Although we cannot enjoy time travel yet, the world of video games presents us with such an opportunity. In country management games, you can choose not only the location, but also your favorite era.
Middle Ages, present times or distant future. At your fingertips, you have gameplay in which you will become the lord and the leader. Ruling with an iron fist or staying kind and reserved. War-prone or development-oriented. Do you feel drawn to this type of game? Be sure to check out our list of the best control a country games!
Update 2024: Due to some changes that are natural over time, we’ve added a few interesting games to our list and enhanced the current ranking with some information and ratings!
| Game | Release | Genre | Developer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Europa Universalis IV | 2013-08-13 | Economy | Paradox Development Studio |
 | Europa Universalis IV Emperor Edition | 2020-06-09 | Economy | Paradox Development Studio |
 | Total War Rome II Emperor Edition | 2013-09-02 | Strategy | |
 | Victoria IV | 2010-08-30 | Strategy | Paradox Interactive |
 | Crusader Kings III | 2020-09-01 | Strategy | Paradox Development Studio |
 | Tropico 6 | 2018 | Simulation | Limbic Entertainment |
 | Tropico 6 El Prez Edition | 2019-03-29 | Simulation | Limbic Entertainment |
 | Hearts Of Iron IV Cadet Edition | 2016-06-06 | Simulation | Paradox Development Studio |
 | Hearts Of Iron IV No Step Back | 2021-11-23 | Simulation | Paradox Development Studio |
 | Hearts Of Iron IV La Resistance | 2020-02-25 | Simulation | Paradox Development Studio |
Europa Universalis 4
| Release: | 2013-08-13 |
| Genre: | Economy |
| Developer: | Paradox Development Studio |
It is a strategy video game released in 2013 where you will independently manage one of over 200 nations from around the world. It is only up to you in what direction your country and its history will develop.
The gameplay in Europa Universalis 4 takes place over the centuries, offering the opportunity to discover new technologies and establish a political profile. In this game where you control a country, you are responsible for every aspect of managing the nation. Take care of the prosperity of the residents, control trade, develop technologies, and fight military conflicts with your neighbors. It is a historically accurate game, reflecting the realities of managing a nation, possible in the single-player and multiplayer.
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Victoria 2
| Release: | 2010-08-30 |
| Genre: | Strategy |
| Developer: | Paradox Interactive |
It is a govern the country strategy game from 2010, in which you become the leader of one of over two hundred countries in the world from 1832 to the beginning of World War II.
In this game, you can influence the story however you like. Take matters into your own hands and build an empire that is second to none. Forge alliances, fight epic wars, produce resources and develop trade. Build up your army to conquer more lands and become the greatest ruler of your time. In Victoria II, you will also experience several historically accurate events and decide how they will affect the development of your country.
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Tropico 6
| Release: | 2018 |
| Genre: | Simulation |
| Developer: | Limbic Entertainment |
It is an exciting strategy game from Limbic Entertainment, in which you will become the leader of the banana republic. Have fun, build your empire and handle citizens as you please – all for power!
The game gives you an archipelago of tropical islands that you can develop as you like. Grow a transport network, build bridges and take care of tourist attractions. At the same time, get carried away by the turbulent world of international politics. Steal building designs and control citizens. Anything to keep El Presidente in power!
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Hearts of Iron 4
| Release: | 2016-06-06 |
| Genre: | Simulation |
| Developer: | Paradox Development Studio |
Released in 2016, this is a strategy game for fans of war operations and military development. The action takes place throughout two world wars, offering a precise picture of the historical events of that period.
Lead one of the countries actively involved in the global conflict and establish your place on the world map. Acquire technology, complete missions, and meet famous historical figures. Affect history as you wish and witness an alternate ending to world wars. It is a game in which you can influence international politics, both solo and in multiplayer.
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Democracy 4
| Release: | 2020-10-06 |
| Genre: | Strategy |
| Developer: | Positech Games |
It is a strategy video game where you will experience all the ups and downs of the democratic system. It is a fantastic proposition for enthusiasts of political simulators.
Democracy 4 is not only about ruling the state but also struggling with difficulties affecting modern political systems. Make crucial decisions to influence and gain support from your citizens. Control modern technologies, the plans of your neighbors, and the moods that rule social network sites. Keep in mind random events, which can significantly diversify the course of the entire gameplay.
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Rise of Nations: Extended Edition
| Release: | 2014-06-12 |
| Genre: | Strategy |
| Developer: | Big Huge Games |
In this title, you take on the role of a leader of a small village whose task, traditionally, is to develop your colony.
The most important objective is to successfully guide your nation through eight consecutive epochs, covering a span of around 5,000 years!
To achieve this, you must take care of not only the basic needs of your inhabitants but also the development of science, technology, economy, diplomacy, and military strength of your nation. An interesting mechanic is the complex economic system, which develops various branches of industry, as well as the extensive technology trees.
The fact that the game enjoys outstanding reviews on Steam (94% positive from nearly 12,000 ratings) and scores of 89/100 and 8.9 on Metacritic should come as no surprise. It’s one of the most polished and comprehensive RTS games out there!
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Crusader Kings III
| Release: | 2020-09-01 |
| Genre: | Strategy |
| Developer: | Paradox Development Studio |
In this game, you take on the role of a member of a medieval dynasty.
Tasked with managing the local populace and armies, overseeing the development of your realm, and also controlling your own family, which you must guide successive through generations.
This is no easy task — if you are a powerful ruler, both enemies and close relatives may be plotting behind your back!
The game offers interesting strategic mechanics, city building, war campaigns, and political manoeuvring, all wrapped in the ever-present threat of intrigue and attacks from all sides.
Crusader Kings III enjoys considerable popularity and high ratings on both Steam, where it has achieved 91% positive reviews, and Metacritic, with a score of 91 from critics and 8.3 from players. It also holds the Metacritic Must-Play seal. It’s hard to disagree with that!
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Sid Meier's Civilization VI
| Release: | 2016-10-20 |
| Genre: | Economy |
| Developer: | Firaxis Games |
Since we started our list with a series that everyone knows, it’s our duty to end it in a similar fashion!
Sid Meier’s Civilization VI is a game where you lead one of 50 available civilizations and take on the role of one of 78 possible leaders. Your task is to guide your nation over several thousand years, focusing on civilizational, technological, and military development, as well as relations with neighbours, whom you can, of course, conquer.
The game enjoys very good ratings on both Steam (86%) and Metacritic (88 from critics and 7.6 from players). Players appreciate the developers’ decision to restore certain mechanics removed in the fifth instalment and the overall reception of the game. Undoubtedly, it deserves a place in your library!
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Controlling the state, even in a video game, gives a tremendous sense of strength. A sense of power that we love! In these various scenarios, we can shape the course of the story and test endless possible strategies. Do you feel like this genre is made just for you? We know it is! Games in which you control the country are the certainty of hundreds of hours of the most satisfying gameplay.
References:
- Europa Universalis IV:
- “Europa Universalis IV Review.” PC Gamer, 13 August 2013. PC Gamer Article
- “Europa Universalis IV on G2A.COM. G2A Page
- Victoria 2:
- “Victoria II Review.” GameSpot, 18 August 2010. GameSpot Review
- “Victoria 2 on G2A.COM. G2A Page
- Tropico 6:
- “Tropico 6 Review.” Rock Paper Shotgun, 28 March 2019. Rock Paper Shotgun Article
- “Tropico 6 on G2A.COM. G2A Page
- Hearts of Iron 4: