Interestingly, the term Mordhau refers to a classic combat technique of holding a sword by the blade and striking the opponent with its heavy pommel. A tricky move, tough to pull off but very effective when utilized bya brilliant swordfighter.
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Triternion’sMordhau, then, is a medieval-era action title with a heavy focus on historically accurate (to a degree) combat. Its fights are slower-paced, deliberate and quite technical (though it’s more than possible tocharge in on the offensive), making for an experience that scratches a very specific itch. If you enjoyMordhau’s brutal gameplay, here are some other titles that may appeal, for a range of reasons.
10For Honor
Perhaps the easiest recommendation for fans ofMordhau,For Honorfirst released in February 2017 and really struck a chord with players. With its faction-based system focused on competition between the Vikings, Samurai, and Knights (with the Wu Lin faction added in October 2018) and its unique, fluid combat mechanics, Ubisoft’sFor Honorset itself apart.
The game has reinvented its equipment systems and character balancing many times over its life to date, as the team struggles to find that sweet spot.For Honorbecomes very technical at a high level andthe action can be hard to get to grips with,but the multiplayer really is exhilarating.
9Ryse: Son Of Rome
Of course,Ryse: Son Of Romeis set in the time of Ancient Rome, but there are many parallels to be drawn between this Xbox One launch title andMordhau.
As tends to be the case with launch titles, Crytek’sRyseis a stylish, visually impressive title that spared no expense when it came to production values. It’s a hack and slash that follows the misadventures of a centurion named Marius Titus, who tells the story of his battle to defend Rome from invasion through a campaign-long flashback. The action revolves a ‘flow’ system, which allows Titus to perform brutal kills and switch targets during busy battles seamlessly. Gameplay isn’t especially technical, but it does boast the depth that a lot of hack and slash titles don’t. IfMordhau’s vicious combat and historical leanings appeal, perhaps this title from a different era will too.
8Medieval II: Total War
Putting playersinto the shoes of nation/empire leaders and spurring them on to success and prosperity can be a major headache.How best to balance fun factor with the need to provide all manner of complex information, stat screens, and such?
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Creative Assembly’sTotal Warseries has been at the forefront of this sinceShogun: Total Warlaunched in the year 2000. Blending turn-based strategy on the campaign screen and real-time strategy in battles to brilliant effect, this beloved series knocked the Medieval era out of the park withMedieval II: Total War. With expansionMedieval II: Total War: Kingdoms, a campaign revolving around the Crusades and much more was added. As engrossing as any other game in the series, the title is showing its age now but offers a fantastic representation of the era and a very different way of experiencing it.
7Gloria Victis
Perhaps you’re a fan of Medieval-themed titles with heavy, deliberate combat, but don’t want to be limited to a singleplayer or smaller multiplayer experience. If that’s the case,Gloria Victismight be for you.
In thislesser-known MMORPG, asthe game’s official siteexplains, the player can experience “a low fantasy Medieval MMORPG with an emphasis on realism. What does this mean? Open PvP with territory control, non-target combat, sandbox crafting, player-driven economy and no fireballs. All served up with a deep, mature story.” Sieges and battles have a realistic leaning, and there’s a lot of freedom to customize characters. The team continue to beaver away to makeGloria Victisas good as it can be, ensuring that the experience is constantly evolving.
6Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
WhenFor Honorlaunched, the fans who were drawn to it often came from theMount & Bladeseries. Taleworlds Entertainment’s action RPG utilizes a directional weapon-swinging system that’s reminiscent ofFor Honor’s, and the two titles share that unique vibe that Medieval-themed games bring to the table.
Follow-upMount & Blade II: Bannerlordhas been available through Steam Early Access since March 2020, bringing that addictive combination of strategy on the campaign map and action on the battlefield that the original and theTotal Warseries pulled off so successfully. If you like the battles ofMordhau, leading your troops on the front line inMount & Blade II: Bannerlordwill definitely appeal too.
5Valhall
In the industry today, modern-age shooters and futuristic themes are super common motifs. Perhaps this is why titles likeMordhauandFor Honor, with their hand-to-hand, bone-crunching, melee-focused combat, are so enjoyable. They’re just so different.
Those who are in the market for more of the same would do well to check outValhall.Set for a Steam release on Aug 05, 2025,it promises a robust, engaging combat-focused experience set in a stunning universe of Vikings, fantasy, and Mjolnir-waving action (yes, the developers confirm that Mjolnir will be available to wield). It’s a fantastic concept, presenting the end of the world (Ragnarok) from the perspective of fearsome warriors who compete against each other and may just be able to change the events that lie ahead.
4The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Needless to say,Skyrim’s fantastical world of dragons, Argonians, and mountain-destroying shouts doesn’t exactly have a solid foundation of realism and historical fact. Nevertheless, it’s a tremendously popular title that has almost limitless appeal.
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In its default first-person view, combat inSkyrimis very reminiscent of Mordhau, as are many of the weapons used. Take the magic out of the equation, perhaps, and battles inMordhauare a concept thatSkyrim’s legions of fans shouldn’t have many issues adapting to.
3Kingdom Come: Deliverance
By contrast, 2018’sKingdom Come: Deliveranceputs its historical and realistic influences first and foremost. It’s anothergreat action RPG, this time set in the Holy Roman Empire’s Kingdom of Bohemia. When a humble blacksmith’s son loses his family in a brutal raid on his village, he sets out on a campaign of vengeance against the cruel king.
His quest takes him across an expansive open world, with endless customization possibilities and open-ended options along the way. If you likedMordhauand the go anywhere, do anything nature ofSkyrim, Kingdom Come: Deliverance will have a lot to offer you.
2Chivalry: Medieval Warfare
2013’sChivalry: Medieval Warfareis a game that absolutely wears its heart on its sleeve. If the combat mechanics and Medieval setting were the main factors that drew you to the likes ofFor HonorandMordhau, then a game that literally has ‘Medieval Warfare’ baked into the title has got to be a winner.
As withFor Honor, gamers must pick their faction and class before diving into primarily multiplayer-based gameplay. Generally, objectives are the focus rather than simple deathmatches, butwhen battle is joined, it’s very much reminiscent ofMordhaufrom a mechanical standpoint.
1The Sims: Medieval
To finish things off with a bit of a curveball,The Sims: Medievalmight seem like a joke pick. What’s interesting, though, is just how much there is to this hit life sim, and how reminiscent it is of other entries in this list.
In this 2011 release, players create their own Medieval kingdoms, define goals for it, and send their Sims on quests in the name of fame, glory, and riches (sometimes). The game plays down the micromanagement of individuals Sims’ needs to make the kingdom management element more prominent. Sims take different roles such as Monarch, Blacksmith, Bard and Knight, each playing rather self-explanatory roles in keeping the realm ticking over smoothly. It’s an experience that evenMordhauplayers who don’t usually playThe Simsmight appreciate.
