Free-to-play massively multiplayer online strategy game set in classical antiquity, featuring city building, army and fleet management, research and realm expansion.
Ikariam is a free-to-play, browser-based massively multiplayer online strategy game set in the classical antiquity era. The game was developed by Gameforge AG and released in 2008 with over 15 million registered players across mobile and web platforms.
In Ikariam, players take the role of a ruler on a small outlying island of the Ikarian archipelago. They are tasked with building up their capital city, discovering new resources, researching military and economic upgrades, recruiting an army and navy, and expanding their influence through trade, diplomacy, or conquest.
Gameplay revolves around managing resources including wood, wine, marble, glass, and sulfur to support various buildings that allow further progression and growth. Players can build various economic buildings, military recruiting structures, and defensive fortifications. They can also research upgrades to improve economic production, expand the military and naval capabilities of their cities, or unlock Wonders of the World providing empire-wide bonuses.
A key element of Ikariam is interacting with other players through the market, diplomacy system, alliances, or declaring war against opposing cities and empires. The game features 16 unique civilizations across several islands and players must balance economic growth, research, city defense, and offensive military operations as they aim to expand their influence.