Unlike turn-based strategy, where players make decisions and carry out actions alternately, RTS, or Real-Time Strategy, is a genre in which players command and control units and resources in real time. Check out the best RTS games of all time.
The popularity of RTS games can be attributed to features such as real-time decision-making, resource management, base building and positioning strategy and the variety of units and factions. Check out the most popular titles:
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Best RTS games of all time
StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty (2010)
Continuing the saga of the interstellar conflict between the three distinct races, Terrans, Protoss and Zerg, StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty engages players in an epic battle for galactic dominance. With its captivating narrative, refined strategic gameplay and highly competitive multiplayer scenario, the game is widely acclaimed as one of the best RTSs of all time, providing an immersive experience that challenges novices and experienced players alike.
Age of Empires II (1999)
Transporting players to different historical eras, from the Dark Ages to the Renaissance, Age of Empires II offers an empire-building experience and epic battles. With a variety of civilizations to choose from, each with its own unique units and technologies, the game offers deep gameplay and a wide variety of strategies. Its longevity on the gaming scene and the enduring love of its fans make it one of the best RTS games of all time.
Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos (2002)
Expanding the Warcraft universe, this game mixes real-time strategy with RPG elements, introducing players to powerful heroes and an engaging story. Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos not only set the standard for the genre, but also gave rise to popular mods that became independent games, such as the famous Defense of the Ancients (DotA). Its diverse gameplay and lasting influence on the industry solidify it as one of the best RTS games ever released.
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 (2000)
Set in an alternative World War II reality, where the Soviet Union and the Allies face off in a fierce war, Red Alert 2 is known for its frantic gameplay and vibrant atmosphere. With a mix of military strategy and sci-fi elements, the game captivated players with its engaging campaigns and strategic battles. Its enduring legacy and dedicated fan community place it among the best RTS games of all time.
Company of Heroes (2006)
Set in the Second World War, Company of Heroes stands out for its realistic and tactical approach to battles. Focusing on terrain control and the management of individualized units, the game offers an intense and immersive combat experience. Its innovative gameplay and attention to historical detail make it one of the best RTS games ever released, winning over critics and players alike.
Total War: Shogun 2 (2011)
Returning to feudal Japan, Total War: Shogun 2 puts players in control of rival Japanese clans in a struggle for domination of the country. With a mix of real-time strategy and turn-based battles, the game offers a rich and immersive gaming experience. Its deep gameplay, impressive visuals and captivating narrative place it among the best RTS games of all time.
Homeworld (1999)
Homeworld is a real-time strategy game that stands out for its unique setting in space, where players command a fleet of ships in search of their lost home. With its innovative 3D gameplay and immersive atmosphere, the game offers a unique experience that continues to be revered by RTS fans. Its originality and lasting influence place it among the best games in the genre.
StarCraft: Brood War (1998)
As the expansion to the iconic StarCraft, Brood War continues the saga of the interstellar war between the three distinct factions. Introducing new units, maps and a challenging campaign, the game won over players with its balanced gameplay and intense multiplayer competition. Its lasting influence on the competitive scene and its legacy as one of the best RTSs of all time place it in a special place in the history of electronic games.
Rise of Nations (2003)
Rise of Nations combines elements of real-time strategy with elements of board games and 4X (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate). Allowing players to guide a nation from antiquity to the modern era, the game offers a rich and varied gaming experience. With its innovative gameplay and strategic depth, Rise of Nations stands out as one of the best RTS games ever released.
Empire Earth (2001)
Empire Earth takes players on a journey through human history, from the stone age to the space age. With a wide range of units, technologies and historical eras to explore, the game offers an epic and immersive real-time strategy experience. Its massive scale and varied gameplay make it one of the best RTS games of all time, capturing the imagination of players of all ages.
Dawn of War II (2009)
The sequel to the acclaimed Dawn of War, this game focuses on small-scale tactical combat, as opposed to large-scale base building. With its emphasis on controlling individualized units and special abilities, the game offers a unique and immersive RTS experience. Its captivating narrative and tactical gameplay place it among the best games in the genre, challenging players to think strategically in every confrontation.
Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun (1999)
Continuing the saga of the Command & Conquer series, Tiberian Sun plunges players into a dystopian world dominated by a mysterious substance known as Tiberium. With its distinctive factions, captivating campaigns and strategic gameplay, the game captivated players and became one of the best RTSs of its time. Its distinctive atmosphere and lasting influence on the series make it a classic of the genre.
Age of Mythology (2002)
This game from the same team behind Age of Empires, Age of Mythology immerses players in ancient mythology, where gods and monsters walk the Earth. With its three distinct cultures, engaging campaigns and strategic gameplay, the game offers a unique experience within the RTS genre. Its combination of history, mythology and strategy makes it one of the best strategy games ever released.
Supreme Commander (2007)
Set in a distant future where factions fight for control of resources on distant planets, Supreme Commander is known for its massive scale and strategic gameplay. Allowing players to command gigantic armies and build complex bases, the game offers an epic and immersive RTS experience. Its vision of scale and innovative gameplay make it one of the best RTS games of all time, challenging players to think on a grand scale.
Anno 1404 (2009)
Transporting players to the Middle Ages, Anno 1404 challenges players to build and manage thriving cities amidst a world full of political intrigue and flourishing trade. With its strategic gameplay and richly detailed atmosphere, the game offers an immersive experience that combines resource management, diplomacy and exploration. Its unique approach to the strategy genre and its attention to historical detail place it among the best RTS games ever released.
Stronghold Crusader (2002)
Set in the Crusades, Stronghold Crusader puts players in the role of feudal lords in a struggle for control of the Middle East. With its focus on castle building and military strategy, the game offers a unique real-time strategy experience. Its authentic atmosphere and challenging gameplay make it one of the best games in the genre, earning it a dedicated fan base over the years.
Command & Conquer: Generals (2003)
Set in the near future, where global factions fight for control of resources and power, Generals offers a modern and dynamic real-time strategy experience. With its three distinct factions, each with their own unique units and technologies, the game captivates players with its strategic gameplay and engaging narrative. Its unique approach to the genre and its enduring legacy place it among the best RTS games of all time.
Act of War: Direct Action (2005)
Set in the near future, where global geopolitics unfold in a series of armed conflicts, Act of War: Direct Action immerses players in a captivating narrative full of intrigue and action. With its strategic gameplay and impressive visuals, the game offers a realistic and challenging combat experience. Its authentic atmosphere and innovative approach to the genre place it among the best RTS games of all time.
Star Wars: Empire at War (2006)
Transporting players to the Star Wars universe, Empire at War allows players to control galactic factions in a struggle for control of the galaxy. With its mix of real-time strategy and space battles, the game offers a unique experience within the genre. Its faithfulness to the Star Wars universe and its engaging gameplay make it one of the best license-based RTS games of all time.
Sins of a Solar Empire (2008)
Mixing real-time strategy with 4X elements in a vast space setting, Sins of a Solar Empire challenges players to build galactic empires, explore star systems and fight epic battles. With its massive scale, strategic gameplay and stunning visuals, the game offers a unique gaming experience that captivates players for hours on end. Its combination of large-scale strategy and tactical depth makes it one of the best RTS games of all time.
List: the 20 best RTS games of all time
- StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty (2010)
- Age of Empires II (1999)
- Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos (2002)
- Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 (2000)
- Company of Heroes (2006)
- Total War: Shogun 2 (2011)
- Homeworld (1999)
- StarCraft: Brood War (1998)
- Rise of Nations (2003)
- Empire Earth (2001)
- Dawn of War II (2009)
- Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun (1999)
- Age of Mythology (2002)
- Supreme Commander (2007)
- Anno 1404 (2009)
- Stronghold Crusader (2002)
- Command & Conquer: Generals (2003)
- Act of War: Direct Action (2005)
- Star Wars: Empire at War (2006)
- Sins of a Solar Empire (2008)
The best RTS games of all time play a significant role in the industry, contributing to diversity and innovation in the world of video games. Over the decades, they have with their challenging gameplay, which requires quick strategic thinking. Check out our content to stay on top of the gamer universe:
