Games Like Rule the Waves 3

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

Why similar: Naval 22.7% ★, Naval Combat 21.4% ★, World War I 15% ★, Wargame 12.5%, Military 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: Offers the most comparable experience to the seed game by focusing heavily on detailed ship design and tactical naval combat.

Command ships, submarines and aircraft in the South Pacific during WWII.

Why similar: Naval 35.4% ★, Naval Combat 26.2% ★, World War II 15.8% ★, Wargame 6.6%, Strategy 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: Features tactical naval combat and fleet management with a focus on the Pacific theater of World War II.

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

Why similar: Naval Combat 30.9% ★, Naval 29.6% ★, Cold War 17.2% ★, Military 10.7%, Simulation 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: Delivers an intense, simulation-heavy submarine combat experience set during the Cold War era.

From the lead designer of Cold Waters, Sea Power lets you control NATO and Warsaw Pact forces in modern naval conflict campaigns. Use your advanced naval weaponry and sensors to respect rules of engagement and defeat the enemy forces in a tense fight for initiative and air/naval supremacy.

Why similar: Naval Combat 32% ★, Naval 24.6% ★, Cold War 17.4% ★, Military 13.9%, Simulation 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on realistic naval tactics and weapon systems in a modern, high-stakes maritime environment.

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

Why similar: Military 38.1%, Wargame 29.3%, Simulation 16.4%, Strategy 8.4%, Naval Combat 7.1% ★

Why You'll Like It: Provides an incredibly deep and realistic simulation of modern naval and air warfare on a global scale.

UBOAT is a simulator of a submarine from WWII era. It is a survival sandbox with crew management mechanics while its primary theme is life of German sailors. The boat is their home, but it can become their grave at any time.

Why similar: Naval 28.5% ★, Naval Combat 27.4% ★, Military 14.7%, World War II 14.5% ★, Simulation 5%

Why You'll Like It: Combines submarine combat with detailed crew management and technical simulation elements.

Turn based tactical and strategic naval combat. Atlantic Fleet puts you in command of the Allies or Kriegsmarine (German Navy) in the longest military campaign of WWII, The Battle of the Atlantic.Take command of surface ships, submarines as well as carrier and land based aircraft in the deadly struggle for control of Atlantic shipping...

Why similar: Naval Combat 38.7% ★, Naval 33.4% ★, World War II 14.8% ★, Simulation 5.5%, Strategy 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: A turn-based naval combat game that captures the tension of World War II surface engagements.

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% ★, Military 25.6%, Alternate History 17.8%, Strategy 12.2%, Historical 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: The definitive grand strategy game for managing military production, research, and global naval logistics.

The king of submarine simulations returns with an all-new 3D engine, new crew command features, and more realistic WWII naval action than ever before. The movie-like graphics and simple, tension-filled gameplay make this the perfect game for the realism fanatic and the casual gamer.

Why similar: Naval Combat 37.7% ★, Naval 26.4% ★, World War II 13.9% ★, Military 12.3%, Simulation 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: A classic submarine simulation that remains a benchmark for historical naval immersion.

Ultimate Admiral: Age of Sail is a tactical wargame from the creators of the Ultimate General series set amidst the epic naval campaigns in the period of the American Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.

Why similar: Naval Combat 45.9% ★, Naval 24.6% ★, Strategy 9.8%, Simulation 9.1%, Wargame 6%

Why You'll Like It: Brings the design and tactical combat focus of the series to the era of wooden warships.

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: Naval 28.8% ★, Naval Combat 26% ★, Wargame 14.9%, World War II 13% ★, Alternate History 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a large-scale strategic view of naval warfare in the Pacific with real-time tactical battles.

Destroyer: The U-Boat Hunter brings you an authentic and historically accurate destroyer simulation along with gripping anti-submarine warfare set in the turmoils of the Atlantic Ocean during World War II.

Why similar: Naval Combat 26.9% ★, Naval 25.2% ★, Military 14.2%, World War II 13.1% ★, Wargame 12.1%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the technical and tactical side of anti-submarine warfare from the perspective of a destroyer captain.

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: Wargame 21.6%, Military 19.3%, World War II 13% ★, Cold War 11.5% ★, World War I 11% ★

Why You'll Like It: Offers a comprehensive grand strategy experience that includes detailed military and naval management across history.

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: Wargame 38.5%, Military 28.1%, Simulation 11.3%, Strategy 11.3%, Management 10.9%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the management of a carrier fleet and its assets in a modern, tactical environment.

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: Wargame 46%, Turn-Based Strategy 14.3%, Management 13.4%, Simulation 11.8%, Strategy 11.6%

Why You'll Like It: While sci-fi, it shares the deep, spreadsheet-heavy, and complex wargaming mechanics that appeal to fans of Rule the Waves.

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: Naval Combat 32.8% ★, Wargame 31.7%, Naval 18.2% ★, Military 11.4%, Strategy 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: A classic real-time naval wargame that emphasizes command and control of modern naval task forces.

Strategic Mind: The Pacific is a turn-based strategy set in the WW2 period depicting the war between the USA and the Empire of Japan waged in the Pacific Ocean with mindblowing historical accuracy and attention to detail. Two Sides. Two Commanders. Two Destinies.

Why similar: Naval 23.2% ★, Naval Combat 19% ★, Wargame 14.4%, Military 11.9%, World War II 10.8% ★

Why You'll Like It: A turn-based wargame that focuses on the naval and air campaigns of the Pacific theater.

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 29%, Cold War 24.9% ★, Military 23.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 6.7%, Strategy 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a high-fidelity tactical wargaming experience focused on Cold War military engagements.

When the harshness of the sea meets the cruelties of war, a challenge for perseverance makes itself known. Welcome to Aircraft Carrier Survival, a strategy game set in the Pacific Theater of World War II, where your prowess as a commander decides the fate of a naval behemoth.

Why similar: Naval Combat 37% ★, Naval 31.1% ★, World War II 15.4% ★, Management 6.2%, Strategy 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the management and survival of a carrier vessel during intense naval operations.

S.C.S. - Dangerous Waters allows you total control over multiple air, surface, and submarine platforms in a modern-day naval environment. Take direct control of individual crew stations and also plan and execute combined arms naval strategies from a top-down 'Commanders Eye' perspective.

Why similar: Naval 32.2% ★, Naval Combat 31.5% ★, Military 15.4%, Cold War 9.8% ★, Strategy 5%

Why You'll Like It: A highly technical naval simulation that allows players to control various platforms including submarines and frigates.

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: Military 25.2%, Alternate History 24.6%, Historical 13.6%, Management 13.4%, Strategy 11.4%

Why You'll Like It: Features deep industrial and economic management that mirrors the nation-building aspects of the seed game.

Design your own warships, equip them with a variety of armament, and bring them out to the ocean!

Why similar: Naval Combat 26.2% ★, Naval 18.7% ★, Wargame 15.1%, World War I 15.1% ★, Military 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the creative and engineering side of naval warfare through a detailed ship-building sandbox.

Take charge of the most deadly modern-day submarines in the world - three distinct submarines across two unique and challenging campaigns. Utilize cutting-edge sensor and weapon technology to locate, track and destroy the enemy - even deliver Tomahawk missiles to inland targets.

Why similar: Naval 26.1% ★, Naval Combat 24.8% ★, Wargame 14.2%, Cold War 13.6% ★, Military 12.8%

Why You'll Like It: A classic simulation that offers deep control over modern submarine warfare systems.

Welcome Admiral! Select your fleet, assign weapons, and sink the enemy fleet by controlling each of your ships down to setting the aim and range of each weapon's shot. Features include full open world Pacific & Atlantic campaigns, cross-platform multiplayer and awesome turn-based naval battles.

Why similar: Naval 30.3% ★, Naval Combat 25.8% ★, Wargame 11.9%, Military 9.6%, World War II 9% ★

Why You'll Like It: A straightforward turn-based naval combat game that emphasizes positioning and weapon selection.

If you like warships but wish they could kickflip, Waves of Steel is for you! Build your own custom warship and embark on a sprawling campaign filled with enemy ships, planes, submarines, and bizarre superweapons. Fast-paced arcade naval action is here!

Why similar: Naval Combat 28.5% ★, Naval 22.2% ★, World War II 13.3% ★, Alternate History 11.2%, Military 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: Combines arcade-style naval combat with a deep ship-customization and building system.

Carrier Deck is a fast paced time management game where you play as the Air Boss on board the CVN-76 in the midst of active war.

Why similar: Naval Combat 57.6% ★, Naval 20.2% ★, Military 10%, Simulation 6.8%, Management 2.8%

Why You'll Like It: A time-management simulation that focuses on the high-pressure environment of an aircraft carrier flight deck.

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 23.4% ★, World War I 22.3% ★, Wargame 16.7%, Strategy 9.7%, Military 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: A classic grand strategy title that offers a very granular look at historical military and naval warfare.

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: Wargame 24.2%, Military 18.1%, Cold War 14.6% ★, Alternate History 10.8%, Management 8.6%

Experience the thrill of leading American aircraft carriers to victory in this innovative full 3D command simulation wargame set in the Pacific in 1942. First-person or God’s eye, you lead your fleet and planes right from the center of the battle.

Why similar: Naval 31% ★, Naval Combat 25.4% ★, Military 14.8%, World War II 11.7% ★, Management 5%

Hunt, hide and kill as you take command of U.S. submarines and crews and navigate the treacherous waters of the Pacific during WWII. Silent Hunter, the industry-leading naval warfare simulation franchise for over a decade, returns to its roots with next-generation graphical realism, immersive gameplay, innovative crew evolution and more...

Why similar: Naval Combat 29.9% ★, Naval 26.1% ★, World War II 17.8% ★, Military 13.4%, Simulation 12.8%

Why You'll Like It: A staple of the submarine simulation genre with a strong focus on historical naval combat.

Engage in epic RTS warfare across 3 huge campaigns as well as other battle modes. Create your own fleet of ships, pick your side and enter into World War II naval combat on a global scale.

Why similar: Naval 40% ★, Naval Combat 33.2% ★, World War II 15.6% ★, Strategy 6.3%, Simulation 4.9%

Turn based tactical game about war at sea between British Royal Navy and Imperial German Navy during World War I. Command powerful dreadnoughts, fast destroyers and stealthy submarines, conduct artillery battles, torpedo attacks and fight for the survivability of damaged ships.

Why similar: Naval Combat 29.8% ★, Naval 27.9% ★, World War I 23.9% ★, Simulation 6.3%, Historical 5.5%

When the harshness of the sea meets the cruelties of war, a challenge for perseverance makes itself known. And it is like none other. Welcome to Aircraft Carrier Survival, a strategy set in the merciless reality of World War II, where your prowess as a commander decides the fate of a naval behemoth.

Why similar: Naval Combat 28.5% ★, Naval 27.3% ★, Wargame 19.3%, World War II 7.6% ★, Management 7.1%

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: Naval 36% ★, World War II 23.4% ★, Naval Combat 16.3% ★, Military 9.1%, Strategy 6.3%

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: Naval 19.4% ★, World War I 14.2% ★, Wargame 13.7%, Military 13%, Alternate History 11.7%

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 37.7%, Military 25.9%, Simulation 10.8%, Turn-Based Strategy 10.8%, Strategy 9.9%

Command your crew in Boat Crew, a gripping action-strategy experience amidst the Pacific War. Take charge of a PT boat against Imperial Japan, skillfully managing resources and personnel by any means necessary to ensure victory in this high-stakes conflict.

Why similar: Naval Combat 27.7% ★, Naval 27.4% ★, Wargame 17.8%, World War II 13.2% ★, Management 5.6%

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: Wargame 28.4%, Cold War 27.9% ★, Alternate History 15.7%, Military 15.6%, Strategy 7%

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: Military 27.6%, World War II 23.6% ★, Alternate History 22.5%, Historical 8.5%, Strategy 7.9%

Submarine Simulation playing in WWII in the Pacific.

Why similar: Naval 26.8% ★, Cold War 16.7% ★, Naval Combat 15.8% ★, Wargame 14%, World War II 13.3% ★

The Operational Art of War IV is the new generation of operational wargames. With more flexibility than before and with a new array of exciting features, it will make you relive the most iconic battles from the dawn of the 20th Century to modern day, including the ones that never occurred!

Why similar: Wargame 33.5%, World War I 19.6% ★, World War II 17.4% ★, Strategy 16.8%, Simulation 12.8%

Harpoon Classic 97 a naval warfare simulation game that builds on the legacy of the original Harpoon®. Command naval forces, including ships, submarines, and aircraft, across global theaters like the Nth Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf and Mediterranean, a realistic modern naval combat.

Why similar: Wargame 28.8%, Naval Combat 21.4% ★, Military 17.7%, Strategy 13.1%, Simulation 8.4%

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 34.5%, Military 23.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 11.3%, Simulation 10.8%, Strategy 9.9%

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: World War II 28.5% ★, Wargame 28%, Military 14.6%, Simulation 13.2%, Strategy 11.3%

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: Wargame 27.5%, World War I 23.6% ★, Alternate History 15.4%, World War II 14% ★, Cold War 10.3% ★

Victory At Sea Atlantic transports you to the cold, unforgiving waters of the Atlantic Theatre in WWII. With a vast array of ships, planes, and subs, engage in epic sea battles & secure your place in history. Victory At Sea Atlantic is the ultimate naval warfare experience.

Why similar: Naval Combat 35.1% ★, Wargame 23.2%, World War II 17.5% ★, Strategy 7%, Simulation 6.9%

Sink player-made battleships, aircraft carriers and submarines in this physics-based game. Use pre-built ships and sink the enemy by deploying aircraft, torpedoes, depth charges or shells. Or built your own ships in the extensive ship-editor.

Why similar: Naval 30.4% ★, Naval Combat 30.3% ★, Wargame 15.1%, World War II 14.2% ★, Strategy 4.1%

CARRIER BATTLES is a classic hex-and-counter digital wargame covering the naval-air battles of the Pacific War, from 1942 to 1943. Find your opponent and strike at him before he sinks your precious carriers, while preventing them from invading or supporting your own amphibious operations.

Why similar: Naval Combat 22.3% ★, Naval 20.2% ★, Wargame 16%, World War II 10% ★, Military 6.8%

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 36.8% ★, Military 20%, Strategy 12.3%, Wargame 9.7%, Historical 9.3%

Naval Battles Simulator is a WWII real-time strategy and simulation game.

Why similar: Simulation 26.6%, Strategy 25.6%, Naval 24% ★, Naval Combat 15.9% ★, World War II 7.2% ★

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: World War I 31.4% ★, Military 15.1%, World War II 12% ★, Alternate History 10.2%, Strategy 7.7%

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: Wargame 36.4%, World War II 19.2% ★, Strategy 12.6%, Simulation 12.5%, Turn-Based Strategy 10.6%

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 29.2%, Military 21.4%, Alternate History 17%, Turn-Based Strategy 8.7%, Simulation 8.7%

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: Wargame 26.8%, Military 21.4%, World War II 19.6% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 8.4%, Simulation 6.7%

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: World War I 37.6% ★, Military 17.8%, Wargame 17.1%, Strategy 11.2%, Turn-Based Strategy 8.3%

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: Wargame 25.3%, Cold War 24.9% ★, Military 19.7%, Management 7.6%, Simulation 7.2%

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: Military 25.2%, World War II 24.4% ★, Wargame 21.1%, Strategy 10.1%, Simulation 5.8%

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: Military 31.8%, Wargame 30.4%, Historical 10.6%, Strategy 10%, Management 7.4%

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

Why similar: Wargame 27%, Naval 15.6% ★, Military 15%, World War II 14.2% ★, Strategy 10.2%