The Big Guns of 2026: New WW1 & WW2 Tabletop Wargames March Onto the Battlefield
2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for historical tabletop wargaming, with publishers rolling out fresh systems, long‑awaited expansions, and innovative reimaginings of classic conflicts. Whether you’re a trench‑warfare tactician or an armour‑obsessed WW2 commander, there’s something incoming for every battlefield.
Below is your full briefing on the most exciting WW1 and WW2 releases confirmed or teased for 2026.
🛩️ Aces of Valor – WW1 Air Combat Takes Flight Again
Release window: Early 2026
WW1 aviation fans are in for a treat. Aces of Valor returns players to the dawn of aerial warfare, where canvas‑winged fighters duel in the clouds. Expect:
Fast, card‑driven dogfighting
Pilot progression and campaign play
Historically grounded aircraft loadouts
This one is perfect for players who love tense, tactical engagements with high replayability.
✈️ Black Flight – The Canadian Air Corps Takes Centre Stage
Release window: Early–Mid 2026
Following the momentum of Aces of Valor, Black Flight zooms in on the legendary Canadian fighter squadron of WW1. This expansion/standalone hybrid focuses on:
Squadron‑level operations
Historical missions inspired by real sorties
A refined ruleset built for narrative campaigns
If you enjoy character‑driven war stories, this is one to watch.
🛡️ British Tank Ace 1940–1945 – Solo WW2 Armour Command
Release window: 2026 (exact date TBA)
Solo wargamers get a major win with British Tank Ace, a WW2 tank‑command experience spanning the early desert campaigns to the final push into Germany. Features include:
Solo‑focused scenario engine
Crew management and tank upgrades
A campaign arc following a single British commander
Think of it as a narrative‑driven tank simulator on your tabletop.
🌍 Flames of War – 2026 WW2 Roadmap Revealed
Release window: Throughout 2026
Battlefront Miniatures has dropped a massive slate of WW2 content for Flames of War in 2026. Highlights include:
Early War Expansion
Return to the opening years of WW2 with new armies, scenarios, and early‑war armour kits. Expect:
Polish, French, and early German forces
Light tanks, cavalry, and early‑war artillery
Updated missions for competitive and narrative play
Checkpoint Charlie (Cold War) – Bonus Mention
While not WW2, this Cold War expansion is releasing alongside the WW2 content and will interest modern‑era players.
Volley & Charge (American Civil War using FoW rules)
Not WW2, but part of the same 2026 roadmap — worth noting for fans of the system.
🪖 Other Notable 2026 Wargame Releases (WW1/WW2 Adjacent)
These titles aren’t strictly WW1/WW2 but are being tracked by wargamers for 2026 and may appeal to the same audience:
Golden Age of Piracy: 1718 – Age‑of‑Sail skirmishing
Jasta 18 – A WW1 air‑combat title teased for 2026
2026 Release Comparison Table
GameEraRelease WindowWhat Makes It Stand OutAces of ValorWW1Early 2026Fast dogfighting gameplayBlack FlightWW1Early–Mid 2026Narrative squadron campaignsBritish Tank Ace 1940–1945WW22026Solo tank‑commander progressionFlames of War – Early War ExpansionWW22026 (staggered)New early‑war armies and missions
Sources:
Final Thoughts
2026 is bringing a surge of innovation to historical wargaming — from the skies over the Western Front to the tank duels of North Africa. Whether you’re painting biplanes or plotting armoured breakthroughs, this year’s releases promise fresh tactical challenges and rich historical immersion.