World War III, also known as the Third World War, the Global Conflict, or the Great Divide War, was a major global conflict that lasted from January 2027 to December 2031. It was widely seen as the peak or end of the Second Cold War. The war involved most of the world's nations, forming two main opposing military alliances: the Allied Coalition, led by the United States, NATO, and Japan, and the Eurasian Pact, led by China, Russia, and Iran. Several other regional powers played pivotal roles, leading to a massive and far-reaching war that spanned multiple continents, particularly focusing on three major fronts: Eastern Europe, East Asia, and the Middle East. The war triggered significant fighting in other areas, including Africa and Latin America, which faced proxy conflicts and regional instability as a result of the larger global conflict.

World War III is considered the deadliest and most destructive conflict in human history, surpassing both World War I and World War II in terms of military and civilian casualties, technological warfare, and the sheer scale of global involvement. The war was marked by widespread use of cyber warfare, advanced missile systems, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven warfare, biological and chemical attacks, and several tactical nuclear exchanges, making it the first war in which nuclear weapons were used extensively since the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.

Throughout the early 2020s, the world saw escalating tensions between major powers due to economic competition, territorial disputes, and ideological conflicts. Several key events are often cited as the catalysts for World War III:

1. The U.S.-China Trade War and increasing military competition in the South China Sea escalated into open hostility between the two nations.
2. Russia’s continued military buildup in Eastern Europe, particularly around Ukraine, Belarus, and the Baltic states, raised fears of another European war.
3. Iran's nuclear development and proxy wars in the Middle East, particularly in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, brought it into direct conflict with Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.
4. Global economic instability, resource shortages, and technological arms races, particularly in AI and missile technology, pushed nations to prepare for potential large-scale conflict.

In late 2026, diplomatic efforts collapsed after a series of failed summits between NATO, China, and Russia, and cyberattacks crippled major financial institutions in the West. By January 2027, the world was on the brink of war.

The war officially began on January 12, 2027, when a massive Russian assault, backed by Chinese cyberattacks, targeted NATO forces stationed in Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland and the Baltic states. Simultaneously, China launched a surprise naval and missile strike on U.S. and Japanese forces in the Pacific. This marked the opening of the Eastern Europe and East Asia fronts. Days later, Iran, backed by Russia and China, launched an invasion of Saudi Arabia and Israel, opening the Middle Eastern Front.

Commander-in-Chief (NATO): General Mark Stevens (USA)

Commander-in-Chief (Russia): General Dmitry Ivanov

Russia's initial strike on Poland and the Baltic States was swift and overwhelming, utilizing advanced missile systems, artillery, and cyber warfare. The cities of Warsaw and Gdańsk faced severe bombardment, while Russian forces surged through Belarus and into Poland with the goal of taking control of Warsaw within weeks. However, NATO quickly mobilized, sending reinforcements from Germany, the UK, and the United States.

The Battle of Warsaw became the first major confrontation, where Polish and NATO forces, led by General Mark Stevens, managed to halt the Russian advance. For months, Eastern Europe became a brutal battleground, with cities reduced to rubble by airstrikes and missile barrages.

Simultaneously, Russian forces pushed toward the Baltic states (Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia) with a major objective of securing strategic control over the Baltic Sea. Heavy fighting occurred around Riga and Tallinn, with both cities suffering immense destruction. NATO's Operation Shield saw a counteroffensive from the UK, German, and Scandinavian forces, backed by U.S. air support. Despite early Russian successes, NATO managed to create a stalemate around Lithuania by the end of 2027.

By early 2028, both sides escalated the conflict, with tactical nuclear strikes being used in Belarus. NATO's use of low-yield tactical nuclear weapons on key Russian military positions shocked the world but was seen as necessary to prevent a Russian breakout into Western Europe. In response, Russia retaliated with cyberattacks and nuclear strikes on NATO logistics hubs in Eastern Europe, bringing the world closer to full-scale nuclear war.

Commander-in-Chief (NATO/Finland): General Markku Salonen

Commander-in-Chief (Russia): Admiral Konstantin Melnikov

The Scandinavian Front of World War III, also known as the Northern Front, saw Finland launch military operations against Russia in the northern regions of Europe. As the conflict spread globally, Finland and other Scandinavian nations, aligned with NATO, took a more active role due to security concerns and strategic interests in the Arctic.

The opening of the Scandinavian Front was motivated by the broader context of World War III, with NATO’s involvement in the conflict,. The presence of the Russian Northern Fleet in the Arctic and its military installations on the Kola Peninsula posed a strategic challenge for NATO and Scandinavian security.

The main factors leading to Scandinavian involvement were:

• Strategic Arctic Resources: Control over the Arctic, rich in natural resources such as oil and gas, was seen as vital. Scandinavia sought to counterbalance Russian dominance in the region.
• NATO Alignment: Finland's growing cooperation with NATO and support from neighboring Scandinavian countries pushed it toward active engagement in the conflict.
• Preemptive Defense: The proximity of Russian forces to Finland’s northern borders, including the Kola Peninsula, represented a security threat that Finland aimed to neutralize.

In early 2029, Finnish forces, with logistical and intelligence support from NATO, initiated an attack on the Kola Peninsula. The Finnish military focused on disrupting Russian military infrastructure and weakening their operations in the Arctic. The campaign saw early successes as Finnish forces, utilizing their expertise in winter warfare, advanced through sparsely populated, rugged terrain.

The primary objectives were:

• Murmansk: Finland targeted the strategic city of Murmansk, home to Russia's Northern Fleet, to cut off supply lines and naval operations.
• Kola Peninsula Military Installations: Finnish special forces conducted raids on key Russian military bases and radar stations in the region, aiming to reduce Russia’s capability to project power in the Arctic.

• Battle of Salla: Finnish forces, advancing from the border, engaged Russian troops near the town of Salla. The battle saw intense fighting in sub-zero conditions, with both sides struggling for control over the northern access points into Russia.
• Siege of Murmansk: NATO forces launched air and ground assaults aimed at encircling the Russian port city of Murmansk. The siege severely hampered Russia’s ability to supply its Northern Fleet, though the Russian forces defended the city fiercely.
• Naval Skirmishes in the Barents Sea: NATO forces, including those from Norway and the United Kingdom, supported Finnish operations with a series of naval engagements against the Russian fleet in the Barents Sea.

The Scandinavian Front put significant pressure on Russian forces in the north. However, the harsh Arctic conditions and the fortified Russian positions made it difficult for NATO to maintain sustained offensives. The front ultimately became a prolonged stalemate, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.

The Kola Peninsula remained contested throughout the conflict, but NATO involvement shifted the strategic balance in the region, drawing Russian resources away from other fronts. Additionally, the Finnish attack contributed to the broader NATO strategy of overextending Russian forces across multiple theaters of war.

The Finnish participation in the Scandinavian Front was seen as a crucial contribution to NATO’s northern defense strategy during World War III. The battles fought in the Arctic regions highlighted the importance of the Arctic Circle as a theater of war and emphasized Finland’s role as a key player in the conflict.

Commander-in-Chief (Japan/USA): Admiral Kaito Nakamura

Commander-in-Chief (China): General Zhang Wei

The East Asian Front during World War III became one of the most dynamic and consequential theaters of the war, as major regional powers like China, Japan, Korea, and ASEAN nations fought for dominance in the South China Sea, East China Sea, and across the Pacific Rim. This front saw battles involving air, naval, and ground forces, and the involvement of Oceania further escalated the conflict.

By the time World War III broke out in 2028, tensions in East Asia had already been high due to disputes over the South China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, and the regional arms race between China, Japan, and South Korea. China’s military modernization, particularly its navy and air force, had been preparing for a major conflict in the Pacific, with ambitions to expand its sphere of influence across the region through the Belt and Road Initiative and the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere.

The war in East Asia was a multifaceted conflict, involving not just the Eurasian Pact (led by China) and Western powers (led by the U.S. and Japan), but also smaller powers like ASEAN, Oceania, and India, each pursuing their own strategic goals.

The South China Sea became the most hotly contested area in East Asia during the war. China, having militarized the region by constructing artificial islands and deploying naval assets, aimed to secure this vital sea route. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) clashed with U.S., Japanese, and Australian forces, with Vietnam and the Philippines heavily involved.

• The First Battle of the Spratly Islands (April 2028): Chinese forces attempted to solidify control over the Spratly Islands by reinforcing their naval bases. In response, a joint U.S.-Japan task force, backed by Australian submarines, launched an assault to retake the islands. The battle resulted in heavy losses on both sides, but the islands remained under Chinese control.
• Siege of the Paracel Islands (June 2028): Vietnamese forces, with backing from the U.S. and ASEAN allies, launched a surprise amphibious assault on Chinese-occupied Paracel Islands. After fierce fighting, Vietnamese forces captured several key islands, delivering a symbolic blow to Chinese control of the region.

One of the primary objectives of China during the war was to reunify with Taiwan, which had remained under Western influence and resisted Beijing’s calls for unification.

• Battle of the Taiwan Strait (July 2028): China launched a massive invasion of Taiwan, deploying its navy and air force to establish air superiority and amphibious landing zones. Taiwanese forces, backed by U.S. and Japanese fleets, fiercely defended their homeland. Despite superior numbers, the Chinese forces faced stiff resistance and significant losses due to Taiwanese anti-ship missiles and U.S. F-35 squadrons stationed in Okinawa.
• Bombing of Taipei (August 2028): As the ground invasion stalled, China began a sustained aerial bombing campaign against Taipei and other major cities, seeking to break Taiwan’s resolve. The devastation of Taipei became a symbol of the Taiwanese people’s resistance, further galvanizing support from Western allies.

The Korean Peninsula saw its own set of conflicts, as North Korea, backed by China and Russia, began aggressive military actions against South Korea and its U.S. allies.

• Battle of the DMZ (September 2028): North Korea launched a massive offensive across the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), with Chinese logistical support and Russian armaments. South Korean and U.S. forces, fortified with advanced drone warfare technology, managed to repel the initial invasion, but North Korean missile strikes devastated Seoul’s infrastructure.
• Second Battle of Seoul (October 2028): North Korean special forces attempted to infiltrate Seoul, leading to urban guerrilla warfare within the city. South Korean forces, backed by U.S. Marines and Japanese air support, managed to regain control after weeks of intense fighting.

Japan, a key U.S. ally, played a major role in the East Asian Front. Japanese naval forces were heavily involved in the battles of the South China Sea and the defense of Taiwan.

• Siege of Okinawa (November 2028): As the war dragged on, China and North Korea launched joint air raids and missile strikes on Okinawa, where key U.S. and Japanese bases were located. The island was heavily bombarded, but Japanese anti-missile defenses and U.S. air superiority maintained control of the base.
• Battle of the East China Sea (February 2029): Japan’s navy faced off against Chinese destroyers in the East China Sea in an effort to secure the shipping lanes between Japan and Taiwan. Japanese submarines, equipped with advanced sonar technology, sunk several Chinese vessels, giving Japan a strategic victory.

While the East Asian theater was the focal point of World War III in Asia, the South Asian Front had its own geopolitical importance. The involvement of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the surrounding nations shaped the course of the war in this region, with various sides aligning based on long-standing rivalries and alliances.

India played a pivotal role in the South Asian Front, aligning itself with the Western Alliance against China and Pakistan. India’s longstanding border disputes with China in the Himalayas and Pakistan over Kashmir were reignited during the war.

• Battle of the Himalayas (April 2028): Indian and Chinese forces clashed along the disputed Ladakh region, resulting in high-altitude warfare in one of the world’s harshest environments. Indian forces, backed by U.S. intelligence and drone capabilities, managed to hold the line and repel Chinese incursions into Indian territory.
• Kashmir Conflict: Pakistan, aligned with China and the Eurasian Pact, took advantage of the global war to escalate tensions in Kashmir, launching an offensive against Indian forces in the region. India responded with overwhelming force, leading to the Third Indo-Pakistani War. Despite Pakistan’s initial gains, Indian air superiority and military numbers forced Pakistan into a defensive position by mid-2029.

Afghanistan, still recovering from years of insurgency and instability, was largely a battleground between Eurasian-backed insurgents and Western-supported Afghan forces.

• Battle of Kabul: The Eurasian Pact, through its support for militant groups in Afghanistan, sought to destabilize the country further. Kabul became a hotspot for insurgent activity, with urban warfare devastating the capital. U.S. special forces and Indian military advisers were deployed to support the Afghan government in retaining control.

Pakistan, backed by China and Russia, played a key role in the Eurasian Pact’s efforts in South Asia. The Pakistan Air Force launched several coordinated strikes against Indian positions along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir.

• Siege of Lahore: As the Indo-Pakistani war escalated, Indian forces advanced into Pakistani territory, resulting in the Siege of Lahore. The city became a major battleground as Indian forces sought to weaken Pakistan’s ability to conduct further offensives in Kashmir.

• Bangladesh remained neutral during most of the conflict, attempting to stay out of direct engagements but providing humanitarian aid to refugees from neighboring regions.
• Nepal and Bhutan similarly attempted to avoid involvement, with both nations engaging in diplomacy to avoid being dragged into the conflict between India and China. However, the Himalayan front saw limited engagements, with Nepalese forces bolstering border security to prevent spillover fighting.
• Myanmar became a contested zone, with Chinese-backed forces launching attacks on rebel groups along the Myanmar-China border. Myanmar’s military government aligned with China, using the conflict to suppress ethnic insurgencies and establish greater control over the region.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), particularly Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia, played a crucial role in countering Chinese influence in the South China Sea. ASEAN nations, particularly Vietnam, had long-standing disputes with China over territorial claims and supported U.S. and Japanese efforts to contain Chinese expansionism.

• Battle of Palawan (September 2028): The Philippine Navy, supported by U.S. forces, clashed with Chinese vessels near the island of Palawan, which had strategic importance for controlling sea lanes in the South China Sea. After fierce naval battles, the Philippines successfully defended its claims, preventing further Chinese incursions.
• Strait of Malacca Incident (October 2028): Indonesia and Malaysia became embroiled in skirmishes with Chinese vessels attempting to disrupt vital shipping lanes through the Strait of Malacca. ASEAN nations coordinated with the U.S. and Japan to maintain control of this critical maritime chokepoint.

Australia and New Zealand played key roles as part of the Western Alliance. Australia’s proximity to the conflict in the Pacific meant that it was heavily involved in naval operations in the South China Sea and providing logistical support to U.S. forces in the region.

• Battle of the Coral Sea (November 2028): Australia and the U.S. faced off against Chinese naval forces attempting to extend their influence further into the Pacific Ocean. The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the Western forces, preventing Chinese expansion into Oceania.

The Vietnam Front during World War III became a significant and intense theater, with Vietnam's strategic location and historical resistance to Chinese influence drawing the attention of regional and global powers. Alongside Vietnam, neighboring countries such as Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar also found themselves drawn into the conflict, either through direct involvement or as part of the broader South Asian Front and East Asian conflict. The geopolitical complexities of Southeast Asia made the region a major flashpoint.

As tensions in the South China Sea and East Asia escalated, Vietnam remained a key player in resisting Chinese expansion. Vietnam's territorial claims in the Spratly and Paracel Islands were threatened by China’s aggressive actions, particularly its naval and island-building operations. With the backing of the United States, Japan, and ASEAN, Vietnam prepared its military for a potential large-scale conflict. The People’s Army of Vietnam (PAVN), alongside Western military assets, engaged in defending their territorial sovereignty and repelling any Chinese incursions, both on land and at sea.

While Laos and Cambodia were initially hesitant to become involved in the conflict, their proximity to Vietnam and China's influence eventually drew them into the war. Laos, traditionally a close ally of Vietnam through their historical and political ties, offered logistical support to Vietnamese forces. Although Laotian forces did not directly engage in combat operations against China, they permitted Vietnamese military operations within their territory, providing strategic depth to Vietnam’s defense.

Cambodia, on the other hand, faced internal political tensions due to Chinese influence within its government. While some factions sought to support Vietnam and resist Chinese expansion, pro-China political elements in Cambodia complicated the country's involvement. Skirmishes broke out along the Cambodian-Vietnamese border between pro-China Cambodian forces and Vietnamese troops, leading to localized conflicts.

Thailand, while initially maintaining a neutral stance, was eventually drawn into the war due to the increasing presence of Western forces in Southeast Asia and its own economic and strategic interests in the region. The Thai military, with a strong history of cooperation with the United States, provided basing rights and allowed Western forces to launch operations against Chinese assets in the South China Sea. Thailand also played a critical role in securing supply lines to Vietnam, ensuring that Western military aid flowed uninterrupted.

By late 2028, the Royal Thai Armed Forces began limited combat operations, focusing on defending their own borders and aiding Vietnam in operations against Chinese-aligned factions within Cambodia. Thailand’s involvement increased after Chinese forces conducted airstrikes near the Thai border, prompting retaliatory strikes.

Myanmar faced a dual conflict. The country’s internal civil war was exacerbated by the global conflict, with ethnic militias and insurgent groups receiving outside support from both Western and Chinese-backed factions. While the Myanmar military junta leaned toward Chinese support due to previous economic and military ties, significant opposition groups within Myanmar aligned themselves with Western powers, seeing the conflict as an opportunity to gain leverage over the ruling government.

Myanmar's involvement in World War III included significant border clashes with Thailand and skirmishes along the Chinese border. Ethnic militias in northern Myanmar, some backed by India, conducted guerilla operations against Chinese-backed forces, attempting to resist Beijing’s influence in the region.

• Battle of Hanoi (2029): The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF) launched a major offensive aimed at capturing the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi. The PAVN, backed by advanced U.S. military equipment and supported by Japanese air and naval forces, mounted a fierce defense. After weeks of intense urban combat, the Chinese forces were pushed back north of the Red River, marking a significant victory for Vietnam.
• South China Sea Naval Campaign (2028–2030): The naval campaign in the South China Sea saw a series of high-stakes battles as Chinese and Vietnamese forces clashed over control of the Spratly Islands and Paracel Islands. Vietnam, with support from U.S. carrier strike groups, conducted amphibious assaults to reclaim Chinese-held outposts, while Chinese naval forces attempted to blockade Vietnamese ports.
• Battle of Da Nang (2029): A critical air and ground battle fought near Da Nang, one of Vietnam’s key coastal cities. Chinese air raids sought to cripple Vietnamese air defenses, but Vietnamese forces, with U.S. assistance, successfully repelled the attacks. The battle ensured that Vietnam retained a strong defensive position along its coast, preventing a large-scale Chinese amphibious invasion.

Commander-in-Chief (USA/Israel): General David Marcus

Commander-in-Chief (Iran): General Hassan Asadi

The Invasion of Israel was a crucial component of the Middle Eastern Front during World War III, which began in 2028. With Iran leading the Eurasian Pact alongside Hezbollah, the war saw the Iranians push through Syria, which was now a pro-Western nation, and attempt to break Israel's defenses from the north and east. Various Arab nations, such as Egypt and others in the Gulf, were caught up in the turmoil, with regional proxies and long-standing rivalries leading to significant upheavals in the Middle East.

By 2028, Israel and Iran's tensions had reached a breaking point. Iran, despite economic sanctions and isolation by the West, had continued to expand its military capabilities and influence in the region, supporting militant groups like Hezbollah and Hamas while retaining close ties to the remnants of the Syrian regime and the Syrian insurgent forces loyal to them.

Syria, having shifted to a pro-Western stance following the collapse of the Assad regime and subsequent Western-backed stabilization efforts, found itself in a precarious position, surrounded by instability. While the pro-Western government sought to rebuild, Iran, seeing an opportunity to undermine Israel and weaken a Western ally, launched a major invasion through Syria, seeking to establish a direct route to Israel.

In early March 2028, Iran mobilized a massive military force, pushing through the Syrian desert with the intention of seizing key border regions and cities on their way to the Golan Heights and beyond. The Syrian government, despite its Western backing, found itself ill-prepared to face a full-scale Iranian invasion. Iranian forces, including the elite Quds Force and allied Shiite militias from Iraq and Afghanistan, stormed through Syria’s eastern deserts, quickly overwhelming the Syrian military in the initial stages of the campaign.

The Battle of Deir ez-Zor became one of the most intense battles of the invasion. Iranian forces encountered stiff Syrian resistance, with Syrian soldiers supported by U.S. and European airstrikes, but the Iranians managed to capture much of Syria’s eastern territory, effectively cutting off the Syrian government from its key oil reserves.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah in Lebanon played a critical role in Iran’s broader strategy. Hezbollah, having seized full control of Lebanon by 2028, mobilized for a major offensive against northern Israel, with Beirut acting as their headquarters. Hezbollah militants launched their invasion into northern Israel from southern Lebanon, aiming to overwhelm Israeli defenses and create a northern front that would split Israel’s military focus.

The Battle of Galilee saw intense fighting as Hezbollah forces, equipped with advanced Iranian-made missiles and anti-tank weaponry, crossed the border into Israel. Israeli cities in the north came under constant rocket fire, with Haifa and Metula becoming major flashpoints. Israel’s Iron Dome and David’s Sling systems were activated to intercept the barrage of missiles, but the sheer volume caused substantial civilian casualties and damage.

On the southern front, Hamas, emboldened by Iranian financial and military support, launched its own offensive from the Gaza Strip, attempting to breach Israel’s southern defenses. The Battle of Ashkelon became a key engagement, with Hamas fighters clashing with Israeli forces on the ground while launching continuous rocket attacks into southern Israeli cities. Israel, faced with a two-front war from the north and south, launched retaliatory strikes on key Hamas positions, but the conflict remained protracted.

Israel was well-prepared for the Iranian invasion, having anticipated the threat for years. The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) launched rapid counteroffensives in the Golan Heights and northern Israel to push back Iranian and Hezbollah forces. The Battle of the Golan Heights became a turning point, as Israeli forces, supported by their advanced air capabilities, managed to stop the Iranian advance at the strategic highlands, preventing them from reaching deeper into Israel.

In response to Hezbollah’s northern offensive, Israeli special forces launched cross-border raids into southern Lebanon, targeting key Hezbollah positions and supply lines. This forced Hezbollah onto the defensive, though the group continued to rain missiles on northern Israeli cities.

Egypt’s role in the conflict was largely defensive. Distracted by a brewing conflict with Libya, where pro-Russian Libyan forces were launching incursions into Egyptian territory, Egypt was unable to participate in the invasion of Israel. Egyptian forces were primarily deployed along the western border, dealing with Libyan militias, and to the east in the Sinai Peninsula, where they focused on containing ISIS-linked insurgencies.

Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf monarchies, including Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE, initially remained neutral, fearing both Iranian aggression and a spillover of the conflict. However, as the war escalated, Iranian proxy forces and militias in Iraq began pushing through the Gulf states. The Houthis in Yemen also seized the opportunity to launch a major offensive into Oman, leading to fierce battles along the Yemeni-Omani border.

By mid-2028, Iranian forces and allied militias had begun to pressure the Gulf monarchies, raising fears of direct attacks on Riyadh and the other Gulf capitals. Saudi Arabia and its allies called for Western intervention to halt the Iranian advance in the Arabian Peninsula.

While Turkey had traditionally been wary of Iran’s growing influence in the Middle East, it was heavily involved in the Black Sea and Caucasus fronts of World War III. Turkiye, as a NATO member, found itself at the center of a conflict with Russia along its northern borders, fighting in the Black Sea and supporting Georgia and Azerbaijan against Russian-backed forces in the Caucasus.

Despite Turkey’s ongoing efforts in the Caucasus, Ankara was forced to divert some attention to its southern borders due to Iran’s growing presence in Syria and Iraq. Turkish forces clashed with Iranian-backed militias in northern Iraq and Syrian Kurdish regions but avoided direct confrontation with Iran, focusing primarily on defending its own borders.

The Caucasus Front was a crucial theater of operations during World War III, involving direct clashes between NATO forces, primarily led by Turkey, and Russia. The conflict centered around the Black Sea, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, with major battles taking place in the mountainous regions and along the Caspian Sea.

• Battle of Tbilisi: Russian forces, seeking to reassert dominance over Georgia, launched a major assault on the capital Tbilisi in late 2027. Georgian and Turkish forces, bolstered by NATO airstrikes, managed to repel the Russians after several months of intense urban warfare.
• Battle of Baku: Azerbaijan, a key NATO ally, became a major target for Russian forces seeking control over the Caspian oil reserves. The Battle of Baku saw Azerbaijani forces, supported by Turkish air power, fend off repeated Russian offensives. The city became a symbol of resistance for the Caucasus during the war.
• Armenian Civil War: As the Caucasus front heated up, Armenia found itself divided between pro-Russian and pro-Western factions. The resulting civil war further destabilized the region, with Turkey and Russia backing opposing sides.

The Caucasus front strained Turkish resources and prevented Ankara from committing fully to the Middle Eastern war, leading to increased Iranian influence in northern Iraq and Syria. The conflict in the Caucasus also disrupted energy supplies, further complicating the war in the Middle East.

Commander-in-Chief (USA/Israel): General David Marcus

Commander-in-Chief (Iran): General Hassan Asadi

The Invasion of Saudi Arabia was one of the most significant and strategically critical campaigns of World War III, beginning in early 2028. It was primarily driven by the Iranian-led Eurasian Pact, with Iran spearheading the assault as they sought to gain control of the oil-rich Arabian Peninsula and weaken the influence of the Western-backed Gulf monarchies. The invasion drew in many nations across the Middle East and altered the geopolitical balance of the region.

The Middle East had been a hotbed of tensions for decades leading up to the war, and the collapse of international diplomacy in the late 2020s accelerated military confrontations. Iran’s growing influence over the Houthis in Yemen, its alliance with Iraq, and covert support from Russia emboldened Tehran to launch an offensive aimed at reshaping the political landscape of the Gulf.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, notably Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE, and Oman, had grown increasingly reliant on the United States and NATO for security, making them a prime target for the Eurasian Pact.

In early 2028, Iranian forces moved through Iraq with the tacit approval of the pro-Iranian Iraqi government. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), alongside regular army units, amassed on the borders of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. They were supported by Iraqi militias loyal to Iran, who helped secure key infrastructure along the advance routes.

Iran launched simultaneous attacks:

• In the north, they entered Kuwait, quickly overwhelming Kuwaiti defenses.
• In the east, Iranian naval forces staged amphibious operations along the Persian Gulf, targeting Qatar and Bahrain.
• To the south, Iranian forces coordinated with Houthi insurgents in Yemen, opening a front near the Saudi-Yemeni border.

Iran’s strategy included seizing smaller Arab Gulf monarchies to solidify control over the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf's energy resources. The invasions unfolded rapidly:

• Kuwait fell after a brief but intense struggle in February 2028, with most of its military neutralized within days.
• Qatar was captured soon after, with the Al Udeid Air Base, a key NATO asset, falling into Iranian hands.
• Bahrain, home to the U.S. 5th Fleet, was subjected to a mix of aerial bombardments and amphibious assaults. Though U.S. forces stationed there initially resisted, they were eventually overrun, leading to the collapse of Bahrain’s defenses.
• In the UAE, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Iranian forces faced stiffer resistance, as Emirati forces, bolstered by British and American advisors, held key defensive positions. However, after months of battle, the UAE capitulated in mid-2028.

By mid-2028, Iranian troops began pushing into Saudi Arabia, targeting its vital Eastern Province, home to most of the kingdom's oil fields. Iran’s strategic objective was to cripple Saudi Arabia’s oil production, which would have global ramifications.

The Battle of Dhahran and the surrounding oil fields became a key flashpoint. Saudi forces, reinforced by U.S. and European troops, launched several counteroffensives to defend the oil-rich region, but Iranian superiority in missile capabilities and drones gave them the edge.

While Iranian forces attacked from the north and east, Houthi rebels launched a coordinated offensive from Yemen. After years of fighting Saudi-led coalition forces in the Yemeni Civil War, the Houthis seized the opportunity to expand their territory into southern Saudi Arabia. They overran border towns in Najran and Jizan, creating a southern front that stretched Saudi defenses thin.

In a surprising development, Houthi forces also invaded Oman with limited Iranian assistance, capturing parts of the Omani border region. The Sultanate of Oman, already dealing with internal instability, struggled to resist the Houthi incursion, further complicating the situation in the Arabian Peninsula.

• Battle of Kuwait City (February 2028): Iranian forces swiftly took control of Kuwait after destroying the Kuwaiti military's capabilities. Urban fighting in Kuwait City was fierce, but the defenders were overwhelmed within days.
• Battle of Manama (March 2028): Bahraini forces and U.S. troops stationed at Naval Support Activity Bahrain fiercely resisted the Iranian invasion, but after weeks of bombardment and guerrilla warfare, Iran took control of the island.
• Battle of Dhahran (April–August 2028): A major battle for Saudi Arabia’s oil heartland. U.S. airpower played a significant role, but Iranian missile strikes targeted oil infrastructure, leading to massive damage to global oil supplies.
• Battle of Abu Dhabi (March–June 2028): The UAE's elite forces, supported by British and American advisors, held out in the city for several months before Iranian forces broke through, marking a key turning point in the campaign.
• Battle of Riyadh (August–November 2028): Iranian forces pushed towards Riyadh, the Saudi capital, leading to intense urban warfare. Saudi forces, bolstered by NATO reinforcements, managed to hold the city after months of brutal fighting.
• Houthi Invasion of Najran (March–July 2028): The Houthis captured several towns in southern Saudi Arabia, drawing Saudi forces away from the eastern front. Their use of drones and guerrilla tactics proved highly effective.

The invasion of Saudi Arabia sparked a massive international response. The U.S. and European nations, heavily reliant on Saudi oil, ramped up their military support to the Gulf. NATO deployed air and naval assets to the Red Sea and Persian Gulf, launching bombing campaigns on Iranian supply lines.

By late 2028, Western forces, along with surviving GCC militaries, managed to launch counterattacks, slowing Iran’s advance. The Battle of Riyadh became a turning point in the campaign, as Saudi and allied forces prevented the fall of the Saudi capital.

By mid-2029, as Iranian forces struggled with overextension and attrition, NATO and Saudi-led counteroffensives began reclaiming lost territory. Iran’s economy, under heavy sanctions, started to collapse, leading to internal dissent. Combined with the U.S.-led naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s war effort became unsustainable.

The final stages of the war saw NATO forces retaking Bahrain and Kuwait and pushing Iranian forces out of Saudi Arabia's eastern provinces. The war, however, would devastate the Arabian Peninsula’s economy and infrastructure for years to come.

The Iranian invasion reshaped the geopolitics of the Middle East. The GCC monarchies, though victorious, were severely weakened, and the Saudi economy took years to recover due to the destruction of its oil facilities. The defeat of Iran, however, marked the collapse of the Eurasian Pact's Middle Eastern front, shifting the balance of power back to the West.

While the invasion was ultimately unsuccessful for Iran, it left the region in a state of turmoil, with insurgencies and economic crises lingering well into the post-war period. The Houthis retained control over parts of southern Saudi Arabia and Oman, creating a new flashpoint for future conflicts in the Arabian Peninsula.

Commander-in-Chief (NATO/Norway) : General Hans Skogen

Commander-in-Chief (Russia): General Sergei Ivanov

The Arctic Front of World War III was a strategic military campaign primarily involving NATO member states and the Russian Federation, with combat concentrated in the Arctic Circle. Hostilities in the region were driven by both military and economic considerations, particularly the desire to control Arctic sea routes and natural resources such as oil and gas. Harsh weather conditions, difficult terrain, and the importance of securing strategic naval and air installations made the Arctic Front a challenging and vital aspect of the global conflict.

The Arctic region, long recognized for its vast natural resources and potential shipping routes, became a critical theater of conflict during World War III. Increasing geopolitical tensions between NATO and Russia, exacerbated by territorial claims in the Arctic and military buildup, made the region a potential flashpoint even before the war began. The presence of major Russian military installations on the Kola Peninsula, including the Northern Fleet headquarters in Murmansk, added to the region’s strategic importance.

Hostilities on the Arctic Front began in 2028, following the outbreak of World War III, when NATO forces initiated operations to neutralize Russian military dominance in the Arctic. Norway and Finland, both NATO-aligned, spearheaded the campaign with air and ground operations aimed at disrupting Russian supply lines and military infrastructure in the region.

NATO sought to:

• Secure critical Arctic sea lanes.
• Disrupt Russian naval operations in the Barents Sea.
• Protect key NATO installations in northern Norway and Finland.

Russia, in turn, aimed to defend its Arctic holdings and maintain control over its vital military outposts and resources in the region.

The Battle of the Kola Peninsula was a major engagement between Russian and NATO forces. Finnish troops, supported by Norwegian air assets, advanced on the Kola Peninsula with the objective of capturing key Russian military installations, including airbases and radar stations. Despite initial success, Russian forces entrenched themselves in the region, leading to a protracted and bloody stalemate.

The Siege of Murmansk was one of the most significant battles on the Arctic Front. NATO, primarily through air and naval bombardments, attempted to cut off the Russian Northern Fleet stationed in Murmansk, aiming to limit Russia's ability to project naval power in the Arctic. Russian forces, well-fortified and supplied, managed to hold the city despite heavy damage to their fleet.

The Barents Sea saw several naval engagements between Russian forces and NATO, particularly Norwegian and British navies. Control of the sea lanes was vital for both sides to move resources and reinforcements. Russian submarines and surface fleets clashed with NATO forces in several skirmishes, though neither side gained a decisive advantage.

The Svalbard archipelago, a strategic Norwegian territory, became the site of several skirmishes as Russian special forces attempted to seize the islands to disrupt NATO supply routes. Norwegian forces, with British support, managed to repel these attacks, securing the islands for NATO.

As the war progressed, the Arctic Front became a grinding stalemate due to the extreme weather and difficult terrain. Both sides suffered heavy casualties from exposure and logistical challenges. The inhospitable conditions of the Arctic, including freezing temperatures and limited infrastructure, slowed the pace of operations and made resupply efforts difficult.

Humanitarian organizations voiced concerns over the impact of the conflict on indigenous populations in the Arctic, including the Sámi people, whose communities were disrupted by the fighting. Environmental damage, particularly from oil spills and the destruction of Arctic ecosystems, also became a growing issue as the conflict dragged on.

The Arctic Front, while not as high-profile as the Eastern European or East Asian fronts, played a critical role in the broader strategic picture of World War III. The control of Arctic resources and sea lanes remained a key objective for both NATO and Russian forces throughout the conflict, though neither side achieved full dominance in the region. The front remained active until the end of the war, with the final outcome largely defined by the larger geopolitical settlement that followed the cessation of hostilities.

While Norway, Finland, USA, and Russia were the main combatants, other Arctic nations, such as Denmark (through its control of Greenland), and Canada, provided logistical and intelligence support to NATO operations. Canadian forces, in particular, participated in Arctic reconnaissance missions and provided logistical support for NATO's naval operations in the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.

In the post-war settlement, the Arctic region remained a contested zone, with lingering tensions over territorial claims and environmental damage. Russia retained control of its key military installations on the Kola Peninsula, though NATO's expanded presence in the region ensured that the Arctic would remain a heavily militarized zone. The war also accelerated efforts to regulate Arctic shipping routes and resource extraction in an attempt to mitigate future conflicts over the region.

While the primary fighting occurred in Europe, East Asia, and the Middle East, the war triggered proxy conflicts and regional instability across Africa. Several countries, such as Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa, became involved in local conflicts exacerbated by the global war.

China and Russia funneled weapons to various African governments and militias to destabilize Western influence. Notably, the Horn of Africa and Sahel regions saw intense fighting between local forces supported by external powers. In North Africa, Egyptian forces faced off against Russian-backed militias in Libya and Sudan.

During World War III, East Africa became a secondary theater of conflict as regional powers sought to assert control over key strategic resources and shipping lanes. Countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, and Somalia found themselves involved in proxy wars, insurgencies, and direct military engagements influenced by the broader global conflict.

• Sudan: Sudan was drawn into the conflict due to its proximity to Egypt and Libya. Pro-Russian forces in Libya sought to destabilize Khartoum, leading to a series of border skirmishes and proxy warfare.
• Horn of Africa: Somalia and Ethiopia saw renewed conflict as local militant groups, some supported by external actors, sought to take advantage of the global chaos to expand their influence. Al-Shabaab in Somalia launched attacks on Ethiopian and Kenyan forces.

In Latin America, the war sparked widespread economic crises and social unrest. While the continent was largely spared from direct military conflict, nations such as Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico faced internal unrest as global trade disruptions and the collapse of international markets led to food shortages, economic collapse, and political instability.

World War III was the most destructive conflict in human history, resulting in over 200 million deaths, including military personnel and civilians. Entire cities were destroyed, particularly in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia, while the environmental and economic toll of the war would take decades to repair.

The war ended in December 2031 with the signing of the Treaty of Geneva, which saw the formal surrender of the Eurasian Pact, significant territorial losses for China and Russia, and the restructuring of the global order.