Game of Thrones has captivated millions of viewers with its enchanting environments, memorable characters, and enriching lore which balances history, mythology, and fantasy. Indeed, much of GoT's charm can be traced to the show drawing from real events and societal traits in Medieval history for its intrigue.
Similar characteristics can be found in a number of standout videogames, especially those of the RPG, action, and RTS variety.
So let's go on a historical mythological journey as we take a look at 10 games to check out if you enjoy the satisfying blend of Medieval history and fantasy that Game of Thrones captures so well.
10 Vikings: Wolves Of Midgard
Can't get enough of the awesome Ironborne lore in GoT? If so, you'd probably get a kick out of this Viking-themed dungeon crawler - considering these seafaring worshipers of the Drowned God are loosely based on Viking culture. The clans aren't just "Ironborn" in style, the environments are quite reminiscent of Winterfell and the surrounding hostile northern regions of Westeros, with their dark, desolate, and snowy atmosphere.
In Wolves of Midgard, you play as a badass Viking chieftain as he traverses ancient tombs and icy caverns, all while leading his clans to victory against an array of opposing forces. There are a number of customizable and upgradable options, cool spells, and exciting boss fights that culminate in an enjoyable tactical adventure.
9 Darkest Dungeon
It's tough to have Medieval themes without featuring its prominent darker elements, including dark and ominous dungeons. As you imagine, this is the primary theme that encompasses this styling role-playing romp.
This game utilizes a combination of satisfying turn-based combat and tactical gameplay strengthened by a wealth of elements, all of which keeps you captivated throughout. The dark cartoony, comic-esque visuals work well with the game's dark Medieval lore, which showcases a number of memorable characters and creepy monsters, all of which look like they've come from north of the Wall. Now we just need a dungeon crawler set in the crypts of Winterfell or the massive dungeons of King's Landing.
8 Medieval II Total War
As fans of Game of Thrones are well aware, there's quite a bit of warfare in the show, as rival factions and families duke it out for Seven Kingdoms supremacy.
While the game in question here is a bit of a step down from the likes of Rome: Total War, this game's complex tactical gameplay coupled with a rich Medieval atmosphere/themes make it a worthy entry, especially for RTS fans.
As this game is set in Britain during the Middle Ages and features classic elements like castle sieges, territorial conquests, armored knights, horses, and ballistas, this is about as "Medieval" as it gets. The sheer quantity of soldiers on-screen that fight in real-time in these vast battlefields provides a truly exciting and engaging RTS.
7 Dark Souls
There are a number of attributes this grueling dungeon crawler shares with the likes of Game of Thrones. Mythological lore involving a race of dragons that once dominated the lands? Check. Prominent Medieval themes, environments, armor, and weapons? Check. Dark tones and an abundance of death? Check that one too!
While Dark Souls isn't "in your face" with its narrative, it relies on atmosphere, personal experience, and dialogue bits from its few NPCs to paint its narrative. The game's emphasis on gritty, close-range combat with a smidgen of magical abilities is also very Thrones-esque. This is one game that can keep you invested for several weeks - and it won't just be because of the inevitable frequency of your deaths...
6 Assassin's Creed
By now, the massive Assassin's Creed franchise has covered just about every historical theme from ancient Greece to revolutionary America. Yet, over a decade ago, this series got its start as a more typical - but equally captivating - Medieval tale, which touched on neat themes including a secret order of Assassins, a grand conspiracy by the Templars, and even a dash of sci-fi.
The game takes place in the turbulent and perilous setting of the Third Crusade in 1191, which, as you'd imagine, sets the stages for some exhilarating cinematic moments and exciting combat. Much like GoT, Assassin's Creed does a fine job of capturing the dangerous and cut-throat nature of Middle Age society and politics.
5 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
By now, most gamers even mildly interested in epic RPGs know the drill when it comes to Skyrim - dragons, swordsmen laced in thick armor, diverse, expansive settings, and endless civil war between rival factions.
While Skyrim certainly leans more in the direction of "fantasy" vs straight-up Middle Age simulation, it still adheres to Medieval themes. It achieves this with a gritty sense of realism not unlike GoT, thanks to some sleek graphics, realistic combat, and a more immersive first-person perspective, making you feel like you're actually roaming the hostile lands of Tamriel. Much like Thrones - at least the first 5 or 6 seasons - the game hooks you with its thick fantastical atmosphere, awesome lore, and immense depth.
4 Dragon Age: Origins
Bioware's Dragon Age takes the rich fantasy vibes and complexities of Skyrim and carries them in their own direction. Rather than focusing on realism and immersion, Bioware favors a more MMO-esque interface, which opens things up and allows for a sense of freedom and tactility. They utilize this style superbly with some responsible point-and-click mechanics in addition to the array of spells laid out on a simple hotbar.
The depth and versatility in Dragon Age is impressive, providing the foundation to a gripping adventure. The dark fantasy plot - strengthened by solid voice acting and cinematography - is no slouch either. It's far better than its more mediocre, cliched sequel, anyway...
3 Age Of Empires 2
This 20-year-old real-time-strategy epic, which was further spruced-up with a rerelease in 2013, is perhaps the pinnacle of RTS experiences; at least for those who favor a bit more depth than, say, Starcraft offers.
This PC real-time strategy game has an organic feel - not just with its outdoor environments and stripped-down Medieval architecture, but also with its unique sense of progression. The game takes a slower, methodical approach on this front, and demands various upgrades and research. Still, it's these elements that make Age of Empires 2 feel so rewarding, along with the wealth of fighters and fun siege weapons you can unleash on your rival kingdoms.
2 Kingdom Come: Deliverance
If you're looking for a game that portrays the history and culture of the Middle Ages about as authentically as possible while maintaining an epic aura, this WRPG is worth trying.
Kingdom Come is a monster of a realistic RPG, developed by the (then) relatively unknown Warhorse Studios. Despite some occasional blemishes and quirks, much care went into this virtual 1000-year-old journey of warring factions. This is true not only in terms of the content or craftsmanship, but the richness and accuracy of historical elements as well. Indeed, real Medieval historians, architects, artists, and cartographers were consulted to assist with this project.
This is reminiscent of George R. R. Martin's dedication to drawing from authentic Medieval lore, events, and culture, which were the bulk of Thrones' inspiration.
1 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Few modern RPGs manage to meld historical fiction and fantasy better than this Medieval-inspired odyssey from CD Projekt, The Witcher 3. This third iteration builds on the solid foundation of the first two and refines just about everything to perfection; from the gorgeous lavish settings to the memorable characters to the enjoyable battles.
While Continent is a fantasy world crawling with fictional beings like monsters, dwarves, and sorcerers, much of the game's backstory is inspired by real Eastern European mythology. Just like Thrones, this cinematic experience is also based on an epic novel of historical fiction, written by Andrzej Sapkowski. The book isn't just an adventure dealing with political strife; it even contains similar themes by playing with the concept of moral ambiguity and antiheroes.