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
Martial Law
Martial Law is a game about difficulties that came with Communism in Poland. The story is shown from the perspective of a man who is abandoned because of his low social status. He tries his best to be there for his daughter despite the difficulties.
Wolfstride
Get wrecked in this immature grown-up RPG about a trio of troublemakers stumbling their way through a giant mecha tournament. Repair and upgrade the team’s hand-me-down rig, pick up odd jobs to pay the bills, and battle the best-of-the-best all while running from the regrettable choices of the past.
UnMetal
UnMetal is a 2D stealth action-adventure that pays homage to the classics with a healthy dose of humor and satire. You play as Jesse Fox, who is definitely NOT an elite commando, under arrest for a crime he didn't commit, and must escape a covert military base using his wits and fists.
Sprocket
Carefully balance mobility, firepower and armour in a dedicated tank designer. Then uncarefully put them to the test in a series of combat scenarios progressing through the ages of the tank. Here, your limit is what you can fit inside your hull and turret while still being able to move forwards.
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.
Tunguska: The Visitation - Enhanced Edition
Tunguska: The Visitation is a single player top-down shooter RPG. Seek fortune as a Ghoul Hunter in an abandoned Soviet Exclusion Zone. Use your grit and ingenuity to survive deadly radiation, mysterious anomalies, and poisonous mutants. Go in guns-blazing, or stay in the shadows - your choice.
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.
Möbius Front '83
Defend America from an alternate-universe America using state-of-the-art 1980s military hardware in this intricate and tactical turn-based strategy game.
Liquidators
Chernobyl, USSR, 1986. Three nuclear plant workers go on a daring mission to prevent a radioactive fallout that would affect half of Europe. Every moment is permanent, and all is at stake.
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.
Lock 'n Load Tactical Digital: Core Game
Lock 'n Load Tactical is fast and Furious tactical combat that is fast to learn. In LnLT you get squads, weapon teams, armored vehicles, fixed-wing aircraft, and, in the modern-era games, helicopters. Individuals such as Leaders, Medics, Snipers, Chaplains, Advisors, and, of course, Heroes.
Sakuya Izayoi Gives You Advice And Dabs
Feel relaxed into this mental vacation as Sakuya Izayoi from the Touhou Project guides you through your troubles by offering helpful advice and strategies to help you feel at ease.
Armored Brigade
Armored Brigade is a real-time tactical wargame, focusing on realism and playability. In Armored Brigade the Cold War has turned hot, and Europe is once again torn apart by conflict. An "Iron Curtain" divides the Western Powers gathered together under the NATO banner from the Soviet Union
Radio Commander
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.
China: Mao's legacy
Year 1976, the stormy Cultural revolution has died down, hard times of hongweibing and public critics are coming to an end. Old and sick Mao Zedong will soon leave China to his comrades from CPC. The Cold War is coming into a new phase...
S.W.I.N.E. HD Remaster
S.W.I.N.E. HD Remaster is the new edition of the challenging classic strategy game S.W.I.N.E! The filthiest of all wars between the Rabbit and the Pig armies is a sophisticated real-time strategy with completely revised textures, detailed unit models, a 16:9 adapted interface.
Irony Curtain: From Matryoshka with Love
Irony Curtain: From Matryoshka with Love is a satirical point and click inspired by the classic adventure games. It smuggles you out of your comfort zone and throws you into the middle of a Cold War spy intrigue - where there’s an even bigger game being played …
Precipice
A game of diplomacy and war in the atomic age. Safeguard your closest allies and change unfavorable regimes without giving away your long-term ambitions. Every action risks an enemy reprisal, and if nobody backs down from a standoff, we all lose.
Red Matter
Red Matter is a story-driven VR puzzle adventure game set during a dystopian sci-fi Cold War. Take on the role of Agent Epsilon, an astronaut of the Atlantic Union dispatched to an abandoned Volgravian moon base on a faraway planet. Your mission: to investigate a shady top secret research project.
The Operational Art of War IV
The Operational Art of War IV is the new generation of operational wargames. With more flexibility than before and with a new array of exciting features, it will make you relive the most iconic battles from the dawn of the 20th Century to modern day, including the ones that never occurred!
60 Parsecs!
60 Parsecs! is an Atomic Space Age adventure of scavenge and survival. Keep your crew alive and ready for action. Make difficult choices, face soup shortages and other horrors of outer space. And maybe reach your destination. Or not.
Wild Animal Sports Day
All your favourite Wild Animals are competing for the title of Wild Animal Champion of Champions! Tennis, Hurdles, Darts, Diving, Skiing, Pole-Vault, Trampolining and for the first time in a game Rhythmic Gymnastics! But watch out for King Croc! Wild Animal Sports Day (WASD) is out now!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