Broken Arrow vs. Warno - how similar are they? Let’s break down what sets them apart

Broken Arrow has been out for over a week now, and while there were some early server issues and mixed feelings about the single-player experience, things have settled down. In fact, the Steam reviews are looking pretty solid at this point. So let’s talk about the question that keeps coming up: Is Broken Arrow the same as Warno?

Broken Arrow and Warno compared

The short answer is no, Broken Arrow and Warno aren’t the same game. They do have a few things in common, which is why people keep comparing them, but the only real similarity is the military theme. Here’s what really makes them different.

• Setting & Theme
• Unit Depth & Customization
• Scale
• Gameplay & Tempo
• Game Modes – Multiplayer & Singleplayer
• Visuals & Sound
• Summary

Setting & Theme

1. Broken Arrow drops you into a modern-day global conflict (2020s), with drones, stealth fighters, active protection systems – all the shiny new tech. But the game also includes prototypes that never entered production, as well as equipment that has already been retired (like M60 tanks).
2. Warno is set in the Cold War era conventional warfare (US/NATO vs. Warsaw Pact). It’s very much in line with the Wargame series, with a relatively small number of prototype units.

Unit Depth & Customization

1. Broken Arrow doesn’t have as many unit types overall, but you can heavily customize them – armor packages, weapon loadouts, pylons, the whole deal. If you're looking for help building your deck, the community's got you covered.
2. Warno offers a wider variety of units grouped into battlegroup decks, though some players say many of them feel like the same ones with different names. Once you figure it out, managing them isn’t as overwhelming as it might seem.

Scale

1. Broken Arrow focuses on fewer units per fight, but each one demands attention – you’ve got modular damage, realistic ballistics, and deeper micro-management.
2. Warno ramps up the scale with way more units on the field. It’s more about the big picture (macro), and feels like an RTS made for competitive play. That said, smart controls help take the edge off.

Gameplay & Tempo

1. Broken Arrow moves at a slower, more deliberate pace. You’ve got time to set up airlifts, call in strikes, and really think through each engagement.
2. Warno is fast and intense – it’s all about quick positioning, solid logistics, and smart commands to stay ahead of the chaos.

Game Modes – Multiplayer & Singleplayer

1. Broken Arrow supports solo skirmishes, multiplayer (up to 5v5), and a single-player campaign. That said, the solo missions still need some work – bugs and unbalanced AI are common complaints right now.
2. Warno is better established in this area, with great single-player content, and massive 10v10 multiplayer matches. In Army General mode we can move units in turn-based gameplay. “Operations” scripted battles are similar to those in Broken Arrow.

Visuals & Sound

1. Broken Arrow goes for realism – detailed real-world terrain, immersive sound design, and even modular vehicle damage effects.
2. Warno keeps things clean and functional. It might not blow you away visually, but it gets the job done and sounds good doing it.

Summary

While Broken Arrow and Warno may look similar on the surface, they’re actually quite different in how they play and what they aim to offer.

Source: Broken Arrow, developer: Steel Balalaika

Broken Arrow is more approachable and cinematic. leans into tactical action with features like unlimited unit respawns (on cooldown), airborne drops, and objective capture by any unit – even something as random as a downed pilot. It plays more like a spiritual successor to World in Conflict than anything from the Wargame series.

Source: Warno, developer: Eugen Systems

Warno, on the other hand, sticks closely to the classic Wargame formula. It's more methodical, and hardcore in its tactics. It focuses on large-scale battles with limited units, where every loss matters. It’s about careful positioning, battlegroup management, and a more high-stakes battlefield feel.

Both games share a genre and some mechanics, they don’t really feel interchangeable. Broken Arrow is more about action and accessibility, while Warno is deeper and more methodical.

Broken Arrow

June 19, 2025

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• Overview

• strategy games
• RTS
• military