Top openage Alternatives: Discover Your Next RTS Engine
openage is a fantastic, free, and open-source real-time strategy (RTS) engine, specifically designed to recreate the classic Age of Empires experience from scratch. Written in C++, Python, Cython, Qt/QML, OpenGL/GLSL, and Vulkan, it offers a robust platform for fans of classic RTS gameplay. However, whether you're looking for different gameplay mechanics, a more polished experience, or simply a change of scenery, there are many excellent openage alternatives available. This guide will help you find the perfect RTS game or engine to satisfy your strategic cravings.
Best openage Alternatives
If you're seeking a new real-time strategy experience beyond openage, these alternatives offer diverse gameplay, historical accuracy, fantasy elements, and varying levels of complexity. Dive in to find your next favorite RTS!
0 A.D.
0 A.D. is a compelling free, open-source, and cross-platform real-time strategy game focusing on ancient warfare. It's an excellent openage alternative for those who enjoy historically-based war and economy games, offering a complete experience with multiplayer capabilities. It is available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and BSD.
Civilization
The Civilization series offers a different, turn-based 4X (explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate) strategy experience, making it a distinct openage alternative. Players build thriving civilizations through ages of advancements. It's a commercial game available across numerous platforms including Mac, Windows, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Steam, Playstation, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox, featuring both turn-based gameplay and multiplayer options.
Age of Empires
The original Historical, real-time strategy game series, Age of Empires, is an obvious and direct openage alternative, as openage aims to recreate its mechanics. Players build civilizations over ages, from the stone age to the iron age. It's a commercial title available on Mac, Windows, Steam, and Xbox, featuring historical battles, single-player modes, and troop control within an RTS framework.
Warcraft III
Warcraft III, a real-time strategy game by Blizzard Entertainment, offers a rich fantasy setting and a focus on hero units and complex strategies, distinguishing it as an openage alternative. It's a commercial game available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, known for its engaging RTS gameplay.
OpenRA
OpenRA is a free, open-source real-time strategy game engine that reimplements classic RTS games like Command & Conquer and Dune 2000. It's an excellent openage alternative for those who appreciate modern adaptations of classic RTS titles with added features and cross-platform support on Mac, Windows, and Linux.
Stronghold
The Stronghold series, particularly Stronghold Crusader, focuses heavily on castle building and siege warfare within an RTS framework, providing a unique openage alternative. As a commercial game available on Mac, Windows, and Linux (via Wine), it offers distinct RTS gameplay centered around strategic strongholds.
CaesarIA
CaesarIA is an open-source remake of the classic city-building simulator Caesar III. While more focused on city management than direct combat, its RTS elements and medieval setting make it an interesting openage alternative for those who enjoy strategic building. It's free, open-source, and available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and can be run via Wine or Steam.
Age of Mythology
Age of Mythology takes the Age of Empires formula and infuses it with mythological creatures and gods, making it a compelling openage alternative for fans of fantasy RTS. This commercial title for Windows (available on Steam) features the familiar loop of building towns, gathering resources, creating armies, and multiplayer gaming.
Banished
Banished is a city-building strategy game with a strong emphasis on survival and resource management, offering a different kind of strategic challenge compared to openage. As a commercial game on Windows (via Wine or Steam), it focuses on logistics, production chains, and medieval survival, appealing to those who enjoy less combat-focused RTS elements.
Empire Earth
Empire Earth is a comprehensive real-time strategy game that allows players to advance through epochs spanning from prehistory to the future. This commercial Windows title (also available on Java Mobile) is a strong openage alternative for those seeking an RTS with a vast chronological scope and detailed historical progression.
With a wide array of options ranging from historically accurate simulations to fantasy epics and city-builders, there's an openage alternative for every RTS enthusiast. Consider your preferred setting, gameplay mechanics, and platform availability to choose the best fit for your next strategic adventure!