The historical video game belongs to a video game genre in which stories are based upon historical events, environments, or people. Some historical video games are simulators, which attempt an accurate portrayal of a historical event, civilization or biography, to the degree that the available historical research will allow. Other historical video games are fictionalized tales that are based on mythology, legends or a fictional character within a historical setting.

Panhistorical video games Video games that take place across many periods of history.

Title Release date Time period Notes on setting Empire Earth 2001 500,000 BC – 2,200 AD (in skirmish mode)/1200s BC – 2098 AD (in Story mode) A strategy game that spans multiple historical periods, from Prehistoric Age to Space Age. Ara: History Untold 2024 10,000 BC – 2050s AD A turn-based grand strategy video game that allows players to build and lead a nation through an alternate history from Stone Age to Singularity Age. Millennia (video game) 2024 10,000 BC – 2100s AD A 4X turn-based strategy video game in which players lead their nation through 10 different ages, from Age of Stone to Age of Transcendence. Empire Earth III 2007 1200s BC – 2100s AD A sequel in the same vein as the original Empire Earth, covering ancient to modern times. Empire Earth II 2005 2333 BC – 2070 AD (in Campaign)/50,000 BC – 2,230 AD (in Skirmish mode) A strategy game that covers thousands of years, from ancient times to futuristic warfare. Rise of Nations 2003 10,000 BC – 1970 AD A real-time strategy game where players advance through historical eras, starting from ancient times. Humankind 2021 10,000 BC – 2020s AD A turn-based strategy 4X video game where players advance through historical eras, starting from Neolithic Era to Contemporary Era. Civilization 1991 4,000 BC – 2100 AD A turn-based strategy 4X video game where players advance through historical eras, starting from Ancient Era to Space Era. Civilization Revolution 2008 4,000 BC – 2100 AD A turn-based strategy 4X video game where players advance through historical eras, starting from Antiquity Age, through key historical eras such as the Classical and Renaissance periods, to Modern Age. The game highlights significant historical moments, including early military conquests, the exploration and colonization of new lands, and the development of modern democracies and technology. Civilization Revolution 2 2014 4,000 BC – 2100 AD A turn-based strategy 4X video game where players experience history from the foundation of early cities in 4,000 BC through major global historical developments such as the rise of empires, technological revolutions, and global diplomacy. Civilization III 2001 4,000 BC – 2050 AD A turn-based strategy 4X video game, where players start in 4,000 BC, founding early cities and expanding into larger empires by navigating historical events such as the Iron Age, the Renaissance, and the Age of Imperialism. The game introduces elements of global trade, colonial expansion, and the development of nation-states, reflecting the broader historical context of human civilization. Civilization IV 2005 4,000 BC – 2050 AD A turn-based strategy 4X video game where players guide civilizations through ancient conflicts, the rise of major religions, the formation of powerful empires, and modern global diplomacy. The game emphasizes cultural development, religion, and historical advancements in science and warfare. Civilization V 2010 4,000 BC – 2050 AD A turn-based strategy 4X video game where players lead their civilization through ancient empires, the rise of feudal kingdoms, industrial expansion, and modern global politics. The game focuses on the interactions between ancient cultures, world-changing technological advancements like gunpowder and electricity, and global conflicts like the World Wars. Civilization VI 2016 4,000 BC – 2050 AD A turn-based strategy 4X video game where players engage with real-world historical figures and events, managing ancient kingdoms, imperialistic expansion, and industrial and digital revolutions. The game emphasizes the geographical and political developments of civilizations, highlighting how cities, technologies, and cultures evolve across eras. Civilization VI: Rise and Fall 2018 4,000 BC – 2050 AD This expansion for Civilization VI adds new mechanics that reflect the ebb and flow of civilizations throughout history. Golden ages and Dark Ages mirror real-world historical cycles of prosperity and decline, while governors and loyalty mechanics represent the internal dynamics of historical empires. Civilization VI: Gathering Storm 2019 4,000 BC – 2050 AD With a focus on climate change and natural disasters, this expansion emphasizes how human civilizations have impacted and been shaped by their environment. From ancient agricultural practices to industrial pollution, players must navigate environmental challenges while advancing through historical eras. Civilization VII 2025 4,000 BC – 2050 AD A turn-based strategy 4X video game where players advance through historical eras, starting from Antiquity and through the Exploration Age, to the Modern Age. Civilization II 1996 4,000 BC – 2010 AD A turn-based strategy 4X video game where players encounter significant events such as the rise and fall of empires, the spread of religions, and the Industrial Revolution. They must navigate ancient diplomacy and warfare, and advance through technological, cultural, and societal developments.

Games set in the Stone Age (before 10,000 BC) Title Release date Time period Notes on setting Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey 2019 10,000,000 – 2,000,000 BC The game is set in prehistoric Africa, allowing players to experience the evolution of the human lineage through the ages. Far Cry Primal 2016 10,000 BC Set during the end of the Upper Paleolithic and the beginning of the Mesolithic period, the game explores the conflict between early human tribes in the Oros Valley. Dawn of Man 2019 10,000 BC The player guides a prehistoric settlements through different eras, starting from the Paleolithic to the Iron Age. BC Kings 2008 10,000 BC A strategy game combining traditional RTS elements with role-playing mechanics set in a prehistoric world.

Games set in Antiquity and Classical antiquity (10,000 BC – 500 AD)