Games like Hearts of Iron III on Steam

For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free games like Hearts of Iron III are available at the bottom of the page.

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Day of Defeat

Enlist in an intense brand of Axis vs. Allied teamplay set in the WWII European Theatre of Operations. Players assume the role of light/assault/heavy infantry, sniper or machine-gunner class, each with a unique arsenal of historical weaponry at their disposal. Missions are based on key historical operations.

Similarity 56%
Price 4.99€
Rating 8.8
Release 01 May 2003

Sigma Theory: Global Cold War

A Turn-based Strategy game in a futuristic global cold war from the award-winning creators of Out There. Recruit a squad of special agents and run your intel agency to secure the control of the singularity.

Similarity 56%
Price -83% 3.06€
Rating 7.3
Release 21 Nov 2019

Wooden Battles

Build a wooden fort, place your units, watch the mayhem!

Similarity 56%
Price 9.75€
Rating 7.4
Release 22 Dec 2017

Xenonauts 2

Wage a global war of resistance against an alien invasion. Command turn-based tactical battles, build a network of covert bases, directly control your fighter wings, and achieve strategic victory in a simulation of asymmetric warfare against a technologically superior foe.

Similarity 56%
Price -53% 18.72€
Rating 7.8
Release 18 Jul 2023

Bomber Crew

Chocks away! Bomber Crew is a strategic simulation game, where picking the right crew and keeping your bomber in tip top shape is the difference between completing your mission or losing it all! USAAF DLC NOW AVAILABLE! FLY THE ICONIC AMERICAN BOMBER!

Similarity 56%
Price -93% 1.13€
Rating 8.6
Release 19 Oct 2017

Battlestations: Midway

Battlestations: Midway is an immense action game that drops players into massive air, sea, and undersea battles from Pearl Harbor to the Battle of Midway.

Similarity 56%
Price 6.99€
Rating 7.5
Release 15 Mar 2007

Day of Defeat: Source

Valve's WWII Multiplayer Classic - Now available for Mac.

Similarity 56%
Price 9.75€
Rating 9.0
Release 12 Jul 2010

Call to Arms - Gates of Hell: Ostfront

Call to Arms - Gates of Hell is a realistic RTS/ RTT game that offers endless replay value. Command all types of troops in historical singleplayer, dynamic campaign, PvP and PvE battles. Are you ready for some serious immersion in World War 2?

Similarity 55%
Price 34.99€
Rating 8.2
Release 11 Jun 2021

Sudden Strike 4

Sudden Strike is back! The beloved Real Time Strategy series returns, this time with bigger battlefields, more units, better graphics, new scenarios and legendary commanders – making Sudden Strike 4 more tactical and realistic than ever before!

Similarity 55%
Price -90% 1.90€
Rating 7.6
Release 11 Aug 2017

Company of Heroes 2 - The British Forces

This latest multiplayer standalone entry in the COH2 series features this iconic Allied army. Experience a unique tech-tree that challenges the player to balance the constant trade-off between mobility and defense. Surprise opponents with your development choices and an open end game configuration.

Similarity 55%
Price 12.99€
Rating 6.9
Release 02 Sep 2015

Order of Battle: World War II

Order of Battle: World War II is a breath of fresh air for all strategy fans. It is a game that takes wargaming to a new level by upgrading every single game element and rebooting the genre for a new generation of players.

Similarity 55%
Price Free to play
Rating 7.6
Release 30 Apr 2015

Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI

Expand your empire, advance your culture and go head-to-head against history’s greatest leaders. Will your civilization stand the test of time?

Similarity 55%
Price 59.99€
Rating 8.6
Release 20 Oct 2016

Wargame: Red Dragon

The new reference in RTS at its best! The Wargame series returns to duty, larger, richer and more spectacular than ever before. In Wargame Red Dragon, you are engaged in a large-scale conflict where Western forces clash against the Communist bloc.

Similarity 55%
Price -67% 9.97€
Rating 8.7
Release 17 Apr 2014

Sins of a Solar Empire®: Rebellion

Command a space-faring empire in Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion, the new stand-alone expansion that combines 4X depth with real-time strategy gameplay.

Similarity 55%
Price 19.50€
Rating 9.1
Release 12 Jun 2012

AI War: Fleet Command

"You are outgunned. You are massively outnumbered. You must win." These are your orders. Humanity has already fought its war against the machines -- and lost. AI death squads stand watch over every planet and every wormhole, the few remaining human settlements are held captive in orbiting bubbles, and the AIs have turned their...

Similarity 55%
Price 9.75€
Rating 7.9
Release 21 Oct 2009

Supreme Commander 2

Includes 47 Steam achievements, leaderboards, and stats!

Similarity 55%
Price -76% 3.17€
Rating 8.6
Release 01 Mar 2010

Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor

Company of Heroes®: Tales of Valor™ is the expansion to the Game of the Year winner and highest rated real time strategy franchise Company of Heroes®. Featuring new campaigns to overcome, units to command, and battlefields to conquer, Company of Heroes®: Tales of Valor™ delivers evolved gameplay mechanics and 3 episodic adventures...

Similarity 55%
Price 19.99€
Rating 8.9
Release 08 Apr 2009

Sid Meier's Civilization® IV

With over 6 million units sold and unprecedented critical acclaim from fans and press around the world, Sid Meier's Civilization is recognized as one of the greatest PC game franchises of all-time. Now, Sid Meier and Firaxis Games will take this incredibly fun and addictive game to new heights by adding new ways to play and win, new...

Similarity 55%
Price 19.99€
Rating 8.9
Release 25 Oct 2006

Legend of Heroes: Three Kingdoms

"Legend of Heroes: Three Kingdoms" is a single-player RPG where you shape the Three Kingdoms era. Choose to be a ruler, a loyal advisor, or a cunning mercenary. Marry, build homes, or train in martial arts. Restore peace through diplomacy or conquer with mighty armies.

Similarity 54%
Price 19.50€
Rating 8.6
Release 25 Mar 2025

Rule the Waves 3

Rule the Waves III is a simulation of naval ship design and construction, fleet management and naval warfare from 1890 to 1970.

Similarity 54%
Price -77% 9.07€
Rating 8.4
Release 18 May 2023

Rebel Inc: Escalation

A unique and deeply engaging political/military strategic simulation from the creator of Plague Inc. Balance competing civilian and military priorities and deal with a deadly insurgency in order to stabilise a war-torn country.

Similarity 54%
Price -81% 2.80€
Rating 8.0
Release 13 Oct 2021

中华三国志 the Three Kingdoms of China

Three Kingdoms of China is a free, open-source single-machine strategy three-country game developed by the domestic folk team. The game does not have any commercial nature, hoping to create a dream of Three Kingdoms for the fans of the three kingdoms.

Similarity 54%
Price Free to play
Rating 8.2
Release 30 Mar 2019

Three Kingdoms The Last Warlord

The Last Warlord is a Turn-based strategy game. The game is based on the famous Chinese historical novel. The Three Kingdoms (A.D. 190 – 280) was the tripartite division of China between the states of Wei, Shu, and Wu.

Similarity 54%
Price 3.29€
Rating 6.9
Release 04 Feb 2021

KARDS - The WW2 Card Game

KARDS, The World War II Card Game, combines traditional CCG gameplay with innovative mechanics inspired by classic strategy games and real battlefield tactics. Take command and challenge other players in grand-scale warfare on the ground, air, or seas.

Similarity 54%
Price Free to play
Rating 7.4
Release 15 Apr 2020

Most played games like Hearts of Iron III on Steam

Take a look at the top games like Hearts of Iron III that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 19th 2025.

1. Hearts of Iron IV

Similarity 89% Victory is at your fingertips! Your ability to lead your nation is your supreme weapon, the strategy game Hearts of Iron IV lets you take command of any nation in World War II; the most engaging conflict in world history. Hearts of Iron IV is a strategy, world war ii and grand strategy game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on June 06th 2016 has received 337,250 reviews of which 300,980 were positive and 36,270 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played game like Hearts of Iron III, thanks to its 33,646 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.8
300,980
36,270

33,646
players

2. Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI

Similarity 55% Expand your empire, advance your culture and go head-to-head against history’s greatest leaders. Will your civilization stand the test of time? Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI is a strategy, turn-based strategy and multiplayer game developed by Firaxis Games, Aspyr (Mac) and Aspyr (Linux) and published by Aspyr (Mac), Aspyr (Linux) and 2K. Released on October 20th 2016 has received 347,424 reviews of which 301,756 were positive and 45,668 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. While seeing 24,859 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among games like Hearts of Iron III based on player count.
8.6
301,756
45,668

24,859
players

3. Crusader Kings III

Similarity 70% Love, fight, scheme, and claim greatness. Determine your noble house’s legacy in the sprawling grand strategy of Crusader Kings III. Death is only the beginning as you guide your dynasty’s bloodline in the rich and larger-than-life simulation of the Middle Ages. Crusader Kings III is a strategy, medieval and grand strategy game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on September 01st 2020 has received 124,131 reviews of which 112,162 were positive and 11,969 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. While seeing 17,232 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among games like Hearts of Iron III based on player count.
8.9
112,162
11,969

17,232
players

4. Europa Universalis IV

Similarity 73% Rule your land and dominate the world with unparalleled freedom, depth and historical accuracy. Write a new history of the world and build an empire for the ages. Europa Universalis IV is a grand strategy, strategy and historical game developed by Paradox Development Studio and Paradox Tinto and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on August 13th 2013 has received 133,505 reviews of which 115,574 were positive and 17,931 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 14,535 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played games like Hearts of Iron III.
8.6
115,574
17,931

14,535
players

5. Stellaris

Similarity 60% Explore a galaxy full of wonders in this sci-fi grand strategy game from Paradox Development Studios. Interact with diverse alien races, discover strange new worlds with unexpected events and expand the reach of your empire. Each new adventure holds almost limitless possibilities. Stellaris is a space, grand strategy and strategy game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on May 09th 2016 has received 181,916 reviews of which 157,721 were positive and 24,195 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 12,543 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played games like Hearts of Iron III.
8.6
157,721
24,195

12,543
players

6. Victoria 3

Similarity 70% Paradox Development Studio invites you to build your ideal society in the tumult of the exciting and transformative 19th century. Balance the competing interests in your society and earn your place in the sun in Victoria 3, one of the most anticipated games in Paradox’s history. Victoria 3 is a grand strategy, economy and historical game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on October 25th 2022 has received 51,679 reviews of which 34,331 were positive and 17,348 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. With 5,617 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played games like Hearts of Iron III.
6.6
34,331
17,348

5,617
players

7. Hell Let Loose

Similarity 60% Join the ever expanding experience of Hell Let Loose - a hardcore World War Two first person shooter with epic battles of 100 players with infantry, tanks, artillery, a dynamically shifting front line and a unique resource based RTS-inspired meta-game. Hell Let Loose is a shooter, realistic and world war ii game developed and published by Team17. Released on July 27th 2021 has received 136,525 reviews of which 112,491 were positive and 24,034 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 5,502 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played games like Hearts of Iron III.
8.2
112,491
24,034

5,502
players

8. Total War: ROME II - Emperor Edition

Similarity 57% Emperor Edition is the definitive edition of ROME II, featuring an improved politics system, overhauled building chains, rebalanced battles and improved visuals in both campaign and battleEmperor Edition contains all free feature updates since its release in 2013, which includes bug fixes, balancing, Twitch. Total War: ROME II - Emperor Edition is a strategy, historical and turn-based strategy game developed by Creative Assembly and published by SEGA. Released on September 02nd 2013 has received 87,437 reviews of which 72,882 were positive and 14,555 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 4,747 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played games like Hearts of Iron III.
8.2
72,882
14,555

4,747
players

9. Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition

Similarity 72% Spanning the most turbulent era in Western history, your quest for territory and power takes you through Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and even onto the shores of the New World. Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition is a strategy, medieval and historical game developed by Creative Assembly and Feral Interactive (Linux) and published by Feral interactive (Mac), Feral Interactive (Linux) and SEGA. Released on November 15th 2006 has received 32,998 reviews of which 31,584 were positive and 1,414 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 3,357 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played games like Hearts of Iron III.
9.4
31,584
1,414

3,357
players

10. Manor Lords

Similarity 58% Manor Lords is a medieval strategy game featuring in-depth city building, large-scale tactical battles, and complex economic and social simulations. Rule your lands as a medieval lord – the seasons pass, the weather changes, and cities rise and fall. Manor Lords is a strategy, city builder and simulation game developed by Slavic Magic and published by Hooded Horse. Released on April 26th 2024 has received 70,570 reviews of which 61,069 were positive and 9,501 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 2,899 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played games like Hearts of Iron III.
8.5
61,069
9,501

2,899
players

Best deals on games like Hearts of Iron III on Steam

Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of games like Hearts of Iron III available on Steam right now, updated on April 19th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted games like Hearts of Iron III.

1. Strategic Mind: The Pacific

Similarity 56% Strategic Mind: The Pacific is a turn-based strategy set in the WW2 period depicting the war between the USA and the Empire of Japan waged in the Pacific Ocean with mindblowing historical accuracy and attention to detail. Two Sides. Two Commanders. Two Destinies. Strategic Mind: The Pacific is a singleplayer, board game and turn-based tactics game developed and published by Starni Games. Released on October 25th 2019 has received 604 reviews of which 457 were positive and 147 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Featuring a massive 96% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for games like Hearts of Iron III.
7.2
457
147

-96% 25.00€ 1.00€

2. Old World

Similarity 67% Old World is a revolutionary new historical strategy game where you lead your dynasty over generations of rule against rival kings and queens. Wage massive wars, manage your court, and build a dynasty — or watch your empire crumble to dust. What legacy will you leave behind? Old World is a strategy, simulation and 4x game developed by Mohawk Games and published by Hooded Horse. Released on May 18th 2022 has received 4,485 reviews of which 3,679 were positive and 806 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in games like Hearts of Iron III.
8.0
3,679
806

-95% 39.80€ 1.99€

3. Oriental Empires

Similarity 68% Turn based 4X strategy game, recreating the civilizations of ancient China. Develop your land, build great cities, raise huge armies and fight epic battles, with hundreds of soldiers fighting right on the game map. Advance your technologies, culture and religion to create one of mankind’s biggest empires. Oriental Empires is a strategy, simulation and indie game developed by Shining Pixel Studios and published by Iceberg Interactive. Released on September 14th 2017 has received 2,928 reviews of which 2,354 were positive and 574 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in games like Hearts of Iron III.
7.8
2,354
574

-95% 30.00€ 1.50€

4. Bomber Crew

Similarity 56% Chocks away! Bomber Crew is a strategic simulation game, where picking the right crew and keeping your bomber in tip top shape is the difference between completing your mission or losing it all! USAAF DLC NOW AVAILABLE! FLY THE ICONIC AMERICAN BOMBER! Bomber Crew is a world war ii, simulation and strategy game developed by Runner Duck and published by Curve Games. Released on October 19th 2017 has received 14,564 reviews of which 12,779 were positive and 1,785 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for games like Hearts of Iron III.
8.6
12,779
1,785

-93% 16.14€ 1.13€

5. Ozymandias: Bronze Age Empire Sim

Similarity 61% Build an empire in a single sitting. All the strategy of a classic 4X in a faster format, which also shines in multiplayer. Ozymandias: Bronze Age Empire Sim is a grand strategy, turn-based strategy and 4x game developed by The Secret Games Company and published by Goblinz Publishing and IndieArk. Released on October 11th 2022 has received 1,508 reviews of which 1,325 were positive and 183 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for games like Hearts of Iron III.
8.4
1,325
183

-93% 14.29€ 1.00€

6. Panzer Corps Gold

Similarity 65% The ultimate edition of Panzer Corps, containing hundreds of scenarios and all its expansions. Panzer Corps Gold is the culmination of the wargame that has enthralled millions of fans all around the globe, and now it’s your chance to fully experience a real classic. Panzer Corps Gold is a strategy, world war ii and turn-based strategy game developed by Flashback Games and The Lordz Games Studio and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on March 12th 2014 has received 2,590 reviews of which 2,376 were positive and 214 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for games like Hearts of Iron III.
8.8
2,376
214

-92% 27.25€ 2.18€

7. Rogue State Revolution

Similarity 58% Greetings your Excellency. Time to rebuild, reform and prepare for new challenges in the People's Republic of Basenji. In this thrilling political strategy, you will appoint ministers and lead the country to success. Be careful — you may find yourself replaced in the next election. Rogue State Revolution is a sandbox, atmospheric and turn-based strategy game developed by LRDGames and Inc. and published by Modern Wolf. Released on March 18th 2021 has received 494 reviews of which 381 were positive and 113 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for games like Hearts of Iron III.
7.3
381
113

-92% 12.50€ 1.00€

8. Radio Commander

Similarity 56% Use the radio to give commands to the soldiers on the battlefield. Keep track of the situation based on their voice reports only. Lead US platoons to clash with Vietcong in a realistic, innovative approach to the RTS genre. Make hard choices in a narrative driven experience, and face the outcome. Radio Commander is a simulation, singleplayer and wargame game developed by Serious Sim and published by Games Operators and PlayWay S.A.. Released on October 10th 2019 has received 1,890 reviews of which 1,368 were positive and 522 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for games like Hearts of Iron III.
7.0
1,368
522

-92% 17.50€ 1.40€

9. Unity of Command II

Similarity 75% Unity of Command II is the sequel to one of the most critically acclaimed strategy games of all time; a game critics called 'the perfect gateway' into computer war games. Unity of Command II is a strategy, world war ii and simulation game developed by 2x2 Games and Croteam and published by 2x2 Games. Released on November 12th 2019 has received 1,874 reviews of which 1,513 were positive and 361 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for games like Hearts of Iron III.
7.8
1,513
361

-91% 29.78€ 2.68€

10. Sudden Strike 4

Similarity 55% Sudden Strike is back! The beloved Real Time Strategy series returns, this time with bigger battlefields, more units, better graphics, new scenarios and legendary commanders – making Sudden Strike 4 more tactical and realistic than ever before! Sudden Strike 4 is a strategy, rts and world war ii game developed by Kite Games and published by Kalypso Media. Released on August 11th 2017 has received 7,777 reviews of which 6,062 were positive and 1,715 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for games like Hearts of Iron III.
7.6
6,062
1,715

-90% 19.00€ 1.90€

Free games like Hearts of Iron III on Steam

Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play games like Hearts of Iron III you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 19th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play games like Hearts of Iron III.

1. Crusader Kings II

Similarity 65% Explore one of the defining periods in world history in an experience crafted by the masters of Grand Strategy. Crusader Kings II is a grand strategy, strategy and medieval game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on February 14th 2012 has received 73,663 reviews of which 66,239 were positive and 7,424 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 1,747 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free games like Hearts of Iron III.
8.9
66,239
7,424

1,747
players

2. KARDS - The WW2 Card Game

Similarity 54% KARDS, The World War II Card Game, combines traditional CCG gameplay with innovative mechanics inspired by classic strategy games and real battlefield tactics. Take command and challenge other players in grand-scale warfare on the ground, air, or seas. KARDS - The WW2 Card Game is a free to play, card game and world war ii game developed and published by 1939 Games. Released on April 15th 2020 has received 36,736 reviews of which 27,467 were positive and 9,269 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 1,097, this game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free games like Hearts of Iron III.
7.4
27,467
9,269

1,097
players

3. Supremacy 1914: World War 1

Similarity 71% Take over the control of one of the mighty nations during the times of World War 1 in the biggest WW1 strategy game of all time. Conquer provinces, forge alliances and build up your economy in real-time on persistent maps. Build experimental weapons of World War 1 and become the one true superpower! Supremacy 1914: World War 1 is a strategy, free to play and war game developed and published by Bytro Labs GmbH. Released on July 16th 2019 has received 3,781 reviews of which 2,833 were positive and 948 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 361, this game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free games like Hearts of Iron III.
7.3
2,833
948

361
players

4. Call of War: World War 2

Similarity 75% Take over the control of one of the mighty nations during the times of World War 2 in this persisting long-term strategy game. Conquer provinces, forge alliances and build up your economy in real-time. Research top secret weapons of World War 2 and become the one true superpower! Call of War: World War 2 is a strategy, free to play and world war ii game developed and published by Bytro Labs GmbH. Released on October 21st 2017 has received 5,737 reviews of which 4,099 were positive and 1,638 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 320 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free games like Hearts of Iron III.
7.0
4,099
1,638

320
players

5. Stronghold Kingdoms

Similarity 53% A massively multiplayer grand strategy game, Stronghold Kingdoms is about forging alliances, political mind games, city-building and castle sieges with thousands of other players! Stronghold Kingdoms is a strategy, free to play and medieval game developed and published by FireFly Studios. Released on February 27th 2012 has received 9,298 reviews of which 5,950 were positive and 3,348 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 288 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free games like Hearts of Iron III.
6.3
5,950
3,348

288
players

6. Operation: Harsh Doorstop

Similarity 54% Operation: Harsh Doorstop is the ultimate, free to play, tactical shooter sandbox. Play singleplayer, multiplayer, or co-op modes and explore thousands of community-created maps, weapons, and vehicles via the Steam Workshop. Created by ex-developers of Squad, Red Orchestra, and Insurgency. Operation: Harsh Doorstop is a free to play, military and multiplayer game developed by Drakeling Labs and published by . Released on February 15th 2023 has received 18,030 reviews of which 13,849 were positive and 4,181 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 225 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free games like Hearts of Iron III.
7.5
13,849
4,181

225
players

7. Order of Battle: World War II

Similarity 55% Order of Battle: World War II is a breath of fresh air for all strategy fans. It is a game that takes wargaming to a new level by upgrading every single game element and rebooting the genre for a new generation of players. Order of Battle: World War II is a strategy, free to play and world war ii game developed by The Artistocrats and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on April 30th 2015 has received 2,966 reviews of which 2,323 were positive and 643 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 216 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free games like Hearts of Iron III.
7.6
2,323
643

216
players

8. Iron Order 1919

Similarity 60% An unique long-term strategy game with week-long matches with up to 101 players, set in the alternate reality of 1919. Iron Order 1919 is a strategy, simulation and alternate history game developed and published by Bytro Labs GmbH. Released on August 24th 2022 has received 373 reviews of which 262 were positive and 111 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free games like Hearts of Iron III.
6.7
262
111

32
players

9. Age of Conquest IV

Similarity 54% Age of Conquest is a turn-based grand strategy wargame. Age of Conquest IV is a free to play, strategy and turn-based strategy game developed and published by Noble Master LLC. Released on April 05th 2016 has received 2,741 reviews of which 2,236 were positive and 505 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free games like Hearts of Iron III.
7.9
2,236
505

16
players

10. 中华三国志 the Three Kingdoms of China

Similarity 54% Three Kingdoms of China is a free, open-source single-machine strategy three-country game developed by the domestic folk team. The game does not have any commercial nature, hoping to create a dream of Three Kingdoms for the fans of the three kingdoms. 中华三国志 the Three Kingdoms of China is a free to play, indie and strategy game developed and published by 中三之家. Released on March 30th 2019 has received 1,343 reviews of which 1,153 were positive and 190 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free games like Hearts of Iron III.
8.2
1,153
190

4
players