10 – Steel Division: Normandy 44

Steel Division: Normandy 44 is an innovative real-time strategy (RTS) game that plunges players into the heart of the iconic D-Day invasion. At the time of its release, Steel Division: Normandy 44 provided players with a novelty experience that offered unparalleled complexity through its intricate unit details, dynamic maps, and a three-phase order-of-battle system. Players can command legendary divisions from multiple nations, and juggle army composition, ammo and fuel supplies, and aerial and artillery support.

The massive maps are the perfect stage to experience the thrill of epic tank battles, coordinate complex infantry assaults, and employ the art of combined arms warfare to achieve tactical superiority. Whether you prefer solo campaigns or intense multiplayer clashes, even all these years later, Steel Division: Normandy 44 delivers a challenging and rewarding gameplay experience that captures the essence of the D-Day invasion.

With its historically accurate divisions, stunning visuals, and deep strategic gameplay, Steel Division: Normandy 44 is a must-play for any fan of World War II strategy games.

9 – Decisive Campaigns: Ardennes Offensive

Decisive Campaigns: Ardennes Offensive is a standout operational-level wargame that revitalized the wargame genre. The decision to stay away from the more abstract aspects of other operational-level wargames and to bravely implement novel features should serve as a textbook example of how a genre, considered by many to be stale and long past its prime can be propelled to new heights with the right knowledge, passion, and inspiration.

Set against the backdrop of the Ardennes Offensive, a favorite theatre for many wargaming enthusiasts – yours truly included- it provides an accessible entry point into the world of operational and tactical-level strategy.

Decisive Campaigns: Ardennes Offensive excels at providing a solid foundation for those new to the genre. Its less abstract approach makes the game easier to grasp, allowing players to focus on the core strategic challenges. This title is the latest installment in the Decisive Campaigns series, which also includes The Blitzkrieg From Warsaw to Paris and Barbarossa, offering additional historical scenarios to explore.

8 – The Troop

The Troop is a standout title that captures the essence of squad-level World War II combat with exceptional authenticity. This game evokes the simplicity of classic titles like Battle Academy while offering a modern, refined, gritty, and realistic experience. Its focus on infantry tactics and the challenges faced by Allied troops during the Normandy campaign is unparalleled if you’re looking for a game that’s easy to get into, but extremely tough to fully master.

By giving players the possibility of playing how they wish, The Troop is particularly unique. While it may not be the most complex wargame available, it excels at providing a thrilling and engaging experience for both seasoned veterans and newcomers to the genre. The game’s potential is further enhanced by the massive amount of content available: 36 hand-crafted missions, dynamic and persistent campaigns, as well as a robust skirmish mode.

Without hesitation, The Troop is highly recommended for anyone seeking a truly authentic single-player World War II tactical experience set in the Western Front.

7 – Company of Heroes

Company of Heroes is a seminal real-time strategy (RTS) game that redefined the genre with its intense focus on squad-based tactics. This classic title offers a challenging yet rewarding experience as players command squads of soldiers through dynamic, ever-changing battlefields. Its tactical depth provided by its innovative cover system is still unmatched by most of the games in the genre, requiring players to make split-second decisions and make use of the 4Fs of combat.

Beyond its core gameplay, Company of Heroes authenticity does its best to immerse players in the gritty reality of World War II. The game’s atmospheric presentation brings the conflict to life, with stunning visuals and sound design that are reminiscent of movies like Saving Private Ryan and the Band of Brothers miniseries from HBO. Every single-player mission is expertly crafted as a test of skill and strategy, as players must carefully manage their resources, coordinate their troops, and exploit enemy weaknesses to emerge victorious.   

This iconic RTS has left an enduring and unmatched legacy on the gaming industry as a whole, particularly in the RTS and World War 2 genres. Even nearly 20 years later, Company of Heroes remains a must-play for any fan of strategy games.

6 – Gates of Hell – Ostfront: Liberation DLC

Gates of Hell: Ostfront is a modern masterpiece in the real-time strategy genre, and is often hailed as the spiritual successor to the beloved Men of War series. In my opinion, Gates of Hell is the best Men of War-like that has ever existed, and it’s better than every Men of War title currently available. It delivers one of the most comprehensive World War II experiences, boasting a vast array of units, vehicles, and historical battles.

With its dynamic campaigns, robust multiplayer, and thriving modding community, Gates of Hell: Ostfront offers endless replayability and customization options. The game’s attention to detail and realistic gameplay mechanics do their best to immerse players in the brutal realities of war. If you want to feel like you’re there, the game also allows you to control your soldiers from a third-person perspective, and tanks from the first-person perspective.

For fans of the Men of War series and real-time strategy enthusiasts alike, Gates of Hell: Ostfront is a must-play. Its exceptional value, frequent updates, and engaging content make it a standout title in the genre. It’s also very cheap, often.

The Steam Summer Sale is an annual event hosted by Steam, a popular online gaming platform. During the sale, people can purchase games at discounted prices, including strategy games.

This is an article for the uninitiated! For the strategy game enjoyers soon-to-be. Veterans that know the differences between an Ausf. A and Ausf. G won’t be surprised, and much less entertained by some of the video games mentioned here. However, if you can’t spot a Dyrenkov from a Sherman in a crowded museum, this article is for you. Take full advantage of the Steam Summer Sale and pack your library full of great games. There has never been a better time to get some of the greatest strategy titles ever made. The sale is running until the 13th of July.

This is a great opportunity for gamers to expand their game collection and try out new titles. In this article, I’ll provide you with 50 video game recommendations that you can purchase during the Steam Summer Sale.

My Top 25 Must-Have Recommendations

To create this list of recommendations, I looked at a variety of factors, including gameplay mechanics (and how different they might be from one another), graphics, positive reviews, and popularity. The goal was to provide you with a diverse selection of strategy games that appeal to different types of people, from a beginner just getting started, to a scar-ridden veteran. These are in the order I would prioritize getting. If you’re on a limited budget, the last 5 offer the best bang for your buck.

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25 – Hearts of Iron IV

Hearts of Iron IV is a grand strategy game (from Paradox) set during World War II, where players can lead any nation in the world to victory or defeat. The game offers a massive amount of content, with different scenarios, and multiple factions, each with its own unique paths. It’s a sandbox game, where you set your very own victory conditions and explore alternative paths to real-life History. It isn’t a hardcore military simulator, but it does a great job of easing you into the dark times of the Second World War.

“Overall Hearts of Iron IV is an amazing game that is going to scratch a very specific itch for a very specific audience if you’re not interested in learning about 21st-century warfare, logistics, and political diplomacy or, if you’re overall ignorant to these then this is not the game for you. While more streamlined than previous Hearts of Iron titles I disagree when it’s accused of being dumbed down. The opportunity for unlimited and varied play is there, you just need to engage with it. Don’t expect a historical title or a World War 2 simulator. See rather as what it is trying to be, a sandbox, and a pretty damn good one at that.”

24 – FTL

THE Kickstarter success story, FTL is a rogue-like experience that puts the players in the shoes of a ship captain and tasks them with managing its various crew members and modules, choosing weapon targets, managing power distribution, fending off boarding parties, keeping fires under control and, above anything else- avoid dying at all costs. It has the best video game soundtrack of all time. It’s just glorious to listen to and never fails to make me smile while writing at the sound of it.

I’ll also create another list with a more diverse selection of games from other genres like Tycoon and Management, and another one with other ad-hoc recommendations. This is mainly focused on combat-oriented strategy games.

23 – Atlantic Fleet

Fancy a chance at sinking the Bismark? Think your HMS Hood might not end up breaking in half? Atlantic Fleet is the cheapest way to put those armchair skills to the test. Killerfish Games first hit, Atlantic Fleet is a turn-based tactical and strategic naval combat, and players can lead both the Royal Navy and the Kriegsmarine across the Atlantic Campaign. It’s a simple game, that doesn’t do much in the way of realism but if you’re a landlubber and never stepped inside a battlecruiser then there are worst places to start. Atlantic Fleet comes equipped with an excellent set of tutorials that do their very best to navigate players across the ocean’s tricky currents. It also has about three dozen historical missions, a large dynamic campaign mode, and a custom battle editor. It’s loved by many for its simplicity and how easy it is to engage with its systems, putting the players in charge of both steering the ships and firing its main guns.

22 – Graviteam Tactics: Mius-Front

This is the ultimate World War II tactical experience with a 1:1 scale. No game does it better, not even Combat Mission. It’s hard to get into and it’s going to require some tutorial watching and manual reading but there’s nothing quite like it. Before playing this better learn how units will spend some time laying wires on the field, which squads are in shouting range, and which ones need radio contact to do their job. No line of communication? How will your artillery commander know when and where to fire? It’s that kind of game. And it’s better to go in with some understanding of WWII tactics and unit organization. Graviteam Tactics: Mius Front pulls no punches but it’s marvelous.

21 – Total War: Warhammer II

It’s the best Total War game from the last 10 years. If you don’t have money to buy anything else, buy Total War: Warhammer II. Call it peculiar, unusual, captivating, engaging, or compelling. But the battles of Warhammer II are so much more interesting than those boring and pesky humans poking holes in each other. Dragons, zombie pirates, ghosts, elves, giant trees, lizards, Skaven, and chaos thingies all face one another with the most absurd army combinations available. Are Centaurs getting peppered by warp fire? Check. The wrecked hull of a ship with two legs firing hand cannons at lines of high elves? Check. Are feral manticores and witches tearing each other apart? Check.

20 – Gears Tactics

Gears Tactics is a solid game, with a below-average storyline and an excellent visual presentation. It adds a lot of what makes Gears of War so recognizable into a fantastic and fun 3D tactics game that gets dragged down by the lack of options, replayability, and player agency. It’s a wasted opportunity that could have been one of the most entertaining games of the genre, only if it had been able to nail the management layer as well as it did the tactical one.

19 – Endless Legend

Endless Legend is a turn-based 4X strategy video game developed by Amplitude Studios and released in 2014. The game is set in the fantasy world of Auriga, a mysterious and beautiful land that is full of ancient ruins and secrets waiting to be discovered. One of the unique features of Endless Legend is the inclusion of minor factions, independent groups that can be befriended or conquered. These factions can provide unique bonuses and units, making them valuable allies or dangerous enemies. Endless Legend is a highly strategic 4X that offers a unique blend of exploration, diplomacy, and combat

18 – Battle Academy

Never played a wargame before but getting ready to jump into the grog-bitat? Have a go with Battle Academy, the friendliest of wargames. Battle Academy deserves a spot in every beginners’ library and for less than a cheap, unhealthy breakfast, there’s really no excuse. The game offers a diverse range of units, including infantry, tanks, artillery, and aircraft, each with strengths and weaknesses. One of the key features of Battle Academy is its innovative control system, which allows players to easily select units, move them around the battlefield, and engage in combat. The game’s interface is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, allowing players to focus on strategy and tactics rather than wrestling with complicated controls. For the low price of a dollar, what more can you ask?

17 – Darkest Dungeon

The pioneer of the PTSD-RPG genre, Early Access Sweetheart, and one of the best RPGs/ Turn-based strategy games ever made, Darkest Dungeon will take you exploring the darkest corners of the deepest caves. Sending other human beings deeper and deeper into the wells of madness as they venture forth, hopeless and scared against the ancient creatures of eons past. All while trying to unravel what happened that lead your family estate into ruin. The striking aesthetic, the unusual character classes, the punishing combat, the management aspect, and the idea that your heroes are nothing more than frail-minded humans that can, in one second. deliver a critical strike that wins the day and, in the next dungeon run they can encounter a short near-death experience that will send them down into an unsavory mental breakdown. This focus on the mental health of your characters and the real impact it has on gameplay help carry on the idea that madness and death play along, hand in hand, in the Darkest of Dungeons.

16 – Cauldrons of War

Cauldrons of War are weird and delightful games. On one hand, it’s a really different kind of game from what I’m used to and if something is new, it usually excites me. On the other hand, it’s so fast-paced and so simple I tend to lose interest in the campaign I’m playing currently, and every time I boot the game up I start a new one. The game even describes itself as a “turn-based strategic wargame you will launch whenever you want your WW2 shot but don’t have time for a monster strategy game”. It’s a nice mix between a choose-your-own misadventure World War 2 game paired up with a turn-based, grand strategy with some superficial management when it comes to battles. It gives you the feeling of being in Berlin or Moscow making high-level, strategic decisions without all the fluff and micromanagement games like Hearts of Iron entail.

15 – Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector

Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector is a great game in its own right. Packing smart tactical decision-making with meaty Marines sporting astronomically (and disproportionately) large weapons splattering tyranid matter to kingdom come. It is not only a very good turn-based tactical game but also the best turn-based strategy game to ever come out for the Warhammer franchise.

14 – Decisive Campaigns Ardennes Offensive

Decisive Campaigns: Ardennes Offensive is the best operational-level wargame I’ve ever played, period. The decision to stay away from the more abstract aspects of other operational-level wargames and to bravely implement novel features should serve as a textbook example of how a genre, considered by many to be stale and long past its prime can be propelled to new heights with the right knowledge, passion, and inspiration. For going above and beyond the call of duty, Decisive Campaigns was granted the first Golden Strategy and Wargaming Seal of Approval in 2021.

13 – Bad North: Jotunn Edition

Bad North: Jotunn Edition is a real-time strategy game with a rogue-lite meta-layer where players take the role of a tribe chieftain and are forced to defend their multi-island Kingdom from Viking invaders. A pretty neat concept, that brilliantly executes its minimalist real-time tactics by limiting the gameplay loop by having the player is always on the defensive and the objective is to always prevent the Vikings from setting fire to the buildings on each island.

“Bad North is comfort food. If you’re looking for something you can play just to keep your brain lights on, and your hands moving, but really don’t feel like putting the effort into playing a more serious game, then Bad North could be that game.”

12 – Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun

If there’s anything I learned from playing both Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun and Desperados 3 is that Mimimi Games are masters at their craft and that they have perfected the Stealth-Strategy genre, reviving a bracket in gaming that had long perished. The reason I’m advising you to pick up Shadow Tactics instead of Desperados 3 is simply because of the price. if you have the budget and can get Desperados you won’t go wrong either, if you don’t, then Shadow Tactics is just excellent in its own right. Also, if you’re uncertain if this is the right genre for you, Shadow Tactics.

11 – Stronghold Crusader

Given how cheap this game always is, there’s no way I wouldn’t place it near my personal top 10. Stronghold Crusader was a definitive improvement over the first installment, by taking the game into the middle east during the Crusades. Its respectful recreation of the ambiance of the Holy Land is just fantastic. The new mechanics give the game a sense of place and make it feel distinct from its predecessor: new units, farmable land, mercenaries, new defenses, and a swift shift in in-game aesthetic, Stronghold Crusader marks the pinnacle of the series. The Muslim rulers are a fun change of pace from their European counterparts, with Salahadin betting his luck on his medium-armored Arabian swordsmen and bowmen. The Caliph, under his keffiyeh, uses slaves to harass and weaken the player’s economies before striking. The Sultan serves as the comic relief of the bunch (similar to how the Rat was in the first). The Christians also get Richard The Lionheart and The Emperor.

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In this list, you’ll find 10 video games that I love and would not hesitate to advise anyone to buy, no matter your background, experience and preferences in gaming.

There are a lot of great titles on sale, and you should check out the Featured Deep Discounts for some sweet deals, including The Witcher 3 at $3.99, Assetto Corsa at $1.99 and Arma 3 for $2.99.

XCOM: Ultimate Collection

XCOM will always be one of my favourite games of all time. The 2011 remake of the turn-based tactics classic of the early 90s that pits humans against alien invaders is the best turn-based tactical experience you can have if you’re new to the genre and are even mildly curious as to why people love this game, there’s no better reason. The XCOM: Ultimate Collection is currently going for less than 20 dollars, and those 20 doubloons of yours will equate to hundreds of hours of some of the best and most challenging turn-based action ever created, alongside a compelling narrative and elaborate meta-layer of management. Every game in that series is great, and even the less beloved Chimera Squad is an absolute delicacy of a turn-based tactics title.

Battlefield 1

I had to include a historical shooter on this list (and I use the term “historical” very loosely here), and considering the games available, their quality and their prices, there’s no doubt that Battlefield 1 is my go-to title. For $2.79 at a 93% discount, Battlefield 1 is an absolute steal. It has some great mini-campaigns, with one of the best campaign entry missions ever. It still has a very active multiplayer community, averaging around 10.000 peak players every day, and considering that the game came out in 2016, it speaks to its quality as a multiplayer title and the endearing nature it cemented with the community.

Call to Arms – Gates of Hell: Ostfront

I know, I know, and I’ve heard you all before on my Best Real-Time Strategy Games List “Gates of Hell is overrated”, “Gates of Hell isn’t that great”, “You got paid to promote Gates of Hell” (I didn’t, but I wish I had). The truth of the matter is: if you’re looking for a real-time strategy World War 2 videogame, there isn’t a single thing that even comes close to being as excellent as Gates of Hell: the game is based on the Men of War engine, so it plays pretty much the same, except that it has greater graphics, plays more realistically, has some great campaigns, a conquest mode, and even a 3rd-person mode if you want to take control of a single unit. I love it. Oh, and there are hundreds of mods, in case you’re interested in that side of Gates of Hell.

Total War: Shogun 2

I made up the rule that I could only place one Total War title in this list. That honor goes to Total War: Shogun 2. Hailed by many as the best Total War title ever created, it’s hard to argue with its $2.99 price point. This was a close call between Total War: Warhammer 2 and Shogun 2, but the price difference closes this deal outright. Shogun 2 is the epitome of Total War historical titles. It’s well-researched, semi-authentic with its battles, beautiful to look at and the geopolitical situation of Sengoku Jidai (and the rise and fall of the samurai) is a fascinating and complex setting.

Crusader Kings 3

While I’m currently playing Fields of Glory: Kingdoms and enjoying it more than I ever enjoyed Crusader Kings 3, I still believe that Crusader Kings 3 is an amazing game that does something that no other game series ever tried to do, and that’s simulating the complexity of medieval politics from a personal perspective, instead of nationwide, which is as historically accurate as it’s going to get. The game contemplates nearly all aspects of political life- court intrigues, arranged marriages, power struggles, sabotage, poisoning, assassinations, imprisonment, and plays of power. All great stuff.

FTL: Faster Than Light

It’s hard to believe that FTL: Faster Than Light came out all the way back in 2012. This original Kickstarter indie darling is still a blast to play in this day and age. FTL: Faster Than Light is a hard-as-nails spaceship simulations roguelike that puts you at the helm of a ship and its crew, in a randomly generated galaxy, and tasks you with escaping the grasp of the confederacy. The systems-targeting-based combat works amazingly well, giving ample room for player strategy and ship builds. In case you don’t own this already, it’s just $2.49.

Battle Academy

I’m kind of tired of recommending Battle Academy on every list I write and I was going to skip this one, but since it’s the first Battle Academy is going for just $1.49, there’s no way I’m not letting you know about this.

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I’ve been running Strategy and Wargaming at my own expense since 2017, with only the ad revenue to cover the hosting, with everything else being done by me. It’s thanks to the goodwill of video game publishers like Slitherine, Hooded Horse, and others that I’m able to cover games prior to

This list is in order of my favouritism as of the writing of this article, so it’s always subject to change. Feel free to disagree and let me know if I missed any seminal RTS that should be making an appearance!

20 – Red Alert 2

Red Alert 2 holds a special place in the hearts of many, and personally, it was a game that filled my childhood gaming with unparalleled joy, being the second RTS I have ever played (the first being Age of Empires II). This classic real-time strategy (RTS) gem stands tall as one of the best RTS games you can play today, evoking a sense of nostalgia and timeless enjoyment alongside some of the best sprite-based graphics ever made.

The Red Alert 2 combines a captivating storyline with iconic factions that have become synonymous with the Command & Conquer series. The game’s unique blend of strategy and humour creates (The charm of its FMV scenes is legendary) an unforgettable experience, making it a beloved classic that continues to resonate with gamers across generations.

Red Alert 2’s vibrant graphics, memorable (and, to this very day, singular) units, and strategic depth contribute to its enduring popularity. The game’s intuitive interface and accessible mechanics make it an excellent choice for both seasoned strategists and newcomers to the genre. Whether you were orchestrating masterful military manoeuvres or unleashing the devastating power of the Chronosphere, Red Alert 2 never failed to deliver in both sprite spectacle and silliness. Who doesn’t want to go back in time and save Einstein?

19 – Dawn of War 2

Launched when Relic was scoring hit after hit, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II distanced itself from its predecessor by focusing on smaller-scale tactics, with every unit having several skills and requiring a fair bit of micromanaging (it was more MOBA than some). It ditched the base building aspect and focused a lot on the four F’s that made Company of Heroes so beloved: fire, fix, flank, and finish.

After Dawn of War 3 failed to live up to its predecessor, Dawn of War 2 still claims the title of one of the best Warhammer titles ever crafted and remains an enduring classic, hailed as one of the most innovative and interesting real-time strategy (RTS) games of its time (or all time? I’ll leave that to you). As one of the best RTS games you can play today, it offers a captivating blend of intense battles, and tactical depth, all the while immersing you in the expansive Warhammer universe.

Simply put, imagine Company of Heroes, but with Space Marines and Orks.

18 – Supreme Commander

The definition of insanity? To pack as many units as possible into a single map. Released in 2007, just a year after Company of Heroes, Supreme Commander could not have been more different than prior’s year success story. If CoH zoomed into the small units tactics and micro, Supreme Commander zoomed out (literally), and brought massive armies fighting battles across long and short distances.

Its spectacle is still nearly unmatched to this day, and it remains a hallmark title for enthusiasts seeking epic-scale battles.

17 – Bad North: Jotunn Edition

A pretty neat concept, that brilliantly executes its minimalist real-time tactics by limiting the gameplay loop by having the player always on the defensive and the objective is to always prevent the Vikings from setting fire to the buildings on each island. In a world that’s always looking to “trim the fat” of strategy games, only Bad North seems to know how to do it.

“Bad North is comfort food. If you’re looking for something you can play just to keep your brain lights on, and your hands moving, but don’t feel like putting the effort into playing a more serious game, then Bad North could be that game.”

16 – Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion

What set Sins of a Solar Empire apart was its seamless integration of 4X (Explore, Expand, Exploit, Exterminate) elements into real-time strategy, evolving a genre hybrid that, to this day, still manages to have an active player base of space enthusiasts. Its epic scale, sprawling star systems, and the dynamic interplay of diplomacy and warfare set it apart as one of the best RTS games of its era.

The excellent graphics paired up with an active modding scene are the cherries on top of a beautifully crafted cake. Want to play on the Mass Effect Universe? Modders got you covered. Halo? Yup. Star Wars? Please…

There’s a Sins of a Solar Empire 2 on the Epic Store in active development, and it will come to Steam once the game is complete.

15 – They Are Billions

Zombies make for the perfect excuse to build a real-time strategy game around “turtling”. Turtling is the game tactic we all enjoyed as kids of building a massive base with impenetrable defences and then just sitting back and relaxing as the AI send in wave after wave trying to tear down your fortress. Inside, people lived confined but happy lives, in a perfect functioning, self-sustaining economy, aloof to the fact that outside of your city walls lay only death and misery.

They Are Billions is exactly that, a real-time strategy title where your job as mayor is to build defenses so tall and mighty that they must be able to stop hordes of billions… Well, maybe a couple dozen thousand would be more accurate.

They Are Billion is an underappreciated gem that never got the recognition it deserved when it came out in 2019 and mostly vanished from the public conscience.

14 – Rome 2: Total War

More of an honourable mention than anything else, because there’s some enjoyment to be had here, and because Creative Assembly, despite all their failures, has managed to turn Rome II from a terrible, borderline unplayable mess into one of the best Total War titles around. I just personally prefer to go back to the original, and with the remastered edition, there’s no reason not to, as you’ll see further down the list.

However, Rome II isn’t without its merits nowadays, after 10 years of updates and refinement. The campaign is way more developed than the original title, with better building chains and a deeper political system.

What sets it back is how faster battles play out and how the first Rome had a much more robust battle system that took into account unit collision, mass, and experience and simulated all these independently, instead of being based almost exclusively on hard class counters.

13 – Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition

Each time the Real-Time Strategy (RTS) genre is brought up, Age of Empires II inevitably makes an appearance and will often steal the spotlight, even more than two decades after its original release.

It has solidified its place since its release in 1999 and continues to be a top choice in 2024. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition offers players the opportunity to construct and oversee their civilization while engaging in battles with other nations. Discover why it remains one of the best RTS in 2024 by experiencing the strategic brilliance of this seminal game.

“The game offers stunning graphics, improved AI, and new content, including four new civilizations and three new campaigns. The gameplay is both challenging and rewarding, and the multiplayer mode provides endless hours of fun. If you know nothing about the Middle Ages and want to start somewhere, have fun with well-designed single-player campaigns, and enjoy a revitalized classic you might have missed, then Age of Empires II The Definitive Edition is the game for you.”

12 – Age of Mythology

The truest definition of a classic, Age of Mythology originally released 21 years ago by the team that created Age of Empires, Ensemble Studios. It sold over 1 million units in the year of its release, and in 2022, Age of Mythology: Retold was announced!

Age of Mythology revamped the series graphics to 3D and set itself in a fantastical setting where Gods, Men and mythological creatures all co-exist. I cannot put into words how much of this game I played as an 11-year-old kid when I got my hands on it. I played this to the point where the main theme is engraved into my brain, note per note.

What set Age of Mythology apart from Age of Empires was the excellent campaign that spawned all three pantheons (Greek, Norse and Egyptian) as you led Atlantian Admiral and war hero, Arkantos against the forces of Gargarensis. To this day, Arkantos is still amongst my favourite characters of any RTS.

11 – Starcraft 2

Starcraft 2 is synonymous with one thing: Being the best esports RTS title ever created. It left an indelible mark as not just one of the best RTS games you can play today but also earning its place as one of the best RTS of all time, and would most certainly rank higher on this list if I wasn’t a single-player kind of guy. Renowned for its strategic depth, asymmetric factions and nailbiting fights, Starcraft has proven itself to be the epitome of enduring excellence in the real-time strategy genre.

Starcraft’s 2 impact on the gaming world is monumental. Its success in the competitive esports scene has elevated it to legendary status, with a legacy that’s both enviable and near impossible to replicate. The game’s three distinct factions, the Terrans, Zerg, and Protoss, offer players a diverse and balanced strategic experience, showcasing the hallmark of a true classic.

Before Blizzard fell to the dark side and became one of the most hated game developers and publishers, the company was known for making extremely polished games to the point that “Blizzard polish” was something every developer should strive for. Starcraft 2 hails from that period, and that means everything is just so tightly put together that it’s hard to find any gameplay faults. Its nuanced balance between factions and refined RTS conventions doesn’t leave much for doubt as to why Starcraft 2 became an instant classic as soon as it dropped, all the way back in 2010.

In 2017 the game went free to play and allows everyone to play through the original Wings of Liberty campaign. So where’s your excuse?

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If you want to add your opinion below and help fellow wargamers choose other games, please feel free to comment and post your list down below.

Here’s my definition of wargame: a videogame that does its best to replicate in an authentic and semi-realistic manner the nature of warfare, no matter the scale, no matter the genre.

20 – Battle Academy

Never played a wargame before but getting ready to jump into wargaming? Have a go with Battle Academy, the friendliest of wargames. It’s the easiest game to get going and it frequently goes on sale at Steam for pennies on the dollar. Battle Academy deserves a spot in every beginner’s library.

The game offers a diverse range of units, including infantry, tanks, artillery, and aircraft, each with strengths and weaknesses. One of the key features of Battle Academy is its simple control system, which allows players to easily select units, move them around the battlefield, and engage in combat. The game’s interface is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, allowing players to focus on strategy and tactics rather than wrestling with complicated controls.

Battle Academy was one of my first wargames when I got into the genre in 2017, and I remember penning some thoughts into paper on how great it was for someone starting when compared to other, more complicated titles. Sure, it doesn’t even come close to games like WDS Squad Battles in terms of realism but if you’re just getting started, then it doesn’t get any easier than Battle Academy.

19 – Unity of Command 2

Unity of Command 2 is always lauded as the grand-strategy wargame entry title that every newcomer to the wargaming genre should try. It’s a fun, enjoyable and simplistic take on the classic turn-based, hex and counter formula that’s commonly associated with wargames (imagine titles like Panzer Corps and Panzer General).

You’ll be directing divisions of troops, not individual soldiers, and managing the key element to success in warfare: your supply lines. Unity of Command has a very aggressive nature to it, making these lifelines of ammunition, fuel and supplies intrinsical to the success of your offensives. Fog of war adds a layer of tension as you won’t have complete intel on enemy positions, requiring you to use recon tactics to scout before massive armoured trusts. Victory hinges on this subtle balance between aggression, keeping troops well-fed and in fighting condition, all the while avoiding the numerous pitfalls of bad strategic decisions.

Another plus is that Unity of Command 2 usually goes for very cheap on Steam sales and it has copious amounts of DLC content if you really want to dig into it. If you’re looking for a more serious version of a game like this, you should give Panzer Corps 2 a go.

18 – Scourge of War: Waterloo

Outdated, convoluted and confusing are just a couple of the negatives I can point at to Scourge of War: Waterloo. It is, in fact, a game that has outstayed its welcome… However! And this is important, so pay attention. No other game manages to so perfectly capture the size, scale and complexity of command of Napoleonic battles quite as well as Scourge of War: Waterloo. In its essence, SoW is a real-time-strategy title with a lot of strings attached: Orders are passed down the chain of command via couriers, and battles are slow, draw-out affairs that might go on for hours, each regiment can be carefully positioned if you wish, or its command delegated to your officers.

Scourge of War is the definition of extreme realism in the musket era. Researched as deeply as some academic thesis, this game might as well be featured in some History university courses as a mandatory bibliography, because the amount of details it packs is astonishing. From weapons to uniforms, from the chain of command to belt buckles, no other title does Napoleon justice as much as this. I remember watching Three Moves Ahead when it was good and someone commented on it: in Scourge of War you don’t see the Prussians approaching, “you see the whole of Prussia”.

There’s also an American Civil War title called Scourge of War: Gettysburg, which is equally dense and impressive.

17 – Cauldrons of War

Cauldrons of War games are weird and delightful. On one hand, it’s a very different kind of game from what I’m used to and if something is new, it usually excites me. On the other hand, it’s so fast-paced and so simple I tend to lose interest in the campaign I’m playing currently, and every time I boot the game up I start a new one.

The game is a “turn-based strategic wargame you will launch whenever you want your WW2 shot but don’t have time for a monster strategy game”. It’s a nice mix between a choose-your-own misadventure World War 2 game paired up with a turn-based, grand strategy with some superficial management when it comes to battles. It gives you the feeling of being in Berlin or Moscow making high-level, strategic decisions without all the fluff and micromanagement games like Hearts of Iron, and War In The East 2 entail.

16 – Second Front

Second Front is a deceivingly traditional wargame, slapped with some digital lipstick and disguised as something new. It is a World War II turn-hex-based, 3D tactical game at the squad level, meaning that every unit you control is either a squad, a vehicle, a gun, a tank, or officers. The combatants have a go at each other in turns, but not quite as you would expect it. You see, every turn is comprised of four distinct moments: an explicit “movement and fire”; a reaction fire phase; an advance phase that lets you move one more hex; and a recovery/melee phase when routed units have a chance to regain their composure and engage in melees.

Second Front is a game that excels in the amount of detail it packs into every single unit and almost every single engagement. I’ve called it a “Magnum Opus despite all its flaws” in my review. The game’s packed with scenarios, campaigns and units. Add to that the game launched with Steam Workshop integration working from the get-go, and a very robust mission editor and Second Front is sure to keep you entertained for ages. The reason why it’s not ranking higher on this list is that it’s not the most intuitive of titles to play if you’re new to the genre and, to be fair, it’s turn-system, despite being very complex and allowing for a lot of player freedom, is also convoluted and it makes battles last way longer than they should.

Read my review with Jo Bader, the developer behind Second Front if you want to learn more!

15 – The Great War: Western Front

The Great War: Western Front stands out as one of the best RTS games of World War 1, offering a unique and engaging experience in 2024. It’s a convenient yet captivating option—ideal for a quick gaming session before returning to other activities. Completing a single campaign demands approximately 20 hours, more if you opt to engage in every battle. Positioned on the Western Front, the game naturally transforms most battles into challenging, meat-grinding slogs.

Distinguished as one of the best RTS in 2023 by Strategy and Wargaming, The Great War innovatively combines strategic planning on a grand map with tactical control of units on the ground. This distinctive blend proves remarkably effective, notwithstanding somewhat repetitive battles. The persistent terrain damage and trench layouts across campaigns prevent monotony, ensuring that revisiting the same battleground remains compelling. The game’s ability to capture the essence of World War 1 is particularly noteworthy.

Consider The Great War: Western Front as your go-to choice for the Best RTS and wargame set during the First World War, offering a refreshing take on historical strategy gaming with its intriguing mix of grand strategy and tactical control.

14 – Grand Tactician: The Civil War (1861-1865)

Don’t be fooled by the naysayers that shout how inferior Grand Tactician: The Civil War (1861-1865) is inferior to its tactical counterparts like Scourge of War: Gettysburg, and Sid Meyer’s. Name one other game that allows you to take control of either side in a Grand Campaign while also giving players the ability to lead their troops from the front, Total War style? I would that few do Civil War as well as Grand Tactician. The campaign is massive and complex, and the battles are big and long affairs that mimic the confusion and order delays (borrowing a bit from Scourge of War) of their real-life counterparts.

Despite its rocky launch, 3 years have gone by, and the team behind Grand Tactician has been steadily toiling away and has launched massive patches adding new weapons, quality of life upgrades, 3D models and even going as far as revamping the whole economy. In 2023 they launched a new DLC titled Whisky&Lemons that introduced a fantastic and very unique take on the whole thing, by having a character-driven campaign that sees players rising through the ranks as officers during the American Civil War.

13 – Arma 3

Few lists can forfeit the presence of Arma 3, and this is no exception. Arma 3 is the universal WarSim and Military Sandbox from a first-person perspective.

What makes Arma 3 earn its spot on every list isn’t just the realistic physics, sprawling maps, detailed weaponry, and massive online community dedicated to simulating every known conflict under the sun. Instead, what makes Arma 3 the go-to milsim is its dedicated modding community. These passionate folk are responsible for the creation of- literally- thousands of weapons and vehicles, maps, equipment, missions and everything else in between.

Pair that up with the lovely real-time editor that allows you to modify your missions on the fly, and Arma 3 stands tall as the go-to military shooter, even a decade after it originally came out.

12 – Hearts of Iron 4

Hearts of Iron 4 is an amazing game that managed to introduce a whole new generation of players to the idea of wargames and military strategy. This grand strategy title from Paradox is set before, during and after the Second World War, with the fantastic premise that you can take any nation in the World, no matter how small, and guide its destiny across one of the most convoluted times in History.

I heavily disagree with those who accuse the title of being a dumbed-down version of previous titles, and instead, I would argue its focus changed a bit, and it removed a lot of the busy work the previous entry entailed. It’s a game whose focus is on commanding a nation as well as its army, navy, airforce, and the logistical nightmare it was to have a proper war economy running.

Criticisms on how Hearts of Iron 4 leans heavily into its alt-history are certainly legit, and this might put off some people looking for a more realistic experience. Hearts of Iron shed the hardcore military simulator skin the third entry had, but managed to successfully replace that with a sense of control and endless possibilities. It isn’t realistic, but it sure is fun and authentic. If you’re looking for a more military-focused grand-strategy title, Hearts of Iron 3 costs less than 10 dollars and it’s still pretty great for a 15-year-old title.

11 – Command: Modern Operations

When it comes to simulating the complexity of modern warfare in videogame format, Command: Modern Operations has no equal, and this isn’t even me exaggerating. Command: Modern Operations is the definitive experience if you want to simulate any military conflict post World War 2 at a tactical and operational level. Ground, sea and air operations are all possible to model with this title to an absurd degree of accuracy and complexity. Heck, some say the equipment database (it has around 70K entries, I believe, but don’t quote me on that) alone is worth the asking price of 80 dollars!

Just in case you’re still doubting how real Command: Modern Operations is, well it’s the commercial version of a title called Command Professional Edition that’s used by organizations such as the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, the Royal Navy and the Luftwaffe.

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The Allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944, stands as a turning point in World War II. It’s no surprise then that this historic event has fueled countless stories across all forms of media. But for an immersive experience that blends historical accuracy with thrilling gameplay, look no further than PC wargames.

The best D-Day wargames transport players right into the heart of the action. These games recreate the battles – from the brutal fight for Omaha Beach to daring airborne assaults behind enemy lines. They offer a unique perspective on this critical chapter of World War II, allowing players to experience the intensity and heroism of D-Day firsthand.

Disclaimer:

I reached out to Wargame Design Studio letting them know I was going to write this list and that their games would be showing up. They were kind enough to sponsor this article. These are still my genuine opinions on their titles, and you can see that for a long time, I’ve been ranking their games on other lists. Go and pay them a visit. They’re a great company.

Update: Normandy 44′ Gold is currently WDS’s Game of the Week and its currently going for $29.95, a steal for the amount of content it has! Go show WDS some love and get the game!

15 – Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines – A Nostalgic Blast of D-Day Covert Ops

Commandos offers a nostalgic journey back to the early days of WW2 video games. For a unique twist on the D-Day experience, look no further than the classic 1998 title, Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines. Here’s why it stands out:

Pioneering Pre-D-Day Stealth:

In the realm of World War 2 D-Day, the classic Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines stands out for its unique take on covert operations along the Normandy coast, even predating others, more renowned D-Day-focused titles like Medal of Honor: Allied Assault. You control a special forces team tasked with sabotaging crucial enemy defences along the Normandy coast.

Historical Accuracy with a Twist:

Released before Saving Private Ryan’s iconic portrayal of D-Day (1998), Commandos offers a slightly different historical perspective. The ubiquitous “Schnabelstand” bunkers, heavily featured in later media, were not as prevalent on the real beaches. This provides an interesting historical snapshot from the pre-Spielberg era.

Nostalgia for Veterans of WW2 Gaming:

Although controls might feel dated compared to modern games, revisiting Commandos offers a nostalgic journey back to the early days of WW2 video games. It’s a great choice for players who enjoy revisiting classic titles and experiencing a different perspective on the D-Day narrative.

14 – Steel Division: Normandy 44 – A Deep Dive for D-Day Strategy Fans

I don’t think any Best D-Day Games List is complete without including the interesting Steel Division: Normandy 44 from Eugen and Paradox. Released in 2017- it was the first game I have ever reviewed– Steel Division: Normandy 44 transports players to the bocage-ridden fields of Normandy.

Fresh Take on D-Day Strategy:

Unlike other, more traditional real-time strategy, steel Division Normandy 44 does things a bit differently. Instead of zooming in too much or too little, Steel Division captures an almost perfect middle ground between the squad-focused action of titles like Company of Heroes or Men of War, and of other, more abstract games like The Operational Art of War. Engagements happen at long distances, reconnaissance is fundamental, and combined warfare manoeuvres are fulcral to success.

Detailed World and Diverse Units:

Steel Division’s photo-based maps come to life with exquisite detail, and the extensive unit selection and the mix and mash that’s possible by pitting several different divisions against one another perfectly cater to those who love to experiment with history.

The game’s innovative three-phase campaign system effectively mirrors the progression of real-world military operations. You’ll start with initial troop deployments, followed by intense battles, culminating with the arrival of heavy reinforcements.

Budget-Friendly D-Day Experience:

Steel Division: Normandy 44 frequently goes on sale, making it a great choice for budget-minded D-Day strategy enthusiasts. We’re nearing the Steam Summer Sale, so keep an eye out for it!

13 – Company of Heroes: Experience D-Day’s Intensity in Real-Time

Company of Heroes (CoH) isn’t your typical wargame, as it’s more of an RTS, but it offers a thrilling, action-packed take on D-Day for strategy fans that shouldn’t be missed. Here’s what makes it stand out:

Hollywood-Inspired D-Day Landing:

Company of Heroes 1 is often likened to a real-time strategy (RTS) rendition of Hollywood war movies, and the unwritten rule is that if your game is taking cues from Hollywood, you have to start your World War 2 campaign with the D-Day landings. Of course, Company of Heroes opens up with the iconic Ranger-filled Higgins storming Omaha. Upon hitting the shore, players face the immediate challenge of leading their troops forward amidst the chaos of battle.

Squad-Based Combat with Tactical Depth:

The following missions are about Fox Company and their drive towards capturing and defending the critical town of Carentan, then Able and Dog advance on Cherbourg and Saint-Lô, with the Campaign action culminating in the action around the Falaise Pocket. Company of Heroes isn’t a realistic wargame by any means, but it absolutely nails down the basics of squad-based combat around the 4Fs – Find, Fix, Flank and Finish.

Its innovative cover system and laser focus exclusively on small-scale but intense action make Company of Heroes one of the best games you can play to this very day, especially if you’re looking to scratch that D-Day itch.

A Nostalgic Favorite with Lasting Appeal:

Despite its age (15 years old!), CoH’s innovative cover system and action-oriented gameplay still hold up today. It’s a fantastic choice for players looking for a fast-paced, strategic D-Day experience, especially for those who might be new to wargames and prefer a more accessible entry point.

12 – Beyond D-Day: Medal of Honor: Allied Assault Redefines the WW2 FPS

Nowadays, a World War 2 first-person shooter set in the Western Front without the titular D-Day Invasion just doesn’t feel right, and it’s all thanks to Medal of Honor: Allied Assault. Here’s why you should try it:

Pioneering the D-Day Experience:

Inspired by Saving Private Ryan (1998), Medal of Honor wasn’t the first D-Day game, but it was the most spectacular at the time. Playing as OSS operative Mike Powell, assigned to the 2nd Ranger Battalion you charge Omaha Beach in a now-iconic mission that’s still hauntingly intense and beautifully crafted, even 20 years later.

Intensity You Can Feel:

The Operation Overlord mission starts up with the spine-chilling “Clear the ramp! 30 seconds!”, and not a second later, the ramp drops and the front row is mowed down by German machine gun fire. What follows is one of first-person shooters’ most iconic missions as you fight your way off the beach, dodging MG-42 bursts and hiding behind hedgehogs. You reach the relative safety of the shingle just to be commanded to go back to grab a couple of bangalore’s and to once again rush the German positions. It’s so well-paced and it’s so well done it’s amazing. You owe it to yourself to try it at least once.

A Must-Play for History Buffs and FPS Fans:

The game’s Normandy mission will last you around 1 to 2 hours after the landing is done, as you fight your way through Villers-Bocage. Whether you’re a history buff or simply enjoy a great FPS experience, Medal of Honor: Allied Assault deserves a place in your gaming library. It’s a landmark title that continues to hold up even today.

11 – Wargame Design Studio Normandy ’44 Gold: Command the D-Day Offensive in this Operational Wargame

For strategy buffs seeking a deep dive into D-Day’s strategic landscape, look no further than Normandy ’44 Gold by Wargame Design Studio.

Operational Focus: You’re the Commander Now:

Unlike other Wargame Design Studio titles like Eagles Strike and Battles of Normandy, Normandy ’44 Gold shifts the focus from squad-level tactics to true operational-level command set during the “Great Crusade”. You’ll take the reins as a battlefield commander, overseeing the “big picture” and making crucial strategic decisions throughout the D-Day campaign- You’re no longer Lieutenant Winters leading Easy Company during the jumps, but instead, you’re taking the Mantle of Omar Bradley and commanding an entire Army. Normandy ’44 is part of what is- probably- Wargame Design Studio’s most famous series of titles, the Panzer Campaigns.

Hex-and-Counter with a Grander Scale:

Normandy ’44 Gold utilizes a classic hex-and-counter system but with a significant scale increase. Units represent companies and battalions operating on a 1-kilometre hex grid. This shift in scale demands a different approach compared to the studio’s other titles.

Embrace the Slow Burn, Master the Challenge:

Normandy ’44 Gold will make you trudge your way through the bocage-ridden French countryside and force you to think as a real commander, particularly in those bigger missions. While Normandy ’44 Gold might seem daunting at first glance, its strategic depth offers a rewarding experience for patient players. Take your time, carefully plan your moves, and relish the satisfaction of outsmarting your opponent over a relaxing Friday night session.

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Command Ops 2

A real treat for any commander wishing to test themselves at the operational level. Whilst there is no campaign and the tactical level is abstracted, Command Ops 2 more than makes up for it with its detail, plausibility and challenging AI. Little details like intelligence reliability and age really can test a commander – have your poorly trained and tired troops mistaken two light scout vehicles for heavy tanks? And how do you respond to that, and add to the fact that in Command Ops 2 your orders are not instantaneous, just like in real life they have to be disseminated through the chain of command- to make things even more complicated and realistic.

Europa Universalis IV

Released over a decade ago and still receiving updates Europa Universalis 4 has really set the standard in Grand Strategy games. The sheer number of options and choices you can make are breathtaking and you really can guide a nation through hundreds of years of history. The game features clever mechanics that (mostly) constrain completely outrageous alternative histories – this makes a playthrough really feel like a realistic representation of history. Furthermore, Europa Universalis 4 is full of historical details and information which are educational, and informative and add so much flavour.

Gary Grigsby’s War in the East 2

What strategy list isn’t complete without a homage to a Gary Grigsby game? Gary Grigsby’s War in the East 2 is perhaps the most refined version of the war on the Eastern front so far. Turns can take hours as you manage hundreds of unit counters across the Eastern Front. For someone with limited knowledge about the war in the East, this game doubles up as a history lesson too. Special attention should also be paid to the logistical aspect of the game because without robust logistics your military machine will grind to a halt, just like we have seen repeatedly throughout history.

Distant Worlds 2

Distant Worlds 2, whilst perhaps overshadowed by the glitzier Stellaris, is another great game that pays tribute to logistics and supply lines. Not many games require your fleet to take fuel tanks along them when they conduct interstellar war! Distant Worlds 2 is still being updated and refined, I’d suggest it’s actually more complex than Stellaris and has an interesting feature where you can all but completely automate your empire and leave the game to play itself – or you can micro pretty much anything! I think it’s a great feature and really lets the player play the parts they enjoy. Distant Worlds 2 goes from strength to strength with each update.

Flashpoint Campaigns: Southern Storm

The successor to Flashpoint Campaigns: Red Storm. The team at On Target Simulations really did take this game to the next level. The game pits NATO forces against Pact forces and features Standard Operating Procedures which are very customisable. Appreciation must also be given to the GUI – it’s very well presented and gives the play good levels of information whilst carrying out loads of data checks in the background giving you really authentic outcomes in battle. Flashpoint Campaigns: Southern Storm is also a WEGO game – meaning anticipating your adversary is critical and gaining initiative is key.

Steel Division 2

Whilst not very realistic Steel Division 2 is still a fun WW2 RTS game. Its graphics are great and you can zoom in to specific units and then zoom all the way out to see the whole map. It has several campaigns and also an interesting deck-building system allowing you to design a force around your preferred play style, without allowing you to go too crazy. It can become a click fest as you mercilessly throw units into the meat grinder.

Tank Warfare: Tunisia 1943

It’s a Graviteam game set in Tunisia during World War 2 rather than the usual Eastern Front. Whilst the game still has the same frustrating UI as all other games in the series, it is a really fun game. I chose Tank Warfare: Tunisia 1943 rather than the more renowned Mius-Front because it features British and American units, which I found refreshing. The attention to detail in the game is wonderful and at least for me, it runs more smoothly than the combat mission games – so it’s easier to get my realistic WW2 fix that way. – Oh, and it also features a campaign mode.

Kerbal Space Program

Wait this is Strategy and Wargaming what heresy is this!? Well, the Kerbal Space Program is one of those games that makes you try, fail and then iterate – if that’s not the essence of strategy and wargaming I don’t know what is! The only casualties in this game are my dignity and a few Kerbals. In all seriousness, I think the Kerbal Space Program is a great game where you learn from your mistakes and it drives you to try again. It encourages good traits that I try and replicate when I wargame.

Rule The Waves 3

A great naval game that whilst not visually stimulating, unless spreadsheets are your thing, is still captivating. Design and build your national naval fleet within the constraints of your technology and budget. – just like real navies! The game is still reviving updates and refinement to ensure it squeezes out as much accuracy and details as possible. I think I hadn’t anticipated learning about my production style, in most strategy games you can often wait for a big tech discovery and then quickly upgrade all your units. In Rule The Waves 3, just like in real life, this won’t work. You need to adopt spiral development rather than waterfall in my experience. – fun stuff to learn hey!

Command: Modern Operations

The Command: Modern Operations database alone almost makes this sim worth it. It contains hundreds if not thousands of real-world and hypothetical platforms with great levels of detail. It provides content creators the ability to create almost any scenario you can imagine, with a particular focus on air and sea combat. The game is often updated and can be used with Tacview giving players some great insight when they investigate the results of combat. It’s not for the faint-hearted and really does need the player to invest time in understanding the technical aspects of combat, patricianly when using more modern platforms.

Hope you guys enjoyed. Don’t forget to let me know down in the comments if you agree with me or not! Post your top favourite games too!

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50 – Age of Mythology Retold

Unveiled more than a year back, in 2022, not a lot has come out since, so what we have so far is wild speculation. We know, however, that the game is getting redone with all new graphics and animations and that the release version will contain every playable content up until the Tale of the Dragon expansion.

49 – Ancient Arenas: Chariots

Qvadriga was quite a hit when it came out in 2014. It was a unique, turn-based (or real-time) chariot racing simulator with quite a lot of depth to its systems. Of course, the thing that separates it from the crowd of other racing sims is its Roman quadriga setting. Despite being fairly well-received, Turnopia failed to capitalize on its setting and take its premise into a whole new dimension. That’s precisely what the folk behind Ancient Arenas: Chariots are attempting to do. Not a lot is known of it right now but it’s promising to be quite the spiritual successor to Qvadriga. Here’s what’s known right now:

• A Mansion to manage by building, trading, researching, exploring, and training.
• Divine favors to gain the upper hand over the competition.
• Horse breeding, training aurigas (teams), and assembling new chariots.
• Join a faction (whatever this means?).
• Race in the chariot league.
• WeGo and Real-time controls.

48 – ARA: History Untold

The guys from Civilization are probably in the same boat as yours truly and fed up with the mediocrity that befell the series after Civ IV. Instead of complaining online about it, they decided to form Oxide Games and create ARA: History Untold, a 4X that’s looking great, at least graphically. While there may not be an official gameplay video available yet, the glimpses and information provided so far, especially the impressive graphics, are certainly enough to pique curiosity and interest.

47 – Armored Brigade 2

The unique (and underappreciated) Armored Brigade is getting a new entry, shifting from 2D to 3D, and it’s looking glorious! The game will also add a refined waypoint editor, and improve its spotting system and infantry mechanics. Aware that “The introduction of 3D also posed the risk of diverting focus from gameplay to graphics. Striking the right balance, where enhanced visuals did not overshadow core gameplay, was a paramount concern.”, the team quickly understood that with this change they “can now offer depth and spatial awareness that 2D simply cannot match, and a visual detail that breathes new life into every skirmish. This modification paves the way for enhanced tactical perspectives, from discerning line-of-sight over undulating terrains to better assessing the influence of the landscape on vehicle movement. This shift could potentially appeal to a broader audience, and feedback so far seems to confirm this. While Triple-A games excel in photorealistic graphics, Armored Brigade carves its own unique niche by focusing on gameplay and feature depth instead of competing on visual realism.”

46 – Arms Trade Tycoon

Another one of Microprose’s most promising titles, Arms Trade Tycoon endeared itself into the hearts of wargamers and tycoon enthusiasts due to its excellent demo a couple of months back. Even more exciting, the game has evolved so much since then, that the team had to pull the original demo from Steam to not undersell what the game’s going to be. A look at the video above showcases exactly how detailed ATT is shaping up to be.

Want to be an arms dealer can expect a new, updated demo close to the game’s release date, which has gone unannounced as of right now.

45 – Broken Arrow

Broken Arrow is going to be one of two things: it’s either going to dethrone Eugen Systems and the Wargame Series and dominate this weird sub-genre of modern real-time-strategy games that Wargame spawned way back when, or it’s going to be a massive disappointment. As of right now, I can’t decipher if the pace of Broken Arrow is too quick for me to enjoy, but by the looks of what was presented during Slitherine Next, it looks to be substantially slower than other games such as Regiments or WARNO. The extended time I spent playing the first mission of the campaign convinced me that there’s a lot to enjoy for singleplayer fans, especially if played at a slower speed. Here’s hoping we’re looking at the next World in Conflict!

44 – Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles

Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles has more in command with Stronghold than it as with other, more fantastical strategy titles. It’s a game all about creating fantastical and stunning fortifications to protect the people under your rule from pesky air assailants. It’s a game that describes itself as “chaotic and free” with “minimal micro-management”. A perfect feel-good late-night friday endeavour, then. 

43 – Builders of Egypt

One of many historical city-builders to come out this year, Builders of Egypt takes place on the titular… Egypt! Similar to the classical Impression titles, it’s an economic type of city-builder with a pinch of sword and spear sprinkled in for some palate cleansing. Make sure your people are fed and happy, the river is flowing with goods of foreign kingdoms, and religious needs are accounted for, and then head off to war if things don’t go your way. 

42 – Burden of Command

If I had a dollar every time I’ve seen Burden of Command in a “most anticipated list of 20XX”… Anyway, the constant update of their developer blogs always fills me with the hope that Burden of Command will, someday, see the light of day. BoC is supposed to be the offspring of classical hex wargames and an RPG system that will emulate the dilemmas of being in command of an American company in the Second World War.

41 – Capital Command

Hooded Horse is the new Paradox Interactive, and they have a hand on nearly every other strategy title ready to go live in the next couple of years, with Capital Command being one of them. A sandbox-y, space sim that puts players at the helm of custom-made warships. 

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15 – Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire

Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire is a third-person action game developed by LucasArts and released in 1996 for Nintendo and 1997 for PC. Shadows of the Empire follows the story of Dash Rendar, a mercenary caught amid the iconic Galactic Civil War. You’ll fight and adventure across multiple planets, engaging in intense combat, piloting vehicles, and facing iconic Star Wars villains.

Despite the game being almost 30 years old by now, in Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire, you can experience a unique blend of gameplay styles, including third-person shooting, vehicular combat, and exploration (remember when games attempted to do everything at once and it was just amazing?). The game features a compelling storyline that weaves through familiar events from the original trilogy, offering new perspectives and expanding the Star Wars lore (remember that we are talking 3 decades ago when the lore wasn’t what it is today). With its immersive environments, memorable characters, and diverse gameplay mechanics, Shadows of the Empire remains a standout title for Star Wars fans and gamers on PC in 2024, delivering a different, but exciting and nostalgic journey through a galaxy far, far away.

14 – Star Wars: Episode 1 Racer

STAR WARS Episode I: Racer is the best racing game set in the Star Wars universe, and it’s available on PC in 2024, on Steam and GoG. Developed by LucasArts, it came out in 1999 and was based on the podracing scene from Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. The game puts you behind the controls of high-speed podracers on exotic tracks spanning the galaxy. With intense speed, thrilling tracks, and iconic speedsters, Episode I: Racer still manages to offer a unique and adrenaline-fueled racing experience for Star Wars that’s pretty much unique to it. I believe there’s only one other Playstation 2 Star Wars racing title called Star Wars: Super Bombad Racing.

In STAR WARS Episode I: Racer, you can choose from a variety of podracer vehicles and compete in fast-paced races across iconic planets such as Tatooine, Malastare, and more. The game features challenging circuits, customizable podracer upgrades and challenging driving mechanics, allowing players to master each track and outmanoeuvre opponents. It might not be the best game when it comes to its visuals, but there’s a certain late 1990s and early 2000s charm to it. Mostly, it’s a faithful adaptation of the podracing concept from the Star Wars universe, Episode I: Racer remains a standout title and one of the best Star Wars games available for PC gamers in 2024.

13 – Star Wars: Squadron

Star Wars: Squadrons, developed by Motive Studios and published by Electronic Arts, is one of those rare thrilling space combat games that puts players in the cockpit of iconic Star Wars starfighters. It’s a game I love, despite its many flaws (including a poor and confusing storyline), but there’s no other when it comes to offering an immersive and authentic experience and allowing players to pilot X-wings, TIE fighters, and other legendary spacecraft across intense dogfights and strategic fleet battles. 

Star Wars: Squadrons is set in the aftermath of the Battle of Endor, and features a single-player campaign where players can experience the conflict from both the New Republic and Imperial perspectives.

One of the highlights of Star Wars: Squadrons is its focus on immersive and tactical starfighter combat. Players can customize their ships and experiment with different load-outs to suit their playstyle. The combat is extremely fast-paced and you’ll be frantically working your ship’s systems, adding and removing power from one to overcharge the other. It’s very intense, and far from the simulation-like experience titles like TIE Fighter offer. However, with stunning visuals and tight controls optimized for PC (excellent Joystick controls!), Star Wars: Squadrons offers a unique and thrilling Star Wars gaming experience that captures the excitement of space battles from a galaxy far, far away. It’s available on Steam, and it goes on sale for pennies on the dollar. This title is a must-have for fans of Star Wars looking to immerse themselves in epic starfighter action on their PC in 2024.

12 – Star Wars: Dark Forces Remastered

Star Wars: Dark Forces Remastered is a modernized version of the iconic Star Wars first-person shooter that came out, originally, in 1995. It’s now available, in all of its remastered glory on PC in 2024, delivering an enhanced experience of the classic Star Wars original title. Originally developed by LucasArts and remastered for contemporary audiences, by Nightdive Studios, Dark Forces Remastered puts you in the role of Kyle Katarn, a mercenary tasked with infiltrating the Empire’s secret weapon projects. This updated version features improved graphics, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and optimized controls, making it accessible and engaging for both longtime fans and newcomers to the series.

In Star Wars: Dark Forces Remastered, you’ll be fighting the Empire’s titular dark forces, from Imperial bases to ancient temples while engaging in intense blaster battles against Stormtroopers, droids, and other iconic enemies from the Star Wars universe. The remastered edition not only preserves the essence of the original game but also introduces modern enhancements to deliver a compelling and enjoyable experience on PC. Whether reliving fond memories or discovering this classic title for the first time, Star Wars: Dark Forces Remastered offers a uniquely captivating journey through the Star Wars galaxy, making it a standout choice for Star Wars gaming enthusiasts in 2024, especially for those looking to experience the best Star Wars games available on Steam.

Besides, Star Wars: Dark Forces was one of those rare video games that introduced a new, menacing unit into the Star Wars canon: The Dark Trooper. 

11 – Star Wars: Republic Commando

Star Wars: Republic Commando is Rainbow Six set in the Star Wars universe during the Clone Wars. Developed by LucasArts, this game puts players in command of the fan-favourite elite squad of clone troopers known as Delta Squad, undertaking dangerous missions during the Clone Wars. It’s the only true tactical first-person shooter set in the galaxy far, far away. With great first-person shooter mechanics and squad-based tactics, Republic Commando offers a unique perspective on the Star Wars saga, focusing on the gritty realities of warfare of special operations.

In Star Wars: Republic Commando, you’ll assume the role of RC-1138, leader of Delta Squad, and must navigate through challenging missions across various hostile environments with your group of hilarious Clone misfits. The game features fast-paced combat, smart AI teammates, and a compelling narrative that immerses you in the Clone Wars and does its best to truly make you feel like a boots-on-the-ground type of soldier. Republic Commando continues to be a standout title for Star Wars fans on PC, especially those seeking an immersive and tactical shooter experience available on platforms like Steam in 2024.

10 – Star Wars: Battlefront 2

Star Wars: Battlefront 2 from EA is one of my personal standout titles that continues to shine on PC in 2024, and that I play often. It’s unmatched when it comes to offering players an immersive and visually stunning experience within the Star Wars universe. Developed by DICE and published by Electronic Arts, Star Wars: Battlefront 2 was at the forefront of a lot of controversy due to its predatory monetization schemes. After a massive backlash from fans, EA was forced to remove everything from it and spend the subsequent months fixing the game to the point where it became one of the best multiplayer experiences available, everywhere. 

Whether you’re engaging in intense ground combat on Endor or piloting starfighters in the skies above Tatooine, this game captures the essence of Star Wars like no other. One of Battlefront II’s standout features is its diverse gameplay modes, including large-scale multiplayer battles. It was also the first Battlefront title to feature a single-player campaign (that’s decent, at best of times, and downright terrible at its worst). The game’s campaign mode follows the story of Iden Versio, an elite Imperial soldier, set in the aftermath of Return of the Jedi.

Moreover, Battlefront 2 has evolved significantly since its launch, with continuous updates and expansions that have refined gameplay mechanics and added new content, including additional maps, characters, and modes. With its stunning graphics, engaging gameplay, and low sale price, Star Wars: Battlefront II is currently one of the best Star Wars games available for PC gamers in 2024, providing an unparalleled Star Wars experience that fans old and new can enjoy on Steam.

9 – Star Wars: Battlegrounds

Yes, I know that Star Wars: Battlegrounds is essentially a re-skin of Age of Empires 2. But you know what I love? Star Wars and Age of Empires 2. So it’s a match made in heaven for yours truly. That said, Star Wars: Battlegrounds is a real-time strategy game set in the iconic Star Wars universe. Command armies of familiar units from the Star Wars universe, including Stormtroopers, AT-AT walkers, and Jedi knights, as you engage in RTS battles across various planets and environments. This title offers a blend of tactical gameplay alongside some so great campaign missions that allow you to experience key moments from the Star Wars saga while using your own battle plans.

Developed by Petroglyph Games and published by LucasArts, Star Wars: Battlegrounds remains one of the few strategy Star Wars games available for PC in 2024. The game’s available on Steam, but from my experience, the GOG version works better in modern systems.

8 – Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2 (KOTOR 2)

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II (KOTOR 2) is the acclaimed role-playing game set during the titular Old Republic. Developed by RPG masters, Obsidian Entertainment and published by LucasArts, KOTOR 2 takes everyone on an epic journey through the aftermath of the Jedi Civil War, where you’ll assume the role of a Jedi Exile seeking to uncover their past and restore balance to the Force. With deep storytelling and RPG mechanics, complex characters, and meaningful choices that shape the narrative, KOTOR 2 offers the ultimate RPG experience within the Star Wars galaxy.

In KOTOR 2, players can explore diverse planets, recruit companions with unique abilities, and engage in strategic turn-based combat using lightsabers (and proto-sabers!), blasters, and Force powers. The game features morally ambiguous decisions that challenge players’ perceptions of the light and dark sides of the Force, providing a rich and immersive role-playing experience. With its expansive world-building and memorable characters, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II continues to be regarded as one of the best Star Wars games available for PC gamers in 2024, delivering a captivating journey through the Star Wars universe on platforms like Steam.

7 – Star Wars: Empire at War

Star Wars: Empire at War is the best real-time strategy game set in the Star Wars universe. Developed by Petroglyph Games and published by LucasArts, this title turns you into the commander of vast armies of the iconic Star Wars factions, including the Galactic Empire and Rebel Alliance, in intense space and ground battles. 

Set across the galaxy, from the icy terrain of Hoth to the eerie swamps of Dagobah, Empire at War offers a compelling mix of strategic depth and immersive gameplay. It excels, especially, in the space combat department, where battles are massive and will last for quite a while, with a lot of back and forth. It’s just a shame that its ground battles are just basic, late 1990s RTS scuffles, where doom stacks usually take the day. Still, its grand strategy campaign makes Star Wars: Empire at War the go-to RTS experience in 2024.

6 – Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed still remains a divisive title on the Star Wars fanbase in 2024. The action-adventure game developed by LucasArts, lets players wield the power of the Force as Starkiller, Darth Vader’s secret apprentice, on a quest to hunt down Jedi survivors. The thing is, Starkiller might be a little too powerful for some of the fans to like him. Despite being released in 2009, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed still has stunning visuals, excellent animations, and most of all, in-depth combat mechanics and force powers. The latter when paired up with physics can be quite entertaining in their own right. And you can choose from a lot of different costumes, that always rubs me the right way.

The most interesting feature of the game, however, is its defiant campaign. The team dared to create one of Star Wars’ most controversial characters, which is still discussed by the fandom today. The game features a compelling storyline that bridges the gap between the prequel and original Star Wars trilogies, offering a unique perspective on the Star Wars saga, sometimes going totally off the rails, even going as far as allowing you to kill Darth Vader in the final missions, and take his place has the Emperor’s henchman. Personally, I finished the game again in 2023, and I have to say that Star Wars: The Force Unleashed remains a standout title for PC gamers in 2024.

Join me and embark on a riveting exploration of what I consider to be the FPS experiences ever crafted, and the ones you should be playing today, right now. From iconic classics to the latest releases, let’s delve together into the heart-pounding action, and pulse-pounding excitement of some of the titles that define the FPS landscape in 2024.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran seeking to relive the glory days or a newcomer eager to dive into the immersive world of FPS gaming, this comprehensive FPS list has something for every enthusiast. Just remember this is my list, if you believe some other games should be here, let me know in the comments!

The Best First-Person Shooters To Play In 2024

21. Black

You weren’t expecting this one, were you? Well, if you have a Playstation 2 hanging around, Black is the game you should be playing right now. Black is one of the original “modern first-person shooters”. One that delivers in one department, and one department only: intense shootouts, explosive action and visceral gunplay. It’s The Matrix if it was directed by Michael Bay. As an FPS game, it places players in the boots of a skilled operative tasked with completing a series of high-stakes missions in a variety of urban and industrial environments. With its emphasis on fast-paced combat and amazing weapon impact, Black offers the best first-person shooter experience players can find on the old but trusty Playstation2.

It’s a short game, with around 8 hours of playtime, but what it lacks in longevity, it has in excitement, explosions, and amazingly crafted weapon animations! It was way ahead of its time indeed.

20. Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun

One of my non-strategy favourites of last year, Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is a retro shooter set in the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40,000, known for its dystopian future, massive battles, and iconic lore. As an FPS game, it plunges players into the boots of a Space Marine- iconic genetically enhanced warriors clad in power armour- wielding powerful weaponry as they combat the Chaos Daemons and Chaos Space Marines, and even some minor heretical factions across the galaxy (and in one particular mission: dimensions). Boltgun delivers a visceral experience that captures the essence of the weapon it gets its name. It’s a fast-paced

The game’s retro aesthetic pays homage to classic FPS titles while incorporating elements unique to the Warhammer 40,000 universe, such as iconic weapons like the bolter and chainsword, and atmospheric environments. Boltgun is exactly what you remember from playing a first-person shooter in the late 90s and early 2000s -nostalgic yet thrilling and brutal.

19. Titanfall 2

The Titanfall franchise never got the recognition it deserves. Titanfall 2 builds upon the foundation laid by its mech-heavy predecessor, offering an enhanced futuristic first-person shooter experience that captivates players with its fast-paced vertical gameplay and gripping multiplayer scuffles. As an FPS game, it seamlessly blends exceptional infantry combat with heart-pounding titan (or exoskeleton, I never quite figured it out) warfare. Titanfall 2 is set in an intriguing (but poorly explored) industrial sci-fi universe where pilots and titans clash in epic battles across stunning landscapes.

Titanfall 2 introduces new titan classes and customization options, allowing players to tailor their titan load-outs to suit their playstyle. With its refined movement mechanics, expanded arsenal, and dynamic level design, Titanfall 2 is a significant upgrade when compared to 2014’s entry. Fortunately, everything ended up well for the team that worked on Titanfall 2, with the later launch of the extremely successful Apex Legends.

18. Rainbow Six: Siege

Rainbow Six: Siege is a disappointing game that turned out a fantastic multiplayer experience. It’s a semi-futuristic multiplayer shooter that emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and precision in its gameplay and shooting mechanics (one-shot headshots, anyone?). As a first-person shooter, it places players in the roles of elite counter-terrorism operatives from around the world (Portugal!). It’s a great game that always manages to offer a dynamic and intensive multiplayer experience, all the while challenging players to always get better at it, and adapt to ever-changing situations with its destruction mechanics.

It’s always on discount, and I’m pretty sure the game was free for a while, but don’t quote me on that. Still, with the game being out for so long, it has a wealth of content, including a variety of maps, game modes, and operator options.

17. Doom (1993)

Doom, released all the way back in 1993, is a (or THE) seminal title in the world of gaming, regarded by most as the archetype of the retro shooter genre. This pioneer of first-person shooter (FPS) games thrust you into a visceral and relentless battle against hordes of demonic creatures on Mars. The game’s premise was simple: You’re a space marine stationed on a Martian moon base. Experience goes wrong. The portal to Hell is now open. Time to rip and tear across the labyrinthine levels, armed with an arsenal of now iconic weapons, in an attempt to thwart the invasion of the hellish hordes.

At its core, Doom is an adrenaline-fueled experience characterized by fast-paced action and immersive gameplay that holds up very well, 31 years after its original debut. The game’s non-linear level design encouraged exploration, rewarding players with hidden weapons, power-ups, and pathways to uncover.

Doom captivated players with its revolutionary graphics and weapon design, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in gaming at the time. With its iconic pixelated visuals and pulse-pounding soundtrack, the game created an atmosphere of tension and excitement that kept players on the edge of their seats, banging their heads as they destroyed demons by the dozen. Its impact reverberated throughout the gaming industry, influencing countless titles and establishing the FPS genre as the dominant force in gaming culture for years to come, with some of its design decisions being resuscitated later for what would be known as the “Boomer Shooter”.

16. Medal of Honor: Allied Assault

Medal of Honor: Allied Assault, released in 2002 by Electronic Arts, is an underrated FPS game set during World War II. It places the players in the boots of Lieutenant Mike Powell, an OSS operative tasked with carrying out a series of daring missions behind enemy lines. As a first-person shooter, the game does its best to immerse players in the harrowing and heroic experiences of Allied soldiers as they battle against the Axis forces across various theatres of war.

To me, personally, the most memorable mission in the game is the Omaha Beach landing, which recreates the infamous D-Day assault with stunning realism and intensity, unseen at the time. 11-year-old me was storming the heavily fortified shores of Normandy alongside fellow soldiers, facing a relentless barrage of enemy fire as they struggled to secure a foothold on the beach. The game had such an impression on me that I dedicated my following years to the study of History and World War 2.

15. Bioshock Remastered

The Bioshock franchise is a modern classic, and Bioshock Remastered is a visually enhanced version of the critically acclaimed FPS game that transports players to the atmospheric and inhospitable underwater city of Rapture. This once-thriving underwater utopia (for a time, but no spoilers here), is now plagued by chaos and decay. As a first-person shooter, Bioshock isn’t anything to write home about. It’s all about soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the story and the multiple layers of symbolism behind every little detail. Enemies are twisted husks of the humans they once were, corrupted by the dark secrets of the city’s enigmatic founder, Andrew Ryan.

In Bioshock Remastered the shooting is as important as the tactics employed to beat every foe they encounter. From gunning them down with a Thompson machinegun to shocking and burning them with genetic enhancements, known as plasmids. This is also a game that usually goes for pennies on the dollar at Steam sales, so make sure to get this classic and enjoy this richly detailed world filled with moral ambiguity and philosophical themes.

Oh, and also, Bioshock Infinite isn’t remastered, but it’s great nevertheless.

14. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, released in 2007, marked a significant departure for the franchise, shifting away from its traditional World War II setting to a contemporary backdrop of modern warfare. This move would change the gaming landscape and first-person shooter trends forever. As an FPS game, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare redefined the genre by introducing players to a gripping (if rather on-rails) narrative that unfolded across intense, cinematic missions set in various global hotspots, during the intense years of America’s war on terror. Players assumed the roles of multiple characters, from elite soldiers to undercover operatives, as they navigated through the web of international terrorism, confronting threats ranging from rogue states to extremist factions.

At its core, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare epitomized the modern shooter experience, blending fast-paced action with a gritty, realistic portrayal of combat. Maybe even more recognizable than its All Ghillied Up mission is the game’s multiplayer component that set new standards for competitive online gaming. With customizable load-outs, killstreak rewards, and a progression system that kept players coming back for more, “Modern Warfare” fostered a vibrant community of players that lives to this very day. Nowadays you might find better online experiences, but its impressive campaign still remains unmatched in spectacle in 2024.

13. DUSK

DUSK is the first game I remember being a real attempt at recreating the essence of classic FPS games (retro shooter) while infusing it with modern controls and some quality-of-life improvements, paired up with a distinctively dark, and cult-like atmosphere. As a first-person shooter, it immediately throws players into a surreal world of occult horror and relentless fast-paced action. Right from the first moment, you’re in a room with two cultists. In DUSK, the levels are labyrinthine filled with grotesque enemies, sinister traps and a bucketload of secrets to discover (probably too many). It’s a game that doesn’t hide where it’s drawing its inspiration from: it’s Quake and Doom mixed together, with massive maps to strife around. DUSK manages to be the perfect balance between delivering a nostalgic experience and refreshing the retro First-Person Shooter mechanics just enough to keep it refreshing and appealing.

12. Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2 is the most recent iteration of the legendary first-person shooter known for highly competitive gameplay and skill-ceiling. This pioneer in the FPS genre pits teams of terrorists and counter-terrorists against each other in a series of 2-minute rounds. With its emphasis on teamwork, communication, and skilful gunplay, Counter-Strike 2 has become synonymous with competitive gaming and esports.

Counter-Strike evolutions always put players on edge, but the transition from Global Offensive to Counter-Strike 2 went relatively smoothly. The game with a wide array of weapons and equipment mostly remained the same, with its biggest innovation being the implementation of dynamic smokes. It’s impressive how when games have really high-level gameplay, small changes like this can the game in major ways, with players developing new strategies and min-maxing every little detail then can to gain an advantage.

Counter-Strike 2 is just another great entry in a series of timeless classics in the FPS genre and a staple of competitive gaming, and it’s going to keep this way for decades to come.

11. Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition

Remember the memorable Bulletstom “Duty Calls” demo that playfully pokes fun at the gaming industry, specifically targeting Activision, one of the leading publishers at the time? What a genius marketing ploy. One that immediately got Bulletstrom’s DNA across Bulletstorm is a first-person shooter that injects over-the-top action and irreverent humour, always poking fun at the seriousness of Modern-Military Shooters. It’s set in a futuristic world overrun by mutants and mercenaries, and the game follows the story of a group of ragtag mercenaries as they battle their way through chaotic and explosive encounters. Bulletstrom has two defining features that culminate in creative kills: its whip and its enemy-kicking mechanics. Bulletstrom elevates silliness to new levels by rewarding players for dispatching enemies in creative and stylish ways.

The game was remastered in 2017 and titled Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition.