Building Civilizations: The Best Board Games Like Age of Empires for History Buffs

If you’re a fan of Age of Empires, you know the feeling—building civilizations, managing resources, waging epic battles, and making strategic decisions that will echo through time. Whether you’ve played the game on your PC or are a dedicated fan of its sequels, there’s something immensely satisfying about watching your empire grow. But what if we told you that you could experience that same rich, strategic gameplay without sitting in front of a screen? That’s right—there are board games like Age of Empires that offer immersive experiences, full of resource management, empire building, and historical context. In this article, we’ll introduce you to 12 strategy board games similar to Age of Empires, highlighting their core gameplay mechanics and how they mirror the aspects of civilization-building that we all love. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or a newcomer to the world of board games, these titles will provide an exciting, engaging, and sometimes unpredictable challenge.

Exploring Strategy Board Games Similar to Age of Empires

1. Catan (formerly The Settlers of Catan)

There’s a reason Catan is one of the most beloved strategy board games—it’s the perfect introduction to the world of resource management and territorial expansion. In Catan, players take on the roles of settlers trying to dominate a newly discovered island. The game revolves around gathering resources like wood, brick, ore, sheep, and wheat to build roads, settlements, and cities. Trading and negotiation play an essential role as players must collaborate (or sometimes deceive) to get the resources they need.

• Why it’s like Age of Empires:Much like the Age of Empires, Catan requires players to gather and manage resources to build and expand their civilization. The land is divided into different resource-producing tiles, and the success of your strategy often depends on the efficient allocation and use of these resources.
• Unique Features:Catan introduces a robust trading mechanic that encourages negotiation between players, and the way the board is set up at the beginning of each game makes every session feel unique.

2. 7 Wonders

In 7 Wonders, players build their civilizations by developing structures, gathering resources, and expanding their military might as part of board games like Age of Empires. The game is played in three ages, with players drafting cards that represent buildings or wonders. The goal is to create the most successful civilization by the end of the game, balancing military power, science, culture, and economic prosperity.

• Why it’s like Age of Empires:Like Age of Empires, 7 Wonders allows players to focus on different aspects of civilization-building, including resource management, military power, and strategic planning. You need to carefully choose which buildings to construct and when, as each decision impacts your future actions.
• Unique Features:The unique card-drafting mechanic and the way 7 Wonders scales for up to seven players sets it apart from other civilization games. Plus, the game’s quick playtime makes it ideal for those with limited time.

3. Twilight Struggle

For history buffs and players who enjoy a game with a more serious tone, Twilight Struggle is an excellent choice. Set during the Cold War, players take on the roles of the United States or the Soviet Union, engaging in a battle for influence around the world. The game involves political maneuvering, military strategy, and a careful balance of economic resources.

• Why it’s like Age of Empires:Just as the Age of Empires involves strategic resource allocation and global expansion, Twilight Struggle requires players to use influence and military power to expand their empires. The game also highlights the importance of long-term planning and strategic thinking.
• Unique Features:Twilight Struggle stands out with its historical depth and asymmetrical gameplay, where each player has different strengths and challenges depending on their nation’s resources and global influence.

4. Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization

One of the deepest and most intricate civilization-building games in the number of board games like Age of Empires, Through the Ages, offers a comprehensive experience in resource management, technological advancement, and military conquest. Players take on the role of leaders, advancing their civilizations through the ages by acquiring technologies, building structures, and waging wars.

• Why it’s like Age of Empires:Much like the Age of Empires, Through the Ages revolves around developing a civilization over time, focusing on technological research, building military strength, and managing resources. The game requires players to carefully plan out each move, balancing economic growth and military power.
• Unique Features:The card-driven mechanics and the intense depth of strategy required make Through the Ages one of the most immersive civilization games. It’s a game that demands foresight and adaptability.

5. Civilization: The Board Game

If you love the Civilization video game series, then this board game is an excellent fit. Civilization: The Board Game lets players develop their civilizations by managing resources, advancing technology, and engaging in warfare. The game is played over several ages, with players trying to achieve specific victory conditions based on culture, military, and economic power.

• Why it’s like Age of Empires:Both games focus on empire-building through technological advancement, resource management, and strategic military decisions. Players must weigh the benefits of expanding their civilization versus maintaining internal stability.
• Unique Features:What makes Civilization: The Board Game stand out is its deep integration of history, with players building famous wonders and dealing with the challenges of historical events. The game’s complexity and strategic depth offer an experience that rivals the digital version.

6. Dominant Species

In Dominant Species as one of the board games like Age of Empires, players are competing to evolve and adapt their species in a prehistoric world. The game revolves around resource management, territory control, and the ability to outsmart and outlast your opponents through strategic action cards.

• Why it’s like Age of Empires:Similar to Age of Empires, Dominant Species requires careful planning and resource allocation. Players must balance building their species’ strength with the changing environment, much like managing an empire’s resources to fuel expansion.
• Unique Features:The game’s unique take on resource management—where each species has different strengths—sets it apart from other civilization games. It also features a deep action-card mechanic that requires players to adapt quickly to shifting circumstances.

7. Eclipse

If you’re a fan of space strategy, Eclipse offers a grandiose, civilization-building experience set in the cosmos. Players explore the galaxy, colonize planets, research technologies, and engage in epic space battles. The game combines resource management, strategic planning, and warfare in a way that feels like a cross between the Age of Empires and Twilight Imperium.

• Why it’s like Age of Empires:Eclipse involves managing resources to build a vast empire, expanding influence across the galaxy through colonization and strategic military conquests. The game demands a balance between expansion, research, and military prowess.
• Unique Features:The integration of space exploration and high-tech warfare, coupled with the innovative resource system, makes Eclipse stand out in the realm of strategy games.

8. Imperial Settlers

Imperial Settlers is a deck-building game among board games like Age of Empires, where players create their own civilizations by constructing buildings, gathering resources, and expanding territories. It has a strong focus on resource management and strategic planning, much like the Age of Empires.

• Why it’s like Age of Empires:Much like the Age of Empires, Imperial Settlers challenge players to manage resources efficiently while also developing their civilization’s military and economic strength. The game’s historical setting adds a level of immersion that enhances the strategic elements.
• Unique Features:The deck-building mechanic in Imperial Settlers adds an extra layer of customization and replayability, allowing players to develop different strategies each time they play.

9. Kemet

In Kemet, players take on the roles of ancient Egyptian gods, using their powers to conquer the Nile River Valley. The game involves strategic battles, resource management, and the careful allocation of points to gain favor with the gods.

• Why it’s like Age of Empires:Like the Age of Empires, Kemet combines strategic warfare with resource management. The game’s expansion mechanic and emphasis on territory control align with the empire-building elements found in the Age of Empires.
• Unique Features:The unique feature of Kemet is the god power system, where players can choose from a variety of divine powers to gain an edge over their opponents.

10. Gaia Project

For fans of Eclipse, the Gaia Project should prove to be similarly enjoyable in the group of board games like Age of Empires – It’s a deep, space-based strategy game where the players build civilizations in a galaxy packed with resources. The game provides elements of resource gathering, technology advancement, and exploration where a player colonizes planets and competes for control.

• Why it’s like Age of Empires:As was the case with Age of Empires the game seems to be constructed mostly around empire creation, resource control, as well as tactical and skirmishing. The existence of the profound technological advancement system is similar to the tech trees readers see in the Age of Empires.
• Unique Features:Gaia Project is a greater expansion of the Eclipse idea as it takes place in space and focuses more on exploration and colonization too.

11. Lords of Waterdeep

With roots in a dungeon maze and worker placement, Lords of Waterdeep puts gamers into the mask of invisible city rulers who indirectly compete for power over the city of Waterdeep by hiring adventurers, fulfilling quests, and deepening their influence. Being centered on resource management and strategic thinking each choice is both, the key to your success and your enemy’s advantage.

• Why it’s like Age of Empires:Nassi strikes again: I noticed some similarities between Lords of Waterdeep and Age of Empires – it is all about planning and resource management. You’ll have to earn the support of others, gain as much power as your rivals, and give chase in a battle for control.
• Unique Features:That’s what succeeds Lords of Waterdeep – thematic worker-placement mechanics and story integration, which the Dungeons & Dragons world provides. Although the game contains a strategy with role-play, this remains incredibly appealing to those of us who are enamored with building civilizations.

12. Scythe

Set in an alternate-history steampunk Europe, Scythe is a game of resource management, territory control, and combat out of the board games like Age of Empires. Each player represents a faction attempting to restore power after The Great War. The game blends strategic planning with an engaging expansion mechanic, allowing players to deploy massive mechs to claim dominance over the board.

• Why it’s like Age of Empires:The empire-expansion themes of Scythe will appeal to Age of Empires fans. It’s all about building your economy, strengthening your forces, and making strategic moves to outwit opponents. Every decision matters, whether it’s upgrading resources, moving units, or engaging in combat.
• Unique Features:The stunning artwork, rich alternate-history theme, and unique blend of engine-building mechanics with area control make Scythe a visually and strategically breathtaking game.

Key Features to Consider in Civilization-Building Board Games

When choosing board games like Age of Empires, it helps to identify the elements that make them thrilling. Here are some features to look for:

1. Resource Management

Gathering, allocating, and trading resources is at the heart of both Age of Empires and its board game counterparts. Games that incorporate resource management challenge players to be efficient while building their civilizations.

2. Strategic Planning

The ability to think several moves ahead is crucial. Games like Through the Ages or Catan demand a balance between short-term actions and long-term growth strategies.

3. Historical or Thematic Context

Many great strategy board games draw on historical events or immersive themes, such as Twilight Struggle with the Cold War or Kemet with its ancient Egyptian setting. This adds depth and replayability.

4. Replayability

Empire-building takes on new life with games that offer diverse strategies, randomized setups, or evolving mechanics, providing a unique experience every time you play.

Whether you’re conquering the Nile, commanding space fleets, or building a towering civilization from scratch, these strategy board games like Age of Empires prove that you don’t need a computer screen to test your skills. From the accessible and family-friendly charm of Catan to the deep historical immersion of Through the Ages, these games offer something for everyone. We’ve had countless evenings with friends flipping over tiles in 7 Wonders, trading in Catan, and groaning over an ill-planned move in Scythe—and we can confidently say you’re in for a treat with any of these picks. Whether you’re new to strategy board games or a seasoned commander, round up your friends, grab a snack, and get ready to build your empire! Happy gaming!