Rule the Waves 3
Released May 2023
Rule the Waves III is a simulation of naval ship design and construction, fleet management and naval warfare from 1890 to 1970.
87% positive · 1,070 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Where to buy
Prices in USD, as listed by each store.
Buying through an affiliate store helps support the site
Evaluation
Rule the Waves 3 launched on May 18, 2023 and has received consistent updates since, including the Expanded Battles DLC released on March 19, 2026, which added historical scenarios, a ship and scenario editor, and a Quick Battles mode. A Refit Update followed on May 14, 2026.
The decisive signal here is a developer post dated August 20, 2026 — today — which is tagged as a development status update. In it, the developer states: "We expect the pace of updates to slow for the next few months as work begins on the next step for the series. We will share further news on RTW3 in due time." This is a clear signal that active development on the current version of the game is winding down, with the team's focus shifting toward a successor project. No specific future content for Rule the Waves 3 has been announced, and the developer has explicitly flagged a slowdown. The game appears to have reached its content endpoint, with the developer's attention moving on to the next entry in the series.
Evidence
Developer states that the pace of updates will slow for the next few months as work begins on 'the next step for the series,' with a promise to share further RTW3 news 'in due time.' This is a direct signal that active development on the current game is concluding.
Expanded Battles DLC released on March 19, 2026 — the only DLC listed for the game, and it is fully released with no unreleased items remaining.
Content
1 of 1 released · no outstanding content
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
Matrix Games
Achievements
—
Platform
Windows
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Unsupported
Players
Single-player
About this game
Build Your Navy, from pre-Dreadnoughts to Aircraft Carriers and Missile Cruisers!
Rule the Waves III is a simulation of naval ship design and construction, fleet management and naval warfare from 1890 to 1970.
It will place you in the role of 'Grand Admiral' of a navy from the time when steam and iron dominated warship design up to the missile age.
Rule the Waves III will let you design and build the ships of your navy, and lead them into battle when war erupts. You will guide your navy's deployment, construction and operations during a period of great technological innovation and political tensions. While the game derives much of its technology and events from 'actual' history, you will find that you forge your own new history each and every time you play!
Rule the Waves III is a simulation of naval ship design and construction, fleet management and naval warfare from 1890 to 1970.
It will place you in the role of 'Grand Admiral' of a navy from the time when steam and iron dominated warship design up to the missile age.
Rule the Waves III will let you design and build the ships of your navy, and lead them into battle when war erupts. You will guide your navy's deployment, construction and operations during a period of great technological innovation and political tensions. While the game derives much of its technology and events from 'actual' history, you will find that you forge your own new history each and every time you play!
Features
- Campaigns start in either 1890, 1900,1920 or 1935 and can run through 1970.
- Monthly strategic turns with Battles resolved in a realistic tactical naval battle resolution system.
- Manage your naval budget, and deal with interfering Kaisers, presidents or navy ministers as well as a variety of historical events including naval treaties.
- Realistic design of ships ranging from corvettes to battleships and aircraft carriers.
- Research and technical development will determine ship design and tactics.
- Espionage will keep you up to date on the progress of competing navies
- Submarines, airships, aircraft and missiles will all appear and change the naval balance of power.
- Build, train, maintain and fight with your own 'ideal' navy.
- Construct coastal fortifications, airbases and other defenses
- Play as USA, Great Britain, Germany, France, Russia, Italy, Japan, Spain, Austria-Hungary, or China.
Are these done yet?
Last evaluated Aug 20, 2026
Something about this evaluation looks wrong Report illegal or harmful content