HearthMark description

HearthMark is a medieval real-time strategy game where you build a village, manage its people and raise an army. Your little settlement can grow into a kingdom, assuming it survives the first few winters.

How to play

Start with villagers. Send them to gather wood, build farms and houses, and put up a well so everyone has water. Your Hearth Hall is the center of the settlement. It trains new villagers and soldiers, unlocks new eras and helps defend the village. Lose that building and the game is over.

Food matters quite a bit. Winter stops your farms from working, and armies traveling too far from home can freeze. Your people also need goods and faith as the village grows. Check their happiness before spending everything on another group of soldiers.

The lord isn't just a character sitting on a horse. He can join fights, gives nearby soldiers a 15% damage bonus and recovers health near the Hearth Hall. If he falls, an heir takes his place. No heir old enough? A regency council runs things until the next ruler is ready.

HearthMark has some things in common with WarCrown io, especially managing territory and troops. Feudal Wars is another medieval RTS worth comparing, though it focuses more directly on castle battles.

Game modes

Conquest: compete against a rival lord and destroy the enemy Hearth Hall
Settlement: develop a peaceful village and win through Prosperity or Renown
Observer: watch two AI lords build and compete

Development

Your settlement advances through Township, Stronghold and Realm. New buildings and upgrades become available as you progress. Choose between Hearthfolk, who gather resources 7% faster and can recruit Longbowmen, and Ashford Marchers, who have richer farms, cheaper cavalry and Lancers.