Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality

24 games like Hearts of Iron III (2026)

Recomputed 19 October 2026 · Ordered by overlap, not by score · Free to read, nothing here is paid for

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 games like Hearts of Iron III on a map

Compare the whole catalogue

The same 24 games, plotted rather than listed. The two axes below are the ones the ranking is built from, so a game sitting high and right is a game the formula placed near the top. Change either axis to see the field a different way. Where we hold a publisher wordmark, the game is drawn as its mark rather than a dot.

Horizontal

Vertical

Platform

24 games have both

Axes are fitted to these 24 games rather than the full 0 to 100 scale, because a filtered list shares a narrow band and would otherwise sit in one corner. End values are marked. A point on the left edge is the lowest of thesegames, not a low score.

Players. The share of Steam reviews marked positive, pulled toward the catalogue average in proportion to how few reviews stand behind it. A game with 200 reviews moves a long way toward the average; one with 200,000 barely moves at all. Without this a title sitting at 100 percent on nine reviews outranks Half-Life 2 at 98 percent on 278,000.

Popularity. A blend of two things that are not the same. Audience is how many people wrote a Steam review, which is a floor on how many played it. Reach is how many language editions of Wikipedia document the game, which is cultural footprint rather than sales. A game can score high on one and low on the other: a huge free-to-play title has audience without reach, and a landmark console exclusive has reach without a Steam audience at all. Where both exist they are averaged; where only one does, that one carries it.

Mobile
Multi-platform
PC

Every point links to that game's entry. The value map and the reception map are fixed views of the same data.

How positions are decided

No paid placement, no favouritism, live third-party data

Placed by the published method, not by us. Every coordinate is computed from the axis definitions and weights printed on this site. Nobody moves a point. See the axes.
Nothing here is paid for. No sponsored placements, no promoted slots, no arrangement of any kind affects a position. If that ever changes it will be labelled and sit outside the ranking.
No favouritism, including our own. The 16 games we have written full reviews of are scored by exactly the same formula as the other 1,510, from the same third-party inputs, and they land where it puts them. Our own opinion of a game does not enter its coordinates.
A position is not an endorsement. It says how a game was received and what it costs, not that we recommend it. Where we do recommend something, it carries a written review with a name on it.
Fetched from live third-party data. Player sentiment from Steam, critic aggregates as published on store pages, prices checked hourly, attention from Wikipedia. Each figure carries its source and the date it was read, and we do not adjust any of them.

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.

Why players value Hearts of Iron III

The five things Steam players tag Hearts of Iron III with most. This is the yardstick every game below is measured against: the closer a game matches these, the more it is likely to scratch the same itch.

Grand Strategy
Strategy
World War II
Historical
Simulation

Hearts of Iron III at a glance
Reception	Mostly Positive on Steam (76% of 6,081)
Watch-outs	players report crashes and freezes, will not launch or install
Price	$9.99

Tags, sentiment and reported problems come from Steam players; the story line is from Wikipedia. We do not add a written opinion of our own.

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 open world, 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
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.7/10 · Steam: Very Positive (92% of 20,016)
Matches Hearts of Iron III on: 4 of 5 — Grand Strategy, Strategy, Historical, Simulation
Why players like it: Grand Strategy, Strategy, Historical, Political Sim, Politics — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Hearts of Iron III: $19.99 — $10.00 pricier
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with Hearts of Iron III:Grand StrategyStrategyHistoricalPoliticsSimulationReal-Time with PauseMilitaryWorld War I
Full entry Games like this one Store page
2
Europa Universalis III
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Development Studio; both open world, 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
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.2/10 · Steam: Very Positive (83% of 2,001)
Matches Hearts of Iron III on: 4 of 5 — Grand Strategy, Strategy, Historical, Simulation
Why players like it: Grand Strategy, Strategy, Historical, Political Sim, Real-Time with Pause — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Hearts of Iron III: $14.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with Hearts of Iron III:Grand StrategyStrategyHistoricalReal-Time with PauseSandboxSimulationRTSWar
Full entry Games like this one Store page
3
Hearts of Iron IV
Why it matched: both open world, 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
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.4/10 · Steam: Very Positive (90% of 375,658)
Matches Hearts of Iron III on: 5 of 5 — Grand Strategy, Strategy, World War II, Historical, Simulation
Why players like it: Strategy, World War II, Grand Strategy, War, Historical — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Hearts of Iron III: $49.99 — $40.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Hearts of Iron III:StrategyWorld War IIGrand StrategyWarHistoricalMilitaryAlternate HistorySimulation
Full entry Games like this one Store page
4
Europa Universalis IV
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Development Studio; both open world, 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
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: Very Positive (88% of 137,275)
Matches Hearts of Iron III on: 4 of 5 — Grand Strategy, Strategy, Historical, Simulation
Why players like it: Grand Strategy, Strategy, Historical, Simulation, 4X — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Hearts of Iron III: $49.99 — $40.00 pricier
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with Hearts of Iron III:Grand StrategyStrategyHistoricalSimulationAlternate HistoryMilitaryWargameSandbox
Full entry Games like this one Store page
5
Victoria 3
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Development Studio; both open world, 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
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.3/10 · Steam: Mostly Positive (70% of 60,969)
Matches Hearts of Iron III on: 4 of 5 — Grand Strategy, Strategy, Historical, Simulation
Why players like it: Grand Strategy, Economy, Historical, Political Sim, Strategy — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Hearts of Iron III: $49.99 — $40.00 pricier
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes, performance and stutter (details)
Shared with Hearts of Iron III:Grand StrategyHistoricalStrategyPoliticsSimulationAlternate HistoryReal-Time with PauseSandbox
Full entry Games like this one Store page
6
Crusader Kings II
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Development Studio; both open world, 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
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: Very Positive (91% of 73,903)
Matches Hearts of Iron III on: 4 of 5 — Grand Strategy, Strategy, Historical, Simulation
Why players like it: Grand Strategy, Strategy, Medieval, Historical, Political Sim — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Hearts of Iron III: Free — free
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Hearts of Iron III:Grand StrategyStrategyHistoricalSimulationSandboxPoliticsReal-Time with PauseRTS
Full entry Games like this one Store page
7
Crusader Kings III
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Development Studio; both open world, 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
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.1/10 · Steam: Very Positive (90% of 143,235)
Matches Hearts of Iron III on: 4 of 5 — Grand Strategy, Strategy, Historical, Simulation
Why players like it: Strategy, Medieval, Grand Strategy, Simulation, RPG — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Hearts of Iron III: $49.99 — $40.00 pricier
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with Hearts of Iron III:StrategyGrand StrategySimulationHistoricalSandboxRTSWarReal-Time with Pause
Full entry Games like this one Store page
8
Age of History II
Why it matched: both open world, 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
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.9/10 · Steam: Very Positive (90% of 49,963)
Matches Hearts of Iron III on: 5 of 5 — Grand Strategy, Strategy, World War II, Historical, Simulation
Why players like it: Strategy, Historical, War, Grand Strategy, Turn-Based Strategy — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Hearts of Iron III: $5.99 — $4.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Hearts of Iron III:StrategyHistoricalWarGrand StrategySimulationSandboxWorld War IIPolitics
Full entry Games like this one Store page
9
Imperator: Rome
Why it matched: both open world, 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
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.5/10 · Steam: Mixed (66% of 26,891)
Matches Hearts of Iron III on: 4 of 5 — Grand Strategy, Strategy, Historical, Simulation
Why players like it: Strategy, Grand Strategy, Simulation, Rome, Historical — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Hearts of Iron III: $39.99 — $30.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Hearts of Iron III:StrategyGrand StrategySimulationHistoricalWarPoliticsReal-Time with PauseSandbox
Full entry Games like this one Store page
10
Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition
Why it matched: both open world, 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
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.2/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (96% of 36,357)
Matches Hearts of Iron III on: 4 of 5 — Grand Strategy, Strategy, Historical, Simulation
Why players like it: Strategy, Medieval, Historical, Turn-Based Strategy, Grand Strategy — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Hearts of Iron III: $24.99 — $15.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Hearts of Iron III:StrategyHistoricalGrand StrategyWarRTSMilitarySimulationSandbox
Full entry Games like this one Store page
11
Total War: THREE KINGDOMS
Why it matched: both open world, 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
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.7/10 · Steam: Very Positive (82% of 93,602)
Matches Hearts of Iron III on: 4 of 5 — Grand Strategy, Strategy, Historical, Simulation
Why players like it: Strategy, Historical, War, Turn-Based Strategy, Grand Strategy — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Hearts of Iron III: $39.99 — $30.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Hearts of Iron III:StrategyHistoricalWarGrand StrategyRTSMilitaryGreat SoundtrackSimulation
Full entry Games like this one Store page
12
Men of War: Assault Squad
Why it matched: both open world, 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
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.3/10 · Steam: Very Positive (87% of 5,176)
Matches Hearts of Iron III on: 4 of 5 — Strategy, World War II, Historical, Simulation
Why players like it: Strategy, World War II, War, Tactical, RTS — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Hearts of Iron III: $9.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Hearts of Iron III:StrategyWorld War IIWarRTSMilitaryHistoricalSimulationSandbox
Full entry Games like this one Store page
13
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
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.2/10 · Steam: Mostly Positive (71% of 6,372)
Matches Hearts of Iron III on: 5 of 5 — Grand Strategy, Strategy, World War II, Historical, Simulation
Why players like it: Strategy, Free to Play, World War II, War, Grand Strategy — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Hearts of Iron III: Free — free
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Hearts of Iron III:StrategyWorld War IIWarGrand StrategyMilitarySimulationHistoricalRTS
Full entry Games like this one Store page
14
Stronghold Crusader HD (2012)
Why it matched: both open world, 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
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.1/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (97% of 21,059)
Matches Hearts of Iron III on: 3 of 5 — Strategy, Historical, Simulation
Why players like it: Military, City Builder, Real Time Tactics, Medieval, Colony Sim — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Hearts of Iron III: $1.99 — $8.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Hearts of Iron III:MilitaryWarStrategySandboxRTSHistoricalSimulation
Full entry Games like this one Store page
15
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
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.7/10 · Steam: Very Positive (91% of 46,631)
Matches Hearts of Iron III on: 4 of 5 — Strategy, World War II, Historical, Simulation
Why players like it: Strategy, World War II, War, RTS, Simulation — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Hearts of Iron III: $29.99 — $20.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Hearts of Iron III:StrategyWorld War IIWarRTSSimulationMilitaryHistoricalDifficult
Full entry Games like this one Store page
16
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
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.5/10 · Steam: Mostly Positive (79% of 113,085)
Matches Hearts of Iron III on: 4 of 5 — Strategy, World War II, Historical, Simulation
Why players like it: Strategy, World War II, RTS, Multiplayer, Tactical — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Hearts of Iron III: $19.99 — $10.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Hearts of Iron III:StrategyWorld War IIRTSWarHistoricalMilitaryReal-Time with PauseSimulation
Full entry Games like this one Store page
17
Iron Front: Digital War Edition
Why it matched: both open world, war, historical and strategy; shares 7 player tags including World War II, War and Military; released around the same time (2012).
Command your own troops, man authentic weaponry and take to the sky in deadly warplanes.
Iron Front: Digital War Edition at a glance
Released 2012 Studio X1 Software
Player sentiment 59% positive of 869 Price $14.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 5.4/10 · Steam: Mixed (59% of 869)
Matches Hearts of Iron III on: 4 of 5 — Strategy, World War II, Historical, Simulation
Why players like it: World War II, War, Military, Tanks, First-Person — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Hearts of Iron III: $14.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Hearts of Iron III:World War IIWarMilitarySimulationStrategyHistoricalSandbox
Full entry Games like this one Store page
18
Age of Empires III (2007)
Why it matched: both open world, 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
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.9/10 · Steam: Very Positive (91% of 32,254)
Matches Hearts of Iron III on: 3 of 5 — Strategy, Historical, Simulation
Why players like it: Strategy, RTS, Base-Building, Multiplayer, Historical — the tags Steam players apply most
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Hearts of Iron III:StrategyRTSHistoricalWarSimulationMilitaryReal-Time with Pause
Full entry Games like this one Store page
19
Mount & Blade: Warband
Why it matched: both open world, war, historical and strategy; shares 5 player tags including Strategy, Sandbox and Military; published by the same company; released around the same time (2010).
In a land torn asunder by incessant warfare, it is time to assemble your own band of hardened warriors and enter the fray. Lead your men into battle, expand your realm, and claim the ultimate prize: the throne of Calradia!
Mount & Blade: Warband at a glance
Released 2010 Studio TaleWorlds
Player sentiment 98% positive of 172,005 Price $19.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.2/10 · Steam: Overwhelmingly Positive (98% of 172,005)
Matches Hearts of Iron III on: 3 of 5 — Strategy, Historical, Simulation
Why players like it: Medieval, RPG, Open World, Strategy, Sandbox — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Hearts of Iron III: $19.99 — $10.00 pricier
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with Hearts of Iron III:StrategySandboxMilitaryHistoricalSimulation
Full entry Games like this one Store page
20
Arma 2: Operation Arrowhead
Why it matched: both open world, war, strategy and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Simulation, Military and Strategy; released around the same time (2010).
Three years after the conflict in Chernarus, portrayed in the original Arma 2, a new flashpoint explodes in the Green Sea Region. Coalition forces led by the US Army are deployed to Takistan to quickly restore peace and prevent further civilian casualties.
Arma 2: Operation Arrowhead at a glance
Released 2010 Studio Bohemia Interactive
Player sentiment 92% positive of 22,247 Price $3.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.7/10 · Steam: Very Positive (92% of 22,247)
Matches Hearts of Iron III on: 2 of 5 — Strategy, Simulation
Why players like it: Simulation, Military, Action, Multiplayer, Tactical — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Hearts of Iron III: $3.99 — $6.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Hearts of Iron III:SimulationMilitaryStrategyWarSandboxDifficult
Full entry Games like this one Store page
21
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
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.9/10 · Steam: Very Positive (92% of 27,543)
Matches Hearts of Iron III on: 4 of 5 — Grand Strategy, Strategy, Historical, Simulation
Why players like it: Strategy, Historical, Grand Strategy, War, Turn-Based Strategy — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Hearts of Iron III: $24.99 — $15.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Hearts of Iron III:StrategyHistoricalGrand StrategyWarRTSMilitarySimulationGreat Soundtrack
Full entry Games like this one Store page
22
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
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.9/10 · Steam: Mostly Positive (78% of 3,402)
Matches Hearts of Iron III on: 3 of 5 — Strategy, Historical, Simulation
Why players like it: Strategy, RTS, Military, Cold War, Wargame — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Hearts of Iron III: $9.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Hearts of Iron III:StrategyRTSMilitaryWargameSimulationAlternate HistoryWarHistorical
Full entry Games like this one Store page
23
HUMANKIND
Why it matched: both open world, war, historical and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Strategy, Historical and Grand Strategy.
Rewrite history by shaping a civilization as unique as you are. Combine 60 cultures from the Ancient Era to the Modern Age to lead your empire to victory. Build thriving cities, outsmart rivals in epic battles, spread your influence and leave your mark on HUMANKIND™.
HUMANKIND at a glance
Released 2021 Studio AMPLITUDE Studios
Player sentiment 69% positive of 28,708 Price $4.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 6.4/10 · Steam: Mixed (69% of 28,708)
Matches Hearts of Iron III on: 4 of 5 — Grand Strategy, Strategy, Historical, Simulation
Why players like it: Strategy, Turn-Based Strategy, 4X, Multiplayer, City Builder — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Hearts of Iron III: $4.99 — $5.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Hearts of Iron III:StrategyHistoricalGrand StrategyWarSimulationAlternate HistoryGreat Soundtrack
Full entry Games like this one Store page
24
Halo Wars
Why it matched: both open world, war and strategy; shares 7 player tags including Strategy, RTS and War; released around the same time (2009).
Halo Wars: Definitive Edition is an enhanced version of the real-time strategy classic, Halo Wars, updated to run natively on PC. Halo Wars: Definitive Edition includes improved graphics, new achievements and all of the DLC created for the landmark real-time strategy game.
Halo Wars at a glance
Released 2009 Studio Not recorded
Player sentiment 91% positive of 9,517 Price $19.99
Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.5/10 · Steam: Very Positive (91% of 9,517)
Matches Hearts of Iron III on: 2 of 5 — Strategy, Simulation
Why players like it: Strategy, RTS, Base-Building, Multiplayer, Singleplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Hearts of Iron III: $19.99 — $10.00 pricier
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with Hearts of Iron III:StrategyRTSWarMilitarySimulationGreat SoundtrackSandbox
Full entry Games like this one Store page

Victoria II at a glance
Released	2010	Studio	Development Studio
Player sentiment	92% positive of 20,016	Price	$19.99

Europa Universalis III at a glance
Released	2007	Studio	Development Studio
Player sentiment	83% positive of 2,001	Price	$14.99

Hearts of Iron IV at a glance
Released	2016	Studio	Paradox Development Studio
Player sentiment	90% positive of 375,658	Price	$49.99

Europa Universalis IV at a glance
Released	2013	Studio	Development Studio
Player sentiment	88% positive of 137,275	Price	$49.99

Victoria 3 at a glance
Released	2022	Studio	Development Studio
Player sentiment	70% positive of 60,969	Price	$49.99

Crusader Kings II at a glance
Released	2012	Studio	Development Studio
Player sentiment	91% positive of 73,903	Price	Free

Crusader Kings III at a glance
Released	2020	Studio	Development Studio
Player sentiment	90% positive of 143,235	Price	$49.99

Age of History II at a glance
Released	2018	Studio	Łukasz Jakowski
Player sentiment	90% positive of 49,963	Price	$5.99

Imperator: Rome at a glance
Released	2019	Studio	Paradox Development Studio
Player sentiment	66% positive of 26,891	Price	$39.99

Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition at a glance
Released	2006	Studio	CREATIVE ASSEMBLY
Player sentiment	96% positive of 36,357	Price	$24.99

Total War: THREE KINGDOMS at a glance
Released	2019	Studio	CREATIVE ASSEMBLY
Player sentiment	82% positive of 93,602	Price	$39.99

Men of War: Assault Squad at a glance
Released	2011	Studio	Digitalmindsoft
Player sentiment	87% positive of 5,176	Price	$9.99

Call of War: World War 2 at a glance
Released	2017	Studio	Bytro Labs GmbH
Player sentiment	71% positive of 6,372	Price	Free

Stronghold Crusader HD (2012) at a glance
Released	2013	Studio	Firefly Studios
Player sentiment	97% positive of 21,059	Price	$1.99

Men of War: Assault Squad 2 at a glance
Released	2014	Studio	Digitalmindsoft
Player sentiment	91% positive of 46,631	Price	$29.99

Company of Heroes 2 at a glance
Released	2013	Studio	Relic Entertainment
Player sentiment	79% positive of 113,085	Price	$19.99

Iron Front: Digital War Edition at a glance
Released	2012	Studio	X1 Software
Player sentiment	59% positive of 869	Price	$14.99

Age of Empires III (2007) at a glance
Released	2012	Studio	Ensemble Studios
Player sentiment	91% positive of 32,254	Price	Not listed

Mount & Blade: Warband at a glance
Released	2010	Studio	TaleWorlds
Player sentiment	98% positive of 172,005	Price	$19.99

Arma 2: Operation Arrowhead at a glance
Released	2010	Studio	Bohemia Interactive
Player sentiment	92% positive of 22,247	Price	$3.99

Total War: NAPOLEON – Definitive Edition at a glance
Released	2010	Studio	CREATIVE ASSEMBLY
Player sentiment	92% positive of 27,543	Price	$24.99

Wargame: European Escalation at a glance
Released	2012	Studio	Eugen Systems
Player sentiment	78% positive of 3,402	Price	$9.99

HUMANKIND at a glance
Released	2021	Studio	AMPLITUDE Studios
Player sentiment	69% positive of 28,708	Price	$4.99

Halo Wars at a glance
Released	2009	Studio	Not recorded
Player sentiment	91% positive of 9,517	Price	$19.99

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.

More on Hearts of Iron III

Hearts of Iron III: the full recordPrice, platforms, accessibility and what players report going wrong Best PC gamesRanked by the GamingPickz Score