The 5 Best Milsim Games You Can Play Right Now

Military simulation games, commonly known as milsims, aim to replicate the intensity, strategy, and realism of real-world warfare. Whether it's the methodical pace of tactical shooters or the sprawling battlegrounds of WWII-era combat, the best milsim games provide players with an unmatched sense of immersion.

Here are the five best milsim games that are dominating the genre right now.

1. Arma Reforger – A Modern Reimagining of the Classic

The Arma Reforger Logo

Arma Reforger is Bohemia Interactive’s latest evolution of the legendary Arma franchise. Set during the Cold War, Arma Reforger strips away some of Arma 3’s notorious complexity while maintaining the franchise’s focus on realism and tactical depth. With lush countryside maps, strategic objectives, and Cold War-era gear, it delivers an immersive sandbox battlefield experience that both new and veteran players can enjoy.

What sets Arma Reforger apart is its accessibility. While older titles like Arma 3 could feel daunting due to their steep learning curves and overwhelming controls, Arma Reforger introduces quality-of-life upgrades that streamline gameplay without sacrificing authenticity. Its support for modding—on both PC and Xbox—is a game-changer, opening up custom campaigns, factions, and even Star Wars-themed servers.

It’s a perfect entry point into the world of the best milsim games, especially with the anticipation of Arma 4 on the horizon, which will build on Arma Reforger’s core systems.

2. Squad – Tactical Coordination at Its Finest

The Squad Logo

Squad is the gold standard for modern infantry-based milsims. Built as a spiritual successor to the Battlefield 2 mod Project Reality, Squad emphasizes teamwork, communication, and strategy above all else. Matches feature up to 100 players divided into squads over 2 teams, each with distinct roles and objectives.

Squad’s beauty lies in its layered complexity. From transporting supplies to building forward operating bases, every decision impacts the tide of battle. It's not a game for lone wolves—success hinges on cohesive teamwork, smart planning, and clear communication. The authentic sound design, realistic ballistics, and player-driven objectives make it one of the most immersive titles in the genre.

With a thriving modding community, Squad extends far beyond modern warfare. Mods like “Galactic Contention” transform it into a Star Wars battlefield, proving it’s not just one of the best milsim games—it's one of the most versatile.

3. Hell Let Loose – World War II Like You’ve Never Played

The Hell Let Loose Logo

Hell Let Loose takes players to the brutal and chaotic frontlines of World War II with massive 50v50 battles. Its highly detailed environments, combined with realistic weapon behavior and a dynamic frontline system, create an incredibly immersive experience. From Normandy beaches to the snowy forests of the Ardennes, Hell Let Loose feels like stepping into a documentary.

While it may not have the modding scale of Arma or Squad, Hell Let Loose makes up for it with brutal authenticity. Artillery strikes shake the ground, gunshots echo with terrifying realism, and death is swift. It’s not about your kill/death ratio—it’s about surviving and helping your team push the line forward.

The learning curve is gentle compared to more complex titles, making it a great gateway for newcomers. For players who want a visceral, historically rich shooter without the technical micromanagement, Hell Let Loose remains one of the best milsim games available today.

4. Insurgency: Sandstorm – Tactical Combat in Tight Quarters

The Insurgency: Sandstorm Logo

For players looking for a more compact but equally intense milsim experience, Insurgency: Sandstorm delivers. Unlike the sprawling maps of Arma or Hell Let Loose, Insurgency: Sandstorm’s urban firefights are intimate, fast-paced, and deadly serious. With limited HUD, realistic recoil, and time-to-kill measured in milliseconds, the game rewards patience, precision, and tactical positioning.

Despite its relatively smaller scope (maps typically accommodate 28 players), Insurgency: Sandstorm excels in capturing the tension and chaos of modern warfare. The PVE co-op mode, where squads battle AI enemies across challenging scenarios, is a standout feature and a favorite among veterans.

Insurgency: Sandstorm also offers a robust modding system, VR support, and console availability—making it one of the most accessible entries among the best milsim games today. It’s an ideal stepping stone for players transitioning from casual FPS to more hardcore simulations.

5. War Thunder – Combined Arms Warfare at its Best

A War Thunder Logo

When it comes to military simulation games that span land, air, and sea, few titles offer the sheer scope and authenticity of War Thunder. Developed by Gaijin Entertainment, War Thunder is a free-to-play combat simulator that delivers large-scale battles using meticulously recreated tanks, aircraft, and naval vessels from multiple eras—from World War II to the modern day.

Unlike many milsim titles that focus purely on infantry combat, War Thunder excels in offering a combined arms experience. Whether you're dogfighting in a MiG-21 at 30,000 feet, commanding a Leopard 2 tank through urban combat zones, or engaging in naval skirmishes with destroyers, the depth and diversity of vehicles make every match a strategic puzzle.

The game's Realistic and Simulator battle modes strip away arcade features like aim assists and HUD indicators, creating a truly immersive and challenging environment. Ballistics, armor penetration, flight physics, and even engine performance are all modeled with painstaking accuracy. This attention to detail is exactly what makes War Thunder one of the best milsim games currently available.

War Thunder’s constant updates, new vehicles, and tech trees from nations around the world keep the gameplay fresh. It also features VR support, customizable loadouts, historical missions, and a massive player base. The experience can be enjoyed solo or with a squad, but success almost always demands teamwork, situational awareness, and precision.

For players seeking a broader and more varied military experience—beyond just boots on the ground—War Thunder delivers some of the most authentic, large-scale combat available in the genre today. It's not only a standout title among the best milsim games but also a true gateway into the complexities of multi-branch warfare.

The world of milsim games is vast, nuanced, and constantly evolving. Whether you’re storming the beaches of Normandy, coordinating airstrikes with your squad, or scavenging through post-apocalyptic ruins, these titles offer something unique for every type of player. The five best milsim games highlighted here—Arma Reforger, Squad, Hell Let Loose, Insurgency: Sandstorm, and War Thunder —represent the pinnacle of military realism in gaming today.

No matter your preference—team-focused coordination, historical authenticity, or raw survival—there’s never been a better time to dive into the best milsim games and experience the virtual battlefield like never before.