The Best Wargames For 2026

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Must-Play 2026 Wargames: The Ultimate Wishlist for Strategy Fans

10 – Battleship Command

MicroProse recently announced Battleship Command, and it looks set to be a deeply engaging WWII naval experience. You’ll take command of a historically accurate Scharnhorst-class battleship. I particularly enjoy games that focus on a detailed, close-up experience – instead of trying to simulate many ships, focusing on mastering one type can be incredibly rewarding. I had a fantastic time with IL-2: Sturmovik, playing an entire campaign solely as a C-47A Skytrain pilot, handling everything from paratrooper drops and supply runs to dodging enemy fire. I’m really looking forward to Battleship Command because I prefer getting hands-on with the ship itself – operating radar, navigation, and gunnery, giving crew orders, and even directly controlling key stations – and this game promises to deliver that level of detail. If it lives up to its potential, Battleship Command could become the leading WWII surface warfare simulator and a must-have for naval wargame fans in 2026.

9 – Sudden Strike 5

I wasn’t initially impressed with Sudden Strike 4 and was quite critical, but I admit it had appealing graphics and a lot of content. If Sudden Strike 5 can also offer those things, it has the potential to become a really popular wargame. The new game builds on a long history of tactical combat, with improved graphics and a focus on using different military units together. It stays true to the classic WWII real-time strategy style, promising large, intense battles where strategy, the environment, and how you build your army will be key. I’m eager to see how it turns out and have already added it to my wishlist.

8 – Strategos

I’ve played Strategos and even spoken with its creator, so the fact that it’s still on my list of wargames to watch in 2026 says a lot about its potential, even though it’s not quite finished. For a long time, players have wanted a game like Total War, and while Strategos doesn’t offer the same large-scale strategic map, the real-time battles are just as engaging, focusing on historical accuracy. Strategos features over 120 different factions and 250 unique units from throughout ancient history, leading to huge, unpredictable battles. Winning isn’t about having the biggest army, but about using the terrain, keeping your troops organized, maintaining morale, and having a skilled commander. If you enjoy ancient history and are looking for a game similar to Rome: Total War or Pharaoh, Strategos might be exactly what you’ve been waiting for, so it’s worth adding to your wishlist now for its 2026 release.

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2025-12-13 19:43