Good Free War Games?

[Cheimison]

A friend of mine is interested in getting into some of the hex-battler and tabletop simulator games but doesn't want to pay anything.

I remember years ago a DOS game called "Battles of the Ancient World" or something but I can't find it or even remember the correct name. It was along the lines of ancient scenarios, and it was pretty fun and simple but I can't remember it anymore!

Anyway, aside from the above game I can't even name I was wondering if there are any good freeware hex or tabletop sims (akin to DBA, etc.) one can find online. Both PC and Android are good, and stuff without an extreme learning curve would be best.

I don't know if it's free but I also remember a game based around Alexander's battles that was pretty awesome, it had leader activation and stuff like that.

I'm looking for stuff leaning more realistic and ancient than modern or gamey.

[hadberz]

GoG has Great Battles Collector's Edition for 5.99 That is about as free as it gets. [:)]

[nicwb]

It may depend on what scale you are looking at- there are some decent free Matrix games showcased in this forum.

If you are looking at operational level then maybe also look at demo games - that will at least let you know if you are going to like it or not. The current integration of the Command Ops engine comes with some free scenarios but be warned if you like the game - more scenarios will cost you.

[E]

ORIGINAL: Cheimison
A friend of mine is interested in getting into some of the hex-battler and tabletop simulator games but doesn't want to pay anything.

Nobody WANTS to pay! *grin*. But it is the fair and proper thing to do. See the demo suggestion above, but note that the phrases "hex-battler" and "tabletop simulator" can be very unique from each other. The latter is much more rare. For a true "tabletop simulator" (that is free), I recommend looking into vassalengine.org (java-powered "table top game simulator" that is not limited to "hex battlers" but includes NO AI.)

[Capitaine]

You get what you pay for.

[Kuokkanen]

Old thread about it. Many mentioned games are NOT legitimately free and some links are outdated. Still something to look at, and maybe someone could bother to go through the thread and copy-paste in here what is still available and legitimate.

[Red2112]

I think the John Tiller demos are a bang for the buck [:D]

The Panzer Battles demo is quite big!
http://www.johntillersoftware.com/Demos.php

[Greybriar]

There are, of course, the [Classic (Free) Games] available via the Matrix forums.

GamersHell.com has many free games available for download.

I don't use nor advocate the use of warez sites. And as the old thread Kuokkanen provided the link to mentioned, ...."'abandonware' is not strictly legal"....

Good luck. Have fun.

[Agathosdaimon]

There is also that fixed version of Steel Panthers out there too, i forget the page though - its like the Matrix version but doesnt have the megacampaigns, what it does have though is still quite alot - i mean just single scenario on Steel Panthers can be quite satisfying.

but as for ancient period- tabletop-boardgame like and realistic also, i am not sure what free ones there are. - there is "Demise of Nations" on Steam that as a base game i think is free and seems alright, ancient rome era, it has DLC that of course will give one more content

[Cataphract88]

You can get free Steel Panthers games, both WWII and modern versions from Shrapnel Games.

[Oberst_Klink]

ORIGINAL: Cataphract88

You can get free Steel Panthers games, both WWII and modern versions from Shrapnel Games.

Richard

are you still active with WinSPWW2 WinSPMBT? The upcoming 2018 updates look promising. Drop me a line if you're interested in a small/medium sized Meeting-Engagement, for the fun of it. I also need fresh impulses for my blog, too.

Cheers mate!

Klink, Oberst

[Cataphract88]

ORIGINAL: Oberst_Klink

ORIGINAL: Cataphract88

You can get free Steel Panthers games, both WWII and modern versions from Shrapnel Games.

Richard

are you still active with WinSPWW2 WinSPMBT? The upcoming 2018 updates look promising. Drop me a line if you're interested in a small/medium sized Meeting-Engagement, for the fun of it. I also need fresh impulses for my blog, too.

Cheers mate!

Klink, Oberst

Sorry, I don't actually play myself; I was just passing on some info. [:(]

[DeletedUser1709726237]

There is many good old wargames on any abandonware site, I admit I often use this source for myself This is good if you have not-to-strong computer and you may use emulators, like DosBox. I recommend GamesWin (all games for free).

[redrum68]

If you like Axis & Allies style games then you might want to check out TripleA which has 100s of games based loosely on Axis & Allies rules plus lots of extensions.

[demyansk]

Thanks for mentioning this site
http://www.gameswin.org

[Kuokkanen]

ORIGINAL: Caedmar

There is many good old wargames on any abandonware site, I admit I often use this source for myself This is good if you have not-to-strong computer and you may use emulators, like DosBox. I recommend

I recommend Good Old Games