Master of Magic
Master of Magic is a 1994 turn-based strategy game developed by Simtex. Blending empire-building with fantasy, it tasks players with founding cities, researching spells, and commanding armies as a wizard competing to dominate two parallel worlds, the ordinary Arcanus and the more dangerous, resource-rich Myrror.
The game fused the 4X structure of explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate with deep magic systems, letting players customize their wizard with picks from five realms of magic, choose special abilities, and summon fantastical creatures ranging from war bears to great drakes. Combat played out on a separate tactical map where spells and hero units could turn the tide. Often described as combining the empire management of Civilization with tactical fantasy warfare, it earned a lasting reputation despite a bug-ridden launch that later patches addressed.
Its influence endures among strategy fans, and both the original and a later full remake are available through digital storefronts, keeping this cult classic accessible to modern players.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to Master of Magic, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
Dominions 6 Indie
€ 34,99A deep indie fantasy 4X with vast spell and unit variety.
Dominions 6 runs on PC, Mac, Linux. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Playable.
Master of Magic (2022)
€ 29,99A faithful modern remake of the fantasy 4X classic.
Master of Magic (2022) runs on PC. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Verified.
Master of Magic Classic
€ 5,99The original game configured to run on modern PCs.
Master of Magic Classic runs on PC. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, Steam Deck.
Warlock: Master of the Arcane
€ 23,99A fantasy 4X of spell research and summoned armies, the closest hex-based descendant.
Warlock: Master of the Arcane runs on PC. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Unsupported.
Fallen Enchantress: Legendary Heroes
€ 25,49Turn-based fantasy empire building with deep unit design and questing heroes.
Fallen Enchantress: Legendary Heroes runs on PC. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Unsupported.
Sign in or create an account to add an alternative or vote.