GAMERS DECIDE - army

25 Best Military Strategy Games For PC

khrone — Sat, 25 Mar 2017 20:41:13 +0000

Leading vast armies, or performing guerrillla warfare, here are the 25 best military strategy games to play on your PC right now

Games where you are given control of a millitary force to battle often againts enemy forces have been around since the inception of gaming. They combine the best aspects of gaming, the feeling of control, of power and the ability to prevail against stronger forces through the use of clever strategy.

Let's look at the best 25 millitary strategy games.

25) Europa Universalis 4

Europa Universalis IV - Video Developer Diary: Exploration

Europa Universalis 4 is a game where you can choose any nation to play as, starting in the renaissance, up until the early 1800s. Just pick a country and see what kind of alternate history you can conjure up.

While the combat is not as deep and detailed as other games on this list, the economics and political aspect makes up for it. Betraying your allies or creating a vast continent spanning empire, all is possible in Europa Universalis 4.

Changing the destiny of the world, all up to you.

Fighting for the independence of the USA, just one event out of thousands.

24) Order of Battle: World War II

Order of Battle: Blitzkrieg Gameplay trailer

When thinking about millitary strategy, this is probably the most classical example, gameplay wise. The game is comprised of many campaigns like the pacific front or the invasion of Poland.

You get to control different armies in World War 2 and use hundreds of different units with unique stats to conquer your enemies one turn at a time.

The game is divided into territories which can be captured by invading the cities.

Horses are always the most effective way to deal with tanks.

23) Man of War: Assault Squad 2

Men of War: Assault Squad 2 - Launch Trailer

One of the world war 2 stategy giants, this is for those who prefer a more personal aproach to the genre. You control a squad of men, like Company of Heroes, but on a smaller scale. Each man can operate vehicles and have their own inventory which you have to manage, for in this game amunition is important.

If you want to get into the action, it is possible to take direct control of your soldiers or vehicles to influence the battle if you think that your aim is better than the AI’s.

Just a herd of tanks looking for fresh water.

Each tank has their own crew with unique inventories.

22) Napoleon: Total War

Napoleon: Total War Gameplay Trailer #1

For lovers of line battles, there is no better strategy game, a direct improvement over Total War: Empire, with amazingly detailed ship battles.The game follows the campaigns of Napoleon Bonaparte, and encompases the majority of Europe.

Great Visibility.

Politics also play a part in the game.

21) Sengoku

Sengoku Release Trailer

A typical Paradox grand strategy game, you take the place of a Japanese aristocrat in the shogun era. You can control any clan in the game and try to unify Japan. While the game doesn't possess the vast combat engine Total War does, its diplomacy is much more in depth with characters forcing others to commit seppuku, or rebelling against their lords.

All of Japan covered in a detailed map.

Clans fight for dominance.

20) Warhammer 40,000: Armageddon

Warhammer 40,000: Armageddon Gameplay Trailer

A typical turn-based military strategy, this game is set in the amazing universe of Warhammer 40k with a huge amount of unit variety. From Leman Russes to Warhound Titans, this game is a dream for Warhammer fans. The tactical aspect of the game is similar to other games of this niche genre, only with the rule set of Warhammer.

The sheer amount of unit types are amazing.

Those orks are about to get slaughtered.

19) Cossacks 3

Cossacks 3 Official Trailer

Cossacks is a traditional RTS game with resource gathering and base building, but it also combines the huge battles of Total War games and the quick and low health combat of Starcraft where micromanagement is important.

The base game offers twelve different nations to play as, such as England and Prussia. Each nation has unique units.

The game offers ageless 2d graphics.

Musketeers offer the classic line battles.

18) Ultimate General: Gettysburg

Ultimate General: Gettysburg Beta Gameplay

A real-time battle game set during the American civil war. While on the outside, it looks like another game with a Total War style combat, it is certainly different.

It features long drawn-out battles where small skirmishes determine the outcome of the battle, more closely resembling real life battles. The game is clean and the battles are easy to read with a pretty map and the ability to switch to topography mode where you can see the heights of the surrounding hills.

The clear graphics make it really easy to follow the battles.

The enviroment is important when managing your man.

17) Total War: ATTILA

Total War: ATTILA – Tyrants and Kings Edition – Official Trailer

One of the newest Total War games, Attila is set in the twilight days of the Western Roman Empire where you can control the invading barbarian nations during the great migration, including the Huns, or the still powerful but declining Roman empire.

The two sides offer different styles of gameplay which adds to the replay value of the game. While the barbarians focus on settling and nation founding, the Romans are trying to defend their ever shrinking empire from the myriad of foes.

Epic sieges were always the best part of Total War games.

Cinematic battles

16) Faces of War

Faces Of War Gameplay [HD]

Faces of War is the predecessor to the successful Man of War series, featuring a cover system, a powerful physics system where buildings can fall apart. All of this makes for a unique RTS experience with tactical depth.

Each soldier has its own inventory with ammunition and equipment and they can drive vehicles. Similar to Man of War you can also take direct control of them.

Highly detailed models.

Lots of inventory management.

15) Act of War

Act of War video game Trailer 2 - PC

Set in the near future, Act of War is an RTS game, where you play as one of the two unique factions as you fight in mostly urban environments. You have the ability to move infantry into buildings or even climb the rooftops, using this method you can sneak snipers around the maps, creating unique tactics.

While you only gather one resource - money, you can obtain it in different ways, like capturing enemy soldiers who got injured in battle or capturing banks. As you progress throughout the game you get more and more over the top weapons and vehicles.

Just an ordinary piece of artillery.

The campaign is great, spiced with live-action cutscenes.

14) Blitzkrieg 2 and 3

Blitzkrieg 3 - Trailer HD

If you want a tactical world war 2 game with large scale battles and destructible environment, Blitzkrieg is the game for you. The reason both games are on the list is while Blitzkrieg 3 is out, it is still in early access, so if you don't mind the older graphics, the 2nd game is a more complete experience, but on the other hand, the multiplayer scene is more lively in the newer installation.

In the game itself, while you don't have to worry about resources, you have to keep track of your squad cap as your soldiers die very quickly. The difference between victory and defeat is to position your troops in a way where they are harder to kill than the enemy. Dig trenches and build tank traps, occupy villages and hilltops.

A good old beach landing is always epic.

Infantry have the ability to man the artillery pieces.

13) Stellaris

Stellaris Launch Trailer - Grand Strategy on a Galactic Scale

Stellaris is a mix between a 4x game and a grand strategy, a great gateway for fans of both genres.

The game offers randomized races, huge amounts of interesting events, from extra-dimensional invasion, to A.i rebellion. You make interstellar fleets to protect your own people or conquer others, with the option to customize each ship to suit your needs.

Thousands of different events.

While battles are not controllable, they are fully modeled.

12) Medieval 2: Total War

Medieval 2 Total War Gold Trailer Remake

One of the best Total War games, where you take control of a European nation in the middle ages and try to conquer the holy lands while defending yourself from your neighbors.

Each nation possesses unique units and the massive research tree makes sure that the campaign evolves as Europe come up with new ways of destruction, like cannons. Because of the massive and complex castles and cities, sieges are long and fun.

The middle east region is also playable.

The typical massive battles of a Total War game.

11) Homeworld: remastered

Homeworld 2 Remastered Story Trailer (Homeworld Remastered Collection)

A classic space battle game. You control a small fleet of ships as you make your way through a galaxy. While your mothership can build new ships from processed asteroids, each lost ship is a blow to the fleet as your units are saved from one mission to the next.

You control a wide array of different ships from fighters to huge battlecruisers in epic battles with a soundtrack that takes inspiration from tribal music. The whole game feels like a mythical journey through a hostile and beautiful galaxy.

The whole game is basically spaceship porn.

In the distance looms mysterious remnants of races long dead.

10) World in Conflict

(HD) World in Conflict gameplay maxed graphics DX10

A unique approach to the classic squad vs squad strategy game. Set in an alternate universe where the USA got invaded. The game features huge beautifully rendered full 3D maps with destructible buildings.

Each side starts with a set of units and the abillity to call in reinforcements and airstrikes, including tactical nukes. While you can enter buildings and take the high ground, the most important thing is the composition of your army and the abillty to use the strikes cleverly.

The units are also part of the physics engine, which can result in amusing situations.

After a typical match, the cities often end up levelled.

9) Dawn of War 2 (and 3 upcoming)

Dawn of War 2 - Space Marine Trailer (HD)

Ahh, the Dawn of War series, the flagship of the Warhammer games. With an upcoming sequel, Dawn of War 2 is in many ways similar to Company of Heroes, with some RPG elements, and more focus on small scale combat.

Thr playable races are the Space marines, Orks, Eldar and Tyranids, and if you get the DLCs, you can also play as the Chaos Space marines and the Imperial Guard.

While having some minimal base building in multiplayer, the game is more about making a small squad and positioning them in covers. The campaign consists of a solar system where you have to defend the different planets X-com style.

Chaos terminators, bloodletters, just what you need.

Grimdarkness never looked so good.

8) Stronghold: Crusaders 2

Stronghold Crusader 2 - Skirmish Trailer

The sequel to the highly acclaimed Stonghold: Crusaders, you build highly detailed castles, with full control over the falls and towers and siege other fortresses. You can build ditches, traps, and all kind of medieval units each with a different trick to help you crack open huge castles.

Armies can be quite big.

Part of managing the castle is making sure your peasants are happy, or not rebellious at least.

7) Company of Heroes 2

Company of Heroes 2: Debut Gameplay Trailer (Official HD)

In terms of content and size, Company of Heroes 2 is the world war 2 RTS to play. The same cover system used in Dawn of War 2, combined with base building and a strategic map divided into territories each giving the player a different resource.

The vehicles have different weak points like the engine or the tracks; and the game monitors the bullets shot by the soldiers, that combined with an impressive physics system it results in an immersive gameplay experience. The game has a level up system and is great for multiplayer matches.

Amazing visuals.

Every little debris can be used as cover.

6) Total War™: ROME II - Emperor Edition

Total War: ROME II – Find a Way Trailer – US

Set during the ascension of the Roman Empire, Rome 2 encompasses the punic wars, and minor conflicts during that period. Featuring battles where each soldier became a real physical object; and battles where naval and land units are both fighting.

While it came out bugged and flawed, the patches have fixed many of the problems.

Sieges are back.

A more realistic version of Asterix and Obelix

5) X-com 2 (with long war 2 mod)

Official XCOM 2 E3 2015 Gameplay

A squad based tactics game where Aliens control the earth and you are the leader of the resistance, trying to get rid of a much more advanced foe. You control a flying base form where you launch your raids to save mankind. An unforgiving game on it's own, what makes it applicable to this list is the official long war 2 mod for it. This ramps up the difficulty and turns the game into more of a strategy game, where long-term thinking is essential.

You can customize each squad member

The aliens are not messing around.

4) Total War: Warhammer

Total War: WARHAMMER Gameplay Video - Dwarfs Let's Play

The latest Total War game, and the first one in a fantasy setting, namely in the world of Warhammer. The game encompasses most of the Old World, where you can play the major factions like the Empire or Bretonnia.

Because of the nature of the game, each faction is unique, giving the game an asymmetry, no other Total War game had before. Every race has different game mechanics, like raising the dead, corrupting the lands or reviving the Oak of Ages and traveling underground.

You can control mighty beasts.

Magic spells can turn a huge battle around.

3) Wargame: Red Dragon

Wargame Red Dragon: Launch Trailer

When it comes to modern military combat, Wargame: Red Dragon is the king in the genre right now, at least when it comes to strategy games. Great for multiplayer, you play on huge photorealistic maps where you can zoom out really far Supreme commander style and control large amounts of units. Each unit has a ton of different stats, with infantry squads that use multiple weapons.

Each player races to capture areas that give them resources in battles which can be played up to 20 players. The environment plays an important part as squads hide in forests and tanks mow down towns.

The maps look like google maps on steroids.

You can zoom down to a personal level.

2) Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance

Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance PC Games Trailer

One of the more unique RTS games, inspired many newer games, such as Red Dragon. Set in the far future of the infinity wars, you play as one of the highly mechanized factions.

You have to balance generating power and resources as you build up your forces, in a game where every unit is complete in a few seconds and die just as quickly, you have to manage large amounts of them as often multiple battles are taking place simultaneously on the map.

You can zoom out really far to control everything from the same camera perspective. If you like controlling large towering mechs and city-sized tanks, you should pick this one up.

Constant bombardment from the enemy is standard in the game.

Huge units.

1) Hearts of Iron 4

Hearts of Iron IV - "Take Action" - Release Trailer

A grand strategy from Paradox, set during World War 2, this is the ultimate experience when it comes to World War 2 grand strategy. Play as any country during the era, and change the course of history. The game starts before the war so the player has some time to prepare before the world burns, and the dynamic A.i and events can change the date of the starting point.

While you don't control the battles directly, you draw the battle lines, use high strategy to move the armies around, then engage in politics and production as well is keeping up to date with the latest warfare technology.

Yes, the famous second Civil War.

The frontlines are always moving.

Deciding the fate of thousands of people in one click, sending hundreds of soldiers to their doom with the push of a button, it is no wonder there games are so popular.

If you liked this list, you may also be interested in:

21 Best World War Games on PC

10 Best Military Strategy Games to Play in 2015

17 Best Turn-Based Strategy Games Worth Playing in 2017

Main Image caption:

Bruce Willis during the during the gulf war, circa 1931

Image Gallery:

The Best Army Games for PC

Zachary — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 16:50:20 +0000

The Best Army Games

There are quite a few games that put you into the role of the soldiers, fighting against armies as you battle. From the fantasy worlds of Warhammer to the more gritty and real Battlefield or Call of Duty, there are quite a few variations to this type of game. Here are some of the best army games you can play.

13) Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III (2017) [Upcoming]

Dawn of War III trailer

Nearly a decade after Dawn of War 2, a new entry to the franchise has been announced. Dawn of War 3 will feature a campaign that takes place between the Space Marines, the Orks, and the Eldars after a powerful weapon is found on the planet of Acheron.

The story would have you follow each of these races as they seek out this weapon to destroy the other two races. The gameplay is the biggest mystery when it comes to the game. The first game focused on large scale combat, commanding armies at a time in massive battles. The second game featured a more focused look at the combat, introducing hero units to the fray.

The closest gleamed from interviews is that this game will feature combat similar to the first game, but with more powerful units reminiscent of the second. These new units are known as elites and are meant to be one-man armies when up against the ordinary troops. In short, it seems the gameplay is being hammered out to include the best of both previous installments, though it is still too far off to tell for certain.

The game is slated for a 2017 release and, thus, cannot make it any higher on the list for that reason.

One of the machines of war, mowing down its enemies

12) Battlefield 1 (2016) [Upcoming]

Battlefield 1 trailer

The latest installment in the Battlefield franchise, you will travel back to World War I in the classic FPS styled gameplay with fully destructible environments. The game will take you through a variety of locations, such as Arabia and the Italian Alps.

The campaign will offer more choice than the previous installments, allowing for a larger storyline from various different perspectives. An assortment of vehicles from WW1 will be available, enabling you to participate in aerial dogfights as well as the typical trench warfare or naval engagements. The destructibility will become a big part of the game, allowing a Royal Navy warship to level the entirety of the map if it so chose. The multiplayer will offer a massive amount of battling as well, supporting 64 players altogether.

This has, however, not been released yet, resulting in its lower spot on the list. Despite that, there are high hopes for this one.

Traversing the chaotic battlefields of WWI

11) Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered (2016) [Upcoming]

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered trailer

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare has been renowned for being one of the best in the franchise. With the release of Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, it was also announced that this would receive a remake as well. It was met with much anticipation, bringing one of the best in the series to modern graphics. This will allow the player to return to the story, following a band of soldiers across several countries as they chase down the Russian terrorist, Makarov.

The biggest draw, though, is a return to the old-fashioned World War setting, one that many fans have missed more and more with each new game.

This one is sure to be a hit. Unfortunately, the release has not happened yet, so I cannot put it any higher on the list.

A Juggernaut facing the combined firepower of two soldiers

10) Insurgency (2014)

Insurgency trailer

This one does not have a campaign to speak of, but there is a multiplayer community for the game. There are several maps for multiplayer or cooperative matches can be played. With up to 32 players in a game, the mechanics focus on a more realistic feel to the weapons, doing away with cross-hairs and offering a free-aim system. Along with that, each group in the multiplayer matches are based around squad combat. You can choose your role in the squad and it helps to support the rest of your team as you battle against your opponents or just the AI.

Closing in on the objective

9) Men of War: Assault Squad 2 (2014)

Men of War: Assault Squad 2 trailer

This entry lacks a campaign mode, but it is still a valid addition to the list. What it lacks in a proper storyline, Assault Squad 2 can make up in varied play styles and combat situations. You can play as a sniper, picking off the enemies from afar, or a marine, right on the front lines. You can even play as a tank pilot, blasting your way across the battlefield.

The most interesting aspect of the gameplay is the fact that, despite controlling an entire squad, you can take individualized control of every unit. This allows for better strategies to be implemented, letting one unit, or a smaller group of units, break off from the main force. It offers a lot of variability to the strategies you can employ.

Crossing the ruined battlefield against enemy fire

8) Company of Heroes 2 (2013)

Company of Heroes 2 trailer

During the German invasion of the Soviet Union, a grueling conflict arose every step of the way. The game centers around that, offering a campaign where you defend the Motherland from the Nazi invaders. You take on the role of a Soviet commander, trying to stop the Nazi advance and then push them out of your country altogether.

If you aren't into that though, there is a multiplayer mode. You have the choice of playing as the Red Army, defending the Soviet Union from attack, or the Wehrmacht Ostheer, the German forces that were assigned with the invasion of Russia. With the expansion, more factions are included in this, such as the United States military and the British army.

The amount of strategy that goes into these matches is fantastic as players march in one of the most violent conflicts in history.

Bravely storming the battlefield towards enemy lines

7) ARMA 3 (2013)

ARMA 3 trailer

This installment has a vast world to explore, opening you up to playing on the Mediterranean islands Altis and Stratis. These islands allows you to traverse a variety of terrain, from expansive cities to dense forests and rolling hills. The single-player campaign allows you to fill the boots of Ben Kerry through three chapters: Survive, Adapt, Win.

Controlling Kerry, you must complete the objectives for each chapters, starting with simply surviving the war at hand before finally moving on to victory. The multiplayer community is also active, allowing players to pit their skills against each other in Defend and Seize scenarios. The most interesting aspect, though, is the community building that this game includes. Through a scenario editor, you can create your own unofficial game modes to offer a fun new twist to the usual gameplay.

Preparing for a dog fight with your wingman

6) Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad (2011)

Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad trailer

Red Orchestra 2 focuses on a single battle during World War II - The Battle of Stalingrad. It was one of the fiercest battles to take place as the Russians defended desperately to keep Stalingrad out of the Nazis' hands. This game focuses on the events surrounding this single battle as the two forces clash in the final stand of the Russians, allowing you to play as either the Soviets or the Nazis.

As far as gameplay goes, you are able to make strategic decisions in these battles, but the majority of combat is spent in the first person. The most interesting aspect comes from its online play. Players who stand out among their peers during these battles can become Heroes. The Hero progression allows for rarer weapons to be found as well as in-game side effects, such as inspiring the nearby troops during a match.

Lining up the perfect shot

5) Panzer Corps (2011)

Panzer Corps trailer

This one puts you in the role of a German commander in charge of the Axis armies. These armies can be upgraded over time to earn better weaponry as you participate in 26 campaigns. There are over 800 units to choose from, offering quite a bit of selection when it comes to choosing who to upgrade and which units will make up the core of your forces.

There is also a multiplayer in which you can battle against other players in cross-platform matches of historical battles or balanced scenarios.

The forces charge forward into enemy territory

4) Napoleon: Total War (2010)

Napoleon: Total War trailer

Fans of the franchise will know what to expect, but this one puts you in the role of the French conqueror, Napoleon during his age of conquest or one of his major rivals, working actively to stop Napoleon. The campaign follows three separate sections: Italy, Egypt, and Mastery of Europe. These will take you through the rise to power of Napoleon, starting with his early commands and reaching out to the conqueror we know from the history books.

The gameplay takes the role of similar entries from the Total War games. You can hire your army and send them marching across Europe to claim them as your own or take to diplomacy and attempt to pull ahead of your rivals in that manner.

Two forces clash against each other

3) Hearts of Iron IV (2016)

Heart of Iron IV trailer

In Hearts of Iron IV, you take charge of the armies during World War II by taking the role of one of the great leaders, from Winston Churchill to Joseph Stalin. You lead your armies against the opposing forces, whether they be Allies or Axis. The gameplay follows a Risk-like style, sending your armies across to neighboring territories to attack. Despite the focus on armies, though, that isn't the only way to get your way with the other countries. You can utilize many different forms of strategy, from diplomacy to espionage.

One of the most interesting aspects in the game, though, is that there are a number of factors that will affect your armies outside of the opposing forces. For instance, weather plays a large role, as it had during the actual war. Armies have more trouble moving through a snow storm than they would through a clear spring day. It adds a new dimension to the strategy you must undertake to achieve your goals.

Preparing the lines against the enemy forces

2) Medieval II: Total War (2006)

Medieval II: Total War trailer

Another Total War title makes the slot. Medieval II spans across the entirety of Europe and parts of the Middle East and Africa. This takes you through battles between monarchies, such as Britain and France, all the way to the possibilities of crusades, invading the heathen lands for your religion. This is a representation of warfare during the medieval times rather than only having a few separated campaign modes.

Two armies crashing into each other

1) Europa Universalis IV (2013)

Europa Universalis IV trailer

The first on the list allows you to take command of your nation with unparalleled amounts of freedom. You can rule your nation through ages of conquest and diplomacy, turning it into a powerful nation. This allows you to fully alter history as you can choose from countless nations and build it into the superpower of the world. Prominent figures will appear throughout the game, having an effect on how the game flows, but you will have the major control over how things happen.

One of the interesting factors for the game is the monarchy system. The members of your monarchy often determine the amount of influence you will have as a ruler and this system brings that idea to life. With numerous way to make your nation into a lasting one, this has a large amount of replayability, even without a formal campaign mode.

Battling for the city of Constantinople

Closing

With so many great games to choose from, there's no shortage of army games. From leading your army to serving the commander, there are many different ways to play, and several more games you can choose from. However, these were a few of the best to start with.