Games Like ICBM: Escalation

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 27.6% ★, RTS 21.7%, Destruction 13.3%, Military 12.7%, PvP 10.3%

Why You'll Like It: As the direct predecessor, it shares the same core focus on global nuclear strategy and real-time tactical warfare.

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: Wargame 23.6%, Cold War 20.8% ★, RTS 17.7%, Military 11.4%, War 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: A modern successor to the Wargame series that excels in high-fidelity, large-scale tactical combat.

Inspired by the 1983 cult classic film, Wargames, DEFCON superbly evokes the tension, paranoia and suspicion of the Cold War era, playing on the fascinating aspects of psychological gameplay that occur during strategic nuclear warfare.

Why similar: Cold War 18.8% ★, Wargame 16.4%, RTS 13.5%, PvP 11.7%, Military 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: This is the definitive minimalist simulation of global nuclear annihilation and strategic deterrence.

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: RTS 27.2%, Wargame 20%, Cold War 18.4% ★, Military 13.2%, Strategy 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for Cold War-era tactical wargaming with a massive library of historically accurate units.

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 31.8%, RTS 26.6%, Modern 16.4%, Military 13.4%, Management 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: It offers unparalleled realism in modeling the effects and logistics of a full-scale nuclear exchange.

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 30.9%, RTS 21.7%, Modern 13.3%, War 9%, Strategy 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on modern combined-arms warfare with deep customization and high tactical fidelity.

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 25.2% ★, Wargame 25%, RTS 18.6%, War 8.6%, Military 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: An excellent Cold War-themed tactical RTS that emphasizes unit management and maneuver warfare.

Armored Brigade II revolutionizes real-time tactical warfare in 3D, focusing on the intense combined arms combat of the Cold War era, from 1965 to 1991. Boasting a meticulously researched database and huge real-world terrain maps, this game offers an unparalleled combat simulation experience.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 24.3% ★, Wargame 22.6%, RTS 19.3%, Cold War 15.3% ★, War 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a deeply realistic simulation of Cold War combat on massive, detailed maps.

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: Wargame 27.4%, Military 21%, RTS 19.3%, Grand Strategy 11.7% ★, Modern 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: The most comprehensive simulation available for managing global military assets and modern weapon 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 24% ★, Wargame 18.6%, RTS 16%, Cold War 10.1% ★, Military 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: Combines complex grand strategy with real-time tactical control on a global scale.

Wage war across entire solar systems with massive armies at your command. Annihilate enemy forces with world-shattering TITAN-class units, and demolish planets with massive super weapons!

Why similar: RTS 26.4%, Grand Strategy 21.7% ★, PvP 9.7%, War 9.2%, Destruction 7.4%

Why You'll Like It: Captures the global, high-stakes scale of ICBM through its massive planetary RTS mechanics.

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: Wargame 43.6%, Cold War 36.3% ★, Strategy 10.6%, Top-Down 8.1%, Singleplayer 1.4%

Why You'll Like It: Delivers a gritty, realistic look at the tactical challenges of potential Cold War battles.

Carrier Command 2 is the real-time strategy game that puts you in command of a futuristic carrier capable of deploying a vast array of aircraft and amphibious units. Compete against AI or human players and hop into every single vehicle to take matters into your own hands!

Why similar: Grand Strategy 22.5% ★, Wargame 19.7%, RTS 17.8%, War 9.6%, PvP 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: Emphasizes strategic command, resource management, and long-range engagement in a maritime setting.

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 40.5% ★, War 13.9%, Military 13.7%, RTS 12.5%, Strategy 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: Offers the deep grand strategic layer required to manage global conflicts and technological development.

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 18.3% ★, Wargame 15.4%, RTS 14.3%, Destruction 8.6%, PvP 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, stylized take on nuclear warfare that focuses on global strategic 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: RTS 23.3%, Grand Strategy 20.2% ★, Wargame 17.3%, Military 12.2%, War 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A highly detailed tactical wargame that rewards historical knowledge and careful unit positioning.

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: Grand Strategy 32% ★, RTS 20.5%, Military 13.7%, War 12.2%, Multiplayer 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: Offers complex tactical combat and high-tech weapon systems in a modern, simulation-heavy environment.

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 58.7%, Strategy 13.6%, Wargame 6%, Multiplayer 5.2%, War 4.2%

Why You'll Like It: Delivers a classic RTS experience with a focus on modern warfare units and base development.

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 26.7% ★, Grand Strategy 26.5% ★, Wargame 20.2%, Military 8.5%, War 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: A unique blend of Cold War political maneuvering and military strategy that mirrors the era's tension.

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 32.5% ★, RTS 20.1%, Military 13.6%, War 12.3%, Multiplayer 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the strategic management of conflict, regional stability, and counter-insurgency.

Act of Aggression – Reboot Edition brings the techno-thriller RTS game Act of Aggression to a higher level. The Reboot Edition offers a full gameplay overhaul in skirmish mode against the AI and in your multiplayer battles.

Why similar: RTS 49.9%, Military 15.9%, Strategy 12.3%, Multiplayer 10%, War 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A modern-day RTS that emphasizes base building, resource gathering, and advanced unit technology.

The last days of man are at hand.. Two years after the Infinite War the once great warring nations now lie in ruins, and humanity’s hope for a brighter future is nothing but a bitter memory. A new, seemingly unstoppable enemy, supported by the zealots of The Order, now seeks to eradicate mankind: UEF, Aeon Loyalist, and Cybran alike.

Why similar: RTS 44.5%, Grand Strategy 24.5% ★, Strategy 12%, Multiplayer 9.4%, Co-op 4%

Why You'll Like It: The benchmark for large-scale, tech-focused real-time strategy with massive unit counts.

Call to Arms offers an innovative mix of real-time strategy and 3rd, as well as 1st person controls. Set in the time of modern warfare, the game offers realistically modeled vehicles and heavy weaponry. Command your troops to victory or fight by yourself in the 3rd or 1st person action mode.

Why similar: RTS 29.2%, Military 20.3%, Strategy 13.1%, War 12.7%, Multiplayer 10.7%

Why You'll Like It: Blends traditional RTS base management with the ability to take direct tactical control of units.

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: Grand Strategy 26.7% ★, Wargame 23.8%, Cold War 19.8% ★, RTS 19.5%, Military 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: A specialized wargame that mirrors the nuclear and strategic focus of the seed game.

Rise to power as any modern day country in a realistic military, political and economic simulation. Command your country's diplomacy, espionage, and resource management to strengthen your position. Use real-time tactical control of your military to fortify your place as the Supreme Ruler.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 22.9% ★, Wargame 19.6%, RTS 16.6%, War 9.6%, Military 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: Continues the tradition of complex, modern-day geopolitical simulation and military management.

Battle for galactic dominance in this real-time 4X strategy game with unrivaled scale! You’ll explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate through military force, diplomacy, trade, culture, influence, and other underhanded tactics.

Why similar: RTS 44.4%, PvP 16.4%, Multiplayer 13.4%, Strategy 13.2%, Co-op 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a massive, grand-scale RTS experience with deep tech trees and strategic depth.

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 25.4% ★, RTS 24.9%, Wargame 16.9%, Military 14.2%, Strategy 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: A classic entry in the Wargame series focusing on the coordination of air and ground assets.

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: RTS 31.2%, War 17.2%, Military 14.4%, Strategy 14.4%, Destruction 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: Offers granular control over individual units in intense, realistic tactical combat scenarios.

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: RTS 18.7%, Grand Strategy 17.7% ★, Wargame 14.7%, Cold War 14.3% ★, PvP 9.4%

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: Wargame 40.5%, RTS 22.8%, Strategy 14%, Military 12.4%, War 9%

Why You'll Like It: A hardcore wargame for players who demand extreme realism and complex command structures.

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: Grand Strategy 20.9% ★, Cold War 19.2% ★, Wargame 17%, RTS 15.6%, PvP 8.8%

Embark on a military strategy 4X RTS game, in a world where your battle tactics and your massive army are the keys to victory. Instant War delivers an amazing battlefield experience in a realistic military game. As a commander, you develop your military base and lead your army to victory!

Why similar: Grand Strategy 26.9% ★, Wargame 22%, Military 8.8%, Modern 7.9%, War 6.6%

Command modern military armies by zooming out and issuing orders to large formations, or zooming in to issue orders to individual squads and vehicles. Waronoi is the real-time strategy war game.

Why similar: Wargame 27.6%, RTS 24.7%, Military 11.9%, Strategy 9.5%, War 7.8%

Total Conflict: Resistance is a unique symbiosis of global strategy, tactics and first-person action. Realistic mass battles, many types of armored vehicles, weapons, uniforms, unique mechanics, immersive free gameplay. Lead any state and bring it to greatness!

Why similar: Grand Strategy 25.9% ★, Wargame 22.9%, RTS 20%, Military 11%, War 11%

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 23% ★, Wargame 22.8%, RTS 17%, Military 10.4%, War 9%

This Long Term Strategy Game lets you take control of the armed forces of your nation. Become responsible for its military expansion, technological research and economic development. Form alliances and wage total war for global dominance on the battlefields of World War 3.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 35.3% ★, Wargame 32.8%, RTS 18.5%, Strategy 9.2%, Online Co-Op 3.6%

Fly near-future aircraft with immersive physics on intense battlefields, facing land, air and sea threats. Wage war against AI or other players with an array of potent weapons. Wield tactical and strategic nuclear weapons, capable of annihilating anything in their path.

Why similar: Wargame 29.6%, Military 16.2%, Destruction 14.8%, War 13.5%, PvP 10.7%

In this real-time grand strategy game, command armies, build cities, and manage a dynamic economy. Establish automated supply routes within your territory to streamline production. Fortify your defenses and brace for intense battles. Can you lead your empire to dominance?

Why similar: Wargame 32.6%, Grand Strategy 31.1% ★, RTS 23.7%, Strategy 5.2%, Co-op 3.4%

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

Why similar: Grand Strategy 25.8% ★, Wargame 24.9%, Cold War 22% ★, Military 9.4%, War 6.9%

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

Why similar: RTS 24.5%, Cold War 23.7% ★, Wargame 19.8%, Military 12.2%, Strategy 9%

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 34%, Military 13.8%, Modern 11.8%, War 9.9%, Cold War 9.5% ★

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 25% ★, RTS 24%, Wargame 15.7%, Military 9.6%, Strategy 8.7%

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 37.7% ★, Wargame 30.3%, RTS 19%, Strategy 6.6%, Top-Down 5.2%

Terminator: Dark Fate – Defiance is not just a game; it's an adrenaline-fueled journey where your strategic prowess decides the fate of mankind against the machines. After the machines took over, the greatest threats may not come from the machines but rather from other human survivors.

Why similar: Wargame 29.6%, RTS 25.3%, Destruction 15%, Military 12.2%, Management 8.2%

International waterways become theaters of war when the world's most formidable maritime powers exchange their fatal blows. With entire fleets at your command, you must strategically deploy vessels from every class - frigate to aircraft to nuclear submarine - to maintain the precarious balance of naval power and gain position for the...

Why similar: Wargame 46.3%, RTS 31.6%, Military 9.8%, War 6.6%, Strategy 5.7%

The most devious and acclaimed artificial intelligence in strategy gaming is better than ever. A grand strategy/RTS hybrid that reverses many conventions of both genres. Take territory without attracting attention, build your empire with care, and adapt to an ever-evolving galactic battleground.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 34.1% ★, RTS 18.6%, Military 10.3%, War 8.8%, Multiplayer 7.8%

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 29.3% ★, Wargame 27.8%, RTS 18.6%, Cold War 10.7% ★, War 7.2%

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: Wargame 24.1%, RTS 21.7%, Military 10.9%, PvP 9.7%, Multiplayer 8.3%

A massive-scale real-time strategy game where you command entire armies on a dynamic battlefield. Conquer multiple worlds across several single-player campaigns; or play with your friends in multiplayer combat.

Why similar: RTS 31.1%, PvP 16.9%, Military 13.7%, War 8.5%, Online Co-Op 7%

Combat Mission Black Sea is a military grade simulation depicting a fictional series of escalations between Russian and Ukraine which results in open conflict in the summer of 2017

Why similar: Wargame 39.1%, Military 15.9%, War 11.3%, Modern 9.6%, Strategy 8.8%

The latest expansion of the ultra-realistic world simulator, where you play as the head of state or the opposition! New Features: tourism simulator, party strategies with regime censures, personal wealth management, a European army, AI and robotics.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 28% ★, Wargame 21.8%, RTS 18.6%, Strategy 7.2%, War 5.2%

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: RTS 29.8%, Military 15.2%, War 14.7%, PvP 14%, Multiplayer 9.3%

The next major game in the Planetary Annihilation universe, Industrial Annihilation combines the iconic real-time strategy of the beloved Annihilation games with deep factory-building to deliver a blend of genres unlike any you’ve experienced before.

Why similar: Wargame 34.6%, RTS 33.3%, Strategy 11.8%, Management 8.5%, Multiplayer 3.8%

The latest title in the famous Combat Mission franchise of wargames, now on Steam. Shock Force 2 brings you to a hypothetical conflict in Syria between the forces of NATO and the Syrian Army. Play either on WeGo or Real Time in an incredibly detailed and realistic 1:1 tactical simulation.

Why similar: Wargame 30.2%, RTS 26.7%, Military 13.1%, War 9.1%, PvP 8.9%

Company of Heroes 3 combines heart-pounding combat with deeper strategic choices in a stunning Mediterranean theatre of war. In Company of Heroes 3, every battle tells a story...what's yours?

Why similar: Wargame 27.4%, RTS 22.6%, PvP 8.9%, Military 8.6%, Multiplayer 7.6%

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: Grand Strategy 26.8% ★, Wargame 14.5%, RTS 12.2%, War 11.7%, Military 11.4%

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 32.4%, Military 12.9%, Multiplayer 11.7%, Strategy 10.4%, War 10.2%

Lead the Mobile Infantry in this RTS game set in the Starship Troopers film universe. Balance your army composition with a diverse set of unit types, overcome line-of-sight and line-of-fire challenges through tactical positioning, and use special abilities to smash the Arachnid hordes!

Why similar: RTS 39.3%, Wargame 19%, Military 15.2%, Strategy 12.3%, War 11.7%

Geopolitical management game with real-time shifting borders and a streamlined gameplay, designed to minimize all burdensome chores while allowing an absolute strategic control, from military recruitment and deployment, to diplomatic and economic management.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 33.5% ★, RTS 19.3%, Military 13.8%, War 9.5%, PvP 8.1%