Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Victoria 3 (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Victoria 3 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: Victoria II, which made by the same studio, Development Studio.
- Victoria 3 is tagged Grand Strategy, Economy, Historical, Political Sim, Strategy, Capitalism, Politics, Diplomacy 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.
- 6 are from the same studio: Victoria II, Europa Universalis IV, Crusader Kings III, Crusader Kings II, Europa Universalis III, Hearts of Iron III.
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
Victoria II
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Development Studio; both war, historical and strategy; shares 14 player tags including Grand Strategy, Strategy and Historical.
Carefully guide your nation from the era of absolute monarchies in the early 19th century, through expansion and colonization, to finally become a truly great power by the dawn of the 20th century. Victoria II is a grand strategy game played during the colonial era of the 19th century, where the player takes control of a country, guiding...
Victoria II at a glance Released 2010 Studio Development Studio Player sentiment 92% positive of 20,016 Price $19.99 Grand StrategyStrategyHistoricalPolitical SimPoliticsEconomySimulationReal-Time with Pause
- 2
Europa Universalis IV
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Development Studio; both war, historical and strategy; shares 14 player tags including Grand Strategy, Strategy and Historical.
Rule your land and dominate the world with unparalleled freedom, depth and historical accuracy. Write a new history of the world and build an empire for the ages.
Europa Universalis IV at a glance Released 2013 Studio Development Studio Player sentiment 88% positive of 137,275 Price $49.99 Grand StrategyStrategyHistoricalSimulationAlternate HistoryMilitaryDiplomacyEconomy
- 3
Imperator: Rome
Why it matched: both war, historical and strategy; shares 13 player tags including Strategy, Grand Strategy and Simulation; published by the same company; 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 StrategyGrand StrategySimulationHistoricalPolitical SimPoliticalManagementEconomy
- 4
Crusader Kings III
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Development Studio; both war, historical and strategy; shares 10 player tags including Strategy, Grand Strategy and Simulation; 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 StrategyGrand StrategySimulationHistoricalManagementSandboxEconomyPolitical
- 5
Crusader Kings II
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Development Studio; both historical and strategy; shares 12 player tags including Grand Strategy, Strategy and Historical.
Explore one of the defining periods in world history in an experience crafted by the masters of Grand Strategy.
Crusader Kings II at a glance Released 2012 Studio Development Studio Player sentiment 91% positive of 73,903 Price Free Grand StrategyStrategyHistoricalPolitical SimSimulationSandboxPoliticsDiplomacy
- 6
Europa Universalis III
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Development Studio; both war, historical and strategy; shares 10 player tags including Grand Strategy, Strategy and Historical.
Europa Universalis III Complete includes the original Europa Universalis III as well as the expansions In Nomine and Napoleons Ambition Europa Universalis III delves deeply into the areas of exploration, trade, warfare and diplomacy.
Europa Universalis III at a glance Released 2007 Studio Development Studio Player sentiment 83% positive of 2,001 Price $14.99 Grand StrategyStrategyHistoricalPolitical SimReal-Time with PausePoliticalSandboxSimulation
- 7
Hearts of Iron III
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Development Studio; both war, historical and strategy; shares 9 player tags including Grand Strategy, Strategy and Historical.
Hearts of Iron III lets you play the most engaging conflict in world history, World War 2, on all fronts as any country and through multiple different scenarios. Guide your nation to glory between 1936 and 1948 and wage war, conduct diplomacy and build your industry in the most detailed World War 2 game ever made.
Hearts of Iron III at a glance Released 2009 Studio Development Studio Player sentiment 76% positive of 6,081 Price $9.99 Grand StrategyStrategyHistoricalSimulationMilitaryReal-Time with PauseSandboxAlternate History
- 8
Age of History II
Why it matched: both war, historical and strategy; shares 10 player tags including Strategy, Historical and Grand Strategy; released around the same time (2018).
Age of History II is a grand strategy wargame that is simple to learn yet hard to master.Your objective is to use military tactics and cunning diplomacy to either unify the world, or conquer it.Will the world bleed out or bow before you? The choice is yours..
Age of History II at a glance Released 2018 Studio Łukasz Jakowski Player sentiment 90% positive of 49,963 Price $5.99 StrategyHistoricalGrand StrategyPolitical SimSimulationSandboxPoliticalDiplomacy
- 9
Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic
Why it matched: both historical and strategy; shares 11 player tags including Strategy, Simulation and Management; released around the same time (2024).
Build a soviet republic from an impoverished country into a rich industrial superpower in a city builder with intricate production chains and a fully simulated global economy. Manage the lives of your citizens from education to work and party loyalty to criminal activity.
Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic at a glance Released 2024 Studio 3Division Player sentiment 91% positive of 27,164 Price $9.99 StrategySimulationManagementSandboxGrand StrategyResource ManagementHistoricalEconomy
- 10
Hearts of Iron IV
Why it matched: both war, historical and strategy; shares 9 player tags including Strategy, Grand Strategy and Historical; published by the same company.
Victory is at your fingertips! Your ability to lead your nation is your supreme weapon, the strategy game Hearts of Iron IV lets you take command of any nation in World War II; the most engaging conflict in world history.
Hearts of Iron IV at a glance Released 2016 Studio Paradox Development Studio Player sentiment 90% positive of 375,658 Price $49.99 StrategyGrand StrategyHistoricalMilitaryAlternate HistorySimulationReal-Time with PauseDiplomacy
- 11
ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS XIV
Why it matched: both war, historical and strategy; shares 9 player tags including Military, Diplomacy and Grand Strategy; released around the same time (2020).
Triumph over the land, take charge of the fate of China! Conquer territories and fly your colors!
ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS XIV at a glance Released 2020 Studio KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. Player sentiment 63% positive of 15,932 Price $59.99 MilitaryDiplomacyGrand StrategyStrategyHistoricalAlternate HistorySimulationResource Management
- 12
Sid Meier's Civilization VII
Why it matched: both war, historical and strategy; shares 9 player tags including Grand Strategy, Historical and Diplomacy; released around the same time (2025).
Lead empires that evolve or endure through the Ages. Build something you believe in with Sid Meier's Civilization® VII.
Sid Meier's Civilization VII at a glance Released 2025 Studio Firaxis Games Player sentiment 48% positive of 58,602 Price $49.99 Grand StrategyHistoricalDiplomacyMilitarySimulationEconomyStrategyAlternate History
- 13
Sid Meier's Civilization IV
Why it matched: both war, historical and strategy; shares 9 player tags including Strategy, Historical and Moddable.
With over 6 million units sold and unprecedented critical acclaim from fans and press around the world, Sid Meier's Civilization is recognized as one of the greatest PC game franchises of all-time. Now, Sid Meier and Firaxis Games will take this incredibly fun and addictive game to new heights by adding new ways to play and win, new...
Sid Meier's Civilization IV at a glance Released 2006 Studio Firaxis Games Player sentiment 95% positive of 57 Price $19.99 StrategyHistoricalModdableGrand StrategyReplay ValueSimulationResource ManagementEconomy
- 14
Manor Lords
Why it matched: both historical and strategy; shares 10 player tags including Strategy, Simulation and Historical; released around the same time (2024).
Manor Lords is a medieval strategy game featuring in-depth city building, large-scale tactical battles, and complex economic and social simulations. Rule your lands as a medieval lord – the seasons pass, the weather changes, and cities rise and fall.
Manor Lords at a glance Released 2024 Studio Slavic Magic Player sentiment 84% positive of 90,905 Price $25.99 StrategySimulationHistoricalManagementGrand StrategyResource ManagementSandboxModdable
- 15
Stronghold Crusader HD (2012)
Why it matched: both war, historical and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Military, Strategy and Sandbox.
The highly anticipated sequel to the best-selling Stronghold, Stronghold Crusader HD throws you into historic battles and castle sieges from the Crusades with fiendish AI opponents, new units, 4 historical campaigns and over 100 unique skirmish missions.
Stronghold Crusader HD (2012) at a glance Released 2013 Studio Firefly Studios Player sentiment 97% positive of 21,059 Price $1.99 MilitaryStrategySandboxManagementResource ManagementEconomyHistoricalSimulation
- 16
Anno 1800
Why it matched: both historical and strategy; shares 9 player tags including Strategy, Simulation and Economy; released around the same time (2019).
Anno 1800™ – Lead the Industrial Revolution! Welcome to the dawn of the Industrial Age. The path you choose will define your world. Are you an innovator or an exploiter? A conqueror or a liberator? How the world remembers your name is up to you.
Anno 1800 at a glance Released 2019 Studio Ubisoft Mainz Player sentiment 81% positive of 32,232 Price $59.99 StrategySimulationEconomyResource ManagementSandboxManagementHistoricalPolitical
- 17
Sid Meier's Civilization III Complete
Why it matched: both war, historical and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Strategy, Historical and Replay Value.
Sid Meier's Civilization III: Complete, the latest offering in the Sid Meier's Civilization III franchise, provides gaming fans with Sid Meier's Civilization III, the highly-addictive journey of discovery.
Sid Meier's Civilization III Complete at a glance Released 2006 Studio Firaxis Games Player sentiment 89% positive of 7,789 Price $4.99 StrategyHistoricalReplay ValueGrand StrategySimulationMilitaryDiplomacyAlternate History
- 18
Mount & Blade: Warband
Why it matched: both war, historical and strategy; shares 6 player tags including Strategy, Sandbox and Moddable; published by the same company.
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 StrategySandboxModdableMilitaryHistoricalSimulation
- 19
Dawn of Man
Why it matched: both historical and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Strategy, Simulation and Historical; released around the same time (2019).
Command a settlement of ancient humans, guide them through the ages in their struggle for survival. Hunt, gather, craft tools, fight, research new techs and face the challenges the environment will throw at you.
Dawn of Man at a glance Released 2019 Studio Madruga Works Player sentiment 87% positive of 17,830 Price $12.49 StrategySimulationHistoricalSandboxEconomyResource ManagementManagementPolitical
- 20
Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition
Why it matched: both war, historical and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Strategy, Historical and Grand Strategy.
Spanning the most turbulent era in Western history, your quest for territory and power takes you through Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and even onto the shores of the New World.
Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition at a glance Released 2006 Studio CREATIVE ASSEMBLY Player sentiment 96% positive of 36,357 Price $24.99 StrategyHistoricalGrand StrategyModdableMilitarySimulationSandbox
- 21
Railway Empire
Why it matched: both historical and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Strategy, Simulation and Management; released around the same time (2018).
In Railway Empire, you will create an elaborate and wide-ranging rail network, purchase over 40 different trains modelled in extraordinary detail, and buy or build railway stations, maintenance buildings, factories and tourist attractions to keep your travel network ahead of the competition.
Railway Empire at a glance Released 2018 Studio Gaming Minds Studios Player sentiment 83% positive of 9,712 Price $29.99 StrategySimulationManagementEconomyHistoricalSandboxReplay ValueResource Management
- 22
Tropico 4
Why it matched: both strategy; shares 10 player tags including Simulation, Strategy and Management.
The world is changing and Tropico is moving with the times - geographical powers rise and fall and the world market is dominated by new players with new demands and offers - and you, as El Presidente, face a whole new set of challenges.
Tropico 4 at a glance Released 2011 Studio Haemimont Games Player sentiment 92% positive of 12,737 Price $14.99 SimulationStrategyManagementSandboxEconomyReal-Time with PausePoliticsResource Management
- 23
Prison Architect
Why it matched: both strategy; shares 9 player tags including Simulation, Sandbox and Strategy; published by the same company.
Only the world’s most ruthless Warden can contain the world’s most ruthless inmates. Design and develop your personalized penitentiary in Prison Architect.
Prison Architect at a glance Released 2015 Studio Introversion Software Player sentiment 89% positive of 73,744 Price $5.99 SimulationSandboxStrategyManagementResource ManagementEconomyModdableCapitalism
- 24
Call of War: World War 2
Why it matched: both war, historical and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Strategy, Grand Strategy and Military.
Take over the control of one of the mighty nations during the times of World War 2 in this persisting long-term strategy game. Conquer provinces, forge alliances and build up your economy in real-time. Research top secret weapons of World War 2 and become the one true superpower!
Call of War: World War 2 at a glance Released 2017 Studio Bytro Labs GmbH Player sentiment 71% positive of 6,372 Price Free StrategyGrand StrategyMilitarySimulationHistoricalDiplomacyAlternate History
Common questions
What game is most like Victoria 3?
Victoria II, on the evidence we have. It made by the same studio, Development Studio. 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 Victoria 3" 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 Victoria 3. 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.
What else did the makers of Victoria 3 do?
Victoria II, Europa Universalis IV, Crusader Kings III, Crusader Kings II, Europa Universalis III, Hearts of Iron III are also from Development Studio, and appear in the list below for that reason as well as on tag overlap.
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.