There’s something uniquely compelling about the grand strategy of World War II, a conflict that reshaped the entire globe. For those of us who love to think several moves ahead, the turn-based genre offers the perfect way to experience this monumental period in history. It allows you to command armies, manage economies, and rewrite history from the comfort of your own chair, all at a pace that lets you savor every strategic decision.
Unlike the frantic clicks of a real-time game, turn-based WW2 games give you the breathing room to plan complex offensives, consider logistical chains, and outmaneuver your opponent with careful thought. Whether you’re directing individual squads through war-torn city streets or orchestrating the movements of entire army groups across a continent, these games provide a deep, thoughtful challenge. If you’re a strategy fan looking for your next historical campaign, here are five of the very best turn-based WW2 games that deserve a place in your library.
Commanding the Grand Stage: Strategic & Operational Masterpieces
For those who think on a truly global scale, these games put you in the chair of a supreme commander, making high-level decisions that determine the fate of nations.
Hearts of Iron IV
When it comes to grand strategic depth, few games can match the sheer scope of Hearts of Iron IV. This isn’t just a war game; it’s a nation-management simulator set against the backdrop of the Second World War. You take control of any nation from 1936 onwards, guiding its research, industrial production, political diplomacy, and, of course, its military. The turn-based nature here is played out on a days-long scale, pausing automatically to let you issue new orders.
The beauty of Hearts of Iron IV lies in its complexity. You’re not just moving divisions; you’re designing those divisions, managing your supply lines to ensure they don’t run out of fuel, and navigating a complex tech tree. Want to see a historically neutral United States join the Axis? Or have the United Kingdom turn fascist? The game’s political systems allow for these fascinating alternate histories. While it has a steep learning curve, the payoff is an unparalleled sense of being the architect of your own version of World War II.
Panzer Corps 2
If you have fond memories of classic games like Panzer General, then Panzer Corps 2 is the modern incarnation you’ve been waiting for. This game focuses on the operational level, putting you in command of a customized core army that gains experience and upgrades as it fights through a massive, branching campaign. The scale is perfect—you’re managing individual tanks, infantry units, and aircraft on a hex-based map, making tactical decisions that feel immediate and impactful.
The game is a masterclass in accessible yet deep tactical gameplay. The rules are easy to grasp, but mastering them requires careful consideration of terrain, unit facing, and combined arms. The sheer variety of units and the ability to customize your core force for each new scenario provide immense replayability. It captures the feel of being a theater commander perfectly, offering a challenging and satisfying experience that will keep you coming back for “one more turn.”
Tactical Triumphs: Squad-Level Warfare
Sometimes, the most gripping stories are told not with army groups, but with a handful of soldiers. These games zoom in on the human cost and heroism of the war.
Unity of Command II
Unity of Command II is a gem that proves elegance can come from simplicity. It streamlines the often-overwhelming aspects of operational warfare into a clean, intuitive, and deeply challenging package. The game focuses on the Western Front, tasking you with major operations like the D-Day landings and the push into Germany. Its signature mechanic is a clever supply system where you must protect your supply lines to keep your offensives rolling.
What makes Unity of Command II so special is its puzzle-like quality. Each scenario presents a clear objective, and you have a limited number of turns to achieve it. This forces you to think efficiently, planning breakthroughs and encirclements with precision. The AI is excellent at counter-attacking weak points, making every move count. It’s a thinking person’s wargame that rewards careful planning over brute force, and its historical scenarios are both educational and intensely engaging.
XCOM 2, But Make It WW2: Phantom Brigade
While not a strict historical simulation, Phantom Brigade deserves a special mention for its brilliant fusion of turn-based tactics and real-time execution. You command a small squad of mechs in a world where the WW2 era never ended, fighting a desperate guerrilla war. The hook is the “simultaneous turn-based” system: you plan your entire squad’s moves for a five-second window, and then you watch it play out in real-time alongside the enemy’s actions.
This creates a phenomenal tactical dance. You can see the enemy’s planned movements, allowing you to set up ambushes, dodge incoming fire, and time your shots perfectly. It feels less like giving orders and more like directing an action movie. For strategy fans looking for a fresh, innovative take on the turn-based formula with a unique diesel-punk WW2 aesthetic, Phantom Brigade is an absolute must-try.
A Timeless Classic That Still Stands Strong
No list of turn-based WW2 games would be complete without paying homage to a title that defined the genre for a generation.
Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp
This recent remake of two Game Boy Advance classics is a perfect entry point into the world of turn-based strategy. Advance Wars strips away historical realism in favor of pure, polished tactical gameplay. You command colorful, cartoonish armies with distinct commanders, each with their own special abilities, across vibrant maps. The goal is simple: capture cities for income, build a diverse force, and eliminate the enemy.
Beneath its charming exterior lies a surprisingly deep and challenging game. The rock-paper-scissors style unit interactions are easy to learn but difficult to master. Positioning, anticipating your opponent’s moves, and using your commander’s special power at the right moment are the keys to victory. It’s a game that teaches the fundamental principles of turn-based strategy in an incredibly fun and accessible way, making it perfect for newcomers and veterans alike.
Finding Your Perfect WW2 Strategy Game
With so many excellent options available, your choice ultimately comes down to the scale of command you prefer. If you want to manage an entire nation’s war effort, Hearts of Iron IV is your grand canvas. For operational command of a persistent army across a continent, Panzer Corps 2 is unmatched. If you prefer tight, puzzle-like challenges with a focus on supply, Unity of Command II will test your general skills. For a fresh, innovative take on squad tactics, look to Phantom Brigade. And for a timeless, accessible, and deeply rewarding tactical experience, Advance Wars remains a champion.
Each of these games offers a unique window into the strategic dilemmas of World War II, allowing you to learn, experiment, and ultimately, have a great time commanding history. Whichever you choose, you’re in for countless hours of thoughtful and engaging gameplay.