The Best Wargames Of The Last Decade

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Introduction

Even the title suggests this is going to be an enjoyable topic. I believe the last ten years, from 2016 to 2026, have been fantastic for wargaming, bringing us some truly excellent and even legendary games.

Wargames have a dedicated fanbase, and I’m really excited to hear what your favorites are! I’m putting together a list of the best wargames from the last ten years, and I’d love your input on what should be included and why. Keep in mind this is my personal list, and I haven’t been able to play every wargame out there, so there might be some great titles I’ve missed.

12 – The Troop

For a long time, there hasn’t been a wargame that’s easy enough to get newcomers hooked. Wargames often get a bad rap – seen as something only for serious history buffs or those lost in online forums! I always thought a good entry point needed to be approachable, visually appealing, and set in a well-known period. That’s where The Troop comes in. This turn-based strategy game puts you in command of a platoon during the battle of Normandy, and it nails all three requirements. Plus, it features impressively smart AI – the enemy acts like a skilled commander, using tactics like suppressive fire and combined arms. And with multiple campaigns, over 50 missions, and a highly replayable battlegroup mode, there’s tons of content to enjoy.

11 – Cauldrons of War – Barbarossa

Many wargames are incredibly complex and can take a very long time to complete – sometimes years! Cauldrons of War: Barbarossa was created as a faster alternative. This turn-based strategy game lets you experience the massive Eastern Front conflict in just a couple of hours, perfect for a single play session. It simplifies things by moving away from detailed maps and pieces, and instead focuses on broader strategic decisions like planning operations and building your army. It’s also an excellent choice for anyone new to wargames.

10 – Wargame Design Studio – American Revolutionary War

Games from Wargame Design Studio (previously known as John Tiller Software) tend to either be deeply loved by fans – like myself – or completely unknown to everyone else. Thankfully, they’re now bringing their games to Steam, which should change that. I want to highlight their newest release, the American Revolutionary War, which has been very well-received by series enthusiasts. Chris, our Wargame Design Studio expert, even gave it a perfect 10/10 score, praising its historical detail, stunning visuals, and massive amount of content – including 147 scenarios and 4 campaigns – as a significant leap forward in wargaming quality.

9 – Ultimate General: Civil War

Ultimate General: Civil War doesn’t quite reach the revolutionary status of the original Gettysburg, but it successfully builds upon everything players loved about it. It refines every aspect of the game while maintaining the easy-to-use controls, clear interface, and complex battles that made the first game so popular. Plus, a dynamic campaign lets you command your army throughout the entire Civil War, making this the best installment in the Ultimate General series yet. While some longtime fans of the genre still prefer Sid Meier’s Civil War, Ultimate General: Civil War offers a strong alternative.

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2026-05-07 16:43