0 A.D.

0 A.D.: The Ultimate Free Open-Source Historical RTS Experience

Experience the glory of ancient warfare in 0 A.D., a free, open-source real-time strategy game that rivals the industry’s biggest titles. Set in the era between 500 B.C. and 500 A.D., this masterpiece allows you to lead one of 14 ancient civilizations—including the Romans, Persians, Han Chinese, and Kushites—as they vie for world hegemony. Developed by a global community of volunteers under the Empires Ascendant subtitle, 0 A.D. combines the classic “build and conquer” mechanics of Age of Empires with unique innovations like Citizen-Soldiers, where your military forces also serve as your economic backbone. With a stunning 3D engine, historically accurate architecture, and an epic original soundtrack, 0 A.D. is the definitive choice for strategy fans seeking a deep, educational, and entirely free gaming experience in 2026.

0 A.D. free download

5 Reasons to Play 0 A.D.

If you are a fan of historical strategy and competitive tactical play, here are 5 reasons to play 0 A.D. in 2026:

  • Completely Free and Open Source (FOSS): Unlike “freemium” games, 0 A.D. has no ads, no microtransactions, and no hidden costs. It is a labor of love that is free to download, modify, and share forever under the GPL license.
  • Innovative Citizen-Soldier System: Break away from traditional RTS tropes. In 0 A.D., your basic infantry and cavalry can gather resources and construct buildings, creating a more dynamic and realistic flow between expansion and warfare.
  • Extreme Historical Accuracy: Every civilization is meticulously researched. From the original ancient names of units in Greek, Latin, and Sanskrit to the culturally specific architecture and tech trees, the game serves as an interactive history lesson.
  • Powerful Built-In World Editor (Atlas): Unleash your creativity with the Atlas Editor. Design your own maps, script complex AI behaviors, or create custom scenarios with the same tools used by the official developers.
  • Vibrant Community-Driven Development: With frequent “Alpha” updates (like the recent Zhuangzi release), the game continues to evolve. In 2026, the community remains active, providing a constant stream of new mods, balance tweaks, and multiplayer challenges.

0 A.D. System Requirements (PC 2026)

Experience the ancient world in 4K resolution. These specs ensure that your Athenian triremes and Roman legions move smoothly across the battlefield.

Minimum System Requirements

Ideal for small maps and 1v1 matches against AI.

  • OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11 / Linux / macOS 10.12+
  • Processor: 2.0 GHz Intel or x86 compatible Dual-Core
  • Memory (RAM): 2 GB
  • Graphics (GPU): Any card supporting OpenGL 2.1 with at least 512 MB VRAM (e.g., Intel HD 4000, Radeon 9000, or GeForce 6 series)
  • DirectX: Not applicable (Uses OpenGL/Vulkan)
  • Storage: 4 GB available space
  • Screen Resolution: 1024×768 or above

Recommended System Requirements

Optimized for large-scale multiplayer and 4K “High” settings.

  • OS: Windows 11 / Modern 64-bit Linux Distribution
  • Processor: 3.0 GHz+ Quad-Core Intel or AMD Ryzen (Important for late-game pathfinding)
  • Memory (RAM): 8 GB
  • Graphics (GPU): NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti / AMD Radeon RX 560 or better (2 GB+ VRAM)
  • DirectX: Not applicable
  • Storage: 5 GB available space on an SSD (Significantly reduces initial loading and texture pop-in)
  • Sound Card: Any standard modern sound device