6 video games for fans of Game of Thrones

Are you looking for something to fill the Game of Thrones-shaped hole in your heart? Instead of trying the latest TV series copycat, why not give a video game a chance? There are many games out there available on console and PC that might scratch the Game of Thrones itch while still providing you with a refreshingly new story.

The following list highlights games that should appeal to the average Game of Thrones or A Song of Ice and Fire fan. Note that I didn't include any of the official Game of Thrones games, as I assume those are the ones most people will go for first. After burning through them, you might be looking to get your fix in a different fictional world altogether!

FFXIV: Heavensward — Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward | Square Enix

1. Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward

Final Fantasy XIV's status as a massively multiplayer role-playing game makes it a little daunting to newcomers, but the first official expansion, Heavensward, is a story that draws many parallels to Game of Thrones, with main writer Banri Oda once confirming that A Song of Ice and Fire provided inspiration during an interview with 4Gamer. Like the HBO show, Heavensward utilizes dragons as a major element.

Here, the dragons and humanity have been waging a war for years. Your character, the Warriror of Light, is thrust directly into the middle of this conflict as you seek refuge in the beautiful yet icy city of Ishgard, which also happens to have several noble houses jostling for power, just like Lannisters, Starks, Tyrells, Greyjoys, etc. are always going at it on Game of Thrones.

Ishgard's version of the papacy, the Holy See, is a central player in this story. Heavensward's narrative heavily explores how religion is used to justify war and may recall the Faith of the Seven from Game of Thrones. Also, just in terms of appearance, Ishgard and the surrounding lands of Coerthas look like something straight out of the North.

2. Dragon Age

Bioware’s Dragon Age franchise is one of the best and most popular high fantasy video games series in existence. There’s nothing else quite like it. The series leans heavily into its fantasy and magical elements, with dragons playing a critical role in the overall lore. In both Dragon Age and Game of Thrones, dragons are powerful symbols and legendary beasts with far-reaching connections to the story itself, though they do tend to be more outright antagonistic in Dragon Age (see: archdemons).

Beyond dragons, Dragon Age also has plenty of royal court intrigue, political power struggles, and morally complex characters. Bioware was likely inspired by George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. Dragon Age is more lighthearted than Game of Thrones, with a lot more humor and romance throughout all four games. If you like the really dark stuff, Dragon Age: Origins is most tonally similar.

3. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

If you love Game of Thrones but are open to playing a game that is more historically accurate and often brutally realistic, this sprawling medieval RPG is for you. Even better, there’s now a sequel that has been very well-received, so if you end up enjoying Kingdom Come: Deliverance, there’s still plenty more story.

The early seasons of Game of Thrones in particular focused more on warfare and grounded political machinations, all of which is prevalent in this game as duplicitous nobles scheme for power. Kingdom Come is almost like a medieval life sim in some ways, allowing players to immerse themselves in a living, breathing world. I think of it almost like getting the chance to virtually explore the intricate details of a Game of Thrones set.

4. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a tactical role-playing game that shares similarities with Game of Thrones, with the three rival nations standing in for the many rival houses in Westeros. Some have favorably compared Black Eagles leader Edelgard von Hresvelg to Daenerys Targaryen. Edelgard's design is reminiscent of Dany, except while Dany is looking to claim the Iron Throne, Edelgard wants to end the church's corruption.

The story of Fire Emblem revolves around the warring powers on the continent of Fódlan. Players take up the role of a former mercenary who begins teaching at an academy and guiding their students through different battles. The game is known for its social simulation elements, ideal for anyone who wants to scheme like Cersei Lannister.

5. Pathfinder: Kingmaker

If you want to play a game where you are the one pulling the strings and scheming, then look no further than Owlcat's massive and complex isometric CRPG.

Inspired by CRPG classics like Baldur's Gate and Neverwinter Nights, Kingmaker allows players to get deep into character customization before recruiting allies, handling diplomatic matters, and building a kingdom from the ground up. Because it is a CRPG, Owlcat was able to add a lot of depth to the character's lengthy journey, making it feel as though your choices truly matter as you traverse dozens of branching narratives based on your decisions.

6. GreedFall

GreedFall is a great AA game that has become more popular in recent years, with many people favorably comparing it to older Bioware games since it has romance options and dialogue choices that can impact the narrative.

GreedFall is set in a colonial fantasy setting, so it's not exactly the same as the medieval world you may be accustomed to seeing on Game of Thrones. Like all of the games on this list, GreedFall has plenty of political intrigue. Your character, the noble De Sardet, is sent to a newly settled island to serve as a Legate to a Prince and establish diplomacy with the locals.