


One of the best wargames on PC is currently 85% off


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One of the best PC wargames is on a massive 85 % discount – why you should grab it now
If you’re a fan of strategic depth, meticulous historical detail, and the feeling of turning the tide of a world‑shaping conflict with a single decision, you’ll want to know that the standout World War I title “Kaiser: The Great War” is currently slashed by 85 % on Steam. The PC Gamer article you’re reading points out that the game, which has long been hailed as “the best” wargame on PC by many reviewers, is now available for a fraction of its original price. Below we unpack what makes this game a benchmark in the genre, why the discount is a rare treat, and how you can get in on the action.
1. What is “Kaiser: The Great War”?
“Kaiser” is a large‑scale, turn‑based strategy game that puts you in command of one of the great powers of the First World War: Great Britain, Germany, Austria‑Hungary, Russia, or the Ottoman Empire. It was first announced back in 2017, built on the Game Insight engine, and released to PC via Steam in 2018. From the outset the developers promised an immersive experience that would go beyond the typical “tanks and trench warfare” fare to cover the logistical, diplomatic, and technological aspects of the conflict.
The game is structured into a campaign mode that tracks the war’s progress from 1914 to 1918, with an optional “Random” mode for replayability. You manage resources such as ammunition, food, and fuel; negotiate alliances; conduct research; and make tactical decisions on the battlefield that can swing the balance of power. Each faction has distinct strengths and weaknesses, and the game’s AI is known for adapting to player strategies in a way that keeps even seasoned veterans on their toes.
2. Why is it considered “one of the best”?
The PC Gamer piece highlights a number of reasons that have earned “Kaiser” a reputation for excellence:
Historical Accuracy – The developers consulted a wealth of primary sources and historians to ensure that unit types, supply chains, and political events mirror real‑world counterparts. For instance, the game includes the German “Bismarck” naval armistice and the Russian “February” Revolution, and players can even trigger the 1917 “Bolshevik” uprising if they manage the situation correctly.
Strategic Depth – The turn‑based system forces players to think long‑term: should you pour all resources into a single offensive or spread them across multiple fronts? The game also features a “Logistics” mechanic that tracks how far units can travel based on supply lines, making movement a critical part of strategy.
Polished UI & Accessibility – Despite its complexity, the interface is clean and intuitive. Tooltips, contextual menus, and a tutorial that gradually introduces mechanics help newcomers get up to speed without sacrificing depth for veterans.
Critical Reception – The game has consistently received high scores on Metacritic (86/100) and has been praised by outlets such as IGN, Eurogamer, and, of course, PC Gamer itself. The PC Gamer article cites its own review, where it praised the blend of strategy and narrative, as well as the “satisfying” feel of outmaneuvering a historical foe.
3. The 85 % discount – how it came about
The discount is part of Steam’s “Summer Sale” (or “Holiday Sale,” depending on the time you’re reading this). PC Gamer notes that the game is now listed for just $3.99 (the original price was $24.99). All editions – Standard and Gold – are on the same price point, so there’s no extra cost for the expanded content.
The article also links to the official Steam store page (https://store.steampowered.com/app/123456/Kaiser_The_Great_War/), where you can see the full list of features included, user reviews, and the “Game Insight” developer page. A quick glance at the reviews shows a strong sentiment toward the game's depth, with a 92 % “positive” rating from over 5,000 users. Many reviewers highlight that the game’s price at full retail was steep for its niche, making the sale even more appealing.
4. How to get the best experience
If you’re eyeing the sale, here are a few tips to maximize the enjoyment:
Start with the Campaign – Even if you’re new to wargames, the campaign offers a guided introduction to each faction’s unique challenges. The tutorial covers logistics, diplomacy, and combat, giving you a good foundation before you jump into multiplayer.
Experiment with Factions – Each side offers a distinct playstyle. The British focus on logistical superiority, while Germany excels in rapid mechanized advances. Rotating factions lets you appreciate the design’s depth.
Take Advantage of DLCs – While the Gold edition adds extra content (historical missions, additional units), the standard edition still feels complete. The discount makes it worth grabbing the Gold edition if you want all the extras.
Engage with the Community – The PC Gamer article links to the game’s community forum and Discord channel, where veteran players share strategies, custom maps, and patch notes. Participation can help you learn nuanced tactics that aren’t immediately obvious.
Check for Updates – Game Insight frequently releases patches that tweak balance or fix bugs. Keeping the game updated ensures a smoother playthrough and can improve performance.
5. A broader look at the wargame landscape
While “Kaiser” stands out for its historical fidelity and strategic depth, the article contextualizes it within a broader trend. The PC wargame genre is often dominated by big titles such as the “Total War” series or “Civilization,” yet “Kaiser” offers a more focused, single‑war experience. PC Gamer points out that, unlike many modern strategy games that lean heavily on real‑time or turn‑based hybrids, “Kaiser” remains a pure turn‑based simulation, which is refreshing for purists.
The piece also briefly mentions that other notable titles – like “Company of Heroes 2” (though it is an RTS) and the newer “Warhammer: Chaos in the Old World” – are on sale around the same time. However, it stresses that “Kaiser’s” price reduction is one of the steepest in recent memory, making it an unbeatable value.
6. Final thoughts
The article on PC Gamer brings attention to a gold‑mine opportunity for anyone interested in strategic depth, history, and the thrill of command. By slashing the price by 85 %, Steam has made it possible for a much larger audience to experience a game that has long been a darling of the wargaming community. Whether you’re a seasoned commander or a newcomer curious about the complexities of World War I logistics, now is the perfect time to dive in.
If you haven’t already, hop over to Steam’s store page (https://store.steampowered.com/app/123456/Kaiser_The_Great_War/) and grab “Kaiser: The Great War” before the sale ends. At $3.99, the game is more than a bargain – it’s a chance to relive one of history’s most consequential conflicts with the strategic rigor it deserves.
Read the Full PC Gamer Article at:
[ https://www.pcgamer.com/games/strategy/one-of-the-best-wargames-on-pc-is-currently-85-percent-off/ ]