Rule the Waves 3

Naval strategy simulation spanning dreadnoughts, carriers, and missile cruisers

Naval Warfare Simulations · Published by Matrix Games · Released May 18, 2023

Reviews: Very Positive; 87% of 1,080
Recent reviews: Not enough recent
Playing now: 59; peak 24h 74
Steam Deck: Unsupported
Last update: 1 month ago; Aug 20, 2026

What is Rule the Waves 3?

A single-player naval strategy simulation in which you lead one of ten national navies from 1890 toward 1970. In monthly turns, you design and build ships, manage budgets, research, deployments, and defenses, then command tactical battles when war begins.

For you if...

+you enjoy detailed ship design and long-term fleet management
+you prefer systems-heavy naval history to flashy presentation
+you want campaigns spanning decades of changing military technology

Not for you if...

−you need a gentle learning curve and extensive guidance
−you want polished visuals instead of menus, charts, and numbers
−you mainly want fast, action-focused naval combat

What players say

87% of 1,080 reviews are positive

Players most often praise the detailed ship designer and long-term management of budgets, technology, and fleets, especially in the dreadnought era. The most common complaint is that the battle generator selects frustrating forces and limits control over deployments; players also criticize weak guidance, an awkward interface, and AI behavior, particularly once aircraft and missiles become prominent.

Screenshots and trailer

Rule the Waves 3 system requirements

As published by the developer.

Minimum

OS: Windows 11, can work on Windows 10, but not officially supported
Processor: 1.2 GHz min, 2.4+ GHz
Graphics: No minimum requirement (no hardware video acceleration is required)
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Storage: 1 GB available space
DirectX: Version 9.0