Rune 09 · Real-time strategy · Shiro Games, 2018
Northgard
Viking clans settle a new land, surviving winters, wolves and each other. A calm, clear real-time strategy game.
Edition reviewed: Northgard (2018).
Official artwork © Shiro GamesWhat you do
Claim territory tile by tile, assign villagers to jobs, survive harsh winters and win by fame, trade, wisdom or war.
Who it suits
Players who want strategy without frantic clicking. A good first real-time strategy game.
01The opening
Your clan lands on a new shore. You build a hut, send villagers to chop wood and claim the next valley.
02The midgame
Winters cut food production and wolves attack. Each clan has its own strengths and ways to win.
03Where to stop
Matches are self-contained and often under an hour.
Why it works
- Calm, readable strategy
- Several ways to win
- Matches fit an evening
Watch out for
- Fewer units than classic RTS
- Clans sold separately
The score
Overall 4.5 out of 5 · Elder rune · how we score
Our verdict
A gentle Viking strategy game. One match, then rest by the fire.
Written by the Rune Hall desk. Updated 23 October 2026. Facts were checked against the publisher and store pages at that date; prices and platforms can change.