Best War Board Games 2025: Top 6 Reviewed
Discover epic war games like Scythe and Risk. Perfect for new players wanting thrilling battles and strategic fun.
Ready to rally the troops? We’ve got our top picks for the best ‘war’ based board games that will transport you straight to the battlefield. When we pick games, we focus on strategy, replayability, and a bit of that thrilling tension only ‘war’ can bring. We’ve played through countless battles, sometimes conquering like Caesar, other times retreating like Napoleon on a bad day. These games are perfect for both new recruits and seasoned veterans. So, grab your dice, summon your armies, and prepare for a showdown. The world of ‘war’ awaits!
On this list:
6 Risk
Risk is the king of old-school war games. We played it last Christmas and almost lost a cousin to a very intense Australia sweep maneuver. The best part of Risk? Its simplicity. You can easily get your non-gaming family and friends in on the action. Just expect some bruised egos because someone always gets too gung-ho about world domination. The dice-rolling mechanics add an element of chance that keeps everyone on their toes. It’s the war game that even your grandma could potentially win, and she usually does! I mean, who brings cookies and conquers continents? Only grandma. Hands down.
5 Axis & Allies
Axis & Allies is for those who want a bigger challenge. We tried this after one too many rounds of Risk. It’s got more strategy, more depth, and honestly, more arguing over troop placements. Each player commands armies, battles over territories, and exercises economic powers. There’s something thrilling about reenacting a tiny, cardboard version of World War II. The game can be intimidating at first but once you get the hang of it, it’s hard to stop. So make sure to set aside an entire weekend because you’ll need it.
4 Twilight Struggle
Twilight Struggle is like a political chess match with an unhealthy dose of paranoia. Set during the Cold War, this game had our eyebrows permanently arched as we plotted and schemed. One of us thought it was a great idea to hide behind the Iron Curtain, only to get caught in a trap of backstabbing card plays. It’s a two-player game that brings out your inner secret agent. The whole war theme is more psychological than actual warfare but that’s what makes it so gripping. If you like a more cerebral approach to domination, you’d love this!
3 Memoir ’44
Memoir ’44 is like reenacting the history channel on your dining room table. We felt like kids again, shouting ‘Mom!’ for more chips in between tactical discussions. This game is set during World War II and plays out in various scenarios, making each game a fresh experience. It manages to keep the war theme light and educational, so even non-history buffs will enjoy the ride. The miniatures are fun to move around and the rules are easy to pick up. If you like history and don’t mind losing a few nights of sleep, give it a go.
2 Eclipse
Eclipse takes the war theme to the galaxy. It’s a universe of exploration, expansion, exploitation, and extermination all rolled into one epic board game. We played it on a Saturday night that turned into Sunday morning. You start with a small fleet of ships and expand across the galaxy. The game is strategic, with alliances and backstabbing aplenty. If you’ve ever wanted to command a fleet of spaceships, this is your game. The sheer magnitude of choices and paths to victory make it a must-try for any war game enthusiast.
1 Scythe
Scythe is the crown jewel of war-themed board games, at least in our humble opinion. We played it first and it set the bar high for the rest. Set in an alternate-history 1920s Europe, it’s all about area control, building the best resources, and scaring your opponents with towering mechs. It’s a blend of beautiful artwork, great mechanics, and a whole lot of strategy. You think you’re just farming, then suddenly you’re commanding an army of giant metal mechs. The adrenaline rush! It’s the perfect balance of war strategy and resource management that left us addicted. It’s the best because it keeps you engaged every single minute!
