Northgard, developed by Shiro Games, is a real-time strategy game that stands out for its deep mechanics, slow pace, and unique setting inspired by Norse mythology. This strategy game set on a mysterious newfound continent offers a refreshing blend of survival, resource management, and tactical decision-making. With elements of the 4X genre, it challenges players to explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate their way to victory. Whether you're a newcomer or an RTS veteran, Northgard delivers a compelling experience.
You start as a clan of Vikings, arriving on a continent brimming with opportunity and danger. Early priorities include building a scout camp, training a villager into a scout, and colonising nearby tiles to gather resources like food and wood. Each tile in Northgard holds a limited number of building slots, so careful planning is essential.
Survival is a constant challenge, especially during the harsh winter, where your food supply dwindles, and heating demands spike. Farmers and hunters are key to keeping your clan fed, while a woodcutter ensures your settlement stays warm. The AI adapts to your strategy, making each encounter unpredictable.
Northgard’s roster of different clans offers immense variety. Each has unique traits that influence your strategy. For example:
Choosing the right clan can shape your gameplay, and even without DLC clans, there are plenty of options to explore. The game also features a lot of customization through its skirmish mode, random events, and tile-based resource system.
Northgard offers several modes to keep you engaged:
Northgard rewards micromanaging with intent. A healer may double as a fisherman, while quick adjustments during a rat infestation or disaster can prevent your settlement from collapsing. Mastering these systems is key to unlocking the different ways to win—from trade and fame to military conquest.
The game’s UI is intuitive, providing the information needed to ensure smooth gameplay. In-game visuals are bright and inviting, with mythical creatures like draugr, kobolds, and beasts adding personality to the map. Whether battling for a special silo or hunting a dangerous beast, the elements of the game remain visually engaging.
Northgard is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. While the console versions lack some PC conveniences, like tooltips and mouse precision, they adapt well with smooth controls and accessible menus. The mode is great for console players, providing a satisfying RTS experience outside the usual PC ecosystem.
Despite its slow pace and occasionally underwhelming combat, Northgard offers a unique blend of strategy, survival, and Norse mythology. It’s great for learning resource management while providing depth for seasoned players. Even without DLCs, the base game offers plenty of content to keep you hooked.
If you enjoy games like Civilization or Warcraft but crave a more focused, manageable experience, Northgard is a must-play. Its main game offers hours of engaging content, and its balance of challenge and accessibility makes it a standout in the genre.
