infantry soldier, fly historic aircraft, command tanks, manage a submarine crew, or control an entire nation.
The games below focus on realistic combat, historical settings, tactical decisions, and military strategy. Some are easy to pick up, while others are built for players who enjoy detailed war simulations.
1. Hell Let Loose
| Our Score | 9.5/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Type of game | First-person, World War 2 tactical shooter |
| Platforms | PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S |
| Year of release | 2021 |
| Creator/s | Expression Games, Team17 |
| Average playtime | 100+ hrs |
| Unique features | 50v50 battles, infantry, tanks, artillery, logistics, dynamic front lines |
Hell Let Loose puts you into large-scale WWII battles with up to 100 players. Infantry, tank crews, artillery teams, commanders, and support roles all work together during a match.
The game covers major Western Front battles and gives each role a specific job. Communication and positioning can have a bigger impact than simply getting more kills.
My Verdict
Hell Let Loose is one of the best choices for realistic WWII multiplayer combat. Pick it if you want large battles and strong teamwork.
2. Squad 44
| Our Score | 9/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Type of game | First-person, tactical World War 2 shooter |
| Platforms | PC |
| Year of release | 2018 |
| Creator/s | Offworld |
| Average playtime | 80+ hrs |
| Unique features | Large WWII maps, realistic weapons, vehicles, squad combat, tactical teamwork |
Squad 44 is built around tactical WWII multiplayer. The game uses large battlefields with historically based weapons and vehicles, while squad communication plays a major part in combat.
Its slower combat rewards players who understand positioning, cover, movement, and squad coordination.
My Verdict
Squad 44 is a strong pick for players who want a more demanding WWII FPS with a focus on teamwork.
3. IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Stalingrad
| Our Score | 9.5/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Type of game | World War 2 combat flight simulator |
| Platforms | PC |
| Year of release | 2014 |
| Creator/s | 1C Game Studios |
| Average playtime | 100+ hrs |
| Unique features | Detailed aircraft, realistic flight simulation, historical battles, multiplayer, VR support |
IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Stalingrad focuses on WWII air combat. It includes single-player, online PvP, co-op, and VR support, with aircraft simulation at the center of the experience.
Flying successfully requires more than pointing at an enemy aircraft. Positioning, speed, altitude, aiming, and aircraft handling all matter.
My Verdict
IL-2 Sturmovik is the game to choose if aircraft are your main interest. It has much more depth than an arcade-style flight shooter.
4. UBOAT
| Our Score | 9/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Type of game | World War 2 submarine simulator |
| Platforms | PC |
| Year of release | 2024 |
| Creator/s | Deep Water Studio |
| Average playtime | 30+ hrs |
| Unique features | U-boat simulation, crew management, survival mechanics, naval combat, sandbox gameplay |
UBOAT puts you in command of a German submarine during World War 2. You manage the submarine and its crew while dealing with navigation, combat, supplies, and survival.
A successful patrol depends on careful decisions. Damage to the submarine or poor crew management can quickly turn a mission into a fight for survival.
My Verdict
UBOAT is an excellent choice for players who want a WWII simulation built around submarine warfare.
5. Graviteam Tactics: Mius-Front
| Our Score | 9.5/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Type of game | Tactical World War 2 combat simulation |
| Platforms | PC |
| Year of release | 2016 |
| Creator/s | Graviteam |
| Average playtime | 100+ hrs |
| Unique features | Battalion-level combat, operational layer, real-time battles, detailed vehicles, large battlefields |
Graviteam Tactics: Mius-Front is a battalion-level WWII combat simulation set on the Eastern Front in 1943. Its campaigns include large operations involving Red Army and German forces.
The game combines operational planning with real-time battles. You manage forces, supplies, repairs, movement, and battlefield positions.
My Verdict
Mius-Front is one of the strongest choices for players who want detailed tactical warfare. The learning curve is steep, so it suits experienced strategy fans.
6. Call to Arms – Gates of Hell: Ostfront
| Our Score | 9/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Type of game | Real-time tactical strategy |
| Platforms | PC |
| Year of release | 2021 |
| Creator/s | Barbedwire Studios, Digitalmindsoft |
| Average playtime | 50+ hrs |
| Unique features | Infantry and vehicle control, historical battles, dynamic campaigns, PvP, PvE, co-op |
Gates of Hell: Ostfront focuses on Eastern Front warfare and combines RTS gameplay with detailed tactical control. It includes historical single-player content, dynamic campaigns, PvP, and PvE battles.
You can control infantry and vehicles while making decisions about movement, attacks, and battlefield positions.
My Verdict
Gates of Hell: Ostfront is a great choice if you want detailed WWII combat while still having the structure of an RTS.
7. Combat Mission: Battle for Normandy
| Our Score | 9/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Type of game | Tactical World War 2 strategy simulation |
| Platforms | PC |
| Year of release | 2023 |
| Creator/s | Battlefront |
| Average playtime | 40+ hrs |
| Unique features | Tactical land warfare, Normandy setting, detailed units, 3D battlefields, single-player and PvP |
Combat Mission: Battle for Normandy recreates tactical land warfare in Western France during World War 2. The game covers the fighting after the D-Day landings and includes campaigns and standalone scenarios.
You control units at a much smaller scale than grand strategy games. Every movement, position, and attack can affect the battle.
My Verdict
Combat Mission: Battle for Normandy suits players who enjoy detailed tactical planning and historical military scenarios.
8. Steel Division 2
| Our Score | 9.2/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Type of game | Real-time strategy and tactical wargame |
| Platforms | PC |
| Year of release | 2019 |
| Creator/s | Eugen Systems |
| Average playtime | 80+ hrs |
| Unique features | Eastern Front, army management, real-time battles, thousands of soldiers, multiplayer, co-op |
Steel Division 2 is set on the Eastern Front and combines army management with real-time tactical battles. Its campaigns can put thousands of soldiers under your command.
You first manage your army at the operational level and then fight battles in real time.
My Verdict
Steel Division 2 is a strong option for players who want WWII battles on a much larger scale than squad-based games.
9. Company of Heroes 3
| Our Score | 8.8/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Type of game | Real-time strategy |
| Platforms | PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S |
| Year of release | 2023 |
| Creator/s | Relic Entertainment |
| Average playtime | 30+ hrs |
| Unique features | Mediterranean setting, tactical pause, campaigns, infantry, vehicles, multiplayer |
Company of Heroes 3 takes place in the Mediterranean theater of World War 2. It combines real-time battles with strategic decisions and includes single-player and multiplayer modes.
Its tactical pause system gives players more time to issue commands during single-player battles, which can make the game easier to approach.
My Verdict
Company of Heroes 3 is a good starting point if you want WWII strategy without the complexity of hardcore wargames.
10. Hearts of Iron IV
| Our Score | 9.5/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Type of game | Grand strategy, World War 2 simulation |
| Platforms | PC |
| Year of release | 2016 |
| Creator/s | Paradox Development Studio |
| Average playtime | 100+ hrs |
| Unique features | Nation management, military production, research, diplomacy, global warfare, alternate history |
Hearts of Iron IV takes WWII simulation to the national level. You choose a country and manage military production, research, diplomacy, industry, and warfare.
You can follow historical events or take the game in a different direction. Your decisions can change how the war develops.
My Verdict
Hearts of Iron IV is the best choice here for players who want to manage an entire nation and shape the course of World War 2.
11. Panzer Corps 2
| Our Score | 8.8/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Type of game | Turn-based World War 2 strategy |
| Platforms | PC |
| Year of release | 2020 |
| Creator/s | Flashback Games |
| Average playtime | 50+ hrs |
| Unique features | Turn-based combat, WWII campaigns, unit management, multiplayer, co-op, scenario editor |
Panzer Corps 2 is a turn-based WWII strategy game built around military units, campaigns, and battlefield planning. It also includes online PvP and co-op modes.
Because battles are turn-based, you have time to study the battlefield and plan your next move.
My Verdict
Panzer Corps 2 is a good choice if you enjoy WWII strategy but prefer a slower pace.
12. Unity of Command II
| Our Score | 8.8/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Type of game | Turn-based WWII operational strategy |
| Platforms | PC |
| Year of release | 2019 |
| Creator/s | 2×2 Games, Croteam |
| Average playtime | 40+ hrs |
| Unique features | Supply management, headquarters, fog of war, historical campaigns, turn-based combat |
Unity of Command II focuses on operational warfare. Supply, movement, reconnaissance, headquarters, and battlefield objectives all affect your plans.
The game gives you a clear set of military decisions without requiring the same level of detail found in some hardcore wargames.
My Verdict
Unity of Command II is a strong entry point for players who want to get into computer wargames.
13. Strategic Command WWII: World at War
| Our Score | 9/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Type of game | Global turn-based WWII strategy |
| Platforms | PC |
| Year of release | 2018 |
| Creator/s | Fury Software |
| Average playtime | 60+ hrs |
| Unique features | Global map, diplomacy, research, production, naval warfare, fog of war |
Strategic Command WWII: World at War covers the conflict on a global map, from Europe and North Africa to Asia and the Pacific. You can play as the Axis or Allied powers.
The game combines military operations with research, diplomacy, production, and strategic planning.
My Verdict
Strategic Command WWII: World at War is ideal for players who want to manage the entire conflict across multiple theaters.
14. The Troop
| Our Score | 8.5/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Type of game | Turn-based platoon-level tactics |
| Platforms | PC |
| Year of release | 2023 |
| Creator/s | Giant Flame |
| Average playtime | 30+ hrs |
| Unique features | Normandy campaign, infantry, tanks, British and Canadian forces, German forces, turn-based combat |
The Troop is a platoon-level tactical game set during the Normandy campaign. The game covers the period from D-Day through the fighting around Falaise.
You can play as British and Canadian forces or the German side while managing infantry and armored units.
My Verdict
The Troop works well for players who prefer smaller battles where individual tactical decisions carry more weight.
15. Men of War II
| Our Score | 8.5/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
| Type of game | Real-time tactical strategy |
| Platforms | PC |
| Year of release | 2024 |
| Creator/s | Best Way |
| Average playtime | 30+ hrs |
| Unique features | Eastern and Western Fronts, infantry, tanks, campaigns, PvP, co-op, mod support |
Men of War II covers both the Eastern and Western Fronts and gives players direct control over infantry and vehicles. It includes campaigns, multiplayer, co-op, and mod support.
The direct-control system lets you get closer to individual battlefield actions than a standard RTS.
My Verdict
Men of War II is worth trying if you want real-time WWII strategy with direct control over soldiers and vehicles.
Which World War 2 simulator game should you play?
The right game depends on the type of WWII experience you want.
| You want… | Best choice |
|---|---|
| Realistic multiplayer FPS | Hell Let Loose |
| Hardcore tactical FPS | Squad 44 |
| WWII flight simulation | IL-2 Sturmovik |
| Submarine simulation | UBOAT |
| Detailed tactical simulation | Graviteam Tactics: Mius-Front |
| Tactical RTS | Gates of Hell: Ostfront |
| Normandy tactical combat | Combat Mission: Battle for Normandy |
| Large-scale RTS | Steel Division 2 |
| Accessible WWII strategy | Company of Heroes 3 |
| Nation-level strategy | Hearts of Iron IV |
| Turn-based WWII strategy | Panzer Corps 2 |
| Operational wargaming | Unity of Command II |
| Global WWII strategy | Strategic Command WWII: World at War |
| Small-unit tactics | The Troop |
| Direct-control RTS | Men of War II |
Final verdict
For a realistic WWII FPS, start with Hell Let Loose or Squad 44.
For simulation-heavy strategy, Graviteam Tactics: Mius-Front and Combat Mission: Battle for Normandy are stronger choices.
If you want to control the wider war, Hearts of Iron IV and Strategic Command WWII: World at War give you much more control over nations, production, and military campaigns.
For aircraft, IL-2 Sturmovik is the clear pick, while UBOAT is the better choice for submarine warfare.
FAQs
1. What are the best World War 2 simulator games?
Some of the strongest choices are Hell Let Loose, Squad 44, IL-2 Sturmovik, UBOAT, Graviteam Tactics: Mius-Front, and Hearts of Iron IV. Each game focuses on a different part of WWII warfare.
2. What is the most realistic WW2 multiplayer game?
Hell Let Loose and Squad 44 are strong choices for realistic multiplayer combat. Both focus on large battles, tactical movement, teamwork, and historically based weapons and vehicles.
3. What is the best WW2 flight simulator?
IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Stalingrad is a strong choice for WWII flight simulation. It includes realistic flight mechanics, historical aircraft, online PvP, co-op, and VR support.
4. What is the best WW2 submarine simulator?
UBOAT is one of the strongest options for submarine fans. It combines U-boat simulation with crew management, survival, navigation, and naval combat.
5. What is the best WW2 strategy game for beginners?
Company of Heroes 3 is a good starting point because its real-time combat is easier to understand than more detailed wargames. Players who prefer turn-based gameplay can also start with Panzer Corps 2.
