Headquarters: World War II

Released

Release Date: April 11, 2024

Strategy, World War II, Turn-based, Tactics, Historical, Multiplayer, Singleplayer, Internet

Headquarters: World War II is a turn-based war strategy game that focuses on recreating The Battle of Normandy. The game takes a realistic approach to its subject matter and offers both single player and multiplayer modes.

7.8

Steam

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Ratings

 Videos: 3 

Images: 8 

Plot
Game mechanics
Game modes
Technical aspects

Headquarters: World War II is a turn-based strategy game set during World War II. The game was developed by Starni Games, known for Panzer Strategy and Strategic Mind: Blitzkrieg, and published by Slitherine.

Plot

The authors did not try to reproduce the entire World War II. Instead, Headquarters: World War II focuses exclusively on The Battle of Normandy, the battles that took place between the legendary landing on the beaches on June 6, 1944 and the liberation of Paris on August 25 of the same year.

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Game mechanics

Headquarters: World War II is a turn-based strategy game that focuses on the battle aspect. The game approaches its subject matter quite realistically. Armored units have different armor strength at the front, rear and sides, so their positioning plays a key role during battles.

Achieving success requires exploiting the advantage that the map's terrain can provide. Different terrain types offer unique bonuses and affect visibility. The battlefields are full of different types of obstacles (including the wreckage of destroyed vehicles), which can provide protection against attacks. Moreover, from higher positions we can fire on enemy units more effectively and detect their movements more easily.

Another attraction is the mechanics of building destruction. Destroying each of them is divided into several phases, and each of them offers different challenges and tactical possibilities. Players can also upgrade units and use special command abilities, which can significantly change the situation on the battlefield.

Game modes

Headquarters: World War II offers both single player and multiplayer modes. Within the first of them we can play solo battles against AI in different scenarios or check ourselves in three campaigns - one for the German, British and American forces. Each of them consists of three operations.

Meanwhile, multiplayer allows one-on-one or two-on-two skirmishes. An additional advantage is the level editor, which lets you create your own scenarios, both for battles against AI and for multiplayer battles.

Technical aspects

The game features attractive 3D graphics built on Unreal Engine 4. The authors put a lot of effort in faithfully reproducing units and locations, as well as in preparing a realistic physics engine, which also affects gameplay.

Platforms:

PC Windows

Developer: Starni Games

Publisher: Slitherine / Matrix Games

Age restrictions: 12+

Similar Games:

Combat Mission: Battle for Normandy

Panzer Strategy

Graviteam Tactics: Mius-Front

Features

System Requirements

System Requirements for Headquarters: World War II Video Game:

PC / Windows

Minimum System Requirements:
Intel Core i5-4460 3.2 GHz, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB GeForce GTX 950 or better, 35 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit.

Recommended System Requirements:
Intel Core i5-6400 2.7 GHz, 16 GB RAM, graphic card 6 GB GeForce GTX 1060 or better, 35 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit.

Expansions

List of Game Expansions for Video Game:

Headquarters: World War II - Ardennes

Expansion

February 18, 2025

Strategy

The second expansion for the World War 2 strategy from Starni Games studio. Headquarters: World War II - Ardennes offers two new campaigns set during the Ardennes offensive. The DLC also bring previously unavailable units, heroes, weather and terrain conditions, as well as uniforms and types of camouflage.

10

Steam

Headquarters: World War II - Ardennes

Headquarters: World War II - Market Garden

Expansion

September 25, 2024

Strategy

An add-on to the turn based strategy from April 2024. Headquarters: World War II - Market Garden focuses on the titular military operation during WW2. It expands the base game with 8 new campaign missions, 10 new units and 3 new British heroes.

9.3

Steam

Headquarters: World War II - Market Garden

Ratings

Game Ratings for Headquarters: World War II Video Game.

78%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Mostly Positive (600)

STEAM

User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Graphics and Presentation: Many users appreciated the decent graphics and immersive atmosphere of the game, which effectively captures the WWII setting.
Tactical Gameplay: The game offers a strategic experience that rewards careful planning and tactical maneuvers, akin to other popular turn-based strategy games.
Unit Customization: Players can modify and refine their units throughout the campaign, adding depth to gameplay.
Engaging Campaigns: The game features multiple campaigns (US, UK, and German) that provide a range of missions, contributing to replayability.
Voice Acting Improvements: Some reviews noted that the voice acting has seen improvements compared to previous titles from the same developers.

The main cons of the game

AI Issues: A recurring complaint is the AI's behavior, with many players noting that it can be predictable, ineffective, or overly aggressive against the player’s strongest units.
Bugs and Crashes: Numerous users reported frequent crashes and bugs, particularly during multiplayer and skirmish modes, which detracted from the overall experience.
Limited Content and Replayability: Some players felt the game lacks depth, with scripted missions and minimal variation in gameplay. There are also complaints about the absence of dynamic elements in the campaign.
User Interface Problems: The UI has been described as cluttered and cumbersome, making it less user-friendly.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

Diversity in Missions: Players expressed a desire for more varied mission types and objectives beyond simply capturing points or defeating enemies.
Dynamic Campaign Elements: Users want more dynamic and unpredictable elements in missions, such as varied enemy placements and responses.
Improved AI: Many reviews called for a more intelligent AI that could adapt and provide a greater challenge.
Better Resource Management: Some players noted the lack of logistics or resource management features, which could add depth to the gameplay.
Multiplayer Improvements: Users highlighted the need for features like saving in multiplayer, co-op campaigns, and better AI for team-based gameplay.
Expanded National Representation: There were suggestions to include additional factions and campaigns, such as those involving French or Italian forces.

Summary

Overall, while "Headquarters: World War II" has received praise for its graphics, tactical gameplay, and campaign structure, it also faces significant criticism regarding its AI, bugs, and overall content depth. Many players see potential in the game but feel it requires further development and refinement to reach its full potential.

Summary generated on: October 30, 2025

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