretty rocky launch before eventually getting its bearings together. Given the sheer number of expansion packs that have cropped up for this game over time, it's easy to see why The Sims 4 is now one of the most loaded and enjoyable life simulation games out there.

A big part of the gameplay loop in The Sims 4 is controlling households and either overseeing their rise to success or engineering their downfall if players wish to go down this dark route. Forming matrimonial bonds, giving birth to sons, and eventually moving on to let the new generation take over is a huge part of what makes The Sims 4 such a fun game.

12 Medieval Dynasty

Metascore: 73

villagers in Medieval Dynasty
Medieval Dynasty

Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
Released
December 17, 2020
Genre(s)
Open-World , Strategy
How Long To Beat
28 Hours

Medieval Dynasty marries survival crafting with town management and life simulation. Players take charge of pioneering a settlement by building what their town lacks through farming, hunting, foraging, and trading.

Making a home is also a priority, as finding a wife and having an heir is important if players want to continue playing the game. It's game over if a player passes away without having a child. Players can also get a game over if their dynasty reputation gets too low, as the village will kick them out.

Although it's possible to max out a village within a few days, Medieval Dynasty is geared towards long plays. Players can even create generations of a single-family line if they wish to.

11 Massive Chalice

Metascore: 73

Massive Chalice

Release Date

June 01, 2015

Developer

Double Fine Productions

How Long To Beat

16 Hours

Platform(s)

  • Microsoft Windows
  • Xbox One

Double Fine Productions has developed a wealth of massive games that are all engaging in their own right. Massive Chalice is one of their lesser-known projects. The game combines elements of kingdom management with turn-based tactical gameplay.

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While the mechanics of this game slowly lose their luster over time, Massive Chalice still makes for a unique experience that has decent lore and an engaging gameplay loop. It's a shame that the game can't support itself after a strong beginning, but there's still something engaging about relying on certain heroes and helping them marry other people to have children who will further their legacies.

10 Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord

Metascore: 77

battle in Mount & Blade II Bannerlord
Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord

Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
Released
October 25, 2022
Genre(s)
Action RPG , Strategy

Mount & Blade 2 was widely anticipated, with the game's perennial status in Early Access leading many to people feel that the game simply wouldn't be released in a finished state anytime soon. However, this was obviously the most negative thought that fans had, which made the launch of Bannerlord such a celebrated event.

The game serves as a perfect sequel in many ways. The open-ended gameplay and the deep sense of satisfaction from learning the game's mechanics make it a blast. The title can be a bit daunting to get into, but people who decide to check out Bannerlord and learn its systems will find one of the most rewarding role-playing games of all time.

9 Sunless Sea

Metascore: 81

sunless sea
Sunless Sea

Platform(s)
Nintendo Switch , PC , PlayStation 4 , Linux , iOS , Android , Xbox One
Released
February 6, 2015
Genre(s)
RPG , Adventure , Indie Games , Shooter
Developer
Failbetter Games

Sometimes, all games need is great writing and a compelling gameplay loop to keep fans hooked for the longest time. Such is the case with Sunless Sea, a title that lets players go on dangerous expeditions to different lands that are all pretty mysterious in their own right. The oppressive atmosphere and nerve-wracking gameplay go hand-in-hand to make for a truly unique and engaging experience.

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After successful adventures, players have the option of retiring a captain and letting their offspring take over the reins instead. It's a great and unique way to carve a legacy in this hostile world, although players should be warned that it's definitely not the most fleshed-out part of the game.

8 Kynseed

Metascore: 86

Screenshot from the game Kynseed
Kynseed

Platform(s)
PC
Released
November 8, 2018
Developer
PixelCount Studios
Genre(s)
Life Simulation , RPG

Fable is one of the greatest video games ever made, even if a lot of people were tired of Peter Molyneux. A lot of veterans from Lionhead Studios decided to make their vision a reality via the medium of indie gaming, leading to the development and release of Kynseed.

The game can be a bit frustrating, with the lack of some much-needed quality-of-life changes and some vague directions on fulfilling quests taking away from what could have been a great experience. The game starts off pretty slowly, but once players invest some hours into the game and get to know how things work, they'll have a great time messing around with Kynseed.

7 Wildermyth

Metascore: 86

A Wildermyth fighter, hunter, and 2 mystics on a hill facing a gorgon.
Wildermyth

Platform(s)
PC
Released
June 15, 2021
Genre(s)
RPG
Developer(s)
Worldwalker Games

Wildermyth is a great turn-based role-playing title that more people need to check out. At a glance, the cartoonish art style of the game might compel gamers to write this title off as nothing more than just another tactical RPG... but there's way more to Wildermyth than what meets the eye. A campaign spans multiple years, with characters growing old and eventually retiring as adventures before letting their children take up the mantle instead.

Aside from this, certain heroes in Wildermyth can be added as Legacy heroes, allowing them to gain power and be used in subsequent playthroughs too! This, coupled with the various ways characters can transform and evolve, makes this title a great one to check out for players who want to go through multiple epic campaigns while getting attached to their favorite heroes.

6 Niche - A Genetics Survival Game

Very Positive (3,930 Steam Reviews)

niche

Release Date

September 15, 2016

Developer

Team Niche

How Long To Beat

4 Hours

Platform(s)

  • Microsoft Windows
  • PlayStation 4

Taking the reigns in a different direction, Niche has players live out their inner Darwin by shaping their animal species in a game based on real genetic principles. Players must work hard to ensure their species' survival against would-be predators, climate change, and the plague!

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Taking inspiration from games such as Spore and Don’t Starve, players will have the opportunity to breed their creature using over 100 different genes in this turn-based strategy game. Fun for those who want to attempt to create the ‘perfect’ animal tribe using real science and attempt to have said tribe survive.

5 WolfQuest

Overwhelmingly Positive (6,197 Steam Reviews)

wolfquest Cropped

Release Date

November 17, 2015

Developer

Eduweb

How Long To Beat

5 Hours

Platform(s)

Microsoft Windows

Ever wanted to play as a wolf and raise wolf pups? Though not everyone’s cup of tea, WolfQuest offers players the experience of being a young gray wolf living in the northern range of Yellowstone National Park. As gray wolves, players must hunt, explore, mate, and raise their own families.

Once a litter is born, players must hunt, protect, play with, and guide their pups to adulthood whilst navigating a realistic ecological simulation of the park. The wilderness hosts many surprises, not all of them good as players must defend against rival wolf packs, predators, and other dangers.

4 BitLife

Play Store: 4.4 (1,173,953 Votes) | App Store: 4.8 (1,605,873 Reviews)

bitlife monk
BitLife

Platform(s)
Android , iOS
Released
September 30, 2018
Developer(s)
Groom Lake Development, LLC
Genre(s)
Strategy

BitLife has been around for years, but it's still going. Extensive choices, an easy-to-use interface, and simple but addictive gameplay helped it stick around. Player feedback and gaming innovations also made for great updates that kept BitLife relevant as a casual game.

It's also a game that allows players to create a family dynasty. Expanded family features let players plan out how big their family is and how their children are raised. Will and testaments, heirlooms, and family trees add realism and complexity to building a legacy.

3 Rogue Legacy 2

Metascore: 88

rogue legacy 2 funniest traits
Rogue Legacy 2

Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , PS5 , Switch , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
Released
April 28, 2022
Genre(s)
Roguelike , Metroidvania
Developer(s)
Cellar Door Games

Fight, die, and then fight again. In Rogue Legacy 2, players will explore 6 unique biomes in a classic platform rogue-lite fashion however every time a character dies; players will then continue as their children. Each generation allows players to select 1 of 3 kids, each being 1 of the 15 different classes with various additional talents and traits that will spice up gameplay or hinder it a little.

The choices of children are varied which means that players will be able to find the fighting style that resonates with them the most. Moreover, fans of the game agree that the story elements in the game are fantastic as each memory or journal entry shines more light on the kingdom’s history and characters. Though not a typical family legacy game, Rogue Legacy 2 offers players a chance to follow the story of the most determined family of dungeon crawlers.

2 Crusader Kings 3

Metascore: 91

A General leading an army in Crusader Kings 3
Crusader Kings 3

Platform(s)
PS5 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PC
Released
September 1, 2020
Developer(s)
Paradox Interactive
Genre(s)
RPG , Grand Strategy

Following its predecessor, Crusader Kings 3 attempts to give players an unrivaled medieval role-playing experience. Stepping in as a count, duke, king, or emperor, players must guide their family and rewrite the course of history by establishing their house as the most powerful in all the land.

With multiple cultures, religions, and traits for each character to follow and have, the game offers multiple pathways to accumulating more power. Players can use diplomacy and intermarry into powerful clans, wage warfare, establish new religions, or backstab and murder their way to get the throne, and that’s just scratching the surface. The game also introduces mods that allow players to journey into different eras, such as Feudal Japan, the Bronze Age, and even Middle Earth for alternative experiences.

1 Fire Emblem: Awakening

Metascore: 92

Chrom and Lissa staring at the Avatar on the ground during the prologue of Fire Emblem Awakening
Fire Emblem: Awakening

Platform(s)
3DS
Released
February 4, 2013
Developer(s)
Intelligent Systems , Nintendo SPD
Genre(s)
JRPG , Strategy

Known as the game that reawakened interest in the Fire Emblem series, Fire Emblem: Awakening is perhaps one of the more accessible games in the franchise. This is due to players being able to turn off permadeath and it having captivating characters and well-written relationship dynamics.

When characters are paired up and have their relationship reach the S rank, they will marry if they can do so. However, it should be noted that this can only be achieved if the partners are of the opposite gender and that only certain mothers can have offspring. Although the children are predetermined and aren’t randomized, the different combinations of classes depending on the parent coupling is an interesting and fun element.

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