The annual appointment for wargamers once again lived up to expectations this year, featuring exciting news, a surprise release, numerous guests, insightful interviews from the wargaming world, and a massive sale on Steam and on the Matrix Games store.
Games covered during HOW 2025
Combat Mission Cold War: British Army of the Rhine
A new DLC for the acclaimed Combat Mission: Cold War has been announced and immediately released, marking the celebration for Matrix Games 25th anniversary as well.
British Army of the Rhine is the latest chapter in the Combat Mission: Cold War series, expanding the experience to late 1970s and early 1980s Northern Europe. Players will command for the first time in Cold War the British Army of the Rhine, the Canadian 4th Mechanized Brigade Group, and Soviet VDV/Airborne units—across three full campaigns and many new scenarios.
During the event, Stephen Grammont, co-founder of Battlefront and developer of the Combat Mission series, emphasized that the series is all about realism, and this DLC is no exception. The expansion provides detailed coverage not only of the aforementioned setting but also of the equipment, artillery, weapons, and more.
Players can download the game right now from Steam.
Woul you like to try Combat Mission DLC? Click here!
WEGO World War II: Overlord
The second release to celebrate Wargames is WEGO World War II: Overlord. This is the second chapter of the franchise released this year, after Stalingrad.This clearly reflects the effort put into catering to this grognard niche, with a game that explores 14 historical scenarios ranging from the landing at Omaha Beach to a massive 135-turn campaign covering the entirety of D-Day.
The guest for this title was Don Timian, Master OB Developer for the game, who spoke in depth about its most relevant, fun, and deeply strategic features, such as the Dynamic Weather system and Airborne and Seaborne mechanics. He also highlighted how this chapter of the franchise is a valuable addition to the series, thanks to its historical accuracy and engaging weather system.
The game was released during the event on Matrix Games Store.
Press Kit | Video Interview
The game was released during the event on Matrix Games Store.
Press Kit | Video Interview
Would you like to try WEGO WWII: Overlord? Click here
War in Spain 1936-39
Another surprise for wargame fans was the announcement of War in Spain 1936-39, the first in a new series of theater-level operational wargames. One of the most complex and least-covered periods of the 20th century is the Spanish Civil War, but this will change on January 22, 2026, with the release of this highly anticipated operational wargame, available exclusively on the Matrix Games store.
In his interview, Erik Rutins, co-founder and director of Matrix Games, explained why the game is a noteworthy addition to wargamers’ roster, highlighting the campaign and the exciting features awaiting players. He also discussed in depth the differences between this title and the War in the Pacific, which come from the same developers and share the same legacy.
Matrix Games Store Page | Press Kit | Video Interview
Flashpoint Campaign: Cold War
Flashpoint Campaign: Cold War has a release date: the game will be out for all wargamers on November 20th, 2025 on Steam. The game is a grand tactical combat simulation of Cold War warfare in a hypothetical, Cold War-gone-hot reality set in 1989. Players will take command at the brigade level while also being able to issue specific orders to companies and platoons as individual units, in scenarios and campaigns in a realistic simulation that models the passage of time, changing weather conditions, and period-accurate maps.
The event highlighted several important and interesting aspects, such as the release date, the unique game system, over 100 scenarios and 10 campaigns, as well as new features like the tactical transport system and much more. Cold War is the most player-accessible wargame in the series, offering a range of tutorials covering key features and gameplay mechanics, a true gem for devoted wargamers.
Players can wishlist the game now.
Armored Brigade II: Scandinavia
Matrix Games announces the first expansion for its successful title
Armored Brigade II. The expansion will features:
- Three New playable armies with their own unique features;
- Over 250 new units and aircraft
- A brand-new Swedish map
- A new linear campaign
Armored Brigade II: Scandinavia is set to be released late Q4, to know more check the Steam Page.
What is Armored Brigade II | Press Kit | Video Interview
Strategic Command: American Civil War - Concert of Europe
Hubert Cater, Founder of Fury Software, and Ryan O’Shea, Scenario Designer, spoke about the Strategic Command franchise as well as the new DLC. Concert of Europe introduces five brand-new campaigns set between 1854 and 1877 across the European continent. From the frozen steppes of Crimea to the sun-baked hills of Italy, players will command armies and historical leaders such as Garibaldi and Napoleon III, forge alliances, and test their strategic genius in an age when a single battle could determine the fate of a continent.
Steam Page | What is Strategic Command: American Civil | Press Kit |
Video Interview
A Press Preview of the DLC is available right now and it is already proving successful.
Would you like to try the first couple of missions? Click here.
More titles, more news
- Shadow Empire: Victor Reijkersz (VR Designs) walks the audience through the journey of Shadow Empire, reflecting on its evolution and sharing insights about the new DLC, Republica. A surprise awaits the fans: to celebrate Matrix Games’ 25th Anniversary, a free update brings Mayhem Mode to Shadow Empire. This special mode makes enemies tougher and larger, while scattering treasure boxes and easter eggs across the map, offering a playful twist for fans. Watch the full video here.
- Command Modern Operations: a full interview with Marshall Hampshire, one of the developers of the game, tells wargamers all about the new DLC and projects for the game. Tides of War DLC takes players to the South China Sea, where tensions between ASEAN and China come to a head. It’s a campaign that’s both political and military in scope, and it lets players step into ASEAN’s shoes. Watch the full video here.
- Rule the Waves 3: Expanded Battles - all the updates about the new exciting DLC for this grognard title. The released date was revealed: get ready to navigate for February 24th, 2026. Watch the full video here.
- Modern Naval Warfare: stay tuned for the brand new Beta, which will be opened soon. Watch the full video here.
Matrix Games Wargames Sale 2025
Matrix Games Sale
More fun for wargamers: to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Matrix Games, the publisher has set up one of the largest sales ever seen on Matrix Games titles.
With major titles on sale—such as Armored Brigade and Armored Brigade II, the Close Combat and Combat Mission franchises, and many more—plus incredible bundles and discounts of up to 80%, wargamers are in for a real treat. The Sale will end on September 29th.
Discover the full range of discounts here
About The Slitherine Group
The Slitherine Group is the world’s leading producer and publisher of digital strategy and wargames. Under the Slitherine (www.slitherine.com) and Matrix Games (www.matrixgames.com) brands it has published literally hundreds of games, with many award-winning titles in its portfolio and spanning in digital platforms, from home consoles to PC. Slitherine also works with a wide array of key licensing partners, such as NBC Universal®, Games Workshop®, Sony Pictures, BBC, Osprey, and many others.