Best Cold War games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated cold war games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free cold war games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Wild Assault
Wild Assault is an anthro-themed tactical shooter built with Unreal Engine 5, featuring large-scale battlefield gameplay centered around Valiant abilities. Work closely with your team, harness your instincts, and charge into battle to secure victory.
2024: Mosaic Retrospective
2024: Mosaic Retrospective is a charity-fundraising picross/minesweeper hybrid featuring a single ENORMOUS puzzle inspired by global news stories from throughout the year.
ICBM: Escalation
ICBM: Escalation is a grand RTS where you command armies, develop cutting-edge tech, and wield devastating weapons. Conquer enemies with conventional forces or nuclear firepower. With new modes like Standoff and Conquest, the game offers deep strategic layers in a global warfare setting.
Sea Power : Naval Combat in the Missile Age
From the lead designer of Cold Waters, Sea Power lets you control NATO and Warsaw Pact forces in modern naval conflict campaigns. Use your advanced naval weaponry and sensors to respect rules of engagement and defeat the enemy forces in a tense fight for initiative and air/naval supremacy.
Metro Awakening
Metro Awakening is a story-driven first person adventure built for VR that blends atmospheric exploration, stealth and combat in the most immersive Metro experience yet. Don your gas mask, brave the crippling radiation and venture into the depths of the Metro where threats haunt your every step.
Age of History 3
Grand strategy wargame where the destiny of Civilizations rests in your hands - will they stand united under your leadership or fall divided in conflict? Journey through the entire saga of human civilization, from its earliest days to the futuristic era, crafting your legacy age by age.
WARNO
Realistic, immersive, breathtaking. WARNO is the ultimate World War III battle simulator from the masters of strategy, Eugen Systems. A Cold War turns decisively hot as you command hundreds of units on a beautiful and brutal battlefield. Outsmart, outfight, and lead your forces to total victory.
Arms Trade Tycoon: Tanks
Arms Trade Tycoon: Tanks is a unique combination of tank design and tycoon game. It puts you in charge of an arms trading company specialized in tanks from WWI to the modern era. Research, design, sell and follow your tanks in battle to make your own history!
FUCK STALIN
Avenge millions of innocent victims and inflict brutal violence on the communist dictator Joseph Stalin using a wide range of torture tools thanks to the blessing of the free market.
Arma Reforger
Experience authentic Cold War combat and join the struggle for the sprawling, mid-Atlantic island of Everon and its smaller, offshore territory, Arland – or take on the role of Game Master and create your very own scenarios for others to enjoy.
METAL GEAR SOLID 3: Snake Eater - Master Collection Version
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is the origin story of Naked Snake and his mentor The Boss and the fifth title in the METAL GEAR series.
I Expect You To Die 3: Cog in the Machine
Outwit your most cunning adversary to date in the latest installment of this popular, spy-themed VR puzzle series. Wield new gadgets, visit action-packed locales, and wear custom disguises as you dive back into the world of espionage in this escape room game.
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.
3 Days War
3 Days War is a unique multiplayer strategy war game. Integrating the mechanics of RTS+4X, it allows dozens of players to engage in a three-day real-time strategy competitionon. Commanders, use your skills, strategies, games and even deception to become the ultimate winner!
Call of Duty®: Black Ops Cold War
Black Ops Cold War, the direct sequel to Call of Duty®: Black Ops, will drop fans into the depths of the Cold War’s volatile geopolitical battle of the early 1980s.
Operation: Harsh Doorstop
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.
Military Conflict: Vietnam
It's 1968 in Vietnam, the time to 'Make War Not Love'. Side with the Viet Cong or U.S. Army in this intense, fast-paced FPS set in the Vietnam War. Choose from over 200+ weapons of destruction. Kill or be killed!
Gunner, HEAT, PC!
Gunner, HEAT, PC! (GHPC) is a simulation game about modern mounted combat, with special attention to authenticity and fun.
Regiments
Regiments is a Real-Time Tactics game set in Germany 1989. The Cold War has gone hot, and the inferno is raging. Lead your Regiment through the fires of conflict and the fog of war. Break through the lines, call in artillery, maneuver, feign retreats, stage defenses, counter-attack. Do not relent.
South of the Circle
South of the Circle is a deep narrative experience of the emerging relationship between Peter and Clara, Cambridge academics involved in a political conflict. The story focuses on promises made in between career and true love, where our choices burdened by our past seem to be illusory.
*NEW* SCUFFED BHOP SIMULATION 2026 GOTY EDITION
The long-awaited sequel to the hit game *NEW* SCUFFED EPIC BHOP SIMULATOR 2023 (POG CHAMP) is here! All new SinglePlayer maps with popular maps returning from the first game! Play online multiplayer cross platform with all new modes and experiences!
Tiny Combat Arena
Tiny Combat Arena is an approachable combat flight simulator sporting a stylized look and various game modes. Dogfight your way in the Arena and in Quick Action or craft your own scenarios and take part in a vast war with objectives and friendly armies to support.
World of Warplanes
World of Warplanes is an aerial combat MMO action game set in the Golden Age of military aviation. The game throws players into a never-ending battle for dominance of the skies.Most played cold war games on Steam
Take a look at the top cold war games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 15th 2025.
1. Sea Power : Naval Combat in the Missile Age
From the lead designer of Cold Waters, Sea Power lets you control NATO and Warsaw Pact forces in modern naval conflict campaigns. Use your advanced naval weaponry and sensors to respect rules of engagement and defeat the enemy forces in a tense fight for initiative and air/naval supremacy. Sea Power : Naval Combat in the Missile Age is a naval combat, strategy and simulation game developed by Triassic Games AB and published by MicroProse Software. Released on November 12th 2024 has received 3,541 reviews of which 3,188 were positive and 353 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played cold war game, thanks to its 605 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.7
3,188
353
605
players
2. Rising Storm 2: Vietnam
Red Orchestra Series' take on Vietnam: 64-player MP matches; 20+ maps; US Army & Marines, PAVN/NVA, NLF/VC; Australians and ARVN forces; 50+ weapons; 4 flyable helicopters; mines, traps and tunnels; Brutal. Authentic. Gritty. Character customization. And napalm in the morning. Rising Storm 2: Vietnam is a fps, wargame and massively multiplayer game developed by Antimatter Games and Tripwire Interactive and published by Tripwire Interactive. Released on May 30th 2017 has received 56,871 reviews of which 49,360 were positive and 7,511 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. While seeing 452 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among cold war games based on player count.
8.5
49,360
7,511
452
players
3. World of Warplanes
World of Warplanes is an aerial combat MMO action game set in the Golden Age of military aviation. The game throws players into a never-ending battle for dominance of the skies. World of Warplanes is a flight, fps and third-person shooter game developed and published by Wargaming Group Limited. Released on February 10th 2022 has received 5,040 reviews of which 3,611 were positive and 1,429 were negative resulting in a rating of 7 out of 10. While seeing 144 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among cold war games based on player count.
7
3,611
1,429
144
players
4. Twilight Struggle
Twilight Struggle is a two-player game where players play as either the US or USSR during the Cold War. Using actual events from history, players must plan out their strategies in order to obtain world dominance. Play Twilight Struggle and change the course of history. Twilight Struggle is a board game, strategy and tabletop game developed and published by Playdek and Inc.. Released on April 13th 2016 has received 2,790 reviews of which 2,427 were positive and 363 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played cold war games.
8.4
2,427
363
94
players
5. ICBM: Escalation
ICBM: Escalation is a grand RTS where you command armies, develop cutting-edge tech, and wield devastating weapons. Conquer enemies with conventional forces or nuclear firepower. With new modes like Standoff and Conquest, the game offers deep strategic layers in a global warfare setting. ICBM: Escalation is a strategy, rts and cold war game developed by SoftWarWare and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on November 21st 2024 has received 811 reviews of which 722 were positive and 89 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played cold war games.
8.4
722
89
92
players
6. Regiments
Regiments is a Real-Time Tactics game set in Germany 1989. The Cold War has gone hot, and the inferno is raging. Lead your Regiment through the fires of conflict and the fog of war. Break through the lines, call in artillery, maneuver, feign retreats, stage defenses, counter-attack. Do not relent. Regiments is a strategy, wargame and real time tactics game developed by Bird's Eye Games and published by MicroProse Software. Released on August 16th 2022 has received 2,558 reviews of which 2,240 were positive and 318 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played cold war games.
8.4
2,240
318
50
players
7. Phantom Doctrine
The year is 1983. The world teeters on the verge of destruction as the Cold War tightens its icy grip. East or West: trust no one, question everything. The fate of humanity rests in your hands as you pit spy versus spy in tactical Phantom Doctrine. Phantom Doctrine is a turn-based tactics, strategy and cold war game developed by CreativeForge Games and published by Good Shepherd Entertainment. Released on August 14th 2018 has received 4,463 reviews of which 3,311 were positive and 1,152 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played cold war games.
7.2
3,311
1,152
37
players
8. Wargame: Airland Battle
2 SIDES, 12 NATIONS, 750 UNITS: THE STRATEGY GAME REFERENCE IS BACK! Richer, more beautiful and more accessible, Wargame AirLand Battle is the sequel to the explosive real-time strategy game Wargame European Escalation! 1985. Wargame: Airland Battle is a strategy, rts and military game developed and published by Eugen Systems. Released on May 29th 2013 has received 4,394 reviews of which 3,838 were positive and 556 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played cold war games.
8.4
3,838
556
28
players
9. ICBM
ICBM is a real-time strategy game of nuclear destruction. Research new technologies, build up your nuclear stockpile and use a combination of ships, planes and missiles to strike at the heart of your opponents’ cities while keeping your population safe from harm. ICBM is a rts, cold war and military game developed by SoftWarWare and K-Project and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on November 17th 2020 has received 1,823 reviews of which 1,676 were positive and 147 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played cold war games.
8.8
1,676
147
21
players
10. Wargame: European Escalation
The New Fatal Error DLC includes a new 5-mission Operation and touch-screen controls. Wargame: European Escalation is a strategy, rts and military game developed and published by Eugen Systems. Released on February 22nd 2012 has received 3,303 reviews of which 2,581 were positive and 722 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played cold war games.
7.6
2,581
722
16
players
Best deals on cold war games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of cold war games available on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted cold war games.
1. Freedom Fighters
Freedom Fighters is an intense third-person action game set in an alternate history New York during the invasion of a foreign superpower. Take on the role of Chris Stone, a hard-working plumber, and rise through the ranks of the resistance to prove yourself as a charismatic leader. Freedom Fighters is a action, third-person shooter and shooter game developed and published by IO Interactive A/S. Released on September 21st 2020 has received 2,064 reviews of which 1,955 were positive and 109 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. Featuring a massive 93% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for cold war category.
9.0
1,955
109
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
2. Rising Storm 2: Vietnam
Red Orchestra Series' take on Vietnam: 64-player MP matches; 20+ maps; US Army & Marines, PAVN/NVA, NLF/VC; Australians and ARVN forces; 50+ weapons; 4 flyable helicopters; mines, traps and tunnels; Brutal. Authentic. Gritty. Character customization. And napalm in the morning. Rising Storm 2: Vietnam is a fps, wargame and massively multiplayer game developed by Antimatter Games and Tripwire Interactive and published by Tripwire Interactive. Released on May 30th 2017 has received 56,871 reviews of which 49,360 were positive and 7,511 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 91% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in cold war games.
8.5
49,360
7,511
-91%
22.33€
2.01€
3. Phantom Doctrine
The year is 1983. The world teeters on the verge of destruction as the Cold War tightens its icy grip. East or West: trust no one, question everything. The fate of humanity rests in your hands as you pit spy versus spy in tactical Phantom Doctrine. Phantom Doctrine is a turn-based tactics, strategy and cold war game developed by CreativeForge Games and published by Good Shepherd Entertainment. Released on August 14th 2018 has received 4,463 reviews of which 3,311 were positive and 1,152 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 90% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in cold war games.
7.2
3,311
1,152
-90%
39.99€
3.99€
4. Alekhine's Gun
It is the height of the Cold War, a time of global uncertainty and civil unrest. You are Agent Alekhine, a highly skilled Russian assassin, driven by a moral compass that leads you headfirst into a covert operation unsanctioned by the country you previously served. Alekhine's Gun is a stealth, action and adventure game developed by Haggard Games and published by Fulqrum Publishing. Released on March 11th 2016 has received 482 reviews of which 301 were positive and 181 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for cold war games.
6.1
301
181
-90%
15.40€
1.54€
5. Wargame: Airland Battle
2 SIDES, 12 NATIONS, 750 UNITS: THE STRATEGY GAME REFERENCE IS BACK! Richer, more beautiful and more accessible, Wargame AirLand Battle is the sequel to the explosive real-time strategy game Wargame European Escalation! 1985. Wargame: Airland Battle is a strategy, rts and military game developed and published by Eugen Systems. Released on May 29th 2013 has received 4,394 reviews of which 3,838 were positive and 556 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 70% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for cold war games.
8.4
3,838
556
-70%
20.03€
6.01€
6. Wargame: European Escalation
The New Fatal Error DLC includes a new 5-mission Operation and touch-screen controls. Wargame: European Escalation is a strategy, rts and military game developed and published by Eugen Systems. Released on February 22nd 2012 has received 3,303 reviews of which 2,581 were positive and 722 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 67% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for cold war games.
7.6
2,581
722
-67%
10.09€
3.33€
7. ICBM
ICBM is a real-time strategy game of nuclear destruction. Research new technologies, build up your nuclear stockpile and use a combination of ships, planes and missiles to strike at the heart of your opponents’ cities while keeping your population safe from harm. ICBM is a rts, cold war and military game developed by SoftWarWare and K-Project and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on November 17th 2020 has received 1,823 reviews of which 1,676 were positive and 147 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 66% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for cold war games.
8.8
1,676
147
-66%
19.26€
6.55€
8. I Expect You To Die 2: The Spy and the Liar
Become an elite super spy ready for espionage, explosives, and gadgets galore. This popular escape-the-room VR franchise is back with more ingenious puzzles, cunning villains, and dangerous locales. I Expect You To Die 2: The Spy and the Liar is a puzzle, vr and first-person game developed and published by Schell Games. Released on August 24th 2021 has received 1,217 reviews of which 1,166 were positive and 51 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a 40% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for cold war games.
9.0
1,166
51
-40%
22.99€
13.79€
9. ICBM: Escalation
ICBM: Escalation is a grand RTS where you command armies, develop cutting-edge tech, and wield devastating weapons. Conquer enemies with conventional forces or nuclear firepower. With new modes like Standoff and Conquest, the game offers deep strategic layers in a global warfare setting. ICBM: Escalation is a strategy, rts and cold war game developed by SoftWarWare and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on November 21st 2024 has received 811 reviews of which 722 were positive and 89 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a 33% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for cold war games.
8.4
722
89
-33%
29.10€
19.50€
10. Sea Power : Naval Combat in the Missile Age
From the lead designer of Cold Waters, Sea Power lets you control NATO and Warsaw Pact forces in modern naval conflict campaigns. Use your advanced naval weaponry and sensors to respect rules of engagement and defeat the enemy forces in a tense fight for initiative and air/naval supremacy. Sea Power : Naval Combat in the Missile Age is a naval combat, strategy and simulation game developed by Triassic Games AB and published by MicroProse Software. Released on November 12th 2024 has received 3,541 reviews of which 3,188 were positive and 353 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a 31% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for cold war games.
8.7
3,188
353
-31%
49.26€
33.99€
Free cold war games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play cold war games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play cold war games.
1. World of Warplanes
World of Warplanes is an aerial combat MMO action game set in the Golden Age of military aviation. The game throws players into a never-ending battle for dominance of the skies. World of Warplanes is a flight, fps and third-person shooter game developed and published by Wargaming Group Limited. Released on February 10th 2022 has received 5,040 reviews of which 3,611 were positive and 1,429 were negative resulting in a rating of 7 out of 10. With 144 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free cold war games on Steam.
7
3,611
1,429
144
players
2. 3 Days War
3 Days War is a unique multiplayer strategy war game. Integrating the mechanics of RTS+4X, it allows dozens of players to engage in a three-day real-time strategy competitionon. Commanders, use your skills, strategies, games and even deception to become the ultimate winner! 3 Days War is a rts, pvp and grand strategy game developed and published by 荆棘鸟工作室. Released on April 16th 2023 has received 632 reviews of which 537 were positive and 95 were negative resulting in a rating of 8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free cold war games on Steam.
8
537
95
4
players
3. GET OUT!
A 2D noir, point and click game where you uncover clues and solve puzzles in a world of espionage and international intrigue. GET OUT! is a puzzle, point & click and cold war game developed and published by Milpitians. Released on March 02nd 2021 has received 437 reviews of which 408 were positive and 29 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free cold war games on Steam.
8.6
408
29
1
players