World War II remains one of the most popular settings in video games, offering a mix of historical drama and intense action that spans genres. Whether you're commanding squads in real-time strategy or storming beaches in first-person shooters, these games deliver immersive experiences that books and movies can't match. Here are the best World War II video games, ranked for their impact, gameplay, and authenticity.
10. Easy Red II (2020)
A sleeper hit in the FPS genre, Easy Red II offers over a dozen campaigns covering fronts from Stalingrad to the Pacific. Players choose realistic classes like squad leader or radioman, each with unique roles. You can pilot planes, drive tanks, or command infantry across multiple factions, including Indian, Canadian, and Romanian forces. A custom mission editor lets you share your own campaigns online, making it a dream for history buffs.
9. Hell Let Loose (2021)
This multiplayer-only tactical shooter throws 100 players into massive battles across Eastern and Western fronts. With 14 classes, including a commander who coordinates airstrikes and vehicle deployments, Hell Let Loose emphasizes teamwork and gritty realism. It's a cinematic experience that captures the chaos of war, though it lacks a single-player mode.
8. Men of War: Assault Squad 2 (2014)
A real-time tactics game, Men of War: Assault Squad 2 lets you control individual soldiers with intricate commands. Five campaigns cover Japanese, German, British, American, and Soviet forces, with missions ranging from stealth to defense. The direct control feature lets you drive tanks or aim rifles manually, offering deep immersion.
7. Hidden & Dangerous 2 (2003)
This tactical third-person shooter puts you in charge of an SAS squad behind enemy lines. With missions involving sabotage, rescue, and underwater SCUBA operations, Hidden & Dangerous 2 rewards stealth and planning. Its improved controls and tactical map make it a underrated gem.
6. Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 (2005)
Following US paratroopers on D-Day, this tactical FPS emphasizes suppression and flanking over run-and-gun. Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 forces you to issue orders to fireteams to survive firefights, blending strategy with intense storytelling. It's a standout for its realistic squad-based combat.
5. Call of Duty 2 (2005)
A landmark FPS, Call of Duty 2 set the standard for cinematic war games with its intense campaigns across the Eastern and Western fronts. Its fast-paced action and memorable set pieces made it a classic, though later entries moved to modern settings.
4. Company of Heroes (2006)
This real-time strategy game revolutionized the genre with its cover system and destructible environments. Company of Heroes focuses on tactical squad management and resource control, offering a deep strategic experience that remains influential.
3. Medal of Honor: Allied Assault (2002)
A pioneer of the WWII FPS, Medal of Honor: Allied Assault immersed players in the D-Day landings and other key battles. Its blend of stealth and action, along with a gripping soundtrack, set a high bar for historical shooters.
2. Wolfenstein: The New Order (2014)
While not strictly historical, Wolfenstein: The New Order reimagines WWII with a sci-fi twist, pitting you against Nazi technology. Its compelling story and fast-paced combat make it a modern classic that honors the era's spirit.
1. Call of Duty: World at War (2008)
This entry returned to the series' roots with brutal campaigns in the Pacific and Eastern fronts. Call of Duty: World at War features cooperative play and a grim tone, with standout moments like the flamethrower sequences. Its multiplayer also introduced the iconic Zombies mode.
For more rankings, check out our list of the best domestic thrillers or explore the most haunting thrillers. These WWII games prove that history can be both educational and entertaining.
