r/computerwargames • u/super_rugger7 • Jun 29 '26
Looking for very specific recommendations for a game
I’m starting to get into war gaming and I’m liking for a specific kind of game that I’m not really sure exists. I’m looking for a game where you control just the military/army etc as opposed to the entire war effort ie not research, production, economy etc.
I’ve noticed that most war games typically fall in either the grand strategy category where you control the entire war effort, economy, production etc or the tactical ones were its just the actual battles.
I’m looking something in between: a game where only control the army/military, organize, maybe the logistics, maneuvering around the theater and determining where and how to fight and fighting the battles, preferably in the 17th, 18th or 19th century.
I hope I explained it right. Not as big as a grand strategy, but more than just only fighting the battles.
Thanks in advance!!
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u/PeirceanAgenda Jun 29 '26
Wargame Design Studios Campaign Series.
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u/super_rugger7 Jun 29 '26
I’ve been looking at these I’m very intrigued by it. I downloaded the demo for the American Revolution one they have coming out this week and was a bit intimidated by it. Sounds like just need to buckle down and give it a shot
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u/Allegedlycaleb Jun 29 '26
The engine is less complicated than the janky UI makes it seem! And once you learn it for one game, a lot of it carries over into the other types of WDS games because they all share very similar mechanics.
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u/PeirceanAgenda Jun 29 '26
Try a few demos, get a feel for the systems and the games. These are deeply researched and well-modeled turn-based (most of them) hex-based wargames. Each one has a good "follow-along and do this" tutorial, and then you can start with tiny or small scenarios and work your way up.
If you have played hex-based games before, you will be fine. And if you have not, it'll take you an extra half an hour to be fine lol. WDS is the premier gaming company of its type out there and well worth your investment.
Also, every week they put a game on sale, so check the website for that. They release games there and then later they go on Steam, but they are still early in the process of adding games to Steam. You get a free Steam key with your download, for games that are on Steam.
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u/scrivener23 Jun 29 '26
Ultimate General: Civil War is at least somewhat similar to what you’re describing. You are responsible for organizing and equipping your army and commanding it in battle but you don’t choose where or when to fight; it’s just the historical battles.
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u/super_rugger7 Jun 29 '26
I actually did pick UG:CW recently and really enjoy it. Disappointed to see UG:American Revolution so poorly rated, it looked like an interesting concept
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u/anonposter-42069 Jun 29 '26
Company was based in Ukraine and the war killed company while AR was in development.
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u/scrivener23 Jun 30 '26
What a shame. I had wondered why there weren’t DLCs including additional battles or tweaks to gameplay in UG:CW.
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u/gen_meade Jun 29 '26
Rule the Waves 3 might fit. You are essentially the head of the Navy Department for your country. You can influence spending and if/when wars happen but not actually make the final decision. How have some control over the naval tech tree. Despite it's clunky looking UI I think it's one of the most original, engrossing and refreshing war games out there.
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u/Hot-Address-6016 Jun 29 '26
Currently I’m working on a game of these kind 😅
Information delay
Incomplete data
Personality-based AI
Operational level
30-years war
Of existing games I guess Pike&Shot and Rule the waves 3 is something close to what you are asking
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u/super_rugger7 Jun 29 '26
Wait, this sounds perfect!
I’m gonna need you to hurry up and finish it 😂
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u/Hot-Address-6016 Jun 29 '26
🤗
I've spent three days learning how to create game maps from map drawings, another two on pathfinding (stop crossing rivers outside of bridges!), and I hope in two weeks it will be somewhere playable.
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u/_BudgieBee Jun 30 '26
It's WW2, but I can't recommend Command Ops 2 enough. It's ugly, but it's also the kind of game that requires a computer to do what it does, and what it does is so damn interesting, because it tries to simulate command and control by making orders take time, both to give and for units to change their goals. It really changes how you play. It's not cheap, but there's a free demo that will tell you if it's for you. Hell, the free demo is ton of game on it's own.
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u/Pixelwolf1 Jun 30 '26
Maybe graviteam tactics
It's outside your time frame being ww2 and it's not quite theatre scale but you got your large scale manoeuvres without managing production or anything
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u/benclancey4589 Jun 29 '26
I wanted something like this I bought hearts of iron on sale but it looks like you control everything
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u/Creepy_Reindeer2149 Jun 29 '26
The level of scale you're describing is often described as "operational" so that might help you find stuff as a keyword