TOP 5 Best World War I Games of All Time (2022 Edition)

by Mike Alexander / Lists, Articles / 07 Mar 2022

The technology, stories, and heroes that rose out of the fiery battles of World War I have made the global conflict a focal point of many different kinds of media. Basically since the war ended, there have been movies and books that cover the happenings and the important people who were responsible for major decisions at the time. With the creation and rise of video games, there was now a more interactive way to tell stories and share experiences of World War I. Over the years, there have been a number of excellent games set during that period of time. The way they masterfully weave compelling gameplay with powerful stories of sacrifice and honor is something many other games can only hope to achieve.

If you’re looking for a captivating game about war, or if you’re just a World War I aficionado, then you’ll find some of the greatest WWI games ever made on this list of the Top 5 Best World War I Games of All Time. When you’re ready to experience one of the most pivotal turning points in history, prepare for war, and let’s get started!

Tannenberg

M2H and Blackmill Games’ WWI FPS Tannenberg kicks off this list with a bang. This game covers battles on the Eastern Front of the war, across eight huge maps that can contain up to 64 players in frantic action. You’ll join your fellow soldiers in fighting for control of important sections of each map to give your army a tactical advantage. Choose from seven different squads and kit yourself out with over 50 time-accurate weapons that run the gamut from pistols to heavy machine guns and rifles. If you are skeptical about jumping into a match with 63 other live players, Tannenberg also offers AI bot support so you can play with or without friends.

Battle of Empires: 1914-1918

If your gaming tastes are less in the FPS genre and more in the RTS genre, then Great War Team’s Battle of Empires: 1914-1918 should be at the top of your list. This game follows an enthralling narrative that takes you through some of the most violent battles of World War I. Experience atrocities like trench warfare and gas attacks firsthand, and rely on your skill and strategy to overcome those odds. There are currently 6 story campaigns for you to play through, with more planned to be released over time. For realistic and authentic WWI tactical strategy action, Battle of Empires: 1914–1918 is one of the only choices.

Verdun

Verdun is another WWI FPS created by the Tannenberg developers/publisher. This game uses similar systems and presentations but takes place in a new location with new maps, weapons, and game modes. This time, the action takes place entirely on the Western Front and is inspired by one of the most violent conflicts in not just WWI, but all of world history: 1916’s Battle of Verdun. Verdun brings gritty, realistic WWI action to your PC with trench warfare, unsettling gas mask experiences, and stomach-turning gore effects. The development team was entirely dedicated to a high level of realism, going so far as to get historical advisors and do field research at the actual battle site.

Battlefield 1

2016’s Battlefield 1 returns to the series’ roots and recreates a thrilling, action-packed WWI FPS experience. With legendary developer DICE at the helm, this game features Battlefield’s classically tight gameplay across locations all over the world, from France to the Italian Alps, even to Arabian deserts. New dynamic systems change the gameplay experience on the fly, including the fully destructible environments and weather systems. When you’re done with the captivating story campaign, drop into Battlefield 1’s award-winning multiplayer suite and join up with friends to fight on foot or in land and air vehicles.

Valiant Hearts: The Great War

Don’t let Valiant Hearts’ endearing art style fool you, this is a serious game with serious stories that will strike you right in the heart. Lush 2D animation is presented to players through the use of Ubisoft’s UbiArt engine and conveys 4 intertwining stories. The gameplay is a mix of action, puzzles, and exploration in keeping with its adventure game inspiration. Each of the 4 stories follows a different character and will take you to iconic locations like Montafaucon and Reims, as well as important Western Front battles like the Battle of Marne and the Battle of Somme. Experience love, loss, sacrifice, and friendship through each of these stories. Also, there’s a dog character!

Mike Alexander

Mike has been playing video games since he was able to hold a controller, having been fascinated by Sonic 2 on his mom’s Sega Genesis. That fascination and passion for the art form has grown exponentially nearly 30 years later, and he doesn’t see that fading away anytime soon.
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