0 A.D.
In 0 A.D., build a settlement, gather resources and lead armies in a historical real-time strategy game.
Developer Wildfire Games
Version 28 · Open source · Windows · macOS · Linux
Looking for an alternative to 0 A.D.?Compare OpenRA, Warzone 2100, Beyond All Reason.Compare alternativesIn 0 A.D., you build a settlement and lead an army in a historical setting. Gather resources, construct buildings and decide how to develop your economy and defences.
You need to balance growth with protection. A large army is little use if production stops. Start by learning how resources work in a manageable match before trying more complex strategies.
Download 0 A.D.
Downloads are available for Windows, macOS, Linux.
Understand your economy first
Start a practice match with few opponents and watch which resource is holding back your development. Assign units to gathering, building and defence. An extra building offers little benefit if you cannot sustain the production it needs. Once you understand these basics, compare civilisations and advanced tactics: you will be better able to see why a strategy succeeds or fails.
Compare 0 A.D. with alternatives
Strategy games vary in their emphasis on economic growth, large armies and traditional base building. Compare campaigns, multiplayer features and the availability of other players too. Games in the same genre can differ considerably in controls, balance and difficulty.
| Software | What can it do? | Platform and licence |
|---|---|---|
| 0 A.D.You are viewing this app | Build a civilisation and armies in a historical real-time strategy game. Manage resources, construct buildings and fight battles. | Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source |
| OpenRAView this alternative | You play modern performances of classic Command & Conquer-like strategy through open source engines. The game rules and content vary per supplied mod. | Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source |
| Warzone 2100View this alternative | You develop units and technology in a real-time strategy game with a science fiction theme. Research and vehicle assembly are part of the tactics. | Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source |
| Beyond All ReasonView this alternative | You control large robotic army with an economy and fronts in real time. This requires attention to scale, production and working with teammates. | Windows, LinuxOpen source |
Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.
Who is it for?
The game suits players who enjoy planning ahead and directing several units. You can explore historical armies without buying a paid base game. If you mainly want a story that guides you step by step, first check whether the available game modes offer the experience you want.
Getting started
Play against the computer first and learn the main buildings. Where available, use pause and speed controls while learning how to play.
Computer requirements
Windows 10/11; macOS 10.15+ (Intel) or 11+ (Apple Silicon); Linux. Windows: at least 2 GB RAM and 4 GB of disk space.
Privacy
A local game does not require sharing the match with other players. In the multiplayer lobby, your chosen player name identifies you to others, and your computer connects to the relevant services and players. Keep personal details out of your profile and chat. Use a unique password for a lobby account.
Good to know
The project is under development. Performance and game balance may change, and large battles demand more from your computer.
Please note
Back up important saved games before changing releases. A game under development may change its rules, maps and saved-game compatibility. In multiplayer, use the same supported release as the other participants. A larger army will also be of little help if you have no resources left to replace losses.
Advantages
- Economic development and tactical battles in one game.
- Different civilisations encourage you to try different units and development paths.
- Practise your approach before playing against other people.
Things to consider
- You need to follow several processes at once and learn each unit’s strengths.
- Large maps with many units place greater demands on your computer.
- Changes between releases may mean that an older saved game is best finished in its original version.
Download 0 A.D.
The download page opens in a new tab.
Provider’s website · play0ad.com
Version history
28
You can play with the Germans and get more possibilities when setting a game.
What’s new?
- You're playing with a new civilization, the Germans. Their supply trucks and mobile camps give you more freedom in building your economy.
- You see both male and female models for civilians. The lobby, game settings and game balance have also been addressed.
Report a new version
Our verdict
0 A.D. is a strategy game in which your economy needs as much attention as your army. Build a settlement, gather resources and fight as civilisations from antiquity. It is a good fit if you want to learn how production, expansion and defence work together. Your decisions while building up determine what you can deploy later, so expect more than a sequence of isolated battles.
The game suits players who enjoy learning a system. Try a smaller map to see whether you find the economy and unit controls manageable. For multiplayer, everyone should use the same release. Where possible, finish an ongoing match before making a major version upgrade.
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