How 2026 Is Shaping Up to Be the Most Medieval Year Yet

2026 is officially the most Medieval year of the modern era. While technology is advancing at a record pace, our culture, entertainment, and aesthetics are sprinting backward toward the Middle Ages. In this video, we break down the massive surge in medieval-themed gaming, the “Knight-core” fashion movement, and why people are suddenly obsessed with swords and castles.

Why is this happening now?
Several major trends have converged to make this year feel like a digital renaissance:

The “Kingmakers” Effect: In gaming, titles like Kingmakers and the latest updates to Manor Lords have captivated millions by blending hyper-realistic medieval warfare with modern tactical gameplay.

High-Fantasy Television: With massive seasons of fantasy epics hitting streaming platforms this year, the demand for castle-core aesthetics and historical drama has never been higher.

The Escape from Reality: In a high-tech world, many are finding comfort in the “analogue” feel of the medieval era—focusing on craftsmanship, archery, and offline festivals like the Great Medieval Faire.

Disclaimer: This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. While we discuss historical trends and modern interpretations of the medieval era, we are not professional historians. All opinions expressed are based on current cultural trends and pop culture analysis. Please do not attempt to recreate dangerous historical combat or use bladed weapons without professional supervision and safety gear.

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•Marc Bloch – Feudal Society Medieval local power, weak central states, feudal authority.

•Barbara Tuchman – A Distant Mirror Medieval instability, plague, social fear, violence.

•Mary Kaldor – New and Old Wars Decentralized modern warfare, non-state actors, urban conflict.

•World Economic Forum – Global Risks Report Fragile global systems, supply chains, climate and geopolitical shocks.

•Pew Research Center – Trust & Polarization Studies Decline of trust in institutions, fragmented information ecosystems.

•World Health Organization – Pandemic Impact Reports Social breakdown, distrust, and behavioral effects of pandemics.

•IPCC – Climate Change Assessment Reports Climate shocks, food security risks, synchronized failures.