War Never Changes
War Never Changes
Title Image courtesy of XBOX.
As long as there has been civilization, there has been war, and as long as there has been war, there have been militaries. It’s a little weird to think about, but war, as a concept, tends to fascinate us, especially when we aren’t directly involved. This is likely a result of evolution. Our ancestors developed to be excited by the presence of violence in order to avoid danger, but, much like our desire to continue eating spicy food, not just in spite of, but because they make us feel like our mouth has caught fire, we continue to play these military games. That, and strategy in video games makes us feel cool.
So, in order for us to service that morbid enjoyment and feel like complete renegades, these are the top military games on Steam.
Very Positive (91%) | Multiplayer | $59.99
Have you ever wanted to experience the beauty of Southern Italian architecture and the thrill of silently picking off an entire enemy army one by one at the same time? Then look no further than the fourth entry in the long running Sniper Elite series.
Sniper Elite 4 sees you take the role of Karl Fairburne on his quest to serve the Allied powers throughout the many campaigns of the Second World War. This game’s particular campaign follows one of Fairburne’s many tasks tracking down an important wunderwaffe designer. The story itself is never particularly in-depth in one of these games, but the gameplay absolutely makes up for it.
The great thing about Sniper Elite is that nobody can make fun of you for being a camper, since most of the game’s content is singleplayer and the online PVP is all based around sniper rifles. Sniper Elite encourages you to avoid direct combat when possible, but still strike the enemy, creating a mix between third-person shooter and real time strategy.
Purchase Sniper Elite 4 here.
Very Positive (90%) | Multiplayer | $19.99
Command and Conquer is the absolute classic of military RTS games, and what better way to experience those classics than through their official remaster. Command and Conquer: Remastered Collection is an updated version of the first two games in this long and storied alternate history franchise.
The first game, Command and Conquer, defined and set the standard for real time strategy of its time, 1995. CandC took place in the distant future of 2017, and saw you taking control of an army for an alternate timeline United Nations-created peacekeeping force called the Global Defense Initiative against an ancient cult, the Brotherhood of Nod.
Command and Conquer: Red Alert is a game that focuses on a different alternate timeline, though some argue they may be the same, in which Germany never has a major grab for power in the 1930s and 40s, leaving Stalin’s Russia to take over Europe. There are also some time travel shenanigans— this whole game is pretty wacky, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s a military RTS staple.
The really cool thing about the CandC games is that, from the start of the series, you could choose which side you fought for. There is a unique campaign for the GDI, Nod, the US, and the USSR. Each one can win the war and change the course of history.
Purchase Command and Conquer: Remastered Collection here.
Very Positive (86%) | Multiplayer | Free
We’re always on the hunt for another great, free game, and Counter Strike 2 can certainly provide. In CS2, you take control of either a terrorist (T) or a counter-terrorist (CT). The T’s job is to plant a bomb and destroy whatever area you’re currently playing in. The CT’s job is to eliminate the T’s and/or defuse the bomb. It’s a pretty simple game.
Most people don’t really play this game for sport. Counter Strike 2 is the perfect game to turn off voice chat (it’s better for your health that way), throw on an audiobook or some rain sounds, and just chill out to. CS2 also has a thriving esports community with highly impressive players, so the player base, even after all these years, is large enough to have such a wide array of skill levels.
I suppose there is some comedy that can come from using the voice chat feature on this game, but, if you are going to listen to what the other people on that game have to say, take caution. CS2 hasn’t fostered the best, most kind community. There are some instances where a team can work together using the VC to effectively strategize, but understand that it happens rarely.
Purchase Counter Strike 2 here.
There are so many video games out there with strong military themes, and they all involve such different levels of strategy. These were just a few of the more prominent ones to suit any desired play experience. Whether you’re looking for something made for full control over an entire army, the silent life of an assassin, or a collaborative team fighting experience, there’s a military-related game out there for you.
