Games Like Hearts of Iron III

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 29.5% ★, Grand Strategy 28% ★, Historical 10%, Real-Time with Pause 7.5% ★, Strategy 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: The direct successor to the series, offering a more accessible but equally deep grand strategy experience with modern quality-of-life improvements.

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

Why You'll Like It: Widely considered the definitive classic experience for fans of the Hearts of Iron formula, featuring immense historical detail.

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 47.8% ★, World War II 32.2% ★, Strategy 20%

Why You'll Like It: A refined, community-driven iteration of the Hearts of Iron engine that focuses on industrial and military optimization.

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 48.9% ★, Historical 14.5%, Real-Time with Pause 12.7% ★, Strategy 7.7%, Military 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: Shares the same complex engine and era-appropriate depth, focusing on the intricate economic and political simulation of the 19th century.

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 37.4% ★, Real-Time with Pause 17.8% ★, Historical 14.9%, Military 8.9%, Strategy 7%

Why You'll Like It: The quintessential Paradox grand strategy experience, offering vast historical scope and intricate diplomatic systems.

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 44.6% ★, Strategy 17.3%, Historical 12.4%, Wargame 8.7%, Simulation 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for operational-level WWII simulation, offering a level of logistical and military depth that surpasses even Hearts of Iron III.

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 50.1% ★, Strategy 23.8%, Grand Strategy 22% ★, Wargame 4%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a perfect balance between grand strategy diplomacy and theater-level military decision-making.

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 30.1% ★, Grand Strategy 19.1% ★, Real-Time with Pause 10.5% ★, Historical 8.1%, Military 8%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a tactical-level perspective on the Eastern Front that complements the grand strategy focus of the Hearts of Iron series.

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 35.9% ★, Grand Strategy 25.2% ★, Strategy 9.9%, Historical 9.7%, Military 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: A highly polished turn-based wargame that captures the essence of WWII military operations without the overwhelming complexity of a grand strategy title.

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 28.3% ★, World War II 21.2% ★, Real-Time with Pause 14.9% ★, Military 8%, Historical 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: A massive geopolitical simulation that allows players to manage a nation from the pre-WWII era through the modern day.

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

Why similar: Grand Strategy 70.4% ★, Historical 11.8%, Strategy 6.7%, Real-Time with Pause 5.4% ★, Simulation 2%

Why You'll Like It: While set in the medieval period, it offers the same deep, character-driven grand strategy simulation that Paradox fans appreciate.

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 57.8% ★, Strategy 12.2%, War 10.8%, Wargame 8.5%, Simulation 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: A deep, procedural grand strategy game that emphasizes the logistical and military management challenges found in complex wargames.

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 60.1% ★, Simulation 15.5%, Strategy 9.2%, War 8.4%, Wargame 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: An incredibly detailed simulation of the Western Front that rewards players who enjoy managing every aspect of a military campaign.

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% ★, Historical 16.7%, Strategy 14.2%, Simulation 4.2%, Real-Time with Pause 3% ★

Why You'll Like It: Combines grand strategy with provincial management and military control in the ancient world.

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 44.3% ★, Historical 16.3%, Real-Time with Pause 15.8% ★, Strategy 7.2%, Military 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: A modern evolution of the economic and political grand strategy genre, focusing on the societal shifts of the industrial age.

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 40.5% ★, World War II 31.2% ★, Strategy 8.2%, Wargame 6.3%, War 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: A streamlined but expansive grand strategy game that allows for rapid global conquest and diplomatic maneuvering.

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 40.4% ★, Grand Strategy 25.5% ★, Strategy 9.6%, Historical 7.2%, Military 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses heavily on the operational and logistical challenges of WWII, requiring careful supply line management to succeed.

Complete your Total War collection with this Definitive Edition of Total War: NAPOLEON, which includes all DLC and feature updates since the game’s release

Why similar: Grand Strategy 36.9% ★, Historical 24.7%, Strategy 16.5%, Military 7.5%, War 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: Blends turn-based grand strategy with real-time tactical battles, perfect for those who want to command armies on the field.

Spanning the most turbulent era in Western history, your quest for territory and power takes you through Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and even onto the shores of the New World.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 40% ★, Historical 20%, Strategy 17.1%, War 7%, Military 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: A classic title that successfully merges large-scale map strategy with iconic real-time tactical battles.

Men of War: Assault Squad 2 expands the real-time tactics series with new skirmish missions, massive multiplayer battles, enhanced visuals, improved AI, and full Direct Control. Command five factions across 65 maps, 250 vehicles, and 200 soldiers in one of the most detailed WWII RTS experiences.

Why similar: World War II 49.1% ★, Strategy 14.3%, Military 9%, Historical 7.8%, War 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: Provides an intense, tactical WWII experience that emphasizes individual unit control and realistic combat mechanics.

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 32.2% ★, Grand Strategy 27.7% ★, Historical 11.5%, Military 7.4%, Strategy 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the economic and diplomatic aspects of the global conflict, providing a different perspective on the WWII era.

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 54.2% ★, Real-Time with Pause 15.5% ★, Strategy 10.6%, Military 6.6%, Sandbox 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: Applies the Paradox grand strategy formula to a sci-fi setting, focusing on empire management and technological progression.

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 56% ★, Strategy 10.1%, Military 10%, RTS 6.3%, War 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: A tactical WWII game that prioritizes historical accuracy and realistic unit interactions in a real-time setting.

Command the seas, control the land, forge a new nation, and conquer the globe.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 38.3% ★, Historical 21.9%, Strategy 16.3%, Military 12.5%, War 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on global empire management and naval warfare during the age of enlightenment.

“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 50.1% ★, Strategy 16%, Historical 14.5%, Real-Time with Pause 14.1% ★, Simulation 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: A focused grand strategy title that concentrates on the military and diplomatic struggle of the Napoleonic Wars.

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 13.7%, Historical 11.1%, Military 8.7%, War 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: A classic real-time tactical wargame that emphasizes historical unit accuracy and combined-arms warfare.

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 58.3% ★, Strategy 12.9%, Historical 9.3%, Grand Strategy 8.2% ★, Wargame 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: The classic turn-based wargame that set the standard for accessible yet deep WWII military strategy.

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 54.3% ★, Historical 18%, Strategy 8.9%, War 5.1%, Wargame 4.7%

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 44.4% ★, Historical 17.1%, Strategy 14.4%, Military 9.6%, War 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: A deep historical grand strategy game that features unique management mechanics and a focus on long-term empire stability.

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 35.9% ★, World War II 20.2% ★, Historical 17.6%, Strategy 10.7%, War 7.4%

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 53.3% ★, Strategy 17.6%, Military 8.6%, Historical 5.6%, RTS 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: The original tactical RTS that introduced the series' signature focus on realistic combat and unit management.

Use your power as a Feudal Lord to unite the land of the Rising Sun under your iron fist.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 50.5% ★, Historical 20%, Strategy 16.1%, Real-Time with Pause 7.7% ★, Simulation 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: An early Paradox title that focuses on clan management and military control in feudal Japan.

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 54.1% ★, Historical 16.7%, Real-Time with Pause 13.6% ★, Strategy 9.9%, Sandbox 2%

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

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: Grand Strategy 24.9% ★, World War II 23.6% ★, Real-Time with Pause 13.7% ★, Historical 10.1%, Military 7.3%

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 25.7% ★, Grand Strategy 25.4% ★, Real-Time with Pause 10.4% ★, Historical 9.9%, Military 6.1%

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 38.1% ★, World War II 37.1% ★, Strategy 10.8%, Historical 8.8%, Simulation 3.9%

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 49.9% ★, Strategy 15.3%, Military 9.8%, Historical 8.1%, War 7.2%

Take over the control of one of the mighty nations during the times of World War 2 in this persisting long-term strategy game. Conquer provinces, forge alliances and build up your economy in real-time. Research top secret weapons of World War 2 and become the one true superpower!

Why similar: World War II 33.4% ★, Grand Strategy 26.7% ★, Historical 8.6%, Strategy 8.4%, Military 7.8%

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: Grand Strategy 37.7% ★, Historical 16.6%, Strategy 14.5%, Military 10.1%, RTS 6.6%

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 39.9% ★, World War II 36.1% ★, Strategy 15.7%, Historical 8.2%

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 38.9% ★, Real-Time with Pause 13.5% ★, Historical 11.8%, Military 9.9%, Strategy 7.8%

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

Why similar: World War II 37.7% ★, Grand Strategy 36.5% ★, Strategy 10.6%, Wargame 5.4%, Historical 4.8%

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

Why similar: World War II 31.8% ★, Grand Strategy 30.9% ★, Historical 10.1%, Military 8.8%, War 4.4%

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 42.8% ★, Historical 16.1%, Real-Time with Pause 12.5% ★, Strategy 11.2%, War 4.8%

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: Strategy 27.9%, Military 27.2%, RTS 14.7%, Wargame 9.8%, War 8.4%

Return to the bloody battlefields of World War II in this epic sequel. Blitzkrieg 2 returns you to the gritty realism of WWII battles while pushing your focus into new, strategic opportunities during global war!

Why similar: World War II 55.8% ★, Strategy 12.1%, Historical 9.5%, Military 8.2%, RTS 5.7%

Delivering a visceral WWII gaming experience, Company of Heroes redefines RTS by bringing the sacrifice of heroic soldiers, war-ravaged environments, and dynamic battlefields to life. Please visit the "Company of Heroes - Legacy Edition" page for additional user reviews.

Why similar: World War II 60.8% ★, Strategy 12.5%, RTS 7.1%, War 6.3%, Military 5.7%

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: Military 23.4%, Historical 22.3%, Strategy 13.3%, War 11.9%, Wargame 11.5%

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 51.5% ★, Real-Time with Pause 19% ★, Strategy 17.7%, Historical 11.8%

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: Grand Strategy 34.7% ★, World War II 21.9% ★, Historical 11.5%, Strategy 8.3%, Military 7.1%

An alien invasion has fractured humanity into seven ideological factions each with a unique vision for the future. Lead your chosen faction to take control of Earth’s nations, expand across the Solar System, and battle enemy fleets in tactical combat.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 34.3% ★, Real-Time with Pause 17.2% ★, Historical 13.7%, Military 9.2%, Strategy 6.8%

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 58.9% ★, Strategy 18.5%, War 7.9%, Simulation 7.7%, Military 3.7%

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 44.4% ★, Historical 14.6%, War 8.9%, Strategy 8.4%, Military 7.7%

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 50.6% ★, Strategy 14%, Grand Strategy 12.7% ★, Historical 10%, Wargame 5.3%

Experience one war through two epic sagas where you will be a part of history or change it. Feel the power of the historically authentic and decisive battles of the Pacific War. Relive some of the grandest and most critical naval battles of recent history and for the first time, choose to lead your fleet to a completely different ending...

Why similar: World War II 66.8% ★, Strategy 10.6%, Military 6.7%, Historical 5.6%, RTS 3.3%

Delivering a visceral WWII gaming experience, Company of Heroes redefines RTS by bringing the sacrifice of heroic soldiers, war-ravaged environments, and dynamic battlefields to life. This legacy version also grants access to the latest version of COH, just called "Company of Heroes".

Why similar: World War II 55.7% ★, Strategy 12.6%, Military 9.4%, Historical 7.4%, RTS 7%

Take command in Europe's greatest 18th-century war. Equip & customize regiments, manage supplies, and engage in brutal real-time battles across procedural campaigns. Resources and replacements are scarce, and keeping your best men alive may matter more than any single victory.

Why similar: Historical 29.6%, Military 20.2%, Strategy 14.7%, War 13.3%, RTS 8.7%

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: Military 28.7%, Strategy 26.8%, RTS 13.3%, Wargame 8.1%, War 6.5%

Take command of the Union or the Confederacy. Prepare your nation for war, recruit and organize great armies and fleets under legendary commanders like Grant, Lee, Jackson or Farragut, plan cunning maneuvers on an epic campaign map and defeat your enemies in real-time battles!

Why similar: Grand Strategy 40.7% ★, Historical 22.3%, Strategy 21.2%, War 6.9%, RTS 5.1%