Raiding is thrilling, must be very exciting to participate. Unless you’re on the side being raided of course. That would be horrible! Now let’s not think about that. Here is the list of 20 games you can go raiding at villages, manors, caravans, and even kingdoms.
Raiding is a military tactic with a specific purpose, smash and grab! Raiders do not conquer the location, instead they loot, pillage, and retreat before enemy forces can respond in big numbers.
It was a common thing in ancient times among tribal societies. Though it was Vikings who mastered this practice and made entire Europe tremble in medieval times.
1. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
You can go raid Christian Saxon villages, settlements, and churches as Vikings in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. This game is currently the best Viking raid game ever. And I doubt it will change anytime soon.
You can seize crew rations, foreign supplies, unique gear, books of knowledge, and lots of gold from river raids in this game.
As a The Vikings (TV series) and The Last Kingdom (TV Series) fan, raiding is my favorite activity to do in AC Valhalla.
2. Crusader Kings 3
Crusader Kings 3 is the best medieval ruler simulator of all times. You can play as any significant ruler from 866 – 1066 including Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian Jarls who can raid Christian settlements.
And once you’re done raiding, you can settle down in Saxon lands, and even convert to Christianity. Just like real history. Or simply kill everyone and create your own history!
My favorite scenario is to conquer Normandy from Kingdom of France as Viking Rollo and convert to Christianity to become Rollo, Duke of Normandy!
3. RimWorld
You can both raid and be raided in the harsh world of RimWorld. It’s a place filled with bandits, raiders, cannibals, and various factions. You’ll ever know who’s going to raid you, or when will raid you. Unless you become the raider yourself. That would change everything.
For those who don’t know, RimWorld is the best sci-fi colony sim ever. You can build anything and micromanage every aspect of your colonists’ lives. Until you lose your colony to raiders of course.
Being a raider in RimWorld has two benefits. First, you can take your targeted colonies belongings for yourself. It’s a great way of getting rich in RimWorld. Secondly, you can take prisoners. RimWorld prisoners can be ransomed, recruited, enslaved, and be used for organ harvesting. Yes, you read it right. RimWorld is a dark game intended for mature audience.
4. Kenshi
5. Expeditions: Viking
6. Ancestors Legacy
7. Goblins of Elderstone
8. Six Ages 2: Lights Going Out
9. CivClicker
10. Battle Brothers
Battle Brothers is a turn based tactical RPG where you lead a mercenary company in a medieval fantasy world. It’s easy to say that the Battle Brothers is a 2D Mount & Blade.
Northern Raiders is one of the starting scenarios of the Battle Brothers. As a raider party leader you can recruit barbarians, gain more items from slain enemies, and have bad relations with human factions.
Your party can raid caravans, peasant groups, villages, etc.
11. Mount & Blade: Bannerlord
First Mount & Blade game was released in 2008. M&B franchise is one of the progenitors of realistic medieval RPGs. I feel lucky to be one of the first players to play original Mount & Blade.
You can raid villages and caravans in this game. It’s also possible to capture prisoners for ransom and extort caravans for money. You can truly become a scum of medieval times.
Raiding is also a valid strategy to cripple a kingdoms economy, manpower, and town supply.
12. Mount & Blade: Viking Conquest
Viking Conquest is a M&B Warband DLC and an expansion. Though it changes gameplay, map, and units completely by introducing Viking era.
The game is set in real world North Sea region. In it you’ll explore 300+ new cities, interact with 200+ historical characters, follow a unique story, and truly feel the Viking experience.
Keep in mind though, Warband is an old game from 2010. I’m used to it and can really enjoy. But you might have a hard time getting into, especially because of the outdated graphics.
13. Land of the Vikings
14. Naheulbeuk’s Dungeon Master
15. Republic of Pirates
16. Lootun
17. Northgard
18. Raiders of Valhalla
19. Sons of Valhalla
20. Raiders! Forsaken Earth
Raiders! Forsaken Earth is a tactical RPG pretty similar to the Battle Brothers but is set in a post-apocalyptic world. Kinda reminds me of the Mad Max universe.
Playing as post-apocalyptic marauders and raiders is very fun if you like playing as villain in video games.
As a leader of ruthless raider band, you can extort people, kidnap people, and destroy the last remnants of civilization for your own gain. The wasteland doesn’t need another hero after all…