The best games set in the Civil War ⚔️ 2026

Looking for a really good game that takes place during the Civil War? Then we have just the thing: our list of the best games that play during the Civil War 2026.

What are games that take place during the Civil War?

Civil War games usually have storylines that involve a violent struggle for government control between two other groups from the same country. Most civil war games are also categorized as wargames.

Note

This category includes all civil wars including the American Civil War (1861-65).

For more information, see the Wikipedia entry on Civil Wars.

Other historical games

Most games set during a Civil War are also considered a wargame - but need not necessarily be the case.

In addition to Civil War games, we have created a general list of games based on historical events - and further divided them below into several, more detailed historical categories.

List of the best games set during the Civil War 2026 ⚔️

This list was last updated on June 15, 2026. There's also a print version for this list .
  1. Sekigahara: The Unification of Japan

    Sekigahara: The Unification of Japan

    Sekigahara: The Unification of Japan is a diceless two-player wargame about the 1600 battle that unified Japan under the Tokugawa shogunate. Cards motivate your armies and represent their loyalty – hidden deployments and possible defections replace luck entirely.

    All details & rating
    2 180 min 14+ Medium complexity
  2. In Magnificent Style: Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg

    In Magnificent Style: Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg

    Players take on the role of General Longstreet during the desperate Confederate assault on July 3, 1863, at the Battle of Gettysburg, known as Pickett's Charge. They must swiftly push their troops across deadly open terrain while balancing the need to regroup for another attack. With only five rounds to achieve their goal, players face the choice between death and glory as they race against time.

    All details & rating
    1 60 min 13+ Easy to learn
  3. Star Wars: Rebellion

    Star Wars: Rebellion

    Star Wars: Rebellion is a grand strategy board game set in the Star Wars universe, offering an epic conflict between the Galactic Empire and Rebel Alliance for two to four players.

    All details & rating
    2–4 180–240 min 14+ For connoisseurs
    + 53 € above the best price
    150 € at Amazon*
    Video reviews 1
  4. Resist!

    Resist!

    Spain, 1936: General Franco's troops move in, leading to a long period of civil war and oppression. A group of Republicans continues the armed struggle, forming resistance groups known as the "Maquis," who risk their lives hidden in the mountains to defend democratic ideals.

    All details & rating
    1 20–40 min 10+ Easy to learn
  5. Battle Cry

    Battle Cry

    Battle Cry immerses players in the tumultuous era of the American Civil War, offering a low-complexity, highly modular board game experience. Through the strategic use of hexagonal tiles, players can recreate a variety of historical battlefields, bringing the conflict to life with an extensive collection of plastic miniatures representing infantry, cavalry, artillery, and leaders. The heart of the game lies in its innovative use of cards, which command troops across the battlefield's flanks and center, a system that would become the foundation for Richard Borg's acclaimed Command and Colors system.

    All details & rating
    2 45 min 10+ Easy to learn
  6. Julius Caesar: Caesar, Pompey, and the Roman Civil War

    Julius Caesar: Caesar, Pompey, and the Roman Civil War

    Two players control the armies of Julius Caesar and Pompey during the Roman civil wars (49-45 BC). As they vie for control of Rome, players engage in a card-driven block game to move, seize territories, or play events on a Mediterranean map featuring 13 victory point cities. Take charge of veteran legions or train new ones and strategize your path to becoming the emperor of Rome.

    All details & rating
    2 60–180 min 12+ Easy to learn
  7. The Games of War: A Treasury of Rules for Battles with Toy Soldiers, Ships and Planes

    The Games of War: A Treasury of Rules for Battles with Toy Soldiers, Ships and Planes

    Expect a thrilling journey through history, from gladiator battles to space wars. Players can test their skills and luck by reenacting famous battles or exploring alternate history scenarios, using simplified rule sets outlined in seven chapters. Each chapter covers a unique era, including ancient times, the era of horse and muskets, and modern warfare.

    All details & rating
    1–8 30 min 8+ Easy to learn
  8. Dual Powers: Revolution 1917

    Dual Powers: Revolution 1917

    In March 1917, Tsar Nicholas II was forced to abdicate the Russian throne. A conservative provisional government emerged, while the Petrograd Soviet, a council of socialist activists, opposed it. Players control the forces in this power struggle through political action, social maneuvers, and military conflict, ultimately shaping Russia's future and determining whether a civil war will erupt or be suppressed.

    All details & rating
    1–2 30–60 min 13+ Easy to learn
  9. Rebels and Patriots: Wargaming Rules for North America

    Rebels and Patriots: Wargaming Rules for North America

    From the first shots in Jumonville Glen to the surrender at Appomattox, players command either rebels or patriots. Engage in battles throughout various American conflicts, from the French and Indian War to the Civil War, focusing on skirmishes and raids. Each officer in charge can develop unique traits through their heroic actions or failures, shaping the course of their campaign.

    All details & rating
    2 Easy to learn
  10. Commands & Colors: Samurai Battles

    Commands & Colors: Samurai Battles

    Players reenact important battles from Japanese history using flexible troop formations and terrain features. The game includes scenarios that vary in scale, with some representing entire clans while others depict just a few brave warriors.

    All details & rating
    2 60 min 14+ Medium complexity

Frequently asked questions

Which game ranks first on this list?

Sekigahara: The Unification of Japan currently tops our list. The ranking is derived from player community ratings and is recalculated continuously.

How many players do the games on this list support?

Most games on this list are designed for exactly 2 players. The exact player count is listed with each game.

What age are these games suitable for?

Publisher age recommendations on this list start at 8 years. Each game carries its own age rating.

How long does a game take?

A typical game takes about 60 minutes. Each game's playing time is listed individually.

Didn't find the game you were looking for?

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