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 Animal Racing
Wild Animal Racing is an exciting go-kart simulation game with a twist. Play as an elephant, a lion, a zebra, a giraffe, a rhino or a hippo! Play against the other animals or against a friend on the same PC with the split-screen mode! Or invite Steam friends in the multiplayer mode!
Toy Soldiers: Complete
Bring your toys to life in this action-packed, Toy Soldiers game bundle which includes the original Toy Soldiers, Toy Soldiers: Cold War, and all four DLC’s – Kaiser’s Battle, Invasion, Napalm and Evil Empire.
Men of Valor
Vietnam, 1965. You are Dean Shepard, a "cherry" to the 'Nam with zero war experience other than standard boot camp training at Parris Island, SC. Along with your platoon, you will fight the NVA and the Vietcong in true historic locales and battles.
Super 3-D Noah's Ark
Fast paced, first person adventure aboard Noah's ark!
Vietnam ‘65
It is 1965 and the US ground war in Vietnam is in full swing. As a US Army commander, wage a counter-insurgency (COIN) war to secure the Ia Drang valley, on the border with Cambodia.
Steel Armor: Blaze of War
Steel Armor: Blaze of War is realistic tank simulator with tactical elements. The game models Soviet T-62 tank and US M60A1 tank in detail. Each tank has interactive cockpit with crew. Player controls a tank, and commands a tank platoon and attached forces in 4 large scale dynamic campaigns.
METAL GEAR SOLID V: GROUND ZEROES
World-renowned Kojima Productions brings the Metal Gear Solid franchise to Steam with METAL GEAR SOLID V: GROUND ZEROES. Play as the legendary hero Snake and infiltrate a Cuban military base to rescue the hostages. Can you make it out alive?
Buzz Aldrin's Space Program Manager
Space Program Manager (SPM) is the ultimate game of space exploration. It is the mid 1950s and the race for dominance between the US and the Soviet Union is about to move into a new dimension: space.
Supreme Ruler Ultimate
Real-Time Strategy/Wargame. From World War II through the Cold War and into the future, re-live or re-imagine the tensions and crises of our recent history! Guide your nation through the era of your choice in Campaigns, Scenarios, and Sandboxes, as you make every effort to become Supreme Ruler!
Xenonauts
Xenonauts is a strategy game in which you control a multi-national military organisation defending a Cold War-era Earth from alien invasion, using small squads of persistent soldiers to eliminate the extraterrestrials and recover their technology in turn-based ground combat.
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.
Jazzpunk: Director's Cut
Jazzpunk is a comedy adventure set in an alternate reality Cold War World, plagued with corporate espionage, CyberCrime, and sentient martinis. Gameplay is inspired by spoof comedy films and cartoons of yesteryear, with a focus on weird gadgets, exotic locales, and open-world style exploration.
The Bureau: XCOM Declassified
The year is 1962 and the Cold War has the nation gripped by fear. A top-secret government unit called The Bureau begins investigating a series of mysterious attacks by an enemy more powerful than communism.
War Thunder
War Thunder is the most comprehensive free-to-play, cross-platform, MMO military game dedicated to aviation, armoured vehicles, and naval craft, from the early 20th century to the most advanced modern combat units. Join now and take part in major battles on land, in the air, and at sea.
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: European Escalation
The New Fatal Error DLC includes a new 5-mission Operation and touch-screen controls.
Men of War: Vietnam
The critically acclaimed series returns! Experience Vietnam from both sides of the war.
ARMA: Cold War Assault
Bohemia Interactive's debut game published by Codemasters as Operation Flashpoint in 2001, became genre-defining combat military simulation and the No. 1 bestselling PC game around the world and has won many international awards, including “Game of The Year” and “Best Action Game”. Over 2 million copies have been sold since its release.
Darkest Hour: A Hearts of Iron Game
Developed by a team of experienced modders from the Paradox forum, Darkest Hour is a stand-alone Hearts of Iron game. The game features a mixture of short and in-depth campaigns set across the darkest chapters of the 20th century. Play from the outbreak of the Great War up until the onset of the Cold War.
Call of Duty®: Black Ops
The biggest first-person action series of all time and the follow-up to critically acclaimed Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare 2 returns with Call of Duty®: Black Ops.
Rogue Warrior
Rogue Warrior is a character-driven, first-person-shooter, featuring Richard 'Demo Dick' Marcinko's explosive personality in an action-packed single player campaign, and intense multiplayer combat. Playing as Richard 'Demo Dick' Marcinko, you go behind the iron curtain to disrupt a suspected North Korean ballistic missile program.
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 16th 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 377 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.7
3,188
353
377
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 330 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
330
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 115 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
115
players
4. 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. With 102 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played cold war games.
8.4
722
89
102
players
5. 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 #5 spot among the most played cold war games.
8.4
2,427
363
60
players
6. 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 #6 spot among the most played cold war games.
7.2
3,311
1,152
23
players
7. 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. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played cold war games.
9.0
1,955
109
19
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played cold war games.
8.8
1,676
147
19
players
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played cold war games.
8.4
2,240
318
17
players
10. 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 #10 spot among the most played cold war games.
8.4
3,838
556
13
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 16th 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 16th 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 115 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
115
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
5
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