New to computer wargames? Or returning after a few years away? Start here. The Avid Wargamer covers games where planning, logistics, reconnaissance and difficult choices matter. You don’t need to be a military historian to enjoy them, but curiosity helps.
1. Find your footing
Our Beginner’s Guide to Computer Wargames explains what makes the hobby different from conventional strategy games. Then read How to Be a Better Armchair General for ten practical ideas you can apply to almost any battlefield.
Choosing what to buy? See our computer wargames on Steam buying guide. Playing on Apple hardware? Read our guide to wargaming on a Mac before buying.
2. Choose your kind of war
- Approachable turn-based battles: Panzer Corps 2 — A Wargamer’s Review and Second Front.
- Demanding tactical combat: Combat Mission: Shock Force 2 and Combat Mission: Red Thunder.
- Operational and grand-scale warfare: War in the East 2, WarPlan Pacific, and Shadow Empire.
- Modern command and intelligence: Command: Modern Operations.
3. Read what happened on the battlefield
Our after-action reports are about decisions and consequences. Try Graviteam Tactics: Pivot Point or John Tiller’s France ’40.
4. Explore beyond the games
Browse our military-history writing, interviews, and community guides and resources.
Stay in the loop
We publish independent reviews, long-form impressions and the occasional hard-earned lesson from the digital battlefield. Subscribe for free to hear when the next article lands. Want to disagree with a verdict or suggest a game? Write to us.