Age of History II stands out as a grand strategy wargame on PC, blending historical simulation with turn-based decision-making. Players take control of civilizations across different eras, aiming to expand influence through warfare, alliances, and internal management. Released in 2018, this title emphasizes strategic depth without overwhelming complexity, making it accessible for those interested in global conquest or unification.
Gameplay
In Age of History II, the core loop revolves around managing a civilization's resources, military, and diplomatic relations on a detailed world map divided into provinces with historical borders. Each turn, you allocate points to recruit troops, build infrastructure, or negotiate with other entities. Military tactics involve moving armies across terrain types that affect movement and combat outcomes, while diplomacy includes forming alliances or declaring war. Revolutions can arise from unhappy populations, adding unpredictability, and peace treaties allow for negotiated settlements. Population diversity influences province productivity and stability, requiring careful balancing of growth rates and city developments.
The game spans human history from ancient times to a projected future, with mechanics that evolve slightly across ages but focus on consistent strategy elements like resource allocation and territorial control. Hotseat mode enables local multiplayer, where participants alternate turns controlling different civilizations in the same scenario.
Game Modes
The primary mode is the Historical Grand Campaign, where you select from a wide range of civilizations, from major empires to minor tribes, and guide them through millennia. This setup covers key historical periods, allowing for campaigns that simulate real-world events or diverge into alternate histories.
Beyond the main campaign, the game supports custom scenarios created via in-game editors, letting you design unique starting conditions, maps, or events. Hotseat serves as the multiplayer option, supporting as many players as there are civilizations in a given scenario, all on one device.
Editors and Customization
Age of History II includes extensive editing tools that enhance replayability. The Scenario Editor lets you craft historical or fictional setups, complete with custom events and share them with the community. Other tools cover map creation, including provinces, terrain types, and growth rates, as well as civilization customization with flag makers and color palettes. You can even adjust game elements like diplomacy colors or random alliance names, fostering a creative environment for strategy enthusiasts.
Is It Worth Playing?
For strategy fans who appreciate turn-based games with a historical bent, Age of History II offers solid value through its mix of military and diplomatic mechanics. Player feedback highlights its engaging simplicity and long play sessions, especially in custom scenarios. With a Definitive Edition released in 2025 introducing enhancements like expanded diplomacy with defensive pacts and a larger map of 13892 provinces, the original version remains a strong entry point, particularly if you enjoy modding and community content. It's recommended for those seeking a relaxed yet challenging wargame, though it may not suit players looking for fast-paced action.
