War games

Heroes of History drops you into a world where time itself has apparently taken a coffee break, allowing figures from wildly different eras to casually coexist—and more importantly, fight under your command. One minute you’re recruiting Leonidas, the next you’re sending Joan of Arc to back up Napoleon in a siege. It’s chaotic, historically questionable, and honestly, a lot of fun.

At its core, the gameplay blends city-building with hero-driven strategy combat. You’ll construct your settlement from the ground up, managing resources like food, gold, and production materials while unlocking new buildings that expand your capabilities. But unlike standard empire builders, your progression is tightly linked to the heroes you collect. Each character isn’t just cosmetic—they fundamentally change how battles play out.

Combat is where the game starts flexing its muscles. Instead of mindless troop spam, you assemble squads led by historical figures, each with unique abilities inspired by their real-world legacy. For example, Alexander the Great excels in aggressive frontline pushes, boosting troop damage and momentum, while Cleopatra leans into support mechanics, enhancing resource efficiency and providing buffs that can swing prolonged engagements. Positioning, timing abilities, and team composition matter more than raw numbers.

There’s also a satisfying loop of upgrading heroes, unlocking skills, and experimenting with synergies. Pairing defensive-minded leaders like Sun Tzu with high-damage units creates a completely different playstyle compared to going full offense with figures like Genghis Khan.

While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, Heroes of History stands out by making its historical cast feel meaningful in gameplay—not just decorative portraits. It’s a strategy game where your roster genuinely shapes your tactics, and that makes every battle feel a bit more personal… even if history teachers everywhere are quietly screaming

➔ Main points:

• Hero-driven combat system: each historical figure brings unique battlefield abilities that directly impact strategy and outcomes
• Era-blending roster variety: command warriors, rulers, and tacticians from completely different time periods in one unified army
• Strategic squad composition: mixing heroes like Leonidas and Cleopatra creates drastically different combat dynamics
• City-building progression loop: expand your settlement to unlock stronger units, resources, and hero upgrades
• Skill-based battle timing: activating abilities at the right moment can completely turn the tide of combat
• Upgradeable hero specializations: customize playstyles through skill trees and stat enhancements

Ikariam is an animated, historically-themed 2D browser-game that features a rich strategy game experience involving resource management, multiplayer PVP and empire building. The game advances in real time and while progression is slow, the gameplay offers plenty of choices for the player when it comes to being the ruler of their township on an island that is ripe for any plans of expansion.

Graphically, Ikariam is pleasant to look at with good graphics and surprisingly has animated motions of villagers getting to work and constructing buildings or collecting resources. Unfortunately, the lack of in-game sounds and music may be an immersion buzzkill for some players.

Ultimately, Ikariam is a great strategy game that players can play for no cost, even in the presence of an advantageous cash shop.

➔ Main points:

• Rich gameplay that features plenty of content for empire building lovers
• Animated villagers and good graphics
• Slow character progression but well paced learning curve

Developed and published by Gameforge back in 2000, OGame is a web browser and text-based sci-fi war simulator and MMO that many consider to be the "lite" version of EVE Online.

With no visual animations and sounds, the game functions using only texts and graphics. At the beginning, players are thrown into the game and will own a single planet, and they will have to master the concept of resource management and empire building in order to progress and become a force in the galaxy. The game's learning curve is steep but there are plenty of tutorials and guides within and outside the game to assist players.

The main objective of OGame is to be the most dominant emperor in the galaxy with a strong space empire spanning multiple planets and a large armada of ships as an army. The game features exciting PVP with other real players and they have the option to form alliances with a group of players to strategically co-ordinate raids and defenses.

For a veteran browser game, OGame is still going strong as the community is still large and the game is regularly updated with more content expansions being released. There is a cash shop to buy premium currency but there isn't a dire need to get them.

Overall, OGame is a simple and strategic game that can offer space war fans with weeks of enjoyment, especially with friends.

➔ Main points:

• Text-based browser space MMORPG
• Addictive resource management
• Strategic empire building
• Exciting real time PVP warfare
• Form alliances to rule the galaxy together

Tentlan is a strategy real-time online game played in the times of the pre-Columbian Americas. Starting off with a small settlement in the heart of the rainforest, the players continuously increase their power and influence till they end up developing great empires.

➔ Main points:

• Take the place of a governor Ahau and develop your settlement to a great empire!
• Recruit the legendary Jaguar and Eagle warriors and lead them to the battle!
• Control the seasons through rituals and use their effects to your advantage!
• Study the stars and lead your civilization to discover the mysteries of the universe!

Dark Genesis is a free to play browser-based idle MMORPG which lets you collect popular demigods as heroes: if you've always wanted to see Loki, Shiva and Anubis battle side by side against hordes of enemies, then Dark Genesis is the game for you.

Its party battle system will let you unlock and collect a large variety of popular entities that span across different fantasy icons, cultural heroes and more: you'll form a party of these heroes and challenge opponents in PvE and PvP battles through a series of map stages.

Outside of battle mode, the sky castle map is your home base which unlocks new features as you level up, letting you get access to new buildings and infrastructures that will make you progress faster-

As an added bonus, there's a charm to the game with its decent graphics and easy accessibility

➔ Main points:

• Idle party-based MMORPG that's free to play
• Low system requirements and very accessible on browser
• Familiar popular heroes that do the battling for you
• Decent graphics that looks good on your phone too

Anocris is a real-time strategy game that takes you into the world of ancient Egypt. Here you will experience the heyday of this mysterious civilization and start your own Egyptian settlement. Will you be able to turn it into a mighty empire and take control over the Nile?

➔ Main points:

• Build the highest pyramids in the world, create your empire and take over the leadership on the Nile!
• Use the powers of Anubis and Ra, recruit your army and lead it to victory!
• Learn secret sciences and cross the threshold between this world and the afterworld!
• Cast spells on your cities and influence the course of history!

Rise of Kingdoms is a multiplayer online strategy game developed by Lilith Games.
It takes place in a fantasy world where players take on the role of a leader of a small city-state and must build, expand, and defend their kingdom against other players and AI-controlled enemies. The game has gained a lot of popularity since its release and has become one of the most-played strategy games, especially in the mobile gaming market.

One of the most notable features of Rise of Kingdoms is its impressive graphics and animations.
The game is visually stunning, with highly detailed and realistic character models and environments.
The game’s interface is also user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy for players to navigate through the game and access different features.

RoK offers a wide range of customization options, allowing players to personalize their cities and armies to suit their playstyle.
You can choose from a variety of different commanders, each with their unique abilities and specialties: these commanders can then be leveled up and equipped with different equipment to increase their effectiveness in battle, adding some interesting RPG elements to the otherwise well-known MMORTS mechanics.

There is of course an alliance system that allows you to team-up with other players, and work together to conquer other kingdoms and complete more difficult challenges. The alliance system also offers a range of benefits, including shared resources and reinforcements during battles.

While the game is free to play, players are encouraged to spend real money to purchase in-game resources and items. This can make the game feel somewhat pay-to-win, as players who spend more money on the game will have a significant advantage over those who do not.
Another potential issue with the game is its steep learning curve.
While the game is relatively easy to pick up, mastering its complex mechanics and strategies can take a significant amount of time and effort. This could be either a turn-on or a turn-off based on the type of player that you are.

Overall, Rise of Kingdoms is one of the best games of its kind, so if you like classical and casual MMORTS games like this, you'll love RoK too!

This free to play browser-based game allows you to create your very own empire, starting in the early Bronze Age and advancing towards the Industrial Age and beyond (if you can).

Forge of empires is not just a city building simulation; as your city expands you must fend off other players who attack mercilessly in an attempt to plunder your resources. Cunning, strategy and economic balance all come into play to make Forge of Empires a challenging and enjoyable game.

The free to play model works well here and it is completely possible to experience all features of the game without having to purchase "extras" in order to succeed. A real benefit with Forge of Empires is that game play is really easy-going and there are no lengthy downloads required to play, which is even more reason to give it a try!

➔ Main points:

• Completely free to play browser based strategy game.
• No download required to play, simply sign in via a webpage and away you go!
• Resources and experience are plentiful, making the cash shop almost unnecessary.
• Easy going and non-demanding game play.

World of Warships is a tactical naval war MMO game developed by Wargaming. The game can be downloaded for free and features a number of majestic vessels and warships from the navies of different World Powers.

As the game progresses players can buy new upgrades and improve their ships in order to cope with the ever increasing competitive nature of high sea battles. The realistic 3D graphics of World of Warships are another one of the game's numerous merits and help to make it a must-try experience for any RPG gamer. Even those who may not necessarily be fans of the genre.

➔ Main points:

• Naval battles simulator focusing on teamwork
• Good ship variety, with realistic vessels from different nations
• Great attention to details
• Fun gameplay

Guns of Glory: Lost Island is what happens when classic empire-building strategy decides it wants a pirate hat, a naval fleet, and a bit more swagger. At its core, the game sticks closely to the familiar formula: build your base, train your army, gather resources, and try not to get flattened by someone with more time (or money). But it layers in a surprisingly engaging maritime twist, turning what could have been yet another clone into something with a bit more personality.

You’ll start on a mysterious island, tasked with rebuilding your empire after a disastrous collapse. From there, it’s all about expansion—upgrading buildings, unlocking troops, researching technologies, and eventually setting sail to explore surrounding waters. The naval component is where the game tries to stand out: ships aren’t just decorative, they’re essential for exploration, combat, and resource gathering.

Visually, the game leans heavily into a stylized, slightly cartoonish aesthetic, with vibrant environments and exaggerated character designs. It’s polished, flashy, and clearly built to keep your attention locked in. The UI is smooth, though occasionally cluttered with the usual barrage of timers, icons, and “limited-time offers” that these games love.

Multiplayer is a major pillar, with alliances playing a huge role in both survival and success. Whether you’re coordinating attacks or defending against enemy players, there’s a constant sense of tension in the shared world.

While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, Guns of Glory: Lost Island succeeds by mixing familiar mechanics with enough fresh elements—especially its naval focus—to keep things interesting. Just be ready for the usual free-to-play caveats lurking beneath the surface.

➔ Main points:

• Naval warfare and exploration: Command ships across open waters, discovering islands and battling enemies for resources and dominance.
• Classic base-building loop: Construct and upgrade structures to strengthen your empire and unlock advanced technologies.
• Hero-driven combat system: Recruit and upgrade unique heroes who influence battles and provide strategic bonuses.
• Alliance-centric gameplay: Join forces with other players to coordinate attacks, defend territory, and dominate the map.
• Persistent online world: Real-time interactions with other players create constant opportunities—and threats.
• Event-driven progression: Frequent limited-time events offer rewards but demand consistent engagement.