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Hearthlands

Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux • 2017

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Quick resume

Hearthlands is a medieval/fantasy city-building real time strategy game in which you take a role of a king in a procedurally generated world. You can not control your subjects directly; instead you focus on city-building, resource management, diplomacy, heroes, magic and other things a typical king deals with on a daily basis.

Global score

82/100

Genres

Indie, Simulator, Strategy, Real Time Strategy (RTS)

Pros

  • Deep and engaging city building and resource management
  • Nostalgic gameplay reminiscent of classic city builders
  • Varied cultures and production chains
  • Campaign and sandbox modes
  • Active developer support and updates

Cons

  • Limited military control and combat depth
  • Some ui and tutorial shortcomings
  • Graphics and audio are functional but not outstanding
  • Performance issues on some systems
  • Lack of advanced social or multiplayer features

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have freedom to build cities, manage economy, research, diplomacy, and military with many options and customizations."

  • Competence
    4

    "Game involves complex resource management, logistics, military strategy, and economic balancing requiring skill and learning."

  • Competition
    2

    "Includes combat and diplomacy with other cities, but combat is limited in control and more strategic than direct competition."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Players report many hours of play, high replay value, and engaging campaign and sandbox modes encouraging long sessions."

  • Cooperation
    1

    "Some trading and diplomacy with other cities, but mostly focused on individual city management rather than teamwork."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Players design city layouts, manage production chains, and customize strategies, though building rotation and skins are limited."

  • Domination
    -2

    "Military combat exists but is limited in player control and more about strategic planning than exerting authority over others."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Game offers immersive city building and fantasy elements like magic and monsters for distraction and stress relief."

  • Expectation
    -3

    "Players engage voluntarily for enjoyment and nostalgia; no indication of obligation or external pressure to play."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players explore different cultures, production chains, trade dynamics, and military strategies, encouraging experimentation."

  • Exploration
    2

    "Overworld map with other cities and monster lairs offers some discovery, though maps are randomized and somewhat familiar."

  • Expression
    2

    "Limited customization of buildings and characters, but players can personalize city layouts and choose cultures."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Fantasy elements like magic, monsters, and spells enrich the medieval city building experience."

  • Fellowship
    -2

    "Social interaction is limited to trading and diplomacy with AI or other players; main focus is solo city management."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players learn complex economic and military systems, improving skills over time with a steep learning curve."

  • Health
    -4

    "Primarily sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related mechanics."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires continuous attention to logistics, resource management, and defense; not suited for idle or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "Minimal social or emotional connections; interactions are mostly strategic and transactional."

  • Leadership
    3

    "Players lead their city and armies, managing resources and directing overall strategy."

  • Progression
    4

    "Strong progression through building upgrades, research, army development, and expanding trade and territory."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Game can be relaxing with its pacing and city building, though some tension arises from invasions and resource management."

  • Sensation
    1

    "Visuals and sounds are pleasant but not highly stimulating; focus is on strategic gameplay rather than sensory thrills."

  • Status
    -3

    "Achievements and recognition are mostly personal; limited social status or visibility among other players."

  • Story
    1

    "Campaign mode offers some narrative structure but overall story is minimal and secondary to gameplay."

  • Strategy
    5

    "High emphasis on planning, resource management, logistics, military tactics, and diplomatic decisions."

  • Thrill
    2

    "Some suspense from invasions and resource shortages, but combat is limited and outcomes often predictable."

  • Value
    4

    "Players report good value for time and money with many hours of engaging gameplay and frequent updates."

  • Violence
    1

    "Combat and destruction exist but are not the main focus; game emphasizes building and management."

  • Survival
    3

    "Players must defend against threats and manage resources to avoid failure, adding survival elements."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026