Best Games That Let You Control Entire Kingdoms

Players love playing video games that let them manage entire kingdoms, letting them rule with an iron fist, and carry out decrees for the betterment of their people, the domain’s riches, and anything else that needs their attention. It can be challenging to enable this power fantasy, but the best games know how to keep players entertained while undertaking these royal acts of management.

Numerous games let players control kingdoms in some form or the other, but most players would only want to play the very best. Thankfully, there are enough titles that fit the bill, allowing players to sink their teeth into these experiences.

8 Crusader Kings 3

Players Control A Domain In The Middle Ages

The Crusader Kings series was hard to get into once, but the latest title has ensured that beginners can jump into this title without too many worries. The fact that Crusader Kings 3 managed to be welcoming without sacrificing its complexity shows just how far Paradox Interactive has come with its grand strategy titles.

Players rule over domains that vary in size, and players can always choose to play as a king or queen from the get-go. However, there’s something satisfying about playing as a duke or duchess and slowly ascending to the top before players earn a title that lets them rule a kingdom.

7 Civilization 6

Players Start From The Prehistoric Ages And Help Their Civilization Reach The Future

A charming grand strategy game that players can get into without succumbing to a steep learning curve, Civilization 6 is an incredible evolution of the series. Controlling a reputed world leader and helping a civilization reach new heights makes for a solid gameplay loop fans can’t get enough of.

Conquering nations, advancing to the space age, and being diplomatic are just a few of the many ways this game allows players to lead their kingdoms to glory. Each playthrough feels unique based on the leaders that players control and makes Civilization 6 a treat every single time players embark on another glory-laden playthrough.

6 Reigns

The Mechanics Of Tinder Are Used To Balance The Powers Of A Kingdom

The breakout success of Tinder inspired many romances and a video game that became a breakout hit on mobile. Reigns lets players control a kingdom by swiping left or right on certain decisions, ensuring that they maintain a balance of resources and power.

This may seem simple, but the sheer number of ways players are forced to make tough decisions after their balance is ruptured makes every playthrough of Reigns a nail-biting affair. It helps that the game is loaded with unique events, ensuring that players won’t see too many cards repeating across their numerous playthroughs.

5 Medieval 2: Total War

A Great Combination Of Grand Strategy And Real-Time Warfare Where Kingdoms Wage War Against Each Other

The Total War series allows players to enjoy games that encompass large-scale RTS battles and grand strategy gameplay. One of their best games, Medieval 2: Total War, lets players control a kingdom in the Middle Ages and lead it to prosperity.

Warfare is a huge part of a player’s efforts to make their kingdoms more dominant than ever before. If players want their kingdom to flourish, then they need to master the art of warfare and come out of battle victorious without suffering too many losses.

4 Yes, Your Grace

Manage A Small Kingdom And Make Tough Choices

• Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Release Date: March 6, 2020
• Developer: Brave at Night
• Genres: Role-playing, Strategy

A kingdom management game with role-playing elements, Yes, Your Grace is an underrated title that forces players to make tough choices. Players control the ruler of a small kingdom who experiences a linear story while trying their hardest to keep their kingdom stable.

The choices players make aren’t easy and add a ton of weight to the game’s narrative. Players who want to check out a story-driven title with decent replayability will love what Yes, Your Grace has to offer.

3 The Sims Medieval

Start From Humble Beginnings To Eventually Becoming The Ruler Of A Kingdom

• Platforms: PC, Mobile
• Release Date: March 22, 2011
• Developer: Maxis Redwood Shores
• Genres: Action-adventure, Social Simulation

The Sims Medieval was a fun spinoff that added a quest-based structure to the tried-and-tested gameplay of The Sims. The results may be a bit of a mixed bag, but fans who love the simulation elements of The Sims didn’t mind a game that compelled them to accomplish certain things while also helping their chosen Sim survive.

What made The Sims Medieval such a blast to play through was the fact that players have to also manage a kingdom while controlling their Sim. This makes for a fun progression loop as players do everything they can to help their kingdom prosper after starting with little to nothing.

2 Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom

Features A Fun Kingdom Management Dynamic

Wrath of the White Witch is one of the best video games JRPG fans can get their hands on. While its sequel may lack the charm and writing that made its predecessor such a huge hit, Revenant Kingdom makes up for it with excellent combat and a fun kingdom management mechanic.

Helping Evermore become a prosperous kingdom after starting from nothing makes for a great and satisfying time. While the management side of things can feel a bit shallow, it’s a great accompaniment to the main gameplay of Ni no Kuni 2 that makes it worth checking out for fans.

1 Fable 3

Players Control A Domain In The Middle Ages

The Fable games have a focus on morality and action gameplay, so it was nice to see the third game switch things up a bit. Along with the traditional gameplay loops players are familiar with, Fable 3 also lets players manage a kingdom of their own.

Players need to make a ton of binary decisions in Bowerstone Castle with several layers that must be taken into account. The hero can either be a self-serving monarch who only looks out for himself or sees that the well-being of the people takes precedence.