Top 13 Best War Games Reviewed in 2025
Discover thrilling war adventures with board games that bring strategy, excitement, and epic battles straight to your tabletop.
Hey, fellow board game fans! We’ve searched through mountains of cardboard and plastic bits to bring you our top 13 war board games. We focus on games that ignite the spirit of combat, strategy, and history without making your brain melt. Whether you’re reenacting epic battles from history or dreaming up new ones in fantasy realms, these games will have you rallying your troops, making alliances, and sometimes even backstabbing a friend or two. You know, for the sake of victory! Ready for some good old-fashioned war fun? Let’s get rolling!
On this list:
13 Risk
Risk is a classic of war games. It’s where many of us got our start in thinking strategically. Rolling dice, amassing armies, and taking over the world—is there anything more satisfying? It’s a marathon, not a sprint, which means it’s perfect for those long, rainy Saturdays.
12 Axis & Allies
Axis & Allies is the choice if you want more complexity than Risk. Set in World War II, this game lets you play as the Axis or the Allies. It’s perfect for history buffs who want to rewrite history on the board.
11 Memoir ’44
Memoir ’44 is a lighter, faster-paced war game. This one’s great for fans of World War II battles. The scenarios are snappy and require both tactical and strategic thinking without frying your brain.
10 Twilight Struggle
Twilight Struggle is a Cold War game that balances politics, war, and espionage. It’s perfect for those who crave tension and strategy. The learning curve is steep, but boy, is it rewarding!
9 Small World
Small World is a war game with a twist. It’s less about world domination and more about managing declining civilizations. It’s colorful, quirky, and perfect for those who like their war with a side of humor.
8 Wings of Glory
Wings of Glory takes to the skies with World War I dogfights. It’s perfect for aviation enthusiasts. The miniatures are delightful, and the gameplay is surprisingly deep yet easy to grasp.
7 1914: Twilight in the East
For those who enjoy trench warfare, 1914: Twilight in the East is your game. It’s a heavy-hitter with loads of details. You’ll need a good partner who’s committed to the battle since it’s quite the time investment.
6 Star Wars: Rebellion
Do you want to control the force? Star Wars: Rebellion lets you take control of the Empire or the Rebel Alliance. It has a great theme and is a must for Star Wars fans looking for a galaxy-spanning war.
5 Commands & Colors: Ancients
This game takes us way back, to the days of ancient warfare with swords and shields. It’s a blast from the past done right. The combat system is easy to pick up but offers a lot of depth.
4 Summoner Wars: Master Set
Summoner Wars is a neat blend of card and war games. It’s not just about having the powerful cards but using them strategically. The different factions add replay value and make each game unique.
3 War of the Ring
War of the Ring puts players in the epic conflict of Middle Earth. It’s complex, immersive, and fans of Tolkien will be thrilled. Strategy lovers will appreciate the deep gameplay with rich narrative elements.
2 Game of Thrones: The Board Game
For fans of political intrigue and epic battles, Game of Thrones: The Board Game is perfect. It captures the show’s tension and alliances. A must-play for those who love scheming and backstabbing with a side of war.
1 Scythe
Scythe is the cream of the crop. Set in an alternate-history 1920s with mechs, it combines beautiful art, engaging mechanics, and a rich setting. It’s the best of the bunch because of its balance between combat, resource management, and exploration.
