Being one of the most iconic cities in the U.S., Washington D.C. frequently finds itself as the setting for plenty of video games. Many of D.C.’s notable monuments and other landmarks serve as a picturesque environment well suited for exploration. As a cultural and political focal point, the city is often used in games needing to depict a world torn asunder.
However, Washington D.C’s unmistakable architecture and historical significance render it the perfect backdrop for games of all genres. Whether it’s being used for single missions or entire campaigns, the nation’s capital surely has its fair share of video game recreations.
7 Payday 2: Crime Spree In D.C.
This co-op first-person shooter follows the Payday gang as they conduct a variety of heists on banks, armored cars, and stores. After relocating to Washington D.C., the gang continues their criminal antics through an array of new and varied missions themed appropriately for the city. Players will seldom run short of weapons, rewards, and cosmetic upgrades to acquire, which adds to the game's replayability. Moreover, the mixing and matching of skills and weapons mean there's an abundance of build possibilities.
This sequel to the Payday franchise offers more ways than ever for players to accomplish their missions, suiting a multitude of different play styles. Combine that with the improved customization and it's not difficult to see why Payday 2 has had the legs to withstand the test of time since its original release in 2013.
6 Turning Point: Fall Of Liberty: Trapped In Another Timeline
Delving into alternative history, Turning Point: Fall Of Liberty is a first-person shooter that presents a fictional reality in which World War 2 extended to the mainland U.S. In this timeline, Winston Churchill dies before the war and without his leadership, much of Europe and surrounding regions fall to the German Empire.
Eventually, the east coast of the U.S. is invaded and players are taken through a campaign in which they must resist the German occupation. One of the several cities they're called upon to defend is Washington D.C.
5 Grid Autosport: Racing In The Last Place One Might Expect
It might not be at the top of the list for ideal racing locations, but Washington D.C. serves as one of the dozens of maps in Grid Autosport. Gear up for this globetrotting racing game that makes a pitstop in this unconventional city. Players can speed past their competitors and notable landmarks such as the Washington Monument as they race through the busy streets of the town.
Mixing elements from a number of other popular titles in the genre, Grid Autosport sees players develop their careers and take on a variety of challenges in several racing disciplines.
4 Twisted Metal 3: Of All The Places To Host A Tournament
Like the other games in this franchise, Twisted Metal 3 is a vehicle combat game in which you use a variety of weapons and other means to be the last player standing amid an arena of enemies. Players have a colorful selection of cars to choose from and fight with, each with its own unique characteristics that help them stand out in battle.
The second level of Twisted Metal 3 is set on the Capitol building lawn and also serves as the backdrop while fighting Darkside, a vehicle driven by Mr. Ash, one of the several bosses players encounter throughout the game. Surrounded by massive walls, this arena allows players to get up close and personal with the building while causing carnage and mayhem just outside its doors.
3 Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2: A City Ravaged By World War 3
As one of the highest-grossing video game franchises of all time, Call of Duty, especially the Modern Warfare series, needs little introduction. Like the others in the franchise, players are sent on a campaign across the world, and one of the missions takes them to an active battle set in Washington D.C.
Players engage in fast-paced combat in and around a variety of historic locations as they are guided throughout the war-torn city. This game reimagines the capital during World War 3 after it’s been devastated by outside forces, and follows U.S. troops as they struggle to stave off the invaders and aid in the evacuation of the area.
2 Fallout 3: The Remnants Of A Nuclear War
As the third installment from one of the most notorious post-apocalyptic action RPG franchises, Fallout 3 reimagines the nation’s capital post-nuclear war. Assuming the role of a teenager searching for their missing father, players scour the surface world and roam through what was formerly Washington D.C. and the surrounding area.
Along the way, they encounter dangerous factions of enemies and must fight for their survival in the barren wasteland. Players can freely wander an expansive, open-ended world with plenty of unique locations to discover. More so than previous iterations, Fallout 3 empowers players, allowing them to customize their character with better weapons and perks and they progress through the game.
1 The Division 2: An Old Game In A New City
Any list of the best Washington D.C. recreations would be incomplete without mentioning Tom Clancy's The Division 2, released in 2019. Similar to the first installment, players will have the opportunity to be a sleeper agent attempting to preserve order after a virus outbreak leads to global chaos.
Set just seven months after the original, this sequel explores a dystopian version of the capital and continues the story of the Division in their attempt to rebuild society. Players can traverse through iconic, yet deteriorated landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall, and even the White House while taking part in the unique missions and dynamic open-world activities. The massive number of options for classes, perks, and weapons also open the door for loads of builds all tailored towards effectively combating different enemies.