Battle Academy
Battle Academy
Game
Game2024
Headquarters: World War II
Developer Starni Games
Headquarters: World War II is a turn-based strategy video game developed by Starni Games and published by Slitherine Software. Players control one of the forces during the Battle of Normandy and fight tactical battles. From Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
202 reactions from 3 sources (Steam reviews, Bluesky, Mastodon) · newest Oct 30, 2026 · last updated Nov 4, 2026 · How this works
Audience score
73
Fresh
137 positive · 50 negative
95% range 66–79%
| Source | + | − | = |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam reviews | 137 | 50 | 0 |
| Bluesky * | 1 | 0 | 13 |
| Mastodon * | 0 | 0 | 1 |
* shown, not counted in the score (label accuracy below our 85% bar or not yet audited).
Steam's own rating
Mostly Positive
295 of 382 reviews positive (all languages, per Valve)
What players are saying
73% recommend · 138 yes, 50 no
Counted from the reviewers’ own thumbs up/down on the 188 English Steam reviews we collected, not by the AI. Valve’s all-language rating: Mostly Positive (529 of 688 positive).
Some reviewers criticize the AI for being passive or having unfair knowledge of unit positions. [1][2][3] A few players find the game too easy or lacking in content for its price. [4][5][6]
Liked
Representative posts
- [2]
The game seems good just long enough to get you out of the refund period. Then it becomes a horrible experience. Basically imagine XCOM where the computer just sits in overwatch all the time. Combine that with the original Advance Wars games where the computer knows the location of all your hidden units. If you bring enough scouting units you don't have enough combat units and vice versa. You have to play the maps …
- [10]
XCOM for dads and history nerds. Disregard the reviews regarding "getting hit by things you can't see". Welcome to more realistic warfare: take out the spotters and you won't need to worry about the artillery anymore. Check your corners and clear out anywhere a scout might be hiding. It's not that hard if you're willing to think tactically beyond full-on attack to the objective. I highly recommend turning on the LoS …
- [11]
This game feels more like a stealth tactics experience disguised as a wargame. Success depends on advancing cautiously, one hex (or rectangle) at a time, always leaving room to retreat. The key rule is simple: if you spot an enemy, eliminate it quickly. If you fail, pull back with your scout—because if you don’t, the AI will throw everything it has at that unit until it’s destroyed. That’s why it’s rarely wise to …
- [1]
A.I just sits their. They seem to know where all of your units are regardless of where you are on the map. They specifically target your hard hitting units. You can move But the A.I does Not near any objectives. Meaning you gotta go find them. But when you do your already dead. They seem To never miss an tank about Id say maybe 70% of all fire. Meanwhile they rarely miss your troops an needless to say its virtually …
- [9]
Best WW2 turn-based strategy i have played in 10 years , the graphics are amazing , the zoom is perfect from overhead to up close , the animations are killer , the tutorial makes the game seem boring i almost refunded it , but i decided to play a skirmish battle before i did , so glad i did !!! also it has a map editor to make your own battles , I have hundreds of games in my library this is a top 10 WW2 TBS . The …
Summarised from 34 of the 200 public posts collected about this game; every point cites the posts behind it ([n] opens the post) and the split is counted from the posts’ own ratings. Updated Oct 13, 2026. How summaries are made
RottenBot@rottenbot · automated account
Players who liked Headquarters: World War II talk about easy to learn and smooth gameplay; those who didn't talk about aI is passive or knows unit locations unfairly. Which matters more to you?
Critics, per Wikipedia
Headquarters: World War II received generally favorable reviews from critics, according to the review aggregation website Metacritic. Digitally Downloaded said it is accessible and lives up to its fast-paced description, though the pacing comes at the price of background detail. They felt that although Headquarters: World War II is a good introduction to Slitherine Software's catalog of computer wargames, they would have preferred more background detail to dispel myths about the war. Multiplayer.it compared it to the modern XCOM games but said it is more targeted toward fans of computer wargames. The Games Machine recommended it to fans of XCOM who are looking a World War II theme.
From the “Reception” section of Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Critic context only — not part of the audience score.
Reactions
60 of 202 · most liked firstI am really on the fence about this game. This game has a lot of good things and a lot of bad ones. I am a "game mechanic". I look for the way the game works then use the game mechanics to beat it. For instance- in the this game, snipers make better scouts then the scouts and destroy infantry and towed guns better than any other units with a cost of not being able to ID enemy units and some view distance. The good - Game play is easy to understand and very smooth. Graphics are pretty…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The game seems good just long enough to get you out of the refund period. Then it becomes a horrible experience. Basically imagine XCOM where the computer just sits in overwatch all the time. Combine that with the original Advance Wars games where the computer knows the location of all your hidden units. If you bring enough scouting units you don't have enough combat units and vice versa. You have to play the maps and learn the location of all the enemies and then restart. DO NOT BUY THIS…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Aaaah look what came in the mail! I’m so excited for the @riftbound.riotgames.com English launch! I got to visit Riot Headquarters a few months ago to try out this game and I was a BLAST! I’m so excited to play more! #RiftboundOrigins
positive · AI labelView post →XCOM for dads and history nerds. Disregard the reviews regarding "getting hit by things you can't see". Welcome to more realistic warfare: take out the spotters and you won't need to worry about the artillery anymore. Check your corners and clear out anywhere a scout might be hiding. It's not that hard if you're willing to think tactically beyond full-on attack to the objective. I highly recommend turning on the LoS indicators and FoW to help make it more clear what you can and cannot see.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →First off, Insurmountable difficulty is not insurmountable at all, since AI is non-existent. Unless you uncover your position intentionally to lure enemies into a prepared massacre — they just sit and suffer, inciting you to value range and spotting over anything else. You can use the scout plane to uncover all enemy positions one by one via reloading, remember them, and they won't ever move, unless you expose your units nearby or they retreat. Loading is quick, which is a good thing, but…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I purchased this game based on the reviews and expecting it to be a nice challenge perhaps in the vein of XCOM. After playing it for a bit I must say I am disappointed. The difficulty of the game seems extremely easy and not at all dynamic like with X as an example where the enemy is trying to reposition. It is a shame because I feel like the nuts and bolts are there but it just needs more balance Polish and perhaps some improvements to the AI. The UI is pretty meh and I don't like the…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Only played the opening mission for usa to know it's not for me Limited units is ok but 6 core is just too low( I know it goes to 8 at some stage ) just too small scale for me and that's the real killer of the game The giant banner bottom of the screen telling me I was playing headquarters ww2 is extremely off putting and immersion killing too You can turn the overwatch cameras etc off which is a good thing and the voice acting was actually good for a change considering how bad most of it is in…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It's a fun turn-based strategy game with good historical narrative. It's certainly fun and has a ton of customization for your troops as you progress through the campaign. I haven't played multiplayer or messed with the editor yet. But is it worth its selling price? I bought it on sale, and even then it's not worth the asking price. Perhaps at 1/3 of its original price would it be worth a purchase. There are ZERO graphics or gameplay settings, which makes the QoL here extremely low. As such…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I'm training at the Apple Toronto Headquarters until 3. Jays game starts at 3:07. How can I not go?
neutral · AI labelView post →This game is definitely a dream come true for me. I'm a big fan of games like John Tiller games and the Strategic Mind series. So when I saw the Strategic Mind guys were making a game that is more tactical I was excited. Most turn based games like this have bare minimum graphics. This is serviceable. Not AAA but not 90s graphics either. AI is competent. They will go after your strongest Assets. I mostly been playing the Campaign and its tough but not unfair. This game is nothing like Xcom.…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →sephiroth didn’t vote, but he did firebomb the equivalent of Walmart Headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, so at least he’s got skin in the game. protoplasm too
neutral · AI labelView post →I was surprised by this game. Pretty much a 'beer and pretzel' war game. I only have 13 hours in and only played 5 skirmish games (and only won 1), but it is something that scratches the itch for something that does not need a spreadsheet to play. I am a retired 71 retired IT professional that sometimes just want to play a game that does not requires masters degree in mathematics. The AI is not the best and some of the mechanics are weird like one unit per square, can't move through a unit,…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →For many years I wanted a military game that gave me the XCOM feeling and this game does exactly that. While not historically accurate, the game is turn based and plays relatively fast turn by turn with easy order giving via mouse. This is not as in depth unit wise or equipment wise, but for what it does, in my mind, giving a tactical XCOM vibe of gameplay, that can be played quickly and giving you some tactical decision when attacking and how it does this well and is fun to play. Just…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A collaborative effort from M.E.O.W Headquarters Coming soon, August 10th 2025... Caspurr Catacini: The Game #Caspurrtfolio #Birthdaycini2025
neutral · AI labelView post →This tactical game is very playable, attractive, and glitch free. It definitely isn't for the technical expert who likes to argue about armor slope and muzzle velocities. It is however a lot of fun. You're assigned a team of units which you can modify and refine as you work through the campaign. You figure out your tactical approach to the problem, move your units through the terrain, find the bad guys, eliminate them, capture the VP's and collect your medals. If you like that type of…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I dont recomend this game if you have played eny other WW2 turnbased game reasons: -No difference in weapons between the countrys, different names but same stats. (its a turnoff for me) -Absolutley no diversity in missions, its take point A and B, and while your doing so you get a side mission to take something else. - as far as i can tell, bad AI, and only attack missions (as main objective) -Bad AI again, suicide AI -Crappy "story" Positive: OK GFX, not the best but OK. Decent menus ingame.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Excellent game, but very limited content. There is no way I am purchasing the DLC. That should have been free in my opinion.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The fog of war implementation is bad. You basically ran into ambushes every turn and get killed. Yes even on the lowest difficulty. Even with infantry weapons, my tank crew gets killed. The map is bad. Vehicles are stuck and cannot move much. And very buggy. If you save or load during mission. Some of the completed objective will be mark as incomplete. And every click they will repeat the dialog for the "incomplete" objective. And my End Turn button will disappeared. I can only…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game feels more like a stealth tactics experience disguised as a wargame. Success depends on advancing cautiously, one hex (or rectangle) at a time, always leaving room to retreat. The key rule is simple: if you spot an enemy, eliminate it quickly. If you fail, pull back with your scout—because if you don’t, the AI will throw everything it has at that unit until it’s destroyed. That’s why it’s rarely wise to use all your movement points; keep a reserve for a safe withdrawal. Destroyed…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →HQ:WW2 a fairly quick-playing, lightweight war game with nice graphics. I enjoy the combat animations and the general ease of how a turn plays out. It is not a difficult game, and the challenge level isn't especially high, though my unit choices and how I utilize them could have something to do with it. There are three campaigns, each with nine actions (27 total scenarios). I played the tutorial two or three times and have completed about six scenarios in the first campaign. With around 12…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →What a fantastic game this is. It's easy to learn but puts you in a lot of tricky situations. Access to hot seat, pbem++ and live MP matches make it even better. There's a lot of single player campaign to chew through too. Reminds me of The Troop / a turn based COH. Looks good and plays flawlessly. 9/10
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A pity its a really great game but crashes too often, will update this review if it's fixed in the future. UPDATE...... I have now changed my review to positive as the latest update seems to have fixed the crashing issues I was having previously. I still think it's a great game.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Really, Slitherine? Since when is Sherman's armor too thick for a Panzer IV's and StuG's 75mm gun to penetrate??? I bought the Ardennes DLC hoping to fight against the 1ss Spearhead ya know King Tigers and of course not-nope we are down in St Vith??? And let me guess we are down in Bastogne next Really Slitherine!!! The spearhead is in the north and all games want to play in Bastogne-The 101st,- 506th and 28th needed no help or saving! No one wants to cover the battles and great stories in…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A.I just sits their. They seem to know where all of your units are regardless of where you are on the map. They specifically target your hard hitting units. You can move But the A.I does Not near any objectives. Meaning you gotta go find them. But when you do your already dead. They seem To never miss an tank about Id say maybe 70% of all fire. Meanwhile they rarely miss your troops an needless to say its virtually impossible too beat the game. Unfortunate. You have no reinforcements meanwhile…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game simply has way too many bugs to work in multiplayer. I haven't been able to finish a single game this way, which is kinda akward since that is the only reason I bought it. Single player is... boring to say the least, AI is horrible, so if the only saving grace isn't working, then this game is not worth even 5€. Fix the multiplayer, please.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Not a 'bad' game per say. It runs solid, and looks nice, it's just very bland and generic. If you have any kind of fun WWII tactical turn-based game, this one offers nothing new other than some decent graphics, and a decently polished feel to it. Campaigns are fairly generic. First missions are small with limited units, and as you progress you get access to more/stronger units. They have some leveling between missions, and the ability to swap units in your core army is easy to follow.…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Get it on sale. +Level up trees +Heroes +Voice acting is not horrible +It's very fun to play (it does have RNG, don't make those decisions that cause you to make the bad rolls) -No deployment -no equipment -No purchasing extra units in campaign??? You can upgrade or downgrade -Gets stuck on animations -Game does not stop when exiting (every time). Really only have about 8 hours, runs in the background and have to force quit (using big picture) I don't see a road map, hopefully there will…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →In my opinion this is Starni's best game so far. As with their other games, reconnaissance is KEY! if you don't scout properly you will get obliterated and you won't know where you got it from. Infantry scouts are great in cities. With only 1 promotion level (can't remember the name of the promotion) for extra stealth, you can get to an adjacent enemy infantry unit without being spotted, as long as you remain in the building and that unit isn't a scout. P.s. do NOT forget to remove their…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I really want to like this game, but ultimately its flaws just make it a super frustrating experience. It does have some really neat mechanics, like the reaction shot/over watch system, but the way the game handles unit movement and placement in the campaign make the game super frustrating. For instance, on the Carentan Map, my tanks were blocked by my mortars being in the street (where the game pre-positioned them at the start of the mission). Ignoring the logic of a handful of dudes blocking…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Two can play at that game. Google “Kremlin Headquarters”!
neutral · AI labelView post →Headquarters: World War II is a turn-based strategy game where players initiate different parts of the map from predetermined spots and take turns against the AI or another opponent, aiming to achieve a set amount of objectives that determine the winner and loser. The game comprises three main campaign games: the US campaign, the German campaign, and the UK campaign. Each campaign has a difficulty setting that can be adjusted to suit individual play styles. The graphics in the game are…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Really like Panzer Corps and Panzer Corps2, but even in those there are some things that I really do not like and exist in HQ WWII: AI is not very smart, and the game tries to compensate that with turns of fate that no modern army should have. In many ways, game feels more like a puzzle game, where AI just throws random events at you, and that will be the "difficulty" part - in a given mission, Enemy appears magically in the middle of my troops, and they were the first to act (as my troops…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Best WW2 turn-based strategy i have played in 10 years , the graphics are amazing , the zoom is perfect from overhead to up close , the animations are killer , the tutorial makes the game seem boring i almost refunded it , but i decided to play a skirmish battle before i did , so glad i did !!! also it has a map editor to make your own battles , I have hundreds of games in my library this is a top 10 WW2 TBS . The only thing i didnt like was all the cussing in the campaign but you can click…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Really good TBT, in most mission you can dictate tempo of battle Just dont rush directly into combat with tanks because you are gonna be constantly ambushed and eventually destroyed. Use scout to see farther and arty to soften your targets and you will manage any encounter with no problems. Graphics are surprisingly good There is actually killcam in game (which only activates sometimes, and sometimes is blocked by building or trees), but when enemy tank rolls into your ambush and you get…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Well. I’m late for the party. I mean nobody would update the game or take care of it anymore. I will have to admit that the sort of ‘down to platoon level on Panzer general alike’ was fun to play with. That was fun. One big and huge drawback however ..the infantry. I do understand that infantry was and still useless without support in the past and especially today. However, every city was and still is the cemetery for any armor unit. Because any infantry, including WW2 (especially dated 1944)…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A great turn-based strategy game with excellent graphics and unit management aspects. I hadn't payed attention when I bought this and expected it to be a CoH-like RTS, but was pleasantly surprised how fun it was despite it being a turn-based strategy game, which I dont normally play a lot of. With 6 campaigns to choose from, it's definitely worth a look if you can get all the DLC on sale. Would love to see a Pacific theater campaign or two.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Love this game, the slower pace to think about your moves is great. As a dad I don’t have a boat load of time so being able to just pick up for 15min for a move then come back to is great. Can’t wait for what’s to come for this game. My only gripe is the German voice over accent is pommy
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →would be fun except the ai is broken and is AFK on all their turns. 90% of units just sit there and do absolutely nothing the entire game. known bug since last year https://steamcommunity.com/app/1840800/discussions/0/6413763717217378261/
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Headquarters: WWII is a fantastic turn-based strategy game. Missions allow plenty of turns for completion, making it crucial to carefully plan and execute your strategy. I’ve found it immensely enjoyable, though there are a few minor adjustments I’d suggest to improve the experience. Firstly, I would introduce a system where units that are destroyed lose their accumulated experience. This way, when they’re reintroduced in subsequent missions, they would lack the veteran status they…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →A buddy pointed this game out to me and wow! Its everything you had hoped Panzer Corps played like. Excellent campaign system that doesnt force you to saveskum... too much.... (admit I "had" to resurrect my elite tiger once or thrice). Slaughtering the AI is easy as seems the norm now days but the tactical flow of the game is excellent. I will be trying harder settings and come back to suggest a sweet spot.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →this game is like panzer general and xcom combined. the graphics are superb and run smoothly on lower end systems. it's not hard to learn and is not very challenging but really enjoyable. the missions are unique and i found myself replaying missions just to get max xp for my core units.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Do you like Company of Heroes? Do you like X-COM? You like Headquarters: World War II.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Walk with Hawkeye Headquarters reporter Joel Kellar from the tunnel to the field as he gives his reactions to the game after talking to Kirk Ferentz and the #Hawkeyes after the big win at the Big House:
neutral · AI labelView post →Headquarters: World War II is a turn-based tactical strategy game developed by Starni Games and published by Slitherine Ltd. that firmly plants itself in the tradition of classic computer wargames while adopting a modern presentation and streamlined structure. Set primarily during the Battle of Normandy, the game places players in command of Allied or Axis forces and asks them to think like battlefield commanders rather than action heroes. From the outset, it emphasizes careful planning,…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Tutorial ran smooth as silk. Launched the campaign and it just reboots my system over and over again. I exceed the recommended system requirements. Absolute refund.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →2 bloody boring.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Very good WW2 squad level tactical game. Not quite as shallow as Battle Academy, but not too mechanically heavy (for better or worse), and very similar to the Troop, but lacking that game's meticulous tank mechanics. I like that it gives you all the modifiers that are being calculated for chances to hit/kill. Also, I like how each space can have different cover values for each side of the square, and the game will display that with icons. And some squad members serve different roles and losing…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Not a terrible game but the amount of small bugs, lag, and poor optimization brings it down for me. If you're someone who REALLY wants to try it out, wait for a sale. Definitely not worth the $40 full price, more like $15-20. Still going to keep playing and give it a shot and hopefully the small bugs and kinks get ironed out in the future. All n all, good game but still has a ways to go. 5.5/10
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The Devs ABSOLUTELY need to remove the horrible sharpness filter from the game. Graphically the game would look nice but this sharpening effect is truly grotesque and kills the visuals of the game. It's so much worse than any screenshots you see would suggest. This game is cool, but it is very literally *hard to look at*.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Good graphics and XCOM style turn based strategy game, the only problems are lack of dynamic campaign and a deeper logistics/resources management concept that Steel Division 2/CoH 3 have. I don't like linear campaign scenarios these days.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Deeper than you think at first. Keep playing and you'll see it's a challenge.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Please expand the game to include French, Italian, Minor allies and axis members etc. More scenarios, maps and add other campaigns for each nationalities. Great game and AI
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I've got them all, from Panzercorps to Second Front to Steel Division II - this game is fun. Excellent tutorial, many scenarios starting with Omaha Beach, a skirmish mode and map editor. Is it the deepest of games - no, is it the most accurate - no, it is fun - Yes!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This is a fun game. Like Order of Battle in terms of being easy to pick up but harder to master, and you can play in short sessions or long ones. Nice graphics, smooth gameplay. The management with upgrades and skills is a fun aspect.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Can be fun, however it seems like the AI can destroy your units in seconds. You reload and try to strike them first...they once again ruin your day. Seems one sided sometimes. Think they need to rework some stuff. 2/5 smile faces.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →If you are a OG SP gamer and you like historical turn-based games then this game is heaps of fun with plenty of play hours for the dollar bucks. All the shade this game is getting is because of a poor Millennial ♥♥♥♥♥ scene. I don't see how MP for this style of game would actually be enjoyable anyway? Imo this game is built for well scripted SP content. And the DLC is a feather in the cap. I'm looking forward to seeing where we go next!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Units can attack multiple times, twice on the offensive and, if necessary, once more on the defensive. This leads to intensiv exchanges of fire. This mechanic adds great dynamic to a turn-based game. This gives the defender a slight advantage, but there are plenty of tactics to counter it. Of course, the AI doesn't use them. Incapable AI is a major downside of the game!!! I can imagine the game might be great for multiplayer. Another thing I like is the core system. You can exchange units…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Is the game fun to play? No. It is too simple, and you not really feel a reward for keeping your soldiers alive. They die? No problem! Next mission they are back, With ALL XP they had before... Why do I play it then? I like the achievements! It is and will be the only reason to play it. Is it worth the 40$/€ they ask? NEVER!!!! I did pay 4 bucks in a key store. So no damage for me, yet the game is never ever worth 40 bucks.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Game is EXTREMELY light on quality of life basics. I'm trying to play a game with a friend and one of our clients CRASH, and then he (or I) can't rejoin the game in progress! The game is in Unity so it crashes CONSTANTLY. This really is pathetic -- I wanted a game like this for ages and this is what we get -- thanks. I've played for more than 2 hours trying to get through a single mission with a friend. Awful, ripoff.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Great Co Play with friends and you don't need to have the other buy the game, you can share yours.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →
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