Historical Epics: Games that Take You Back in Time

6 February 2025

Who doesn’t love a good time machine? While we’re sadly not zooming through centuries in a DeLorean or stepping into a wardrobe to explore medieval kingdoms (yet), video games have mastered the art of time travel. Yep, I’m talking about historical games that whisk you away to bygone eras, immersing you in the drama, dirt, and glory of past ages.

From ancient battlefields to Renaissance cathedrals, these games don’t just serve as digital playgrounds—they’re virtual history lessons wrapped in sword-swinging, castle-sieging, and empire-building goodness. So, buckle up because we’re diving deep into some of the most epic historical games that’ll make you feel like you’ve unlocked a cheat code to the past.

Why Historical Games Are So Thrilling

Let’s pause and think: Why are we so obsessed with history-based games? If you’re picturing yourself storming a Viking settlement or marching with Roman legions, you’ve probably already answered this question.

Historical games let us live out our wildest "What if?" fantasies. They’re kind of like those "choose-your-own-adventure" books with a dose of nostalgia, except way better because you’ve got stunning visuals, complex narratives, and, oh yeah, a killer soundtrack.

Oh, and let’s not forget that sweet adrenaline rush of rewriting history. Ever imagine yourself leading the Spartans at Thermopylae or sneaking through London as an assassin? Historical epics make it happen—minus the messy business of real-world consequences.

Top Historical Games That Take You Back in Time

Now that we’ve got a solid appreciation for these digital time capsules, let’s look at some standout games that truly nail the historical vibes. Warning: this list might make you want to binge-play all weekend.

1. Assassin’s Creed Series: History Meets Hooded Shenanigans

If historical games had a prom king, Assassin’s Creed would be wearing the crown. From scaling the pyramids of ancient Egypt (Assassin’s Creed Origins) to plundering monasteries as a Viking in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, this series has mastered the art of historical tourism.

One minute you're exploring Renaissance Italy, rubbing elbows with Leonardo da Vinci (okay, not literally), and the next, you're diving into the American Revolution. And let’s not forget the eye-popping attention to detail. Ubisoft recreates historical cities so vividly that you’ll feel like booking an actual flight to Constantinople.

But it’s not all history books and sightseeing. With its blending of stealth, action, and conspiracy-laden plotlines, Assassin’s Creed strikes the perfect balance between education and entertainment. Bonus? You get to parkour across rooftops in almost every entry. How cool is that?

2. Total War Series: Be the General Your Ancestors Would Envy

For anyone who’s ever daydreamed about commanding armies or ruling an empire, say hello to the Total War series. These games are essentially a mix of chess, Risk, and historical drama—all wrapped in an epic strategy package.

From ancient Rome (Rome: Total War) to feudal Japan (Shogun 2), each entry focuses on a historical period—and trust me, it’s hardcore. You’re not just some random player; you’re a full-on strategist making political alliances, waging battles, and governing territories with all the finesse of a Netflix villain.

The best part? Total War doesn’t sugarcoat history. Wars are messy, empires fall, and battles are won (or lost) on split-second decisions. Plus, there’s nothing more satisfying than flanking your enemy and watching their army crumble like a poorly built Jenga tower.

3. Kingdom Come: Deliverance: Basically Skyrim, But Make It Real

Ever wanted to live the life of a 15th-century blacksmith’s son? Okay, probably not, but hear me out. Kingdom Come: Deliverance takes historical realism to an entirely new level. There’s no magic, no dragons—just gritty, unforgiving medieval life.

Set in Bohemia (modern-day Czech Republic), this RPG throws you into a historically authentic world where the smallest decisions can change everything. Want to win a sword fight? Better master the mechanics because button-mashing won’t cut it here. Need to gain favor with a noble? Forget bribes—brush up on your diplomacy skills instead.

Though the learning curve is steeper than a castle staircase, the payoff is nothing short of spectacular. You’ll genuinely feel like you’re stepping back in time, grime and all.

4. Red Dead Redemption 2: Wild West Wonders

Alright, technically, the Wild West isn’t ancient history—but who’s keeping score? Red Dead Redemption 2 makes the cut because it captures the late 1800s with an almost obsessive level of detail.

You play as Arthur Morgan, a grizzled outlaw trying to navigate a world that’s rapidly leaving cowboys in the dust. From robbing trains to herding cattle, you’ll experience the highs and lows of frontier life in jaw-droppingly beautiful settings.

What makes this game truly stand out is its emotional storytelling. It’s less about blazing guns (though there’s plenty of that) and more about exploring themes like loyalty, morality, and survival. Honestly, it’s like living inside a Clint Eastwood movie, minus the sand in your boots.

5. Civilization VI: Building Empires, One Hex at a Time

Okay, let’s switch gears from battlefields to boardrooms. Civilization VI lets you lead an entire civilization from the Stone Age to the Information Age. Think of it as playing God, but with more spreadsheets.

You’ll control everything—culture, science, military, diplomacy. Want to win by launching a spaceship? Go for it. Prefer dominating your enemies with sheer military force? That works too. You can choose historical leaders like Cleopatra, Genghis Khan, or Gandhi (although, spoiler: Gandhi has a suspiciously aggressive streak in this game).

It’s equal parts challenging and addictive. One minute you’re founding a city, and the next, it’s 3 a.m., and you’re locked in a trade war with Queen Victoria.

6. Age of Empires: Nostalgia Meets Strategy

Let’s be real—no historical epic list is complete without Age of Empires. This classic series is like comfort food for strategy gamers. Whether you’re building ancient wonders, defending your castle with trebuchets, or conquering rival civilizations, AoE offers endless hours of history-inspired action.

With the release of Age of Empires IV, things have only gotten better. The campaigns weave historical storytelling into gameplay, so it’s like you’re brushing up on trivia while plotting your next siege. Plus, it’s one of those games that can turn a casual gamer into a history nerd in record time.

7. Ghost of Tsushima: Samurai Cinema in Game Form

When it comes to immersing players in feudal Japan, Ghost of Tsushima absolutely nails it. Set during the Mongol invasion of Tsushima Island in 1274, this game is basically a love letter to samurai culture and old-school Kurosawa films.

You play as Jin Sakai, a samurai torn between upholding tradition and using unconventional tactics to fight off the invading Mongols. The attention to detail—whether it’s the sweeping landscapes, the perfectly crafted haiku moments, or the combat mechanics—is breathtaking.

Also, the game lets you play in “Kurosawa Mode,” a black-and-white filter that turns it into a living samurai movie. If that’s not cool, I don’t know what is.

Honorable Mentions

I couldn’t cram all the greats into one list, but here are a few more titles worth shouting out:

- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (loosely based on Slavic folklore and medieval Europe)
- Crusader Kings III (essentially a medieval soap opera with dynasties and power struggles)
- For Honor (pit historical factions like knights, samurai, and Vikings against each other)
- Battlefield 1 (for an intense, harrowing look at World War I combat)

Why Historical Games Matter

Beyond the fun and escapism, historical games have a deeper impact. They spark curiosity about history and inspire us to dig deeper into the cultures, events, and figures that shaped our world.

Sure, not every game gets the details 100% right (looking at you, oversized Viking axes), but they’re an excellent gateway for learning. Think of them as interactive history lessons, minus the boring lectures and snooze-worthy textbooks.

Final Thoughts

Historical epics are more than just games—they’re passports to the past. Whether you’re leading armies, sneaking through ancient cities, or battling invaders, these titles are guaranteed to deliver action, adventure, and a healthy dose of nostalgia.

So, the next time someone tells you gaming is a waste of time, just smile, nod, and drop some obscure historical facts you picked up while slaying Templars in Assassin’s Creed. Who’s wasting time now, huh?