The Top 20 Video Games About War

War. War never changes, but war focused games have gotten better and better of the last decade to the point where now it has reached its peak. Today, war games have stagnated for the most part but looking back you can find that some of the most important games of all time tend to have been about war or some sort of conflict. No matter if you are a war story fan or only know the Call of Duty series, you can find something to enjoy in the top 20 video games about war.

20. Dragon Age: Origins

• Metacritic Score: 86 (Generally Favorable)
• Release Date: November 3, 2009
• Playable On: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows

Kicking off the list, we have the introduction to the Dragon Age series. The game follows the conflict against the savage creatures known as the Darkspawn. The game is recognized as one of the best games in its franchise, as well as one of the best computer RPGs of all time. Just an overall beautifully executed world that has great gameplay and characters to boot.

19. Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3

• Metacritic Score: 82 (Generally Favorable)
• Release Date: October 28, 2008
• Playable On: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows

Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 is a real-time strategy game developed by EA Los Angeles. This title has all the core gameplay goodness of the Command & Conquer games that came before it. Many players found themselves loving this title, while others had a few criticisms, causing its user score on Metacritic to be mixed. If you love RTS titles and cooperative multiplayer, then this game is a must-play.

18. Mass Effect 3

• Metacritic Score: 93 (Universal Acclaim)
• Release Date: March 6, 2012
• Playable On: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows, Nintendo WiiU

The Mass Effect series is one of the best trilogies of all time. Yep, the series ended with Mass Effect 3. In this phenomenal title, Earth is under attack by a race of gigantic living ships called the Reapers. The stakes are extremely high and is perfect for those who need that in their war titles. Critics loved this title including its controversial ending but some fans consider it slightly worse than the nearly perfect Mass Effect 2.

17. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019)

• Metacritic Score: 80 (Generally Favorable)
• Release Date: October 25, 2019
• Playable On: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Windows

You simply cannot talk about war games without mentioning the Call of Duty franchise. As you can probably expect, Call of Duty will dominate most of this list, but Modern Warfare (2019) is a fine entry point. This game, like other games in its franchise, is perfect for those who want something a bit more realistic. It follows a war between America, Britain, and Russia. Critics and fans liked this game a lot, relatively speaking. There are much better war titles for you to enjoy, but relative to the expansive Call of Duty franchise, this is one of the best entries.

16. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009)

• Metacritic Score: 94 (Universal Acclaim)
• Release Date: November 10, 2009
• Playable On: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows

If you ask millennial Call of Duty fans, then this is the best Call of Duty game of all time. Modern Warfare 2 follows the story of Task Force 141 and their defense against Russian forces. A lot of Russian conflict in this franchise. Not only did this release receive Universal Acclaim upon release, but it also received many awards in 2009. Today the game is still just as popular and it aged well too. An all round enjoyable war masterpiece.

15. Call of Duty: WWII

• Metacritic Score: 79 (Generally Favorable)
• Release Date: November 3, 2017
• Playable On: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Windows

World War 2 has so many games based on it that you could make a list of just those games. This title’s story is centered around the 1st Infantry Division and the historical events of Operation Overlord. It seems that war games are moving away from great single-player content, but this game has one of the best campaigns of recent times. If you want a war title that focuses less on the conflict and more on the soldiers, then you should try out Call of Duty: WWII.

14. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

• Metacritic Score: 94 (Universal Acclaim)
• Release Date: June 12, 2008
• Playable On: PlayStation 3

Another character-driven war title is Metal Gear Solid 4. Honestly, all the Metal Gear games are great and war-focused, but there is something eerie about this title and how it approaches its narrative. This game gets better if you have knowledge of the 3 games that came before it, but it’s a perfectly fine entry point as well. It’s just that good.

13. Call of Duty: Black Ops II

• Metacritic Score: 83 (Generally Favorable)
• Release Date: November 13, 2012
• Playable On: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Windows, Nintendo WiiU

If you ask Generation Z, then this is the best Call of Duty game and honestly, I understand where the sentiment comes from. This is arguably the last great Call of Duty game. It’s a direct sequel to the phenomenal Black Ops title and takes place in both the 1980s and 2025. This title is great no matter which platform you play it on and offers that classic Call of Duty feel while being a bit more polished than the games that came before it. Whether you prefer great multiplayer or a great story, this game will satisfy you no matter what.

12. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

• Metacritic Score: 76 (Generally Favorable)
• Release Date: February 13, 2018
• Playable On: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows

Kingdom Come: Deliverance is very different from the other titles on this list. It isn’t for everyone, but if you love realistic medieval titles more than modern titles, you’ll absolutely love it. Players experience a war in Bohemia during the reign of King Wenceslaus IV. The game is a historically accurate portrayal of 15th-century Central Europe. It has its faults such as a poorly implemented save system, bugs, and long loading times but again if it resonates with you there is a lot to enjoy.

11. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023)

• Metacritic Score: 56 (Mixed)
• Release Date: November 10, 2023
• Playable On: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, Xbox Series, PlayStation 5

A truly controversial entry in the Call of Duty franchise. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III(2023) tells the story of a hypothetical third world war. The game’s gameplay and story beats are pretty similar to the games that came before it which is one of the many reasons this game isn’t loved as much as the others. However, it is polished and feels good to play so if you’re okay with how rehashed maps from the Modern Warfare 2 and a lackluster single-player campaign, Modern Warfare 3 (2023) might just be for you.

10. Mass Effect 2

• Metacritic Score: 96 (Universal Acclaim)
• Release Date: January 26, 2010
• Playable On: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Windows

The best entry in the Mass Effect trilogy is easily a top 10 war-based video game. While this game is primarily a setup for the conflict that’ll come in Mass Effect 3 it provides context that further flesh out the next title. This game is a huge upgrade from the first entry, so much so that many people say just to start with this game instead of dealing with the original’s clunky design. This game is a masterclass in interactive storytelling and is one of the greatest games of all time.

9. The Dark Pictures: House of Ashes

• Metacritic Score: 72 (Mixed)
• Release Date: October 22, 2021
• Playable On: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, Xbox Series, PlayStation 5

House of Ashes is set during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The game follows five soldiers as they attempt to escape from an underground temple while surviving vampires. This title is a bit out there with its narrative, but it is fresh to see how the US military would handle a vampire threat. Again, it’s a bit goofy but with an open mind, this can easily become a favorite. The game has plenty of choices for players to make that drastically alter the trajectory of the story. Taking control and trying to find a way to save all five characters is unique in a game loosely based on war.

8. Dragon Age: Inquisition

• Metacritic Score: 85 (Generally Favorable)
• Release Date: November 18, 2014
• Playable On: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

While it may not be the best Dragon Age game, its still a good game if you’re looking for a fantasy take on war. Similar to other games on this list, the story is the worst part of this game but the gameplay is truly something special. Yes, the game drags its feet in some sections and is a bit buggy, it is a fine entry in the Dragon Age franchise and provides a unique flavor of war for those who look for it.

7. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

• Metacritic Score: 93 (Generally Favorable)
• Release Date: September 1, 2015
• Playable On: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

What this game lacks in narrative it makes up for it with gameplay. The war narrative and politics of Metal Gear Solid V leaves much to be desired but this is probably the best video game on this list. The mechanics and freedom to approach any encounter any way you like just can’t be beat. Almost 10 years later, there has yet to be a war video game that has as much style and personality as Metal Gear Solid V and if you only play one game on this list, it should be this one.

6. Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

• Metacritic Score: 87 (Generally Favorable)
• Release Date: October 27, 2017
• Playable On: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, Nintendo Switch

If you love a wacky story, great gunplay, and level design then you need to play the Wolfenstein games. Wolfenstein II follows an alternate history where Nazi Germany won World War II. It is an interesting twist on a normal World War II story even though the story goes off the rails more often than not. If you’re looking for something a bit more grounded than serious then maybe this won’t be for you but if you’re willing to meet the game halfway, Wolfenstein II is a phenomenal play.

5. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II

• Metacritic Score: 79 (Generally Favorable)
• Release Date: October 28, 2022
• Playable On: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, Xbox Series, PlayStation 5

Modern Call of Duty is known for two things — over-the-top multiplayer and polished graphics. Modern Warfare 2 (2022) was the title that made Call of Duty feel next-gen especially when playing on current-gen hardware and PC. This entry is similar to Modern Warfare 3 (2023) because while it doesn’t necessarily do anything new, the content it provides is consistently good. You can dump many hours into any Call of Duty game but this one really stood out with its graphic overhaul and the relaunch of Warzone.

4. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II

• Metacritic Score: 82 (Generally Favorable)
• Release Date: September 5, 2024
• Playable On: Xbox Series, Windows, PlayStation 5

The newest entry in the Warhammer 40,000 video game series is probably the best choice for those who love war games and are looking for a great cooperative experience. Warhammer also has tons of lore for those who are interested in extensive worldbuilding and there’s also tons of media outside of the video game if you really enjoy it. Those who’ve been curious about Warhammer can jump right in with this title and backtrack through all of the content that came before it.

3. Titanfall 2

• Metacritic Score: 89 (Generally Favorable)
• Release Date: October 28, 2016
• Playable On: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows

If I could boil down Titanfall 2 into one word it would be fun. Titanfall 2 might just take the cake for one of the most underappreciated shooters post-2010. This game not only has phenomenal multiplayer but an extremely enjoyable single-player campaign that can be completed in one sitting. This game is a must-play for anyone who is even slightly interested in war and mechs. Good mechanics, good graphics, and great set pieces make this one of the best FPS titles of all time.

2. Spec Ops: The Line

• Metacritic Score: 76 (Generally Favorable)
• Release Date: June 26, 2012
• Playable On: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows

The best war video games are the ones that explore the psychology of those who actually go and fight the wars. Spec Ops: The Line is not only one of the best war video games but it is very underrated. The story it tells and how it puts the player in the shoes of a soldier whose mental health is rapidly deteriorating is simply flawless. Unfortunately, the moment-to-moment gameplay is a bit bland but it is worth it for the story and all of its twists and turns.

1. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

• Metacritic Score: 91 (Universal Acclaim)
• Release Date: November 17, 2004
• Playable On: PlayStation 2, Nintendo 3DS

The best war video game is without a doubt, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. Hideo Kojima is one of the most interesting game designers alive and his approach to telling these war stories is unparalleled. He’s a bit quirky and sometimes even a bit preachy but he knows how to set a scene, curate a vibe, and capture the audience. Metal Gear Solid 3 tells a story of war, soldiers, and what it really means to be patriotic.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©CheatCC/Jazz Stewart.