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Hex of Steel similar games & best alternatives

Hex of Steel

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Linux • 2020

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Quick resume

Hex of Steel is a refreshing WWII wargame covering all fronts featuring a certain amount of original mechanics. Fight in solo against finally a decent AI throughout Europe, Africa or the Pacific, or against a friend in the cross-platform PBEM or real time multiplayer. Coop is also an option!

Global score

96/100

Genres

Indie, Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS)

Similar games

    Pros

    • Extensive modding and customization tools
    • Large, varied scenarios and campaigns
    • Active and responsive developer
    • Smooth gameplay with challenging ai
    • Good value for price with frequent updates

    Cons

    • No unit stacking can slow gameplay
    • Ai has some quirks and occasional exploits
    • Graphics are functional but not flashy
    • Some players find pacing slow on large maps
    • Limited multiplayer modes currently

    Analysis

    Less representative of its motivational profile, with noticeable differences. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Cooperation, Fellowship, Intimacy, Leadership. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Competition, Leadership. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Fantasy.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      4

      "Players have freedom to customize units, create maps and scenarios, and choose various settings and strategies."

    • Competence
      4

      "Game offers challenging AI, complex tactical and strategic decisions, and rewards skillful play."

    • Competition
      2

      "Includes multiplayer modes and leaderboards, but many players focus on single-player or cooperative play."

    • Continuation
      5

      "Highly addictive with large maps, campaigns, and continuous updates encouraging long-term engagement."

    • Cooperation
      3

      "Supports multiplayer cooperative modes and community modding, fostering collaboration."

    • Creativity
      5

      "Extensive modding tools, map and mission editors allow players to create and modify content freely."

    • Domination
      -2

      "Gameplay emphasizes balanced interactions and strategic planning rather than dominance or trash talk."

    • Escapism
      4

      "Players use the game as a deep strategic distraction and immersive historical simulation."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily out of personal interest and passion for wargames, not obligation."

    • Experimenting
      4

      "Encourages trying new strategies, modding, and exploring different scenarios and settings."

    • Exploration
      3

      "Large maps and scenario variety promote discovery of new tactical and strategic possibilities."

    • Expression
      4

      "Customization of units, maps, and scenarios allows personal expression within the game."

    • Fantasy
      -3

      "Focuses on historical WWII settings with realistic units and scenarios rather than fictional fantasy."

    • Fellowship
      3

      "Active community and multiplayer modes foster a sense of belonging and shared interest."

    • Growth
      4

      "Players develop strategic skills and knowledge through gameplay and modding."

    • Health
      -5

      "Typical sedentary computer gameplay with no physical activity involved."

    • Idle
      -4

      "Requires focused attention and strategic thinking, not suitable for passive or background play."

    • Intimacy
      1

      "Some social interaction through multiplayer and community but limited emotional closeness."

    • Leadership
      3

      "Players command armies and make strategic decisions, exercising leadership roles."

    • Progression
      4

      "Players accumulate units, upgrades, and campaign progress over time."

    • Relaxation
      2

      "While challenging, the game can provide flow and immersion that some find relaxing."

    • Sensation
      1

      "Visuals and sound are functional and pleasant but not highly stimulating or intense."

    • Status
      1

      "Some recognition within community and multiplayer but not a major focus."

    • Story
      3

      "Campaigns and scenarios provide narrative context and historical immersion."

    • Strategy
      5

      "Core gameplay revolves around deep strategic and tactical planning and problem solving."

    • Thrill
      2

      "Tense battles and AI challenge provide moments of suspense and excitement."

    • Value
      5

      "Players report excellent value for money with extensive content and free updates."

    • Violence
      3

      "Combat and destruction are central gameplay elements consistent with WWII wargames."

    • Survival
      3

      "Players must manage resources and avoid unit losses to succeed in campaigns."

    Where to buy

    Come talk about it on Discord!

    Last update: 29/04/2026