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Top War Board Games of 2025 Revealed

Author:Kristen Update:May 17,2025

War-themed board games offer an exhilarating experience, diving into epic battles that can last an evening or stretch into an all-day affair. These games not only immerse you in intense combat but also challenge your strategic thinking at every turn. Perfect for a thrilling session with friends, just make sure to have your snacks and drinks ready for the long haul.

To ensure your longer games run smoothly, consider these tips: Download a PDF copy of the rulebook from the publisher's website, and have everyone read it beforehand. Encourage players to handle administrative tasks like sorting cards or counters outside their turns. If everyone agrees, you might also set a time limit per turn to keep the game moving. Now, let's explore some of the best war board games that promise an unforgettable experience.

TL;DR: The Best War Board Games

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  • Arcs
  • Dune: War for Arrakis
  • Sniper Elite: The Board Game
  • Twilight Imperium IV
  • Blood Rage
  • Dune
  • Kemet: Blood and Sand
  • Star Wars: Rebellion
  • Conflict of Heroes: Awakening the Bear
  • Undaunted: Normandy / Undaunted: North Africa
  • Root
  • Twilight Struggle: Red Sea
  • A Game of Thrones: The Board Game
  • War of the Ring
  • Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy

Arcs

0See it Arcs masterfully balances the action on the board with the strategic negotiations between players. Our 10/10 review praised its innovative mechanics, which are reminiscent of traditional card games but adapted brilliantly for conflict. The circular board encourages aggressive play and minimizes defensive strategies, all while allowing you to build a space empire in under two hours. The narrative campaign expansion further enhances its appeal.

Dune: War for Arrakis

1See it at Amazon Distinct from the multi-player negotiation game Dune, War for Arrakis is a head-to-head battle for two players, where the Atreides and Harkonnen fight over the precious spice. The game is highly asymmetric, with the Atreides using guerrilla tactics and their Fremen allies, while the Harkonnen must focus on harvesting and shipping spice to maintain their economic edge. Sharing designers with War of the Ring, this game features quality plastic miniatures and an engaging action dice system that keeps you on your toes.

Sniper Elite: The Board Game

1See it at Amazon Adapted from the popular video game series, Sniper Elite: The Board Game brings the tension of stealth and close-quarters combat to the tabletop. The sniper player must navigate silently against time, while the German player controls roving squads trying to detect them. The game adds a historical touch and offers plenty of replay value with different boards and sniper loadout options, making it a tactical delight.

Twilight Imperium IV

8See it at Amazon For an epic day-long adventure, Twilight Imperium IV offers everything you'd want in a sci-fi civilization-building game. Players control bizarre alien races as they research technology, build fleets, and vie for control over a galactic hex map. Diplomacy and political decrees add depth, but the game's strategic core, especially the strategy card system, is what truly challenges players. This fourth edition streamlines the experience, making it more accessible while retaining its grand scope.

Blood Rage

1See it at Amazon In Blood Rage, you lead a Viking clan through the end times of Ragnarök, striving for glory to secure a spot in Valhalla. Despite its violent theme and stunning components, the game offers significant strategic depth. Players draft cards to support their actions, manage resources, and battle for control over regions and quests. The blind battle card system adds excitement, making Blood Rage a thrilling blend of tactical challenge and thematic brutality.

The Best Boardgame Deals

Dune

7See it at Amazon Based on Frank Herbert's iconic novel, Dune offers a unique futuristic experience. This game, first released in 1979, emphasizes hidden information and asymmetrical strategies. Each player controls a faction with distinct powers, creating a rich narrative and political experience reflective of the novel. The new edition boasts improved rules and captivating artwork.

Kemet: Blood and Sand

0See it at Amazon Imagine ancient Egyptian gods clashing in the desert—that's Kemet. The game features tech pyramids for strategic customization and identical battle cards that lead to intense mind games. Its fast-paced action and unique board layout ensure that no player can hide, making for a relentless battle experience.

Star Wars: Rebellion

14See it at Amazon Star Wars: Rebellion brings the beloved franchise to life with an asymmetric struggle between the underdog Rebellion and the mighty Empire. Players navigate military and political challenges, using iconic characters and events to shape their narrative. The game's tight strategic design ensures every turn is engaging and full of surprises.

Conflict of Heroes: Awakening the Bear

0See it at Amazon Tactical wargames can be complex, but Conflict of Heroes: Awakening the Bear strikes the perfect balance. Using action points, dice, and differing defense values, it offers excitement, realism, and tactical challenge. The game starts simple but expands to include artillery, vehicles, and tanks, providing a comprehensive World War 2 experience. The command point system adds an extra layer of strategy, making every decision feel critical.

Undaunted: Normandy

5See it at Amazon

Undaunted: North Africa

3See it at Amazon

Undaunted Stalingrad

1See it at Amazon The Undaunted series uses deck-building to simulate infantry combat. Officer cards allow you to add new units to your deck, representing orders and supplies, while unit cards move troops on the modular scenario map. As casualties mount, your deck thins, affecting unit morale. These games offer an accessible yet engaging way to experience World War II battles.

Root: A Game of Woodland Might and Right

18$59.99 save 25%$44.99 at Amazon Root is a shorter game that stands out with its bold asymmetrical design. Four factions, each with unique rules and gameplay, vie for control of a woodland realm. The game's charming theme belies its intense strategic depth, making it a compelling exploration of politics and governance.

Twilight Struggle: Red Sea

0See it at Amazon Twilight Struggle: Red Sea distills the essence of the original Twilight Struggle into a shorter, yet still meaty, experience. Players navigate their hand of cards, making tough decisions about triggering events, all within an hour. The new scoring mechanic adds excitement, and the game offers a fascinating look at Cold War history in East Africa.

A Game of Thrones: The Board Game

2$64.95 save 21%$50.99 at Amazon This game captures the political intrigue of the books and TV show through a secret order system and alliances. Players must navigate treachery and strategic planning, making it a thrilling experience for fans of the franchise and a great game in its own right.

War of the Ring 2nd Edition

2$89.99 save 22%$70.36 at Amazon War of the Ring offers a dual gameplay experience on one board: the epic clash of armies and the quest of the Fellowship. The interweaving of these elements creates a challenging tactical game that brings Tolkien's world to life in an engaging way.

Eclipse: 2nd Dawn for The Galaxy

3$207.00 at Amazon Eclipse focuses on strategic planning in sci-fi civilization-building. Its systems for initiative and technology upgrades require foresight as you expand into the galaxy. The game balances exploration and combat, emphasizing tactical depth over luck.

If you enjoy these games, explore our picks for the overall best board games and the best board game deals.

What Counts as a Wargame?

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In gaming circles, the term "wargame" often refers to games simulating historical conflicts, a niche that requires detailed research. Examples from our list include Awakening the Bear and Twilight Struggle: Red Sea. However, the definition extends to games simulating potential or fictional conflicts, like those in Undaunted or Eclipse. We've adopted a broad definition to include any game exploring conflict, from historical simulations to fantasy diplomacy. For those interested in specific sub-genres, enthusiast websites provide deeper insights.