7 – War of Rights
If you’re curious as to what a realistic first-person shooter (FPS) with muskets would be like, you cannot go wrong with… War of Rights. A meticulous and (very) demanding American Civil War simulator that prioritizes historical authenticity and tactical realism above all else. Set during the pivotal Maryland Campaign of 1862, the game is not a fast-paced, run-and-gun shooter, but a deliberate and intense recreation of 19th-century warfare, with all the challenges that entails, including long reload times, fighting in lines, and charging with bayonets against entrenched enemies. There’s a highly dedicated community of players who gather frequently to recreate battles, following proper etiquette and formations used at the time. In War of Rights, success is not measured by individual kills but by disciplined teamwork, maintaining formation, and following the chain of command. The combat is slow, lethal, and unforgiving, with black powder rifles and bayonets dominating the battlefield, creating a sense of tension and camaraderie rarely found in other titles.
A recent event about the American Revolutionary War also had the community in absolute ecstasy, as that seldom-seen conflict is clearly wanted.
6 – Call of Duty: World At War
We all know that the Call of Duty franchise has always taken a Hollywood approach to history, and Call of Duty: World at War is not different, but it stands out from other games in the series because of its unflinching and brutal portrayal of two of WWII’s most vicious theaters: the Eastern Front and the Pacific. The game’s campaign is split between the perspectives of a U.S. Marine fighting against the fanatical Imperial Japanese Army during the Island Hopping campaign, and a Soviet soldier pushing the Wehrmacht back from the ruins of Stalingrad to the heart of Berlin. This dual narrative is reminiscent of the 2003 Call of Duty, offering a wider perspective of the war, but also highlighting the immense cruelty and sacrifice on both fronts.
To this very day, the gaming community loves World at War for being so unapologetically dark, gritty, and for its willingness to depict the sheer horror of war without being afraid of showing players the most terrifying aspects of human nature.
5 – Isonzo
Continuing the legacy of the critically acclaimed Verdun and Tannenberg, Isonzo is a World War 1 first-person shooter (FPS) that transports players to the often-overlooked Italian Front. Unlike Battlefield 1, which is more of an arcade shooter, Isonzo is a tactical FPS whose focus is on the historical authenticity of locations and equipment, provided by an engaging multiplayer gameplay, thrusting players into the brutal Alpine battles between the Kingdom of Italy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
What I enjoy most about the game is its unique setting (the Alps), because it provides a vertical experience that other games focused on the Western Front cannot provide. Players fight for control over mountainous terrain, rugged valleys, and idyllic towns, now ravaged by war. The game is meticulously researched, with weapons and uniforms being lifted directly from museums and archives, and the battle locations take direct inspiration from real-life; and the game is actually pretty damn good looking too. If you’re a fan of games like Squad, ARMA, and Hell Let Loose, where battles are tense, and one shot is usually enough to kill, but wish to have that experience in World War 1, I personally believe that Isonzo is your best option in 2025.
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