15 Best War Board Games to Play in 2026
Looking for the best war board games? We played them all! These top picks turn any table into a battlefield of fun.
Ready for some clashes, chaos, and cardboard carnage? We rounded up fifteen of the best war board games for both history lovers and fantasy fighters. When picking these war games, we looked for easy rules, wild replay value, and enough excitement to keep even our noisiest friends focused. Some test your brain, some test your backstabbing skills, and all deliver plenty of battles and laughs. We promise: whether you’re plotting world domination or leading armies of woodland creatures, there’s a war game on this list perfect for your next game night.
On this list:
15 Risk
Risk is the grandaddy of war board games. Seriously, this is the one where half our friendships went to die! It’s a classic that every home needs. The drama of conquering continents and the thrill of sabotaging your best friend over Australia never gets old. The game is easy to learn, so it’s perfect for new players who want to get a taste of global domination without breaking their brains. You just roll dice, place armies and hope your lucky socks actually work. If you want to shout, laugh and cry in the same night, Risk has you covered.
14 Axis & Allies
Axis & Allies is like Risk’s smart, serious cousin. If you want a war game that makes you feel like a tactical genius or a befuddled general, this is it. We love how it’s all about World War II with tanks, ships, planes, and chili-fueled arguments. You’ll have to work with teammates, plan long-term, and somehow juggle oil production. Great for folks who want a bit more meat on their strategic bones but still want to roll dice and take names. History buffs and war fans will be right at home here.
13 Memoir ‘44
Memoir ‘44 is easy to set up and even easier to get into, which is rare for a war board game! Each scenario is based on real WWII battles, so you get your history fix while blowing up your mates’ tanks. The whole thing feels like playing toy soldiers but with grownup bragging rights. We love how the card-driven orders keep things surprising and stop anyone from taking themselves too seriously. If you want to learn about battle tactics while still having fun, you’ll love this.
12 Twilight Struggle
Twilight Struggle is like playing chess with nuclear bombs. It’s a Cold War standoff, and we had to put on our best poker faces. The tension in this game is wild—you never know if you’ll spark World War III with a bad move. You’ll battle over politics, military, and space. It’s deep but once you get the hang of it, you start to see all the little tricks you can pull. If you like war games with brains and want to outsmart your opponent, try this!
11 Undaunted: Normandy
Undaunted: Normandy mixes deck-building and tactical war, and it works so well our group couldn’t stop grinning. Each side tries to beat the other in different WWII scenarios, and the cards make every game feel different. We love that you can bluff, take wild risks, and somehow still blame luck for your defeat. If you want a war game that isn’t too heavy but still gives you those tense moments, this one’s a winner.
10 1775: Rebellion
1775: Rebellion has us yelling ‘taxation without representation’ and flinging diced like there’s no tomorrow. This American Revolutionary War game is quick to learn but still full of clever moves and sneaky alliances. The teams have their own abilities, so it’s fun to try out each side. We enjoy how it captures the chaos of war without taking all night. If you want to reenact a bit of history and don’t mind occasionally backstabbing your friends, go for 1775.
9 Small World
Small World is like Risk with monsters and a sense of humor. You control wacky fantasy races, invade your neighbors, and laugh when your skeletons ride their dragons into the sunset. The war here isn’t just about land—it’s about picking combos that make your friends jealous. Games go quick, so you can play a couple in one night. We had a blast arguing about who had the best trolls and who was just lucky. It’s war, but it’s also silly fun.
8 Root
Root is the cutest war board game ever. You play as woodland animals fighting for control of the forest, but it gets cutthroat real fast. Each faction is totally different, so no two games feel the same. Our crew loves the chaos—one moment you’re a peaceful bird, next you’re leading a covert mouse rebellion. The war theme sneaks up on you with adorable art and then smacks you with brutal strategy. If you want war disguised as a bedtime story, Root delivers.
7 Kemet
Kemet is a war game set in ancient Egypt. You get to summon monsters, build pyramids, and slap your friends with scorpions the size of donkeys. The battles are constant, and you’re always one step from being stabbed in the back (sometimes literally). We like how the game rewards bold players—there’s no hiding and turtling here! If you want war that’s wild, magical, and has more sand than your last beach holiday, Kemet is a top pick.
6 Scythe
Scythe is a post-war game with giant mechs and farming. Yes, you read that right. You fight for control, build engines, and sometimes herd sheep next to a giant robot. We love the mix of war and economy—you can try to win by fighting or by out-producing everyone else. There’s plenty of room for sneaky plays and bold attacks, but also lots of time to stop and admire the art. War games don’t get much prettier than this.
5 War of the Ring (Second Edition)
War of the Ring throws you right into Tolkien’s battle for Middle-earth. Two teams go head to head, with all the drama of the books. We love the epic feel—every fight matters, every decision counts, and there’s always the chance Frodo will stroll into Mordor like he owns the place. It’s big, long, and full of twists. If you want the ultimate war experience and love Lord of the Rings, you can’t miss this one.
4 Commands & Colors: Ancients
Commands & Colors: Ancients lets you relive the great wars of ancient times in totally stylin’ fashion. We’re talking phalanxes, war elephants, and enough dice-rolling action to make your arm tired. There’s a learning curve, but once you get it, the game just flows. It’s got a big fanbase for a reason—the battles come alive, and you’ll want to try all the scenarios. If you like history and straight-up war, you’ll love this.
3 Cyclades
Cyclades puts you in ancient Greece, battling for control of the islands and making deals with the gods. There’s war, sure, but there’s also bidding, sneaky alliances, and moments where you curse Poseidon for your failure. The combo of strategy, myth, and a bit of luck makes every game a wild ride. We love how every match feels different, and there’s always that one player who betrays everyone with a last-minute move. If you want war and mythology, Cyclades has you covered.
2 Broadsides & Boarding Parties
Broadsides & Boarding Parties is full-on pirate war—cannons, cutlasses, and yelling ‘Arrr!’ far too much. Each player commands a ship, so there’s loads of tactics, bluffing, and shouting about who actually owns the rum. The game is a blast with kids, and even the adults in our group end up loving it. If you want a war game with simple rules and big drama, this one’s a real treasure.
1 Summoner Wars (Second Edition)
Summoner Wars (Second Edition) got our vote as the best war board game because it mixes card battles, tactical movement, and lots of special powers in a way that’s easy to learn but tough to master. Every faction plays different, so we never get bored trying them all. Games are quick, the rules are clear, and the art is fun. It doesn’t matter if you’re a veteran or a newbie—everyone picks it up fast. If you want a war game that doesn’t take all night but still feels epic, grab this one first. Seriously, our gaming group keeps coming back to it for ‘one more match’—and we never regret it.
