26 Best Games Like Age of Mythology But For PC (Microsoft Windows)
If you're searching for games like Age of Mythology, you're likely craving that perfect blend of real-time strategy gameplay, mythological themes, and base-building mechanics that made the original so captivating. Whether you're drawn to the strategic depth of managing resources and armies, the excitement of invoking divine powers, or the satisfaction of building civilizations from the ground up, there's a wealth of alternatives waiting to be discovered.
The RTS genre offers countless experiences that capture different aspects of what makes this type of gameplay so engaging. From historical strategy games to fantasy warfare, from base defense challenges to epic civilization-building campaigns.
Players love Age of Mythology for its satisfying loop of growing a small settlement into a mighty empire, a core appeal it shares with modern colony and management simulation games.
This curated list features titles that share core elements like resource management, tactical combat, hero units, and progression systems, ensuring you'll find your next strategic obsession.Looking for something specific?
26 Games Like Age of Mythology But For PC (Microsoft Windows)
1. Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos
Warcraft 3 is arguably the closest spiritual successor to Age of Mythology, featuring the same core developer (Ensemble Studios' influence on the genre) and nearly identical gameplay structure. Like Age of Mythology, it emphasizes hero units with special abilities, smaller army sizes focused on unit quality over quantity, and a strong campaign narrative with RPG elements.
The game's fantasy setting mirrors the mythological theme perfectly, with each faction drawing from distinct fantasy archetypes (Orcs, Humans, Undead, Night Elves) much like the Greek, Egyptian, and Norse civilizations. The creeping mechanic (fighting neutral monsters for experience and items) directly parallels fighting myth units, and the upkeep system encourages the same tactical, quality-focused army composition that Age of Mythology pioneered.
The hero leveling system, powerful ultimate abilities, and relics/items create that same feeling of divine intervention and growing power that god powers provided. With excellent custom game support and a thriving modding community, Warcraft 3 offers endless replayability.
2. Age of Empires III
Age of Empires 3 comes from the same developer as Age of Mythology and shares its core DNA. The Home City shipment system directly evolved from Age of Mythology's god power concept, allowing players to call in reinforcements and bonuses during matches. This creates similar moments of strategic timing and tactical advantages.
While set in a historical colonial era rather than mythology, the game maintains the same civilization variety, age advancement system, and hero units (Explorers with special abilities). The gameplay pace, resource gathering mechanics, and base-building structure will feel immediately familiar to Age of Mythology veterans.
The card deck customization system provides the same type of strategic pre-game planning that choosing gods and god powers offered, allowing you to tailor your strategy before the match begins.
3. Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends
Rise of Legends is the fantasy-themed sequel to Rise of Nations and captures the mythological atmosphere better than almost any other RTS. With three factions based on different fantasy/sci-fi archetypes (Vinci's steampunk, Alin's Arabian Nights mythology, Cuotl's Aztec-inspired magic), it offers the same sense of diverse civilizations with unique units.
The game features powerful hero units, massive mythical creatures, and special abilities that mirror god powers. The territory control system and resource management provide deep strategic gameplay, while the campaign offers an engaging narrative with RPG-style progression between missions.
Its spectacular visual design and emphasis on fantastical units over historical realism make it a perfect match for players who loved the mythological spectacle of Age of Mythology.
4. Age of Empires IV
Age of Empires 4 represents the modern evolution of the franchise, bringing updated graphics, refined mechanics, and contemporary RTS design while maintaining the classic formula. Though historically focused rather than mythological, it perfects the age advancement system, civilization bonuses, and resource management that Age of Mythology built upon.
The game's diverse civilizations play more distinctly than in previous Age of Empires titles, with unique units, buildings, and mechanics that recall how dramatically different the Greek, Egyptian, and Norse factions felt. The strategic depth, competitive multiplayer scene, and regular updates make it the premier modern RTS experience.
For players seeking the refined gameplay and tactical combat of Age of Mythology with modern production values, Age of Empires 4 delivers in every aspect except the mythological setting.
5. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty
StarCraft 2 represents the pinnacle of competitive RTS gameplay, offering three radically different factions (Terran, Protoss, Zerg) that feel as distinct as Age of Mythology's civilizations. The science fiction setting provides a different flavor, but the core gameplay loop of base building, resource gathering, and tactical army composition remains familiar.
The game features hero units in campaign mode, special abilities that require careful timing (similar to god powers), and an emphasis on micro-management and tactical positioning. The campaign offers RPG-style progression between missions, allowing you to upgrade units and unlock new abilities.
With a thriving esports scene, co-op missions, and free-to-play multiplayer, StarCraft 2 provides enormous depth and longevity for strategy enthusiasts.
6. Godsworn
Godsworn directly channels Age of Mythology's spirit with its focus on mythological warfare between different pantheons. The game features medieval European and Viking settings with heavy emphasis on divine intervention, hero units, and mythical creatures.
Players can invoke god powers, summon legendary units, and build armies that blend historical soldiers with mythological beasts. The tactical combat system emphasizes positioning and ability usage, while the base-building elements provide familiar strategic depth.
As a modern indie title specifically inspired by Age of Mythology, it offers a fresh take on mythological RTS gameplay with contemporary design sensibilities and active development.
7. The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II
Battle for Middle Earth 2 perfected the fantasy RTS formula with hero-focused gameplay, special powers, and epic army battles. The game's power system functions similarly to god powers, allowing you to call in devastating attacks or powerful reinforcements at crucial moments.
With six distinct factions drawn from Tolkien's mythology, the game offers the same sense of diverse civilizations with unique playstyles. Hero units gain experience and abilities, creating attachment and strategic value beyond simple unit production. The War of the Ring mode adds a strategic campaign layer that enhances replayability.
The fantasy setting, base-building mechanics, and emphasis on epic battles make it an excellent choice for Age of Mythology fans seeking a different mythological universe to conquer.
8. Rise of Nations
Rise of Nations brilliantly combines Age of Empires-style gameplay with Civilization-like territory control, creating a unique hybrid that appeals to Age of Mythology players. The game spans from ancient to modern times, offering the same sense of civilization progression through distinct ages.
Its attrition system (where units take damage outside your territory) encourages territorial expansion and strategic planning. The resource management is more complex than Age of Mythology but equally satisfying, with multiple resource types and trade routes to manage.
The Conquer the World campaign provides a strategic meta-game where you build your civilization across multiple battles, similar to Age of Mythology's campaign progression. With 18 civilizations, each with unique bonuses and units, there's tremendous variety in playstyles.
9. Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War
Dawn of War revolutionized RTS gameplay by reducing emphasis on base-building and increasing focus on tactical squad combat and hero units. Like Age of Mythology, it features distinct factions with wildly different playstyles, from the Space Marines to the Orks and Eldar.
The game's morale system, cover mechanics, and special abilities create tactical depth that rewards micro-management. Hero units are incredibly powerful, turning the tide of battle much like myth units and god powers do in Age of Mythology.
The dark fantasy sci-fi setting of Warhammer 40K provides a rich mythological backdrop, with each faction having its own lore and aesthetic that rivals ancient mythology in depth and creativity.
10. StarCraft
The original StarCraft established many conventions that Age of Mythology built upon, including three asymmetric factions, tight resource management, and tactical combat. While older, its remastered version updates the graphics while maintaining the classic gameplay.
The game's campaign missions feature varied objectives and increasing complexity, similar to Age of Mythology's mission design. Each faction feels completely distinct, requiring different strategies and playstyles, much like switching between Greek, Egyptian, and Norse civilizations.
As the game that defined competitive RTS, it offers incredible depth and a timeless gameplay experience that still feels fresh decades later.
11. Empire Earth
Empire Earth takes the Age of Empires formula and expands it across an unprecedented 14 epochs of human history, from prehistory to the nano age. This massive scope provides even more progression than Age of Mythology's four ages, with constant unlocking of new units and technologies.
The game features hero units based on historical figures who gain experience and can turn the tide of battles. The civilization customization system allows you to create unique factions with specific bonuses, similar to choosing gods and minor gods.
With morale systems, realistic formations, and deep strategic gameplay, Empire Earth offers the base-building and army management that Age of Mythology fans crave, just in a deep historical world, rather than mythological setting.
12. The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth
The original Battle for Middle Earth introduced EA's take on fantasy RTS, with strong emphasis on hero units, base-building, and special powers. The game's heroes level up during battles and have powerful abilities that can devastate enemy forces, similar to myth units.
The resource system is simplified compared to Age of Mythology, focusing more on tactical combat and army positioning. Special powers like "Army of the Dead" or "Summon Eagles" function exactly like god powers, providing dramatic moments that can change the course of battle.
The campaign follows the movie trilogy, offering familiar story moments with RTS gameplay, while skirmish mode allows you to command any faction from Tolkien's world.
13. They Are Billions
They Are Billions combines base-building and resource management with tower defense and survival elements. While the setting (steampunk zombie apocalypse) differs from mythology, the gameplay loop of gathering resources, expanding your base, and defending against waves of enemies will feel familiar.
The game requires careful strategic planning, as a single breach in your defenses can cascade into total destruction. This high-stakes gameplay creates the same tension as Age of Mythology's moments when enemy armies or god powers threaten your civilization.
The campaign mode features mission variety and progressive difficulty, while survival mode offers endless replayability with random maps and increasing challenge.
14. Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2
Red Alert 2 is a beloved classic that perfected the base-building RTS formula with its over-the-top alternate history setting. While not mythological, its superweapons function similarly to god powers: devastating one-use abilities that require strategic timing.
The game features two distinct factions (Allies and Soviets) with unique units and playstyles, plus sub-factions that provide additional variety. The fast-paced gameplay, resource harvesting, and base construction follow the classic RTS formula that Age of Mythology refined.
Its memorable campaign, unit variety, and accessible gameplay make it an excellent entry point for strategy fans, while its depth supports competitive play.
15. Age of Darkness: Final Stand
Age of Darkness merges base-building RTS with survival horror, tasking players with defending against nightly waves of nightmarish creatures. The dark fantasy setting and supernatural enemies create an atmosphere reminiscent of mythology's darker aspects.
Players must balance resource gathering, base expansion, and army production while preparing for devastating enemy assaults. The hero units with unique abilities provide crucial advantages, functioning similarly to Age of Mythology's heroes and god powers.
The game's emphasis on defensive strategy and resource optimization provides a different but complementary challenge to traditional RTS gameplay.
16. Northgard
Northgard brings Viking mythology to the RTS genre with a focus on survival, resource management, and territorial expansion. The game features Norse clans with unique bonuses and abilities, directly connecting to Age of Mythology's Norse faction.
Rather than constant warfare, Northgard emphasizes careful expansion, seasonal survival, and economic development. The territory control system requires strategic planning, as you must balance military strength with civilian needs.
With single-player campaigns, competitive multiplayer, and cooperative modes, it offers variety for different play styles while maintaining deep strategic gameplay.
17. Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3
Red Alert 3 modernizes the classic formula with enhanced graphics, co-op campaign support, and even more outlandish units and abilities. The addition of the Empire of the Rising Sun faction brings three distinct playstyles, similar to Age of Mythology's civilization diversity.
Each faction's superweapons and special abilities provide those dramatic moments of power, while the rock-paper-scissors unit balance rewards tactical thinking. The game's emphasis on combined arms tactics and naval warfare adds strategic layers.
The co-op campaign design makes every mission playable with a friend, adding a social dimension that enhances the experience.
18. Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds
Galactic Battlegrounds uses the Age of Empires II engine to create a Star Wars RTS experience. Built on the same foundation as Age of Mythology, it features civilization bonuses, age advancement, and hero units drawn from Star Wars lore.
The game translates classic RTS mechanics to a sci-fi setting, with resource gathering, base-building, and army composition that feel immediately familiar. Jedi and Sith heroes function like Age of Mythology's hero units, providing powerful abilities and leading armies into battle.
For fans who love the familiar RTS gameplay but want a Star Wars setting, this game delivers exactly that combination.
19. Memoriapolis
Memoriapolis is a unique city-building strategy game that emphasizes cultural development and civilization management over military conquest. While less combat-focused than Age of Mythology, it captures the sense of building a civilization from scratch and watching it grow through different eras.
The game features complex resource chains, citizen management, and cultural advancement systems that reward long-term planning. The artistic style and focus on cultural legacy provide a contemplative alternative to constant warfare.
For players who enjoyed the base-building and development aspects of Age of Mythology more than the combat, Memoriapolis offers a satisfying strategic experience.
20. Vedelem: The Golden Horde
Vedelem focuses on tower defense mechanics mixed with base-building and resource management. Set during the Mongol invasions of Europe, players must defend their settlements against endless waves of attackers while expanding their economy.
The game combines strategic base placement, defensive structures, and economic development in a way that requires constant adaptation. While more defense-focused than Age of Mythology, the resource gathering and upgrade systems will feel familiar.
The historical setting and survival challenge provide a different flavor while maintaining the core strategic gameplay loop that RTS fans enjoy.
21. Manor Lords
Manor Lords combines city-building, resource management, and medieval warfare in a beautifully realized package. While emphasizing organic settlement growth over traditional base-building, it captures the satisfaction of developing a civilization from humble beginnings.
The game features tactical real-time battles with formation-based combat, seasonal gameplay affecting resources and warfare, and deep economic simulation. The medieval setting and attention to historical detail create an immersive strategic experience.
For players who appreciated Age of Mythology's civilization-building aspects and want a more simulation-focused approach, Manor Lords delivers incredible depth and beauty.
22. Sid Meier's Civilization VI
Civilization VI represents the turn-based strategy alternative to Age of Mythology's real-time gameplay. While the pace is different, the core appear: building a civilization from ancient times, researching technologies, managing resources, and competing against rivals—remains similar.
The game features diverse civilizations with unique abilities and units, wonder construction, and multiple victory conditions. The religious gameplay and great person system echo Age of Mythology's emphasis on divine favor and legendary heroes.
With hundreds of hours of strategic depth, extensive mod support, and multiple expansion packs, Civilization VI offers an alternative approach to the same civilization-building fantasy.
23. Sins of a Solar Empire II
Sins of a Solar Empire 2 blends real-time strategy with 4X elements in a space setting. While the sci-fi theme differs from mythology, the game's emphasis on large-scale fleet battles, economic management, and territorial control provides similar strategic depth.
Players manage multiple star systems, construct massive capital ships (which function like hero units), and balance military expansion with economic development. The faction diversity and research trees offer strategic variety.
The game's grand scale and epic battles appeal to players who enjoyed commanding armies and managing resources in Age of Mythology but want a space opera setting.
24. Total War: Pharaoh
Total War: Pharaoh focuses on the Bronze Age collapse in the ancient Mediterranean and Near East, overlapping with Age of Mythology's Egyptian setting. The game combines turn-based campaign strategy with real-time tactical battles.
Players command ancient Egyptian, Hittite, and Canaanite factions, with authentic units and historical scenarios. The weather and environmental systems affect battles, adding tactical depth. General characters with unique traits and abilities provide hero-like gameplay.
For fans of Age of Mythology's ancient setting and Egyptian civilization, Pharaoh offers a more historically grounded but equally strategic experience with spectacular battles.
25. Anno 1800
Anno 1800 is a city-building and economic strategy game set during the Industrial Revolution. While not combat-focused, it shares Age of Mythology's satisfaction of building a thriving civilization, managing complex resource chains, and expanding your influence.
The game features beautiful graphics, intricate production chains, and multiple regions to colonize and develop. The campaign and sandbox modes offer different challenges, while the multiplayer support allows cooperative and competitive play.
Players who enjoyed the economic management and building aspects of Age of Mythology will find Anno 1800's systems deeply satisfying and complex.
26. Dungeons 4
Dungeons 4 offers a unique dungeon management twist on strategy gameplay, where you play as the villain building an underground lair while conquering the overworld. The game combines base-building, resource management, and tactical combat with humor and personality.
Players must balance dungeon construction, creature management, and offensive campaigns against heroes. The two-layer gameplay (underground and overworld) provides strategic variety, while special abilities and traps offer tactical options.
The fantasy setting and strategic depth appeal to Age of Mythology fans looking for something different but still strategically engaging, with a humorous twist on the genre.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of game is Age of Mythology?
Age of Mythology is a real-time strategy (RTS) game that combines base-building, resource management, and tactical combat with mythological themes. Players choose from Greek, Egyptian, or Norse civilizations, each with unique units, buildings, and mythological creatures. The game features god powers (and other games have explored this by letting you build a cult from the ground up), hero units, and myth units (creatures like Minotaurs and Cyclopes) that differentiate it from historical RTS games. It was developed by Ensemble Studios and released in 2002 as a spin-off of the Age of Empires series.
Is there a modern game like Age of Empires?
Yes, Age of Empires 4 (released in 2021) is the most modern entry in the franchise, offering updated graphics, refined mechanics, and contemporary RTS design while maintaining the classic gameplay formula. It features eight distinct civilizations, a robust competitive multiplayer scene, and regular content updates. For players seeking alternatives, Manor Lords and Northgard offer modern takes on medieval strategy with city-building elements, while games like They Are Billions and Age of Darkness: Final Stand blend traditional RTS mechanics with survival and defense gameplay.
What games are most similar to Age of Mythology?
The games most similar to Age of Mythology are Warcraft 3 (hero-focused fantasy RTS with similar structure), Age of Empires 3 (same developer, similar mechanics with Home City shipments replacing god powers), and Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends (fantasy RTS with mythological creatures and hero units). Godsworn is a modern indie title specifically inspired by Age of Mythology, featuring mythological warfare between different pantheons. The Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle Earth series also captures the hero-focused fantasy RTS gameplay with special powers similar to god abilities.
What is the best RTS game right now?
Age of Empires 4 is widely considered the best traditional RTS currently available, offering polished gameplay, active multiplayer, and regular updates. StarCraft 2 remains the premier competitive RTS with a thriving esports scene and free-to-play multiplayer. For modern innovations, Manor Lords combines city-building with tactical combat in a beautiful medieval setting, while Northgard offers accessible Viking-themed strategy. The "best" RTS depends on preferences: Age of Empires 4 for classic gameplay, StarCraft 2 for competitive play, or newer titles like Manor Lords for fresh approaches to the genre.
Do people with ADHD like strategy games?
Many people with ADHD enjoy strategy games, though experiences vary by individual. Real-time strategy games can be particularly appealing because they provide constant stimulation, immediate feedback, and require continuous decision-making, which helps maintain focus. The multitasking nature of RTS games: managing resources, building bases, and controlling armies simultaneously, can engage the ADHD brain effectively. However, some individuals may find the constant demands overwhelming. Turn-based strategy games like Civilization VI offer a different pace, allowing players to think carefully without time pressure. The key is finding the right balance of engagement and complexity that works for each person.
Can I play Age of Mythology on modern computers?
Yes, Age of Mythology: Extended Edition was released on Steam in 2014 and is fully compatible with modern operating systems including Windows 10 and 11. The Extended Edition includes enhanced graphics, improved water effects, new god powers, and all previous expansion content (The Titans). Additionally, Age of Mythology: Retold was released in 2024 as a full remaster with completely rebuilt graphics, improved AI, and modern quality-of-life features. Both versions support multiplayer, workshop mods, and contemporary display resolutions, making the game easily accessible for modern players.
About the Author
Miguel (austernotus) is a game developer and pixel artist who believes the best recommendations come from understanding a game's core systems. With a background that spans from high-level MMO PVP (2100+ in WoW) to professional SEO, his analysis goes beyond the surface to find the games you'll actually love.