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| Old World is 90% off on Steam until January 22. |
For decades, the 4X strategy genre (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate) has been synonymous with one colossal franchise: Civilization. But what happens when a veteran from that very team decides to carve a new, more intimate path through history? Enter Old World, a brilliant and demanding strategy game that trades the epic, millennia-spanning scope for a deep dive into the tumultuous ancient era, where family drama is just as critical as military conquest.
Developed by Mohawk Games—founded by former Civilization IV lead designer Soren Johnson—and published by Hooded Horse, Old World asks you to guide a nascent kingdom from the dawn of iron to the height of classical antiquity. You don’t just rule an empire; you lead a dynasty, making choices that echo for generations.
Dynasty Management: The Heart of the Empire
The first thing that sets Old World apart is its relentless focus on people. As a ruler, you have a family, ambitions, and a court full of nobles with their own agendas. You’ll arrange political marriages to secure alliances, educate your heirs to ensure a competent successor, and manage the personal ambitions of your family members. A bad marriage or a poorly trained heir can plunge your realm into a devastating civil war upon your death. This layer of personal politics creates a narrative richness rarely seen in the genre, making every decision feel weighty and consequential.
The Game-Changing Orders System: Scarcity Breeds Strategy
While the turn-based hexagonal gameplay will feel familiar, Old World introduces a masterstroke of design: the Orders system. Forget moving every unit every turn. Here, you have a limited pool of orders, and every action—from moving a scout to initiating a trade deal—consumes one.
This creates a constant, compelling tension. Do you spend your precious orders pushing a military offensive, or on securing a crucial political promotion? Should you develop that new city site or deal with a rebellious governor? The number of orders you have isn’t static; it’s tied to your ruler’s Legitimacy, your form of government, and your tech level. A strong, respected king can command far more than a weak, disputed one, beautifully linking the personal and political layers to the core gameplay loop.
Randomized Research and Tactical Warfare
Old World also shakes up the traditional tech tree. Technologies are presented as a hand of cards, with new options appearing randomly over time. You can choose to research a tech, but you can also actively discard it, shaping your civilization’s progress in a more direct, strategic way. Will you pursue military dominance or cultural hegemony? The choice, and the luck of the draw, is yours.
Battles are swift and decisive, taking place directly on the strategic map. There’s no separate battle screen. Victory hinges on combined arms tactics, flanking bonuses, and terrain—a system that rewards careful positioning over sheer numbers.
Critical Reception: A Hit for Strategy Connoisseurs
The critical response has been strongly positive. German outlet TestingBuddies awarded it an 8/10, praising its challenging depth, engaging dynasty mechanics, and the "innovative Orders system." The atmospheric soundtrack and the randomized tech cards also received acclaim. Critics noted the visuals can feel somewhat plain and the UI occasionally cluttered, but the overwhelming consensus is that Old World is a complex, rewarding masterpiece for strategy fans.
This is reflected in its scores: a Metascore of 80 and a "Very Positive" Steam rating with 82% of nearly 5,800 reviews recommending the game. The learning curve is steep, but for those who climb it, the payoff is immense.
A Historic Discount for a Historic Strategy Game
For strategy enthusiasts who have been waiting for the perfect moment to dive in, that moment is now. Normally priced around $40, Old World is currently on a massive 90% discount on Steam, bringing the price down to just under $4. This sale lasts until January 22.
According to price-tracking site SteamDB, the game has only been this inexpensive once before, during the 2025 Autumn Sale. Typical sale discounts have maxed out at 75%, making this a truly exceptional deal.
Ready to forge your legacy? You can find Old World on Steam here. https://store.steampowered.com/app/597180/Old_World/
For those who prefer portable play, Old World is rated "Playable" on the Steam Deck and runs smoothly with minor control tweaks. The Steam Deck is available for purchase on platforms like Amazon.
If you’re a Civilization veteran looking for a fresh, deeply strategic challenge, or a newcomer ready to embrace the intricate dance of dynasty and empire, Old World at this price is an unmissable opportunity to claim your throne.