The 10 Best War Games You Need To Try

Developers of shooters strive to make their games as realistic as possible. They focus on even the smallest sounds to make players feel like they’re right in the middle of the action — whether taking aim as a sniper or working behind the lines as a technician.

This list of top war games includes a variety of gameplay mechanics and storylines. If you’re drawn to intense, immersive experiences, you’ll find military titles that transport you to World War II or the Middle Ages. Each one will put your reflexes and decision-making skills to the test in high-pressure situations.

Hearts of Iron IV – a global strategy game about World War II

Hearts of Iron IV is a strategy game set during World War II and part of the acclaimed Hearts of Iron series. It lets you take control of any nation between 1936 and 1948 — from global powers like the USA, USSR, and Germany to smaller countries with their own unique challenges.

As the leader of your chosen nation, you’ll need to make crucial political decisions, strengthen your economy, and build a powerful military to gain the upper hand. The experience becomes even more dynamic when you team up with friends to form alliances and reshape the course of history together.

Rule the Waves 3 – naval fleet simulator

Rule the Waves 3 is a naval strategy game that spans the period from the 1890s to the 1950s, allowing players to explore key phases in maritime history — from the rise of dreadnoughts to the advent of submarines and aircraft carriers.

You can design your own warships, tailor them to specific tactical needs, and choose from various classes, weapons, and technologies. But creating a powerful fleet is just the beginning — success also depends on staying alert during combat, as rough seas and poor visibility can easily undermine even the most carefully planned operations.

Arma 3 — a tactical shooter with a huge open world

Arma 3 is a tactical military shooter and the third instalment in the Arma series, known for its focus on realism in combat. It lets players take control of a wide range of vehicles — from armoured transports to tanks and helicopters — in diverse mission scenarios.

To succeed in operations, players must think about realistic ballistics, environmental physics, and enemy behaviour. This level of detail makes each mission feel unique and requires strong strategic thinking. For those who enjoy full immersion, Arma 3 also lets players create custom scenarios and large-scale campaigns. If you’re looking for a different kind of experience, Richard Casino free chip offers an exciting world where strategy and choices matter too. Whether you’re planning your next move on the battlefield or trying your luck at the casino, every decision plays a part in your success.

Squad is a realistic multiplayer shooter

Squad is a first-person multiplayer shooter released in 2020 that emphasises teamwork and coordination. Players are divided into teams made up of smaller squads, each led by a commander responsible for issuing orders and guiding strategy.

Before entering combat, each player selects a role — such as sapper, machine gunner, medic, sniper, grenadier, rifleman, or even an unarmed support role. Once the classes are chosen, the team sets out to complete its mission.

A wide range of military vehicles enhances realism and gameplay depth, including tanks, helicopters, armoured personnel carriers, and cargo transport trucks — all of which contribute to dynamic, large-scale operations.

Europa Universalis IV — a strategy game about world wars and diplomacy

Europa Universalis IV is a grand strategy game released in 2013 and still actively supported with updates and expansions. Set between 1444 and 1821, it allows players to take control of any nation and guide it through centuries of political intrigue, colonisation, trade wars, religious upheavals, and empire-building.

The game encourages creative approaches to history, letting you reshape the world map and forge alternate timelines. With a wide array of expansions, Europa Universalis IV continues to evolve, introducing fresh mechanics, historical events, and strategic depth to keep gameplay engaging.

Cold Waters — underwater warfare in the style of The Hunt for Red October

Cold Waters is a tactical submarine combat simulator where you take command of a U.S. submarine during the Cold War era. Your missions include intercepting enemy convoys, conducting covert reconnaissance, and engaging hostile ships in tense underwater battles.

Players face realistic confrontations with the Soviet fleet, requiring careful attention to acoustics, depth, and speed. Mastering advanced weapons systems, electronic warfare tools, missiles, and torpedoes is essential for survival and mission success.

Sid Meier’s Civilization V — the development of civilisation through war

Sid Meier’s Civilization V is a turn-based strategy game in which the player controls a civilisation and leads it through thousands of years of development: from the first settlements to space flight.

To achieve greatness, you must research technologies, develop your economy, build cities, command armies, negotiate diplomatic agreements, and fight for cultural influence. Victory can be achieved in various ways: militarily, scientifically, diplomatically, and culturally.

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord — medieval warfare

In the strategic simulator Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, all the action takes place in the fictional world of Calradia, inspired by the early Middle Ages. The gamer must create their own hero and go from being an unknown mercenary to a powerful ruler.

In battle, you can command an army, participate in castle sieges, and fight in open terrain using various types of weapons and combat tactics. The outcome of the battle changes the economy and politics of the world.

This War of Mine – war through the eyes of civilians

In the single-player survival simulator This War of Mine, war is not shown through the prism of heroic battles, but from the perspective of civilians trying to survive in a besieged city. The gameplay, inspired by real events, forces you to face hunger, disease and a lack of resources.

You will have to scavenge for food at night, fearing encounters with looters and soldiers ready to kill the player. The game requires maximum concentration and the ability to make desperate decisions for your own survival.

Total War: WARHAMMER II – epic battles in a fantasy world

Total War: WARHAMMER II is a hybrid strategy game that combines turn-based empire management with large-scale real-time tactical battles. Set in the richly detailed Warhammer universe, players can choose from several unique races, each offering a different play style.
You’ll command armies in massive battles, strategise across continents, conquer territories, and manage resources to strengthen your faction.

Overview of the Best Military Games

Final Thoughts

War games impress not only with their action-packed gameplay but also with immersive sound design—some titles sound stunning even without headphones. These games let you experience the battlefield as a commander, soldier, or strategist. Every choice shapes the outcome of the war, creating a personalised and intense gaming experience.

To make the most of it, check your setup—whether you play with a mouse and keyboard or a gamepad, smooth controls will elevate your experience.

If you love global strategy and management, Hearts of Iron IV and Europa Universalis IV are solid choices. These games balance warfare with governance.

Tactical shooter fans should dive into Arma 3 or Squad, which emphasise realism, teamwork, and battlefield tactics.

For those who prefer tension and stealth, Cold Waters brings the challenge of underwater warfare to life.

If you want a powerful narrative, This War of Mine shows war from the perspective of civilians and challenges you with tough moral decisions.

And for fans of fantasy and epic battles, Total War: WARHAMMER II offers massive conflicts and empire-building in a unique setting.

Each of these titles tells its own story of war—through strategy, cooperation, moral trials, or fantasy warfare.