5 Games Like Axis & Allies
Originally published in 1981, Axis & Allies is a series of World War II strategy board games.
Played on a board reminiscent of a 1942 political map of our planet divided into territories, players adopt the role of one or more of the five major countries fighting in World War II: Germany, Japan, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Players battle it out in this dice-based combat system in an attempt to capture the territories of their rivals.
This classic game has been in print for decades and is a classic for a good reason. But if you’ve conquered the world enough, it may be time to try something different. So, if you like the sound of Axis and Allies, try one of these 5 games like Axis & Allies with stark similarities.
Games Like Axis & Allies
- War of the Ring
- Nexus Ops
- Shogun
- Memoir ’44
- Twilight Struggle
War of the Ring
Players: 2-4
Playing time: 150-180 minutes
War of the Ring is a fun strategy board game that allows its players to fully immerse themselves in the fantasy world of Lord of the Rings and experience its dramatic conflict and tense action.
The game is essentially good versus evil where players choose between playing as the Shadow Armies of Sauron or the Free Peoples of Middle Earth. The Fellowship of the Ring and its quest for Mount Doom is a side quest component of the game that happens alongside the central war aspects of the game.
What we liked:
War of the Ring is an excellent 2-player fantasy war game that combines story and mechanics very well. Event cards are played to mimic specific events from history and capture the asymmetric conflict.
What could be better:
The game is lengthy with some complex rules. Make sure you have enough time (3+ hours) and a big enough table to accommodate all of the components.
Nexus Ops
Players: 2-4
Playing time: 90 minutes
Nexus Ops is a game of secret Missions, and winning battles. Played on a hexagonal board, this combat-style challenge uses stats similar to those in the Axis & Allies series.
Units are made up of various alien races in this science fiction war game, and players’ main objective is to control competing futuristic corporations who are battling one another for power over the moon’s Rubium Ore.
There is a hex in the center of the board, which is always the “monolith” which can give players bonuses, adding some neat twists and turns. The first player to gain the required number of victory points is declared the winner.
What we liked:
Participants who find themselves unsuccessful in battle are, in fact, compensated by receiving Energize cards that bless them with special powers. An updated rule book containing many new optional rules was printed in 2012 giving the game a glow-up and introducing new ways of playing.
What could be better:
It’s quite a long game, so plan for at least 2 hours to learn the rules and play. Also, I’m not a huge fan of the luck-based elements of this game that can really throw off the balance.
Shogun
Players: 3- 5
Playing time: 90- 120 mins
Set in feudal Japan during the 15th and 16th centuries, Shogun players are tasked with leading their individual troops to conquer the provinces of Japanese islands, while adopting the roles of great Daimyos.
Another game of strength, battles, and decision-making, all rounds see participants developing their own individual kingdoms and deciding which of their actions are to be put into play and in which provinces.
The Cube Tower (like a dice tower) is used to decide the outcome of battles. Controlling provinces, temples, theaters, and castles earns you vital points. The winner and title of Shogun are awarded to the Daimyo with the highest points at the end of the game.
What we liked:
The Cube Tower is a cool gimmick that is one of the most unique ways we’ve seen to decide the outcomes of combat.
What could be better:
There are several phases to the game and choices to make that could become overwhelming. Players who are not familiar with heavier strategy games may suffer from analysis paralysis during the many decision-making phases.
Memoir ‘44
Players: 2- 8
Playing time: 30- 60 minutes
Similar to Axis & Allies, Memoir ’44 is a historical board game in which you will find over 15 different battle scenarios played on a double-sided hex game board.
The board is nicely equipped for both beach landings and countryside combat. Battles include significant World War ll encounters such as Omaha Beach, Pegasus Bridge, Operation Cobra, and the Ardennes so the game has a realistic feel, rather than a fantasy-style challenge.
The objective of Memoir ’44 is for players to strategically play the role of Commanders who deploy their troops through Command and Tactic cards. They achieve the winning position by allowing changes and flexibility with their battle plan, playing their cards timely, and getting lucky on their dice rolls.
What we liked:
The Memoir ’44 series offers a number of expansions and variable setups, meaning you can make use of the game over and over, adding to the challenge.
What could be better:
You might find that you work hard for victory but in the end, a lot of luck is still involved and you may lose due to poor dice rolls.
Twilight Struggle
Players: 2
Playing time: 120- 180 minutes
Twilight Struggle is an action-packed two-player game that simulates the historical warfare between the Soviet Union and the United States during the period of the Cold War.
Twilight Struggle is a complex strategy game that uses a world map relevant to that era, where participants adjust units and use influence to attempt to gain allies and control. Mimicking a time when resources were limited, decision-making is a fundamental part of finding one’s way to victory.
One player plays the role of the United States and the other plays the Soviet Union, and the objective is for players to spread their superpower’s influence as far around the world as possible.
Victory points are awarded when regions are scored, which is highly based on the timing of the cards that are played. The cards are divided into three separate groups: Early War, Mid War, and Late War.
What we liked:
Twilight Struggle’s Event cards give extra spice to the game and mimic a huge number of true historical scenarios. If you’re a fan of Cold War events and complex area-influence campaign board games, this is one you should not miss.
What could be better:
The game is quite lengthy so prepare for a slug-fest of political maneuvering around the table. Also, the tug-of-war system for controlling countries could become confrontational between players.
Wrap-Up
We hope you enjoyed our list of the best 5 games like Axis & Allies! When you’ve conquered the world on one map, it may be time to try on another! Mix in some fantasy lore and diplomatic components, and you have your work cut out for you!
Have you tried any of the games on this list? Drop a comment below and let us know what you think! We’d love to hear from you.
