The Best War Board Games 2025

War-themed board games offer a thrilling blend of strategy and excitement, captivating players with epic battles and engaging narratives. Whether you prefer a quick evening skirmish or an all-day epic, these games deliver intense strategic challenges. Gather your friends, prepare your snacks, and prepare for an unforgettable gaming experience.

To ensure smoother gameplay, especially with longer games, consider these tips: Access a PDF rulebook (often available from publishers) for pre-game reading. Encourage players to perform administrative tasks like sorting components during others' turns. A time limit per turn, with player agreement, can also improve pacing.

The Best War Board Games

Below are some of the best war board games available, categorized for easier browsing. Remember to click the links to find the best prices and availability!

Arcs

See it here. Arcs masterfully balances strategic gameplay with player interaction. Its innovative trick-taking mechanics offer diverse strategic options while maintaining exciting spacecraft battles. The fast-paced gameplay, clocking in under two hours, allows for multiple games, and a narrative campaign expansion enhances replayability.

Dune: War for Arrakis

See it at Amazon. A head-to-head duel for two players, *Dune: War for Arrakis* pits the Atreides against the Harkonnens in a fierce struggle for control of spice. The game features asymmetrical gameplay, with the Atreides employing guerilla tactics and the Harkonnens focusing on resource management. High-quality miniatures and an action dice system add to the immersive experience, demanding constant strategic adaptation.

Sniper Elite: The Board Game

See it at Amazon. This adaptation captures the tense stealth action of the video game series. The sniper player must remain undetected against a relentless German squad. The game offers historical depth, thematic components, and multiple scenarios, ensuring high replayability and strategic choices.

Twilight Imperium 4th Edition

See it at Amazon. An epic, day-long sci-fi experience, *Twilight Imperium IV* features diverse alien races, technology research, fleet building, and interstellar diplomacy. The strategic card system, allowing players to choose a focus each round, adds a layer of depth. This edition streamlines the original, making it more accessible.

Blood Rage

See it at Amazon. Control a Viking clan in the face of Ragnarök, striving for glory in Valhalla. Behind its violent theme lies a strategic game of card drafting, resource management, and combat. The blind battle system adds an element of surprise and tension.

Dune

See it at Amazon. Based on Frank Herbert's novel, *Dune* is a game of hidden information and asymmetrical strategy. Each faction possesses unique abilities, creating a dynamic and unpredictable experience. This edition boasts refined rules and updated artwork.

Kemet: Blood and Sand

See it at Amazon. Experience brutal combat among the gods and creatures of ancient Egypt. Strategic pyramid powers, customizable battle cards, and a close-quarters board layout create intense, fast-paced gameplay.

Star Wars: Rebellion

See it at Amazon. This game recreates the iconic Star Wars conflict, with asymmetrical gameplay between the Rebellion and the Empire. The strategic depth and narrative possibilities make each playthrough unique.

Conflict of Heroes: Awakening the Bear

See it at Amazon. This tactical wargame balances detail and accessibility, using a streamlined system to depict squad-level combat. The inclusion of artillery, vehicles, and a unique command point system adds strategic depth.

Undaunted: Normandy

Undaunted: North Africa

Undaunted Stalingrad

See them at Amazon. These games use deck-building mechanics to simulate infantry combat. Officer cards add units, reflecting command and supply, while unit cards represent troop movements and battles. Casualties reduce deck effectiveness, mirroring morale erosion.

Root: A Game of Woodland Might and Right

See it at Amazon. A shorter game featuring asymmetrical factions vying for woodland control. The Marquise de Cat and Eyrie engage in conquest, the Woodland Folk employ guerrilla tactics, and the Vagabond acts as a trickster. Beneath the whimsical theme lies a strategic game with deep political implications.

Twilight Struggle: Red Sea

See it at Amazon. A streamlined version of the acclaimed *Twilight Struggle*, offering a shorter playtime while retaining the core card-play and strategic dilemmas. The game focuses on the Cold War in East Africa, with historical events incorporated into the gameplay.

A Game of Thrones: The Board Game

See it at Amazon. This game captures the political intrigue and betrayal of the *Game of Thrones* universe. Only one player can win, forcing alliances and treachery, creating a tense and unpredictable experience.

War of the Ring 2nd Edition

See it at Amazon. A masterful adaptation of Tolkien's work, featuring two interwoven games: the epic battle across Middle-earth and the Fellowship's quest to destroy the One Ring. The interplay between these halves creates a challenging strategic balance.

Eclipse: 2nd Dawn for The Galaxy

See it at Amazon. *Eclipse* emphasizes long-term strategic planning in a sci-fi setting. Smart initiative and technology systems encourage foresight, making technological advantage and unit placement crucial for victory.

For more great board game options, check out our selections for the best board games overall and the best board game deals.

What Defines a Wargame?

The term "wargame" is often debated. While some strictly define it as simulating historical conflicts, others include games depicting hypothetical or fictional conflicts. This list encompasses a broad range of conflict-focused games, from historical simulations to fantasy diplomacy, offering diverse perspectives on the genre.