20 Best WW2 Games That Bring History to Life
World War II reshaped the world forever, and its impact has also lead to the creation of some of the best WW2 games. Developers have long drawn inspiration from the strategies, tactics, and intensity of real-life military operations – creating immersive war games that put players right in the heart of history’s most pivotal battles.
The leading WW2 games offer more than just explosive action – they deliver a deep connection to the military tactics, weaponry, and challenges soldiers faced on the front lines.
Whether you’re commanding troops in large-scale conflicts or sneaking through enemy territory in a stealth mission, these games strive for historical accuracy and authentic wartime experiences.
Today, we’re diving into the best WW2 games that capture the gritty reality of war while delivering unforgettable gameplay.
Our Top Picks for WW2 Games
In the world of World War 2 games, there are many shooters, strategies, and simulators – both from well-known developers and smaller studios. But only some games can boast historical accuracy, engaging gameplay, and iconic status.
The best WW2 games let you feel the scale of combat, face the losses and challenges of that time.
Among all the games, five top titles stand out:
- Call of Duty 2 (2005) – A classic among first-person shooters about WW2I. In this iconic installment of the franchise, players take on the role of Soviet, American, and British soldiers, experiencing epic historical battles, including D-Day and the Eastern Front.
- Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 (2005) – One of the most realistic and tactical WWII shooters. In this game, precision and reaction time are important, but so is the ability to lead your squad, using cover and tactical maneuvers to defeat the enemy.
- Battlefield 1943 (2009) – A multiplayer shooter where large-scale battles unfold on the famous battlefields of the Pacific Front. Multiplayer other games in the Battlefield series have always been known for their dynamic gameplay, and this one is no exception.
- Medal of Honor: Allied Assault (2002) – One of the most iconic honor games, capturing the intensity of combat with cinematic flair. From the Normandy landings to secret operations behind enemy lines – every fight offers you the chance to become a part of the history.
- Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad (2011) – A tactical first-person shooter known for its uncompromising difficulty and realism.
Each of these best WW2 video games offers a unique perspective on the events of World War II. But this is just a small part of the games that truly deserve attention. Keep reading to learn about the best games recreating the most massive military conflict in human history.
20 Best World War II Games: Legendary Titles
Each game in our selection is an opportunity to step onto the battlefield, where every choice you make will matter. From shooters to strategies, each video game on this list truly deserves attention not only from genre enthusiasts but also from history fans.
1. Call of Duty 2 [Best for Epic Campaigns and Intense Battles]
| Unique Features | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Realistic cover system, epic large-scale battles, advanced enemy AI | PC, Xbox 360 | 2005 | Infinity Ward |
The second part of the legendary Call of Duty game series became a true benchmark for military shooters. The campaign offers three storylines – from fierce battles on the Eastern Front to the Allied landings in Normandy.
Enemies behave realistically, there is no standard health bar, and the story is presented in a cinematic format. It is one of the best games in its genre.
Why I liked this game:
- Epic battles with full historical accuracy;
- Well-developed and realistic weapons and equipment of the time;
- Convenient controls and dynamic gameplay.
Get your copy of Call of Duty 2 now >
2. Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 [Best for Tactical Mechanics and Squad Control]
| Unique Features | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Tactical squad command, story based on real events, cinematic presentation | PC, Xbox, PS2 | 2005 | Gearbox Software |
Still think military games are just about shooting enemies? This video game will change your mind. It’s one of the top strategy games, and it also places a lot of emphasis on teamwork.
The game is based on the real events of Operation Overlord, so the atmosphere of World War II is recreated with maximum authenticity. Don’t forget to use the cover system and rely on tactical maneuvers, or the next shot from the enemy will be fatal.
Why we liked the game:
- A realistic approach to combat – you need to not only shoot but also think;
- A deep storyline and memorable characters;
- The atmosphere of war conveyed without unnecessary pathos.
Order Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 today >
3. Battlefield 1943 [Best for Multiplayer Combat Dynamics]
| Unique Features | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Large-scale multiplayer battles, destructible environments, diverse vehicle combat | PC, Xbox 360, PS3 | 2009 | DICE |
A multiplayer shooter for true fans of the iconic Battlefield games. This is a World War II online game that does not have a single-player campaign.
However, it offers large maps, realistic destruction of surrounding objects, and battles with other 24 players. The video game features three iconic World War II theaters of operations – Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, and Wake Island.
Why I recommend playing Battlefield:
- Epic multiplayer battles with 24 players;
- Classic World War II vehicles;
- An opportunity to come back in a losing match with well-thought counter attacks;
- A great balance between arcade battles and realism.
Grab the Battlefield 1 Revolution & Battlefield 1943 Bundle now >
4. Medal of Honor: Allied Assault [Best for Cinematic Atmosphere and Fast-Paced Combat]
| Unique Features | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Legendary D-Day mission, historical accuracy, intense single-player and multiplayer battles | PC | 2002 | 2015 |
A legendary part of the franchise, which has been in the top ratings of the top-tier FPS games for many years. This is the very shooter that set serious standards for future World War II games.
The campaign takes the player to the most intense moments of the military conflict – from the historic Normandy landing to street battles in the ruined European cities.
Why you should play:
- One of the most atmospheric World War II games;
- Intense missions based on real events;
- A great soundtrack that adds realism.
Buy Medal of Honor: Allied Assault today >
5. Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad [Best for Realism and Tactical Combat]
| Unique Features | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Realistic ballistics, tactical FPS mechanics, immersive Eastern Front battles | PC | 2011 | Tripwire Interactive |
This first-person shooter focuses on historical accuracy – there’s no usual crosshair, ammo is limited, and every shot counts.
Every battle is a real test of your skills. It also features realistic ballistics and detailed maps. It’s worth mentioning the advanced damage system that realistically conveys the horrors of war.
Here’s why you should play Red Orchestra 2:
- Realistic gameplay – no simplifications;
- Multiplayer battles;
- Atmospheric recreation of the Eastern Front setting.
Get Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad now >
6. Company of Heroes: Complete Pack [Best Real-Time Strategy]
| Unique Features | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Dynamic battlefield destruction, tactical squad-based combat, intense resource management | PC | 2006 | Relic Entertainment |
This fantastic RTS game stands out with its deep gameplay, where every tactical detail is crucial. You’ll take control of the Allied forces and engage in key World War II battles. Every fight is truly unique.
Here are a few reasons to play:
- One of the best video game sets set during World War II;
- Intellectual and complex gameplay;
- Multiplayer battles with a changing landscape.
Order Company of Heroes: Complete Pack now >
7. War Thunder [Best for Military Aviation and Vehicles]
| Unique Features | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Massive vehicle battles, realistic physics, cross-platform multiplayer warfare | PC, PS4, Xbox One | 2013 | Gaijin Entertainment |
In this online shooter game, you’re offered one of the best sets of tanks, planes, and ships from World War II. Get ready for detail and realism. It’s a great opportunity to control the technology of that era.
Reasons to play:
- One of the best flight simulators with historically recreated vehicles;
- Suitable for players of all skill levels;
- Constantly updated content.
Grab War Thunder – A-10A Thunderbolt DLC today >
8. Sniper Elite V2 Remastered [Best for Stealth and Sniper Gameplay]
| Unique Features | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Advanced bullet physics, brutal X-ray kill cam, stealth-based sniper gameplay | PC, Xbox 360, PS3 | 2012 | Rebellion Developments |
The video game emphasizes stealth, waiting, and choosing the right moment to take the shot. You need to plan many things to make a perfect sniper shot without drawing attention.
You’ll be transported to a destroyed Berlin, and here are a few reasons to launch this game:
- Famous X-ray system;
- Maximum realistic sniper rifle ballistics;
- Intense but very fun gameplay.
Get Sniper Elite V2 Remastered now >
9. Silent Storm Gold Edition [Best Mix of Tactics and RPG Elements]
| Unique Features | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Deep turn-based tactics, fully destructible environments, RPG-like character progression | PC | 2003 | Nival Interactive |
This tactical turn-based strategy with RPG elements requires you to take command of a squad of soldiers. Complete real missions across the theater of war.
A few reasons to get this game:
- Unique destruction system;
- Deep tactical battles;
- Original take on history with elements of alternate history.
Buy Silent Storm Gold Edition today >
10. Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines [Best Classic Tactical Strategy]
| Unique Features | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Strategic stealth gameplay, diverse specialist abilities, challenging puzzle-like missions | PC | 1998 | Pyro Studios |
This was a real hit of the late ’90s, offering players challenging but captivating gameplay. Completing each mission will require stealth, planning your next move, and coordinated teamwork.
Reasons to play:
- Timeless classic military game;
- Complex missions with an engaging storyline;
- Interesting characters with unique abilities.
Order Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines now >
11. Men of War: Assault Squad 2 [Best for Unit-Based Tactical Control]
| Unique Features | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Detailed unit micromanagement, destructible environments, tactical real-time strategy | PC | 2009 | 1C Company |
This warfare simulator offers a deep troop management system. You’ll be able to take control of individual soldiers if it’s necessary to achieve success.
Why I liked the game:
- Interactive environment and realistic physics;
- Complex and varied tactics;
- Support for multiplayer modes.
Get a copy of Men of War: Assault Squad 2 now >
12. Call of Duty: World at War [Best for Immersive World War II Atmosphere in a Shooter]
| Unique Features | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Gritty Pacific and Eastern Front battles, intense co-op campaign, iconic Nazi Zombies mode | PC, Xbox 360, PS3 | 2008 | Treyarch |
This part of the franchise takes players to the bloodiest battlefields of World War II – from the Pacific front to the battle for Berlin. Brutal and realistic gameplay, as well as lively characters that you can empathize with.
This made the game one of the darkest in the series.
Why you should play:
- Intense battles and a grim setting;
- Cooperative mode for joint playthroughs;
- Legendary zombie mode.
Grab a Steam gift card today >
13. Panzer Corps Gold [Best for Tank Command-Focused Military Strategy]
| Unique Features | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Classic hex-based strategy, deep tactical decision-making, massive unit variety | PC | 2011 | Flashback Games |
One of the features of Panzer Corps is that its design resembles classic military board games. There are deep mechanics as well as realistic World War II armored vehicles.
A few reasons why you should start playing:
- Simple yet deeply refined mechanics;
- Many campaigns and historical battles;
- One of the best representatives of the turn-based strategy genre.
Grab Your copy of Panzer Corps Gold now >
14. Hearts of Iron IV: Cadet Edition [Best Global World War II Strategy]
| Unique Features | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Grand strategy depth, alternate history possibilities, complex political and economic systems | PC | 2016 | Paradox Development Studio |
This game allows you to control entire countries to change the course of history. You’ll need to manage wartime economies, conduct diplomatic negotiations, and prepare for global war.
Why I liked the game:
- The largest strategy game about World War II;
- Deep mechanics of diplomacy, economy, and military;
- Unlimited possibilities to change history.
Get Hearts of Iron IV: Cadet Edition today >
15. The Saboteur [Best Open-World World War II Experience]
| Unique Features | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Unique black-and-white art style, open-world resistance gameplay, engaging sabotage missions | PC, PS3, Xbox 360 | 2009 | Pandemic Studios |
This stunning open-world game with stealth elements offers a unique take on World War II. You’ll fight an underground war against the Nazis in occupied Paris.
Why you should play this game:
- Unique black-and-white style;
- Freedom of action in an open world;
- Great balance between stealth and action.
16. Brothers in Arms: Hell’s Highway [Best for Emotional Storytelling and Immersion]
| Unique Features | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Emotional storytelling, tactical squad-based combat, cinematic action sequences | PC, Xbox 360, PS3 | 2008 | Gearbox Software |
This part of the franchise focuses on a dramatic storyline. It also features quite realistic tactical squad management. I also liked the cinematic feel – it provides excellent immersion into what’s happening on the screen.
This title stands out from others for several reasons:
- An excellent story based on real events;
- A strong emphasis on tactical interaction;
- The atmospheric setting of Operation Market Garden.
Buy Brothers in Arms: Hell’s Highway now >
17. Verdun [Best for World War I Realism]
| Unique Features | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Authentic WWI trench warfare, squad-based multiplayer, historically accurate weapons | PC, PS4, Xbox One | 2015 | M2H Games |
This authentic multiplayer game offers an authentic atmosphere of trench warfare. To make an attack successful, you need to coordinate with your team and plan each next move.
I’ve highlighted several features of this game:
- One of the few shooters that also covers events from World War I;
- Maximum realistic setting;
- Great tactical team combat.
18. Red Orchestra: Ostfront 41-45 [Best for Realism of Eastern Front Combat]
| Unique Features | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Ultra-realistic gunplay, immersive WWII Eastern Front setting, teamwork-focused battles | PC | 2006 | Tripwire Interactive |
This game started the entire Red Orchestra series. The game features realistic battles across different parts of the front, a rather high level of difficulty requiring thoughtful actions, and realistic ballistics.
Among the advantages of the game, I’d highlight:
- One of the first online shooter games with maximum realism;
- Atmospheric setting of the Eastern Front;
- Challenging but engaging gameplay.
Order Red Orchestra: Ostfront 41-45 now >
19. Soldiers: Heroes of World War II [Best Blend of Strategy and Action]
| Unique Features | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Tactical RTS with direct control, destructible environments, diverse mission objectives | PC | 2005 | CDV Software |
This tactical strategy combines elements of action and squad management. You’ll experience deep and varied gameplay – there’s no chance of getting bored.
Why you should play:
- High level of freedom in action;
- Excellent physics and destructible environments;
- Engaging storyline.
Buy Soldiers: Heroes of World War II now >
20. Battlefield 5: Definitive Edition [Best Graphics and Large-Scale Battles]
| Unique Features | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Massive-scale warfare, dynamic destruction, diverse class-based multiplayer | PC, PS4, Xbox One | 2018 | DICE |
This part of the franchise became one of the most anticipated multiplayer games. It’s not entirely focused on World War II, but several historical battles are featured.
The environment is destructible in a realistic way, the battles are intense, and the game will definitely appeal to you.
Here are a few more reasons to try it:
- Thrilling multiplayer with large-scale maps;
- Interesting movement and shooting mechanics;
- An epic atmosphere of war.
Grab a copy Battlefield 5: Definitive Edition now >
More War Games to Play
If you enjoyed the titles on our list and are craving more military action, there are plenty of other war games worth exploring. From historical battles to modern warfare scenarios, there’s no shortage of gripping experiences to dive into.
Among the best World War 2 games, you will find a lot of iconic titles, such as Battleground Europe. Even earlier verisons of Counter Strike offer themed servers dedicated to the most remarkable events of the War.
FAQs
What is considered the best World War II game?
It depends on the player’s preferences. Some people care about the storyline, others want a fast-paced shooter, while some are looking for a tactical strategy game.
Among the best World War II games, Call of Duty 2, Company of Heroes, and Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad are often mentioned. These games have captivating gameplay, historical atmosphere, and highly detailed battles.
What is the most realistic World War II game?
If we’re talking about realism, games like Hell Let Loose, Post Scriptum, and War Thunder stand out. Hell Let Loose is known for its large-scale battles and authentic weapons of that time. In Post Scriptum, the developers managed to create highly detailed maps and accurate ballistics. Meanwhile, in War Thunder, you can get a great look at realistic military vehicles, including tanks, airplanes, and ships.
