War games have been among the most popular genres in the gaming world for years. They bring us intense action, tactical challenges and scenarios from different eras.
From fast-paced shooter battles to complex strategy games, there’s something for everyone here.
We’ve compiled the 20 best war games for 2025, covering different play styles and preferences. Our list includes popular multiplayer shooters, in-depth strategy games and tactical simulations.
We look at both new releases and established titles that continue to provide hours of exciting gameplay.
1. Battlefield 6
Battlefield 6 has really cleaned up in 2025. The game tops the charts and has even overtaken Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.
Finally, the real Battlefield feeling is back! The destruction is back, the action is right, and technically, it runs smoothly.
The multiplayer is really fun. Many are reminded of the old days of the series.
The campaign doesn’t convince everyone. But most people play for the multiplayer anyway.
The game has been out since 10 October 2025. EA reports strong sales figures – no wonder.
After its weak predecessor, Battlefield 6 is celebrating a successful comeback. The community is enthusiastic, and you can feel that in the game.
2. Call of War
Call of War transports us straight back to the Second World War. We take control of a nation and have to think strategically.
The game runs in real time and works directly in the browser. No download is necessary, and it even works seamlessly on mobile devices.
The game rounds last for weeks. During this time, we conquer provinces, expand our economy and forge alliances.
Communication with allies is essential here. We command tanks, control air strikes and plan our next steps.
Bytro Labs develops the game and regularly delivers new content. The world in the game remains constant and changes as a result of our actions.
Every decision influences the course of the game. If you’re into multiplayer strategy, you’ll get your money’s worth here.
Try to Play Call of War here:
3. WARNO
WARNO is a real-time strategy game that catapults us into the Cold War. We lead NATO or Warsaw Pact troops into tactical battles.
Realism is the focus. We have to position units, secure supply lines and make clever use of the terrain.
The graphics look really smart. Tanks, infantry and air support – everything is there.
We can explore different theatres of war. WARNO offers single-player missions and multiplayer modes.
Strategic thinking counts for more than quick clicks here. Resource management and unit knowledge are required.
The developers provide regular updates. New factions and improved AI ensure that the game stays fresh.
4. Call to Arms – Gates of Hell: Eastern Front
Gates of Hell throws us straight into the brutal battles of the Eastern Front. The game delivers a realistic real-time strategy experience where we control each unit with precision.
The graphics are impressive, especially when tanks roll across the battlefield. The sound is powerful – grenades, explosions, everything sounds intense.
We lead German and Soviet troops through historical missions. The free-move mode gives us even more tactical freedom.
The focus here is on authenticity. We have to use real tactics and deploy our units in a targeted manner.
Brandenburgers, paratroopers, Panzerschreck squads – there is a wide range of strategic options to choose from.
Gates of Hell offers long-lasting replay value through PvP and PvE battles. A DLC featuring British troops on the Western Front has been announced for 2025.
If you’re into realistic warfare, don’t miss out on this.
5. Total War: Warhammer III
Total War: Warhammer III had a difficult start. However, the game is now running much better.
The Immortal Empires mode is really fun. We can play huge campaigns with many factions.
The selection of playable races is huge. Each faction has its own strategies – variety is guaranteed.
Turn-based strategy on the map and real-time battles in combat complement each other perfectly. We have to move our armies cleverly and choose the right units in battle.
The game concludes the Warhammer trilogy. Even in 2025, it still offers hundreds of hours of gaming fun.
For strategy fans, it remains a real highlight.
6. Conflict of Nations – World War III
Conflict of Nations is a free browser strategy game. We experience modern warfare against players from all over the world.
The campaigns last for days or even weeks, making the game intense and challenging.
We take command of a nation. The goal: global supremacy – using modern military technology.
The game combines real-time action with global strategy. We deploy troops wisely and make important diplomatic decisions.
The game is easily accessible for beginners. No download required, just get started – the learning curve is fair, even if patience is required.
Click here to play CONFLICT OF NATIONS for free!
7. Company of Heroes 3
Company of Heroes 3 remains a solid real-time strategy game set in World War II in 2025. The tried-and-tested formula once again delivers tactical battles with different units.
There are four combat groups to choose from, each with their own playing styles and special units. The developers have been steadily expanding the game since 2023.
In November 2025, the ‘Endure & Defy’ DLC was released. New combat groups such as the Polish cavalry and the German Afrika Korps were added.
The basic framework works and is fun. However, there are no big surprises.
The developers have removed the controversial Denuvo copy protection. This results in better performance for many players.
Those who liked the predecessors will find more of the same here. For fans of tactical war games, it’s definitely worth a look.
8. Hearts of Iron IV with Götterdämmerung expansion
Hearts of Iron IV remains one of the best strategy games for me when it comes to World War II. With the Götterdämmerung expansion, which was released in November 2024, there is noticeably more depth.
The expansion focuses on Germany, Austria, Hungary, Belgium and Congo. We are now writing new stories for these countries and steering their path through the war.
I find the new research options quite exciting. They give access to new weapons and military strategies.
Targeted attacks on important targets can be planned more effectively. The game gives us more control over our nation, especially through the new features.
Götterdämmerung is also included in Expansion Pass 1. With the pass, you get the content at a 20 per cent discount.
I like how the expansion refreshes the base game. Those who have already invested hundreds of hours will definitely find new possibilities here.
9. Hell Let Loose
Hell Let Loose is a multiplayer shooter that throws us into the chaos of World War II. The gameplay is tactical and quite precise – exactly what I want from a serious war game.
The matches are huge, often 50 against 50 players. Every battle feels chaotic, but also amazingly authentic.
The developers have announced an interesting roadmap for 2025. There will be two new maps and a revamped Stalingrad map.
There will also be new vehicles and cosmetic DLCs. The community remains active, and the updates keep the game fresh.
The XP system is being expanded so that we can level up to 20. Hell Let Loose remains popular years after its release.
If you’re looking for fast-paced action, you won’t be happy here. Communication, teamwork and real strategy are what count here.
For me, 2025 is still one of the best World War II shooters. If you like a challenge, you should check it out.
10. World of Warships
World of Warships is a naval combat game that catapults us into the midst of 20th-century naval battles. We control historic warships and battle other players on the open sea.
The game offers a selection of different ship types. Destroyers, cruisers, battleships or aircraft carriers – each type plays differently.
2025 brings a lot of new content. Wargaming has added new nations and ships to the game.
I find the Dutch cruisers in Early Access particularly interesting. The graphics show the ships in great detail – it’s impressive how much effort has gone into them.
The battles feel realistic, but remain accessible. There are lots of resources and tips for new players.
The community is helpful and happy to share tricks. If you like naval battles, you’ll find tactics and action in one here.
World of Warships is simply fun and offers hours of entertainment.
If you are new to World of Warships, you can download the free game client here:
You will receive the following bonus if you register via the link:
The US cruiser St Louis (rank III) and German light cruiser Emden (rank II), 7 days premium time, 200 doubloons, 20 special camouflage and 2.5 million credits in-game currency.
11. Civilisation VII
Civilization VII will be released in February 2025 and is set to be a real highlight for strategy fans. I’m already quite excited about the new instalment.
The game brings a breath of fresh air to the series. This time, we lead our civilisation through different ages, and each era has its own top civilisations.
This makes the global strategy more varied than ever before. Some of the changes are bold and break with old traditions.
But the core remains the same: build empires, wage wars, write history. The strategic depth is impressive.
We have to think carefully about which civilisation to choose for which era. Every decision has an impact later on.
Civilisation VII is a must-have for anyone who loves strategy. I’m really curious to see how the series has developed.
12. Sniper Elite Resistance
Sniper Elite Resistance was released at the end of January 2025 and takes us to France during the Second World War. This time we play Harry Hawker instead of Karl Fairburne, but the gameplay feels familiar right away.
What I like is the freedom when playing. The maps are large, and we decide for ourselves how to take out our targets.
Sneak or attack directly? Both work pretty well.
The familiar sniper mechanics are back. Shooting from a long distance and watching the bullet in slow motion is still fun.
Rebellion sticks to its proven concept. The game is solidly made and technically clean.
There are no major innovations, and Resistance plays similarly to its predecessors. But that’s perfectly fine for fans.
The game is enjoyable, even if it’s not a masterpiece. Anyone who likes to play as a sniper will get their money’s worth here.
13. War Thunder
War Thunder remains a fascinating game in 2025 for anyone who loves realistic combat. It offers a huge selection of military vehicles from dozens of eras.
Gaijin Entertainment scores with its detailed simulation of tanks, aircraft and ships. The mechanics are complex, but that’s exactly what I find appealing.
Newcomers need a little patience. The learning curve is steep, and some mechanics can seem a bit cumbersome at times.
Nevertheless, it’s worth getting started if you’re enthusiastic about military technology. The community discusses balance and mechanics a lot.
This shows how vibrant War Thunder still is after all these years. I find the different nations with their own vehicles and tactics particularly cool.
Each faction plays differently and constantly challenges us in new ways. War Thunder is free, which makes it easy to get started.
Those who want to immerse themselves deeply in the world of war machines will still find an exciting experience here in 2025.
Who does not know the F2P tank and plane war game War Thunder can download it from here for free:
14. Steel Division 2
Steel Division 2 takes us straight to the Eastern Front of World War II. We command German and Soviet troops in tactical battles that require real strategic thinking.
The game offers dynamic campaigns on a 1:1 scale. This feature provides a depth of gameplay that other WW2 strategy games rarely achieve.
The single-player mode is particularly strong. The AI does a decent job, even if it doesn’t always react perfectly.
We command various divisions and have to position our units cleverly. The gameplay is significantly slower than in other strategy games.
We plan carefully instead of simply rushing in. This thoughtful approach makes Steel Division 2 truly special.
The battles are complex and challenging. Keeping track of supplies, terrain and troop types is a must here.
For fans of challenging war games, this is a real win.
15. Europa Universalis V
Europa Universalis V is the latest strategy game from Paradox Interactive. It was released in 2025 and replaces Europa Universalis IV.
The game revolves around diplomacy, conquest, economy and technology. We control historical nations and lead them through several centuries.
The developers have incorporated even more complexity than in the previous game. They mix elements from older parts with ideas from Crusader Kings 3 and Victoria.
Macro politics remains at the heart of the game. We can play different nations, from Portugal’s trading empire to the Ottoman Empire.
Each nation brings its own strategic possibilities and challenges. The announcement came in May 2025, with the final release date following in August.
The trade press was allowed to try out Europa Universalis V before its release. Anyone who likes history and complex strategy games will probably get hooked on this one.
16. Supremacy 1914
Supremacy 1914 throws us into the middle of the First World War. We take control of a country with provinces and try to lead our nation to victory.
Each province provides different raw materials such as grain, fish, iron ore, wood, coal, oil or gas. There is also money, and we can train infantry.
Everything happens in real time. We have to constantly adapt our strategy while keeping an eye on the economy and the military.
The political situation is unstable, and other players make life difficult for us. Supremacy 1914 runs directly in the browser and is free of charge.
The game even won the audience award for Browser Game of the Year. The graphics and menus look really modern today.
There are different game modes, including maps with all European nations from 1914. If you’re into historical strategy games, you’ll find plenty to tinker with here.
Test and play Supremacy 1914 here: 
17. World of Tanks
World of Tanks has been around since 2011 and is still one of the most popular tank games. The Belarusian studio Wargaming has really landed a hit here.
The gameplay focuses on slow, tactical tank battles. We need clever strategies instead of just shooting away.
The tanks are from the 20th century and offer quite a lot of variety. Each vehicle requires a different approach.
Updates ensure that World of Tanks stays fresh. In December 2025, there will be lots of events and news again.
Many experienced players say that you really immerse yourself in the world of tanks. The more we play, the harder it is to stop.
If you like more realistic war games, you should check out World of Tanks. Patience and tactical thinking pay off here.
Click here to play World of Tanks for free:
18. Foxhole
Foxhole is not a typical war game. We don’t fight alone, but keep front lines alive for days and sometimes even weeks.
What makes it special is that there are no NPCs. Every soldier, driver and commander is a real player.
We work together to lead our faction to victory. The battles take place in a dystopian world war setting.
We gather resources, manufacture weapons and establish supply lines. Without good organisation, everything quickly goes down the drain.
The MMO format makes Foxhole unique. Battles drag on for a long time and our decisions have a noticeable effect on the course of the war.
Teamwork counts for more than in almost any other war game. We have to constantly communicate with others and coordinate our actions.
Lone wolves have a hard time in Foxhole. The game requires patience and perseverance, but that’s exactly what makes it so appealing when we finally secure territories or hold the front line.
19. Enlisted
Enlisted is a free MMO shooter that throws us into the thick of the great battles of the Second World War. We command not just one soldier, but an entire squad of infantry, tanks or aircraft.
What makes it special is the mix of different combat styles. We can switch between infantry, tank crews and pilots.
Each role feels different and presents its own challenges. The equipment and uniforms look quite similar to their historical counterparts.
This creates an authentic atmosphere that fans of World War II games will love. Enlisted runs on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
Thanks to Free-To-Play, we can get started right away without having to spend any money. The missions require tactical thinking and good positioning.
We have to use our troops cleverly to win. This makes the game varied and exciting.
Click here to play Enlisted for free!
20. Squad
Squad by Offworld Industries is a tactical hardcore shooter that focuses on realism. The game launched in Early Access in 2015 and was officially released in 2020.
What really stands out about Squad is its focus on teamwork and communication. We play in teams of five and can battle with up to 200 players on huge maps.
The developers were inspired by the Project Reality mod. Squad bridges the gap between classic arcade shooters and real military simulations.
Vehicles are an important part of the gameplay. We can build bases and use a VoIP system that allows us to talk to players in our vicinity.
Squad is considered a real insider tip among shooter fans. Here, planning and tactics count for more than wild shooting.
Those who coordinate and work together have the best chances. Lone wolves rarely get very far.
What makes a good war game?
A good war game needs the right mix of authentic gameplay, social elements and well-thought-out mechanics. These three things determine whether we forget a game after an hour or sink hundreds of hours into it.
Realism and immersion
Realism does not mean that everything has to be perfect. The important thing is that the game feels credible and draws us in.
Good war games score points with coherent graphics, authentic sounds and details that fit the era. Weapons should feel and operate differently.
The environments must fit the respective time period. Immersion also comes from the right pace.
Some games focus on action, others on slow, tactical approaches. Both can work as long as they fit with the rest.
The best war games make us forget that we are sitting in front of a screen. We feel the tension when we sneak up on enemy positions or make important decisions.
Multiplayer experience
The best moments happen in multiplayer mode. When we work together with others, everything feels much more intense.
Teamwork is essential. We need players for different roles – one coordinates, others shoot or support.
This cooperation is more fun than playing alone. At the same time, competition through rankings or tournaments motivates us to want to improve.
Good communication is essential. Voice chat, ping systems and markers help us react quickly and coordinate plans.
Strategy and tactics
War games thrive on smart decisions. We don’t just want to shoot around, we also want to have to think.
Strategic depth means that our decisions have real consequences. We weigh up our options when micromanaging, managing resources or planning offensives.
Every choice has advantages and disadvantages. Tactics come into play in direct combat – using cover, planning flanks or waiting for the right moment to attack.
The best games combine strategy and tactics. We plan for the long term and then implement our ideas in combat.
It’s this combination that keeps us hooked – and constantly challenges us to learn new skills.
Trends and innovations in war games in 2025
Wargames are evolving rapidly. New gaming experiences are emerging thanks to better AI, state-of-the-art graphics technologies and cross-platform gaming.
These innovations are changing how we experience virtual battles. Sometimes it feels almost real – or at least pretty close to it.
Artificial intelligence and adaptive opponents
AI systems in war games will become significantly smarter in 2025. Opponents will learn from our playing behaviour and dynamically adapt their tactics.
Previously, enemy units always took the same routes. Now, the AI analyses which strategies we prefer and develops countermeasures.
If we often rely on flanking attacks, the AI positions defence units exactly there. This sometimes feels almost unfair, but it remains exciting.
We cannot simply repeat a successful strategy. The AI adapts in real time and forces us to rethink our approach.
This is particularly noticeable in strategy games. The AI manages resources better and coordinates attacks more effectively than before.
New technologies: VR and ray tracing
Virtual reality puts us right in the middle of the action. With a VR headset, we can look around the cockpit of a fighter jet or move through trenches.
The immersion is enormous. Sometimes you almost lose track of time.
Ray tracing provides realistic lighting and reflections. Explosions cast real shadows and smoke reacts to light sources.
We see reflections in puddles and water surfaces in real time. Metal surfaces of tanks reflect the surroundings correctly.
This noticeably increases the realism. It’s just more fun when everything looks so believable.
Cloud-based gaming services bring this technology to you without the need for an expensive high-end PC. We simply stream the games and still enjoy the best graphics.
Cross-platform gaming
Cross-platform gaming is slowly becoming the norm. We can start on the PC and continue later on the console.
Friends with different systems can finally play together. It feels like it’s about time, doesn’t it?
Progress is automatically synchronised via the cloud. Our equipment, ranks and achievements remain available on all devices.
This makes gaming more flexible. No more stress about using the ‘wrong’ device.
Matchmaking now works across systems. This is causing the player base to grow significantly.
It’s much easier to find other players. Annoying waiting times are noticeably reduced.
Developers optimise the controls for each platform separately. PC players use a mouse and keyboard.
Console players stick with the controller. Balancing still ensures fair matches, even if the input methods are different.
