Great Adventure Games Set in Historical Eras

14 December 2025

Adventure games have a way of transporting us to faraway lands, thrilling scenarios, and even different points in time. But there’s something especially magical about games that weave their tales within rich, historical eras. These gems aren’t just about avoiding traps, solving puzzles, or making heart-pounding decisions—they’re also a chance to step into the shoes of people from history and see the world as it once was.

In this article, we’re diving into the best adventure games set in historical eras. Whether you’re a fan of stealthy espionage, grand battles, or unraveling mysteries in ancient times, there’s a game (or three) here for everyone. So buckle up, because we’re going on a journey through time.

Why Historical Adventure Games Are So Captivating

What makes adventure games in historical settings so special? It’s simple: they combine the thrill of exploration with the richness of history. You get to see historical events or locations come to life in ways that textbooks never could. It’s like a time machine in your hands, and, honestly, who doesn’t want to time travel?

These games often feel like interactive history lessons. But don’t worry—they’re way more fun than sitting in a classroom! You’re not just reading about epic events; you’re living them. Imagine sneaking through Victorian London or sailing alongside Vikings. It’s immersive, it’s educational, and it’s pure adrenaline-pumping fun.

1. Assassin’s Creed Series: A Time-Hopping Adventure

If there’s one game series synonymous with historical adventure, it’s Assassin’s Creed. Ubisoft has turned history into a playground for this legendary franchise. From ancient Egypt to revolutionary France, each game drops you into an era so vividly recreated that you can almost feel the cobblestones beneath your feet.

- Why It Stands Out: Through the eyes of the ever-mysterious Assassins, you’ll uncover conspiracies, meet famous figures (like Cleopatra or Leonardo da Vinci), and explore iconic landmarks. Whether you’re scaling the pyramids in Assassin’s Creed Origins or blending into bustling Renaissance crowds in Assassin’s Creed II, the historical detail is jaw-dropping.
- Extra Cool Factor: The franchise also includes a "Discovery Tour" mode in some games, where you can roam the historical settings without combat, learning about the culture and history of the time. It’s perfect for history buffs!

2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt—A Medieval Fantasy with a Historical Feel

Now, you might be thinking, “Wait, isn’t this game fantasy?” Yes, but hear me out. The Witcher 3 draws heavy inspiration from historical European medieval times, blending realism with magic. The game’s sprawling world is rich with castles, villages, politics, and the kind of grim conflicts you’d associate with the Middle Ages.

- Why It’s Worth Your Time: As Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter for hire, you’ll be traveling through stunning landscapes inspired by medieval Poland and Eastern Europe. Whether it’s battling beasts in dark forests or navigating the political intrigues of warring kingdoms, the vibes are deeply rooted in history.
- What’s Unique: It’s not just the aesthetic. You’ll feel the weight of medieval life in every choice you make, from aligning with rulers to helping villagers with their desperate, often morally gray problems.

3. Red Dead Redemption 2: The Wild West, Perfected

Let’s fast-forward to America’s Wild West. Red Dead Redemption 2 isn’t just a game—it’s an experience. Set in 1899, this masterpiece by Rockstar Games immerses you in the waning days of the frontier.

- Why People Rave About It: You play as Arthur Morgan, an outlaw trying to navigate through a changing world. The game is jam-packed with historical details, including period-accurate weapons, clothing, and even slang. Not to mention the sheer beauty of the open-world map, which captures everything from vast deserts to snowy mountain peaks.
- More Than Just Gunslinging: Beyond the shootouts and train robberies, you’ll engage in quiet, reflective moments that give you a sense of what life was like back then. Fishing, hunting, and even writing in your journal add a personal touch to the historical immersion.

4. Kingdom Come: Deliverance—A Deep Dive into the Middle Ages

If you’re itching for a game that feels like straight-up historical reenactment, then Kingdom Come: Deliverance has your name written all over it. Set in 1403 Bohemia (modern-day Czech Republic), this game prides itself on authenticity.

- What Sets It Apart: There’s no magic or fantasy here. You’re Henry, a blacksmith’s son, thrust into a turbulent world of war and politics. The game is heavily focused on realism, from its combat system to its portrayal of medieval life. You’ll be eating, sleeping, and learning to wield a sword like a real medieval villager.
- Historical Eye Candy: The game’s attention to detail is insane. Castles, churches, and towns are designed with historical accuracy, making you feel like you’re truly in the 15th century.

5. L.A. Noire—The Noir Era Comes Alive

Los Angeles in the late 1940s was a hotbed of glamour, crime, and post-war tension. L.A. Noire captures this vivid period with style, throwing you into a world of trench coats, jazz tunes, and smoky interrogation rooms.

- The Hook: You play as Cole Phelps, a war veteran turned detective, solving cases while navigating the seedy underbelly of the city. The game’s use of motion-capture technology brings characters to life in a way that feels eerily real.
- Why It’s So Immersive: From the vintage cars to the art deco architecture, this game nails the look and feel of 1940s Los Angeles. Whether you’re chasing suspects through back alleys or piecing together crime scenes, it’s like stepping into a classic noir film.

6. Ghost of Tsushima—Feudal Japan in All Its Glory

There aren’t many games set in feudal Japan, but thankfully, Ghost of Tsushima more than makes up for it. This PlayStation-exclusive game transports you to the year 1274, during the Mongol invasion of Japan.

- Why It’s a Must-Play: You take on the role of Jin Sakai, a samurai forced to adopt unconventional tactics to protect his homeland. The game beautifully blends history with myth, offering a stunning open world filled with cherry blossoms, shrine puzzles, and epic battles.
- A Visual Feast: The game’s directing is so cinematic, it feels like a love letter to classic samurai films. Plus, the developers worked closely with historians to capture the essence of the time period, making the experience all the more authentic.

7. Uncharted Series: Treasure Hunting Through History

While not strictly based on real historical events, the Uncharted series is steeped in historical lore. These games follow Nathan Drake, a treasure hunter who unearths long-lost secrets from civilizations past—sometimes with explosive consequences.

- Why You’ll Love It: Picture Indiana Jones, but with more climbing, shooting, and jaw-dropping set pieces. Whether Drake is searching for El Dorado or the lost city of Shambhala, there’s always a historical mystery at the heart of the adventure.
- Travel the World: Each game whisks you to stunning locations inspired by real history and archaeology. From ancient temples to forgotten ruins, every detail feels larger than life.

Why Play These Games?

Because they’re more than just entertainment—they’re windows into the past. Each game on this list mixes history with adventure in its own unique way, whether through dramatic storytelling, jaw-dropping visuals, or intricate gameplay mechanics. You’ll laugh, cry, and maybe even learn something along the way.

So the next time you’re itching for an adventure, why not let it double as a dive into history? These games don’t just make you a player; they make you a time traveler, a detective, a warrior, or even a legend.