Best Games Like Evony

Players seeking a new strategic challenge after experiencing Evony's blend of city-building, resource management, and alliance warfare often look for titles that replicate its core engagement loops. The appeal lies in developing a powerful base, training diverse armies, forging alliances, and engaging in large-scale player-versus-player (PvP) conflicts. However, not all real-time strategy (RTS) or 4X (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate) mobile games offer the same depth, community features, or monetization models. Identifying the ideal successor requires evaluating specific mechanics, social dynamics, and the overall player experience to ensure a compelling long-term commitment.

How to Choose Your Next Strategy Game

Selecting a new strategy game similar to Evony involves more than just finding another title with a city and troops. Consider the following elements to align the game with your playstyle and expectations:

• Core Mechanics: Evaluate the balance between city-building, resource gathering, troop training, and combat. Some games emphasize economic simulation, while others prioritize direct military engagement. Look for a system that offers progression and strategic depth in areas you find most engaging.
• Alliance and Social Features: A significant part of Evony's appeal is its alliance system, enabling cooperative play, shared objectives, and large-scale warfare. Assess how robust the alliance mechanics are, including features like shared territories, resource donation, and coordinated attacks.
• Combat System: Determine if combat is real-time on a world map, turn-based, or simulated. Real-time movement and tactical positioning offer a different experience than pre-battle unit deployment or automated resolutions. Consider the role of hero units and special abilities in battle.
• Monetization Model: Understand how the game generates revenue. While most are free-to-play, some implement "pay-to-win" mechanics more aggressively than others, where spending real money significantly accelerates progress or grants exclusive advantages. Look for games that offer a viable free-to-play path, even if slower.
• Time Commitment: Strategy games often demand consistent attention for resource collection, building upgrades, and participating in alliance events. Consider how much daily engagement the game expects and if it aligns with your available time.
• Setting and Theme: Whether historical, fantasy, sci-fi, or post-apocalyptic, the game's aesthetic and lore contribute to immersion. Choose a theme that resonates with your interests to maintain long-term engagement.

1. Rise of Kingdoms: Lost Crusade

Rise of Kingdoms is a real-time strategy game that stands out for its dynamic map and diverse civilizations, each offering unique bonuses and starting commanders. Players select one of several historical civilizations, build their city, train troops, and explore a seamless world map. Unlike many competitors that rely on instanced battles, all actions, from resource gathering to troop movements and combat, occur directly on the main map. This fosters a highly interactive environment where alliances can coordinate complex maneuvers, ambush enemies, and reinforce allies in real-time. The game emphasizes strategic troop composition and commander skills, with a deep talent tree system for each legendary leader.

Best for: Players who prioritize real-time map strategy, diverse historical civilizations, and deep commander progression systems within a highly active alliance environment.

Pros:

• Real-time troop movement and combat on a single, persistent world map.
• Extensive roster of historical commanders with unique skills and talent trees.
• Robust alliance features, including shared territory, resource points, and alliance technologies.
• Frequent, large-scale PvP events that demand coordinated strategy.

Cons:

• Significant time commitment required for competitive play, especially during events.
• Monetization model can be aggressive, with high costs for accelerating commander development and VIP levels.
• New players may find the initial learning curve steep due to the depth of mechanics.

Verdict: Rise of Kingdoms offers a compelling and active strategy experience, particularly for those who enjoy intricate real-time tactical decisions and a strong emphasis on historical leaders. Its persistent world map creates a unique strategic layer not found in all competitors.

2. Lords Mobile

Lords Mobile blends city-building and strategy with RPG elements, focusing heavily on hero collection and arena combat. Players build a kingdom, research technologies, and train various troop types, but a core differentiator is the emphasis on collecting and upgrading unique heroes. These heroes lead armies into battle on the world map, participate in instanced RPG-style dungeon crawls, and engage in a separate hero arena mode. The game features a vibrant, cartoonish art style and a global server structure that encourages large-scale alliance wars and kingdom-versus-kingdom events. Its accessible interface makes it easy for new players to grasp core mechanics, while deep hero progression offers long-term engagement.

Best for: Players who enjoy collecting and developing hero characters alongside traditional kingdom-building and alliance warfare, with a preference for a more casual aesthetic.

Pros:

• Strong hero collection and RPG progression system with distinct abilities.
• Accessible gameplay loop with a clear path for new player advancement.
• Frequent global events and kingdom-versus-kingdom battles.
• Active and large player base across numerous guilds.

Cons:

• Combat on the world map is largely automated once troops are sent, reducing tactical input.
• Hero development can be a significant bottleneck for free-to-play players.
• Resource management can feel grind-heavy without significant investment.

Verdict: Lords Mobile provides a solid entry point into mobile strategy, distinguished by its hero-centric gameplay and engaging RPG elements. It balances kingdom management with character progression, appealing to a broad audience.

3. State of Survival

State of Survival shifts the strategy genre to a post-apocalyptic zombie-infested world, offering a unique thematic twist. Players establish a settlement, recruit survivors, and train specialized units to fight off hordes of infected and rival factions. The game integrates tower defense elements into its base-building and features a strong narrative focus through its campaign missions. Hero collection is central, with each hero possessing unique skills beneficial for combat or resource production. Alliance cooperation is crucial for expanding territory, securing resources, and participating in large-scale events against powerful zombie bosses. The dark, gritty aesthetic and emphasis on survival differentiate it from traditional historical or fantasy settings.

Best for: Players seeking a strategy game with a strong post-apocalyptic theme, hero collection, and a blend of city-building with tower defense mechanics.

Pros:

• Engaging post-apocalyptic setting with a compelling narrative.
• Unique hero skills that impact both combat and base development.
• Integration of tower defense mini-games and exploration elements.
• Strong alliance focus for cooperative survival and territorial control.

Cons:

• Resource and speed-up demands increase significantly at higher levels.
• PvP can be punishing for solo players or smaller alliances.
• Graphics, while thematic, may not appeal to all players.

Verdict: State of Survival offers a refreshing thematic change of pace while retaining core strategy elements. Its focus on hero abilities and a survival narrative provides a distinct experience for those tired of traditional settings.

4. King of Avalon: Dragon Warfare

King of Avalon immerses players in a medieval fantasy world inspired by Arthurian legends, where dragons are central to warfare and kingdom development. Players build a castle, train various medieval units, and engage in alliance warfare across a shared world map. The key differentiator is the dragon system: players hatch and raise their own dragon, which can be deployed in battles to provide powerful buffs and offensive capabilities. Upgrading the dragon is as critical as developing the city and training troops. Alliance mechanics are robust, encouraging coordinated attacks on enemy castles, resource points, and participation in kingdom-versus-kingdom events. The game's strong fantasy theme and dragon integration offer a distinct flavor.

Best for: Players who enjoy medieval fantasy settings, dragon companions in combat, and traditional alliance-based kingdom warfare.

Pros:

• Unique dragon companion system that adds a strategic layer to combat.
• Strong medieval fantasy theme with Arthurian lore.
• Engaging alliance wars and kingdom-versus-kingdom events.
• Intuitive interface for city-building and troop management.

Cons:

• Dragon progression can be slow and resource-intensive without spending.
• PvP can feel unbalanced if facing significantly stronger, paying players.
• Core gameplay loop is familiar to other empire-building titles.

Verdict: King of Avalon successfully integrates dragons into a classic empire-building formula, providing a compelling fantasy experience for players who appreciate both strategy and mythical creatures.

5. Call of Dragons

Call of Dragons is a fantasy-themed real-time strategy game distinguished by its expansive 3D world map and flying units. Players choose from three distinct factions—Human, Orc, or Elf—each with unique heroes and unit types. The game emphasizes open-world exploration, territorial control, and large-scale alliance warfare. A key feature is the ability to deploy flying units for reconnaissance and tactical strikes, adding a vertical dimension to combat. Heroes play a crucial role, leading armies and possessing powerful abilities that can turn the tide of battle. The game offers a high level of visual fidelity and a dynamic combat system where troop formations and hero skills are critical for success.

Best for: Players seeking a visually rich fantasy RTS with a large 3D world, distinct factions, and tactical combat involving flying units and hero abilities.

Pros:

• Stunning 3D graphics and an immersive fantasy world.
• Three distinct factions offering varied gameplay and unit types.
• Tactical combat with flying units and hero-led armies on a dynamic map.
• Strong focus on alliance cooperation for territorial expansion and objective control.

Cons:

• Demanding on device resources due to high-fidelity graphics.
• Progression can be slow without consistent engagement or investment.
• New players might find the initial complexity daunting.

Verdict: Call of Dragons delivers a premium fantasy RTS experience with impressive visuals and deep strategic combat. Its faction system and flying units offer fresh tactical opportunities within the genre.

6. Guns of Glory: Asia

Guns of Glory transports players to an alternate history Steampunk-themed Europe, blending musketeers, airships, and advanced machinery. Players build a formidable fortress, train various unique units like airships and cannons, and research technologies to gain an edge. The game emphasizes alliance warfare, with players cooperating to control territories, capture strongholds, and engage in kingdom-versus-kingdom conflicts. A key feature is the "Airship" system, where players develop and customize powerful airships that provide significant buffs and combat advantages. The unique aesthetic and blend of historical and fantastical elements give it a distinct identity within the strategy genre.

Best for: Players who enjoy a unique Steampunk aesthetic, a strong emphasis on airship development, and alliance-based territorial control.

Pros:

• Distinct Steampunk theme with unique unit designs and architecture.
• Deep airship customization and progression system.
• Robust alliance features for cooperative play and large-scale warfare.
• Regular events that encourage both individual and alliance participation.

Cons:

• Progression can become heavily reliant on in-app purchases for competitive play.
• The core gameplay loop, while themed differently, is familiar to other kingdom builders.
• Resource management can feel like a constant grind without active participation in events.

Verdict: Guns of Glory offers a visually distinctive strategy experience with its Steampunk theme and airship mechanics. It provides a solid foundation for alliance-driven warfare with a unique flavor.

7. Infinity Kingdom

Infinity Kingdom combines city-building and resource management with a focus on collecting and deploying "Immortals" – historical and mythical figures. Players build their city, train troops, and engage in real-time battles on an expansive world map. The game's primary draw is its extensive roster of Immortals, each with unique elemental affinities and skills that dictate troop compositions and combat strategies. Elemental counters play a significant role, adding a layer of tactical depth to army deployment. Alliances are crucial for territorial control, resource acquisition, and participating in server-wide events. The game features a clean, vibrant art style and a strong emphasis on strategic Immortal synergy.

Best for: Players who enjoy collecting and strategizing with historical/mythical heroes (Immortals), elemental combat mechanics, and a focus on real-time world map interactions.

Pros:

• Deep Immortal collection and progression system with elemental synergies.
• Real-time combat on a persistent world map, encouraging tactical movement.
• Visually appealing art style and clear interface.
• Strong alliance features for cooperative territorial expansion.

Cons:

• Immortal acquisition and upgrade can be slow for free-to-play players.
• The elemental counter system can be complex for new players to master.
• Resource demands increase significantly at higher levels.

Verdict: Infinity Kingdom offers a strategic experience built around its unique Immortal system and elemental combat. It provides ample depth for players who enjoy theorycrafting hero synergies and engaging in real-time map strategy.

8. War and Order

War and Order blends medieval fantasy with a strategic empire-building foundation. Players construct a castle, train armies of knights, mages, and beasts, and engage in large-scale PvP warfare on a shared world map. The game emphasizes alliance play, with guilds cooperating to conquer territory, occupy resource points, and defend against rival kingdoms. A key feature is the ability to recruit and upgrade various fantasy creatures, adding unique strategic options to army composition. Researching technologies and upgrading buildings are crucial for progression, allowing players to unlock more powerful units and defensive capabilities. Its classic fantasy setting and straightforward mechanics make it accessible while offering deep alliance-based strategy.

Best for: Players seeking a classic medieval fantasy empire-building game with a focus on guild warfare, diverse fantasy units, and traditional resource management.

Pros:

• Classic medieval fantasy setting with a wide array of fantasy units.
• Strong emphasis on alliance cooperation for territorial control and resource acquisition.
• Accessible interface and clear progression paths for city and army development.
• Regular events promoting both individual and guild competition.

Cons:

• Progression can become a grind without significant investment or consistent activity.
• PvP can be highly competitive, with strong alliances dominating servers.
• Combat is largely automated once troops are deployed, limiting real-time tactical input.

Verdict: War and Order delivers a robust, traditional fantasy empire-building experience. Its strength lies in its reliable alliance system and diverse unit types, making it a solid choice for fans of the genre.

9. Puzzles & Survival

Puzzles & Survival uniquely combines base-building and strategy with a match-3 puzzle combat system. In a zombie apocalypse setting, players build a shelter, recruit survivors, and expand their territory. However, all combat, from exploring the world map to attacking zombies and rival players, is resolved through a match-3 puzzle interface. The heroes collected provide specific buffs and abilities during these puzzle battles, adding a strategic layer to team composition. Alliances are crucial for mutual protection, resource sharing, and participating in cooperative events. This blend of genres offers a fresh take on the mobile strategy formula, appealing to players who enjoy both tactical base management and casual puzzle mechanics.

Best for: Players who enjoy both strategic base-building and match-3 puzzle combat, seeking a unique genre blend in a post-apocalyptic setting.

Pros:

• Innovative combination of strategy and match-3 puzzle combat.
• Engaging hero collection and team-building mechanics tied to puzzle performance.
• Strong alliance features for cooperative play and resource support.
• Accessible for players who enjoy casual puzzle games but want strategic depth.

Cons:

• The match-3 combat may not appeal to purists of traditional RTS combat.
• Progression can be slow, requiring extensive grinding for resources and hero upgrades.
• Monetization can be aggressive, especially for obtaining top-tier heroes.

Verdict: Puzzles & Survival offers a distinct and engaging hybrid experience. It's an excellent choice for players looking for a strategy game that breaks away from conventional combat mechanics while maintaining a strong alliance focus.

10. Mafia City

Mafia City transports players into a modern urban setting, where they build a criminal empire instead of a medieval kingdom. Players manage various illicit businesses, recruit and upgrade "Enforcers" (heroes), and train specialized units like bikers, gunmen, and vehicles. The core gameplay revolves around territorial control, attacking rival gangs, and forming powerful "Families" (alliances) to dominate the city. Enforcers play a crucial role, leading crews into battle and providing buffs to production or combat. The game's unique theme, modern graphics, and focus on criminal enterprise offer a distinct alternative to fantasy or historical settings, appealing to players who enjoy a grittier, contemporary strategic experience.

Best for: Players seeking a strategy game with a modern crime syndicate theme, hero collection (Enforcers), and competitive alliance warfare in an urban setting.

Pros:

• Unique modern crime syndicate theme with distinct units and buildings.
• Strong Enforcer (hero) system with diverse abilities.
• Engaging alliance (Family) warfare for territorial and resource control.
• Regular events and challenges keep gameplay fresh.

Cons:

• The theme may not appeal to all players.
• Progression can be heavily accelerated by spending real money.
• Combat is largely automated once forces are deployed.

Verdict: Mafia City provides a refreshing thematic change from traditional strategy games, offering a compelling criminal empire-building experience. Its urban setting and Enforcer system create a distinct strategic environment.

11. Age of Empires Mobile

Age of Empires Mobile brings the classic PC real-time strategy franchise to mobile, focusing on historical empire building and resource management. Players choose from various historical civilizations, each with unique units and technologies, and build their city from the Stone Age through subsequent eras. The game emphasizes resource gathering, technological research, and training diverse armies to conquer territories and engage in PvP battles. Alliances are critical for cooperative defense, shared resource benefits, and coordinated attacks on rival empires. While adapting the core Age of Empires experience, the mobile version streamlines many mechanics for touchscreens, offering a familiar yet distinct strategic depth for fans of the original series and new players alike.

Best for: Fans of the classic Age of Empires series, players seeking historical empire-building with distinct civilizations, and a focus on technological progression.

Pros:

• Authentic Age of Empires historical theme and civilization progression.
• Diverse civilizations with unique units and strategic advantages.
• Engaging technological research tree and city development.
• Strong alliance features for cooperative play and territorial control.

Cons:

• May feel simplified compared to the PC versions, potentially disappointing long-time fans.
• Progression can be slow without consistent play or investment.
• Combat, while strategic, lacks the direct unit control of its PC counterparts.

Verdict: Age of Empires Mobile successfully translates the essence of the beloved franchise to mobile, offering a solid historical empire-building experience with familiar progression and alliance mechanics.

12. Clash of Clans

Clash of Clans is a foundational mobile strategy game, known for its intuitive base-building, troop training, and asynchronous player-versus-player (PvP) raids. Players build their village, upgrade defenses, and train a variety of unique units to attack other players' bases for resources and trophies. The game features a robust "Clan" system, where players can join forces, donate troops to each other, and participate in "Clan Wars" – strategic battles against other clans. While it lacks a real-time world map for troop movement, its tactical depth comes from army composition, spell usage, and precise troop deployment during raids. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its balanced gameplay and strong community features.

Best for: Players seeking a proven, accessible base-building and raiding game with strong clan features, a focus on tactical offense, and a vibrant community.

Pros:

• Highly polished and intuitive base-building and raiding mechanics.
• Deep troop and spell combinations for diverse attack strategies.
• Robust Clan War system that encourages cooperative tactical play.
• Generous free-to-play progression with many opportunities to earn resources.

Cons:

• Lacks a real-time world map for troop movement and territorial control.
• Progression at higher town hall levels can