14 Best Viking Games to Rekindle Your Norse Warrior Spirit (2023)

If you want to lose yourself after a tiring day, you’ll love playing these Viking games.

The Viking category has some of the most exciting titles in the action-adventure genre. It’s very underrated, and you’ll see some really strong narratives and features. It combines history, fantasy, role-playing, combat, strategy, and more in a single game.

We have grown up hearing brave tales of the Viking clan from history. From their legendary longships to fearsome warriors, Vikings have left their mark well in European history. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best Viking games that will transport you to the Viking era and unleash your Norse warrior spirit.

What are Viking Games?

A sub-genre of history and culture, Viking games take you back to their time and bring with them a vivid portrayal of their cultural richness and brutality. Vikings were a group of warriors back in Europe who were well-known and praised for their courage, brutality, and fighting prowess.

Viking games allow you to step into the shoes of these warriors and give you a chance to relive their life.

The games feature intricate graphics inspired by Viking history, culture, and mythology. You will become an explorer, chieftain, or warrior as you experience the thrill of raiding, battling, and conquering the challenges of the Viking age.

What Makes Viking Games Popular?

While the main reason the game is unique yet popular is the genre, there’s much more to it. The games immerse the players in the cultural richness of Viking games in virtual worlds.

The games are enriched with vast virtual environments that authentically recreate the true Viking experience, from touring the rich landscapes of Scandinavia to making a life in their village.

You will also come across various cultural facets that defined their lifestyle and learn about Norse mythology in a fun way. All this can be experienced while navigating brutal battles, raiding villages, questing, and defeating ferocious enemies in historical combat. 

If that sounds exciting, let’s look at some of the best Viking games you need to play right now.

Ancestors Legacy

Gear up for a historical real-time strategy set in the time of the Vikings, where the most brutal and mighty warrior will rule the land. Spanning between the 8th and 13th centuries, Ancestors Legacy comes with meticulously crafted campaigns that capture the true essence of the Vikings.

You’ll find yourself engaging in battles and quests and managing resources to flourish in the game. The storyline is a well-weaved narrative, and all the objectives are related to the main story, which will keep you intrigued.

The game has single-player combat and multiplayer modes where you can team up with friends and take on your foes. Choose to represent one nation among the 4 – Viking, Slav, German, and Anglo-Saxon.

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	Ancestors Legacy (PS4)	No ratings yet	$49.99	Buy on Amazon

Next, there are no rules. You can recruit troops, build your empire, and get bloodthirsty for raiding, conquering, and pillaging enemy villages, towns, and camps. You will need to exercise your tactical and combat skills to emerge victorious.

Accompanied with great graphics and numerous quests, you’ll keep on returning to this one.

Developer: Destructive Creations

Publisher: 1C Company

Release Date: May 22, 2018

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

The best of the best, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is an EPIC choice and a must-try for anyone who wants to live a true virtual Viking life. In this game, you are Eivor – a true Norse warrior who saved the lives of their people, gave them a new home when their motherland turned bare, and led the Vikings to victory by giving them something to fight.

However, this story remains incomplete. For now, it’s time to undertake the greatest journey of Eivor’s life – claim his place in Valhalla. Courage lies between his dreams and fear, which is in your hands to exercise and lead him to victory.

This game breathtakingly captures the story of this brave warrior across England. It has been critically acclaimed for its graphics of the vast open world and a land of stunning landscapes, towns, and hidden secrets.

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	Assassin’s Creed Valhalla PlayStation 4 Standard Edition with Free Upgrade to the Digital PS5...	No ratings yet	$24.41	Buy on Amazon

The battlefield is dynamic and merciless and comes with AI components that offer you a real challenge to test your prowess. You’ll manage your Viking clan, nurture your land, protect your people, and strategically deploy troops to safeguard and win battles.

The game’s attention to visuals and details will awaken you, and it’s one of the best medieval games on the PS4 that you can play today!

Developer: Ubisoft Montreal

Publisher: Ubisoft

Release Date: November 10, 2020

Bad North

The king of the land is dead, and your kingdom is under attack! Now, it’s on you to save your people from the hands of the brutal invaders trying to take over your home, the land of Bad North.

In this game, instead of fighting or attacking, you will be responsible for saving your kingdom from an army of Vikings. Stunning with a unique idyllic island-designed kingdom, the simplicity of its design is something that has gained a lot of praise from gamers.

This very nature of the game also makes it addictive, as you can devise real-time strategy in a small setup.

The story revolves around the Vikings’ desperate struggle to protect their land from the masquerading enemies. This means players must exercise their time management, strategy, tactical, and critical thinking skills to save their land.

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	Bad North - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]	11 Reviews	$14.99	Buy on Amazon

Use your enemies and subjects wisely and take back the islands one by one. But beware, for the enemy will attack you from all sides, and one small mistake could stain the ground red.

Developer: Plausible Concept & Oskar Stålberg

Publisher: Raw Fury

Release Date: August 20, 2018

Crusader Kings II

Many were called, but only some were chosen. Do you have it in you to be the one? Prove it by triumphing in Crusader Kings II. Europe – a once happy and prosperous land has now turned into a place full of struggles and politics of the petty fiefs.

The people are agonized, and the emperor is caught up in strife with The Pope. In this crisis, The Holy Father surprisingly gives out a verdict – a call to the people of England to save their motherland.

The one who will liberate the Holy Land will be freed of their sins. Join the crusade to show the world your might and rightfully claim your throne.

This grand historical narrative spanning centuries will take your Viking dynasty through the depths of medieval politics, religion, culture, and conquests. You can experience the place of Norse warriors in the broader context of history and politics.

Along with strategy and tactical skills, you will also need diplomacy, politics, and warfare to move ahead with dominion. Forge alliances and rivalries while extending your influence in the kingdom.

Not to mention, you’ll be a part of some of the famous battles of the land and enter dynastic marriages in your journey to greatness.

Developer: Paradox Development Studio

Publisher: Paradox Interactive

Release Date: February 14, 2012

➡️ Check it out on Steam.

Expeditions: Viking

Expeditions: Viking invites you to step into the shoes of a Viking Chieftain in a quest to explore and conquer new lands. Why, you ask? Because people never make history; it’s made by warriors – the greatest kings!

As you immerse yourself in this visceral narration of Nordic history, don’t get too lost, for your choices will affect the course of the people of your land. In this Viking RPG, you’ll be setting out on a journey to the seas of the West in search of land, wealth, and power. 

The people of the land are faithful to their chief, as you have given them something to fight for. They will happily follow you wherever you go, but it’s up to you how you’ll utilize their talents to establish your kingdom in a new country.

Make strategic alliances with the other Norsemen, Picts, and Angles to increase your political command. The best part is that the game allows you to create your character by deciding your stats, skills, abilities, and features that define your character’s role.

Developer: Logic Artists

Publisher: Logic Artists & THQ Nordic

Release Date: April 27, 2017

➡️ Check it out on Steam.

For Honor

Brace yourself for numerous clashes at every step, for here, the Vikings will have to prove more than they have!

In this world, knights, samurais, crusaders, and Vikings all fight against each other in epic battles, For Honor. This action-fighting medieval game flaunts a robust combat system with many close-quarter fights, which are blood-giving yet thrilling. This is one of the best games to play in the multiplayer mode.

As Vikings are known to be one of the most ferocious tribes of warriors, it remains a staple favorite choice of existing game players. Once you choose your class, you’ll have to build your entire settlement up from scratch, build defenses, make your kingdom self-sustainable, raid different villages, set out on exciting quests, and cry for war in epic battles – all of this while of course, having fun.

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	For Honor - PlayStation 4	No ratings yet	$16.61	Buy on Amazon

This game is brutal and real and leaves a mark in the most favorite games list, all thanks to its unique plot and the entertainment it has to offer to gamers.

Developer: Ubisoft, Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft Blue Byte, Ubisoft Quebec & Ubisoft Toronto

Publisher: Ubisoft

Release Date: February 14, 2017

God of War: Ragnarok

When the release of this game was announced, people were more than delighted to fight against none other than Thor in a Viking-based game. And man, this game won hearts all around the world.

God of War: Ragnarok has succeeded its predecessor, the famous God of War, in every way, with critics calling it an evolution from the house of Santa Monica Studio. Even before you know it, you’ve been lost in awe in its vast, open immersive world, which is breathtakingly beautiful. 

The storyline is simple yet more powerful than ever, as it puts the power of fate in your hands. It is supported by powerful themes and character build-up, which is exceptional for a role-playing game in the Viking world.

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	Playstation God of War: Ragnarok (PS4)	No ratings yet	$45.95	Buy on Amazon

In this edition, Kratos and Atreus chart their destiny by taking the right actions, sometimes the hard way. It lays a strong emphasis on the factor of trusting another character, which is seldom seen in any combat-based game. It is a perfect mix of exploration, strategy, and combat-led games.

Developer: Santa Monica Studio

Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment

Release Date: November 9, 2022

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice 

You might want to hold on tight to this one, as it is sure to get the best of you. In Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, you play Senua, a true Viking lady warrior who sets out to reclaim her dead lover’s soul.

In this journey, she will undergo challenges that will shake up her mind, body, and soul. Along with Viking and Celtic mythology, it also has a mind-boggling psychological approach at multiple stages across the game.

The stunning and engaging visuals perfectly support its deep narrative, making you feel like you’re living the character’s experience. Basically, if you love games like God of War, you’re going to love this one!

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice - PlayStation 4	No ratings yet	$23.50	Buy on Amazon

It combines intense action sequences with psychological horror elements to give you an emotionally-charged experience. As Senua, you must battle physical and mental demons harrowing her journey. Morality is your compass as you counter the voices in your head that question each and every move.

Developer: Ninja Theory

Publisher: Ninja Theory

Release Date: August 8, 2017

Northgard

Northgard invites players to colonize a newly discovered land and lead their Viking clan to prosperity. New land means encountering enemies you’ve never faced before and deploying new tactics to defeat them.

You’ll face various challenges, from harsh winters to mythical creatures, as you strive to build a thriving settlement. This real-time strategy game combines resource management, exploration, and conquest. As you expand your Viking territory, you’ll encounter opportunities and threats.

It offers a unique blend of strategy and Norse mythology, with a charming art style and a focus on building and expanding your Viking civilization. It also brings the beautiful journey of building your empire from scratch, where you’ll be moving from poor to power.

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	Northgard (PS4)	No ratings yet	$47.13	Buy on Amazon

Whether it’s trading with other clans or battling dire wolves, every decision counts in Northgard. Gather your friends and immerse in a co-op experience, for it’s time to fight for the throne and honor your clan. You don’t want to miss this PS4 co-op game!

Developer: Shiro Games

Publisher: Shiro Games & Playdigious

Release Date: February 22, 2017

The Banner Saga Trilogy

The Banner Saga Trilogy combines 3 beautiful, deep tactical games, rich with environments and quests where your decisions affect the world around you. It beautifully combines role-playing with strategy-based combat.

Explore the epic world inspired by Norse mythology adorned with gorgeous 2D art and animations. The rich lore revolves around a caravan of characters fleeing an apocalyptic event. You can choose from 48 playable characters, 4 different races, and 40 different classes, each with unique strengths, abilities, and upgrade options. 

Choose your resources wisely as you assign roles, and build and manage your caravan. It’s not only about your survival but also about the survival of the entire clan. Everything is at stake, and one mistake can lead to the permanent loss of a character. Thus, it’s your choices, your decisions, and your actions that matter and sustain the world.

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	The Banner Saga Collection Bonus Edition PS4 - PlayStation 4	286 Reviews	$14.07	Buy on Amazon

The soundtrack of this game is composed by the famous Austin Wintory, who, again, was responsible for drawing attention to this game. So, get ready to spend hours on this one and gather your friends for bigger victories.

Developer: Stoic Studio

Publisher: Versus Evil, Gearbox Software & 505 Games

Release Date: July 27, 2018

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

From the house of Bethesda, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim needs no introduction. Acclaimed as the most popular fantasy RPG in gaming history, this game won over 200 awards.

While not exclusively a Viking game, Skyrim’s world of Tamriel draws inspiration from Norse mythology and Viking culture. As the Dragonborn, you’ll embark on an epic adventure filled with dragons, warriors, and ancient ruins. You’re free to be an outlaw or a strong, trustworthy ruler who has set out to prove his might.

Skyrim is an open-world RPG with vast exploration, character customization, and deep lore. This is a place where choices instantly define the outcomes, even if it’s a choice made in a trivial conversation with another character.

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition (PS4)	No ratings yet	$27.44	Buy on Amazon

You can engage in sword and sorcery combat, craft your weapons, and uncover the land’s secrets. The game’s lush Nordic landscapes, snowy mountains, and rugged terrain evoke the spirit of the Viking age. Skyrim’s rich lore and countless quests offer an immersive experience in a world heavily influenced by Viking mythology.

Developer: Bethesda Game Studios

Publisher: Bethesda Softworks

Release Date: November 11, 2011

Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia

A part of the famous Total War Series, this game gained momentum and impetus as it offered a historical strategy experience set in the Viking Age. Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia focuses on the Viking invasions of the British Isles and the struggles of various factions for dominance.

You will engage in real-time battles with a gripping turn-based campaign to leave a historical mark. In this war, you’ll pick one of the 3 clans – Viking Settlers, Anglo-Saxons, and The Gaelic and fight to build a kingdom.

You’ll need diplomacy, trade, and warfare to achieve your ambitions as a player. The detailed campaign map with historically-inspired battles is a catch for players fond of history and culture.

You can choose your strategy as you explore and conquer the British Isles. It also combines elements of role-play where you will be a warlord defining your legend. The game perfectly combines technology, history, rich environments, character build-up, and numerous quests that deliver an authentic Viking experience in the comfort of your home.

Developer: Creative Assembly & Feral Interactive

Publisher: Feral Interactive, Sega & SEGA of America

Release Date: May 2, 2018

➡️ Check it out on Steam.

Valheim

While most of the Viking games listed here come from AAA studios, Valheim is arguably the best of the lot. Surprisingly enough, it comes from a small-scale development studio. However, what’s even more surprising is how popular the game became after its initial release in 2021!

Despite the game still being in early access, it’s gotten rave reviews from everyone. Valheim comes with a distinct aesthetic that both takes away from and supersedes its far more survivalist gameplay. Think of it like PC battle royale games, but with a Viking and Norse undertone.

In the game, up to 10 players join as Vikings who want to dine in the halls of Valhalla, under Odin’s purview. However, they realize that the only way to gain access to Valhalla is to stalk and kill the various enemies that terrorize Valheim.

That’s not all — players must also ensure that they don’t let Valheim’s extreme weather turn their ambitions into dust. From weapons to shelters, players have to survive by understanding the lay of the land. Additionally, they have to hunt by mastering their situations, especially if they want Odin’s presence to grace them!

Developers: Iron Gate AB

Publishers: Coffee Stain Publishing

Release Date: February 2, 2021

➡️ Check it out on Steam.

Vikings: Wolves of Midgard

Vikings: Wolves of Midgard plunge you into a world inspired by Norse mythology, where you must battle hordes of mythical creatures and dark forces that threaten Midgard. This action RPG features intense combat, loot gathering, and character progression.

You will be visiting the realms of earthly Midgard, Niflheim, and Nalheim as a fearless warrior or merciless shieldmaiden. Each realm comes with beautifully rendered worlds filled with complex challenges. Kill enemies ruthlessly to save your land and free your people from evil. 

To gain more powers from the Gods, collect blood from the fallen enemies and sacrifice it at the altar. This will also give you more power to control your rage and maintain calm during diplomacy.

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	Vikings - Wolves of Midgard - PlayStation 4	No ratings yet	$18.86	Buy on Amazon

Alternatively, you can use the Rage mode to overwhelm your enemies on the battlefield. The game’s focus on Viking mythology and the relentless battles against supernatural foes create a dark, immersive atmosphere.

With its cooperative multiplayer mode, you can team up with friends to face the challenges of Midgard together.

Developer: Games Farm

Publisher: Kalypso Media & Kalypso Media Digital Ltd.

Release Date: March 24, 2017

Closing Thoughts

All the games mentioned above offer you diverse experiences in the Viking world. They are the perfect picks if you want to learn more about their history, mythology, and culture in a fun way. So, get ready to immerse yourself in the rich and captivating world of the Norsemen from the comfort of your home by playing these games today.

Next, check out the best PS5 adventure games that’ll keep you at the edge of your seat for hours on end!