When images of the Middle Ages are conjured up, guns, cannons, and other gunpowder weapons rarely come to mind. In fact, most people would understandably be mistaken for believing that firearms only appeared after the medieval period. However, after spreading from China, gunpowder weapons, such as bombards, were first used in Europe as early as 1326, although the concept was already known in the 13th century due to the Mongol invasions.
While early cannons were heavily unreliable and inaccurate, the sheer noise and smoke created by them could damage the enemy’s morale, and it’s easy to imagine even the best-trained warhorses on both sides being spooked. By the early 1400s, however, gunpowder technology had progressed enough that ‘handgonnes’ could be used by infantry, and when they didn’t explode in the user’s face, they had devastating potential, even against armored knights. Of course, it would take many decades and centuries for firearms to become more reliable and widespread, but they were certainly present in the Middle Ages, and the following medieval games have guns, doing justice to a rarely recognized part of history.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Historically Accurate Handgonnes & Pistoles
As the most historically accurate medieval game ever made, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is the best way to experience guns in a medieval game. Set in 1403, by which time handheld firearms were available, Henry is introduced to deadly, but unpredictable weapons around halfway through the story.
The guns take at least 9 seconds to load, and then about 3 seconds to ignite and fire, making them cumbersome in most combat scenarios. However, if players are able to hone their accuracy, then at close range, they will kill even the most heavily armored opponent. Some enemies will also run away at the sight of a handgonne or upon hearing one fired. True to the game’s immersive vision, Henry must also stay on top of repairing his firearm, as otherwise it could blow up in his face. Players also have the opportunity to make gunpowder as part of alchemy, but it is not recommended for Henry to be drunk while doing so.
Medieval 2: Total War
Many Gunner Units & Cannons
Medieval 2: Total War is a golden oldie, but it remains one of the best medieval games to this day, with players hoping for a third installment in the series soon. As with all Total War games, it is an RTS where players take control of different factions, each with dozens of unique units to train and deploy in battle.
Among these are a number of units that use handguns or muskets, although these aren’t typically the most reliable troops, with most archers having superior range and shorter reload times. There are also bombards and cannons available in the game, which can be fired against troops and structures.
For Honor
The Pirate Character Has A Gun
For Honor is far from historically accurate, but the majority of the game is nevertheless inspired by the combat of the Middle Ages, with Knights, Vikings, and Samurai forming the original three factions. Since the game’s release, however, Roman gladiators have been added among others, and interestingly, pirates have made a surprise appearance.
Thus, if players unlock and play as a pirate in For Honor, they will be able to use a gun in a mostly medieval game. The gun in question is a Flintlock Pistol alongside a Cutlass for melee attacks, and the Pistol is mostly used during a combo attack, but with the right Feats, it can also be used to fire off two projectiles. The first shot weakens a target, while the second can ricochet, hitting multiple enemies, and causes bleeding.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Yasuke Can Wield Deadly Teppos
By the time of Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ setting in the late 16th century, gunpowder weapons were by no means new due to Japan’s proximity to China, with early firearms first being seen in the 13th century. However, matchlock rifles brought over by the Portuguese in the years predating the game were far superior, and it is these that Yasuke can equip, with Naoe being restricted to melee weapons.
The firearms in Assassin’s Creed Shadows are known as Teppos, and there are a surprising number of these, each with different qualities. There are also Perks for Teppos, which can change the way Yasuke plays. For example, players can focus on faster reloads, quieter gunplay, or, of course, more damage. Various NPCs also wield teppos, and there is even a mission where players are tasked with taking them down.
One For The Future: Kingmakers
Modern Machine Guns On Medieval Battlefields
Set to release on 8th October 2025, Kingmakers takes guns in medieval games to a whole other level. While other games feature historical early firearms, Kingmakers instead sees a modern-day soldier, equipped with all manner of deadly weapons and vehicles, travel back in time to the battlefields of the 15th century.
Players can mow down heavily armored cavalry and infantry alike with machine guns, rampage through the ranks with a tank, or wait atop a castle picking off knights with a sniper rifle. Best of all, Kingmakers can be enjoyed with friends, and it also features medieval city/castle building and RTS tactics.
