Ever since the 90s, World War 2 has been a staple of gaming, with plenty of genres exploring that period of human history, for better or worse.
Even though it is one of humanity’s darkest moments, World War 2 has captured the imaginations of millions of people, leading to some great movies, TV shows, and video games. But we’re not here to discuss Saving Private Ryan, so here are some of the best WW2 video games you can play now.
Hell Let Loose
Release Date: June 6, 2019
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5
This title came out of nowhere, developed by the small team over at Black Matter and published by Team 17. And it promised a realistic WW2 FPS experience that is still easy to get into. And they delivered in spades with amazing graphics and great gameplay. The graphical fidelity and the sound design make you feel like you’re actually there. Cowering inside of a trench while mortars are landing all around you has never felt better. Shooting respects ballistics to a degree, simplifying certain aspects for people new to tactical shooters. So if you’re looking for a tactical shooter which doesn’t go overboard with complicating things, Hell Let Loose might be the perfect fit.
Company of Heroes 3
Release Date: February 23, 2023
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5
The king of WW2 strategy games is back and better than ever. Taking control of various war factions as you rampage opposing armies looks amazing due to the new engine. Controls and overall gameplay are pretty similar to CoH 2, with a few additions like better camera movement which were sorely needed. More armies and generals are also present, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Special abilities are also still present, allowing you to get yourself out of a sticky situation which just a few button presses. And if you dislike resource gathering styled RTS games, have no fear. The same point control system is in place, with each sector of a map providing a certain resource when taken over.
Hearts of Iron 4
Release Date: June 6, 2016
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS
If the breakneck pace of RTS games feels like too much, maybe a turn-based strategy would be more to your liking. And luckily for you Hearts of Iron 4 has a slower pace, even though you’ll need to finish all the tutorials and then some before you start figuring things out. Akin to older games in the series, you will take control of your preferred country right before the start of World War 2. It will be up to you to start building up your armies, research new war technologies and ensure supply lines are set. The game offers plenty of complexity, giving you plenty of freedom in how you want to approach every battle you engage in. World War 2 enthusiasts should definitely give HOI 4 a try.
War Thunder
Release Date: November 1, 2012
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, macOS
War Thunder is an MMO-styled game that offers PvP action on land, air, and sea. You can choose between various game modes, including arcade which is best suited when starting out. After you get the hang of things, you can opt for realistic battles, which will turn off all the hand-holding mechanics. War Thunder has been out for quite some time, so there’s a huge amount of vehicles in the game. Hundreds of tanks, planes, and warships are accurately rendered down to the last detail.
Battlefield 5
Release Date: September 4, 2018
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Even though Battlefield 5 takes place in an alt-history version of World War 2, it’s still relevant enough to add to this list. In classic Battlefield fashion, you will be thrown into huge maps with up to 64 players fighting simultaneously. Weapons are mostly period appropriate with a few modern additions like attachments and some more modern-looking guns. Vehicles also accurately represent tanks like the Tiger or Sherman, with a few modern gadgets hiding to boot. Since Battlefield 2042 has been unanimously panned, this is the latest Battlefield that you can get back into for some chaotic fun.
World of Tanks
Release Date: August 12, 2010
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
Unlike War Thunder, World of Tanks takes a more simplistic approach to tank battles. The damage model is akin to an arcade game, ignoring realism in favor of a hitpoint system. You can still aim for weak spots like an ammo rack which might instakill a tank or their engine which will set it on fire. With hundreds of vehicles to choose from and more constantly being added to the game, World of Tanks is a great MMO for people who are fans of WW2-era tanks.
Sniper Elite 5
Release Date: May 26, 2022
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Who doesn’t like playing the role of a sniper? This is the question that the Sniper Elite series asked, and they were correct in assessing that most gamers love sniping. Even though it took an alt-history spin on WW2, with missions that have you shooting Hitler himself, the gameplay is where it’s at. The classic slow-motion bullet camera is still here, allowing you to enjoy your feats of marksmanship in glorious detail. And this time around, the game can also be enjoyed in co-op, as well as a PvP mode where player-controlled enemy snipers will hunt you.
Call of Duty: Vanguard
Release Date: November 5, 2021
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
The latest entry in the CoD series that takes place during WW2, Vanguard touches all the marks of most World War 2 games during its campaign. You have beach landings, gritty executions, and plenty of cannon fodder to go through. Vanguard is a perfect fit if you’re looking for a short campaign providing plenty of cinematic moments. And you also get access to the usual multiplayer experience, CoD’s bread and butter nowadays. Due to the high production values, CoD: Vanguard is clearly one of the best WW2 games you must try.
Depending on your preferred genre, there is something for everyone regarding WW2 games. And if you’re an FPS enthusiast, you might be interested in our best battle royale games list. Or if you’re looking for something more realistic, try our best extraction shooters one instead.
