The best war games for PC last year: My top picks for strategy buffs.
War games let us step into virtual battlefields from our PCs. These games mix action, strategy, and history to create exciting combat experiences. We love how they test our skills and let us command troops or fight as soldiers.
Our Top 20 List of the Best War Games currently available
Table of Contents
The best war games for PC in 2024 offer amazing graphics, realistic gameplay, and deep stories. Some focus on specific time periods like World War II, while others imagine future conflicts. From shooters to strategy games, there’s something for every type of player who enjoys military themes.
Manor Lords
Manor Lords is shaping up to be one of the most exciting war games. It’s not just another typical military strategy game – Manor Lords blends city-building with medieval combat.
We love how it lets us build and manage our own medieval town. The attention to historical detail in the buildings and society is impressive. It feels like stepping back in time.
The combat system looks promising too. While not the main focus, the battles add an extra layer of strategy. We’ll need to defend our settlements from attackers.
Manor Lords stands out with its gorgeous graphics. The landscapes and towns are beautifully rendered. We can’t wait to explore the lush medieval world.
What excites us most is the depth of the economic and social systems. Managing resources, trade, and our population’s needs seems engaging and complex.
Call of War: World War II
We’ve been playing Call of War: World War II lately, and it’s quite the experience. This game puts us right in the middle of global conflict on our PCs.
It reminds us a bit of those classic board games like Risk. We get to take charge of a nation and guide it through the tumultuous 1940s.
The game lets us make big decisions about military strategy, diplomacy, and resource management. It’s pretty cool how we can form alliances or wage wars against other players online.
We like that it’s not just about combat. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes planning involved too. We have to think carefully about every move we make.
The historical setting feels pretty spot-on. We get to use weapons and tactics from the actual World War II era. It adds a neat layer of realism to our gameplay.
Try to Play Call of War here:
Sins of a Solar Empire 2
We were delighted that Sins of a Solar Empire 2 was released in 2024. It’s made space exciting again for us strategy fans. This sequel takes the unique blend of real-time strategy and 4X gameplay to new heights.
The game looks gorgeous, with stunning visuals of space battles and planetary systems. We love how it balances fast-paced action with deeper empire management.
Sins 2 has kept us glued to our screens for hours. The factions feel distinct, and the tech trees offer meaningful choices. Space combat is a treat, with satisfying explosions and tactical depth.
Modding support is strong too. We can’t wait to see what the community creates. If it’s anything like the first game, we’ll be playing this for years to come.
While it can be complex at times, we find the learning curve rewarding. Each game feels like an epic space opera unfolding before our eyes.
Jagged Alliance 3
We’re thrilled to see Jagged Alliance 3 back in 2024. This turn-based tactics game brings back the gritty mercenary action we loved from the original series.
The game takes us to Grand Chien, a fictional country ripe for strategic conquest. We get to recruit a team of unique mercs, each with their own skills and personalities.
Combat is tense and rewarding. Every decision counts as we position our squad and take down enemies. The mix of strategy and RPG elements keeps us hooked for hours.
We love the attention to detail in the environment. Destructible objects add another layer to our tactical options. The graphics look great too, bringing the world to life.
While not perfect, Jagged Alliance 3 captures the spirit of the classics. It’s a solid addition to the strategy genre in 2024. We find ourselves coming back to try new approaches and explore different paths through the campaign.
XCOM: Ultimate Bundle
We love a good deal, and the XCOM: Ultimate Bundle is a real treat for strategy fans. It’s packed with content from one of the best tactical game series out there.
This bundle includes XCOM: Enemy Unknown, XCOM 2, and all their expansions and DLC. You even get the newer XCOM: Chimera Squad thrown in for good measure.
We think it’s an awesome way to dive into the XCOM universe if you’re new to the series. And for long-time fans, it’s a chance to grab any missing pieces of content.
The games pit us against alien invaders in turn-based combat. We get to build up our bases, research new tech, and lead squads of soldiers into battle.
Steam often has great discounts on this bundle. We’ve seen it go for up to 92% off at times. It’s a steal considering how much gameplay you get.
Total War: Warhammer III
We’ve been playing Total War: Warhammer III a lot lately, and it’s really grown on us. The game brings together fantasy battles and grand strategy in a way that’s just so fun.
The world is huge and full of different factions to play. We love how each race feels unique, with their own units and playstyles. The Chaos factions are especially cool.
The battles are epic, with magic and monsters everywhere. Seeing hundreds of troops clash never gets old. The campaign map is also really detailed and interesting to explore.
We think the game has improved a lot since launch. The new DLCs add even more content to dive into. The Thrones of Decay pack was split into three parts, which made it easier on our wallets.
Some things could still be better, like the siege battles. But overall, we’re having a blast with Warhammer III. It’s definitely one of our favorite strategy games right now.
Conflict of Nations: World War III
We’ve been hooked on Conflict of Nations: World War III lately. It’s a free browser game that puts us in charge of a modern nation’s military forces.
The game unfolds in real-time over days or weeks. We love how it makes us think strategically about every move.
We get to control our country’s armed forces, economy, and tech development. It’s pretty cool forming alliances with other players too.
The battles use present-day and near-future military tech. It feels more realistic than some other war games we’ve tried.
We really enjoy the long-term nature of the campaigns. It gives us time to plan and execute complex strategies.
The game can be played on PC or mobile devices. We like having the option to check in on our nation wherever we are.
It’s not the flashiest game visually, but we find the gameplay deep and engaging. We’ve spent many hours plotting world domination!
Click here to play CONFLICT OF NATIONS for free!
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
I’ve played a lot of war games, but Modern Warfare II really stands out. It’s a 2022 release that builds on the success of earlier Call of Duty titles. The game offers an intense single-player campaign and thrilling multiplayer modes.
The graphics are stunning. Explosions and gunfire look so realistic, it’s easy to get lost in the action. The sound design is top-notch too, adding to the immersive experience.
We love the variety of weapons and customization options. It lets us tailor our loadouts to fit different playstyles. The multiplayer maps are well-designed, offering a mix of close-quarters combat and long-range engagements.
The campaign tells a gripping story. It’s full of high-stakes missions and unexpected twists. While it’s not the longest, each mission feels unique and memorable.
One of our favorite features is the co-op mode. It’s great for teaming up with friends to tackle challenging missions. The game also regularly updates with new content, keeping things fresh and exciting.
World of Warships
We love World of Warships for its unique take on naval combat. It’s not as hardcore as some other war games, but it offers a fun and thoughtful experience.
The game lets us command ships from World War I through World War II and beyond. We get to sail across vast oceans, hunting for enemy vessels to sink.
What makes World of Warships stand out is how it blends action with strategy. We need to think carefully about our positioning and timing to win battles.
The customization options are great too. We can upgrade our ships and tweak them to fit our playstyle.
While it’s free to play, we find it’s still enjoyable without spending money. The graphics are impressive, making us feel like we’re really at sea.
We appreciate how the game mixes historical accuracy with exciting gameplay. It’s a blast to command famous warships from the past.
If you are new to World of Warships, you can download the free game client here:
You will receive the following bonus if you register via the link:
The US cruiser St Louis (rank III) and German light cruiser Emden (rank II), 7 days premium time, 200 doubloons, 20 special camouflage and 2.5 million credits in-game currency.
Battlefield 2042
We’ve been playing Battlefield 2042 a lot lately, and it’s really grown on us. This game takes the series into the near future, which is pretty cool. The maps are huge, giving us tons of space to explore and fight in.
One thing we love is the dynamic weather. It’s awesome to see tornadoes rip through the battlefield while we’re playing. It adds a whole new level of chaos to the fights.
The game lets us play with up to 128 players at once. That’s a lot of people! It makes the battles feel truly massive and epic.
We’re fans of the new Specialists system too. It lets us customize our playstyle more than ever before. We can mix and match different gadgets and abilities to suit how we want to play.
The graphics are stunning, especially on newer PCs. The explosions and environmental destruction look super realistic.
While it had some issues at launch, the developers have been working hard to improve things. We think it’s in a much better state now and definitely worth checking out for war game fans.
Hearts of Iron IV
I’ve spent countless hours playing Hearts of Iron IV, and it’s easily one of my favorite war games. This grand strategy title lets us lead a nation through World War II, making crucial decisions that shape history.
We can choose from dozens of countries, big or small. The game gives us control over military, economic, and political aspects of our nation. It’s pretty complex, but that’s what makes it so engaging.
The combat system is deep and rewarding. We plan strategies, manage supply lines, and coordinate land, sea, and air forces. Researching new technologies and upgrading units adds another layer of depth.
What I love most is how the game lets us explore “what if” scenarios. We can follow historical paths or create alternate outcomes. Maybe we’ll have Germany focus on naval power, or see the USA join the Axis. The possibilities are endless.
Hearts of Iron IV gets regular updates and expansions. This keeps the game fresh and adds new content to explore. If you’re into detailed war simulations, this is definitely one to try.
Latest DCL: ‘Goetterdaemmerung’
Supremacy 1914
Supremacy 1914 is one of our favorite World War I strategy games for PC. We love how it lets us take control of any nation involved in the conflict. It’s a blast to play with friends online.
The game mixes economic management with military action. We get to build up our country’s resources while also planning troop movements and battles. It feels really satisfying when our strategies pay off.
One thing we appreciate is the tutorial system for new players. Maps are limited to lower-ranked users, which helps us learn the ropes without getting stomped by veterans right away.
We’ve found Supremacy 1914 offers tons of replay value. Each match feels different as we try out various countries and tactics. The naval combat is especially fun now that they’ve added Admiral Tōgō Heihachirō as a hero unit.
While gold spammers can be annoying sometimes, we just start fresh games if we run into them. Overall, Supremacy 1914 gives us an engaging WWI experience that keeps us coming back for more.
Test and play Supremacy 1914 here: 
Classified France ’44
We’re big fans of Classified France ’44, a new turn-based strategy game set in World War II. It puts us in charge of Allied commandos and French resistance fighters in Nazi-occupied France.
The game reminds us of XCOM, but with its own unique flavor. We love how it focuses on stealth, recon, and sabotage missions. It feels fresh and exciting.
The setting is really cool too. We get to play as the Jedburghs, special forces dropped behind enemy lines. Working with the French Resistance adds an interesting twist.
Gameplay is solid, with well-designed missions and fun turn-based mechanics. We enjoy the challenge of disrupting Nazi operations through clever tactics.
The game has lots of personality. Characters like the French woman in a beret and the bourbon-drinking soldier add charm to our team.
While not perfect, Classified France ’44 is one of our favorite war games this year. It offers a new take on WWII strategy that we find really engaging.
More about: Classified: France 44 – Game Review.
War Thunder
We love War Thunder for its massive scale and variety. It lets us pilot planes, tanks, and ships from many eras. The game is free to play, which is great for trying it out.
We’re impressed by the realistic physics and damage models. Vehicles handle differently, and shots have to be aimed carefully. It feels satisfying when we land a good hit.
The huge maps and large player counts create an epic battlefield feel. We can engage in intense dogfights or massive ground battles with dozens of other players.
War Thunder has been around for over 10 years now. The developers keep adding new content and improving the game. There’s always something fresh to check out.
We do find the grind can get tough in later tiers. Unlocking high-tier vehicles takes a long time without paying. But the early and mid-tiers offer plenty of fun for free.
Overall, we think War Thunder is one of the best free war games out there. The mix of air, land, and sea combat is hard to beat. We keep coming back to it year after year.
Who does not know the F2P tank and plane war game War Thunder can download it from here for free:
Company of Heroes 3
Company of Heroes 3 is the latest entry in this beloved World War II strategy series. We’ve been playing it since its release and have mixed feelings.
The game expands on previous titles with new features like a dynamic campaign map. This adds a layer of grand strategy to the intense real-time battles we’ve come to expect.
Graphics and sound design are top-notch. The Mediterranean and North African settings look stunning. Explosions rock the battlefield and really pull us into the action.
Gameplay feels familiar but refined. Controlling squads and vehicles is smoother than ever. We love the new tactical pause feature that lets us plan our moves carefully.
There are some issues though. The AI can be a bit wonky at times. We’ve noticed some performance hiccups on older systems too.
Despite its flaws, Company of Heroes 3 is still a solid strategy game. It may not reach the heights of earlier entries, but we think fans of the series will find a lot to enjoy here.
World of Tanks
World of Tanks is a must-play for tank enthusiasts like us. We love how it lets us command over 300 real-life tanks and armored vehicles. The game offers intense 7v7 matches that keep us on our toes.
We’re impressed by the realistic tank models and attention to detail. Each vehicle feels unique to drive and fight with. The game strikes a nice balance between arcade action and simulation elements.
The free-to-play model lets us jump in easily. We can unlock new tanks and upgrades through gameplay or by spending money. There’s always something to work towards.
We enjoy the variety of game modes available. Team battles, clan wars, and special events keep things fresh. The huge player base means we never wait long for a match.
While not perfect, World of Tanks remains one of our top picks for tank combat in 2024. We keep coming back to experience the thrill of armored warfare with friends.
Click here to play World of Tanks for free:
Arma 3
Arma 3 is a standout in the world of war games. We love how it pushes the boundaries of military simulations. The game offers a huge open world with realistic combat mechanics.
One of the best things about Arma 3 is its flexibility. We can play it as a first-person shooter or take on a more strategic role. The game lets us command troops and vehicles too.
The community is another big plus. Players create tons of mods that add new content and improve realism. These mods let us simulate almost any conflict we can think of.
Arma 3’s attention to detail is impressive. The physics, maps, and weapons all feel true to life. This makes for a deeply immersive experience.
We’re also fans of the multiplayer options. There’s no limit to how many people can join a game. This allows for massive battles that really capture the scale of war.
While it can be complex, Arma 3 has tutorials to help new players. We think it’s worth the learning curve for such a rich gaming experience.
Gates of Hell: Ostfront
We love Gates of Hell: Ostfront as one of the best World War 2 RTS games out there right now. It’s technically part of the Call to Arms series, but it’s a separate game with its own engine.
The game lets us control army groups on a world map while also getting up close with individual soldiers. We can give orders in first-person and even have conversations with AI-controlled troops.
One of the coolest things is the huge scale. We can have up to 50,000 people in a single game, each with their own rank from private to general. It really makes us feel like we’re commanding a massive force.
The Airborne DLC adds even more content with 12 new missions we can play solo or with friends. We think it’s a great addition to an already solid game.
For history buffs like us, Gates of Hell: Ostfront offers an immersive and detailed World War 2 experience. We feel it’s a worthy successor to classics like Men of War and Combat Mission.
Command & Conquer Remastered Collection
We love the Command & Conquer Remastered Collection. It brings back two classic games from our childhood with amazing updates.
The collection includes the original Command & Conquer and Red Alert, plus all their expansions. That’s over 100 missions to play through!
The graphics got a major upgrade to 4K resolution. The old pixelated units now look crisp and clear on modern screens.
Even the cutscenes were redone. The cheesy live-action videos we remember are now in high definition.
Online play got some nice improvements too. We can jump into multiplayer matches easier than ever before.
In 2024, they released new content for the collection. More missions and units gave us fresh reasons to dive back in.
For strategy fans, this collection is a must-play. It mixes nostalgia with modern touches in a great way.
We think it’s one of the best ways to experience these classic war games on PC right now.
Enlisted
Enlisted is a thrilling World War II multiplayer shooter that caught our attention in 2024. We love how it drops us into intense battle scenarios across various fronts of the war.
The game offers a unique squad-based system. We control a squad of soldiers and can switch between them on the fly. This adds a cool tactical element to the gameplay.
Enlisted impresses us with its attention to historical detail. The weapons, uniforms, and vehicles all feel authentic to the era. It really helps immerse us in the WWII setting.
We appreciate the variety of game modes available. From capturing objectives to escorting tanks, there’s always something exciting to do on the battlefield.
The graphics in Enlisted are pretty solid too. The environments look great, and the destruction effects add to the chaotic atmosphere of war.
One thing we really like is that Enlisted is free to play. We can jump in and enjoy the action without spending a dime. There are optional purchases, but they don’t feel necessary to have fun.
Click here to play Enlisted for free!
History of War Games
War games have come a long way since their early days. We’ve seen them grow from simple board games to complex digital simulations. Let’s look at how they’ve changed and who’s been behind their creation.
Evolution and Trends
War games started as tabletop affairs with miniatures and dice. In the 1950s, they moved to boards with hexagonal grids. The 1980s brought the first computer war games. These were basic but got better fast.
The 1990s and 2000s saw huge leaps in graphics and gameplay. Real-time strategy games like Command & Conquer became big hits. First-person shooters like Call of Duty changed how we play war games.
Today’s war games are super realistic. They use advanced AI and detailed maps. Some even help train real soldiers. Virtual reality is the newest frontier, making games more immersive than ever.
Notable Developers and Studios
Many talented folks have shaped war games over the years. Sid Meier is a big name. He made Civilization and other strategy classics. Chris Taylor gave us Total Annihilation and Supreme Commander.
Studios like Paradox Interactive are known for deep historical games. They make titles like Hearts of Iron. Creative Assembly is famous for the Total War series. These games mix turn-based strategy with real-time battles.
Smaller studios are making waves too. Wargaming.net created World of Tanks, a huge online hit. We’ve also seen indie developers bring fresh ideas to the genre. They often focus on niche historical periods or unique gameplay twists.
Game Mechanics and Features
Current war games offer a mix of realistic and arcade-style gameplay. They also have various multiplayer options for those who enjoy team-based action.
Realism vs. Arcade Style
I’ve played both realistic and arcade-style war games last year. The realistic ones try to copy real combat as closely as possible. They have complex controls and need careful planning. Guns behave like their real-life versions. Soldiers can die from just one or two shots.
Arcade games are more fast-paced and forgiving. They focus on fun over realism. Players can take more damage and often have special abilities. The controls are simpler, making it easier to jump in and play.
We’ve seen a trend toward games that blend both styles. They keep some realistic elements but add arcade features to make them more exciting.
Multiplayer Modes
Multiplayer is a big part of war games in 2024. Most games offer team-based modes where we work together to complete missions or capture objectives. Some popular modes include:
- Capture the Flag
- Team Deathmatch
- Conquest (controlling map points)
Many games now have large-scale battles with 64 or more players. These create an epic feel of being part of a massive war. Some titles even let us play against AI bots to practice or fill empty slots in matches.
Cross-platform play is becoming more common. This lets us play with friends no matter what system they’re using. It’s great for keeping the player base active and finding matches quickly.
Technological Advancements in the last year
War games from the last year are already pushing the boundaries of realism and immersion. New tech is making gameplay more lifelike and exciting than ever before.
AI Improvements
We’re blown away by how smart enemy units have become. They now use real military tactics and adapt to our strategies on the fly. It feels like we’re up against actual human opponents.
Friendly AI squadmates are way more helpful too. They follow complex orders and work together as a team. We don’t have to babysit them anymore.
The coolest part is how NPCs react to us. Their facial expressions and body language change based on the situation. It adds so much depth to the story.
Graphics and Performance Enhancements
Our jaws dropped when we saw the visuals in last year’s war games. The level of detail is insane – from the dirt on soldiers’ faces to the way light reflects off weapons.
Explosions and destruction look more realistic than ever. Buildings crumble in unique ways each time. Smoke and fire effects are mind-blowing.
We’re also loving the smooth performance. Even in huge battles with tons of units, the games run without a hitch. Load times are super quick too.
VR support has gotten way better. The 3D audio and haptic feedback make us feel like we’re really there on the battlefield.
Frequently Asked Questions
War games on PC offer many exciting options since 2024. Players can enjoy both single-player campaigns and multiplayer battles across different time periods and settings. Let’s explore some popular questions about the top war games for PC this year.
What are the top-rated multiplayer war games for PC in 2024?
Call of War: World War II is getting a lot of buzz for its multiplayer mode. We love how it lets us team up with friends to fight epic battles from WWII. The graphics are amazing, and the gameplay feels really smooth.
Manor Lords is another great pick for multiplayer. It’s not just about war – we get to build our own medieval towns too. Fighting other players’ armies while managing our resources is super fun.
Which PC war games have the most engaging single-player campaigns in 2024?
Jagged Alliance 3 has an awesome single-player campaign. We’re hooked on its mix of strategy and RPG elements. The story keeps us coming back for more, and we love how our choices affect the game world.
XCOM: Ultimate Bundle is perfect for solo play too. Its alien invasion storyline is gripping, and the turn-based combat never gets old. We can spend hours customizing our squad and base.
What are some notable free offline war games available for download on PC?
There are some great free options out there. We really enjoy Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun, which is now available for free. It’s an older game, but the gameplay still holds up well.
OpenRA is another free choice we like. It’s an open-source remake of classic RTS games. We can play offline against AI opponents in various historical settings.
Can you recommend critically acclaimed war-strategy games for PC in 2024?
Sins of a Solar Empire 2 is getting rave reviews. We’re impressed by its blend of 4X strategy and real-time space battles. The game’s depth keeps us coming back to try new tactics.
Manor Lords is also earning high praise from critics. We love how it mixes city-building with medieval warfare. The attention to historical detail is amazing.
What war games on PC offer the most realistic World War scenarios?
Hell Let Loose stands out for its realistic WWII battles. We’re blown away by the 100-player matches and authentic weapons. The teamwork required makes each game feel intense and immersive.
Post Scriptum is another top pick for realism. Its focus on communication and tactics gives us a taste of what WWII combat might have been like. The sound design is especially impressive.
Which Cold War themed games are receiving the best reviews for PC currently?
Cold War Game is getting a lot of positive attention. We’re fascinated by its mix of espionage and strategy set during this tense period of history. Making tough decisions as world leaders is thrilling.
Twilight Struggle: Digital Edition is also highly rated. It’s a digital version of the popular board game. We love how it captures the tension of the Cold War through card-driven gameplay.
