0 A.D. is a free, open-source real-time strategy game for Windows, and the download goes to the official server releases.wildfiregames.com; TopDown APK does not host the file. The current version is 0.28.0, released on February 23, 2026, under the GPLv2 licence. Wildfire Games, a group of volunteer developers, still lists the game as under development.
First steps after installing 0.28.0
The package is about 1541.8 MB, so allow time for the download and some disk space before you start. The package identifier is WildfireGames.0AD, which helps if you install through a Windows package manager.
Once it runs, expect the core loop the developers describe: you lead an ancient civilization and gather resources. Those resources pay for a military force. Check the in-game menus for tutorials and campaign content.
What a volunteer-built RTS gets right
The game is free, and the GPLv2 licence means the source is open. That is uncommon for a historical strategy game, and it suits people who want to read or modify the code.
The design goal is clear from the publisher's own summary. You raise an army and defeat rival leaders. The tags place it near Age of Empires style games.
When Minecraft Launcher or Stockfish fits better
0 A.D. is a historical RTS. If you want a block-building sandbox, the catalog lists Minecraft Launcher. For competitive online play, League of Legends (North America server) and VALORANT (North America server) are listed.
If you want something other than war games, FlightGear covers flight simulation and Stockfish covers chess analysis.
What's new in 0.28.0
The current version is 0.28.0, updated on February 23, 2026.
0 A.D. pros and cons
Pros
- Free to download
- Open source under the GPLv2 licence
- Historical RTS with resource gathering and army building
- Downloaded from the publisher's official host, releases.wildfiregames.com
- Developed by Wildfire Games, a volunteer group
Cons
- Large package at 1541.8 MB
- Still under development, according to the publisher
- Release notes for the current version are not published in the catalog
Is 0 A.D. safe?
This is a Tier B listing, so the file comes from the official server releases.wildfiregames.com and not from TopDown APK. The publisher is Wildfire Games and the licence is GPLv2. No independent security review is available, so verify the download source before running the installer.
How to install 0 A.D.
- Press the download button to get the official file.
- Run the installer you saved and confirm the Windows security prompt if the publisher matches.
- Follow the setup steps, then start 0 A.D. from the Start menu.
