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With the recent release of Burden of Command I thought to myself: is there a better time to compile a list of some of the Best World War 2 strategy games to play in 2025? I concluded that no, there’s no better time than this.
Are you a History enthusiast with a strategic mind? Do you find yourself captivated by the intricate campaigns and pivotal moments of World War 2? So here goes: You’ve landed in the right place. In 2025, the landscape of strategy gaming continues to offer some of the best experiences that allow you to step into the boots of wartime leaders and soldiers of World War 2. I have put together a list of some of the best World War 2 strategy games you can play in 2025. In this list you’ll find a lot of different experiences so that there’s something for every player out there. Join me as we delve into the top World War 2 strategy games you absolutely need to play in 2025, exploring their unique features, historical accuracy, and the strategic options they offer.
Let’s start with a gem from the early 2000s that I barely see talked about today! The Blitzkrieg 2 Anthology 2 builds upon the foundation of 2003 original, offering a real-time tactics experience set across various theaters of World War 2. Its graphics are pretty dated by today’s standards, but it attempted to bring some historical accuracy and tactical depth to a genre dominated mainly by doomstacks. Blitzkrieg 2 introduced new features like reinforcements and supply management, as well as armour values for tanks and defensive positions, attempting to add more layers for strategic consideration on the battlefield. Players command historically authentic units in loving environments (if you like the early 2000s look of games like Commandos and Age of Empires 2 you’ll love this one). The anthology provides the base game alongside the Blitzkrieg 2: Fall of the Reich and Blitzkrieg 2: Liberation DLCs.
Sudden Strike 4 is what I would call a classic real-time tactics game set in World War 2, more arcadey, and less focused on historical accuracy and realistic battles. Being the 4th game of the series, it’s quite an evolution when compared with SS3, a game released in 2007. While it might not be able to provide you with the more engaging kind and authentic battles, the sheer amount of content and the fact that it goes on sale for so cheap, so often, is worth a go. There are dozens of missions from the early days of the war to the Pacific, the Winter War, Dunquerke, North Africa, France and Russia. The graphics are nice as well. It’s what I would call a chill game for a relaxed Friday night.
Here’s a childhood favourite of mine, and a game I hope Commandos: Origins can learn a couple of things from: Commandos 2, is one of the best tactical stealth-based games ever, and without a doubt, the best one set during World War 2, where players control a squad of elite (and iconic) commandos with unique skills. Focusing on infiltration, sabotage, and covert operations behind enemy lines, Commandos required meticulous planning, patrol and map studying and flawless execution. Each commando’s ability is muscle memory for every single one of us who played it for hours on end. The original Commandos is also a great option if you’re interested in playing the game that started the series.
War Mongrels is rather similar to Commandos, in the sense that it’s another real-time tactics game, but with quite a story behind it. Set on the Eastern Front during World War 2, you’re commanding a squad of deserters who become resistance fighters. With a blend of stealth, tactical combat, and a narrative-driven campaign that doesn’t shy away from the brutality of war, the game challenges players to both outmanoeuvre and overcome German forces, while having to deal with the horrors of the conflict that changed the 20th century. The original mission is quite memorable, and while the game controls could be a bit better, it’s still an experience worth going through.
I know that putting Men of War 2 might not be the most obvious choice, but despite reviewing somewhat poorly (even for Strategy and Wargaming standards), I think its singleplayer missions are worth playing and the game has been getting tons of updates since it first came out, nearly a year ago. It’s still a run-of-the-mill Men of War game, where you command small units of infantry, tanks, and artillery, emphasizing direct control and tactical decision-making. The recent updates have reworked old systems, introduced new game mechanics, brought new units and battalions, new maps, and even improved some graphics and sounds. I think the game is in a good state right now, and might be worth giving it a shot.
