The best World War I games ⚔️ 2026
Looking for a really good First World War game ⚔️? Then we have just the thing: our list of the best World War I games 2026.
What are World War I games?
World War I games cover the military campaigns from 1914 to 1918.
For more information, see the Wikipedia entry on World War I.
Other historical games
Most games set during World War I are also considered wargame – but need not necessarily be the case.
In addition to World War 1 games, we have created a general list of games based on historical events – and also created several, more detailed historical categories:
- Prehistoric
- Ancient (3000 BC – 476 AD)
- Middle Ages (476-1492)
- Modern times
- Renaissance (1492-16th century)
- Pikemen & Firearms (15th/16th century)
- Age of Enlightenment (1716-1789)
- French Revolution & Napoleonic Era (1789-1815)
- Post-Napoleonic period (1815-1914)
- World War I (1914-1918)
- World War II (1939-1945)
- Cold War (1947-1990)
- Vietnam War (1945-54 & 1965-75)
- Korean War (1950-1953)
- Modern warfare (1945-present)
- Civil-wars-general
American history
- Indian Wars (17th/18th century)
- American Revolution (1775-1783)
- American Civil War (1861-1865)
- Wild West (1865-1924)
list of best first world war games 2026 ⚔️
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Memoir '44
All details & ratingMemoir '44 is a historical board game that recreates some of the most iconic battles of World War II, allowing players to engage in strategic warfare with a focus on simplicity and historical accuracy.
2–4 30–45 min 8+ Easy to learn -
Undaunted: Stalingrad
All details & ratingStalingrad, 1942, is a grueling conflict that affects the entire Eastern Front. Players must use strategy and bravery to secure this pivotal stronghold while every loss in battle decreases their forces for the entire campaign. Through up to fifteen branching scenarios, decisions influence the fate of Stalingrad and possibly the war itself, allowing for varied playthroughs despite the lasting consequences of actions taken. This standalone campaign game features over 300 unique illustrations and 150 vivid mission descriptions, immersing players in a crucial moment of history.
2 45–75 min 14+ Medium complexity -
The Grizzled
All details & ratingThe Grizzled is a deeply engaging cooperative game set in the trenches of the First World War, where players must work together to survive the harsh and unpredictable conditions of the battlefield.
2–5 30 min 14+ Easy to learn -
Black Orchestra
All details & ratingBlack Orchestra is a cooperative board game set in World War II, where players take on the roles of members of the German resistance seeking to overthrow Hitler's regime. The game is named after the real-life code name "Schwarze Kapelle," given by the Gestapo to this group of conspirators. It offers a blend of historical narrative and strategic gameplay, where players must balance the urgency of their mission with the need to remain undetected.
1–5 90 min 14+ Easy to learnVideo reviews 1 -
Wings of War: Watch Your Back!
All details & ratingWings of War: Watch Your Back! is the second title in the Wings of War series, set during World War I. It can be played solo or combined with Wings of War: Famous Aces for larger scenarios and includes five aircraft models along with movement and combat cards, rulers, and game tokens. The game retains the same rules as Famous Aces and offers additional aircraft variants for those who own it.
2–4 20 min 10+ Easy to learn -
Sniper Elite: The Board Game
All details & ratingPlayers take on the role of a sniper who must sneak past or overpower German guards. Up to three other players control squads of German soldiers, balancing between defending objectives and hunting the sniper. The game features a bag-drawing mechanism, where the sniper draws tokens to target defenders, while clever tactics can reduce the likelihood of a hit.
1–4 40–70 min 16+ Easy to learn -
D-Day Dice Pocket
All details & ratingD-Day Dice Battle is a dice-throwing game for any number of players where the goal is to defeat enemy forces. Players can earn medals to influence their rolls or hinder others.
1–8 15 min 10+ Immediately playable -
Nightfighter Ace: Air Defense Over Germany, 1943-44
All details & ratingPlayers command a German night fighter during World War II in this tactical solitaire game. Each round features multiple flights from various European bases, aiming to intercept incoming British bombers. Players strive to complete missions and earn kills while improving their skills and reputation, ultimately competing to become the war's top night fighter ace.
1–2 120–180 min Easy to learn -
D-Day Dice
Second Edition
All details & ratingThe latest version of D-Day Dice, released by Word Forge Games, features new art, missions, game pieces, and dice. It is fully compatible with the previous version while introducing new mechanics and gameplay concepts to the successful franchise.
1–4 45 min 14+ Easy to learn -
Wings of War: Deluxe Set
All details & ratingPlayers engage in a tactical war game that doesn't require a game board. The Deluxe set includes the basic and altitude rules, additional bombing techniques, various scenarios, damage decks, player aids, and four levels complete with maneuver decks and stands for each.
2–4 45 min Easy to learn -
The Games of War: A Treasury of Rules for Battles with Toy Soldiers, Ships and Planes
All details & ratingExpect 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.
1–8 30 min 8+ Easy to learn -
Wings of War: Burning Drachens
All details & ratingWings of War: Burning Drachens is the third set in the Wings of War collection. It features iconic World War I aircraft like the Nieuport 17-23 and Albatros D.III, along with optional altitude rules and anti-aircraft guns. The game suggests additional rules for a more dynamic aerial combat simulation, with cardboard observation balloons as targets in solo and two-player scenarios.
1–2 20 min 10+ Easy to learn -
Ottoman Sunset: The Great War in the Near East
All details & ratingIn 1914, the Ottoman Empire agreed to shelter the fleeing German battleship Goeben, renamed Yavuz, as World War I erupted in Europe. As players control the Young Turks, they try to sustain the empire amidst the chaos of war, fighting against British-led forces, Russian armies, and a Hashemite Arab revolt. Despite earlier victories, the Ottomans faced inevitable defeat by October 1918; can you lead them to success where history failed?
1 30 min 13+ Easy to learn -
Wings of Glory: WW2 Battle of Britain Starter Set
All details & ratingIn the summer and autumn of 1940, following the fall of France, the German Luftwaffe confronted the Royal Air Force in the Battle of Britain, the first major military campaign fought entirely in the air. With the Wings of Glory: WW2 Battle of Britain Starter Set, you can relive the epic aerial duels between the Axis powers and the Allied aces. This complete game includes four fully assembled and painted airplanes, a color rulebook, scenario booklet, play tokens, rulers, and aircraft consoles for quick and easy gameplay.
1–99 30–45 min 8+ Easy to learn -
The Hunters: German U-Boats at War, 1939-43
All details & ratingPlayers take command of a German U-boat during World War II in a tactical solitaire game. The mission involves destroying as much allied shipping and battleships as possible while improving crew quality and rank. The game is designed to provide an intense experience, filled with strategic decisions and all major U-boat models from the era, alongside detailed considerations of service time, armament, and crew composition.
1–2 120 min 12+ Medium complexity -
World of Tanks Miniatures Game
All details & ratingBring the online game to the tabletop. Players command a unit of tanks in a quick and easy-to-learn game, aiming to defeat their opponent and secure victory. The starter set includes everything needed to begin, featuring four fully assembled and painted plastic tanks, custom dice, tank cards, terrain, game tokens, upgrade cards for crew and equipment, and a damage deck. A comprehensive release plan will follow, allowing players to expand and customize their forces.
2–4 30 min 14+ Easy to learn -
Castle Itter: The Strangest Battle of WWII
All details & ratingThe battle for Castle Itter took place on May 5, 1945, near the Austrian village of Itter, during the final days of World War II. Players take on the role of troops defending the castle, aiming to withstand attacks until the SS deck is exhausted. Points are earned for each surviving defender while points are lost for any remaining SS counters on the board at the end of the game.
1 45–60 min 13+ Easy to learn -
General Orders: World War II
All details & ratingGeneral Orders: World War II is a compact two-player wargame for ages 14 and up. In about 30 minutes two commanders fight a tug of war over a battlefield, set either in the mountains of Italy or the islands of the Pacific.
2 30 min 14+ Easy to learn -
Interceptor Ace: Daylight Air Defense Over Germany, 1943-44
All details & ratingInterceptor Ace: Daylight Air Defense Over Germany, 1943-44 is a solo tactical game where players command a German fighter during World War II. Each round involves multiple days during which missions are flown from various bases in Europe to intercept incoming American bombers. The game is based on the popular, action-packed system from Nightfighter Ace, featuring a strong narrative around the pilot as players seek to enhance their reputation, acquire skills, and rise in rank through promotions and awards.
1 120–180 min Medium complexity -
Combat Commander: Europe
All details & ratingCombat Commander: Europe is a card-driven tactical game for two from GMT Games, recreating squad-level World War II infantry combat. American, German, and Soviet forces fight for the initiative across a hex map, turn by turn.
2 60–180 min 12+ Medium complexity -
Wings of War: The Dawn of World War II
All details & ratingIn 1939, the German war machine begins its rampage across Europe, igniting battles that will shape the course of the greatest conflict in human history. The Wings of War WW2 series offers a fast and engaging gameplay experience, allowing players to jump right into action with varied aircraft featuring distinct abilities and firepower. "Dawn of War" serves as the first installment in this series, enabling players to simulate dogfights and bombing missions with classic planes from the early years of the war, accommodating 2 to 6 players.
2–6 30 min 12+ Easy to learn
Frequently asked questions
Which game ranks first on this list?
Memoir '44 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 support 1 to 4 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 30 to 45 minutes. Each game's playing time is listed individually.
Didn't find the game you were looking for?
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