The Best Medieval RPG Games Like Mount & Blade
Announced in 2012 and highly anticipated by its fidgeting fan-base, Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord is a medieval action-RPG and set to take place 200+ years before the events of the previous titles Mount & Blade and Mount & Blade: Warband. Over the years the game has been revered for its seemingly endless replayability, a trait that has been expanded on by feverishly dedicated modders who have turned the game into a playground for thousands of original and inspired settings alike.
Unfortunately, we are still twiddling our thumbs and waiting for this game’s release and while there may not be anything quite like Mount & Blade out there, I do have a few worthwhile alternatives. Here is a list of the top eleven games that will hold you over and keep you off the message boards and hopefully away from flaming the developers.
11. Middle-earth: Shadow of War
They took everything from you, now it's time to return the favor.
Raise your army, recruit your Captains, and lead the charge to conquer the territories of Mordor. In this game, you will take up the sword as Talion, a Ranger capable of bending the will of the Orcs of Mordor and orchestrating a full-on civil war within the blackened lands.
This constantly evolving ecosystem would love nothing more than to see you dead. Every moment, every few steps you take, every new camp you approach, there is bound to be an Orc stalking you. Whether you lopped off his favorite arm, murdered his blood-brother, or maybe he just has a fetish for flaying, these orcs know when you have been bad or good. More impressively, each Orc has ambitions and fears to be studied and manipulated in this deliciously treacherous game of chess. Whether you prefer to ambush your enemy, unleashing the monstrous wildlife of Mordor upon them, or challenge them to death to make quick work of them with your wraith-imbued powers, Shadow of War guarantees that you will remember the twisted faces and callous voices of your rivals and your most trusted allies.
What stands out:
- Nemesis system EVOLVED!
- Turn Mordor against Sauron
Assault heavily guarded fortresses
Varied and unique orcs for you to combat and/or conquer
10. Assassin’s Creed: Origins
Sometimes killing is the only way to advance your goals.
Climb into the Animus and scour the memories of the ancient dead in search of an Egyptian artifact lost to time. As Bayek, one of the originators of The Order, you are launched on a quest of subterfuge and revenge as you infiltrate, interrogate, and assassinate all in the name of the common good.
Origins dazzles with dozens of hours of beautifully rendered architecture and a variety of treacherous mountain scapes, low rolling expanses of open sand, and towering monuments to ancient gods. Free-form gameplay and open-ended quests allow you to naturally explore without the distraction of pesky collectibles and frivolous quick-events.
The gameplay in Origins ramps up the pacing from the previous titles overall. Powerful abilities and equipment, such as performing aerial bullet-time and impossible headshots or taming wild animals to tear apart your enemies, keep the action varied and exciting. You should be prepared for a few glitches and wonky animations; though, nothing to the degree of AC: Unity.
Origins provides an arsenal of weaponry and armor which may be upgraded. From brutal two-handed mace weapons, multi-arrow firing bows, to the tried and true hidden blade, Bayek embodies the daunting fear that the presence of an assassin should bring.
What stands out:
- Embrace Action-RPG – new ways to fight with dozens of weapons
- Discover the mysteries of a vast country
Shoot first, ask questions later
Conquer land and sea
9. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Two swords, one of silver, one of steel, both for slaying monsters.
Gritty, vulgar, and perilous, The Witcher series drives home a fetching narrative with heavy social undertones and interpersonal fears and ambitions. One of the last Witchers, Geralt of Rivia, struggles to combat the evils of the world whether those evil be vicious monstrosities, corrupt nobles, or vile criminals. As a neigh undefeatable quasi-mutant badass, you will squabble and struggle with anyone and everyone from kings to commoners while they turn their chin up at your preternatural nature but beg for your assistance.
Combat is polished and free-flowing compared to other titles. Initiate devastating combos against multiple foes, parrying into dodges to then throw a firebomb or blast another opponent with sign-based magic. A Witcher is prepared for any and all situations and utilizes vast alchemical knowledge as well as their studies to turn any fight into one they will win. Coat your sword in flames, chug enough potions to tank damage like the Wolverine, and streak across the battlefield as on the world’s most versatile and deadly warriors.
What stands out:
- Become a mutant. Become a Witcher
- Live your own epic – full open world.
Utilize weapon stances, alchemy, and magic flawlessly
Customize Geralt, one of the last of the Witchers
8. Life is Feudal: MMO
Carve out your legacy and be a part of history
Life is feudal. Life is your own. Now live it with others. This game is a MMORPG based on the Life Is Feudal: Your Own universe. Controlling your own unique character, you will be dropped into a vast and untamed world where danger lurks around every corner. Hunt animals, cultivate and farm land, and raise a gleaming fortress in your name. Do not get too comfortable, however, because there is always someone looking to take what you have worked so hard for.
The highlight of this game is its implementation of a terraforming system which allows you to shape the land to your preference creating tunnels, valleys, and mountains, to fit your needs. Throughout the world there are resources aplenty for you to obtain and an in-depth crafting system allows you to fabricate new armor, weapons and structures out of just about anything that you can pick up and carry on your back. While you may get carried away here, remember, that this game is an MMO and you do not have to do it all alone. Form guilds, friendships, and even rivalries, as you work to establish government in this vagabond-ridden world.
That in mind, the game is going through rough times right now, as it attempts to find its footing in the community and iron out the many wrinkles in its development. Gameplay is enjoyable and functional but there are several issues revolving servers and microtransactions. The potential is there but it may be some time before this game reaches full release
What stands out:
- Terraforming mechanics allow you to shape the very earth you stand on
- Forge your own life.
Shape your lifestyle
Shape the land
7. Mordhau
Take control of every fight with expressive controls and punishing attacks
Crowdfunded and already holding a special place in the hearts of many fans, Mordhau is a medieval combat-centric game which focuses on historical warfare. Each player will control a single, fully customizable, character which they will then pit against other players in massive open-warfare. While still in development, this game will include siege warfare and the use of war machines, as well as mounted combat. Players will have the choice to personally pick every aspect of their armor and weapons from heavy suits of plate armor to shorts swords and towering claymores. This amount of variety in a combat system needs to be carefully balanced and the developers have worked extensively to make sure that every swing carries weight, every maneuver can lead to a devastating end, and every feasible loadout has a chance at victory.
As you battle other players you will become familiar with the nuances of combat and the techniques that are most effective. The game does not spoon feed your progression but relies on your own skill and perception, molding you to become a terror on the battlefield. You will get to know players by name and may even come to make friends and rivals as you charge the battlefield and test your mettle against all manner of combatants.
What stands out:
- Skill-based, free-form combat
- Massive 64 player battles
Varied weapons, armor, and techniques
Siege combat and massive battles
6. Conan Exiles
Can you survive this wretched land and build a lasting empire
A survival title first and an RPG title second, Conan Exiles drops you in the fantastic universe of Conan The Barbarian as a criminal left to die, bound and stripped bare, in the wastelands. Starving, slowly withering to sun-exhaustion, and near deliriousness, you are saved by The Barbarian himself who is on an inexplicable adventure. Conan does little more than cut you down before he wanders off into the burning desert leaving you to fend for yourself in a deadly and unforgiving environment. With the sun beating on your brow and nothing more than your fists and wits at your disposal, you will be forced to scrounge up whatever you can muster to survive the night, and from there you will face endless challenges as you fight for a relatively stable life.
Crafting plays a major mechanic in this game and you will spend many hours hunting and collecting resources to craft better armor, weapons, and shelter to protect you against the dangers of the wastes. You will bump into NPCs as well as other players, both of which who are more likely to murder and\or rob you than anything else. Guard yourself and your belongings carefully and choose your friends wisely.
The systems in this game are polished and, while complex, are intuitive. Players of this game should be prepared for a long and arduous grind, but each step forward feels like a towering accomplishment due to the difficulty of just making it through a day alive.
What stands out:
- Survive a savage land. Build a home and a kingdom.
- Discover the ruins of ancient civilizations
Explore a land ruled by outcasts
Face animal and man alike
5. Chivalry: Medieval Warfare
Blood, gore and limb dismemberment! What more could you want
Originally a Half-Life 2 mod, Chivalry: Medieval Warfare is a title that has planted its feet firmly on the ground within the tactical-melee medieval combat sub-genre, Chivalry: Medieval Warfare skips past all the pesky army management and traveling to different towns and slaps you down in the center or vicious battles and sieges where you will face off against other like-minded blood-thirsty players who want nothing more than to hear you scream. This game incorporates sound and voice extremely well and every slash, parry, block, and blood-curdling scream serves to immerse you in the brutal environment that you have stepped into.
The game offers some variety in combat besides the basic melee options of sword & board or two-handed crusher by allowing you to equip crossbows, Middleage grenades, and providing environmental hazards like boiling oil. The game is mainly objective based and requires your team to burn down strategic points or capture forts, but you will find yourself enthralled with facing off against other players.
Combat is unforgiving and requires a tactical touch but can honestly be a bit jumpy and the hitboxes wonky. It is not unplayable by any means, but it can lead to some irritation from time to time.
What stands out:
- Squad-based combat
- In-depth combat system provides players with a huge range of responsive combat options
Devastating combat and gory voice acting
Join friends is objective-based gameplay
4. Kingdom Under Fire 2
Coming to the NA and EU markets soon but I wouldn't hold my breath
Try not to get over excited about this one North American players. While projected to come to the market, this game is taking its time and has hit many delays.
Korean games tend to pride themselves on a simply genre-splitting graphic style and as such stand out from most Western MMOs with ease. Kingdom Under Fire 2 is no exceptions. Your custom character will be foraged forth into a threefront war for control of a single continent. Players build armies, hone their abilities, build alliances, and storm the battlefields to seize territories in a responsive and ever-changing world.
Kingdom Under Fire 2 is a real-time strategy combined with an MMORPG. Awareness and a tactical mind are key as you balance commanding troops as well as positioning yourself to support the fight. Join the ranks of powerful field-generals as you sweep battlefields launching fireballs or crushing the masses with devastating blows.
Customization remains the glittering mark on this game in light of its Korean background, however, class appears to be predefined and locked to a character’s gender and race. Unfortunately, if you are looking to be a female mage that is out of the question and if you even attempt to pick up a bow as a male the game will laugh in your face. While fans question this decision, it has not stopped the success of this game on the Eastern market.
What stands out:
- Over 100 types of troops
- Action MMO meets Strategy
Large scale battles and free-form combat
Join massive battles and lead your troops from the front line
3. Lord of The Rings Online
A trove of Tolkien lore and an epic role-playing adventure waiting to happen
A gem from 2007, Lord of The Rings Online is showing signs of new life. If you have ever imagined life in the Tolkien-verse, take a grab at this immersive massive multiplayer experience spanning adventures all across Middle-earth from The Misty Mountains to Mirkwood. Follow a unique storyline intertwined in the War of The Ring.
Create your character and buckle in to knock out that tutorial. Made it? Great! In Lord of The Rings Online you are more than free to completely ignore the storyline of the game and forge forth into a world that is vast, littered with lore, and frankly intriguing. LoTRs fans will have a field-day and people on the fence may find themselves researching Elf-speak and delving the depths of the differences between Orcs, Goblins, and Urak-hai.
That said, this game stayed true to the main reason to get into an MMO and that is to get immersed in the universe and role-play to your heart's content. With shelves upon shelves of lore and detail for LoTR fans to drown themselves in, this game remains the go-to if you are itching for an RPG experience within the Tolkien-verse. What’s more, in 2016 the game switched hands and is currently being maintained and developed by Standing Stone Games who have been working on Dungeons & Dragons Online as well. The game is alive and being updated so it is not a bad time to get back into it if you have been considering it.
What stands out:
- Free to play
- Incredible archive for Tolkien-lore
Huge raids and PvE
An array of class specific skills
2. For Honor
For honor! Until you start playing online, in which case do whatever it takes to win I guess
For Honor is a third-person melee which drops you in the boots of an elite warrior shedding blood and making widows for the sake of your homeland. Three heavily-inspired classes - the Knight, Samurai, and Viking - fight for glory and supremacy in this war torn, semi-historical, universe. Ultimately, this game is a competitive arena brawler focused on tactical combat and objective capturing. Variety is brought to the game by giving each faction four classes to choose from and a unique hero for that class per faction. Crush your opponents with the oppressive might of the Samurai Shugoki and his massive spike mace or flitter about the battlefield harassing and staggering multiple opponents with the versatility of the Viking Shaman.
While you may spend the majority of the game edging on the hype of a one-on-one duel with another character and constantly chasing your rival, the game does possess many team-based elements and game modes such as Dominion or Tribute that rely more on a group effort and objective capturing than simply hacking away at the first person you lay your eyes on.
While the game is gorgeous and madly entertaining, it is known to be full of glitches and a fair amount of balancing issues. For a casual player, these issues are not glaring enough to be a total turn off, but I would be wary of becoming too invested.
What stands out:
- Unique warriors to master
- Innovative battle control system
Dying For Honor
Clashing For Honor
1. Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Shape the history of Bohemia
An action-RPG developed by Warhorse Studios, this game was easily one of the most hyped titles to come to the genre since it was announced. Fans jumped on this game daydreaming over its skill-based combat and open-world glamour as well as its historical narrative and immersive story-line.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance drops you into the world as a blacksmith's son, Henry, during a war in Bohemia in 1403. It is played from the first-person and incorporates RPG and survival elements including staving off starvation, getting decent sleep, and bathing and grooming. The latter does not seem so important until you find that your grizzled appearance and blood spattered equipment discomforts people and some will refuse to speak to you.
An expansive skill set allows the player to develop their character it a handful of different classes and hybrids utilizing alchemical knowledge, book-smarts, or advance training as a swordsman. Combat, animations, and difficulty grab you and bring intensity to the game making your feel vulnerable but powerful all in a few instances.
The narrative of this game is enticing and will draw you to follow it all the way through; however, I implore you to take a moment and explore the land for what it is. The environment is extremely dense, not particularly large, allowing you to find an adventure waiting in every town or camp that you happen upon. Every ounce of this game tells a small story from the grime on the poorly equip Runner bringing you a message to the pristine opulence of the nobles of the land.
What stands out:
- Open-ended, player-defined gameplay
- Dynamic world
Directional combat emphasizing a tactical approach and response
Beautiful landscape and ecosystem
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