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20 of the best games inspired on historical events

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Ignacio Weil

Gaming - October 2nd 2024, 16:30 GMT+2

About this gallery:

For this list, we decided to focus on historical games that you might not know about or haven't played yet. So, while some might be familiar, none are absurdly popular (no *Assassin's Creed* or classic *Call of Duty* here).

Also, this is an unranked list, as the gameplay styles and historical periods are so different that comparing them would be impossible. If you think we missed a game, why not mention it in the comments? | © Ubisoft Montpellier

Valiant Hearts: The Great War (2014)

Ah, *Valiant Hearts*, the game that makes you feel all the feelings while solving puzzles and dodging artillery fire. Set during World War I, this game is based on actual letters from the Great War, giving you a heartfelt look at the stories of soldiers and civilians alike. Spoiler alert: it’s going to tug at your heartstrings (and probably yank them a little). | © Ubisoft Montpellier

The Town of Light (2016)

Ever wanted to take a haunting stroll through a real-life Italian asylum? No? Well, *The Town of Light* takes you there anyway! Based on the true accounts of patients at Volterra Psychiatric Asylum, this game explores mental health in the early 20th century. It’s a dark but historically eye-opening experience—you might need a flashlight and a box of tissues. | © LKA

This War of Mine (2014)

*This War of Mine* is the ultimate test of your moral compass, based on the real-life Siege of Sarajevo. Forget about being the hero—this time, you're just trying to survive with whatever scraps you can find. It’s like *The Sims*, but everyone’s sad, hungry, and getting shot at. Definitely more depressing, but in the “important game” kind of way. | © 11 bit studios

Never Alone Kisima Ingitchuna — Never Alone (Kisima Ingitchuna) (2014)

A little girl, an arctic fox, and a whole lot of Alaskan culture—what could go wrong? *Never Alone* was made in collaboration with Alaska Native storytellers to share the Iñupiat people's folklore. It’s like watching a documentary, but instead of sitting still, you get to chase spirit helpers and jump over ice crevices. | © Upper One Games

1979 Revolution Black Friday — 1979 Revolution: Black Friday (2016)

Set during the Iranian Revolution, *1979 Revolution: Black Friday* lets you walk in the shoes of a photojournalist caught in the chaos. Who knew snapping photos could be this intense? It’s a history lesson mixed with political intrigue, and somehow, they’ve managed to make the terrifying look stylish. | © iNK Stories

Kholat (2015) - IMGN.PRO

Nothing like a good hiking trip gone horribly wrong! Kholat takes the eerie true story of the Dyatlov Pass incident and runs with it—straight into supernatural territory. If you’ve ever wanted to be in a "What happened here?" situation without the danger of frostbite, this is your chance. | © IMGN.PRO

Through the Darkest of Times (2020)

Set in 1933 Berlin, just as Hitler rises to power, *Through the Darkest of Times* follows a small group of resistance fighters. It’s a historical strategy game that offers an insight into the struggles of resisting the Nazis from within Germany, presenting the dangers faced by those who chose to fight fascism Through the Darkest of Times. | © Paintbucket Games

Attentat 1942 (2017)

Attentat 1942 brings you face-to-face with Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia in World War II. This interactive historical drama was made by real historians, so you’re getting the good stuff here—direct interviews and legit historical accuracy. Who knew learning could be so compelling (and occasionally terrifying)? | © Charles Games

L A Noire — L.A. Noire (2011)

L.A. Noire is like CSI for the 1940s, minus the lab coats and plus a lot more fedoras. Set in post-WWII Los Angeles, this detective thriller is inspired by real crime cases, complete with interrogations and clue-hunting. Put on your best “I’m suspicious of you” face, and go solve some crimes, gumshoe. | © Team Bondi/Rockstar Games

Cropped Brothers in Arms — Brothers in Arms series (2005 onwards)

World War II has been done a lot, but Brothers in Arms keeps it fresh by focusing on real-life paratrooper missions. You’re not just charging in guns blazing—this time, you have actual strategy and people to care about. It’s like a military history book, except you’re in the trenches and feeling the tension. | © Gearbox Software

The Saboteur (2009)

The Saboteur brings some “vin rouge” and explosives to Nazi-occupied Paris. Based loosely on the real story of William Grover-Williams, this game is about stealth, sabotage, and stylish resistance. It’s all black-and-white until you start liberating neighborhoods—because freedom looks better in color, obviously. | © Pandemic Studios

Verdun (2015)

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be stuck in the mud during World War I, Verdun has you covered—literally. This brutal, authentic shooter is all about the Battle of Verdun, with trench warfare that’ll have you counting your lucky stars you’re playing from a safe distance. | © M2H & Blackmill Games

Astrologaster (2019)

Astrologaster takes you back to 16th-century London, where unlicensed doctor Simon Forman was busy diagnosing patients based on the stars. Yes, it’s real history, and yes, it’s absurdly funny. Who knew astrology could cure… almost nothing? Play, laugh, and learn how ridiculous early medicine was. | © Nyamyam

My Memory of Us (2018)

Set during World War II, My Memory of Us tells a heartfelt story of friendship between a boy and girl in a divided city. Inspired by the horrors of the Holocaust, it’s a puzzle game that deals with heavy themes while also celebrating the resilience of people in dark times. | © Juggler Games

The Oregon Trail (1971)

Ah, *The Oregon Trail*, the game that taught a whole generation about the thrill of dysentery. It’s not just about guiding a wagon party westward—it's about managing your food supplies, fording rivers, and trying not to lose half your party to disease. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it was like to be a 19th-century pioneer, complete with questionable decision-making skills, this game is your history teacher in pixel form. | © MECC

My Child Lebensborn (2018)

*My Child Lebensborn* takes on the heavy task of depicting post-WWII Norway from the perspective of a child ostracized for their origins. You're tasked with caring for a Lebensborn child, and you’ll soon find out that dealing with bullies and lingering wartime stigma is no easy feat. It’s a powerful look at the consequences of war that will make you realize history is more than just dates—it’s about the people who lived through it, even if it means spending a little extra time explaining why your kid's lunch money went missing again. | © Sarepta Studio

11 11 Memories Retold — 11-11: Memories Retold (2018)

Set during World War I, *11-11: Memories Retold* is like taking a walk through an impressionist painting—with a side of trench warfare. The game tells the stories of two men on opposite sides of the conflict, and it doesn’t shy away from showing the emotional turmoil of war. If you ever wanted to get a firsthand view of World War I that feels more like art than a history lesson, this is your stop on the historical feels train. | © Aardman Animations, DigixArt

Darkest Hour A Hearts of Iron Game — Darkest Hour: A Hearts of Iron Game (2011)

Ever wanted to rewrite history? *Darkest Hour* gives you the keys to 20th-century geopolitics and says, "Go nuts." It covers everything from World War I to the Cold War, letting you lead nations through pivotal moments in history. Whether you’re trying to keep your country out of war or plunge it into global chaos, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the complexities of international relations—because history is hard, and balancing diplomacy with military ambitions is a lot trickier than it sounds. | © Paradox Interactive

Unity of Command II (2011)

*Unity of Command II* dives headfirst into the complexities of World War II logistics—and yes, logistics can actually be exciting! You get to plan campaigns, supply your troops, and outmaneuver your enemies. It turns out that winning a war is all about making sure you’ve got enough bread and bullets to go around, and this game captures the strategic balancing act of keeping everything running smoothly while also avoiding getting stuck in the mud. | © 2x2 Games

Kingdom Come Deliverance — Kingdom Come: Deliverance (2018)

If you’ve ever wondered what medieval Bohemia was like without the dragons and magic, *Kingdom Come: Deliverance* is here to give you a brutally realistic answer. You play as a regular guy—no fancy titles, no prophecy—just trying to survive a civil war and avenge your parents. Its history served straight, with a side of mead and a lot of mud. The game’s dedication to historical accuracy is impressive, from sword-fighting mechanics to the portrayal of 15th-century life—turns out medieval times were less "knights in shining armor" and more "please don’t let me get dysentery." | © Warhorse Studios

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History isn't just confined to dusty textbooks—sometimes, it comes alive in the most interactive and entertaining ways. Video games have a unique ability to transport us to different eras, allowing us to experience historical events firsthand, from the battlefields of World War I to the streets of medieval Bohemia.

In this article, we've compiled 20 of the best games inspired by real historical events, each one offering a captivating journey into the past. Whether you're looking to command troops, uncover hidden stories, or just feel what life was like in another time, these games let you dive into history like never before.

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History isn't just confined to dusty textbooks—sometimes, it comes alive in the most interactive and entertaining ways. Video games have a unique ability to transport us to different eras, allowing us to experience historical events firsthand, from the battlefields of World War I to the streets of medieval Bohemia.

In this article, we've compiled 20 of the best games inspired by real historical events, each one offering a captivating journey into the past. Whether you're looking to command troops, uncover hidden stories, or just feel what life was like in another time, these games let you dive into history like never before.