The Best Strategy Games With A Focus On Realism

Summary

Strategy games offer a wide range of settings and styles to suit any player’s aesthetic preferences.
Some strategy games focus on punishing realism, simulating factors like lines of communication, fuel, and ammunition.
Realistic strategy games like Men of War: Assault Squad 2 and Steel Division 2 prioritize accurate unit modeling and tactical gameplay.

Strategy games have expanded beyond a specific gaming niche and now encompass diverse themes and styles. From grand space-themed RTS games like Starcraft to isometric fantasy titles such as Might & Magic, there’s a strategy game for every taste in terms of aesthetics. Some gamers prefer a more grounded, realistic approach when it comes to their strategy gaming experiences, however.

If you prefer strategy games that strive for a degree of authenticity, there are still numerous selections available. Ranging from titles that replicate communication networks and strategic uncertainties, to those featuring armies experiencing hardships like starvation and wear-and-tear, it’s clear that strategy game developers appreciate a challenging dose of realism. These games either emphasize realism in their tactical battles or strategic aspects, making them the most authentic offerings within the genre.

8. Men Of War: Assault Squad 2

Direct Control

The strategy game Men of War: Assault Squad 2 doesn’t reach the same level of hyper-realism in depicting real-life scenarios as some other games, but it still offers a rich strategic experience. Key features include tracking fuel and ammunition for units, simulating inventories for each individual unit on the battlefield, and adherence to genre standards such as line of sight.

In this game, players have the freedom to command any combat unit at their discretion, allowing them to precisely adjust actions such as grenade tosses. This flexibility is significant because it depends on the inventory of each unit, which dictates what specific actions the player can perform with each one. Moreover, it includes a real-time strategy system that lets players issue orders to individual units and groups, similar to traditional RTS games.

7. Steel Division 2

WW2 In Minute Detail

In 2019, Eugen Systems released Steel Division 2, which is a sequel to Steel Division: Normandy 44. This game meticulously explores a specific part of World War II, namely “Operation Bagration”, an important offensive by the Soviet Red Army against the German forces in Belarus. This operation resulted in a massive counteroffensive that eventually led to the Red Army recapturing Warsaw.

In the game Steel Division 2, they’ve meticulously replicated the campaign, featuring 25 maps scaled one-to-one and covering a vast area of 150×100 kilometers each. This game employs an innovative blend of turn-based strategy and real-time combat. During turns, you issue commands for your entire army, but the actual battles unfold in real-time, offering additional control options for you. The units are carefully designed to resemble their real-world counterparts, with even battalions based on authentic unit compositions of the era. Steel Division 2 takes realism and precision to a new level.

6. Combat Mission: Black Sea

CMX2 2.0 Brings Realism To Fictional Conflict

Released: January 21st, 2021
Developer: Battlefront

All “Combat Mission” video games have demonstrated a commendable approach to realistically depicting warfare. The CMX engine is equipped to perform intricate real-time computations, such as determining relative lines of sight, enabling spotter units to detect targets beyond the range of regular units’ visibility. Notably, “Combat Mission: Black Sea” offers advanced tactical mapping capabilities, including realistic UAV thermal imaging in real-time.

In this game, even though the battles are not real, they are very lifelike representations of today’s warfare. What makes it seem so authentic is that it portrays a conflict between Russia and NATO over Ukrainian territory, which mirrors recent global events. However, gamers should keep in mind that this game was created back in 2014, and its purpose was to depict a fictionalized version of a partially realistic situation.

5. Warno

Alternate History, Realistic Strategy

The storyline of Warno diverges from the actual Cold War events, leading to a catastrophic escalation resulting in World War 3 in 1989. However, the gameplay, being a real-time strategy, maintains a sense of authenticity by utilizing military units and troop configurations that mirror what could have been deployed by any nation during that era.

As a gamer, I dive into this game’s gripping single-player narrative, which unveils an intricate turn-based strategy mode that challenges me to make grand tactical choices impacting pre-battle orders and the rules of engagement. The action unfolds in real-time, and Warno delivers one of the most visually immersive RTS experiences, boasting over a thousand units modeled after real-world military technology.

4. Medieval 2: Total War

Grand Medieval Warfare

Medieval 2: Total War is frequently recognized as the pinnacle of the series, at least for its era. It excels in combining deep grand strategy and tactical real-time unit management, all while maintaining a strong emphasis on historical accuracy from the period. The game’s extensive campaign lasts for more than five centuries, beginning in 1080, thus encompassing Medieval wars both prior to and post the discovery of gunpowder.

Besides the way it adapts to historical events, the game’s campaign map doesn’t stick to just one method of evolution. It portrays the Mongol expansion and 13th-century invasions, the Timurid invasion in the 14th century, and even follows the progression of the Black Plague as a campaign unfolds.

In Medieval 2, the strategic aspect emphasizes religion from the Middle Ages. Each faction is linked to a specific religion such as Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, or Islam, and they must consider the influences of these religions to maintain support. This religious influence also impacts populations and can even stir up civil unrest. This adds depth to the campaign experience, providing players with challenging decisions that reflect historical leadership.

3. Graviteam Tactics: Mius Front

Summer Of ’43

Released: March 5th, 2016
Developer: Graviteam

Graviteam Tactics is a collection of independent Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games, known for their emphasis on authenticity in portraying tactical commands at battalion level and real-time battles. The game Mius Front zeroes in on a less recognized World War II battle that unfolded during the summer of 1943 in the Mius River area, where both the Red Army and the Wehrmacht were engaged.

This game meticulously reconstructs approximately 140 square kilometers of terrain based on topographical maps and visual materials from that era. The level of detail is evident in the maps themselves. Although the operation is brief, lasting only four significant scenarios for players to experience, the intricate process of organizing battle units and strategizing orders of battle creates an engaging and immersive experience.

In both real-time combat scenes and the simulation, there’s an intricate level of detail. Each soldier is individually modeled, considering aspects like their fatigue and morale. Similarly, vehicles are designed with a multi-component damage system that can impact various parts such as engines and treads. Other features, such as destructible surroundings, the option to create trenches, and persistent terrain effects and debris during a campaign, enhance the immersive nature of the simulation.

2. Hearts of Iron 4

WW2 On A Grand Scale

Paradox Interactive is renowned for its strategic game titles, but Hearts of Iron 4 offers a distinctive take on diplomacy and global warfare, setting it in the familiar timeframe of World War II. The intricate political relationships among nations are skillfully recreated, whether players adhere to a nation’s historical trajectory or craft their own narrative.

In Hearts of Iron 4, combat isn’t emphasized in real-time like other strategy games; instead, war is depicted on a vast scale as a statistical battle. Major conflicts involving entire armies are predominantly about numbers. The strategic aspect unfolds on a broad scope, allowing players to employ both military tactics and diplomacy to expand their nation’s territory and wealth. This combination makes Hearts of Iron 4 one of the most authentic simulations of national-level affairs available.

1. Total War: Shogun 2

Japanese Warlord Simulator

In contrast to other games in the Total War series that blend realism with fantasy elements, Total War: Shogun 2 adopts a more historically authentic approach, minimizing creative deviations. This game is set during the 16th century in Japan, when the shogunate was disintegrating. Players begin as the leader of their chosen clan and their goal is to bring all of Japan together under their rule.

As a game enthusiast, I’d put it this way: In this grand strategy title, I navigate the intricate web of massive diplomacy and strategic positioning, all while enjoying the signature real-time skirmishes. The game offers an array of units for ranged and close combat, along with the option to construct siege weaponry for castle assaults and ships for naval battles by developing my own fleets.

Refining both the tactical battlefield and strategic aspects of the game offers a heightened sense of authenticity. Troop deployments must take into account supply lines, transport routes, and climatic conditions when navigating the map. Likewise, players need to navigate a dynamic diplomatic terrain, where alliances, betrayals, espionage, family ties, and more are factors to consider. The game masterfully balances realism and strategy across various dimensions.

2025-01-08 04:36