Best Military RPGs, Ranked

Military RPGs have a thrilling allure for many gamers. Throwing players head-on into battlefields, special ops, and deadly combat, these games provide the chance to get hooked on the high-stakes action of modern warfare.

Military RPGs can provide it all, from impressively realistic military simulation experiences to story-driven tactical shooters. Of the games out there that fit this genre-hybrid bill, a few titles stand out due to both their immersive takes on military action and their addictive character-building gameplay and mechanics. The following games are ranked on these features, as well as their impact on the gaming medium.

6 Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising

An Action-Packed Shooter With An Intriguing Premise

• Initial release date: October 6, 2009
• Platforms: Playstation 3, Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360
• Developer: Codemasters

The hapless, fictional island of Skira takes center-stage in this tactical shooter. Following the 2008 financial crisis, Skira was conquered by China in a bid to take advantage of the island’s sizable oil supply. Unsurprisingly, it falls to the US military to step in, leading to a dangerous battle of wits and warfare on the island.

Emphasizing strategic thinking and a heavy emphasis on gritty, modern military combat, Dragon Rising is a great RPG for battlefield enthusiasts. With an effective multiplayer mode that emphasizes team work and tactics to boot, the game is a no-nonsense dive into 21st century combat. While the island setting has drawn some criticism over the years for being relatively sparse and bleak, its minimalist design makes room for more opened-up shootouts and setpieces, as well as providing a surprisingly eerie atmosphere.

5 Full Spectrum Warrior

A Showcase of Realistic, Modern Military Combat

• Initial release date: June 1, 2004
• Platforms: Playstation 2, Xbox, Playstation 3, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
• Developer: 5th Cell, Pandemic Studios, Mass Media

This underrated military-squadron action effort allows players to take the lead with two elite fire teams. In order to get both teams firing on all cylinders in this real-time strategy setting, players must constantly be on top of handing out the right orders to their team members. The main appeal of this gritty RPG lies in its impressively realistic depictions of modern military tactics. The execution of dangerous strategic maneuvers in real time adds both high stakes and thought provocation for players to enjoy. Lauded for its approach to strategy gaming, Full Spectrum Warrior remains an intriguing, challenging experience to this day.

The game landed in some hot water at the time due to its connections to the US military. Receiving some funding from the US Army due to its interest in how gaming could potentially connect to training, the game was ultimately dismissed of having any training potential. Regardless, it remains a compelling effort for regular gamers to try out.

4 Valkyria Chronicles

An Imaginative Look At A World War 2-Like Alternate World

This tactical epic takes players into a compelling alternate timeline modeled on war-torn Europe during World War II. A big hit with critics, the imaginative RPG initially struggled with sales, but has since developed a strong cult following.

Valkyria Chroniclesearned strong praise for its distinctive, watercolor-style graphics. For military gaming fans, its immersive, tactical role-playing mechanics are a treat, making for a surprisingly grounded combat experience despite the setting and visual aesthetic. Sparking a whole series in its wake, this imaginative, visually fascinating effort is a one-of-a-kind gaming experience.

3 Jagged Alliance 2

Strategic Gameplay Meets Freedom Fighting

• Initial release date: April 19, 1999
• Platforms: OS X, Linux, Microsoft Windows
• Developer: Sir-Tech Canada

This classic tactical RPG takes players to a dangerous fictional country known as Arulco. The nation is run by Deidranna, a ruthless, dictatorial monarch who has stripped the place of any freedom it once had. Players take control of the leader of a gang of cutthroat mercenaries. The mission is simple: liberate Arulco and restore order.

The heavy emphasis on strategic thinking ensures a more cerebral challenge for players to enjoy. Giving important orders to the mercenaries, gamers must consistently map out the ideal tactics to progress forwards. With an impressive, detailed world and remarkably smart foes by the standards of the time, Jagged Alliance 2 is a fascinating look at the now-retro thrills of ’90s RPG gaming.

2 The Division 2

A Suspenseful, Post-Apocalyptic Sequel

This compelling sequel takes players into a grim, post-apocalyptic Washington D.C. setting. The game chronicles a world still reeling from the release of a deadly virus called Green Poison. As expected from a military-focused game, players get to engage in tactical combat throughout, as they complete a variety of dangerous missions. Exploring the city and improving their character’s abilities and equipment, players get an immersive RPG experience that plays up the perils of modern warfare.

With a hectic plot involving everything from a worldwide contagion event to a missing US President, The Division 2 remains intense and compelling throughout. Players unravel conspiracies and mysteries en route to saving the city from total destruction.

1 Arma 3

An Exciting, Detailed Military Gaming Experience

This modern classic throws players into the chaos of the fictional islands Stratis and Altis. Set in the future, the game provides an extensive open-world shooter experience like no other.

Despite the futuristic setting, the gameplay zeroes in on providing players with a gritty, realistic depiction of modern warfare. With its immersive, tactical action and impressively vast world, Arma 3 is a revelation for those looking to commit to military roleplay in the gaming medium. Often proving infuriatingly difficult for newer players, the game is relentless in providing a dangerous, high-stakes military experience, ensuring exploring the enormous world on offer is never a safe or easy feat.