15 – Panzer Corps 2
Panzer Corps 2 doesn’t need an introduction, and it’s probably the more well-known series of beer-and-pretzels of wargames ever put to code. It’s a turn-based strategy game that puts players in command of Axis or Allied forces in various campaigns across World War 2. Following in the footsteps of classic war games, it focuses on operational-level-sized units. Since Panzer Corps 2 came out there have been 13 DLCs, covering every year of the war, and even the Spanish Civil War. This is the kind of game that’s going to keep you playing because you love two things: turn-based wargames at the operational-level, and the ridiculous amount of units and scenarios you can fiddle around with. For good measure, Panzer Corps 2 also has a random map generator, something its excellent predecessor, Panzer Corps Gold didn’t have (which is still a very solid and cheap recommendation).
14 – Unity of Command 2
Is Unity of Command 2 the slicker version of every other turn-based is a turn-based operational-level wargame? The answer is yes. Following in the footsteps of the beloved Unity of Command, this iteration took its marching boots to both the Western and Eastern Fronts of World War 2. Known alongside Battle Academy as the “friendly wargame” for its intuitive interface and game mechanics, it still packs a lot of depth, and there’s a massive focus on supply lines and encirclements, as the game challenges players to outmanoeuvre their opponents and cut off their vital resources. If you’re looking for another operational-level title and have already played enough of Panzer Corps or The Operational Art of War, it might be time to give Unity of Command 2 a try.
13 – Second Front
Second Front is a tactical turn-time strategy game I have described as a flawless masterpiece in my review, when it originally came out, because it’s so detailed, and it has so much going on under its hood that it can be a bit too convoluted, even for its own good, but if you’re looking for a properly, in-depth tactical game that will devour hours of your life, you cannot go wrong with Second Front. With a focus on realistic small-scale combat, you can control almost every aspect of your units, even down to what gun you want that specific tank to fire, in that specific turn. It’s quite challenging, and the game has somewhat of a steep learning curve, so if you don’t take time to learn its mechanics, it can be quite frustrating as well. The amazing map creation tool is also a great fit for those of you who like to create their own scenarios and share them with the community.
12 – Partisans 1941
Partisans 1941 is a very interesting take on World War 2 that very few other games follow: it combines real-time tactics with stealth and survival elements, placing players in control of a group of Soviet partisans fighting a guerilla war against the German occupation of the Eastern Front. Managing resources, recruiting new members, and developing your base camp are the management aspects that will allow you to put operatives on the field when the time comes for the bullets to start flying. If you favour stealthy infiltrations and ambushes instead of frenetic firefights, Partisans 1941 might be worth a go.
11 – Steel Division 2
What’s with this list and it’s focus on the Eastern Front? So many games! I’m sure you already know about Steel Division 2, the real-time strategy game set on the Eastern Front of World War 2, focusing on the massive and brutal battles of Operation Bagration in 1944, developed by the guys known for the Wargame series. Known for its wide and unique scale (I don’t think any other game can match its scale at the tactical level), historical authenticity and an equally large number of unique units, the game allows players to command historical divisions, each with their play style. A lot of games say they emphasize combined arms tactics, but Steel Division 2 is a game where if you don’t use them, you’ll lose even before the battle starts. Infantry, tanks, planes and artillery must come together for you to even stand a chance at victory. If you love multiplayer, Steel Division 2 has one of the largest multiplayer scenes in strategy games.
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