11 Narrative games like Stronghold HD (2012) that you should try

The resemblance to Stronghold HD (2012) is about as close as this list gets: they line up on genre, game mode and tone. The common ground extends to a medieval setting and single-player focus. Where the two diverge is combat: melee combat.

Of everything here, this is the nearest thing to Stronghold HD (2012) — the two agree on genre, tone and world. Both also lean on multiplayer gameplay and base building.

It comes from the same genre as Stronghold HD (2012) and shares strong narrative focus, tactical combat and historical setting. To that it adds single-player focus and base building. They part company on setting and progression: this one brings melee combat and a sci-fi setting.

It comes from the same genre as Stronghold HD (2012) and shares strong narrative focus, open world exploration and fantasy world. To that it adds single-player focus and base building. They part company on setting and visuals: this one brings a casual, approachable feel and pixel art.

On paper it is what Stronghold HD (2012) is — strong narrative focus, open world exploration and single-player focus — though the resemblance is mostly at that level. Both also lean on resource management and 2D presentation. The distance is in tone and world — its own ground is cozy, relaxing feel.

Shelved next to Stronghold HD (2012) for good reason: strong narrative focus, fantasy world and single-player focus. The common ground extends to base building and 2D presentation. Where the two diverge is visuals and game mode: co-op play and pixel art.

It comes from the same genre as Stronghold HD (2012) and shares strong narrative focus, open world exploration and fantasy world. To that it adds single-player focus and base building. They part company on world and visuals: this one brings punishing difficulty and procedural generation.

The thread back to Stronghold HD (2012) runs through deep simulation, strong narrative focus and a sandbox world. The common ground extends to an isometric view and tactical combat. Where the two diverge is progression and genre: deep RPG systems and cozy, relaxing feel.

Held in common with Stronghold HD (2012): real-time strategy, strong narrative focus and a sandbox world. Both also lean on resource management and an isometric view. The distance is in setting and genre — its own ground is turn-based strategy and a space setting.

On paper it is what Stronghold HD (2012) is — strong narrative focus, fantasy world and single-player focus — though the resemblance is mostly at that level. Both also lean on 2D presentation. The distance is in combat and setting — its own ground is punishing difficulty and magic-based combat.

The genre is the same as Stronghold HD (2012)’s, and with it strong narrative focus, fantasy world and single-player focus. To that it adds resource management and 2D presentation. They part company on combat and world: this one brings a casual, approachable feel and procedural generation.