Jon Shafer's At the Gates: Forge a Kingdom in the Dark Ages

6/21/2026, 11:05:59 PM

Release date: 1/23/2019

Tags: #strategy #indie #4x #turn-based-strategy #singleplayer #historical

User Reviews

Score: 41%Mixed
Review Count: 498 reviews
Fetched At: 6/21/2026, 11:06:00 PM

Live Store Snapshot

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Japan Price: ¥ 3,090
Global Price: $29.99
Sale Status: Regular pricing
Price Checked At: 6/21/2026, 11:05:58 PM

Key highlight

A 4X grand strategy game from Jon Shafer, designer of Civilization 5, where you build a Dark Age kingdom. Manage resources, develop your economy and military, and carefully consider your clans' unique personalities.

Who this is for

Fans of the Civilization series and those seeking deep historical strategy simulations will find a lot to love here. The unique challenge of managing clans with distinct personalities adds a fresh layer to the 4X genre.

Details

Overview

Jon Shafer's At the Gates is a 4X grand strategy game that places you in the role of a Dark Age lord. Tasked with building a kingdom amidst the decline of the Roman Empire, players will explore a dangerous landscape, manage resources, and develop both economic and military power. The game emphasizes the importance of managing your clans, each possessing unique personalities and desires, adding a layer of complexity to strategic decisions. The path to establishing dominance is fraught with uncertainty, making every choice critical.

Highlights

Developed by Conifer Games, with Jon Shafer, designer of Civilization 5, at the helm.
A 4X grand strategy experience set in the Dark Ages, focusing on kingdom building and clan management.
Released on January 23, 2019, this title offers a single-player experience for fans of historical strategy.

Who It's For

This game is ideal for players who enjoy deep 4X grand strategy titles, particularly those with a historical setting. Fans of games like Civilization and Colonization will find familiar yet fresh mechanics, with an emphasis on emergent storytelling and challenging decision-making. If you appreciate managing complex systems and forging your own path to victory, At the Gates offers a compelling experience.

Game Info

At the Gates is a single-player 4X grand strategy game developed and published by Conifer Games. It was released on January 23, 2019. The game challenges players to build a kingdom during the Dark Ages, requiring exploration, resource management, and strategic military and economic development. Clan management is a key feature, with each clan having distinct traits and motivations.