Best 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 war games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free war games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Original War
An American geological expedition, under a UN mandate, assesses the natural resources in a distant part of Siberia, deep in the trackless steppes of Eastern Russia. But instead of oil, they discover a deposit of a hitherto unknown mineral.
Insurgency
Take to the streets for intense close quarters combat, where a team's survival depends upon securing crucial strongholds and destroying enemy supply in this multiplayer and cooperative Source Engine based experience.
War of the Human Tanks
War of the Human Tanks is a story driven strategy game with a gameplay reminiscent of Battleship and Chess, featuring a story of war, loyalty, sacrifice and human shaped tanks.
Stronghold Crusader HD (2012)
The highly anticipated sequel to the best-selling Stronghold, Stronghold Crusader HD throws you into historic battles and castle sieges from the Crusades with fiendish AI opponents, new units, 4 historical campaigns and over 100 unique skirmish missions.
Arma 3
Experience true combat gameplay in a massive military sandbox. Deploying a wide variety of single- and multiplayer content, over 20 vehicles and 40 weapons, and limitless opportunities for content creation, this is the PC’s premier military game. Authentic, diverse, open - Arma 3 sends you to war.
Total War: ROME II - Emperor Edition
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.
America's Army: Proving Grounds
America’s Army: Proving Grounds is the official game of the U.S. Army and part of the highly acclaimed America’s Army game series. This free military game focuses on small unit tactical maneuvers and puts you to the test in a wide variety of new America’s Army maps and AA fan favorites.
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.
DCS World Steam Edition
Feel the excitement of flying the Su-25T "Frogfoot" attack jet and the TF-51D "Mustang" in the free-to-play Digital Combat Simulator World!
Company of Heroes 2
Experience the ultimate WWII RTS platform with COH2 and its standalone expansions. This package includes the base game, which you can then upgrade by purchasing The Western Front Armies, Ardennes Assault and/or The British Forces. More info in the "About This Game" section below.
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.
Thunder Wolves
When this “wolf pack” strikes, you hear the thunder roll. The Thunder Wolves attack from the air. They are mercenaries, and the best helicopter pilots in the world. Every one of them is ready for action at all times—and ready to fight evil, wherever it lurks.
Kingdom Wars
Kingdom Wars is a free to play 3D MMORTS with real-time siege combat, without the pay to win element so common in the genre. Kingdom Wars offers beautiful 3D online world, where players construct strongholds, direct citizens, complete quests and eventually manage a global empire.
PlanetSide 2
PlanetSide 2 is an all-out planetary war, where thousands of players battle as one across enormous continents. Utilize infantry, ground and air vehicles, and teamwork to destroy your enemies in this revolutionary first-person shooter on a massive scale.
Call of Duty®: Black Ops II
Pushing the boundaries of what fans have come to expect from the record-setting entertainment franchise, Call of Duty®: Black Ops II propels players into a near future Cold War
Unity of Command: Stalingrad Campaign
Unity of Command is an innovative and refreshing operational-level wargame that covers the entire 1942/43 Stalingrad Campaign on the Eastern Front.
Counter-Strike 2
For over two decades, Counter-Strike has offered an elite competitive experience, one shaped by millions of players from across the globe. And now the next chapter in the CS story is about to begin. This is Counter-Strike 2.
Toy Soldiers
Command your TOY SOLDIERS in epic, action-packed battles.
Men of War: Condemned Heroes
Men of War: Condemned Heroes tells the story of one of the infamous Soviet penal battalions during the WWII.
A Total War Saga: FALL OF THE SAMURAI
Experience the dramatic conflict of samurai culture and modern weaponry between the Imperial throne and the last Shogunate in 19th century Japan.
iBomber Defense Pacific
iBomber moves to the Pacific as you fight a whole new enemy across the Pacific rim to regain freedom.
Stronghold Kingdoms
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!
Wargame: European Escalation
The New Fatal Error DLC includes a new 5-mission Operation and touch-screen controls.
Most played war games on Steam
Take a look at the top war games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 17th 2025.
1. Hearts of Iron IV
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 war game, thanks to its 36,229 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.8
300,980
36,270
36,229
players
2. Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
A strategy/action RPG. Create a character, engage in diplomacy, craft, trade and conquer new lands in a vast medieval sandbox. Raise armies to lead into battle and command and fight alongside your troops in massive real-time battles using a deep but intuitive skill-based combat system. Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is a medieval, strategy and open world game developed and published by TaleWorlds Entertainment. Released on October 25th 2022 has received 262,190 reviews of which 230,297 were positive and 31,893 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. While seeing 20,830 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among war games based on player count.
8.7
230,297
31,893
20,830
players
3. Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition
Celebrating its first year of delighting millions of global players, the award-winning and best-selling strategy franchise continues with Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition, putting you at the center of even more epic historical battles that shaped the world. Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition is a strategy, rts and base-building game developed by Relic Entertainment, Forgotten Empires, Climax Studios and World's Edge and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on October 28th 2021 has received 78,584 reviews of which 67,670 were positive and 10,914 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. While seeing 12,965 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among war games based on player count.
8.5
67,670
10,914
12,965
players
4. Battlefield™ 1
Battlefield™ 1 takes you back to The Great War, WW1, where new technology and worldwide conflict changed the face of warfare forever. Battlefield™ 1 is a fps, multiplayer and singleplayer game developed by DICE and published by Electronic Arts. Released on June 11th 2020 has received 186,573 reviews of which 161,403 were positive and 25,170 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 9,429 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played war games.
8.6
161,403
25,170
9,429
players
5. Total War: THREE KINGDOMS
Total War: THREE KINGDOMS is the first in the award-winning series to recreate epic conflict across ancient China. Combining a gripping turn-based campaign of empire-building & conquest with stunning real-time battles, THREE KINGDOMS redefines the series in an age of heroes & legends. Total War: THREE KINGDOMS is a strategy, historical and war game developed by Creative Assembly and Feral Interactive (Linux) and published by Feral interactive (Mac), Feral Interactive (Linux) and SEGA. Released on May 23rd 2019 has received 103,141 reviews of which 74,436 were positive and 28,705 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. With 5,685 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played war games.
7.2
74,436
28,705
5,685
players
6. 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? Call to Arms - Gates of Hell: Ostfront is a world war ii, strategy and real time tactics game developed by Barbedwire Studios and Digitalmindsoft and published by Digitalmindsoft. Released on June 11th 2021 has received 22,710 reviews of which 18,875 were positive and 3,835 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 3,209 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played war games.
8.2
18,875
3,835
3,209
players
7. Total War: ATTILA
Against a darkening background of famine, disease and war, a new power is rising in the great steppes of the East. With a million horsemen at his back, the ultimate warrior king approaches, and his sights are set on Rome… The next instalment in the multi award-winning PC series that combines turn-based strategy with real-time tactics,... Total War: ATTILA is a strategy, historical and war game developed by Creative Assembly and published by SEGA. Released on February 17th 2015 has received 34,794 reviews of which 28,546 were positive and 6,248 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. With 1,970 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played war games.
8.1
28,546
6,248
1,970
players
8. Totally Accurate Battle Simulator
Be the leader of wobblers from ancient lands, spooky places, and fantasy worlds. Watch them fight in simulations made with the wobbliest physics system ever created, make your own wobblers in the unit creator and send your army off to fight your friends in multiplayer. Totally Accurate Battle Simulator is a sandbox, simulation and funny game developed by and published by landfall. Released on April 01st 2021 has received 134,305 reviews of which 131,380 were positive and 2,925 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 1,397 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played war games.
9.7
131,380
2,925
1,397
players
9. This War of Mine
In This War Of Mine you do not play as an elite soldier, rather a group of civilians trying to survive in a besieged city; struggling with lack of food, medicine and constant danger from snipers and hostile scavengers. The game provides an experience of war seen from an entirely new angle. This War of Mine is a survival, war and atmospheric game developed and published by 11 bit studios. Released on November 14th 2014 has received 101,226 reviews of which 94,009 were positive and 7,217 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 1,380 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played war games.
9.2
94,009
7,217
1,380
players
10. Total War: NAPOLEON – Definitive Edition
Complete your Total War collection with this Definitive Edition of Total War: NAPOLEON, which includes all DLC and feature updates since the game’s release Total War: NAPOLEON – Definitive Edition is a strategy, historical and grand strategy game developed by Creative Assembly and published by Feral interactive (Mac) and SEGA. Released on February 25th 2010 has received 25,094 reviews of which 22,917 were positive and 2,177 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 1,282 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played war games.
8.9
22,917
2,177
1,282
players
Best deals on war games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of war games available on Steam right now, updated on April 17th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted war games.
1. Lost Eidolons
Lost Eidolons is a turn-based tactical RPG with a gripping cinematic narrative, set in a waning empire riven by civil war. Take on the role of a charming mercenary captain, Eden, and lead his band of allies through epic encounters on a classic turn-based battlefield. Lost Eidolons is a jrpg, war and perma death game developed and published by Ocean Drive Studio and Inc.. Released on October 13th 2022 has received 1,925 reviews of which 1,347 were positive and 578 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Featuring a massive 97% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for war category.
6.8
1,347
578
-97%
33.33€
1.00€
2. 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! 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 7,774 reviews of which 6,056 were positive and 1,718 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 90% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in war games.
7.6
6,056
1,718
-90%
19.00€
1.90€
3. Men of War: Assault Squad 2
Men of War: Assault Squad 2 features new single player style skirmish modes that take players from extreme tank combat to deadly sniper stealth missions. Commanders can now faceoff against opponents on various new multiplayer 1v1 – 8v8 maps. Men of War: Assault Squad 2 is a strategy, world war ii and war game developed by Digitalmindsoft and published by Fulqrum Publishing. Released on May 15th 2014 has received 43,994 reviews of which 40,143 were positive and 3,851 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 89% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in war games.
9.0
40,143
3,851
-89%
31.00€
3.41€
4. Day of Infamy
Experience close-quarters battles in iconic WWII settings. Defend the line, storm the beach, torch the enemy, or use a radio to call in fire support. Day of Infamy is a teamwork-oriented shooter that will keep you on your toes and coming back for more with its diverse game modes and authentic arsenal. Day of Infamy is a world war ii, fps and multiplayer game developed and published by New World Interactive. Released on March 23rd 2017 has received 22,061 reviews of which 18,187 were positive and 3,874 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for war games.
8.1
18,187
3,874
-89%
12.64€
1.39€
5. Total War: ATTILA
Against a darkening background of famine, disease and war, a new power is rising in the great steppes of the East. With a million horsemen at his back, the ultimate warrior king approaches, and his sights are set on Rome… The next instalment in the multi award-winning PC series that combines turn-based strategy with real-time tactics,... Total War: ATTILA is a strategy, historical and war game developed by Creative Assembly and published by SEGA. Released on February 17th 2015 has received 34,794 reviews of which 28,546 were positive and 6,248 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for war games.
8.1
28,546
6,248
-89%
44.36€
4.88€
6. This War of Mine
In This War Of Mine you do not play as an elite soldier, rather a group of civilians trying to survive in a besieged city; struggling with lack of food, medicine and constant danger from snipers and hostile scavengers. The game provides an experience of war seen from an entirely new angle. This War of Mine is a survival, war and atmospheric game developed and published by 11 bit studios. Released on November 14th 2014 has received 101,226 reviews of which 94,009 were positive and 7,217 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for war games.
9.2
94,009
7,217
-88%
18.75€
2.25€
7. Men of War: Assault Squad
Men of War: Assault Squad features a completely new cooperative skirmish game mode with access to five different nations (Russia, Germany, USA, Commonwealth and, for the first time ever in the Men of War series, Japan) as well as increased realism and accessibility. Men of War: Assault Squad is a strategy, world war ii and war game developed by Digitalmindsoft and published by Fulqrum Publishing. Released on February 24th 2011 has received 4,913 reviews of which 4,313 were positive and 600 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for war games.
8.5
4,313
600
-88%
10.00€
1.20€
8. Men of War: Vietnam
The critically acclaimed series returns! Experience Vietnam from both sides of the war. Men of War: Vietnam is a strategy, war and tactical game developed and published by Fulqrum Publishing. Released on September 08th 2011 has received 1,225 reviews of which 794 were positive and 431 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for war games.
6.3
794
431
-87%
7.69€
1.00€
9. Thunder Wolves
When this “wolf pack” strikes, you hear the thunder roll. The Thunder Wolves attack from the air. They are mercenaries, and the best helicopter pilots in the world. Every one of them is ready for action at all times—and ready to fight evil, wherever it lurks. Thunder Wolves is a flight, shoot 'em up and third-person shooter game developed by Most Wanted Entertainment and published by HandyGames. Released on May 15th 2013 has received 771 reviews of which 662 were positive and 109 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for war games.
8.1
662
109
-86%
9.71€
1.36€
10. Total War: WARHAMMER
Addictive turn-based empire-building with colossal, real-time battles, all set in a world of legendary heroes, giant monsters, flying creatures and storms of magical power. Total War: WARHAMMER is a strategy, fantasy and rts game developed by Creative Assembly and Feral Interactive (Linux) and published by Feral Interactive (Linux), Feral interactive (Mac) and SEGA. Released on May 24th 2016 has received 52,354 reviews of which 40,825 were positive and 11,529 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for war games.
7.7
40,825
11,529
-86%
59.29€
8.30€
Free war games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play war games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 17th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play war games.
1. Lords Mobile
Clash with global players in this epic real-time strategy game! Lords Mobile is a free to play, strategy and massively multiplayer game developed and published by IGG SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.. Released on June 02nd 2019 has received 5,575 reviews of which 3,737 were positive and 1,838 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. With 1,217 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free war games on Steam.
6.6
3,737
1,838
1,217
players
2. March of Empires
Claim your title as Shogun, Highland King, Northern Tsar or Desert Sultan and join this genre-redefining strategy game where you will wage constant war for real territorial conquest! Fortify your castle, fuel a massive army, and enter the ultimate fight for realm domination! March of Empires is a free to play, wargame and medieval game developed and published by Gameloft. Released on December 11th 2017 has received 1,660 reviews of which 1,072 were positive and 588 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 1,069, this war game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free war games on Steam.
6.3
1,072
588
1,069
players
3. Call of War: World War 2
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. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 389, this war game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free war games on Steam.
7.0
4,099
1,638
389
players
4. Supremacy 1914: World War 1
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. Attracting a solid base of 336 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free war games on Steam.
7.3
2,833
948
336
players
5. Armored Warfare
Wage war against players around the world with an unstoppable arsenal of powerful armored combat vehicles. Use 300+ vehicles to engage in furious PvP tank combat, complete co-op missions, and crush your enemies on breathtaking maps, from scorching deserts to neon-drenched urban jungles. Armored Warfare is a realistic, shooter and alternate history game developed by Obsidian Entertainment and Wishlist Games and published by Wishlist Games. Released on November 17th 2017 has received 4,867 reviews of which 3,196 were positive and 1,671 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 153 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free war games on Steam.
6.5
3,196
1,671
153
players
6. Iron Order 1919
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 #6 spot among the most played free war games on Steam.
6.7
262
111
35
players
7. Age of Conquest IV
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 2,738 reviews of which 2,233 were positive and 505 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free war games on Steam.
7.9
2,233
505
27
players
8. 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. 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 #8 spot among the most played free war games on Steam.
8.2
1,153
190
23
players
9. Warzone 2100
In the late 21st century, the world's civilizations are wiped out by a series of nuclear strikes, seemingly caused by a massive malfunction of the new NASDA (North American Strategic Defense Agency) strategic defense system. Warzone 2100 is a strategy, free to play and rts game developed by Pumpkin Studios, Underdone Gaming and Warzone 2100 Project and published by Underdone Gaming. Released on February 18th 2020 has received 1,479 reviews of which 1,336 were positive and 143 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free war games on Steam.
8.6
1,336
143
22
players
10. Talvisota - Winter War
Talvisota for Rising Storm 2 brings players from the steaming jungles of Vietnam to the frozen forests of Finland, during the Soviet-Finnish Winter War of the late 1930s. Talvisota - Winter War is a action, massively multiplayer and simulation game developed by Talvisota Team and published by Tripwire Interactive. Released on April 02nd 2020 has received 1,083 reviews of which 957 were positive and 126 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free war games on Steam.
8.4
957
126