Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Hearts of Iron III (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Hearts of Iron III on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.
The short version
- Closest match: Victoria II, which made by the same studio, Development Studio.
- Hearts of Iron III is tagged Grand Strategy, Strategy, World War II, Historical, Simulation, Military, Real-Time with Pause, War by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
- 24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
- 2 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
- 6 are from the same studio: Victoria II, Europa Universalis III, Europa Universalis IV, Victoria 3, Crusader Kings II, Crusader Kings III.
How these were matched
Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.
Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.
All 24, closest first
- 1
Victoria II
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Development Studio; both war, historical and strategy; shares 13 player tags including Grand Strategy, Strategy and Historical; released around the same time (2010).
Carefully guide your nation from the era of absolute monarchies in the early 19th century, through expansion and colonization, to finally become a truly great power by the dawn of the 20th century. Victoria II is a grand strategy game played during the colonial era of the 19th century, where the player takes control of a country, guiding...
Victoria II at a glance Released 2010 Studio Development Studio Player sentiment 92% positive of 20,016 Price $19.99 Grand StrategyStrategyHistoricalPoliticsSimulationReal-Time with PauseMilitaryWorld War I
- 2
Europa Universalis III
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Development Studio; both war, historical and strategy; shares 10 player tags including Grand Strategy, Strategy and Historical; released around the same time (2007).
Europa Universalis III Complete includes the original Europa Universalis III as well as the expansions In Nomine and Napoleons Ambition Europa Universalis III delves deeply into the areas of exploration, trade, warfare and diplomacy.
Europa Universalis III at a glance Released 2007 Studio Development Studio Player sentiment 83% positive of 2,001 Price $14.99 Grand StrategyStrategyHistoricalReal-Time with PauseSandboxSimulationRTSWar
- 3
Hearts of Iron IV
Why it matched: both war, historical and strategy; shares 11 player tags including Strategy, World War II and Grand Strategy; published by the same company.
Victory is at your fingertips! Your ability to lead your nation is your supreme weapon, the strategy game Hearts of Iron IV lets you take command of any nation in World War II; the most engaging conflict in world history.
Hearts of Iron IV at a glance Released 2016 Studio Paradox Development Studio Player sentiment 90% positive of 375,658 Price $49.99 StrategyWorld War IIGrand StrategyWarHistoricalMilitaryAlternate HistorySimulation
- 4
Europa Universalis IV
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Development Studio; both war, historical and strategy; shares 9 player tags including Grand Strategy, Strategy and Historical; released around the same time (2013).
Rule your land and dominate the world with unparalleled freedom, depth and historical accuracy. Write a new history of the world and build an empire for the ages.
Europa Universalis IV at a glance Released 2013 Studio Development Studio Player sentiment 88% positive of 137,275 Price $49.99 Grand StrategyStrategyHistoricalSimulationAlternate HistoryMilitaryWargameSandbox
- 5
Victoria 3
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Development Studio; both war, historical and strategy; shares 9 player tags including Grand Strategy, Historical and Strategy.
Paradox Development Studio invites you to build your ideal society in the tumult of the exciting and transformative 19th century. Balance the competing interests in your society and earn your place in the sun in Victoria 3, one of the most anticipated games in Paradox’s history.
Victoria 3 at a glance Released 2022 Studio Development Studio Player sentiment 70% positive of 60,969 Price $49.99 Grand StrategyHistoricalStrategyPoliticsSimulationAlternate HistoryReal-Time with PauseSandbox
- 6
Crusader Kings II
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Development Studio; both historical and strategy; shares 9 player tags including Grand Strategy, Strategy and Historical; released around the same time (2012).
Explore one of the defining periods in world history in an experience crafted by the masters of Grand Strategy.
Crusader Kings II at a glance Released 2012 Studio Development Studio Player sentiment 91% positive of 73,903 Price Free Grand StrategyStrategyHistoricalSimulationSandboxPoliticsReal-Time with PauseRTS
- 7
Crusader Kings III
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Development Studio; both war, historical and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Strategy, Grand Strategy and Simulation.
Love, fight, scheme, and claim greatness. Determine your noble house’s legacy in the sprawling grand strategy of Crusader Kings III. Death is only the beginning as you guide your dynasty’s bloodline in the rich and larger-than-life simulation of the Middle Ages.
Crusader Kings III at a glance Released 2020 Studio Development Studio Player sentiment 90% positive of 143,235 Price $49.99 StrategyGrand StrategySimulationHistoricalSandboxRTSWarReal-Time with Pause
- 8
Age of History II
Why it matched: both war, historical and strategy; shares 10 player tags including Strategy, Historical and War.
Age of History II is a grand strategy wargame that is simple to learn yet hard to master.Your objective is to use military tactics and cunning diplomacy to either unify the world, or conquer it.Will the world bleed out or bow before you? The choice is yours..
Age of History II at a glance Released 2018 Studio Łukasz Jakowski Player sentiment 90% positive of 49,963 Price $5.99 StrategyHistoricalWarGrand StrategySimulationSandboxWorld War IIPolitics
- 9
Call of War: World War 2
Why it matched: both war, historical and strategy; shares 10 player tags including Strategy, World War II and War.
Take over the control of one of the mighty nations during the times of World War 2 in this persisting long-term strategy game. Conquer provinces, forge alliances and build up your economy in real-time. Research top secret weapons of World War 2 and become the one true superpower!
Call of War: World War 2 at a glance Released 2017 Studio Bytro Labs GmbH Player sentiment 71% positive of 6,372 Price Free StrategyWorld War IIWarGrand StrategyMilitarySimulationHistoricalRTS
- 10
Imperator: Rome
Why it matched: both war, historical and strategy; shares 9 player tags including Strategy, Grand Strategy and Simulation; published by the same company.
Dominate the classical Mediterranean in Imperator: Rome, a grand strategy game from Paradox Interactive. Navigate the dangerous waters of politics and diplomacy as you build up your provinces and conquer foreign lands. Now available with special content and the digital artbook.
Imperator: Rome at a glance Released 2019 Studio Paradox Development Studio Player sentiment 66% positive of 26,891 Price $39.99 StrategyGrand StrategySimulationHistoricalWarPoliticsReal-Time with PauseSandbox
- 11
Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition
Why it matched: both war, historical and strategy; shares 9 player tags including Strategy, Historical and Grand Strategy; released around the same time (2006).
Spanning the most turbulent era in Western history, your quest for territory and power takes you through Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and even onto the shores of the New World.
Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition at a glance Released 2006 Studio CREATIVE ASSEMBLY Player sentiment 96% positive of 36,357 Price $24.99 StrategyHistoricalGrand StrategyWarRTSMilitarySimulationSandbox
- 12
Men of War: Assault Squad 2
Why it matched: both war, historical, strategy and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Strategy, World War II and War.
Men of War: Assault Squad 2 expands the real-time tactics series with new skirmish missions, massive multiplayer battles, enhanced visuals, improved AI, and full Direct Control. Command five factions across 65 maps, 250 vehicles, and 200 soldiers in one of the most detailed WWII RTS experiences.
Men of War: Assault Squad 2 at a glance Released 2014 Studio Digitalmindsoft Player sentiment 91% positive of 46,631 Price $29.99 StrategyWorld War IIWarRTSSimulationMilitaryHistoricalDifficult
- 13
Company of Heroes 2
Why it matched: both war, historical and strategy; shares 9 player tags including Strategy, World War II and RTS; released around the same time (2013).
Experience the ultimate WWII RTS platform with COH2 and its standalone expansions. This package includes the base game, which you can then upgrade by purchasing The Western Front Armies, Ardennes Assault and/or The British Forces. More info in the "About This Game" section below.
Company of Heroes 2 at a glance Released 2013 Studio Relic Entertainment Player sentiment 79% positive of 113,085 Price $19.99 StrategyWorld War IIRTSWarHistoricalMilitaryReal-Time with PauseSimulation
- 14
Total War: THREE KINGDOMS
Why it matched: both war, historical and strategy; shares 9 player tags including Strategy, Historical and War.
Unite Ancient China under your rule through a thrilling blend of turn-based empire building and real-time battles. Use the Guanxi System and diplomacy to forge alliances, and build powerful armies with hundreds of unique infantry, cavalry and war machine units.
Total War: THREE KINGDOMS at a glance Released 2019 Studio CREATIVE ASSEMBLY Player sentiment 82% positive of 93,602 Price $39.99 StrategyHistoricalWarGrand StrategyRTSMilitaryGreat SoundtrackSimulation
- 15
Total War: NAPOLEON – Definitive Edition
Why it matched: both war, historical and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Strategy, Historical and Grand Strategy; released around the same time (2010).
Complete your Total War collection with this Definitive Edition of Total War: NAPOLEON, which includes all DLC and feature updates since the game’s release
Total War: NAPOLEON – Definitive Edition at a glance Released 2010 Studio CREATIVE ASSEMBLY Player sentiment 92% positive of 27,543 Price $24.99 StrategyHistoricalGrand StrategyWarRTSMilitarySimulationGreat Soundtrack
- 16
Men of War: Assault Squad
Why it matched: both war, historical and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Strategy, World War II and War; released around the same time (2011).
Men of War: Assault Squad delivers a deeply tactical WWII experience, blending large-scale strategy with intense, hands-on combat. Fight across multiple fronts – from European countryside to Pacific jungles and command every unit and every bullet on the battlefield.
Men of War: Assault Squad at a glance Released 2011 Studio Digitalmindsoft Player sentiment 87% positive of 5,176 Price $9.99 StrategyWorld War IIWarRTSMilitaryHistoricalSimulationSandbox
- 17
Wargame: European Escalation
Why it matched: both war, historical and strategy; shares 8 player tags including Strategy, RTS and Military; released around the same time (2012).
The New Fatal Error DLC includes a new 5-mission Operation and touch-screen controls.
Wargame: European Escalation at a glance Released 2012 Studio Eugen Systems Player sentiment 78% positive of 3,402 Price $9.99 StrategyRTSMilitaryWargameSimulationAlternate HistoryWarHistorical
- 18
Stronghold Crusader HD (2012)
Why it matched: both war, historical and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Military, War and Strategy; released around the same time (2013).
The highly anticipated sequel to the best-selling Stronghold, Stronghold Crusader HD throws you into historic battles and castle sieges from the Crusades with fiendish AI opponents, new units, 4 historical campaigns and over 100 unique skirmish missions.
Stronghold Crusader HD (2012) at a glance Released 2013 Studio Firefly Studios Player sentiment 97% positive of 21,059 Price $1.99 MilitaryWarStrategySandboxRTSHistoricalSimulation
- 19
Rome: Total War - Collection
Why it matched: both war, historical and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Strategy, Historical and RTS; released around the same time (2007).
Control and conquer the greatest empire ever known to man.
Rome: Total War - Collection at a glance Released 2007 Studio CREATIVE ASSEMBLY Player sentiment 95% positive of 16,717 Price Not listed StrategyHistoricalRTSGrand StrategyWarGreat SoundtrackSimulation
- 20
Company of Heroes
Why it matched: both war, historical and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Strategy, World War II and RTS; released around the same time (2006).
Delivering a visceral WWII gaming experience, Company of Heroes redefines RTS by bringing the sacrifice of heroic soldiers, war-ravaged environments, and dynamic battlefields to life. Please visit the "Company of Heroes - Legacy Edition" page for additional user reviews.
Company of Heroes at a glance Released 2006 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 94% positive of 18,707 Price $14.99 StrategyWorld War IIRTSWarMilitaryHistoricalGreat Soundtrack
- 21
Company of Heroes - Legacy Edition
Why it matched: both war, historical and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Strategy, World War II and RTS; released around the same time (2007).
Delivering a visceral WWII gaming experience, Company of Heroes redefines RTS by bringing the sacrifice of heroic soldiers, war-ravaged environments, and dynamic battlefields to life. This legacy version also grants access to the latest version of COH, just called "Company of Heroes".
Company of Heroes - Legacy Edition at a glance Released 2007 Studio Relic Entertainment Player sentiment 93% positive of 7,294 Price $36.99 StrategyWorld War IIRTSMilitaryWarHistoricalSimulation
- 22
Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts
Why it matched: both war, historical and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Strategy, RTS and World War II; released around the same time (2007).
The next chapter in the #1 rated RTS franchise thrusts players into a hellish war torn landscape to command two battle-hardened armies in relentless campaigns for honor and country. Players lead the tenacious British 2nd Army during the heroic World War II liberation of Caen, France, and command the German Panzer Elite as they struggle...
Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts at a glance Released 2007 Studio Relic Entertainment Player sentiment 92% positive of 1,205 Price $19.99 StrategyRTSWorld War IIMilitaryWarHistoricalSimulation
- 23
Total War: EMPIRE – Definitive Edition
Why it matched: both war, historical and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Strategy, Historical and Military; released around the same time (2009).
Command the seas, control the land, forge a new nation, and conquer the globe.
Total War: EMPIRE – Definitive Edition at a glance Released 2009 Studio CREATIVE ASSEMBLY Player sentiment 91% positive of 38,055 Price $24.99 StrategyHistoricalMilitaryGrand StrategyWarRTSGreat Soundtrack
- 24
Age of Empires III (2007)
Why it matched: both war, historical and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Strategy, RTS and Historical; released around the same time (2012).
Microsoft Studios brings you three epic Age of Empires III games in one monumental collection for the first time.
Age of Empires III (2007) at a glance Released 2012 Studio Ensemble Studios Player sentiment 91% positive of 32,254 Price Not listed StrategyRTSHistoricalWarSimulationMilitaryReal-Time with Pause
Common questions
What game is most like Hearts of Iron III?
Victoria II, on the evidence we have. It made by the same studio, Development Studio. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.
How is "similar to Hearts of Iron III" decided?
By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.
Are these ranked by quality?
No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with Hearts of Iron III. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.
What else did the makers of Hearts of Iron III do?
Victoria II, Europa Universalis III, Europa Universalis IV, Victoria 3, Crusader Kings II, Crusader Kings III are also from Development Studio, and appear in the list below for that reason as well as on tag overlap.
Do you get paid for these recommendations?
No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.