Games Like Through the Darkest of Times

In This War Of Mine you do not play as an elite soldier, rather a group of civilians trying to survive in a besieged city; struggling with lack of food, medicine and constant danger from snipers and hostile scavengers. The game provides an experience of war seen from an entirely new angle.

Why similar: Strategy 19.8%, Simulation 15.1%, Choices Matter 13.9%, Management 11.9%, Resource Management 10.7%

Why You'll Like It: It shares the core theme of civilian survival during wartime, forcing players to make harrowing moral choices to keep their group alive.

Attentat 1942 is a historically-accurate adventure about World War 2. Face moral dilemmas and existential struggles as you uncover the troubled past of your family.

Why similar: World War II 37.5% ★, Historical 21.1%, Emotional 8.9%, Multiple Endings 7%, Story Rich 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: This game offers a deeply researched, historically accurate look at life under Nazi occupation through a narrative-driven, choice-based lens.

As a judge of the Revolutionary Tribunal, preside over complicated cases of ordinary citizens, dangerous criminals, and enemies of the revolution in revolutionary Paris. Make judgments, plot political intrigue, and try to not lose your own head!

Why similar: Historical 26.8%, Strategy 15.4%, Simulation 14.6%, Choices Matter 13.2%, Point & Click 9%

Why You'll Like It: This title places you in a position of political power during a turbulent historical era, requiring careful navigation of shifting loyalties and moral judgment.

You have five days to save your husband, who has just been arrested by the Gestapo. Investigate, explore and form allegiances in this story-rich RPG-lite. Who will you trust?

Why similar: World War II 43.9% ★, Historical 23.8%, Emotional 10%, Multiple Endings 8%, Adventure 7%

Why You'll Like It: Set in occupied Denmark, this game mirrors the resistance and moral dilemmas found in the seed game through a personal, narrative-heavy experience.

You’re a state-installed landlord in a totalitarian country. Place listening devices, steal and sneak into your tenants’ apartments. Use what you uncovered to report anyone capable of plotting against the state. You MUST! But WILL you?

Why similar: Political 28.5% ★, Strategy 12.1%, Choices Matter 10.4%, Simulation 10.3%, Multiple Endings 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: It explores the claustrophobic nature of living under a totalitarian state where you must manage resources while deciding whether to report your neighbors.

Assume the role of President Anton Rayne and guide the nation of Sordland. Amidst brewing international conflicts, need for reform, deep-seated corruption, and economic recession, you must make the decisions in this political drama. How will you lead?

Why similar: Political 30% ★, Politics 29% ★, Choices Matter 9.1%, Multiple Endings 7.3%, Visual Novel 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: This political simulation focuses on the weight of leadership and the long-term consequences of policy decisions in a fragile, fictional nation.

Congratulations. The October labor lottery is complete. Your name was pulled. For immediate placement, report to the Ministry of Admission at Grestin Border Checkpoint. An apartment will be provided for you and your family in East Grestin. Expect a Class-8 dwelling.

Why similar: Political 47.8% ★, Simulation 14.1%, Indie 8.8%, Point & Click 8.6%, Multiple Endings 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: It perfectly captures the feeling of being a small cog in an oppressive machine, where every choice has significant moral and survival consequences.

You didn’t ask to lead this expedition, but here you are. Stuck in the ice, Captain missing, miles from civilisation. Someone has to take charge. Manage your meagre resources, balance safety and morale, make the hard calls, and head in the only direction you can - through The Pale Beyond.

Why similar: Strategy 16.2%, Simulation 15.3%, Choices Matter 14.2%, Resource Management 13.8%, Emotional 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A survival management game that prioritizes the social and moral dynamics of a group under extreme pressure, much like managing a resistance cell.

1979 Revolution: Black Friday is a choice driven, narrative game that brings players into the brooding world of a nation on the verge of collapse. Play as Reza, an aspiring photojournalist, and make life and death decisions as you survive the gritty streets of Iran in the late 1970’s.

Why similar: Political 37.7% ★, Historical 19.4%, Choices Matter 12.4%, Adventure 7.4%, Indie 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: An interactive historical drama that captures the tension of political upheaval and the difficult choices faced by those caught in the crossfire.

A narrative-driven hardcore RPG set in a gritty world ruled by real but unrelenting gods. Set out on a challenging lifetime journey, where every choice has a price and entails consequences. Will you become an inquisitor, a judge, or conspire against the old order? Dare to decide!

Why similar: Choices Matter 32.2%, Story Rich 13.2%, Strategy 10.5%, Simulation 10.3%, Visual Novel 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: This narrative RPG focuses on the impact of societal structure and political choices on an individual's life within a rigid, oppressive system.

Broken Lines is a story-driven tactical RPG set in an alternate-history version of WWII. Lead a squad of soldiers and face the horrors of war. In the included expansion, 'The Dead and the Drunk', guide your troops through fights against both the living and the undead.

Why similar: World War II 39.6% ★, Historical 24.8%, Strategy 14.3%, Choices Matter 11.7%, Multiple Endings 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: This tactical game focuses on a squad of soldiers behind enemy lines during WWII, emphasizing the psychological toll of war and decision-making.

Big Brother has arrived - and it’s you. Investigate the lives of citizens to find those responsible for a series of terror attacks. Information from the internet, personal communications and private files are all accessible to you. But, be warned, the information you supply will have consequences.

Why similar: Choices Matter 65.4%, Politics 9.7% ★, Political 9.3% ★, Simulation 4.6%, Story Rich 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: It puts the player in the role of a surveillance operative, highlighting the ethical implications of monitoring citizens for a government agency.

A new political Party has won a landslide in the General Election, and for some reason the editor at the news station you work at has done a runner. Now it’s up to you, the Janitor, to take over the editing booth in this tumultuous time - will you help the government, or stand in their way?

Why similar: Political 30.5% ★, Simulation 11.5%, Management 10.9%, Choices Matter 10.7%, Multiple Endings 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: It explores the power of media and propaganda in a dystopian society, forcing players to make choices that shape public perception.

You are an intern at the central ministry of a totalitarian state with your whole career ahead of you. Work your way up the ladder by scheming against employees, spying on your boss, and completing paperwork. Or do you turn against the state and expose corruption. The choice is still yours to make!

Why similar: Political 23.1% ★, Politics 19.6% ★, Strategy 10.3%, Simulation 8.4%, Choices Matter 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: This sequel expands the dystopian simulation to a government office, focusing on the climb up the ladder of a corrupt political hierarchy.

In the unique world of this political simulator, you travel to Europe, 1932-1935, to become the party leader in one of the following countries: Germany, France, or England. You have a real chance to become the winner of WWII even before it begins...

Why similar: Politics 23.8% ★, Strategy 20.2%, Political 18.9% ★, Simulation 18.4%, Historical 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: This political simulation focuses on the rise of parties in 1930s Europe, mirroring the historical context of the seed game.

In an uninhabitable Siberian wilderness, in a wake of October Revolution, a group of passengers survives the mysterious catastrophe of Trans-Siberian railway train. They must endure in a harsh ice-clad climate until rescue arrives. Facing many dangers, their own weaknesses and, their own prejudice.

Why similar: Political 24.9% ★, Historical 15.3%, Strategy 10.6%, Simulation 9.6%, Management 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: A survival game set in the Russian Revolution that emphasizes group management and the clashing ideologies of its characters.

A dark and satirical management sim, where you take control of a recycling factory with a twist: it recycles humans. Your job is to decide who gets to escape our dying planet in a cozy spaceship and who sacrifices their blood, sweat and tears for humanity. Literally.

Why similar: Political 20.5% ★, Politics 19.5% ★, Strategy 8.3%, Management 7.7%, Choices Matter 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: A management game set in a dystopian future that forces you to make dark, ethical decisions about the value of human life.

You are local mafia kingpin, Jeffrey Koch. Your empire in New Kandinski is in total chaos because an unknown Mastermind has decided to take your place. And they’ve planted a sleeper Mole inside your operation. It’s time to act, but you need to act smart.

Why similar: Political 21.9% ★, Strategy 18%, Simulation 16.2%, Choices Matter 9.4%, Adventure 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: A strategy simulation where you manage a criminal organization, requiring careful resource allocation and political maneuvering to survive.

Short, thought-provoking adventure where you are a News Editor and decide what stories get published, set in a fictional city where most people are genetically modified. Multiple unique endings let you share your story and see what the Headliner before you did.

Why similar: Political 28.5% ★, Politics 20.6% ★, Choices Matter 11.4%, Multiple Endings 8%, Indie 8%

Why You'll Like It: It explores the power of information and how your editorial decisions influence the political climate of a nation.

For the People is a mix of a political management sim and a visual novel, putting players in the shoes of an idealistic young state official tasked with shaping the future of a communist factory town. Will the party provide for the people, or are the people just cogs in its machine?..

Why similar: Political 29.2% ★, Strategy 10.9%, Management 9.4%, Choices Matter 8.7%, Simulation 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: A visual novel and management game where you act as a mayor dealing with the complex political and social needs of a struggling city.

As civil crisis deepens and inequality tears the very fabric of society the discontentment of the masses manifests itself in violent public disturbances and civil disorder. Play as the police or the angry horde as RIOT – Civil Unrest places you in some of the world’s most fractious disputes.

Why similar: Political 37.5% ★, Strategy 23.8%, Simulation 19.8%, Historical 9.7%, Indie 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: This strategy game captures the intensity of political protests and the friction between authorities and the public.

Germany, 1956. The war is over, but justice is not served. Former Nazis walk free, while their victims lie in unmarked graves. As a prosecutor, you'll unearth long-buried evidence, confront witnesses and hunt down perpetrators. Will you have the courage to bring these "ordinary men" to court?

Why similar: Historical 43%, Simulation 22.9%, Adventure 14.8%, Atmospheric 9%, Choices Matter 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A detective game focused on investigating historical crimes, providing a investigative perspective on post-war justice.

Don’t let the Soviet Union collapse, and fall in the darkness of history or lead the Union by a new path – democracy and free market! But before you decide something, think – wouldn’t it cause more harm than good?

Why similar: Strategy 26.4%, Politics 19.3% ★, Political 16.1% ★, Historical 11.2%, Simulation 6.9%

Why You'll Like It: A political simulation that tasks you with managing the Soviet Union, requiring a balance of internal policy and external pressure.

This Is the President is a political thriller. You are the newly elected leader with a shady background. It is up to you to abuse the position of the most powerful man in the world to escape justice for past crimes – even if that pitches the country into utter chaos.

Why similar: Politics 37.8% ★, Strategy 23.1%, Management 13.8%, Adventure 11.1%, Visual Novel 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: A political management game that forces you to navigate corruption and moral compromises to achieve your goals.

Bury me, my Love tells the story of Syrian refugee Nour and her husband Majd, as Nour undertakes a perilous journey to safety in Europe.

Why similar: Simulation 43%, Adventure 22.7%, Indie 18.6%, Story Rich 7.9%, Visual Novel 7.8%

Why You'll Like It: A deeply emotional survival story that uses a messaging interface to simulate the struggle of a refugee navigating dangerous political landscapes.

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

Why similar: Politics 26.8% ★, Political 22% ★, Historical 16.1%, Strategy 11.3%, Simulation 10.2%

Immigration Enforcement Case #112: You are under arrest. Unless your friends can cross a broken America, retrieve your identifying documents and stay out of trouble... this is the end of the American dream for you.

Why similar: Political 31.4% ★, Politics 29.6% ★, Simulation 11.8%, Dark 5.9%, Emotional 5.7%

Why You'll Like It: It uses a simulation format to explore a dystopian version of the US, focusing on the political and social struggles of its citizens.

«Undying Symphony» tells a story about challenges that Leningrad people faced during the Siege and shows us one of the most tragic episodes of Leningrad history

Why similar: World War II 43.9% ★, Historical 21.2%, Multiple Endings 8%, Story Rich 6%, Adventure 4.9%

The Occupation is a fixed-time, investigative thriller set in North West England on Saturday 24th October, 1987.

Why similar: Political 44% ★, Choices Matter 19.1%, Adventure 12.3%, Story Rich 10.8%, Indie 9.4%

Why You'll Like It: A political thriller that tasks the player with investigating a government conspiracy, blending stealth and narrative-driven choices.

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 49.9% ★, Strategy 22.7%, Historical 19.5%, Simulation 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: A grand strategy game that provides the broader historical context of WWII for those interested in the era's military and political landscape.

Award-winning adventure where you control the news and its impact on society, your friends and career. Different choices lead to unique combinations of endings. Share your story with the community, and see what the players before you did.

Why similar: Political 28.1% ★, Politics 26.6% ★, Choices Matter 7.8%, Simulation 7.2%, Point & Click 6.1%

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: Strategy 25.2%, Politics 24.6% ★, Political 21.2% ★, Simulation 20.9%, Indie 8.1%

Become the King in a story-driven 8-bit style game, where choice matters. And try not to die instantly...

Why similar: Political 23.1% ★, Historical 13.7%, Management 11%, Simulation 10.6%, Strategy 10.5%

Become the Dictator of Gradnar! Rule the nation, choose between democracy and tyranny, wage wars with a unique card-based mechanic, and expand your empire. A political dystopia packed with satire and humor!

Why similar: Political 39.2% ★, Strategy 16.5%, Simulation 16.1%, Choices Matter 12.9%, Visual Novel 7.7%

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 40.6% ★, Historical 15.9%, Strategy 14.4%, Management 11.4%, Simulation 8.7%

Raid On Taihoku is an adventure game with the backdrop of WW2 Taiwan. By controlling the characters pass through different danger and safe zones, you will experience the struggles of human nature and cruelty of war.

Why similar: Politics 33.2% ★, World War II 28.5% ★, Historical 20%, Story Rich 5.6%, Adventure 4.5%

A tactical turn-based strategy game inspired by events and stories of forgotten and unsung heroes of WW2. Unique and new-to-genre features offer immersion and deeper protagonists to lead and care for. Lead the resistance against the Axis Forces.

Why similar: World War II 43.6% ★, Historical 27.8%, Strategy 21.2%, Atmospheric 4.5%, Indie 2.8%

is a grand strategy game that takes place in 1992-2004. You take lead of your own Party in the face of the total devastation of one of the fictional post-Soviet states in Europe. Try to realize your (or someone else's) political dreams in the shaky arena of this dilapidated situation.

Why similar: Politics 26% ★, Political 25.2% ★, Historical 15.3%, Strategy 10.2%, Simulation 8%

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 43% ★, Strategy 23.3%, Simulation 15.9%, Historical 13.6%, Indie 4.2%

A Beholder series spin-off. Become a conductor of the Determination Bringer train: monitor passengers, report incidents, and carry out important Ministry assignments — whose level of secrecy depends only on your loyalty. And remember: mission success is very important to you!

Why similar: Political 27.5% ★, Strategy 10.7%, Simulation 9.6%, Choices Matter 9.3%, Management 8.2%

Step into the shoes of J. Edgar Hoover and combat the Mafia, Communists, the Ku Klux Klan, the Black Panthers, the Weather Underground, and more as you shape history with your every move. Download now and become the ultimate mastermind in this thrilling management RPG!

Why similar: Political 25% ★, Politics 24% ★, Historical 12.3%, Management 9.1%, Strategy 7.3%

Become a parliamentarian, create a powerful party, and lead it to victory in this humorous adventure game. Manage your popularity and dignity, use unique powers, and navigate a storyline inspired by current events.

Why similar: Politics 34.6% ★, Political 25.1% ★, Strategy 14.2%, Simulation 12.5%, Adventure 6.8%

Narrative-adventure playing an Agent of Death who must take ONE life that could change the fate of a conflict-torn Nation

Why similar: Political 23.4% ★, Politics 18.7% ★, Adventure 13.3%, Indie 9.1%, Choices Matter 8.1%

England, 1940. The Luftwaffe is preparing for the invasion of Britain and the RAF need every man to stop it. They need you. Join the ground crews as they struggle to keep the aircraft flying. Repair engine, patch bullet holes, rearm machine guns and more.

Why similar: World War II 35.8% ★, Simulation 23%, Historical 12.3%, Strategy 7.2%, Management 7%

You are subordinate to the deranged dictator and must plan his doomed invasion in this text-based RPG / Visual Novel. Navigate the shark-filled waters of the Great Leader's presidential cabinet, try to save your family, and survive the purges in a world of power-hungry leaders and nuclear warfare.

Why similar: Historical 24.5%, Choices Matter 12.1%, Adventure 10.2%, Resource Management 10.1%, Dark 9.6%

This is a slightly different history to the world we know. Having been appointed propaganda minister at the age of 14, the genius girl. Geri Goeppels, together with her private secretaries Rolly and Flute, is up to all sorts of secret maneuvers.

Why similar: World War II 26.4% ★, Historical 18.7%, Politics 18.2% ★, Political 17.7% ★, Visual Novel 6%

Survive the Blackout is a narrative survival game set in a dark post-apocalyptic world. Choose your adventure-type gameplay, squad-level management, exploration and scavenging, difficult moral choices. Modern-times tribute to Oregon Trail.

Why similar: Strategy 21.5%, Simulation 18.4%, Choices Matter 11.3%, Adventure 10.4%, Indie 9.2%

Get ready to take part in the world war! It depends only on your choice who you will be - a winner or a loser! It's time to press the red button!

Why similar: World War II 24.7% ★, Politics 20.6% ★, Political 18.8% ★, Strategy 13.8%, Historical 12.2%

The confrontation between the East and the West is coming to an end, but not between East and West Germany. The old party leaders are still sitting in their offices, not changing anything and waiting for exclamations from Moscow. But their end is close – Gorbachev and Kohl have already decided...

Why similar: Politics 23.2% ★, Political 22.9% ★, Historical 13.1%, Strategy 10%, Simulation 9%

These are troubling times, Your Grace. The petitioners’ petty matters exceed our limited resources, to say nothing of the war. A careful balance must be struck. Your throne awaits.

Why similar: Historical 18.8%, Choices Matter 14%, Strategy 13%, Management 12.4%, Simulation 10.8%

As a detective tasked with bringing down a dangerous terrorist group, you fight on two fronts: interrogating suspects & managing your team and its reputation. With time running out, how far will you go to stop these criminals? Manipulation, threats or even torture? Does the end justify the means?

Why similar: Political 40.8% ★, Management 13.4%, Choices Matter 13%, Dark 9.7%, Story Rich 7.5%

44 BC. Caesar, the dictator of Rome, discovers that the threat of conspiracy comes from the people closest to him. Can you resist the impending danger and rewrite history?

Why similar: Politics 35.1% ★, Historical 20%, Strategy 13.6%, Simulation 12.5%, Choices Matter 9.9%

All Quiet in the Trenches is a narrative turn-based strategy RPG set in World War I. Get to know your soldiers, take care of their needs and lead them in battle, trying to strike a precarious balance between the ambitions of your superiors and the survival of your men.

Why similar: Historical 20.7%, Strategy 19.5%, Choices Matter 15.1%, Simulation 13.2%, Management 8.7%

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 45.1% ★, Historical 21.4%, Strategy 14.8%, Simulation 12.1%, Story Rich 6.5%

Turn-based kingdom management simulator focused on decision-making. Will you survive and lead the kingdom to prosperity, or die in agony? The throne awaits.

Why similar: Historical 25.5%, Choices Matter 16.8%, Simulation 14.7%, Management 14.4%, Multiple Endings 11.9%

Your Excellency, in this short systems-management survival game, we prepare for the awakening of our Lord. He hungers for human sacrifice. Sinners try to hide their dark secrets, but all must be purged...

Why similar: Management 25.7%, Strategy 24.3%, Choices Matter 17.7%, Multiple Endings 14.6%, Story Rich 11.4%

WARSAW RISING: City of Heroes is a challenging turn-based tactical RPG set in an occupied capital during WWII. Pick your heroes. Navigate historic streets. Confront occupiers. And try to survive the 63 days of hell in this historically accurate portrayal of Poles fighting for their city.

Why similar: Historical 37.9%, World War II 37.2% ★, Strategy 19.8%, 2D 5.1%

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: Historical 22.5%, World War II 19.3% ★, Strategy 19%, Political 16.3% ★, Politics 14.8% ★

Step into the shoes of a government official in a top-secret department of the Orwell surveillance program. Given the power to both uncover and fabricate "the truth", how far will you go in the service of your country? Season 2 of Orwell, the award-winning surveillance thriller.

Why similar: Political 39% ★, Simulation 17.7%, Choices Matter 15.3%, Story Rich 7%, Indie 6.1%