Best War Games For Fans Of Single-Player

Key Takeaways

• Single-player war games can offer a unique experience, telling exciting stories and challenging players.
• Ad Infinitum provides a dark descent into a broken mind, offering a haunting “horrors of war” experience for fans of the genre.
• This War of Mine offers a stark reminder of conflict’s effects on civilians, focusing on survival and tough decision-making.

War games have been a consistent part of the video game landscape for years. Covering multiple genres, they offer players a taste of what it means to fight in a violent and chaotic warzone. Many of these titles have sat at the very top of the industry, setting records in sales and pushing gameplay to new and exciting areas.

Although in today’s modern gaming landscape where online multiplayer is king, single-player games still have an important place in the industry. A solo campaign immerses players like no other mode could. They tell exciting stories that challenge the player. They depict all the explosive action, as well as the horrific consequences that make war games so compelling to play. Single-player war games are a cornerstone of the games industry and continue to engage with players worldwide.

Although some of the following games possess multiplayer components, it is their single-player features that will be the focus.

Updated November 3, 2024 by Andy Chapman: In an industry dominated by online multiplayer games, single-player titles have seen a sudden rise in both popularity and quality in recent years, from the critical hits Elden Ring and Baldur’s Gate 3 to the recent success of Space Marine 2.

While these games have a multiplayer element, they are at their core single-player experiences. Space Marine 2, in particular, has been described as a throwback to classic titles such as Gears of War. Its success is further proof that there is still a demand for well-made single-player games that have been developed with passion and for the love of gaming.

1 Ad Infinitum

A Descent into the Horrors of War

This first-person psychological horror game takes players deep into the tortured mind of a German soldier. The game follows his struggle to come to terms with his experiences in the trenches during WW1, and with the family that has been torn apart as a result. On top of his inner demons manifesting into monsters in the game, players will also need to solve various puzzles to progress further.

The game is a dark descent into a broken mind, and while some of the horror aspects have been done better in other games, Ad Infinitum should please most fans of the horror genre. The game has had a mixed critical reaction, but the strong visuals and haunting atmosphere complement a game attempting more than just scares.

2 Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine

The Original 40k Cult Classic

Over the years, video games set in the Warhammer 40k universe have been mixed, with far more misses than hits. One of the standout releases of the popular setting was Space Marine. This popular action game follows Ultramarine Captain Titus and his unit of Astartes as they take on a large invading army of Orks.

This hack-and-slash cult favorite throws players right into the carnage, as waves of greenskins try to overwhelm them. As the game progresses, new weapons become available, and new enemies reveal themselves. While the game suffered from uninspired missions and repetitive combat, the pure joy of being an overpowered Space Marine on the front lines of a planetary conflict kept players coming back.

3 Valiant Hearts: The Great War

Delves into the Human Cost of War

Valiant Hearts is a puzzle game set during the First World War and deals with the human aspect of the conflict. The game follows individual soldiers as they struggle to survive the many horrors of war. With a strong emphasis on accuracy, the game was developed for the WW1 centenary and offers players a powerful depiction of the great war.

The game was well-received by critics, who praised its strong emotional storytelling. Although many of the puzzles are simple, Valiant Hearts offers an experience unlike other war games, moving away from action and concentrating on the people who fought and died during WW1.

4 Sniper Elite 5

A Standout Stealth Shooter

The Sniper Elite series has become the stand-out name for WW2 stealth shooters. This long-running series has only improved over time, with each release building on the previous entry. Snipe Elite 5 is the latest in the series and has refined the mechanics and gameplay to new interactive levels. Although the game does offer co-op modes, the series offers a primarily single-player experience, with its stealth mechanics working best when played solo.

The game follows series protagonist Karl Fairburne, as he joins an Army Ranger battalion to assist in the preparations of Operation Overlord. With its satisfying kill cams, easy-to-use shooting mechanics, and emphasis on stealth, Sniper Elite 5 is an enjoyable and addictive gaming experience.

5 Call Of Duty: WW2

A Solid WW2 FPS Experience

Returning to the setting the series started in, Call of Duty: WW2 places players into the European theater of war following Ronald “Red” Daniels, as he and his squad battle on the Western Front, pushing the Nazi threat back through France and beyond. Although the game does little to innovate the genre, it is a solid modern WW2 shooter that will please fans of the series.

The game has some great visuals, mixed with responsive and fluid gameplay. The story campaign is by far the best aspect of the game, featuring a strong sense of momentum as the player progresses through the war. Call of Duty: WW2 is a welcome return to the single-player FPS style that started the genre.

6 Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

Warhammer’s Most Successful Video Game

Before its announcement, few would have expected a sequel to the 2011 cult hit Space Marine to be as successful as it has. However, Space Marine 2 has become one of the standout games of 2024. With its fun gameplay, exceptional visuals, and dedication to the beloved source material, it has become an instant hit.

Every moment in Space Marine 2 feels like a small part of a large planetary war and perfectly captures what Warhammer 40k is all about. Players control the returning Lieutenant Titus, a genetically enhanced super soldier, as he battles his way through swarms of enemies. Every moment in the game has an epic feeling, from Cadian infantry pushing forward toward the enemy to aerial battles in the far distance filling the horizon. Space Marine 2 is one of the best single-player war games available right now and a must-play for fans of the 40k setting.

7 This War Of Mine

A Bleak Survival Experience

Inspired by the real-life siege of Sarajevo, this bleak survival game revolves around a group of civilians living within an active combat zone. Players will need to make tough decisions, as they work to keep the group alive. Gamers can only emerge at night to search for items and interact with other characters in the city.

This War of Mine has received widespread acclaim for its tough depictions of civilian life during wartime and excellent in-depth survival gameplay. It may not be the action-packed war game fans of the genre often play, but This War of Mine is a stark reminder of the effects of conflict on everyday people, creating a memorable survival experience.

8 Ghost of Tsushima

Battle the Invading Mongol Hordes

Set around the first Mongol Invasion of Japan in 1274, Ghost of Tsushima follows Samurai Jin Sakai on his quest to protect the people of his island from bloodthirsty invaders. The large open world recreates the stunning beauty and bloodshed of the turbulent time. In the game, players choose their way and can follow the warrior code by fighting head-on, or the path of the ghost, by using stealth.

Ghost of Tsushima blends beautiful visuals, exciting melee combat, and an engaging narrative. The game features a true historical setting that few other games have depicted. For players seeking an immersive open-world experience, Ghost of Tsushima offers that and a whole lot more.

9 Warhammer 40,000: Dawn Of War 2

The Classic 40k RTS Experience

Warhammer 40k video games have historically been very hit-or-miss. In recent times, they have enjoyed a resurgence in quality. Dawn of War 2 was, for many, the best Warhammer video game ever released.

This now classic RTS allows 40k fans to play as their favorite armies in a variety of different modes. However, the campaign revolves around the stars of the setting, the Space Marines. The game differed from the original by taking away base building and putting an emphasis on cover. Reviews for the game were extremely positive, with critics and fans enjoying its improved graphics and roleplay elements.

10 Battlefield 1

Experience The Chaos of WW1

The First World War was one of the most brutal and tragic conflicts in human history. Battlefield 1 takes this setting and plunges players directly into the horrific warzone that shocked the world. While the game also has a multiplayer mode, it is the single-player campaign that stands out the most.

The solo campaign doesn’t offer one single narrative, but six separate stories, known as “War Stories.” These separate tales take players around the world and depict the various theaters of war and the conflicts that occurred. This gives the solo campaign a larger feel, showcasing how vast and all-consuming the war was to millions of people. Battlefield 1 does an excellent job of providing all the action players would want while never glamorizing the horrors of war.

11 Medal Of Honor: Frontline

The Influential WW2 Shooter

Before Call of Duty dominated the FPS war genre, the Medal of Honor series broke new ground in immersive war shooters. Opening on the invasion of Normandy’s beaches, Frontline drops players right into the action. Reminiscent of the opening scenes in Saving Private Ryan, players are tasked with storming the beach and pushing forward towards the enemy’s guns. The game then follows Lt. Jimmy Patterson’s journey through the war as he pushes forward through Europe.

Few war games have had such an explosive opening, with the sequence setting the tone for the rest of the game. Medal of Honor: Frontline was a benchmark in FPS games that many later WW2 shooters would follow. It was received with strong critical praise and became a highly successful game.

12 Titanfall 2

An Innovative Sci-Fi Shooter

While Titanfall 2 is widely known for its excellent multiplayer mode, the single-player campaign is one of the best FPS experiences in the genre. The game revolves around a multi-planetary conflict, where The Interstellar Manufacturing Corporation (or IMC) fights with the Frontier Militia over the resources of the local star system. Players control Jack Cooper, a rifleman for the Militia who dreams of becoming a titan pilot.

Titanfall 2 is played both with powerful Titans and on foot, with each level requiring a different approach to combat. The gameplay is fast, frenetic, and lots of fun. Missions get progressively harder, as Cooper learns new skills and gains experience with his titan. For players looking for an exciting sci-fi FPS experience, Titanfall 2 comes highly recommended.

13 Killzone 2

The Peak of a Forgotten Series

The highlight of the entire Killzone franchise, the single-player story plunges players into a futuristic conflict between two warring superpowers. With more than a little influence taken from the Second World War, Killzone 2 has a gritty feel to its gameplay. Weapons feel heavy to use, and battles are loud, chaotic, and bloody. Although it is a sci-fi setting, there is a true sense of realism about the game.

The final sequence in the single-player campaign, where players assault the headquarters of the enemy, taking one trench at a time, is one of the most exciting and satisfying war gaming experiences players can have. Killzone 2 was met with widespread acclaim and stands as the best entry in the Killzone series.

14 Rome: Total War

Control Large Scale Battle from History

The Total War series is one of the biggest strategy gaming franchises in the industry. Spanning multiple settings, historical and fictional, Total War allows players to control large armies in both single-player turn-based games and real-time single-player or multiplayer games.

One of the most critically acclaimed of the entire series is Rome: Total War, the third entry in the franchise. The single-player campaign takes place between the years 270 BC and 14 AD and offers solo players a challenging and immersive experience, planning large-scale battles. The story takes players through the many changes in the Roman Empire, from the Republican era to the Imperial era. The game would go on to win many awards and is often considered one of the best strategy games ever made.

15 Company of Heroes

A Classic WW2 RTS

This classic real-time strategy video game offers a fantastic single-player campaign that fans of RTS titles will love. Set during WW2, players control various companies within the US Army. The goal is to capture strategic points that are used to build bases and gain new units.

The main campaign revolves around the invasion of Normandy and the subsequent push into France. Company of Heroes was a critical success and would win several awards. The game was further expanded to include several DLCs, including a free online multiplayer mode.

16 Gears Of War 2

The Highlight of a Classic Series

Gears of War was an Xbox-exclusive franchise set around the large-scale conflict between the human race and the subterranean reptilian people known as the Locust Horde. While the series continued for many years, Gears of War 2 was a standout moment in the series and continues to be fondly remembered by its legion of fans.

Played in third-person, the game offers action-packed combat with a strong emphasis on tactical cover. The game is set 6 months after the events of Gears of War, with the resurgence of the Locust threatening entire cities. It was released to wide acclaim, with its single-player campaign being particularly praised for its deeper narrative. Gears of War 2 remains one of the best gaming experiences on the Xbox 360 and a classic in the action sci-fi genre.

17 Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

A Game-Changing Release

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is one of the most influential shooters in gaming. It pushed a tired genre, obsessed with the Second World War, into a modern setting. The game is played from several perspectives and features various aspects that make up warfare in the modern era. Throughout the single-player campaign, players follow the story of an elite squad of SAS soldiers, as well as the frontline assault of US Marines on various missions throughout the world.

With multiple diverse action-packed set pieces, the solo game never slows down and brings players directly into the action like never before, taking the single-player experience to new levels of action. Modern Warfare 4 represents a high point in the franchise. It changed the landscape of modern gaming and remains a classic to this day.