War Games That Let You Change the Course of History

7 June 2025

Ever sat back and wondered, “What if I could rewrite history?” Not just in a small way—but shake the foundations of empires, flip the outcome of a world war, or turn the tides in ancient battles. Well, guess what? You absolutely can—virtually, that is—with some of the best war games out there.

In this article, we’re diving deep into the most captivating and historically rich war games that put YOU in the driver’s seat of history. These games don’t just recreate battles; they challenge you to make decisions that can alter the world's fate. Whether you're a strategy buff, a history nerd, or just someone who loves a good "what if?" scenario, you’re in for a treat.

So grab some snacks, warm up that mouse or controller, and let’s unravel the world of war games that let you play with the strings of time.

Why War Games That Rewrite History Are So Captivating

Let’s face it—history can be kind of a downer sometimes. Wars, famines, disasters… okay, mostly wars. But in the world of games, history isn’t a fixed narrative. These games give you a front-row seat to the crossroads of history and hand you the power to steer the wheel.

Imagine this: What if the South had won the American Civil War? What if Napoleon had conquered Britain? What if Germany had pulled off a different strategy in WWII? These aren't just pipe dreams—they're interactive scenarios where every decision you make ripples through time.

It's like playing chess, but every piece is a nation or battalion, and every move reshapes the timeline.

1. Hearts of Iron IV – Rewrite World War II

Developer: Paradox Interactive
Platform: PC

If there’s one game that lets you rewrite the entirety of World War II, it's Hearts of Iron IV (or HOI4 if you're cool like that).

This grand strategy game doesn’t just toss you into battles—it gives you the tools to redesign the entire political and military landscape of the 1930s and ’40s. Want to lead France into a successful resistance? Go ahead. Turn the U.S. into a fascist state? You monster—but yep, it's possible.

The game’s alternate history paths are absurdly detailed. You can create your own alliances, design your military units, and even flip nations ideologically. It's complex, but incredibly satisfying once you get the hang of it.

🧠 Pro tip: Keep your supply lines in check. You can have the biggest army in the world and still lose if your troops are dying from lack of food.

2. Civilization VI – Shape the Rise and Fall of Empires

Developer: Firaxis Games
Platform: PC, macOS, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One

Okay, this one’s a blend of history and fantasy—but it nails the concept of rewriting history.

In Civilization VI, you take control of a historical leader—from Cleopatra to Teddy Roosevelt—and guide your nation from the Stone Age to the Space Age. Want to make Gandhi a warmongering tyrant? That can happen. Want to see Saladin launch rockets to Mars? Totally doable.

It’s less about commanding armies in the field and more about big-picture strategy. Diplomacy, science, religion, culture—you balance it all while trying to avoid being nuked into oblivion.

What makes Civ VI so compelling is that it doesn't follow a script. Every playthrough offers a “what-if” world loaded with unexpected turns and rivalries. You’re not just changing history—you’re making a brand new one.

3. Total War: Three Kingdoms – Rewrite Chinese History

Developer: Creative Assembly
Platform: PC, macOS, Linux

Fancy some ancient Chinese warfare with a twist of drama and betrayal? Welcome to Total War: Three Kingdoms.

This gem throws you into the tumultuous period of the Three Kingdoms in China. While the core story is based on real events and characters, the game gives you enough agency to change the way things pan out. Whether you unite the land through diplomacy or brute force is entirely up to you.

The dual-layer gameplay is what really makes it shine. You’ve got turn-based empire building on one side and real-time tactical battles on the other. It's like playing two games at once—and both are equally rich.

Ever thought, “What if Cao Cao teamed up with Liu Bei instead of backstabbing everyone?” Now’s your chance to make that fantasy a reality.

4. Crusader Kings III – Medieval Soap Opera With Swords

Developer: Paradox Interactive
Platform: PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5

If Game of Thrones had a baby with history books, it would be Crusader Kings III.

This is not your run-of-the-mill war game. Sure, you’ll fight battles, but it’s really about characters, dynasties, and absurd levels of role-playing. You can seduce your rival’s wife, plot assassinations, broker marriages for power, or just go full mad-king mode and watch the world burn.

But here’s the kicker—the game still respects history. You'll find real dynasties, real events, and real geopolitical dynamics. Still, your decisions can completely tear that script to shreds.

Trying to take over the Holy Roman Empire as a Norse pagan who secretly worships Satan? Go wild. The sandbox is yours.

5. Company of Heroes 2 – Relive (and Rewrite) WWII Battles

Developer: Relic Entertainment
Platform: PC

If you're craving moment-to-moment war intensity rather than grand strategy, Company of Heroes 2 has you covered.

Set during WWII, this real-time strategy (RTS) game puts you in the mud and snow with Soviet forces fighting against Nazi Germany. The missions are challenging, the atmosphere is brutal, and the tactical depth is unreal.

Though you follow historical campaigns, the choices in combat—how you flank, when you attack, what to sacrifice—can lead to totally different outcomes. It provides a strong sense of “history in your hands,” even on a smaller scale.

This game is perfect when you want history to feel gritty and personal.

6. Age of Empires IV – History Reimagined With Style

Developer: Relic Entertainment
Platform: PC, Xbox Series X/S

Age of Empires IV doesn’t focus on a single historical event—it spans centuries. From the Norman Conquest to the rise of the Mongol Empire, it’s a buffet of historical battles.

But the best part? You can rewrite how they unfold. Each campaign may start with a historically accurate goal, but your path toward achieving it can branch out wildly. Maybe you unite England faster than William the Conqueror ever dreamt. Maybe your Mongol horde conquers Europe instead of retreating.

It’s like being a time traveler who’s also a military genius—and yes, it’s just as fun as it sounds.

7. Alternate History Mods – Endless ‘What Ifs’

This wouldn’t be a full guide without mentioning the massive modding communities around these games.

Games like Hearts of Iron IV and Crusader Kings III have thriving mod scenes that take alternate history to jaw-dropping levels. Want to see the Pope declare a global empire and invade Asia? There’s probably a mod for that.

Some standout mods include:

- Kaiserreich (HOI4) – An alternate history where Germany won WWI
- The New Order: Last Days of Europe (HOI4) – A dark, dystopian take on a Nazi victory
- A Game of Thrones (CK3) – Yep, Westeros in your medieval simulator

Mods unlock an even deeper layer of replayability and freedom, pushing the bounds of what history could’ve been.

But Why Do We Love Changing History?

Is it just for fun? Well, sure. But there’s something a bit deeper going on too.

When we change history in these games, we’re engaging with it. We’re thinking critically about cause and effect, about decisions and consequences. It’s like a giant sandbox of human behavior and geopolitics. We learn—but we also get to ask, "What if things had been different?"

Plus, let's be honest—sometimes we just want to see what happens when Napoleon has tanks.

Final Thoughts: You’re the Architect of History

War games that let you change the course of history aren't just about explosions and win screens. They’re playgrounds for the curious mind. They let you tinker with timelines, flip seemingly inevitable outcomes, and carve out new realities with the click of a button.

Whether you're toppling empires in HOI4, building a Viking dynasty in CK3, or launching into space in Civ VI, the message is clear:

History is what you make of it—at least in these virtual worlds.

So next time you boot up one of these games, remember: you're not just playing. You're rewriting the greatest story ever told.