Hex based games sorted by release date
Many old turn-based wargames took place on a map represented with identical hexagons. These hex-based games are not common these days (Civilization V is a rare exception), but were well known to C64, DOS PC and Spectrum owners.
Most popular hex based games
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The Battle of the Bulge: Tigers in the Snow
DOS1982protected Tactical Design Group
Battle for Normandy
DOS1983protected Tactical Design Group
Released in 1983, Battle for Normandy plays less like a game and more like a history book that came alive, donned a helmet, and asked for a coffee. This is wargaming at its purest: grid maps, unit stats, and more abbreviations tha...
Battle of Antietam
DOS1985protected SSI Strategic Simulations Inc.
Civil War buffs, rejoice. Battle of Antietam (1985) lets you relive one of the bloodiest days in American history... via pixelated dots and turn-based tension. There’s no flash here—just raw, old-school strategy where ...
Crusade in Europe
DOS1985 MicroProse Software
Crusade in Europe is a detailed World War II strategy game that lets you take command of the Allied or Axis forces during some of the war’s most famous campaigns. It’s not about flashy graphics or explosive sound&mdash...
Decision in the Desert
DOS1985 MicroProse Software
Before Gettysburg, there was Decision in the Desert (1985), which simulates WWII’s North African campaign. Expect hex maps, endless sand, and the occasional tank battle that feels like a chess match with explosions. SSI&rsqu...
Operation Market Garden
DOS1985protected SSI Strategic Simulations Inc.
Conflict in Vietnam
DOS1986 MicroProse Software
This one's not for the faint of heart. Conflict in Vietnam tries to simulate the complexity and chaos of guerrilla warfare in a game where every click can cost lives. The graphics are minimal, the tension maximal. Logistics, terra...
Desert Rats
DOS1986 Cases Computer Simulations
Released in 1986, Desert Rats is a strategy game that puts you in charge of the North African campaign of World War II. Don’t let the cute title fool you—there are no actual rodents wearing goggles, just tanks, supply ...
Ogre
DOS1986 Origin Systems
Patton vs. Rommel
DOS1987 Electronic Arts
Roadwar 2000
DOS1987protected SSI Strategic Simulations Inc.
Roadwar Europa
DOS1987protected SSI Strategic Simulations Inc.
The Civil War
DOS1987 Avalon Hill
Decisive Battles of the American Civil War: Vol. 1
DOS1988 SSG Strategic Studies Group
Released in 1988, Decisive Battles of the American Civil War: Vol. 1 is as straightforward as its title. You get historical accuracy, a serious strategy engine, and about as many graphical flourishes as a tax form. Yet the depth i...
Firezone
DOS1988 Arcadia Systems
Nobunaga's Ambition
DOS1988 KOEI
Bandit Kings of Ancient China
DOS1989 KOEI
Based on a classic Chinese novel, Bandit Kings of Ancient China combines strategy, RPG elements, and about 800 names you’ll never remember. You play one of 108 outlaws trying to overthrow a corrupt regime — think Roman...
Decisive Battles of the American Civil War: Vol. 2
DOS1989 SSG Strategic Studies Group
By 1989, SSI doubled down with Vol. 2, offering more battles, more maps, and the same demanding mechanics. If you enjoyed the first, you’ll feel right at home; if you didn’t, this won’t change your mind. The seri...
Nobunaga's Ambition 2
DOS1989 KOEI
Blitzkrieg: Battle at the Ardennes
DOS1990 Command Simulations
In Blitzkrieg: Battle at the Ardennes, you’re not just playing a wargame — you’re being handed a clipboard, a stack of orders, and a freezing cold battlefield in 1944. This 1990 DOS title lets you relive one of W...
Decision at Gettysburg
DOS1990 TigLon Software
If adrenaline-fueled car chases aren’t your thing, maybe meticulous Civil War simulations are. Decision at Gettysburg (1990) is a detailed, turn-based strategy game that lets you relive one of America’s most famous bat...
MacArthur's War
DOS1990 SSG Strategic Studies Group
Panzer Battles
DOS1990 SSG Strategic Studies Group
Battle Isle
DOS1991protected Blue Byte Software
Turns out war is a lot tidier when it’s turn-based. Battle Isle (1991) gives you neat little hexagons to move your units on, like a very angry board game. It’s got strategy, sci-fi flair, and just enough AI ruthlessnes...
L'Empereur
DOS1991 KOEI
La Grande Armee
DOS1991 SDJ Enterprises
The Perfect General
DOS1991 White Wolf Productions
The Perfect General is a turn-based strategy military game developed by White Wolf Productions and released in 1991 by Quantun Quality Production. The Perfect General gameplay is quite simple compared to other wargames, but it's b...
V for Victory: D-day Utah Beach
DOS1991protected Atomic Games
A Line in the Sand
DOS1992protected SSI Strategic Simulations Inc.
A Line in the Sand (1992) is what happens when a board game about modern Middle Eastern warfare gets turned into a DOS strategy title with all the subtlety of a cold war memo. You command military forces in a region that is perpet...