As a longtime Sid Meier's Civilization fan, I get a similar rush from Rise of Kingdoms without the crushing losses I usually rack up on PC. It's a simplified version that lets you advance an ancient empire through the ages while conquering lands near or far.
You can compare it to the rest of my picks in the best mobile games for iPhone and Android.
- Free, with optional VIP and gem purchases
- Available for iOS and Android
Roaming with an empire to manage
Scouting territories, training infantry, and checking in on events across a rotating calendar adds up if you're doing it on the go. A plan with international data keeps your kingdom protected even when you're traveling.
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Verizon
Unlimited Plus
$80.00/mo
+ Taxes & Fees. Price includes AutoPay & Paperless discount.
+ $40 Upfront
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T-Mobile
Experience More 2.0
$85.00/mo
with Auto-Pay + Taxes and fees
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AT&T
Premium 2.0℠
$90.00/mo
+ $35 Upfront
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What Rise of Kingdoms does without a PC
The action buttons are more limited on this mobile version, considering it's a much smaller surface. You can't scroll freely across the whole map right away, and the delegation, spying, and alliances don't come close to the possibilities on a PC. Still, the main gameplay holds up; you scout territories, defeat barbarians, and train your infantry, and neglecting your citizens can get your kingdom taken over fast.
Image: Jessica Santero | WhistleOut
I appreciate that you get to choose your civilization, whether that's Greece, Babylonia, Japan, or my personal favorite, the Vikings (even though France tends to dominate the leaderboards). The graphics aren't quite as nostalgic as the PC version for me, but the animations and music are soothing. Plus, the first 15 minutes include a much-needed tutorial to walk you through the basics without overwhelming you.
Image: Jessica Santero | WhistleOut
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A month of play without a single ad
I played on and off for a month, mostly during downtime, and never ran into an ad. The game also has a rotating calendar of events. During my testing, the featured event was a discovery challenge that sent players exploring different areas for special runes. I never faced a boring moment. Since you're mostly fighting AI-controlled barbarians rather than other players, there's no shortage of enemies to keep the early game interesting.
I highly recommend Rise of Kingdoms if you like a strategy game that is fast-paced and unexpected. As you advance in the game, it takes longer to upgrade your City Hall or train your warriors, but that's the fun part of the game. If you're attacked while everyone is in training, you can lose all your hard work instantly.
Is Rise of Kingdoms worth downloading?
Yes, especially if you want Civilization-style strategy without the steep learning curve of the PC version. The free download covers the full core gameplay, from scouting and training to civilization selection, with VIP and gem purchases sitting entirely optional on top.
I highly recommend Rise of Kingdoms if you like a strategy game that is fast-paced and unexpected, and I never once ran into an ad.
Jessica Santero, WhistleOut Staff Writer
How I tested Rise of Kingdoms
- Played on and off for a month during downtime to track ad frequency
- Chose a civilization and progressed through the opening tutorial
- Scouted territories, defeated barbarians, and trained infantry
- Followed the rotating calendar of events, including a discovery challenge for special runes
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Rise of Kingdoms: FAQ
Is Rise of Kingdoms free to play?
Yes, Rise of Kingdoms is fully playable without spending a dollar, though optional VIP and gem purchases can speed up progress.
Which civilizations can you choose in Rise of Kingdoms?
You can choose from civilizations including Greece, Babylonia, Japan, and the Vikings.
Does Rise of Kingdoms have a lot of ads?
No, testing over a month of on-and-off play never ran into a single ad.
Is Rise of Kingdoms similar to Civilization?
Yes, it delivers a similar strategy rush to Sid Meier's Civilization, though the action buttons are more limited than the PC version and you can't scroll freely across the whole map right away.
Jessica Santero
Staff Writer
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