10 Best War Board Games of 2025 Reviewed
Prepare your battle strategies and rally the troops! We’ve scoured the tabletop universe to bring you our top picks for the best ‘war’ board games. We know choosing the right game feels tougher than a general plotting the next move. So, we focused on variety, strategy depth, and pure fun factor. Whether you’re looking for a quick skirmish or an epic campaign, our list has games for strategy novices and seasoned veterans alike. Gather your comrades, because each game we picked brings its own unique flavor of war to the table without the need for real-world conflict.
On this list:
10 Risk
Risk is the classic war board game where world domination is the name of the game. We mean that literally! There’s something incredibly satisfying about building an army, rolling dice, and taking over continents. But beware, one wrong move, and your empire can crumble. We like Risk because it’s simple to learn but difficult to master. Plus, who doesn’t like to pretend they’re a world leader once in a while? It’s pure strategy with a dice-rolling twist, and it can lead to some epic battles among friends. The only downside? It might just ruin a friendship or two!
9 Memoir ’44
Memoir ’44 lets you relive the battles of World War II. Designed by Richard Borg, this game lets you command troops, strategize attacks, and beat the opponent senseless. The component quality is off the charts, with detailed miniatures and beautifully illustrated maps. As a two-player game, Memoir ’44 is ideal for a head-to-head challenge with a friend. The sheer variety of scenarios ensures that no two games are ever alike. If you’re a history buff, you’ll love immersing yourself in the detailed history that Memoir ’44 offers.
8 Axis & Allies
Axis & Allies is a strategic gem for war enthusiasts. This game takes you back to World War II in a more realistic and complex way than Risk. Yeah, that’s right, more realistic! You can play as the Axis powers or the Allies, and each decision you make impacts the entire game. With its intricate mechanics and historical theme, this is the game for serious strategists. Though it can take hours to play, the depth and satisfaction of outmaneuvering your opponent make it worth every minute. Be prepared for a long session, but also for one that you’ll remember.
7 Small World
Small World is like Risk’s quirky little sibling. This one ditches realism for fantasy, letting you play as wizards, giants, or other fantastic creatures. The twist here is that your civilization will eventually decline, forcing you to abandon it for a new one. It’s a race against time to conquer territories before your civilization bites the dust. It’s chaotic fun, and we’ve found that it leads to a lot of laughter and a few ‘strategic misunderstandings’ among friends. Perfect for those who like their war games with a side of silliness.
6 Twilight Struggle
Twilight Struggle is the Cold War in board game form. This one is a serious treat for history buffs, as it captures the tension and strategy of the Cold War in a compelling way. You play as either the USA or USSR, trying to gain influence and avoid nuclear disaster. It’s more of a cerebral challenge, perfect for those who prefer brain power over brute force. The game demands tactical planning and an understanding of geopolitics, which makes every playthrough unique. We love it for its depth and replayability, but it’s definitely one for the more serious war gamers.
5 Star Wars: Rebellion
Fans of the galaxy far, far away will love Star Wars: Rebellion. This is more than just a war game; it’s an epic star wars saga on your table. You can play as the Empire or the Rebel Alliance, and your missions change with each game. The mechanics allow for deep strategy and battle tactics. Plus, who doesn’t want to command a Star Destroyer or lead a rebellion against the Emperor? Oh, and the miniatures are absolutely stellar. We’re always amazed by how this game captures the essence of Star Wars while providing a solid war game experience.
4 1775: Rebellion
1775: Rebellion takes you back to the American Revolutionary War. It’s a cooperative game where you can play as either the British or the American Patriots. It beautifully captures the chaos and excitement of the Revolutionary War. The card-driven mechanics add an element of surprise that keeps you on your toes. It’s engaging without being overwhelming, which makes it great for both casual and hardcore gamers. We enjoy the cooperative elements, which require teamwork and communication. It’s a unique take on war games that prioritizes fun over complexity.
3 War of the Ring
For Lord of the Rings fans, War of the Ring is a must-play. This game lets you relive the epic battles from Tolkien’s world. With stunning artwork and thematic gameplay, it’s a feast for the senses. Players can manage armies of humans, elves, and dwarves or command the forces of darkness. The game perfectly captures the essence of Middle Earth, from the Battle of Helm’s Deep to the journey of the Fellowship. We love it for its rich narrative and strategic depth. This game guarantees that you’ll be humming the iconic soundtrack as you play.
2 Scythe
In Scythe, the war over Eastern Europe begins in the wake of World War I. It’s a blend of war, strategy, and resource management. The game board is a work of art, and the mech miniatures will have you drooling. Scythe combines stunning visuals with deep gameplay, making each session a real treat. The game’s focus on economic strategy as much as combat makes it stand out. We love the balance between planning, resource gathering, and combat. It’s a game where war isn’t always the answer, but it’s usually the most fun.
1 Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven might surprise as the best war-themed board game, but it earns the spot for its unprecedented scope and depth. This is a legacy game that combines combat with an epic narrative, and it’s a massive experience like no other. It’s not just about fighting; it’s about exploring, strategizing, and engaging in an immersive campaign that you shape with each decision. We’ve lost countless hours in Gloomhaven’s rich world, and you will too. It’s cooperative, which makes war feel like a team effort. We chose Gloomhaven as the best because it turns war into an epic saga.
