Games Like Making History: The Second World War

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 26.2% ★, Grand Strategy 19.8% ★, War 12%, Historical 11.1%, Military 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: This is the definitive grand strategy experience for WWII, offering unparalleled depth in military, political, and industrial management.

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 37.5% ★, Turn-Based 22.3%, Strategy 17.5%, Grand Strategy 13.2% ★, Wargame 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a very similar turn-based, hex-grid grand strategy experience that captures the global scope of the conflict.

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

Why similar: World War II 20.5% ★, Grand Strategy 14.9% ★, Turn-Based 10.1%, Historical 9.7%, Military 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: A highly detailed, turn-based grand strategy game that focuses on the logistics and military realities of World War II.

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 27.8% ★, Wargame 17%, Turn-Based Strategy 13.3%, War 11.6%, Strategy 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: This is the gold standard for operational-level WWII wargaming, providing immense detail for players who want maximum historical accuracy.

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 21.8% ★, Grand Strategy 17.2% ★, Historical 10.6%, War 10.3%, Military 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: It shares the same simulation-heavy approach to global military and economic management as the Making History series.

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 31% ★, Grand Strategy 24.8% ★, Historical 11.4%, Strategy 7.4%, Wargame 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A fan-favorite standalone title that offers a more granular and challenging approach to WWII grand strategy.

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 22.7% ★, Grand Strategy 12.5% ★, Turn-Based 10.6%, Military 8.9%, Turn-Based Strategy 8%

Why You'll Like It: It provides a polished, turn-based tactical and strategic experience that perfectly captures the feel of WWII military campaigns.

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 19.6% ★, Historical 15.2%, War 14.6%, World War II 13.9% ★, Turn-Based 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: A simplified but highly addictive global strategy game that allows for total control over any nation throughout history.

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 15.4% ★, World War II 12.2% ★, Moddable 9.5% ★, Historical 8%, War 8%

Why You'll Like It: Built on the same engine as the seed game, it provides an identical interface and strategic feel but set during World War we.

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 18.2% ★, 4X 13% ★, Moddable 11.5% ★, Historical 11.4%, Military 9%

Why You'll Like It: While set in an earlier period, it is the benchmark for complex, nation-building grand strategy games.

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 26% ★, Grand Strategy 12.8% ★, Turn-Based 12.2%, Wargame 7.4%, War 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: This game focuses heavily on the supply lines and logistics that are essential to winning WWII, mirroring the strategic depth of the seed game.

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

Why similar: World War II 33.1% ★, Grand Strategy 27.1% ★, Turn-Based 11.7%, Historical 9.8%, Strategy 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: A direct predecessor that offers a similar approach to turn-based global conflict and nation management.

Order of Battle: World War II is a breath of fresh air for all strategy fans. It is a game that takes wargaming to a new level by upgrading every single game element and rebooting the genre for a new generation of players.

Why similar: World War II 34.1% ★, Turn-Based 13.8%, Wargame 10.3%, Strategy 9.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: A turn-based strategy game with a strong focus on unit management and historical scenarios that will feel familiar to fans of the genre.

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 24.7% ★, Historical 14.3%, Moddable 12.4% ★, Economy 8.8%, Military 8%

Why You'll Like It: This game excels at modeling the industrial and economic systems that underpin global military power.

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 23.3% ★, Grand Strategy 11.8% ★, Military 10.3%, War 9.5%, Moddable 8.1% ★

Why You'll Like It: It provides a more tactical, real-time look at WWII combat that complements the grand strategy planning of the seed game.

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

Why similar: World War II 52.4% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 19%, Strategy 17.6%, Wargame 10.3%, Singleplayer 0.7%

Why You'll Like It: It offers a deep, operational-level simulation of the Eastern Front that rewards careful strategic planning.

Old World is a revolutionary new historical strategy game where you lead your dynasty over generations of rule against rival kings and queens. Wage massive wars, manage your court, and build a dynasty — or watch your empire crumble to dust. What legacy will you leave behind?

Why similar: Grand Strategy 13.2% ★, 4X 11.6% ★, Moddable 9.2% ★, Turn-Based 8.9%, War 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: Combines 4X mechanics with character-driven historical strategy, offering a fresh take on turn-based nation building.

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 16.9% ★, 4X 12.8% ★, Turn-Based 12.5%, Historical 10.2%, War 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: A turn-based grand strategy game that emphasizes historical simulation and complex political systems.

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 23.8% ★, Historical 14%, 4X 11.2% ★, Moddable 11% ★, War 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: While character-focused, it offers the same level of deep historical simulation and grand strategy decision-making.

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 18% ★, 4X 16.8% ★, Turn-Based 13.9%, War 12%, Wargame 10.4%

Why You'll Like It: A complex, turn-based grand strategy game with a heavy focus on logistics, military management, and procedural history.

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 20.1% ★, World War II 18.8% ★, Military 11.8%, Wargame 10.1%, War 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: A massive simulation that allows players to manage global affairs across multiple historical eras.

Create your own nation in Millennia, a historical turn-based 4X game that challenges your strategic prowess across 10,000 years of history, from the dawn of humanity to our possible futures.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 15.4% ★, 4X 14.3% ★, Turn-Based 10.6%, Historical 8.9%, War 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A turn-based 4X strategy game that emphasizes historical progression and national development.

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 21.1% ★, World War II 20.3% ★, Wargame 12.8%, Moddable 9.8% ★, Alternate History 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: An evolution of the series that adds more detailed military management and a refined global strategy interface.

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 13% ★, 4X 11.3% ★, Moddable 9.4% ★, War 8.4%, Historical 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: A deep, complex grand strategy game that focuses on global geopolitical control and long-term planning.

Unique combination of turn-based 4X and historical grand strategy with a mythological twist. Explore the ancient world and build a world leading civilization. Survive, expand, conquer... and win!

Why similar: Grand Strategy 15.9% ★, 4X 14.7% ★, Moddable 11.3% ★, Historical 9.9%, War 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A turn-based grand strategy game that emphasizes historical accuracy and deep military planning.

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 22.5% ★, Historical 21%, Strategy 14.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 11.9%, Wargame 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: Uses a similar turn-based engine to the seed game to simulate historical military conflict with high fidelity.

Lead your people to glory and write a new chapter of history in Realpolitiks II, a real-time grand strategy game where you lead any contemporary nation in an attempt to secure world dominance.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 51% ★, Strategy 20.8%, Simulation 17.7%, Indie 6.6%, Tactical 3.3%

Why You'll Like It: A modern grand strategy game that focuses on geopolitical maneuvering and nation management.

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 29.9% ★, 4X 24.5% ★, Moddable 11.4% ★, Sandbox 9%, Military 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: Applies the core mechanics of grand strategy to a massive, customizable sci-fi setting.

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 38.6% ★, Simulation 18.4%, War 15.6%, Wargame 12.9%, Turn-Based Strategy 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: An incredibly detailed operational simulation of the Western Front that is perfect for players looking for maximum complexity.

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 20% ★, 4X 14.8% ★, Historical 12.5%, War 11.6%, Wargame 10.1%

Victory at Sea Pacific is the exciting game of naval RTS combat set during World War II. Bringing an epic approach to real time strategy war gaming, search and destroy enemy fleets across an open world sandbox in a desperate attempt to change the course of history.

Why similar: World War II 29.7% ★, Grand Strategy 21.2% ★, War 11.2%, Wargame 11%, Alternate History 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: This title focuses specifically on the naval aspect of WWII grand strategy, offering a unique perspective on the global conflict.

Build a city to rule the world in Kaiserpunk, a grand city builder blending production-focused city building with world conquest in an alternate 20th century world. Manage your city, grow industries, build a military, and defeat rivals to become the greatest empire.

Why similar: World War II 16.8% ★, Grand Strategy 13.8% ★, War 9.7%, Military 8.6%, Historical 8.1%

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

Why similar: World War II 32.2% ★, Grand Strategy 27.7% ★, Historical 11.5%, Military 7.4%, Strategy 6.2%

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 34.5% ★, Historical 16.1%, Military 7.8%, Economy 7.2%, War 6.9%

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

Why similar: Grand Strategy 14.1% ★, 4X 10.8% ★, Turn-Based 10.3%, Historical 10.1%, Wargame 9.1%

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: World War II 33.8% ★, Grand Strategy 29.8% ★, Strategy 14.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 12.2%, Historical 9.7%

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 26.5% ★, Grand Strategy 16.9% ★, War 13%, Military 10.3%, Historical 8.6%

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

Why similar: World War II 23.5% ★, Grand Strategy 18% ★, Military 10.6%, Wargame 9.9%, Historical 9.3%

Build a nation starting at any point in human history and compete for supremacy in this epic turn-based strategy game. Engage in diplomacy, fight wars, and go head-to-head with other leaders from history.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 22.7% ★, 4X 21% ★, Historical 12.3%, Alternate History 11.4%, Military 9.2%

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

Why similar: World War II 23% ★, Grand Strategy 16.4% ★, Historical 13.6%, War 11.7%, Military 11%

A tactical scale strategy game that invites the players to take command of the Allied or German forces in an epic struggle for the control of Western Europe during World War Two.

Why similar: World War II 18.3% ★, Grand Strategy 13% ★, Turn-Based 10.4%, Historical 8.4%, War 8.3%

Select an era, a nation and lead it to greatness or decay. Develop the economy and society, or focus on military and territorial expansion. In Nations you can rule your people for centuries – from ancient times to the modern day and beyond. You shape your state, history and map of the world.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 24.9% ★, Historical 21.1%, Wargame 12.8%, Moddable 11.5% ★, Strategy 10%

Build a soviet republic from an impoverished country into a rich industrial superpower in a city builder with intricate production chains and a fully simulated global economy. Manage the lives of your citizens from education to work and party loyalty to criminal activity.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 21% ★, Historical 13.2%, Moddable 11.9% ★, 4X 11.6% ★, Economy 7.9%

Are you ready to rewrite history and take on the role of ruler of the nation? Show your knowledge of tactics and strategy, become the commander-in-chief of a huge army! Lead the troops of one of the three nations - the USSR, Germany and the Allies - and pave your way for each of them!

Why similar: World War II 28% ★, War 11.2%, Turn-Based 10.9%, Strategy 10.8%, Military 9.9%

Strategic Mind: Fight for Freedom is a history-driven turn-based strategy set in WW2. Take command of the Allied forces and protect your homeland and the whole of Europe from totalitarian madness. Form armies. Win battles. Change history.

Why similar: World War II 23.6% ★, War 12.5%, Military 12%, Historical 11%, Wargame 10.8%

Lead your people to victory on an ever-evolving world in this strategy game featuring asymmetric factions led by powerful heroes. Build your empire, wield political influence, and raise grand armies to wage war in a race to uncover dark secrets buried within the planet.

Why similar: Grand Strategy 13.8% ★, 4X 12.2% ★, Moddable 9.9% ★, Turn-Based 9.2%, War 8.8%

Every war has its Generals. Take command of an army during World War II and lead them to victory. Strategize your way through many scenarios and real historical military campaigns of past generals.

Why similar: World War II 34.1% ★, Historical 12.6%, War 12%, Military 9.2%, Turn-Based Strategy 9.1%

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: World War II 24.5% ★, Wargame 15.1%, Historical 14.5%, Turn-Based Strategy 13%, War 11.1%

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: World War II 21% ★, Grand Strategy 16.2% ★, War 13%, Strategy 12.7%, Historical 11.2%

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 58.7% ★, Strategy 22.3%, Simulation 19%

Strategic Mind: Blitzkrieg is a turn-based strategy set in the period of WW2. It brings a modern look and new features to a good old wargame genre. You are to lead the German Armed forces overcoming unthinkable odds and claiming the ultimate bittersweet victory in Europe. Blitzkrieg is the way!

Why similar: World War II 21.9% ★, Turn-Based 12.6%, War 11.4%, Military 10.9%, Wargame 9.8%

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 42.4% ★, World War II 35.8% ★, Strategy 21.8%

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: World War II 35.9% ★, Grand Strategy 34.5% ★, Historical 15.5%, Strategy 14%

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

Why similar: World War II 22.9% ★, Grand Strategy 16.9% ★, Turn-Based 11.8%, War 10.9%, Wargame 10.5%

Project Wunderwaffe will take you back into the realities of World War II, the end of which seems to be near. Germany is now just a shadow of its power. Your order is to build a secret military base and construct weapons of unprecedented power. Will you be capable of turning the tide of war?

Why similar: World War II 28.3% ★, War 11.9%, Military 11.8%, Wargame 11.6%, Historical 10.4%

"SandTable War: Three Kingdoms" is a strategic simulation game set during the Three Kingdoms period. Here you can play as various factions from Three Kingdoms history to conquer cities and lands, unify the realm. With abundant historical officers and scenarios, come restore the Han Dynasty!

Why similar: Grand Strategy 22.4% ★, 4X 15.4% ★, Historical 13.4%, Wargame 10.2%, War 10.1%

Arms Trade Tycoon: Tanks is a unique combination of tank design and tycoon game. It puts you in charge of an arms trading company specialized in tanks from WWI to the modern era. Research, design, sell and follow your tanks in battle to make your own history!

Why similar: Grand Strategy 18.3% ★, War 12.6%, Historical 12.2%, World War II 11.3% ★, Wargame 10.4%

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 39.8% ★, Historical 18.5%, Strategy 12.2%, Simulation 7.1%, War 6.2%

Turn based 4X strategy game, recreating the civilizations of ancient China. Develop your land, build great cities, raise huge armies and fight epic battles, with hundreds of soldiers fighting right on the game map. Advance your technologies, culture and religion to create one of mankind’s biggest empires.

Why similar: 4X 16.9% ★, Turn-Based 15.1%, Historical 12.9%, Grand Strategy 12.8% ★, Military 9.6%

Second Front is a tactical WWII turn-based strategy game. Craft & share your own scenarios and maps or use your strategic prowess in 48 scenarios set in iconic locations. Command over 40 types of infantry and 216 tanks, vehicles and guns. An infinite tactical sandbox experience.

Why similar: World War II 28.3% ★, Turn-Based 14.1%, War 11.9%, Wargame 10.5%, Turn-Based Strategy 8.6%