There’s something deeply satisfying about sitting on a throne and making decisions that affect an entire kingdom. Most games treat you as a soldier or adventurer, but a few put the crown on your head and say “rule.” I’ve played every game on this list, and each one made me feel powerful in a different way — some through military conquest, others through political intrigue, and a few through sheer absurdity. Here are the best games where you play as king.
Updated April 2026.
Crusader Kings III
If you want the full king experience, this is it. You manage a dynasty across centuries — marriages, wars, assassinations, alliances, and succession crises. I started as a minor duke in Ireland and spent 200 hours scheming my way to Emperor of Britannia. The stories this game creates are incredible: my heir murdered his brother for the throne, my queen went insane and started executing courtiers, and my dynasty collapsed because I had too many daughters and no male heir. Every playthrough is a unique medieval drama. This is the king simulator.
Why It’s Great
- Dynamic storytelling: Every game creates a unique narrative. My 200-hour campaign had more drama than Game of Thrones.
- Deep politics: Marry for alliances, assassinate rivals, fabricate claims. Politics matters more than armies.
- Character-driven: Each ruler has traits that affect gameplay. A greedy king plays differently from a just one.
- Mod support: Game of Thrones mod, Elder Kings, and hundreds more. I have 500+ hours across mods alone.
Civilization VI
You don’t just play as a king — you play as an entire civilization from the Stone Age to the Information Age. Build cities, research technology, wage war, and negotiate diplomacy. I’ve played Civ since Civ II and Civ VI is the most polished entry. The “one more turn” addiction is real — I’ve accidentally stayed up until 4 AM more times than I’d like to admit. Leading your civilization from a small settlement to a global superpower is the ultimate power fantasy.
Why It’s Great
- Strategic depth: Military, science, culture, religion, and diplomacy victories. Each path plays differently.
- Historical leaders: Play as Cleopatra, Genghis Khan, or Teddy Roosevelt. Each has unique abilities.
- Multiplayer: Compete against other players. I’ve lost friendships over Civ multiplayer. Not joking.
- Endless replayability: Random maps, different leaders, different strategies. I have 600+ hours and I’m not bored.
Total War: Medieval II
Yes, it’s old. Yes, it’s still one of the best king games ever made. You manage your kingdom on a turn-based campaign map, then fight battles in real-time with thousands of soldiers. The contrast between strategic planning and tactical combat is what makes Total War special. I’ve defended castle sieges with 500 men against 3,000 and the tension is incredible. Medieval II has the best atmosphere of any Total War game — the medieval setting, the religious mechanics, the crusades. I still play it in 2026.
Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
Start as a nobody with a horse and a sword. Fight bandits, recruit soldiers, join a kingdom, and eventually become king yourself. Bannerlord is unique because you earn the throne through combat and politics — nobody hands it to you. I spent 100 hours as a mercenary before I even joined a kingdom, then another 100 hours scheming my way to the top. The combat is first-person and skill-based. When you finally sit on that throne, you feel like you earned it.
The Sims 4: Royal Challenge
Okay, this one is different. The Sims 4 doesn’t have an official “king mode,” but the community created the Royal Challenge — a self-imposed ruleset where you build a royal family, manage succession, and create drama. I tried it and it was surprisingly engaging. Building a castle, arranging marriages between Sims, dealing with rebellious heirs — it’s Crusader Kings lite. The Sims community is creative and the Royal Challenge is proof.
My Final Thoughts
If you want the deepest king experience, play Crusader Kings III. If you want to lead a civilization, play Civilization VI. If you want to earn your throne through combat, play Bannerlord. I’ve spent over 1,000 hours across these games and the power fantasy never gets old. There’s nothing like making a decision that changes the fate of thousands — even if they’re virtual.
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