The 25 Best World War 2 Games to Play In 2025

Introduction

It’s hard to believe it’s been eighty years since the end of World War II. Thinking about it, from the devastated battlefields of the Eastern Front to the bombed-out cities of Germany and Japan, it was a conflict that truly changed everything. As we remember the bravery of the veterans, the heroes, and all the civilians who lived through those years, I can’t help but think about how much that time still affects us today. For me, and a lot of other gamers, video games have become a really powerful way to explore, remember, and even reimagine the stories and battles of WWII. It’s more than just shooting; it’s about connecting with history in a way that really resonates.

This isn’t simply a list of popular WWII games; it’s a hand-picked collection of some of my most beloved, genuine, engaging, and historically important titles available in 2025. Ranging from incredibly detailed simulations – modeling even the smallest parts of military vehicles – to moving stories that show the human side of war, these games offer something for everyone. If you’re an experienced strategy gamer looking for a tough challenge, or if you’re new to the genre and want to learn about the battles of that era, you’ll discover a game here that offers a fresh perspective on the most significant conflict in history.

This list isn’t definitive – I’ve simply put together a variety of games to appeal to all players, covering everything from fast-paced arcade shooters and realistic flight simulation, to intense real-time strategy and complex strategy games. There are countless World War II games available – potentially thousands – and some of my favorites aren’t included here. Feel free to add your suggestions in the comments below.

25 – Call of Duty: World At War

Man, I still remember when Call of Duty: World at War came out in 2008. It’s seriously one of the most realistic and intense depictions of World War II I’ve ever played, especially for a fast-paced first-person shooter (FPS). I was in high school when it launched, and I was genuinely shocked by how brutal it was. It was a big deal seeing that level of realism in the Pacific Theater – though Medal of Honor: Rising Sun had touched on that before – and the Eastern Front campaign really showed just how savage that war was, a true fight for survival. While the campaign is probably the strongest part of the game, the multiplayer back then was *amazing*. There was always a ton of skilled players online. Oh boy, those were the days, weren’t they?

I’d suggest this game to anyone interested in World War 2, but who isn’t a fan of complex strategy or highly realistic military simulations. It’s a great way to experience the conflict with a more arcade-style approach. This is perfect for players who want action rather than intricate planning and realism. It really focuses on the excitement of the war, not the tactical details.

24 – Panzer Corps 2

If you’re looking for an easy-to-learn wargame in 2025, especially if you enjoy turn-based strategy, Panzer Corps 2 is a fantastic choice. It’s a modern classic that revitalizes the traditional hex-based wargame with impressive 3D graphics, ever-changing maps, and a huge selection of units to experiment with. The game puts you in command in the European Theater, offering large-scale, branching campaigns and lots of downloadable content covering different battles and armies. What really sets it apart is how easy it is to pick up and play, even if you’re new to the genre – something not all games on this list can claim. But don’t let that fool you; there’s still plenty of depth for players who want to master its systems. Plus, a thriving community constantly creates new scenarios, guaranteeing hundreds of hours of engaging gameplay. It’s a truly rewarding experience.

If you’re on a tight budget, check out Panzer Corps: Gold Edition, the earlier version. It often goes on sale for just a few dollars and includes hundreds – possibly over a thousand – missions.

23 – Commandos: Origins

This game is likely to spark debate, but if you’re interested in seeing where the famous elite WWII force started in one of the most well-known strategy game series ever made, you should play Commandos: Origins. This real-time tactics game returns to the roots of the genre, putting you in charge of a six-person team-featuring characters like the Green Beret, the Sapper, and the Spy-on secret missions. You’ll journey from the frozen Arctic to the expansive African deserts, needing to use a mix of stealth, careful planning, and firepower to defeat strongly defended objectives and resist the increasing Nazi presence. I’m a big fan of Commandos 1 and 2 (I never really had time for 3), and I believe Origins successfully updates the classic gameplay for 2025. It’s a solid entry in the series.

22 – Hidden & Dangerous 2: Courage Under Fire

I have fond memories of playing this game when I was younger and being struck by how different it was. Compared to games I was used to, like Medal of Honor: Allied Assault, it really stood out. This tactical shooter, released in 2003, uniquely combines stealth, action, and managing a squad, tasking you with leading a British SAS team on secret missions around the world. Hidden & Dangerous 2: Courage Under Fire remains notable for the incredible tactical freedom it offers, letting you complete objectives through either direct confrontation or careful, planned infiltration. The game’s detailed world makes it a satisfying experience for anyone looking for a WWII shooter that does things differently, and it’s still enjoyed today by a loyal community who continue to support it with fan-made updates.

21 – Armoured Commander II

Armoured Commander 2 is a truly special game, and one of the most distinctive you can play in 2025. I’ve been playing and enjoying it since 2021! It’s a minimalist, text-based roguelike wargame where you take command of a single tank in World War II. Even with its simple, ASCII-style graphics, the game is surprisingly deep. It realistically simulates everything from managing your tank crew and dealing with injuries, to the harsh realities of tank combat in many different, randomly generated campaigns. The game’s focus on unfolding stories and simply surviving creates a really tense and personal connection to your crew, making it a unique and difficult experience for serious wargame fans. You’ll fight in randomly generated campaigns across multiple theaters of the war – North Africa, the Pacific, and Europe – and you’ll have plenty of tanks to choose from, as almost every tank that fought in the war is included, from early German Panzers to late-war American heavy tanks.

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2025-10-04 22:44