The best military RPGs, ranked

Military RPGs they have an electrifying appeal for many players. Throwing players head-on into battlefields, special operations and deadly combat, these games offer the chance to get caught up in the high-stakes action of modern warfare.

Military RPGs can offer everything from stunningly realistic military simulation experiences to story-driven tactical shooters. Among the games out there that fit into this hybrid genre, some titles stand out for both their immersive approach to military action and their engaging gameplay and character-building mechanics. The following games are classified based on these characteristics and 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 unfortunate and fictional island of Skira takes center stage in this tactical shooter. Following the 2008 financial crisis, Skira was taken over by China in an attempt to take advantage of the island's considerable oil supply. Unsurprisingly, it falls to the U.S. military to intervene, leading to a dangerous battle of wits and warfare on the island.

Emphasizing strategic thinking and a strong emphasis on modern, bloody military combat, The Rise of the Dragon is a great RPG for battlefield fans. With an effective multiplayer mode that emphasizes teamwork and tactics, the game is a dive into 21st century combat. While the island setting has attracted some criticism over the years for being relatively sparse and bleak, its minimalist design leaves room for gunplay and more open scenes, as well as providing a surprisingly eerie atmosphere.

5 Full spectrum warrior

A showcase of realistic and 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 command with two elite fireteams. For both teams to perform at their best in this real-time strategy setting, players must consistently be at their best in distributing the right orders to their team members. The main appeal of this gritty RPG lies in its remarkably realistic depictions of modern military tactics. Executing dangerous strategic maneuvers in real time adds high stakes and thought provoking for players to enjoy. Praised for its approach to strategy games, Full spectrum warrior it remains an intriguing and inspiring experience to this day.

At the time the game got into trouble due to its connections to the US military. Receiving some funding from the US Army due to its interest in how the game could potentially connect to training, the game was ultimately deemed to have no training potential. Regardless, it remains a compelling effort for regular players to experience.

4 Valkyrie Chronicles

An imaginative look at an alternate World War II-like world

This tactical epic takes players into a gripping alternate timeline modeled after war-torn Europe during World War II. A major critical success, the imaginative role-playing game initially struggled with sales, but has since developed a strong cult following.

Valkyrie Chroniclesit earned high praise for its distinctive watercolor-style graphics. For fans of military games, its tactical and immersive RPG mechanics are a delight, offering a surprisingly grounded combat experience despite its setting and visual aesthetic. Unleashing an entire series in its wake, this imaginative and visually mesmerizing effort is a one-of-a-kind gaming experience.

3 Jagged Alliance 2

Strategic gameplay meets the fight for freedom

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

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

The strong emphasis on strategic thinking ensures a more cerebral challenge for players to enjoy. By giving important orders to mercenaries, players must constantly outline the ideal tactics to advance. With an impressive, detailed world and remarkably intelligent enemies by the standards of the time, Jagged Alliance 2 it's a fascinating look at the now-retro thrills of '90s RPGs.

2 Division 2

A suspenseful and post-apocalyptic sequel

This gripping sequel takes players to a grim post-apocalyptic setting of Washington DC. The game tells of a world still shaken by the release of a deadly virus called Green Poison. As expected from a military-focused game, players can engage in tactical combat throughout the game, completing a variety of dangerous missions. By exploring the city and improving their character's skills and equipment, players experience an immersive role-playing experience that highlights the dangers of modern warfare.

With a fast-paced plot involving everything from a global contagion event to the disappearance of the president of the United States, Division 2 it remains intense and compelling throughout. Players unravel conspiracies and mysteries as they attempt to save the city from total destruction.

1 Arma3

An exciting and detailed military gaming experience

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

Despite the futuristic setting, the gameplay focuses on providing players with a gritty and realistic depiction of modern warfare. With its immersive, tactical action and extraordinarily vast world, Arma3 it's a revelation for those looking to engage in mid-game military role-playing. Often proving maddeningly difficult for new players, the game is relentless in providing a dangerous, high-stakes military experience, ensuring that exploring the massive world on offer is never a safe or easy feat.