Games Like Darkest Hour: A Hearts of Iron Game

Includes Hearts of Iron II plus the two expansions, Doomsday and Armageddon When Germany is defeated in 1945, the Allies and the new Soviet alliance fight for supremacy. World War III is drawing closer. Play as the ruler of one of 175 countries through World Wars II and III.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 37.2% ★, World War II 33.4% ★, Strategy 16.2%, Historical 11.5%, RTS 1.7%

Why You'll Like It: As the direct predecessor and engine base for Darkest Hour, it offers the most authentic experience of the classic Hearts of Iron gameplay loop.

Taking place from 1936-64, Arsenal of Democracy lets you play as any nation during the era of WW2, complete with detailed models for economics, diplomacy, research, and intelligence. Warfare is also fully represented with all three branches of operations: land, sea, and air.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 43.8% ★, World War II 31.8% ★, Strategy 24.4%

Why You'll Like It: Built on the same engine as Darkest Hour, this title refines the logistics and industrial management systems for a more polished experience.

Hearts of Iron III lets you play the most engaging conflict in world history, World War 2, on all fronts as any country and through multiple different scenarios. Guide your nation to glory between 1936 and 1948 and wage war, conduct diplomacy and build your industry in the most detailed World War 2 game ever made.

Why similar: World War II 34.4% ★, Grand Strategy 34.4% ★, Historical 10.1%, Strategy 8.4%, Military 3.6%

Why You'll Like It: This title represents the evolution of the classic Hearts of Iron formula, offering even greater detail in military organization and order-of-battle management.

War on an Epic scale from Moscow to Berlin – this is War in the East!

Why similar: World War II 34.7% ★, Grand Strategy 31.1% ★, Wargame 13.5%, Strategy 12.1%, Historical 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: Widely considered the gold standard for deep, complex WWII wargaming, it provides the level of historical granularity that Darkest Hour fans crave.

Carefully guide your nation from the era of absolute monarchies in the early 19th century, through expansion and colonization, to finally become a truly great power by the dawn of the 20th century. Victoria II is a grand strategy game played during the colonial era of the 19th century, where the player takes control of a country, guiding...

Why similar: Grand Strategy 46.1% ★, Historical 15.3%, World War I 14.6% ★, Strategy 9.7%, Military 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: Sharing the same Paradox engine philosophy, it offers a deep, complex political and economic simulation that appeals to the same audience.

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.

Why similar: World War II 33.4% ★, Grand Strategy 29.3% ★, Historical 11.7%, Strategy 10.1%, Military 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: The modern successor to the series, it offers a more streamlined but still deeply engaging grand strategy experience for the WWII era.

Ageod’s To End All Wars is a grand strategy game set during World War One. Players will take control over one of the major powers that so desperately fought for control over Europe and to end all wars.

Why similar: World War I 35.1% ★, Grand Strategy 30.2% ★, Strategy 18.9%, Wargame 10.6%, Simulation 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses specifically on the WWI aspect of Darkest Hour, offering a similar grand-strategy depth for the Great War era.

Gary Grigsby’s War in the West is the most ambitious and detailed computer wargame on the Western Front of World War II ever made.

Why similar: World War II 53.9% ★, Wargame 16.3%, Simulation 13.5%, Strategy 10.2%, War 6%

Why You'll Like It: The companion to War in the East, this game offers unparalleled operational depth for the Western and Mediterranean theaters of WWII.

Strategic Command WWII: World At War is your chance to re-fight the 20th century’s greatest conflict, from Poland to China, Normandy to the Pacific, on a map encompassing the globe.

Why similar: World War II 45.2% ★, Strategy 26.5%, Grand Strategy 18.4% ★, Wargame 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the grand strategic scope and global logistics of the Hearts of Iron series perfectly within a turn-based framework.

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!

Why similar: World War II 31.6% ★, Strategy 22.2%, World War I 20.9% ★, Wargame 17%, Simulation 6%

Why You'll Like It: It provides the ultimate sandbox for operational-level historical simulation, allowing for immense control over military units and supply lines.

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!

Why similar: Grand Strategy 26.1% ★, World War II 21% ★, World War I 10.4% ★, Wargame 9.7%, Historical 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a massive, long-term grand strategy experience with a focus on modern and historical military management across the 20th century.

Steel Division 2 is a historically-accurate WW2 real-time strategy game set on the Eastern Front. Features 1:1-scale turn-based army management and real-time tactical battles with thousands of men at your order.

Why similar: World War II 31.7% ★, Grand Strategy 18.6% ★, Strategy 9.6%, Historical 8.8%, Wargame 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a more tactical, real-time approach to the same historical battles and unit compositions found in the seed game.

Command a true operational structure. Can you balance and prioritize three different Theatres in order to achieve your objective?

Why similar: World War II 62.3% ★, Strategy 26.4%, Wargame 10.6%, Multiplayer 0.7%

Why You'll Like It: This title masterfully combines grand strategy with deep operational wargaming mechanics, focusing on the Eastern Front.

Panzer Corps 2 is the ultimate Second World War strategy game! Enjoy the time-proven gameplay formula which has been appreciated by millions of players over the years, brought to a whole new level of refinement up to the latest technical standards.

Why similar: World War II 34.6% ★, Grand Strategy 22.5% ★, Strategy 11.8%, Wargame 9.8%, Historical 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: A refined operational wargame that captures the tactical movement and unit variety of the WWII era with modern polish.

Cauldrons of War Stalingrad is the turn-based strategic wargame you will launch whenever you want your WW2 shot but don't have time for a monster strategy game.From May 1942 to November 1942 play the USSR or the Axis forces in some of the largest and bloodiest operations in history.

Why similar: World War II 35.7% ★, Grand Strategy 32.7% ★, Wargame 12%, Historical 10.8%, Strategy 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on the gritty, high-stakes operational level of the Eastern Front, mirroring the intensity of Darkest Hour's combat scenarios.

Age of History II is a grand strategy wargame that is simple to learn yet hard to master.Your objective is to use military tactics and cunning diplomacy to either unify the world, or conquer it.Will the world bleed out or bow before you? The choice is yours..

Why similar: Grand Strategy 30.9% ★, World War II 18.7% ★, Historical 16.9%, Strategy 12.2%, World War I 11.9% ★

Why You'll Like It: A more accessible but still deep grand-strategy game that allows players to rewrite history across the same global scope.

Unity of Command II is the sequel to one of the most critically acclaimed strategy games of all time; a game critics called 'the perfect gateway' into computer war games.

Why similar: World War II 39% ★, Grand Strategy 22.8% ★, Strategy 11.4%, Wargame 9.7%, Historical 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: It focuses on the logistical and operational challenges that define the WWII experience, emphasizing supply lines and movement.

“he Who Fears Being Conquered Is Sure Of Defeat.”The war-game March of the Eagles focuses on the dramatic conflicts of Europe during 1805 to 1820. Explore one of the defining periods in European history with this experience crafted by the masters of Grand Strategy, Paradox Development Studio.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 53.8% ★, Strategy 22.8%, Historical 17.3%, Simulation 6%

Why You'll Like It: Uses a similar engine and grand-strategy focus, providing a tight, focused experience for those who enjoy Paradox-style mechanics.

The Great War is a turn-based grand strategy game based on the epic struggles of the WWI era. Experience the battles of attrition and punishing artillery barrages. Play as any nation of the period as the modern world of industrialized warfare replaces an age of kings with a struggle of ideologies.

Why similar: World War I 25.8% ★, Grand Strategy 24.7% ★, World War II 16.8% ★, Historical 9.1%, Strategy 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: A solid grand-strategy alternative that focuses on the political and military complexities of the First World War.

Strategic Command: World War I is a new chapter in the Strategic Command Franchise. Relive this momentous conflict from the opening shots of 1914 to the final offensives. Strategic Command: World War I covers all the main aspects and theatres of the war.

Why similar: World War I 39.6% ★, Strategy 37.3%, Wargame 14.7%, Military 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a similar grand-strategy perspective on the Great War as the scenarios found in Darkest Hour.

The Great War: Western Front is the definitive WW1 strategy game. Play a deciding role in history with this real-time tactical experience as you take charge in the iconic Western Front from 1914 to 1919. Pick your faction and lead your forces to victory.

Why similar: World War I 31.9% ★, Grand Strategy 22.9% ★, Strategy 11.8%, Historical 11.3%, Wargame 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a focused, high-fidelity look at the trench warfare that defines the WWI scenarios in the seed game.

Real-Time Strategy Game. Guide your nation through the most violent era in modern history. Play massive campaigns as one of the principal nations, set-piece scenarios of famous battles, or set your own victory condition and play as any nation in the world in Sandbox mode.

Why similar: World War II 28.1% ★, Grand Strategy 25.7% ★, Historical 11.2%, Wargame 9.3%, Strategy 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses specifically on the pre-WWII and WWII era with a deep military simulation that spans the entire globe.

Men of War is a stunning Real-Time Strategy game that takes place during the height of World War II. Intense battles span Europe and North Africa as gamers play as Soviet, Allied or German forces across 19 massive single-player missions.

Why similar: World War II 49.9% ★, Strategy 20.4%, RTS 7.6%, Military 6.1%, Historical 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a more granular, unit-level perspective on the WWII conflicts depicted in the seed game.

Graviteam Tactics: Mius-Front - tactical battalion level combat simulation. Action takes place in the summer of 1943 at Mius river and Saur-Mogila tumulus area of over 140 sq. km. Four large-scale operations for the Red Army and Wehrmacht.

Why similar: World War II 48.1% ★, Strategy 13.9%, Wargame 13.2%, Historical 7%, Simulation 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: Provides an incredibly detailed simulation of Eastern Front combat for those who appreciate the historical realism of Darkest Hour.

Grand strategy wargame where the destiny of Civilizations rests in your hands - will they stand united under your leadership or fall divided in conflict? Journey through the entire saga of human civilization, from its earliest days to the futuristic era, crafting your legacy age by age.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 25.5% ★, World War II 21.2% ★, World War I 20.9% ★, Wargame 11.6%, Strategy 6.8%

Faces of War puts you in the heart of World War II – not as a distant commander, but as the leader on the ground. Combining the tactical depth of real-time strategy with the immediacy of direct control, it lets you issue precise orders or jump straight into battle as one of your soldiers.

Why similar: World War II 62% ★, Strategy 20%, RTS 7.7%, War 4.9%, Simulation 3.7%

Why You'll Like It: A squad-based tactical game that brings the intensity of the Eastern Front to life with a focus on individual unit survival.

Battle of Empires: 1914-1918 is a story-driven RTS that brings to life some of the most brutal battles of the Great War. Each mission showcases the era’s most devastating weaponry — sabotage, stealth, trench warfare, gas attacks, artillery, and mobile infantry. BoE delivers the full WWI experience.

Why similar: World War I 42.8% ★, Historical 14.5%, Strategy 12.4%, World War II 11.7% ★, RTS 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the tactical reality and unit-level combat of the Great War.

Command a special task force composed of different kinds of units, including tanks, APCs, field guns, mortars, various infantry regiments and will also have an opportunity to call for artillery and air support.

Why similar: World War II 64.8% ★, Strategy 23.2%, RTS 7.3%, War 3.6%, Multiplayer 1.2%

Why You'll Like It: A classic real-time tactical simulation that complements the strategic view of Darkest Hour with detailed unit combat.

Choose a nation and prepare for the greatest conflict in human history, World War II. Build your military and industrial power, form alliances and race to achieve the advanced technologies that will bring total victory in this global-wide turn-based Grand Strategy struggle.

Why similar: World War II 31% ★, Grand Strategy 24.7% ★, Historical 11.4%, Strategy 7.5%, Wargame 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A straightforward grand-strategy title that mirrors the global scope and historical timeline of the seed game.

Set during the events of WW2, Strategic War in Europe is a classic turn-based strategy game that combines a deep strategic layer with accessibility and ease-of-use.

Why similar: World War II 53% ★, Strategy 21.4%, Wargame 13.9%, Historical 11.7%

Why You'll Like It: A turn-based grand strategy game that distills the WWII experience into a manageable, highly replayable format.

What if Germany won the Battle of Britain? What if Moscow fell in 1942?You’re in charge. Anything can happen and history will never repeat itself in this classic WWII grand strategy game MAKING HISTORY II: The War of the World. Are you ready to battle for global dominance?

Why similar: World War II 37.3% ★, Grand Strategy 35.5% ★, Strategy 13.4%, Historical 9.1%, Simulation 3.8%

Design warships the way you want them, command fleets, win the naval arms race for your nation!

Why similar: World War II 24.5% ★, World War I 22.7% ★, Grand Strategy 22.1% ★, Wargame 9%, Historical 8%

Men of War: Assault Squad delivers a deeply tactical WWII experience, blending large-scale strategy with intense, hands-on combat. Fight across multiple fronts – from European countryside to Pacific jungles and command every unit and every bullet on the battlefield.

Why similar: World War II 47.6% ★, Strategy 18.1%, Historical 8%, Military 7.1%, RTS 6.7%

Time of Wrath gives a fine piece of wargaming for every fan of WW2 era. This strategy allows players to take control over any country during World War 2 era in Europe and North Africa theater.

Why similar: World War II 76% ★, Strategy 24%

Why You'll Like It: A turn-based wargame that focuses on the strategic movement of forces across the European theater with a classic feel.

Making History® delivers the open-ended gameplay of strategy-game classics, but with compelling new economic, military, and diplomatic systems and deep research that lets you play with real historical challenges.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 36.6% ★, World War II 35.7% ★, Strategy 19.2%, Historical 8.4%

Unity of Command is an innovative and refreshing operational-level wargame that covers the entire 1942/43 Stalingrad Campaign on the Eastern Front.

Why similar: World War II 46.6% ★, Strategy 15.9%, Wargame 13.1%, Grand Strategy 10.8% ★, Historical 9.5%

March into the real-time strategy legend, Blitzkrieg, and prepare for war. This legendary WWII RTS blends unprecedented realism and accuracy to form immersive 3D backgrounds and a game where brute force often takes a back seat to strategy and wits.

Why similar: World War II 52.9% ★, Strategy 16.9%, Historical 11.5%, RTS 7.1%, Military 6.5%

Ultimate General: Civil War is a tactical real time strategy war-game. Experience the bloodiest period of U.S. history - the American Civil War of 1861-1865.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 37.5% ★, Wargame 16.9%, Historical 13.8%, Strategy 9.5%, RTS 8%

Steel Division: Normandy is a tactical real-time strategy (RTS) game that pits players against AI enemies in a single-player campaign -- or against several opponents in massive 10-on-10 multiplayer battles.

Why similar: World War II 54.1% ★, Strategy 12%, RTS 9.2%, Military 7.3%, Wargame 5.9%

Stalingrad is a real-time strategy title that places gamers in the middle of the most dramatic periods of World War II, covering major events from June 1942 till January 1943.

Why similar: World War II 51.2% ★, Strategy 30.8%, RTS 11.1%, War 6.9%

Carefully guide your nation from the era of absolute monarchies in the early 19th century, through expansion, colonization and social upheaval, to emerge as one of the great world powers by the dawn of the 20th century in Victoria Complete.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 58.4% ★, Strategy 26.7%, Historical 14.9%

A Tactical Battle Simulator that allows you to command thousands of soldiers as a Union or Confederate General. The game features the most accurately created map, a non-linear battle campaign, complex morale, innovative control mechanics and smart AI.

Why similar: Historical 30.4%, Strategy 23.6%, Wargame 18.5%, RTS 11%, Military 5.6%

WarPlan is an incredibly accurate World War II simulation engine. It is a balance of realism and playability incorporating the best from 50 years of World War II board wargaming. Play a recreated World War II in every detail, thanks to the engine flexibility and database

Why similar: World War II 30.5% ★, Grand Strategy 25.7% ★, Historical 11.9%, Wargame 11.6%, Strategy 7.4%

World War I is a real-time strategy based on the modified version of the well-known Blitzkrieg engine.

Why similar: World War I 55.4% ★, Strategy 33.4%, RTS 11.2%

This is a strategy game with the theme of WWII. As a battlefield commander, maintaining your army's motivation and satisfaction, promoting your generals, managing your own economy, dealing with your friends' armies, and real time grand battle. What kind of commander will you become in the process?

Why similar: World War II 28.2% ★, Grand Strategy 23.2% ★, Historical 13.7%, Wargame 10.6%, Military 6.1%

Cauldrons of War Barbarossa is the turn-based strategic wargame you will launch whenever you want your WW2 shot but don't have time for a monster strategy game.From June 1941 until the Battle of Moscow, play the USSR or the Axis forces in one of the largest and bloodiest operations in history.

Why similar: World War II 32.6% ★, Grand Strategy 27.9% ★, Wargame 12.8%, Historical 11.4%, Strategy 7.3%

January, 1915. The Race to the Sea is over. The Great War has just begun. You are the commander of a single division in the meat grinder that is the Western Front. Lead your men over the top as you attempt to break the stalemate that is to claim the lives of millions over the course of years.

Why similar: World War I 38.9% ★, Grand Strategy 18.4% ★, Strategy 13%, Historical 9.2%, Wargame 8.2%

Command a Soviet penal battalion in this standalone real-time tactics game from the Men of War series. Based on true events, Condemned Heroes delivers brutal, story-driven missions across the Eastern Front – where every order, bullet, and life matters.

Why similar: World War II 63.2% ★, Strategy 25.8%, RTS 7.6%, War 3.4%

Rule the Waves III is a simulation of naval ship design and construction, fleet management and naval warfare from 1890 to 1970.

Why similar: World War II 23.4% ★, World War I 22.3% ★, Wargame 16.7%, Strategy 9.7%, Military 9.6%

Dominate the classical Mediterranean in Imperator: Rome, a grand strategy game from Paradox Interactive. Navigate the dangerous waters of politics and diplomacy as you build up your provinces and conquer foreign lands. Now available with special content and the digital artbook.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 54.9% ★, Strategy 18.2%, Historical 18%, Simulation 4.3%, War 2.1%

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?

Why similar: World War II 45.1% ★, Historical 17.1%, Strategy 9.6%, RTS 7.4%, Military 7.1%

Take Command and Secure Victory in the Great War! Commander – The Great War features a Grand Campaign covering the whole war from the invasion of Belgium on August 5, 1914 to the Armistice on the 11th of November 1918 in addition to 16 different unit types including Infantry, Cavalry, Armoured Cars and Tanks, Artillery, and much more!

Why similar: World War I 35.4% ★, Grand Strategy 24.1% ★, Strategy 18.2%, Wargame 12.4%, Historical 10%

The first installment in the real-time tactics series that would become known as Men of War, now refreshed and enhanced! Take command of American, British, Soviet, or German forces and fight on the battlefields of World War II in 32 single-player missions or with others in PvP and co-op sessions.

Why similar: World War II 39% ★, Historical 15.5%, Wargame 10.2%, Strategy 9.3%, RTS 7.3%

Europa Universalis III Complete includes the original Europa Universalis III as well as the expansions In Nomine and Napoleons Ambition Europa Universalis III delves deeply into the areas of exploration, trade, warfare and diplomacy.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 59.9% ★, Historical 20.6%, Strategy 14.6%, Simulation 1.4%, RTS 1.2%

Attack at Dawn is a WWII strategy game that mixes the ease of real-time action with the depth of operational gameplay, all on beautifully crafted North Africa maps. Plan your strategy like Rommel or Montgomery and better the real history.

Why similar: World War II 34.6% ★, Grand Strategy 23.1% ★, Historical 12.4%, Wargame 10.7%, Strategy 8.3%

A turn-based WWI Grand Strategy game. Rush to field new modern weaponry and survive the horrendous attrition battles. Join the global conflict between the Great Powers of the age and forge a new world order for freedom or tyranny.

Why similar: World War I 30.3% ★, Grand Strategy 25.2% ★, Historical 12.8%, Wargame 12%, Strategy 8.8%

War in the East 2 is the most comprehensive, most realistic, and most advanced wargame modeling Eastern Front warfare in World War Two.

Why similar: World War II 38.2% ★, Wargame 20.1%, Strategy 18.3%, Historical 11%, Simulation 6.5%

Company of Heroes®: Tales of Valor™ is the expansion to the Game of the Year winner and highest rated real time strategy franchise Company of Heroes®. Featuring new campaigns to overcome, units to command, and battlefields to conquer, Company of Heroes®: Tales of Valor™ delivers evolved gameplay mechanics and 3 episodic adventures...

Why similar: World War II 54.1% ★, Strategy 20.9%, RTS 10.6%, Military 7.3%, Historical 2.8%

Europa Universalis Rome Gold combines the epic strategy title Europa Universalis Rome with the expansion pack Vae Victis. Experience one of the most defining periods in world history in an experience crafted by the masters of Grand Strategy.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 56% ★, Strategy 21.8%, Historical 20.3%, Simulation 1.9%