While Age of Empires is traditionally associated with PC gaming, PlayStation 4 players also have a variety of exciting alternatives that capture the spirit of empire-building, resource management, and strategic warfare. Although the Age of Empires franchise isn’t available on PS4, many games on the platform offer similar gameplay experiences. From grand historical epics to fantastical real-time strategy (RTS) games, we’ve compiled a list of the best Age of Empires games for PS4 that any Age of Empires fan will love.
The Best Age of Empires Games for PS4: A Strategic Journey
1. Northgard
In Northgard, we are thrust into a Viking saga where we must guide our clan to victory on a new, mysterious land. The game combines elements of real-time strategy, city-building, and survival. We explore the wilderness, gather resources, build settlements, and manage an army to fend off hostile forces. The harsh winters add an extra layer of challenge, requiring careful planning and resource management. Northgard’s deep tactical gameplay and its Nordic theme make it a perfect Age of Empires-like experience on PS4.
2. Sudden Strike 4
Sudden Strike 4 takes us to the heart of World War II, offering large-scale strategic battles that require thoughtful planning and execution. We lead armies across various European theaters, commanding infantry, tanks, and air support. Like the Age of Empires, resource management and tactical positioning are key to success. The game’s detailed historical missions and realistic unit mechanics provide an immersive experience, making it a solid choice for those who enjoy the depth and complexity of RTS games.
Sudden Strike 4 on Playstation
3. Civilization VI
Though Civilization VI is turn-based rather than real-time in the best Age of Empires game for PS4, its empire-building mechanics mirror much of what we love about Age of Empires. We take control of a historical civilization, guiding it through thousands of years of development—from the founding of cities to the exploration of new technologies and military conquests. The game offers immense strategic depth, with a focus on diplomacy, culture, science, and warfare. It’s one of the best strategy games for PS4 and satisfies the urge to create and expand an empire.
Civilization VI on Playstation
4. Tropico 6
Tropico 6 provides us with a tropical island to rule as the El Presidente. We manage the resources, and happiness of our citizens and make sure we’re not losing a measure of our political control. Building an economy, catering to multiple politically significant parties, and avoiding alien sabotage calls for just as much strategic skill as the Age of Empires requires. It is extremely enjoyable how the game combines construction with diplomacy.
5. Frostpunk: Console Edition
Frostpunk brings us a new world in a dystopian time when we become the ruler of the last city on Earth. We have to ration our resources, look after the morale of our citizens, and make some unpalatable ethical choices. Despite making the game entirely about surviving the Arctic elements and failure, instead of focusing on the traditional city-builder with the Age of Empires’ similar mechanics, we feel an emotional stake as we make decisions that impact the people who have become a part of our city.
Read More: Best Civilization Games For PS4
6. Warparty
If the prehistoric elements of Age of Empires are the thing that attracted us, Warparty is a title like that with elements of fantasy out of the best Age of Empires game for PS4. This strategy game is based on players commanding dinosaur-riding warriors, along with magic, all in a fight to dominate. Similar to the Age of Empires is gathering resources, establishing the settlements, and leading an army to success. The novelty of prehistoric creatures and enchanting powers makes this turn-based strategic warfare totally different.
7. They Are Billions
In They Are Billions, we must build and defend a colony in a world overrun by zombies. While the setting is more apocalyptic than historical, the core mechanics of resource gathering, base-building, and strategic defense will feel familiar to Age of Empires veterans. The challenge comes from managing limited resources while constantly preparing for waves of enemies. The game’s blend of strategy and survival makes it a standout title for PS4 players seeking a different but engaging RTS experience.
They Are Billions on Playstation
8. Anno 1800
Anno 1800 transports us to the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, where we must build a thriving empire through trade, diplomacy, and production. While the game is more focused on economic management than warfare, its depth in city-building and resource optimization is perfect for players who enjoy the strategic aspects of Age of Empires. The beautifully crafted world and complex systems of supply chains and trade routes provide a rewarding challenge for strategic thinkers.
Read More: Best Kingdom Games For PS4
9. Iron Harvest
Set in an alternate-history 1920s among the best Age of Empires games for PS4, Iron Harvest combines real-time strategy with diesel-punk mechs, creating a unique battlefield experience. We command troops and massive machines in strategic warfare, much like the Age of Empires, but with a focus on advanced technology and mechanized combat. The game’s narrative-driven campaigns and tactical gameplay make it a must-play for RTS fans, offering a fresh and imaginative approach on PS4.
10. Desperados III
Desperados III places us in the Wild West where we are to lead a group of outlaws through various missions. Decision-making and strategic formations to place characters or to ration bullets appeal to every fan of tactical and strategic games. Desperados III is so much more than just another cinematic buzz in each of the Missions and it offers something truly special.
Conclusion
For PS4 players, while Age of Empires itself isn’t available, a treasure trove of strategy games exists that capture the essence of empire-building, resource management, and strategic warfare. From guiding Viking clans in Northgard to fending off zombie hordes in They Are Billions, the best Age of Empires game for PS4 offers a diverse range of strategic challenges. Whether we prefer historical battles, futuristic combat, or even dystopian survival, these twelve titles provide hours of tactical enjoyment, ensuring that our inner strategist is never left wanting.
Are any of these games available as multiplayer experiences?
Yes, many of these games offer multiplayer modes. Northgard and Sudden Strike 4 all allow players to compete or cooperate in real-time strategy battles.
Can I play these games on PS5 as well?
Most of the games listed are backward compatible with PS5, ensuring enhanced performance and graphics.
Do these games feature downloadable content (DLC) or expansions?
Yes, games like Northgard and Tropico 6 frequently release DLC and expansions, adding new content such as civilizations, maps, and missions, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging over time.
