Summary
There is no shortage of excellent games depicting historical and modern military combat. In particular, solo campaigns that feature story-rich and immersive battlefields have remained popular. Games excel at capturing visceral armed conflict, offering fictional scenarios or recreations from the past that put you in unrelenting environments.
Some titles include archived footage or audio clips that showcase authentic history, real soldiers, and leadership from the era. There have been many wars during human history, butsome conflicts have more game adaptationsthan others. Military games are featured in genres like first-person shooters, tactical turn-based, and real-time strategy that require skills like quick reflexes or careful planning to succeed. The following titles let you dust off your virtual combat boots and jump into single-player combat.
9Medal Of Honor: Allied Assault
Storm The Beaches Of Normandy
In the mid-2000s, technology advanced to include more detailed and cinematic depictions of warfare in video games. Incorporating accurate clothing, weapons, and landscapes of World War 2, Medal of Honor: Allied Assault was one of the first of its kind. Many games have attempted to bring authentic history into gaming, with great success following the Medal of Honor series.
While the 2004 graphics have aged, once you embark on a tour that includes storming Omaha Beach and liberating parts of Europe, you’ll be immersed nonetheless. With detailed briefings that feature actual wartime footage and a spectacular soundtrack, this is one title you shouldn’t miss.
8Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)
An Epic Campaign With Modern Weapons
In 2007, developer Infinity Ward launched one of the most popular (even today) military games ever withCall of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. This triple-A game was one of the first to take combat into the present and allow you to experience wielding more advanced weaponry.
Full of enormous action set pieces, authentic firearms and gear, and impressive visuals, this first-person shooter offered an unparalleled experience at the time. The campaign has you playing as a U.S. Marine and British S.A.S soldier traveling the globe to stop powerful enemies.
7Steel Division 2
Plan, Calculate, And Be Victorious
Several greathistorical strategy games recreate different eras, drastically altering tactics and battle plans. Steel Division 2 puts you on the Eastern Front during World War 2, emphasizing historical accuracy. This real-time-strategy game gives you command of entire armies as you battle against the Nazi troops across massive maps that include tanks and air support.
While you’re able to challenge other players in PvP mode, this title offers dynamic single-player campaigns where you decide unit positions, maintain supplies, and hold the fate of thousands in your hands. With detailed and exciting visuals, this turn-based military title doesn’t disappoint.
6Call Of Duty: Black Ops
FPS Meets Covert Espionage
Call of Duty: Black Opsis an action-packed game that puts you in the boots of an elite soldier tasked with completing unsanctioned covert missions. With new weapons and espionage tools, you navigate the unsteady Cold War era in a campaign unlike any Call of Duty before it.
Developer Treyarch crafted a story that stands out among military FPS games with complexity and unexpected twists. The graphics, sound design, voice acting, and soundtrack are well done and plunge you into another time and place.
5Command & Conquer Remastered Collection
Classic RTS Upgraded
If you missed game classics like Command & Conquer: Tiberian Dawn and Command & Conquer: Red Alert, then Command & Conquer Remastered Collection is something to consider. With upgraded 4K visuals and a high-definition soundtrack, thesereal-time-strategy gameshave never looked or sounded better.
This title has you leading an army, gathering resources, and building up bases to compete against challenging factions. You’ll need to plan but also act quickly to target foes and direct the proper units to advantageous locations to succeed.
Destruction, Mayhem, And Fun
Battlefield: Bad Company offers a terrific campaign with odd characters, tense combat, and destructible environments. You stand beside a collection of offbeat characters considered troublemakers or subpar soldiers. During the story, your motivation shifts to going after a cache of gold bars to get rich.
Despite its negative reputation, your group is a helpful resource that’s great at causing mayhem. The impressive environments are almost entirely destructible and factor in during combat. You’ll fight foes on foot and utilize vehicles like tanks to decimate the opposition.
3Call Of Duty: World At War
A Gritty Take On The Second World War
Call of Duty: World at War was a follow-up to Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, but this game takes you back to a visceral World War 2. The campaign includes Pacific theatre missions that feature Kamikaze soldiers, charging enemies, and frightening ambushes.
The brutal nature of combat is showcased like never before, offering a glimpse into the violent aftermath of weapons like the German Bouncing Betty. The action-packed story, gritty environments, and authentic war footage make this title one of the most memorable in the Call of Duty series.
2Arma 3
Realism, Simulation, And Action Meet
Primarily known for its robust multiplayer,Arma 3also has significant single-player content for those weary of jumping into maps with seasoned veterans. This game takes a different approach than the Call of Duty series and features more emphasis on simulation and realism.
While still action-packed, the campaign includes fewer scripted moments than more arcade-focused shooters and requires careful use of cover. You’ll have some latitude in approaching and completing missions, which alters the outcome depending on the result.
1Brothers In Arms: Earned In Blood
An FPS With Tactical Elements
While one of the oldest games on this list, Brothers in Arms: Earned in Blood offers unique tactical gameplay mixed with a first-person shooter. Your squad navigates Europe in World War 2, and you’re responsible for relaying commands for things like movement, flanking, and suppressing fire.
While it may look likea typical FPS, the game actively discourages you from running and gunning your way through enemies. In fact, without the cooperative help of your AI team, you won’t get very far before succumbing to German gunfire.
