WARNO is a modern Cold War-era RTS that receives praise for its deep tactical gameplay, authentic unit design, and immersive atmosphere featuring a nostalgic 1980s synth soundtrack. Players appreciate the game's large-scale battles, multiplayer modes, and strategic complexity, with many considering it the best in its genre since the Wargame series. The single-player campaigns and dynamic fronts offer hundreds of hours of content, though some find the AI and campaign pacing repetitive.
However, the game is marred by persistent technical issues, especially frequent crashes and freezes affecting many users, notably linked to NVIDIA graphics cards. Balancing problems are also frequently mentioned, with many players citing an overpowering Pact faction and frustrating matchmaking in ranked multiplayer. Monetization through DLCs locking key divisions behind paywalls and slow balancing patches further detract from the experience. Despite these flaws, the dedicated community and active developers keep the game evolving.
Players laud WARNO for its authentic Cold War setting and realistic unit mechanics, which create an immersive battlefield experience. The multiplayer 10v10 mode is praised for chaotic, large-scale engagements requiring teamwork and tactical skill. The graphics and sound design, especially the retro synth soundtrack, enhance the atmosphere. The game’s depth in combined-arms warfare and leadership-focused gameplay stands out, making it a favorite among RTS enthusiasts and military simulation fans alike.
Common criticisms include severe performance issues such as crashes, freezes, and black screens, particularly on NVIDIA GPUs, with little resolution from developers. Faction imbalance heavily favors Pact units, leading to frustrating multiplayer experiences. The ranked matchmaking system is often described as broken, pairing players with vastly different skill levels. Additionally, the DLC pricing and paywall restrict access to important units, and the single-player campaigns suffer from limited variety and repetitive maps. Some users also find the learning curve steep and the UI unintuitive.
Are you ready to take command?
Deploy into an authentic, expansive, and meticulously researched Cold War real-time strategy game with WARNO. As the spiritual successor to the acclaimed Wargame series, WARNO is the ultimate next-gen World War III battle simulator.
Two years have passed since Gorbachev’s overthrow in a coup by hardline communists, and now, in the dark summer days of 1989, the Cold War finally turns hot. The armies of NATO and Warsaw Pact have deployed in a divided and tense Germany. Conflict is imminent. The only thing left is to wait for the inevitable Warning Order that will begin it all. War is coming home, commanders…
WARNO - Warning Order - lets you command your customized battlegroup and lead hundreds of Cold War-era units to victory on dynamic, tactical battlefields. Choose between the arsenals of NATO or the Warsaw Pact, and fight across a multitude of solo and online modes against challenging AI or human opponents in massive 10v10 battles. Show your mettle as a strategic commander in the turn-based Army General campaigns depicting a devastating, techno-thrilling World War III in Western Europe. Take Command of Your Battlegroup
Realistic, immersive, breathtaking. WARNO is the ultimate World War III battle simulator from the masters of strategy, Eugen Systems. A Cold War turns decisively hot as you command hundreds of units on a beautiful and brutal battlefield. Outsmart, outfight, and lead your forces to total victory.