5 – Gary Grigsby’s War In The East 2
If Graviteam Tactics Mius Front is the undisputed king of tactical combat, then Gary Grigsby’s War In The East 2 is its grand strategy, big brother. Make no mistake when I say this: playing War In The East 2 is the closest you’ll ever be to even starting to grasp the complexity of warfare on the Eastern Front during World War 2. Known for its incredible depth, historical accuracy, and massive databases of meticulously researched Orders of Battles, no other game will challenge you to manage vast armies, and logistics, and take strategic decisions like War In The East 2. It’s a game for the really dedicated strategy enthusiasts seeking an in-depth portrayal of this pivotal theater of the war, and learning it might take literal years.
4 – Combat Mission: Fortress Italy
Here’s another surprising entry to this list based on its uniqueness and the fact that I rarely see it anywhere, but it’s well worth looking at: Combat Mission: Fortress Italy. The game is focused on the soft underbelly of fortress Europe and it provides a detailed and tactical simulation of battles during the Italian Campaign of World War 2. Utilizing a unique “WeGo” turn-based system, players issue orders and then watch the simultaneous execution of those orders in a realistic 3D environment (you can also play it as a real-time strategy game). The game emphasizes realistic ballistics, morale, and the importance of combined arms tactics at the tactical level, offering a challenging and immersive experience for those interested in this specific theatre.
3 – Company of Heroes 3
The original Company of Heroes and Company of Heroes 2 have been recommended extensively in every other list I made on this website, so after the extensive patch that missed most of the issues the community had with Company of Heroes 3, it’s time to give it a chance to shine as bright as its predecessors. Still very much a Company of Heroes experience through and through, this World War 2 real-time strategy takes the formula to the Mediterranean and North African theatres, bringing the British, Americans, Italians and Germans to the fight. It’s also the first game of the series to feature a dynamic strategic campaign similar to Total War that’s been thoroughly ironed out over the last two years since Company of Heroes 3 came out. The community is responding in kind, showcasing their support every step of the way.
2 – Hearts Of Iron IV
If you’re looking for a grand-strategy World War 2 game that makes you feel like you’re commanding the whole war Hearts of Iron IV is the obvious choice. Hearts of Iron IV places you in control of any nation in the lead-up to, during and the years after World War 2. You’ll manage your nation’s industry, research, diplomacy, and military as you navigate the complex political landscape, either striving towards worldwide warfare or attempting to keep yourself out of the conflict. The game allows for a wide range of historical and alternate history scenarios which can lead to some very meme-worthy moments.
1 – Burden of Command
Recently released, Burden of Command is an absolute masterpiece of a videogame that manages to be as much an RPG as a strategy game, while it tells a stunning story about the hardships of war and leadership in combat. It’s a game that’s also unique, in a way that no other game is, because it focuses all of its mechanics around the idea of officers keeping command and control of the men on the battlefield. It’s a tense and heartbreaking affair at times, but the work done by the team to bring History to life in a respectful way is some of the best work I have ever seen done in video games to date. A timeless masterpiece.
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