Games Like DEFCON

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.

Why similar: Cold War 18.9% ★, Wargame 16.7%, RTS 13.9%, PvP 11.4%, Military 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: An expanded version of the original ICBM that adds more depth to the nuclear arms race and global tactical combat.

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.

Why similar: Cold War 34.8% ★, RTS 17.2%, Military 17%, Tactical 13.5%, PvP 11.4%

Why You'll Like It: This is the closest gameplay experience to DEFCON, focusing on global nuclear strategy, missile management, and the inevitable destruction of the enemy.

FIRST STRIKE is a fast paced real time strategy game where you play one of the twelve biggest nuclear superpowers of the world – from known superpowers like the USA to an upstart hellraiser like North Korea – and try to be the last one remaining when the whole world blows to smithereens.

Why similar: Cold War 22.7% ★, Diplomacy 15.1% ★, Wargame 11.1%, RTS 11.1%, Military 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: Features a similar minimalist aesthetic and global map interface while focusing entirely on the tension of nuclear brinkmanship.

Touch the world with your fingertips! Your retro terminal awaits your command, for the balance of power, in this definitive Cold War strategy game. Here you belong; assert your leadership through turn based strategic tit-for-tat, on the brink of mutually assured destruction. Don't let it slip away!

Why similar: Cold War 45.6% ★, Wargame 19.7%, Military 15.2%, Strategy 6.5%, PvP 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: Captures the political paranoia and Cold War-era suspicion that defines the atmosphere of DEFCON.

A game of diplomacy and war in the atomic age. Safeguard your closest allies and change unfavorable regimes without giving away your long-term ambitions. Every action risks an enemy reprisal, and if nobody backs down from a standoff, we all lose.

Why similar: Cold War 37% ★, Diplomacy 24.1% ★, Tactical 13.3%, Strategy 8.7%, Wargame 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: A political simulation that focuses on the delicate balance of power and the terrifying countdown to nuclear war.

Realistic, immersive, breathtaking. WARNO is the ultimate World War III battle simulator from the masters of strategy, Eugen Systems. A Cold War turns decisively hot as you command hundreds of units on a beautiful and brutal battlefield. Outsmart, outfight, and lead your forces to total victory.

Why similar: Cold War 25.1% ★, Wargame 16.8%, Military 14.7%, RTS 13.4%, Tactical 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: A modern successor to the Wargame series that brings high-fidelity tactical combat to the Cold War setting.

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.

Why similar: Cold War 21.9% ★, RTS 20.2%, Military 16.6%, Wargame 13.8%, Tactical 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for Cold War tactical RTS, offering deep unit management and large-scale military engagements.

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: World War II 16.4% ★, Wargame 15%, Tactical 14.7%, Military 14.4%, Cold War 14% ★

Why You'll Like It: Offers a massive global scale for Cold War strategy, allowing players to manage entire nations during the height of the conflict.

Spiritual Successor to the Microprose Classic “Red Storm Rising”.

Why similar: Cold War 53.9% ★, Military 20.3%, Tactical 12.9%, Strategy 8.7%, Multiplayer 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the high-tension, claustrophobic nature of Cold War submarine warfare, mirroring the paranoia found in DEFCON.

Nuclear war simulator is a detailed realistic simulation and visualization of large-scale nuclear conflicts with a focus on humanitarian consequences. It lets you design conflict scenarios and estimate the consequences using a population density map and realistic weapons effects.

Why similar: Wargame 28.1%, RTS 25.5%, Military 21.7%, Management 10.6%, Difficult 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: Provides the most realistic and chilling simulation of the nuclear exchange mechanics that DEFCON players find so compelling.

Master grand tactical combat as a Cold War force commander in this data-rich simulation. Plan and issue orders in asynchronous WEGO turns, leveraging real-world maps and complex features like Electronic Warfare and Air Assaults to outthink your enemy.

Why similar: Cold War 46.4% ★, Wargame 32.7%, Strategy 10.3%, Top-Down 9.2%, Singleplayer 1.5%

Why You'll Like It: A deeply tactical wargame that focuses on the specific challenges of command and control during the Cold War.

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.

Why similar: Cold War 28.5% ★, RTS 17.7%, Military 16.9%, Wargame 11.1%, Tactical 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A classic entry in the Wargame series that excels at portraying the tactical complexity of Cold War military maneuvers.

Command: Modern Operations is the next generation in cross-domain modern wargaming. It enables you to simulate every military engagement from post World War II to the present day and beyond. The scale is primarily tactical/operational, although strategic scale operations are also possible.

Why similar: Military 35.7%, Wargame 25.2%, RTS 18.6%, Strategy 8.4%, Difficult 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: The ultimate high-fidelity military simulation for players who want to manage Cold War-era assets with extreme precision.

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.

Why similar: Cold War 33.2% ★, Wargame 19.2%, RTS 15.3%, Tactical 14.2%, Military 11.2%

Why You'll Like It: An excellent tactical RTS that emphasizes the movement and management of military units during a hypothetical Cold War conflict.

The New Fatal Error DLC includes a new 5-mission Operation and touch-screen controls.

Why similar: Cold War 29.7% ★, RTS 19.1%, Military 16.3%, Wargame 14.4%, Strategy 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: The foundational title of the Wargame series, focusing on the tension of a potential NATO vs. Warsaw Pact conflict.

Defend America from an alternate-universe America using state-of-the-art 1980s military hardware in this intricate and tactical turn-based strategy game.

Why similar: Cold War 38.4% ★, Wargame 20.6%, Military 19.9%, Tactical 15.8%, Strategy 4%

Why You'll Like It: Captures the 1980s Cold War aesthetic and tactical feel through a unique turn-based perspective.

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 24.4% ★, RTS 17.1%, Military 15.1%, Wargame 11.9%, Tactical 11.6%

Why You'll Like It: Provides intense tactical combat and a focus on military realism that appeals to fans of the Wargame series.

Brings the simultaneous turn-based strategy genre up-to-date and lets you give detailed, accurate orders to your squad.

Why similar: Tactical 56.6%, Strategy 19.1%, Multiplayer 10.6%, Top-Down 8.2%, Difficult 4%

Why You'll Like It: Shares the minimalist, tactical, and high-stakes feel of DEFCON through its asynchronous multiplayer gameplay.

A sardonic take on nationalism and the Cold War though a minimalist and fast paced RTS. Scheme your way through a highly replayable campaign, or conduct some "diplomacy" on your "friends" in multiplayer.

Why similar: Diplomacy 24.4% ★, Cold War 23.1% ★, Wargame 16.1%, RTS 14.3%, Tactical 12.5%

Why You'll Like It: A modern take on nuclear strategy that emphasizes the destructive power and global reach of modern arsenals.

Door Kickers is an innovative realtime strategy game that puts you in charge of a SWAT team and lets you command them during a tactical intervention.

Why similar: Tactical 47.3%, Top-Down 11.6%, Strategy 10.8%, RTS 10.5%, Co-op 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: Emphasizes tactical planning and execution, requiring the same level of careful preparation found in high-stakes strategy games.

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 34.4% ★, RTS 20.1%, Military 14.3%, Tactical 10.9%, Wargame 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on tactical depth and unit management in a realistic military setting.

Cold War turns hot in 1953: massive hex strategy with nukes, supply, and sabotage.

Why similar: Cold War 33.4% ★, Wargame 21.9%, Military 15.2%, Diplomacy 13.1% ★, Top-Down 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: A grand strategy game that explores the specific geopolitical tensions of the early Cold War.

Take command of your hand-tailored fleet of space warships and use realistic radar, electronic warfare, advanced movement controls in 3D space, and precision targeting to outmaneuver and outwit your opponents in a simulation-heavy tactical space game like no other.

Why similar: Diplomacy 19% ★, World War II 17% ★, Military 12.5%, Tactical 12.2%, RTS 11.1%

Why You'll Like It: Features high-tension, long-range tactical combat that requires careful management of sensor data and weapon systems.

A unique and deeply engaging political/military strategic simulation from the creator of Plague Inc. Balance competing civilian and military priorities and deal with a deadly insurgency in order to stabilise a war-torn country.

Why similar: Diplomacy 26% ★, Tactical 15.4%, Military 14.4%, RTS 12.1%, Co-op 11%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the strategic management of conflict and the political fallout of military intervention.

Use the radio to give commands to the soldiers on the battlefield. Keep track of the situation based on their voice reports only. Lead US platoons to clash with Vietcong in a realistic, innovative approach to the RTS genre. Make hard choices in a narrative driven experience, and face the outcome.

Why similar: Cold War 24.8% ★, Wargame 14.3%, Military 11.9%, RTS 11.5%, Strategy RPG 10.8%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the tension of command and the difficulty of managing a conflict through limited information and communication.

A tactical immersive sim. You are underground with nothing but missiles. Design ballistic weapons, hunt billion-dollar radars with 20,000-dollar drones, flood the enemy with cruise missiles, or reach hypersonic technology. Welcome to asymmetric war.

Why similar: Cold War 32.8% ★, Wargame 20.4%, Military 17.7%, Immersive Sim 11.3%, Difficult 7%

A new type of RTS with elements from 4X, Wargame, and Real-Time Tactics. Draw commands and execute a superior strategy to defeat your opponent, focusing on high-level decisions rather than constant micromanagement.

Why similar: Cold War 22.8% ★, RTS 18.9%, Wargame 13.6%, PvP 13.1%, Co-op 12.5%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, global-scale RTS that focuses on territory control and strategic movement.

Cuban Missile Crisis is a real-time strategy game combined with a global turn-based tactical mode, thrusting gamers into a world ravaged by the military-political confrontation between the USA and USSR in 1962.

Why similar: Cold War 43.7% ★, RTS 30.6%, Strategy 25.7%

Why You'll Like It: A direct thematic match that focuses on the most iconic nuclear standoff of the Cold War era.

Broken Arrow is a large-scale real-time modern warfare tactics game that combines the complexity of joint-forces wargaming with action-packed real-time tactics gameplay.

Why similar: Wargame 27.5%, RTS 20.9%, Tactical 15.6%, Military 10%, PvP 9.6%

"You are outgunned. You are massively outnumbered. You must win." These are your orders. Humanity has already fought its war against the machines -- and lost. AI death squads stand watch over every planet and every wormhole, the few remaining human settlements are held captive in orbiting bubbles, and the AIs have turned their...

Why similar: RTS 28.2%, Strategy 26.8%, Co-op 14.7%, Tactical 13.6%, Difficult 10.3%

Why You'll Like It: A global-scale strategy game where the player must outsmart an overwhelming AI, mirroring the defensive struggle of DEFCON.

'83 is a 40v40 squad based, objective focused online tactical first person shooter set in a Cold-War-Gone-Hot scenario. It's designed with 'accessible realism' for the most enjoyable, but still hardcore experience that gets you to the action fast, without losing the lethality of war.

Why similar: Cold War 36.5% ★, Military 16.3%, Tactical 15.3%, Wargame 14.5%, PvP 11.2%

Firefight is a World War II real-time simulation game similar in style to the old Close Combat series but brought up to date with better AI, individual soldier modelling, a faster frame rate to give more intense and realistic combat and an easy to use command interface.

Why similar: World War II 22.3% ★, Wargame 15.8%, RTS 13.3%, Tactical 13.1%, Military 10.4%

Why You'll Like It: A tactical wargame that prioritizes military realism and unit-level decision-making.

Tempelhof, Berlin, dawn of 8th April 1949.A major armed conflict is brewing between the Western powers and the Soviet bloc. The Red Army has been growing ever stronger since the end of World War II. With the growth of their army the Soviets realize that they hold the advantage, and are only waiting for the right moment to attack.

Why similar: Cold War 35.2% ★, RTS 31%, Tactical 14.4%, Strategy 11.6%, Multiplayer 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: An RTS that brings the Cold War conflict to life with a focus on unit-based tactical combat.

Addictive yet chill. An immersive Cold War sandbox. Revive the Cold War in this classic strategy game—easy to pick up, yet challenging and deep, offering endless replayability.

Why similar: Cold War 32.7% ★, Wargame 19%, Military 18.3%, PvP 12.5%, Top-Down 5.9%

Experience warfare like never before! Men of War II, the anticipated sequel to the highly acclaimed RTS franchise is here with all-new units, locations, campaigns, game modes and true trademarks of the series: historical fidelity and action-filled gameplay on the Eastern and Western Fronts of WWII.

Why similar: World War II 17.4% ★, Wargame 11.7%, RTS 11.4%, Online Co-Op 10.4%, Military 9.7%

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!

Why similar: Cold War 32.4% ★, Wargame 16.7%, RTS 16.6%, PvP 13.1%, Military 11.3%

CM Cold War is set in the tipping-point years of a conflict that gripped the world for 45 years. Between 1979-1982, both the NATO and Soviet Warsaw Pact militaries began the shift away from industrialized warfare of the early 20th century and towards the modern digital battlefield of today.

Why similar: Wargame 27%, Military 20.1%, Tactical 16.5%, Cold War 13% ★, PvP 11.1%

The gameplay is inspired by famous last stands from some of history's deadliest conflicts, such as the Second World War and the Sino-Japanese War. A hybrid of Tower Defense and Real-Time Strategy with a lot of replay value.

Why similar: World War II 26.8% ★, RTS 19.8%, Wargame 17.8%, Tactical 11.8%, Military 11.3%

ST brings the most intense, tactical-action experience to Steam. Select your custom loadout, plan out strategies and accomplish your objectives. Addictive Survival mode and unrivaled multiplayer including Squads (1 vs 1, 2 vs 2, 2 vs 1)

Why similar: Tactical 20.2%, Online Co-Op 18.2%, PvP 17.3%, Co-op 13.6%, RTS 11.1%

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.

Why similar: Cold War 63.2% ★, Tactical 19.6%, Strategy 10.3%, Multiplayer 4.7%, Singleplayer 2.2%

War Selection is a compelling RTS game featuring base building, resource extraction and warfare. Evolve from a stone age tribe to a distinct industrial nation with unique game mechanics and battle for supremacy with dozens of players on a unique procedurally generated map.

Why similar: RTS 25.7%, Military 17.3%, Online Co-Op 13.4%, Multiplayer 10.4%, Strategy 10.2%

A turn-based strategy game where you can experience WWII campaigns and explore alternate history scenarios made by the community.

Why similar: Cold War 25% ★, Diplomacy 19.5% ★, World War II 17.5% ★, Wargame 14.8%, Military 12.1%

Command the sky in a tense real-time strategy simulation where you manage a nation's air defenses. Analyze radar contacts, scramble interceptor jets, and make split-second decisions to protect your airspace from hostile threats.

Why similar: Cold War 47% ★, Wargame 21.9%, RTS 15.2%, Strategy 6.3%, Top-Down 5.7%

Battlefield Commander WWII is a real-time tactical game where you lead the soldiers and vehicles that battled across the globe during this time in history. Play hundreds of unique units across multiple game modes.

Why similar: World War II 22.7% ★, Wargame 15.9%, RTS 15.3%, Military 11.3%, Tactical 10.6%

Strategic Command WWII: War in the Pacific is a turn-based strategy game. It offers a comprehensive experience of the Pacific Theater, challenging you to achieve victory in one of history's greatest conflicts.

Why similar: Wargame 27.2%, World War II 26% ★, Military 16.3%, Strategy 11.7%, PvP 9.6%

A one-of-a-kind real-time strategy game that allows players to bluff their enemies to lead their nation to victory. The Definitive Edition — includes all DLCs and Steam Deck support.

Why similar: World War II 41.8% ★, RTS 31.9%, Strategy 15.5%, Multiplayer 9.3%, Singleplayer 1.5%

The ultimate mash-up of Real-time Strategy and Tower Defense!

Why similar: Strategy 32.2%, Difficult 22.1%, RTS 20%, Top-Down 13.9%, 2D 6.6%

Hex of Steel is a refreshing WWII wargame covering all fronts featuring a certain amount of original mechanics. Fight in solo against finally a decent AI throughout Europe, Africa or the Pacific, or against a friend in the cross-platform PBEM or real time multiplayer. Coop is also an option!

Why similar: World War II 27.3% ★, Wargame 19.2%, Military 17.8%, PvP 12.7%, Top-Down 6.9%

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 30.7% ★, RTS 16.9%, Military 14.7%, Online Co-Op 13.1%, PvP 11.1%

As the leader of a nation, dispatch and control your team of characters all around the world to destabilize your enemies and establish your supremacy. All methods are fair game: hacking, sabotage, political interference, military strikes, corruption, treachery, assassinations, data theft…

Why similar: Diplomacy 28.6% ★, Wargame 17.7%, RTS 16.7%, Co-op 11.2%, PvP 6.9%

Blitzkrieg 3 is a WW2 RTS made for true admirers of strategic mastery! Challenge your tactical skills in historical campaigns and defeat powerful Neural Network AI in competitive matches.

Why similar: World War II 25.7% ★, RTS 15.5%, Military 15.2%, Tactical 14.1%, PvP 10.2%

You are in control of X-COM: an organization formed by the world's governments to fight the ever-increasing alien menace.

Why similar: Tactical 43.8%, Difficult 24.4%, Strategy 23.9%, Singleplayer 4%, Management 3.9%

Armored Brigade is a real-time tactical wargame, focusing on realism and playability. In Armored Brigade the Cold War has turned hot, and Europe is once again torn apart by conflict. An "Iron Curtain" divides the Western Powers gathered together under the NATO banner from the Soviet Union

Why similar: Cold War 26.1% ★, Wargame 20.3%, Tactical 16%, Strategy 14.2%, RTS 12.6%

Play the classic board game, Axis & Allies 1942 2nd Edition! Act as WWII powers in a turn-based strategy game that fits your screen and schedule— get notified on your turn and command armies at your own pace! Team up with friends, challenge the world’s top players, or go solo vs. A.I.

Why similar: World War II 24.9% ★, Wargame 20.4%, Online Co-Op 12.3%, Military 12.2%, Co-op 11.1%

Fast-paced tactical battles where every move can turn the tide. Outsmart your opponent, adapt on the fly, and turn the battle in seconds. Inspired by classic strategy games, reimagined for faster, more modern play. Play the solo campaign or challenge players worldwide in online multiplayer.

Why similar: Tactical 22%, Wargame 19.5%, PvP 18.1%, Military 16.3%, Multiplayer 9.3%

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% ★, Wargame 26%, Strategy 13.6%, Military 7%, Difficult 6.2%

Close Combat 2: A Bridge Too Far challenges you to take control of five strategic bridges in the most dramatic battle of World War II. From war-room strategy to gritty trench combat, battlefields come to life as you command Allied or Axis powers. It's a fight where every second counts.

Why similar: World War II 30.5% ★, Wargame 23.2%, Tactical 13.3%, Strategy 9.8%, RTS 8.5%

Lead your Space Commandos in a revival of turn-based squad tactics inspired by UFO/XCOM and Aliens. Utilize in-depth skill & combat systems in multiple game modes, including a full campaign. Discover the truth behind the demise of colony MC83-A and join the USC in defending humanity!

Why similar: Military 26.1%, Tactical 18.4%, Strategy RPG 17.2%, Difficult 13.1%, Multiplayer 8.9%

Command distinct factions in a desperate struggle for power and resources in Tempest Rising - a classic RTS set on Earth after a nuclear war.

Why similar: RTS 58.2%, Strategy 16.5%, Multiplayer 5.9%, Wargame 5.5%, Military 5.3%

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

Why similar: World War II 44.5% ★, Strategy RPG 20.6%, Strategy 16.1%, Wargame 14.9%, Multiplayer 2.7%