Games Like Hearts of Iron 2 Complete

Developed by a team of experienced modders from the Paradox forum, Darkest Hour is a stand-alone Hearts of Iron game. The game features a mixture of short and in-depth campaigns set across the darkest chapters of the 20th century. Play from the outbreak of the Great War up until the onset of the Cold War.

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: This is the definitive community-improved version of the Hearts of Iron 2 engine, offering deeper historical accuracy and expanded scenarios.

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 42.5% ★, Strategy 31.8%, World War II 25.7% ★

Why You'll Like It: Built directly upon the Hearts of Iron 2 engine, this title refines the logistics and production systems for a more polished experience.

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: Grand Strategy 35.1% ★, World War II 33.2% ★, Strategy 16.1%, Historical 13.2%, RTS 2.4%

Why You'll Like It: The modern evolution of the series, providing a more accessible yet still deeply complex grand strategy experience for the WWII era.

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: Grand Strategy 40.6% ★, World War II 33.7% ★, Strategy 13.3%, Historical 11.3%, RTS 1.2%

Why You'll Like It: The direct successor to the second game, it significantly increases the complexity of military command and historical simulation.

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

Why similar: Grand Strategy 38.7% ★, World War II 35.8% ★, Strategy 20.1%, Historical 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers an unparalleled level of operational-level military simulation for the Eastern Front of WWII.

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 61.3% ★, Historical 19.2%, Strategy 17.3%, RTS 2.2%

Why You'll Like It: Sharing the same core engine DNA as Hearts of Iron 2, this game offers deep political and economic simulation in a historical setting.

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 41.1% ★, Strategy 38.8%, Grand Strategy 20.1% ★

Why You'll Like It: It provides a classic hex-based grand strategy experience that captures the global scope and logistical challenges of the war.

Rule your land and dominate the world with unparalleled freedom, depth and historical accuracy. Write a new history of the world and build an empire for the ages.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 57% ★, Historical 24%, Strategy 19%

Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for Paradox grand strategy, offering a massive historical scope and complex diplomatic systems.

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 43.1% ★, World War II 28.9% ★, Strategy 12.2%, Historical 9.5%, RTS 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: This title combines global-scale grand strategy with real-time military management across multiple historical eras.

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 39.2% ★, Strategy 20.8%, Historical 20.3%, World War II 19.8% ★

Why You'll Like It: A more streamlined grand strategy game that focuses on global conquest and historical map management.

Strategic Command WWII: War in Europe is a deeply immersive turn based strategy game covering the greatest conflict in modern history!

Why similar: Strategy 64.2%, World War II 35.8% ★

Why You'll Like It: A refined, turn-based grand strategy game that focuses on the European theater with excellent logistical depth.

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 76.6% ★, Strategy 23.4%

Why You'll Like It: A massive, detailed simulation focusing on the Western Front, perfect for players who crave extreme historical depth.

Paradox Development Studio invites you to build your ideal society in the tumult of the exciting and transformative 19th century. Balance the competing interests in your society and earn your place in the sun in Victoria 3, one of the most anticipated games in Paradox’s history.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 59.6% ★, Historical 23.2%, Strategy 17.2%

Why You'll Like It: A modern grand strategy title that emphasizes the complex socio-economic management found in the deeper Paradox games.

Explore one of the defining periods in world history in an experience crafted by the masters of Grand Strategy.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 73.7% ★, Historical 13%, Strategy 12.5%, RTS 0.8%

Why You'll Like It: While set in the medieval period, it shares the intense, character-driven political simulation that defines the Paradox grand strategy style.

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 36.1% ★, Grand Strategy 34.7% ★, Historical 15.2%, Strategy 14%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a focused grand strategy experience centered on the economic and military aspects of WWII.

Explore a galaxy full of wonders in this sci-fi grand strategy game from Paradox Development Studios. Interact with diverse alien races, discover strange new worlds with unexpected events and expand the reach of your empire. Each new adventure holds almost limitless possibilities.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 74.2% ★, Strategy 25.8%

Why You'll Like It: This game translates the Paradox grand strategy formula into a space-faring setting, maintaining the same UI and management depth.

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 37.8% ★, Grand Strategy 29.5% ★, Strategy 20.8%, Historical 11.9%

Why You'll Like It: A modern take on the classic hex-based wargame, offering deep tactical and strategic decision-making for WWII battles.

You take the part of the military and political leadership, trying to lead your nation to victory, in the midst of some of the toughest operations of the Civil War. You will build, organize and command your armies over one of the largest maps of the USA ever made for a Civil War game.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 39.2% ★, Strategy 36.3%, Historical 24.5%

Why You'll Like It: Developed by Matrix Games, this title provides a deep, turn-based historical simulation of the American Civil War.

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 47.6% ★, Strategy 36.7%, Historical 15.6%

Why You'll Like It: The ultimate evolution of the Eastern Front wargame, featuring refined mechanics and even greater historical detail.

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 50.9% ★, Strategy 34%, Historical 15.1%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the deep, technical, and strategic aspects of naval warfare during the early 20th century.

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 57.1% ★, Strategy 25.3%, Historical 17.6%

Why You'll Like It: A Paradox grand strategy title that focuses on the management of an ancient empire with complex internal politics.

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 41.9% ★, Grand Strategy 29.5% ★, Strategy 19.8%, Historical 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the operational level of WWII, providing a challenging and rewarding experience for fans of military logistics.

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: Strategy 45.5%, Grand Strategy 40.1% ★, RTS 14.4%

Why You'll Like It: Offers an extreme level of military simulation depth, appealing to players who enjoy the technical side of Hearts of Iron.

Shadow Empire is a deep turn-based 4X wargame with a unique blend of military focus, procedurally generated content and role-playing features. Players take the seat of the supreme ruler of a small nation, with the goal of reconquering a devastated planet.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 72.6% ★, Strategy 27.4%

Why You'll Like It: A complex, deep wargame simulation that blends 4X elements with intense logistical and military management.

Field of Glory: Empires is a grand strategy game in which you will have to move in an intricate and living tapestry of nations and tribes, each one with their distinctive culture.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 50.3% ★, Strategy 29.2%, Historical 20.5%

Why You'll Like It: A grand strategy game that balances empire management with deep historical military simulation.

Making History Gold Edition is the expanded and updated version of the original WWII grand strategy game Making History: Calm & the Storm. Command your nation and change the course of history.

Why similar: World War II 56.5% ★, Strategy 43.5%

Why You'll Like It: A classic grand strategy title that allows players to manage the global political and military landscape of the WWII era.

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: Strategy 100%

Why You'll Like It: Uses the same engine as the WWII titles to provide a deep, turn-based strategic look at the Great War.

Espiocracy is an espionage grand strategy game where you lead the intelligence agency of one of 74 playable countries. Rewrite history from the shadows as you influence ideologies, stage coups, and wage proxy wars. Subterfuge takes center stage as you establish a new world order.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 35.5% ★, World War II 31.8% ★, Historical 15.2%, Strategy 12.3%, RTS 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the intelligence and political maneuvering of the Cold War era, similar to the political depth of grand strategy games.

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 45.7% ★, World War II 31.6% ★, Strategy 16.4%, RTS 6.3%

At the height of World War 2, take command of German, Russian, British, American and Imperial Japanese armies on battelfields across the globe. Sudden Strike 2 expands on all aspects of the classic RTS game with new units, maps and epic campaigns.

Why similar: World War II 52.6% ★, Strategy 38.1%, RTS 9.3%

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 60% ★, Strategy 19.6%, Historical 19.5%, RTS 0.9%

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: Grand Strategy 38.2% ★, World War II 33.3% ★, Strategy 19.3%, Historical 9.3%

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 37.2% ★, Grand Strategy 26.3% ★, Strategy 18.1%, Historical 11.8%, RTS 6.6%

SuperPower 2 is the only global geopolitical simulation game which allows players to control entire countries. Players control countries in 3 major areas: political, economic and military, but this time, in a beautiful real-time 3D environment.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 64% ★, Strategy 36%

Strategy & Tactics: Wargame Collection is a set of three historical turn-based strategies, in which you are going to take command of the armies in the greatest Medieval wars as well as take control of countries and nations during World War II.

Why similar: Strategy 32.3%, Grand Strategy 28.3% ★, World War II 26.3% ★, Historical 13.1%

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 54% ★, Strategy 33%, Historical 13%

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 59.7% ★, Strategy 34.4%, RTS 5.9%

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: Grand Strategy 35.3% ★, World War II 32.1% ★, Historical 14.6%, Strategy 13.1%, RTS 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% ★, Strategy 33.6%, RTS 9.3%, Historical 3.2%

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 46.3% ★, Strategy 44.9%, RTS 8.8%

Use war, trade or diplomacy to satisfy your grandest ambitions and dominate five centuries of history in the newest version of Europa Universalis, Paradox Interactive's flagship historical grand strategy game.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 60.9% ★, Historical 21.2%, Strategy 17.9%

“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 53.4% ★, Strategy 30.3%, Historical 16.2%

Set in World War 2, Sudden Strike offers revolutionary real-time-strategy gameplay. Command Russian, German, French, American and British armies in large scale battles including urban warfare, beach landings and aerial invasions. Whichever tactics you choose, you will find it in Sudden Strike!

Why similar: Strategy 48.3%, World War II 42.2% ★, RTS 9.5%

Experience the hit World War 2 real-time strategy game for the first time in full 3D glory, expanding on all strategic and tactical options. Command joint operations of naval, land-based and airborne units on the largest maps in the series.

Why similar: World War II 50% ★, Strategy 42.9%, RTS 7.1%

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 52.2% ★, Strategy 34.3%, RTS 7%, Historical 6.4%

Cossacks II: Napoleonic Wars sends the player into the heroic XIX century where they assume the role of a commander to take part in the massive historical battles for the supremacy over Europe.

Why similar: Strategy 63%, Historical 25.8%, RTS 11.3%

The ultimate edition of Panzer Corps, containing hundreds of scenarios and all its expansions. Panzer Corps Gold is the culmination of the wargame that has enthralled millions of fans all around the globe, and now it’s your chance to fully experience a real classic.

Why similar: World War II 56% ★, Strategy 24.7%, Historical 10.5%, Grand Strategy 8.8% ★

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.

Why similar: Strategy 56.7%, World War II 32.2% ★, Historical 6.1%, RTS 5%

Crisis in the Kremlin is a global real-time political strategy about the Socialist world in its final decade. Shape the fate of the world as you manage economy, foreign relations, and domestic policy. Engage with countries across the globe, using diplomacy or even proxy wars to expand your reach.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 52.8% ★, Historical 25.5%, Strategy 21.7%

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!

Why similar: World War II 35.9% ★, Grand Strategy 32% ★, Strategy 18.1%, Historical 10.9%, RTS 3.2%

Command armies, manage resources, and build an empire in this real-time strategy wargame from Longbow Games. Will Rome fulfil its destiny to rule the ancient world or will history be rewritten to forge a new Etruscan, Gallic, or Greek hegemony!

Why similar: Grand Strategy 38.9% ★, Strategy 30.2%, Historical 24%, RTS 6.8%

Aggression is a military real-time strategy game set within a historic context featuring role-playing elements. Play the role of a political leader of Russia, Great Britain, France or Germany. It is up to you to take firm decisions at the crucial period of the European history – the World Wars ages covering 1914 – 1945.

Why similar: Strategy 100%

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 53.7% ★, Strategy 28%, Historical 18.4%

Become the king and fight over Europe in this fresh take on medieval real-time grand strategy. Manage provinces, gather armies, initiate diplomacy, and dabble in espionage. The path is open: become the true Sovereign of your people and bring them to glory.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 51.7% ★, Strategy 29.3%, Historical 12.1%, RTS 6.9%

Love, fight, scheme, and claim greatness. Determine your noble house’s legacy in the sprawling grand strategy of Crusader Kings III. Death is only the beginning as you guide your dynasty’s bloodline in the rich and larger-than-life simulation of the Middle Ages.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 51.1% ★, Strategy 23.9%, Historical 20.2%, RTS 4.8%

Europe is in turmoil. The lands are fragmented into petty fiefs and the Emperor struggles with the Pope. At this very moment the Pope has declared that those who go to liberate the Holy Land will be freed of all sins. Gather prestige and piety and the world will whisper your name in awe.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 53.9% ★, Strategy 34.4%, Historical 11.7%

The next chapter in the #1 rated RTS franchise thrusts players into a hellish war torn landscape to command two battle-hardened armies in relentless campaigns for honor and country. Players lead the tenacious British 2nd Army during the heroic World War II liberation of Caen, France, and command the German Panzer Elite as they struggle...

Why similar: World War II 46.8% ★, Strategy 38.4%, RTS 10.2%, Historical 4.6%

Cossacks II: Battle for Europe is a standalone add-on for "Cossacks II: Napoleonic Wars" presenting new nations with the possibility to wage multiplayer battles.

Why similar: Strategy 65%, Historical 25.4%, RTS 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 53.2% ★, Strategy 27.4%, Historical 13.1%, RTS 6.3%