Every Video Game Set In WW2

Ranker Games
Updated May 15, 2024 140 items
Ranked By
4.2K votes
309 voters
1 reranks
Voting Rules
Only video games set in World War 2.

The conflict that cost the world more lives than any other war, saw the dropping of not one, but two nuclear bombs on populated cities, and embroiled the planet for the better part of a decade is also one of the most common settings for video games since gaming was developed. World War II was such a massive conflict that it makes sense that players would want to take part in it, and that's why there are tons of WW2 games available for players to enjoy.

One of the best games set during the conflict is Call of Duty, which features ground warfare from the perspective of the troops fighting against the Axis powers across Europe. Other games like Medal of Honor: Vanguard and Anti-Japan War Online explore the Pacific theater in all its gory detail. Because the genre has been around for as long as video games have been in development, there are tons of older arcade games set during WWII as well. You can blow up planes and bomb important targets in games like 1941: Counter Attack or hop into an armored tank in Achtung Panzer: Kharkov 1943.

Vote up your favorite World War II games. If there is a WW2 game that's not here, add it so we can determine which is the best WW2 game of them all!

Most divisive: Battlefront (1986)
Over 300 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Every Video Game Set In WW2
  • Call of Duty: World at War
    1
    Shooter game, Action game, Light gun shooter
    78 votes

    Set against the brutal backdrop of WWII's most vicious battlegrounds, Call of Duty: World at War presents players with a harrowing, cinematic experience through both the Pacific and Eastern fronts. A major standout of this installment is its introduction of four-player cooperative play, letting friends band together to survive the relentless onslaught of Axis forces. Iconic characters such as Sergeant Roebuck and Private Chernov guide players through an intense narrative filled with grueling action and gut-wrenching decisions. With impactful gameplay twists like the introduction of the popular Zombies mode, World at War truly steps up as an unforgettable entry in the storied Call of Duty franchise.

  • Medal of Honor: Frontline
    2
    Shooter game, Action game, First-person Shooter
    51 votes

    Taking the role of Lieutenant James Patterson, players step into the fray in Medal of Honor: Frontline to battle against Axis forces on their quest to infiltrate Germany. A standout feature of Frontline is its commitment to presenting historically accurate environments, vehicles, and weapons, while maintaining an engaging narrative filled with tense missions and thrilling escapes. Memorable characters such as the courageous OSS Agent Manon Batiste provide unique perspectives on the war's events and bolster the game's emotional depth. With its fluid and responsive gameplay, coupled with a rousing score from renowned composer Michael Giacchino, Frontline successfully transports players to the very heart of the conflict.

  • Medal of Honor: Rising Sun
    3
    Shooter game, Action game, First-person Shooter
    47 votes

    Set in the Pacific theater, Medal of Honor: Rising Sun follows the story of Marine Corporal Joseph Griffin as he undertakes a personal mission of vengeance against the Japanese forces. The game distinguishes itself with its intense focus on the less-explored Pacific front, bringing to life the gritty reality of jungle warfare and naval engagements. Iconic battles such as the attack on Pearl Harbor and the harrowing fight on Guadalcanal immerse players in key moments of World War II history. The addition of split-screen cooperative play and engaging multiplayer game modes ensure that Rising Sun delivers on both gripping single-player storytelling and competitive camaraderie.

  • Medal of Honor: Allied Assault
    4
    Shooter game, Action game, First-person Shooter
    75 votes

    Medal of Honor: Allied Assault embeds players in the treacherous boots of Lieutenant Mike Powell, a member of the elite 1st Ranger Battalion, as they storm across war-torn Europe. This first-person shooter expertly recreates some of the conflict's most iconic moments, from the adrenaline-pumping D-Day landing on Omaha Beach to the clandestine sabotage of enemy installations. What sets Allied Assault apart is its immersive storytelling coupled with the accurately replicated weapons and environments for unparalleled authenticity. The gameplay mechanics balance tactical thinking and fast-paced action to ensure a thrilling experience that rivals even today's modern shooters.

  • Medal of Honor: Airborne
    5
    Shooter game, Action game, First-person Shooter
    50 votes

    Medal of Honor: Airborne steps away from linear gameplay to deliver a more open-ended experience, allowing players to parachute into the 82nd Airborne Division as Private Boyd Travers. The standout feature of this game is its revolutionary airdrop system, which grants players unparalleled freedom to choose their landing spots and devise unique strategies for each mission. The integration of real-world military doctrine, such as accurately detailed weapons and equipment, elevates the level of realism in the game. Rounding out the experience are thrilling multiplayer modes that test players' tactical prowess and teamwork as they engage in fierce battles for supremacy.

  • Call of Duty 2
    6
    Shooter game, Action game, First-person Shooter
    53 votes

    The critically acclaimed Call of Duty 2 takes players on an intense journey through the eyes of four different soldiers spanning multiple campaigns, from the British assault on El Alamein to the Russian defense of Stalingrad. A key feature of this installment is its realistic portrayal of health and damage, eschewing traditional health meters for a more immersive, dynamic system. Iconic weapons like the M1 Garand and Mosin-Nagant rifle are rendered in exquisite detail, giving players a visceral sense of the period's firepower. The game's well-designed maps and varied mission objectives, combined with its groundbreaking graphics, elevate it to legendary status within the world of World War II video games.

  • Battlefield 1942
    7
    First-person Shooter
    46 votes

    Battlefield 1942 revolutionizes the FPS genre by blending thrilling infantry combat with expansive vehicular warfare across epic, wide-open battlegrounds. What sets this game apart is its iconic Conquest mode, in which players vie for control of strategic points across massive maps that recreate historic World War II engagements like the Battle of Stalingrad or the North African desert campaign. Notably, the game allows for up to 64 players, resulting in unprecedented online skirmishes that capture the chaos and strategy of actual warfare. With its diverse array of vehicles and weaponry, coupled with rich, team-based gameplay, Battlefield 1942 remains a classic, paving the way for many successors.

  • Call of Duty
    8
    First-person Shooter
    53 votes

    The game that started it all, Call of Duty drops players into the unforgiving crucible of World War II as three allied soldiers fighting through the European theater. Its standout feature is the introduction of AI-controlled teammates who offer players tactical support and immersive banter, providing a richer, more authentic experience. Vividly depicting iconic moments such as the Battle of Stalingrad and the D-Day landings, the game features intense mission variety that keeps players on their toes throughout its gripping campaign. With its groundbreaking mix of strategy, action, and storytelling, Call of Duty laid the foundation for one of the most successful gaming franchises in history.

  • Medal of Honor
    9

    Medal of Honor

    Shooter game, Action game, First-person Shooter
    42 votes

    The original Medal of Honor immerses players in the treacherous world of a covert operative, as they undertake critical missions behind enemy lines during World War II. What sets this title apart is its focus on stealth-based gameplay and a variety of mission objectives, from rescuing captured comrades to sabotaging enemy installations. The game's compelling narrative, bolstered by thrilling audio design and atmospheric environments, conveys a palpable sense of tension and urgency that still resonates today. As the progenitor of a long line of successful sequels and spin-offs, Medal of Honor earns its place as a trailblazer and a timeless classic.

  • Call of Duty: WWII
    10
    First-person shooter
    64 votes

    Returning to its roots, Call of Duty: WWII delivers a grittier, more grounded experience by focusing on the hardships faced by soldiers on the European front. Players follow the harrowing story of Private Ronald "Red" Daniels, engaging in iconic battles such as the D-Day landings and the Battle of the Bulge. What sets this title apart is its robust multiplayer suite, which introduces innovative game modes like the multi-stage, objective-based War mode and the tense, strategic Headquarters social space. Additionally, the game's Nazi Zombies mode offers a bone-chilling co-op experience, rounding out Call of Duty: WWII's robust package of gripping single-player narrative and dynamic multiplayer gameplay.

  • Sniper Elite 4
    11
    Tactical shooter, stealth
    31 votes

    Set in the heart of occupied Italy, Sniper Elite 4 follows elite marksman Karl Fairburne as he works to dismantle the Axis war machine and foil a deadly Nazi plot. The standout aspect of this title is its satisfyingly intricate sniping mechanics, which emphasize patience, positioning, and precision to deliver a truly unique gameplay experience. Players must navigate expansive sandbox environments and utilize the game's comprehensive suite of stealth mechanics to take down enemy targets undetected. The game also features an engaging multiplayer component, including co-op campaign play and competitive sniping matches, cementing Sniper Elite 4's position as a standout entry in the series.

  • Call of Duty 3
    12
    Shooter game, Action game, First-person Shooter
    46 votes

    Call of Duty 3 offers players an engaging journey through iconic World War II battles from multiple perspectives, including American, British, Canadian, and Polish forces. A standout mechanic of this game is the close-quarters battle system, requiring players to engage in intense hand-to-hand combat alongside their signature firearms. Notably, Call of Duty 3 features large-scale multiplayer battles that support up to 24 players, pushing the limits of its time by providing even bigger, more immersive skirmishes. Coupled with stunning visuals and tightly balanced gameplay, Call of Duty 3 is an unforgettable chapter in the series.

  • Medal of Honor: Pacific Assault
    13
    Shooter game, Action game, First-person Shooter
    42 votes

    Medal of Honor: Pacific Assault thrusts players into the role of Private Thomas Conlin as he fights his way through the brutal Pacific theater of World War II. A standout feature of this title is its emphasis on squad-based gameplay, enabling players to issue commands to their AI-controlled teammates, fostering a sense of camaraderie and tactical depth. The game incorporates harrowing historical events like the Battle of Tarawa Atoll, immersing players in the visceral, unforgiving nature of warfare in the Pacific. With realistic weapon handling and an adaptive AI system that reacts to the player's actions, Pacific Assault provides an intense and engaging experience that sets it apart within the genre.

  • Medal of Honor: Vanguard
    14
    Shooter game, Action game, First-person Shooter
    41 votes

    In Medal of Honor: Vanguard, players assume the role of Corporal Frank Keegan, a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division, as he participates in major battles across Europe. A distinguishing feature of this title is the way it places players in high-stress, airborne assaults that require quick thinking and decisive action to survive. The game's utilization of the Havok physics engine brings immersive realism to the destructible environments, making for an intense and chaotic battlefield experience. With a robust progression system and varied mission objectives, Vanguard keeps players engaged throughout its thrilling campaign.

  • Axis & Allies
    15
    Grand strategy wargame, Grand strategy, Turn-based strategy
    29 votes

    Axis & Allies is a beloved strategy game that brings the epic global conflict of World War II to life on a grand strategic scale. What sets this title apart is its deep strategic gameplay, featuring a rich variety of units and technologies to command across a sprawling map that encompasses both the European and Pacific theaters. Players can choose to lead one of the five major powers—either the Axis nations of Germany or Japan, or the Allied nations of the United States, United Kingdom, or USSR—each with unique strengths, weaknesses, and objectives. With its immersive blend of economy, diplomacy, and warfare in a vast and dynamic setting, Axis & Allies offers countless hours of strategic challenge and replayability.

  • Sniper Elite V2
    16
    Shooter game, Action game, Tactical shooter
    21 votes

    Sniper Elite V2 brings players back to the battle-scarred streets of Berlin during the final days of World War II, as they take on the role of elite sharpshooter Karl Fairburne. A standout feature of this game is the cinematic and gruesome X-ray Kill Cam, which lets players witness the devastating effects of their well-placed shots in visceral detail. The game combines stealth mechanics, tactical positioning, and accurate weapon handling to provide an immersive and unique sniping experience. With an intriguing storyline focused on stopping the launch of V2 rockets and engaging multiplayer modes, Sniper Elite V2 is a thrilling entry for fans of tactical shooters.

  • Company of Heroes
    17
    Action game, Real-time strategy, Strategy video game
    27 votes

    Company of Heroes is a real-time strategy game that expertly captures the brutal intensity of World War II with its deep tactical gameplay and realistic battle mechanics. Players command American forces during the Battle of Normandy, navigating the complexities of resource management, unit upgrades, and environmental destruction to achieve victory on the battlefield. A standout feature of this title is its unique morale system, which directly affects unit combat effectiveness based on their experiences on the front lines. With its engaging single-player campaign and intense multiplayer skirmishes, Company of Heroes sets a high bar for the real-time strategy genre.

  • Medal of Honor: European Assault
    18
    Shooter game, Action game, First-person Shooter
    32 votes

    Medal of Honor: European Assault propels players into the boots of Lieutenant William Holt, an American officer sent on a series of daring missions across war-ravaged Europe. What sets this title apart is its adrenaline-fueled gameplay, where players must constantly adapt to changing objectives, challenging encounters, and the occasional moral dilemma. The game's introduction of the Adrenaline Mode adds a layer of depth by allowing players to slow down time and execute precise shots, enhancing strategic decisions in intense firefights. With a gripping narrative that seamlessly weaves through historical battles, European Assault delivers an engaging and thrilling World War II experience.

  • Allied General
    19
    Turn-based strategy, Strategy video game
    29 votes

    Allied General is a turn-based strategy game that puts players in command of the iconic armies of the United States, Soviet Union, or British Empire during World War II. The game's standout feature is its complex and realistic gameplay, which challenges players to form intricate strategies and manage limited resources across dozens of historically accurate scenarios. With its sprawling strategic map, diverse unit types, and extensive unit upgrade system, Allied General offers deep replayability and a variety of strategic challenges. Its captivating blend of history, strategy, and tactical decision-making make it a classic entry in the genre.

  • Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts
    20
    20 votes

    As the standalone expansion to the critically acclaimed Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts introduces two new playable factions—the British 2nd Army and the German Panzer Elite. The game’s standout feature is its innovative Liberation system, which tasks players with capturing and holding key locations on the battlefield to unlock powerful abilities and reinforcements. Rich tactical depth is further enhanced by the addition of new units and technologies, allowing for a wide range of strategies and playstyles. The immersive campaigns and dynamic multiplayer options make Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts a fantastic addition for fans of the original game and newcomers alike.

  • Panzer General
    21
    Turn-based strategy, Strategy video game, Wargaming
    22 votes

    Panzer General invites players to assume the role of a high-ranking general in command of either Axis or Allied forces during World War II. Standout features of this classic turn-based strategy game include its extensive unit roster and detailed terrain that affects movement, combat, and supply lines. Players face a myriad of strategic decisions as they guide their troops through challenging scenarios spanning both the European and Pacific theaters. With its deep gameplay, branching campaign paths, and rich historical context, Panzer General remains a seminal entry in the genre.

  • Wolfenstein
    22
    Shooter game, Survival horror, Action game
    14 votes

    Wolfenstein brings a unique twist to the World War II genre by blending fast-paced first-person shooter action with an alternate history narrative full of supernatural elements. Players step into the shoes of B.J. Blazkowicz, an American soldier entrusted with stopping the sinister machinations of the Nazis as they harness otherworldly powers. The game's standout feature is its over-the-top weaponry and enemies, requiring players to adapt to ever-changing threats while navigating labyrinthine levels. Wolfenstein's blend of iconic WWII imagery with a dark, imaginative narrative makes for an unforgettable and thrilling gaming experience.

  • World of Warships
    23

    World of Warships

    11 votes

    World of Warships plunges players into intense, large-scale naval battles, offering a chance to command a variety of historically accurate warships from the World War II era. The game's standout feature is its meticulously designed ships, each with unique strengths and weaknesses that cater to distinct playstyles and strategies. Players engage in heart-pounding, strategic naval encounters across sprawling maps in both team-based and solo battles. With its expansive fleet, immersive gameplay mechanics, and deeply rewarding progression system, World of Warships keeps players captivated in the high-stakes clashes of WWII naval warfare.

  • Axis and Allies
    24

    Axis and Allies

    11 votes

    Axis and Allies immerses players in the global conflict of World War II through the lens of grand strategy, commanding either the Axis or Allied powers to achieve ultimate victory. Offering rich, deep gameplay with numerous strategic options, this board game ported to PC allows players to experience the war from multiple angles, managing economic production, military forces, and diplomatic relations. The standout aspect of this version is the inclusion of new unit types and an updated map that adds depth and balance to the gameplay. Axis and Allies remains a beloved classic in strategy gaming, providing endless hours of challenge and entertainment.

  • Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30
    25

    Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30

    Tactical shooter, First-person Shooter
    30 votes

    Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 immerses players in the story of Sergeant Matt Baker and his squad members during the dramatic days following D-Day. This first-person shooter focuses on teamwork and tactical decision-making, allowing players to command individual squads and utilize authentic military tactics to outmaneuver opponents. The game's painstaking attention to historical detail, from weapon performance to real-world locations, sets it apart in the genre. With its compelling narrative, solid gameplay mechanics, and emphasis on unit cohesion, Road to Hill 30 stands as a memorable portrayal of infantry combat during World War II.

  • Sniper Elite III
    26

    Sniper Elite III

    15 votes

    Set in the harsh terrain of North Africa during World War II, Sniper Elite III follows Karl Fairburne on a mission to stop a deadly weapon from altering the course of the conflict. The game builds upon its predecessors with expanded sandbox environments, emphasizing tactical freedom and creative problem-solving. The standout feature remains the gruesome X-ray Kill Cam, which showcases the devastating effects of well-placed sniper shots. Sniper Elite III's combination of stealth gameplay, intricate sniping mechanics, and authentic weaponry makes for a thrilling and unique wartime experience.

  • Battlefield 1942: The Road to Rome
    27

    Battlefield 1942: The Road to Rome

    Expansion pack, First-person Shooter
    18 votes

    As an expansion pack for the renowned Battlefield 1942: The Road to Rome takes players into the heart of the Italian Campaign, featuring six new maps set in locations like Monte Cassino and Anzio. This expansion introduces two new factions—the Italian Royal Army and the French Free Forces—adding variety and complexity to the game's iconic Conquest mode. The standout element of The Road to Rome is the addition of new vehicles and weapons, enhancing the gameplay experience for both veteran and new players alike. With its fresh content, diverse battlefields, and extensive multiplayer options, Battlefield 1942: The Road to Rome offers a captivating and intense extension of the original game.

  • Battlefield 1942: Secret Weapons of WWII
    28
    Action game, Simulation video game, First-person Shooter
    18 votes

    Battlefield 1942: Secret Weapons of WWII is an expansion pack that delves into the realm of experimental weaponry and vehicles developed during the war. With eight new maps, players experience battles in top-secret locations and engage with unique weapons such as the German Wasserfall guided rocket or the American Goblin jetfighter. This expansion's standout feature is its focus on the unconventional and experimental aspects of World War II, offering a fresh and thrilling experience for fans of the base game. With intense multiplayer gameplay and a captivating array of secret weapons, this expansion provides a fascinating twist on the traditional World War II setting.

  • Wolfpack
    29
    Action game, Simulation video game
    10 votes

    Wolfpack offers players a unique cooperative multiplayer experience simulating the tense atmosphere of a World War II U-boat crew. Each player takes on a specific role within the submarine, such as helmsman, navigator, or weapons officer, working together to navigate treacherous waters and hunt down enemy convoys. The standout feature of this game lies in its detailed submersible operations, necessitating teamwork and communication for success in the unforgiving depths. Wolfpack's intense realism and cooperative gameplay make it an enthralling journey through the underwater challenges faced by U-boat crews during the war.

  • Panzer General II
    30
    Turn-based strategy
    14 votes

    The sequel to the classic strategy game, Panzer General II builds upon its predecessor with enhanced graphics, refined gameplay mechanics, and expanded content. Players assume command of either Axis or Allied forces as they battle across a variety of scenarios spanning World War II's European and African theaters. Standout features include complex supply lines, an in-depth combat system, and extensive unit customization options that provide deep strategic depth. With its engaging single-player campaigns and multiplayer options, Panzer General II cements its place as an essential entry in the world of turn-based strategy games.