The 20 Best RTS (Real Time Strategy) Games of All Time: Command Your Way to Victory
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the 20 best RTS (Real Time Strategy) games of all time. This list features the top-scoring RTS games that have enthralled gamers for decades, with a focus on strategic depth, tactical gameplay, and immersive storytelling. Perfect for fans of all ages and experience levels, these classic and modern RTS games will keep you on the edge of your seat as you command your way to victory. Without further ado, let’s dive into the world of real-time strategy gaming!
Let’s get started with a real classic and a game that I have played for several years and countless hours. Mostly in 2v2 Multiplayer mode, but also 3v3 and 4v4.
StarCraft II
Blizzard Entertainment’s StarCraft II is a legendary real-time strategy game that has dominated the genre since its release in 2010. Featuring three distinct factions – the human Terrans, the alien Zerg, and the advanced Protoss – StarCraft II offers a deep and balanced gameplay experience with a focus on tactical strategy and resource management. With its engaging single-player campaign and thriving multiplayer community, StarCraft II is a must-play for any RTS fan. Starcraft 2 is now free to play, and the top choice for real-time strategy fans.
Another game everyone who enjoys the genre will know and love:
Age of Empires II
Ensemble Studios’ Age of Empires II is a classic RTS game that has stood the test of time. Set during the Middle Ages, players choose from a variety of historical civilizations and lead them through various eras, engaging in warfare, diplomacy, and technological advancement. With its deep gameplay mechanics, compelling campaigns, and enduring popularity, Age of Empires II remains a beloved staple of the RTS genre.
You can pick up the older versions or the HD Remake. If you are not into a that outdated version, there’s always Age Of Empires 3 which was released relatively recently:
Let’s talk about a classic and an old-school classic:
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2
Westwood Studios’ Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 is a seminal RTS game that pits the Allies against the Soviet Union in an alternate history version of the Cold War. Featuring a memorable single-player campaign and robust multiplayer experience, Red Alert 2 is renowned for its fast-paced gameplay, colorful units, and engaging strategic depth.
One of the best real-time strategy games, made by Blizzard is
Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos
Another masterpiece from Blizzard Entertainment, Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos is an iconic RTS game that combines traditional real time strategy elements with role-playing game mechanics. Set in the richly detailed world of Azeroth, Warcraft III features four distinct factions, each with its own unique units, heroes, and abilities. With its deep gameplay, engaging story, and timeless appeal, Warcraft III is a cornerstone of the RTS genre.
Company of Heroes 1-3
Relic Entertainment’s Company of Heroes is a critically acclaimed WWII-themed RTS game that focuses on the tactical aspects of combat. Players command squads of infantry and vehicles, utilizing cover, suppression, and flanking maneuvers to outsmart and outmaneuver their enemies. With its realistic damage models, immersive atmosphere, and innovative gameplay mechanics, Company of Heroes is a standout title in the world of RTS gaming.
They just released the Company of Heroes 3, here’s some gameplay:
Total War: Rome II
Creative Assembly’s Total War: Rome II is a sprawling RTS game that combines turn-based empire-building with epic real-time battles. Set in the ancient Mediterranean world, players take control of famous factions such as Rome, Carthage, and Egypt, striving to expand their empires through diplomacy, trade, and warfare. With its impressive scale, historical accuracy, and gripping gameplay, Total War: Rome II is a must-play for strategy enthusiasts.
Homeworld 1 & 2
Relic Entertainment’s Homeworld is a groundbreaking space-based RTS game that introduced full 3D movement and strategic depth to the genre. Players control a massive fleet of ships, maneuvering through vast space environments while managing resources, technology, and combat tactics. With its innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and captivating storyline, Homeworld remains a beloved classic in the RTS pantheon.
My friends and I spent endless amounts of hours in Homeworld and enjoyed the game’s approach to controlling units in three-dimensional space.
There’s a remastered version of Homeworld 2 which is worth looking into in case you are about to pick up a strategy game.
Here’s some gameplay:
Dawn of War II
Another stellar offering from Relic Entertainment, Dawn of War II is an RTS game set in the grimdark Warhammer 40,000 universe. Players command squads of Space Marines, Orks, Eldar, or Tyranids, using unique units and abilities to achieve victory on the battlefield. With its deep tactics, RPG elements, and intense combat, Dawn of War II is a thrilling addition to the RTS genre.
Rise of Nations
Big Huge Games’ Rise of Nations is a unique RTS game that combines elements of turn-based strategy and real-time warfare. Players guide their chosen nation through the ages, researching technologies, expanding their territory, and waging war against rival civilizations. With its innovative gameplay and engaging mechanics, Rise of Nations offers a fresh and exciting take on the RTS formula.
Supreme Commander
Gas Powered Games’ Supreme Commander is a futuristic RTS game that emphasizes large-scale warfare and strategic planning. Players take control of one of three factions, each with its own unique units and abilities, and battle for supremacy on massive maps with thousands of units. With its epic scale and strategic depth, Supreme Commander is a must-play for fans of large-scale RTS gaming.
Civilization V
Firaxis Games’ Civilization V is a turn-based strategy game with real-time elements, offering a deep and engrossing experience as players guide their chosen civilization through the ages. From humble beginnings, players engage in diplomacy, research, and warfare to expand their empires and achieve global domination. With its blend of strategic depth and accessible gameplay, Civilization V is a beloved entry in the RTS genre.
Total Annihilation
Cavedog Entertainment’s Total Annihilation is a classic RTS game that introduced new gameplay mechanics and a focus on large-scale battles. Set in a futuristic world, players choose between the Arm and Core factions, each with its own unique units and technologies. With its epic battles, deep strategic gameplay, and innovative mechanics, Total Annihilation remains a favorite among RTS enthusiasts.
Stronghold Crusader
Firefly Studios’ Stronghold Crusader is a medieval RTS game that emphasizes castle-building and siege warfare. Set during the Crusades, players choose between European and Arabian factions, constructing mighty fortresses and engaging in brutal battles to expand their territories. With its unique blend of strategy, resource management, and combat, Stronghold Crusader offers a fresh and engaging take on the RTS genre.
Empire Earth
Stainless Steel Studios’ Empire Earth is an ambitious RTS game that spans the entire history of human civilization. Players guide their chosen civilization through 14 epochs, from prehistory to the distant future, engaging in warfare, diplomacy, and technological development. With its expansive scope and deep strategic gameplay, Empire Earth is a beloved classic in the world of RTS gaming.
Command & Conquer: Generals
Another outstanding entry in the Command & Conquer franchise, Generals is an RTS game that brings modern warfare to the forefront. Players choose between the USA, China, or the terrorist Global Liberation Army, each with its own unique units and abilities, and battle for control of the world. With its engaging gameplay, contemporary setting, and tactical depth, Command & Conquer: Generals remains a fan favorite.
Sins of a Solar Empire
Ironclad Games’ Sins of a Solar Empire is a space-based RTS game that combines empire building, diplomacy, and epic battles. Players take control of one of three factions, each with its own unique units, technologies, and abilities, and battle for supremacy in a vast and dynamic galaxy. With its deep strategic gameplay, immersive setting, and innovative mechanics, Sins of a Solar Empire is a must-play for fans of sci-fi RTS gaming.
Total War: Shogun 2
Creative Assembly’s Total War: Shogun 2 transports players to feudal Japan, where they must guide their chosen clan to victory through diplomacy, espionage, and warfare. With its captivating setting, historical accuracy, and engaging gameplay, Total War: Shogun 2 is another standout entry in the acclaimed Total War series.
Grey Goo
Petroglyph Games’ Grey Goo is a futuristic RTS game that pits three unique factions against one another in a battle for survival. With its deep strategic gameplay, engaging story, and diverse unit roster, Grey Goo offers a fresh and innovative take on the RTS formula.
Anno 2070
Blue Byte’s Anno 2070 is a city-building RTS game set in a near-future world ravaged by climate change. Players must build and manage their cities, balancing the needs of their citizens with the challenges posed by the environment. With its blend of strategy, management, and futuristic setting, Anno 2070 offers a unique and engaging experience for RTS fans.
These 20 best RTS games of all time represent the pinnacle of strategic depth, tactical gameplay, and immersive storytelling in the genre. From the epic battles of StarCraft II to the historical intrigue of Age of Empires II, these classic and modern RTS games have captivated gamers for decades. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or new to the genre, there’s never been a better time to dive into the exciting world of real-time strategy gaming.