If you like Age of Empires II (Retired), you might also enjoy Ikariam
Age of Empires II has thrilled strategy fans for many years. If you enjoy building, managing resources and long-term planning, it's worth taking a look at Ikariam – an ancient building strategy game that runs directly in your browser and can be played for free.
This page shows you objectively what makes both titles special and where the differences lie, so you can decide for yourself whether Ikariam is right for you.
What makes Age of Empires II (Retired) special
According to available Steam data, Age of Empires II is a high-definition remake of the classic, released on 9 April 2013. The publisher is Xbox Game Studios, and development involved Skybox Labs, Hidden Path Entertainment, Ensemble Studios and Forgotten Empires, among others.
- Genre: Strategy
- Modes: Single-player and multiplayer
- Steam features: Achievements, trading cards, subtitles, Steam Workshop
- Note: With the release of Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, this product will not receive further updates according to Steam.
The game is paid and requires installation via Steam.
What Ikariam offers
Ikariam is a building and strategy game set in ancient times. Progress is made mainly through research, economy, seafaring and military means. The game runs in your browser – no installation required.
Economy and Research
In the Economy research branch, you can research numerous technologies that will advance your island and your kingdom. Examples:
- Preservation (12 research points)
- Prosperity (112)
- Wine Culture (336)
- Geometry (2,236) – requirement for Architecture
- Architecture (3,672) – allows construction of architecture offices that save marble during construction
- Culinary Specialities (10,764) – allows training of cooks in the barracks
- Bureaucracy (106,560), Utopia (241,200)
- Multi-level endgame research "Future of the Economy" up to level 10
Military and maritime options
- Cooks: Provide increased combat morale and can join the fray with their knives.
- Balloon carriers: A floating fortress with balloons that harasses the enemy from the air at sea (requirement: War Dock level 7, Floating Base).
- Pirate fortress with privateering: Initially, a privateering voyage yields 115 privateer points and 40 gold. The upgrade level determines duration, crew and range. According to the wiki, short voyages are most effective (e.g. 2:30 min: 0.76 points/sec vs. 16 h: 0.12 points/sec).
- Sea chart archive: Reduces travel times between islands – time savings increase significantly with higher level and more islands.
Where Ikariam differs from Age of Empires II (Retired)
Both games are strategy games, but differ in several fundamental aspects:
- Platform: Age of Empires II runs as an installable title via Steam, Ikariam runs directly in your browser – no download required.
- Cost: According to Steam data, Age of Empires II is paid (not free-to-play). Ikariam is free to play.
- Setting: Age of Empires II covers medieval epochs with numerous civilisations. Ikariam is set in ancient times and places a clear focus on islands, seafaring and trade.
- Gameplay: Age of Empires II is designed as a real-time strategy game with single and multiplayer matches. Ikariam is a long-term building game whose research and expansion are designed for longer periods.
- Updates: Age of Empires II (Retired) will not receive further updates according to Steam. Ikariam is operated as an ongoing browser game.
Comparison at a glance
| Criterion | Age of Empires II (Retired) | Ikariam |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Steam (Installation) | Browser |
| Free-to-play | No | Yes, free to play |
| Setting | Medieval epochs | Ancient times, islands & seafaring |
| Genre | Strategy | Building strategy |
| Modes | Single-player, multiplayer | Persistent online world with other players |
Frequently asked questions
Is Ikariam really free?
Yes, Ikariam is a free-to-play browser game and can be played without a purchase price.
Do I need to download or install Ikariam?
No. Ikariam runs directly in your browser, no installation is required.
Is Ikariam a real-time strategy game like Age of Empires II?
No, the gameplay is different. Ikariam is a long-term building game with research, economy and seafaring that relies on a persistent world. According to Steam data, Age of Empires II is a classic strategy game with single and multiplayer matches.
Are there other browser alternatives?
Yes. If you prefer a medieval setting, you can also check out Kingsage – a medieval strategy game that also runs in your browser.
Start straight into ancient times
Ikariam is free, runs in your browser and is ready to play immediately – ideal if you're looking for a strategy game you can get into without installation. Build your first island, advance your research and discover economy, seafaring and privateering at your own pace.