Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Sands of Salzaar (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Sands of Salzaar on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.
The short version
- Closest match: DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS, which both war, story-rich and strategy.
- Sands of Salzaar is tagged Open World, RPG, Strategy, War, Indie, Adventure, Sandbox, Singleplayer by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
- 24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
- 2 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
How these were matched
Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.
Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.
All 24, closest first
- 1
DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS
Why it matched: both war, story-rich and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Hack and Slash, Martial Arts and Action RPG; released around the same time (2025).
Become immersed in exhilarating battles as a nameless hero in the Three Kingdoms
DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS at a glance Released 2025 Studio KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. Player sentiment 93% positive of 30,068 Price $69.99 Hack and SlashMartial ArtsAction RPGRPGStrategyStory RichWar
- 2
Middle-earth: Shadow of War
Why it matched: both open world, war, story-rich and strategy; shares 6 player tags including RPG, War and Story Rich; released around the same time (2017).
Experience an epic open-world brought to life by the award-winning Nemesis System. Forge a new Ring of Power, conquer Fortresses in massive battles and dominate Mordor with your personal orc army in Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™.
Middle-earth: Shadow of War at a glance Released 2017 Studio Monolith Productions Player sentiment 89% positive of 116,690 Price $4.99 RPGWarStory RichHack and SlashAction RPGStrategy
- 3
Mount & Blade: With Fire & Sword
Why it matched: both open world, war and strategy; shares 8 player tags including RPG, Strategy and War.
The standalone expansion for Mount & Blade! With Fire & Sword builds and expands upon the highly regarded combat system from Mount & Blade: Warband. Firearms have been introduced to the battlefield.
Mount & Blade: With Fire & Sword at a glance Released 2011 Studio TaleWorlds Entertainment Player sentiment 88% positive of 14,037 Price $9.99 RPGStrategyWarSandboxCharacter CustomizationModdableAction RPGIndie
- 4
Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
Why it matched: both open world, war and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Strategy, RPG and War; released around the same time (2020).
A strategy/action RPG. Create a character, engage in diplomacy, craft, trade and conquer new lands in a vast medieval sandbox. Raise armies to lead into battle and command and fight alongside your troops in massive real-time battles using a deep but intuitive skill-based combat system.
Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord at a glance Released 2020 Studio TaleWorlds Player sentiment 88% positive of 296,754 Price $49.99 StrategyRPGWarSandboxCharacter CustomizationModdableEarly Access
- 5
Mount & Blade
Why it matched: both open world, war and strategy; shares 8 player tags including RPG, Strategy and Sandbox.
Calradia is a land at war, offering great riches and even greater dangers to adventurers and mercenaries that flock to shed their blood on its soil. With courage and a strong sword, an unknown stranger can make a name as a warrior. Free-form sand-box gameplay.
Mount & Blade at a glance Released 2008 Studio TaleWorlds Player sentiment 92% positive of 6,718 Price $9.99 RPGStrategySandboxIndieModdableAction RPGCharacter CustomizationWar
- 6
Crusader Kings III
Why it matched: both war, story-rich and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Strategy, RPG and Character Customization; released around the same time (2020).
Love, fight, scheme, and claim greatness. Determine your noble house’s legacy in the sprawling grand strategy of Crusader Kings III. Death is only the beginning as you guide your dynasty’s bloodline in the rich and larger-than-life simulation of the Middle Ages.
Crusader Kings III at a glance Released 2020 Studio Development Studio Player sentiment 90% positive of 143,235 Price $49.99 StrategyRPGCharacter CustomizationSandboxWarModdable
- 7
Battle Brothers
Why it matched: both open world, war and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Strategy, RPG and Character Customization; released around the same time (2017).
Lead a mercenary company in this tactical RPG set in a medieval fantasy world. Chase fame and fortune as you choose where to go, who to recruit, which contracts to pursue, and how to train and equip your men in a procedurally generated open world campaign.
Battle Brothers at a glance Released 2017 Studio Overhype Studios Player sentiment 88% positive of 28,671 Price $8.99 StrategyRPGCharacter CustomizationWarSandboxModdable
- 8
Imperator: Rome
Why it matched: both open world, war, story-rich and strategy; shares 5 player tags including Strategy, War and Moddable; released around the same time (2019).
Dominate the classical Mediterranean in Imperator: Rome, a grand strategy game from Paradox Interactive. Navigate the dangerous waters of politics and diplomacy as you build up your provinces and conquer foreign lands. Now available with special content and the digital artbook.
Imperator: Rome at a glance Released 2019 Studio Paradox Development Studio Player sentiment 66% positive of 26,891 Price $39.99 StrategyWarModdableSandboxEarly Access
- 9
Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom
Why it matched: both open world, story-rich and strategy; shares 6 player tags including RPG, Anime and Story Rich; released around the same time (2018).
Join the young king Evan as he sets out on an epic quest to found a new kingdom and, with the help of some new friends, unite his world, saving its people from a terrible evil.
Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom at a glance Released 2018 Studio LEVEL5 Inc. Player sentiment 84% positive of 11,158 Price $59.99 RPGAnimeStory RichAction RPGHack and SlashStrategy
- 10
ENDLESS Space 2
Why it matched: both open world, war and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Strategy, War and Moddable; released around the same time (2017).
ENDLESS Space™ 2 is a Strategic Space Opera, featuring the compelling “just one more turn” gameplay, set in the mysterious ENDLESS Universe™. As the leader of your civilization, will you impose your vision and build the greatest stellar empire?
ENDLESS Space 2 at a glance Released 2017 Studio AMPLITUDE Studios Player sentiment 83% positive of 23,056 Price $7.99 StrategyWarModdableSandboxRPGIndie
- 11
Wartales
Why it matched: both open world, story-rich and strategy; shares 5 player tags including RPG, Strategy and Sandbox; released around the same time (2023).
Wartales is an open world RPG in which you lead a group of mercenaries in their search for wealth across a massive medieval universe. Explore the world, recruit companions, collect bounties and unravel the secrets of the tombs of the ancients!
Wartales at a glance Released 2023 Studio Shiro Games Player sentiment 86% positive of 35,569 Price $34.99 RPGStrategySandboxStory RichIndie
- 12
Endless Sky
Why it matched: both open world, story-rich and strategy; shares 6 player tags including RPG, Indie and Sandbox.
Endless Sky is a 2D space trading and combat game inspired by the classic Escape Velocity series. Work your way up from a relatively wimpy shuttle, cargo ship, or fighter, to a highly upgraded and customized flagship or to a massive fleet of warships or freighters.
Endless Sky at a glance Released 2015 Studio Michael Zahniser Player sentiment 92% positive of 7,092 Price Free RPGIndieSandboxTop-DownStrategyStory Rich
- 13
Foxhole
Why it matched: both open world, war and strategy; shares 5 player tags including Sandbox, War and Top-Down; released around the same time (2022).
Foxhole is a massively multiplayer game where thousands of players shape the outcome of a persistent online war. Every individual soldier is a player that contributes to the war effort through logistics, base building, reconnaissance, combat, and more.
Foxhole at a glance Released 2022 Studio Siege Camp Player sentiment 79% positive of 52,962 Price $29.99 SandboxWarTop-DownStrategyRPG
- 14
Dragon Age: Origins - Ultimate Edition
Why it matched: both open world, story-rich and strategy; shares 6 player tags including RPG, Story Rich and Character Customization.
Explore a stunning world, make complex moral choices, and engage in bone-crushing combat against massive and terrifying creatures. The Ultimate Edition includes Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening and all nine content packs.
Dragon Age: Origins - Ultimate Edition at a glance Released 2010 Studio BioWare Player sentiment 86% positive of 31,317 Price $29.99 RPGStory RichCharacter CustomizationMatureStrategyModdable
- 15
Dragon Age Inquisition
Why it matched: both open world, story-rich and strategy; shares 5 player tags including RPG, Character Customization and Story Rich; released around the same time (2020).
Winner of over 130 Game of the Year awards, discover the definitive Dragon Age: Inquisition experience. The Game of the Year Edition includes the critically acclaimed game, all three official add-ons - Jaws of Hakkon, The Descent, and Trespasser - and more.
Dragon Age Inquisition at a glance Released 2020 Studio BioWare Player sentiment 76% positive of 21,380 Price $39.99 RPGCharacter CustomizationStory RichAction RPGStrategy
- 16
The Scroll of Taiwu : Beyond The Dome
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 7 player tags including RPG, Martial Arts and Sandbox.
"The Scroll of Taiwu" is an indie game themed around Chinese mythology and wuxia. Players assume the role of the mysterious "heir of the Taiwu clan" in an alternate ancient China, working through generations of heirs to defeat a powerful hereditary enemy and shape the fate of the human world.
The Scroll of Taiwu : Beyond The Dome at a glance Released 2026 Studio ConchShip Games Player sentiment 65% positive of 70,159 Price $29.99 RPGMartial ArtsSandboxStrategyIndieEarly AccessAnime
- 17
Wildermyth
Why it matched: both story-rich and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Story Rich, Character Customization and RPG; released around the same time (2021).
Wildermyth follows heroes over their whole careers, from their pitchfork days to their powerful primes, and on into old age and memory. It’s a party-based procedural storytelling RPG where tactical combat and story decisions will alter your world and reshape your cast of characters.
Wildermyth at a glance Released 2021 Studio Worldwalker Games LLC Player sentiment 95% positive of 18,232 Price $24.99 Story RichCharacter CustomizationRPGModdableIndieStrategy
- 18
Knight Online
Why it matched: both open world, war and strategy; shares 6 player tags including RPG, War and Strategy.
The Great Battle between Karus and El Morad has arrived to Steam! Pledge allegiance to one of the Nations and put your skills to the test in one of the best PvP system in the MMORPG universe!
Knight Online at a glance Released 2016 Studio Noah System Player sentiment 51% positive of 11,259 Price Free RPGWarStrategyAction RPGCharacter CustomizationAnime
- 19
Mount & Blade: Warband
Why it matched: both open world, war and strategy; shares 6 player tags including RPG, Strategy and Sandbox.
In a land torn asunder by incessant warfare, it is time to assemble your own band of hardened warriors and enter the fray. Lead your men into battle, expand your realm, and claim the ultimate prize: the throne of Calradia!
Mount & Blade: Warband at a glance Released 2010 Studio TaleWorlds Player sentiment 98% positive of 172,005 Price $19.99 RPGStrategySandboxModdableHack and SlashIndie
- 20
Octopath Traveler
Why it matched: both open world, story-rich and strategy; shares 5 player tags including RPG, Story Rich and Strategy; released around the same time (2018).
Eight travelers. Eight adventures. Eight roles to play. Embark on an epic journey across the vast and wondrous world of Orsterra and discover the captivating stories of each of the eight travelers.
Octopath Traveler at a glance Released 2018 Studio Square Enix Player sentiment 86% positive of 17,150 Price $59.99 RPGStory RichStrategyAnimeSandbox
- 21
Amazing Cultivation Simulator
Why it matched: both open world and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Martial Arts, RPG and Sandbox; released around the same time (2020).
Rise up in a search for immortality in this strategy sim and management game based on Chinese mythology. Rebuild your sect and train new disciples through the path of cultivation. Research magic and gather mystical artifacts, face ancient dangers and other sects in your path to spiritual ascension.
Amazing Cultivation Simulator at a glance Released 2020 Studio GSQ Games Player sentiment 86% positive of 23,608 Price $24.99 Martial ArtsRPGSandboxStrategyIndieEarly AccessAnime
- 22
SD GUNDAM G GENERATION CROSS RAYS
Why it matched: both story-rich and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Anime, RPG and Character Customization; released around the same time (2019).
Beyond creation, four eras come together as one! Discover the latest entry in this iconic Tactical RPG series. Form your own team of SD Gundams and deploy for battle -- with units from Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, SEED, 00, and Iron-Blooded Orphans!
SD GUNDAM G GENERATION CROSS RAYS at a glance Released 2019 Studio TOM CREATE Player sentiment 82% positive of 8,175 Price $19.99 AnimeRPGCharacter CustomizationTop-DownStory RichStrategy
- 23
Valkyria Chronicles
Why it matched: both war, story-rich and strategy; shares 5 player tags including Anime, Strategy and Story Rich.
The critically acclaimed Valkyria Chronicles is now available on PC in 1080p True HD, including all previously released DLC!
Valkyria Chronicles at a glance Released 2014 Studio SEGA Player sentiment 90% positive of 13,296 Price $19.99 AnimeStrategyStory RichRPGWar
- 24
Divinity: Original Sin - Enhanced Edition
Why it matched: both open world, story-rich and strategy; shares 5 player tags including RPG, Strategy and Story Rich.
Gather your party and get ready for the kick-ass new version of GameSpot's PC Game of the Year 2014. With hours of new content, new game modes, full voiceovers, split-screen multiplayer, and thousands of improvements, there's never been a better time to explore the epic world of Rivellon!
Divinity: Original Sin - Enhanced Edition at a glance Released 2015 Studio Larian Studios Player sentiment 89% positive of 32,922 Price $39.99 RPGStrategyStory RichCharacter CustomizationIndie
Common questions
What game is most like Sands of Salzaar?
DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS, on the evidence we have. It both war, story-rich and strategy. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.
How is "similar to Sands of Salzaar" decided?
By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.
Are these ranked by quality?
No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with Sands of Salzaar. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.
Do you get paid for these recommendations?
No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.