Best War Board Games 2025: Top 7 Reviews
Let’s talk about the best board games for a taste of war without the actual chaos. We picked board games that deliver thrilling battles and strategy, while keeping the fun alive. Our choices promise intense gameplay, historical significance, and plenty of room for cunning tactics. We’ve all gathered around the table, laughter mixing with the ruckus of dice, to experience epic war stories. Whether you’re outsmarting opponents or saving a civilization, these games offer a challenge for new players and seasoned tacticians alike. Get ready to march into fictional battlefields and craft your own tales of conquest!
On this list:
7 Risk
Risk is a classic, and for good reason. It’s like Monopoly’s angrier, land-grabbing cousin. The rules are simple: take over the world. You roll dice, move armies, and scream at your best friend when they backstab you. We’ve all been there. Risk feels like a rite of passage in the realm of war board games. It’s great for beginners because anyone can learn quickly, but you’ll have to strategize or else face defeat. The only downside is it might take forever to finish and end friendships if taken too seriously.
6 Axis & Allies
Axis & Allies is like Risk’s sophisticated older sibling. It takes you right into World War II strategy. You become part of history’s biggest conflict and command your troops to victory. It’s thrilling and intense, just like a history lesson with dice! The game mechanics are deeper than Risk, and you can say it’s a step up. We recommend it for those who love history and good ol’ strategy. You get to control a country and if you ever dreamed of being a general, here’s your shot.
5 Memoir ’44
Memoir ’44 brings the drama of D-Day to your table without having to build a time machine. It’s a fantastic two-player war game with scenarios that let you fight in key WWII battles. The rules are easy to grasp, and the mix of strategy and luck makes each battle unique. The miniatures are also a fun touch. If you like historical military games, this one is an absolute must. Plus, it’s quicker to play than most war games, so you’ll keep wanting more.
4 Twilight Struggle
Now this one is for you cold warriors out there. Twilight Struggle throws you into the Cold War, playing as either the US or the USSR. The tension is palpable as you spread your influence across the world. The strategy here is rich and rewarding, perfect for those who love a deep, thought-provoking game. It’s not for the faint of heart but worth every brain cell. Each decision matters, and the historical events can turn the tide in an instant.
3 War of the Ring (Second Edition)
For those who love both board games and J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic world, War of the Ring is your go-to. This game lets you re-enact the legendary battles of Middle-earth. The scope is epic—a true war game in a fantasy setting. As the Free Peoples or the Shadow, you’ll command armies and heroes in a grand and strategic battle that decides the fate of the One Ring. We’ve spent countless hours engaging in epic showdowns, and it never disappoints.
2 Advanced Squad Leader
Advanced Squad Leader, or ASL, is big. Like, really big. It’s for serious war game fans who aren’t afraid of a rulebook thicker than a dictionary. The details are meticulous, and the realism is spot-on, covering tons of WWII scenarios. If you want a game that simulates military tactics with precision, ASL is your friend. It’s not for everyone because of its complexity, but once you’re into it, you might never want to leave.
1 Pandemic: Fall of Rome
Topping the list is Pandemic: Fall of Rome, a game that mixes the popular Pandemic mechanics with a war twist. Here, you’re not just dealing with diseases but barbarian invasions threatening the Roman Empire. It’s a cooperative game that demands communication and teamwork. Each game is a unique war scenario, and the challenge lies in defending Rome while managing resources. We loved the tension it brings, as it feels like a race against time. It’s perfect for those who want a war-themed game that isn’t just about conquering lands but saving a civilization.
