Top 10 Wargames You Need to Wishlist For 2026

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

10 – Battleship Command

MicroProse recently announced Battleship Command, a promising WWII naval simulator set to launch in 2026. What’s really exciting is the focus on detailed, immersive gameplay centered around a single type of ship – a historically accurate Scharnhorst-class battleship. I’ve always preferred this approach, as it allows for a deeper and more memorable experience. I had a fantastic time with IL-2: Sturmovik, playing solely as a C-47A Skytrain pilot and handling everything from dropping paratroopers to evading enemy fire. Battleship Command seems to offer a similar level of control, letting you manage the ship’s systems, direct your crew, and even operate critical stations directly. I’m not a fan of large-scale fleet management, so this hands-on approach is a big draw. If it lives up to its potential, Battleship Command could become the definitive WWII surface combat simulator and a must-have for naval wargame enthusiasts.

9 – Sudden Strike 5

I wasn’t initially impressed with Sudden Strike 4 and was pretty critical of it, but I admit it had good graphics and a lot of content. If Sudden Strike 5 can also offer those qualities, it has the potential to be a really popular wargame. The new game builds on a long history of tactical combat, and with its updated engine and focus on combined arms, it looks like it will deliver large, intense battles where strategy and army composition are key. I’m definitely keeping a close eye on it, as I’ve already added it to my wishlist.

8 – Strategos

Okay, so I’ve actually gotten hands-on with Strategos, and I even chatted with the dev! The fact that it’s still on my list of wargames to watch in 2026 should tell you something – it’s shaping up to be really good, even though it’s not quite finished. For ages, people have been begging for something different than Total War, and Strategos definitely delivers on the battles. It doesn’t have that big empire-building side, but the real-time combat is right up there, although it feels more grounded in historical accuracy. Seriously, we’re talking over 120 factions and 250 different unit types across ancient history! Battles are huge and messy, and winning isn’t about just throwing more troops at the enemy. You need to use the terrain, keep your troops organized, worry about their morale, and have a smart commander. If you’re into ancient history and were hoping for a new Rome: Total War or Pharaoh-like experience, Strategos could be exactly what you’ve been waiting for. Definitely add it to your wishlist for when it comes out in 2026.

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2025-12-11 17:43