Best online hex-based wargames?

The Game Room
1

As a kid I played a fair amount of hex-based wargames with paper chits as units and dice rolls to resolve battles. I know there are many games out there that are somewhat like this, but I’m looking for ones that approximate the feel and gameplay of the ones I used to like–the Avalon Hill games and so on. Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. That kind of thing.

Can anyone recommend good games/sites?

I’m NOT interested in games like Civ–love that game, but it’s not the same kind of experience. No RTS need apply. Either PvP or computer opponent is fine.

Thank you!

2

Not sure if fantasy is your cup of tea, but Battle for Wesnoth is turn-based tactics on a hex map and it is free.

3

Matrix Games specializes in the kind of games you describe. I’ve never actually played any of their games, so I can’t really recommend one.

4

There’s HexWar.

5

There are a number of “simulators” that let you play the original games online; the biggest one is probably Vassal.

The only problem is, in most cases, you need a copy of the game as they do not come with the rules or necessary charts.

6

Seconded. It comes with a diverse range of scenarios, of various difficulty levels. It’s one of those games I keep around because I know there’ll always be a point where I’ll enjoy going back to replay one or other scenario.

7

I’m also a Wesnoth fan although l must admit some of the campaigns are too hard for me. The OP should certainly give it a try.

8

And if fantasy is a deal breaker you could try Panzer General Forever. I really enjoyed the WWI campaigns

9

I have been looking for the type of games the OP is asking for, on an off for years, without any success. :frowning:

10

If you have people to play with, you might want to take a look at VASSAL. It’s a sort of boardgame engine. It’s not pretty or particularly easy to use, but there are tons and tons of modules for classic wargames available and is completely free. And on the more modern side of things there’s Tabletop Simulator, which is much more tactile and user friendly experience, but doesn’t automate any rules and has fewer wargaming modules available. Both are really only worthwhile if you already know people to play with, however.

11

Thanks for the tips, all.

12

If you’d also consider console or computer software, consider Koei games such as L’Empereur which include tactical hex-based wargaming along with non-hex grand strategy.

13

I’m a long time hex-based gamer as well, and found the Unity of Command series to be pretty good (http://unityofcommand.net/). I think it’s strictly east front, but the gameplay should be very familiar to you.

14

I definitely would! Thank you. I used “online” as a lazy substitute for “computer-based whether online or computer-based.” My consoles are old and I wouldn’t upgrade just for this purpose, though.

15

The Operational Art of War IV is in the works. I’m hoping the very slow trend of wargames giving nods to the preferences of modern gamers continues (like selling games on Steam, and having an interface that doesn’t look like it was made for Windows 3.1). TOAW III had a lot to like, but included some seriously opaque mechanics, and the true grognards (cough dorks) would rather the TO&Es be accurate down to the last mortar tube than to abstract anything away in the interest of user friendliness.

I may eventually get around to Grigsby WITW, which looks interesting, but its current price sucks.

16

I’ve never played it but Battleground Waterloo has a massive following.

Civil War Generals 2: Grant, Lee Sherman is great.