gamekeys.deals
EN

Buying guides

25 Best RTS Games Missing From Your Life

The best RTS games have fueled heated debates for decades.

By · Published · Updated · 11 min read

gamekeys.deals logo

The best RTS games have fueled heated debates for decades. Which game is actually the best? What even makes an RTS, well, an RTS? Everyone’s got their favorites, but there’s a handful of classics and modern hits that nearly all fans agree belong in the top tier.

What makes RTS games so addictive? It’s all about juggling chaos in real-time. You’re not just planning strategies – you’re managing resources, leading armies into battle, and building empires without a second to breathe. It’s equal parts thrilling and brain-bending, and before you know it, “just one more mission” turns into hours of gameplay.

Whether you’re into the glory days of retro RTS or prefer slick, modern warfare, this list has something for everyone. So, grab your headset, warm up your APM, and let’s dive into the best real-time strategy games ever made.

Jump to:

  • Our Top Picks for RTS Games
  • 25 Best RTS Games To Play
  • Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
  • Anno 1800
  • Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition
  • Hearts of Iron 4: Cadet Edition
  • Starcraft: Remastered
  • Warcraft 3
  • Stellaris
  • Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2
  • Crusader Kings 3
  • Total War: Rome II
  • Company of Heroes 3
  • Frostpunk
  • Rimworld
  • A Total War Saga: TROY
  • Europa Universalis 4
  • Rise of Nations: Extended Edition
  • Starcraft II
  • Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II
  • Hegemony III: Clash of the Ancients
  • Total War: Warhammer
  • Wargame: Red Dragon
  • Ultimate General: Gettysburg
  • Stronghold Crusader HD
  • Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance
  • Dune: Spice Wars
  • What Are RTS Games? A Quick Overview

What To Consider When Choosing an RTS Game?

How We Selected the Best RTS Games The Evolution of Real Time Strategy Games Through the Years Why RTS Games Appeal to Strategic Thinkers Tips for Getting Started with Real Time Strategy Games How does RTS differ from turn-based strategy?

Are RTS games mostly single-player or multiplayer?

Can beginners enjoy RTS games, or are they too complex?

Our T op Picks for RTS Games When it comes to RTS games, there’s no shortage of legendary titles, each offering their own unique gameplay mechanics, strategic depth, and unforgettable experiences, these games are beloved by both long-time fans and newcomers alike. Here are just a few of our favorites:

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition RTS A classic blend of historical accuracy, strategic depth, and timeless gameplay.

Anno 1800 CITY BUILDER A city-building masterpiece set in the 19th century, where trade, diplomacy, and economics rule.

Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition RTS Take on massive historical battles with a fresh take on the classic Age of Empires formula.

If you want to see our full list of the best RTS games to play solo or with friends, keep scrolling!

25 Best RTS Games To Play

Real-time strategy games will put your tactical skills to the ultimate test. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or new to the genre, this list of the best RTS games will keep you on your toes and craving more. Ready to dive in? Let’s explore some of the greatest RTS titles that are sure to challenge and entertain you.

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition

  • Release Year
  • Available On
  • Microsoft Windows, Xbox One & Series X/S
  • Originally released in
  • ,
  • Age of Empires II
  • remains one of the most enduring classics in the RTS genre, especially with its

remaster. The game combines rich historical lore with deep strategic gameplay, where mastering “micro” tactics for different units is key to victory.

Whether you’re an experienced veteran reliving the nostalgia of multiplayer battles or a newcomer diving into the detailed campaigns, AOE2 offers an experience that’s easy to get into but hard to master. The Definitive Edition brings updated graphics, new campaigns, and civilizations, ensuring this RTS classic remains a must-play for both old and new fans.

Anno 1800

Release Year Available On Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S This title masterfully combines city-building and RTS elements, challenging players to balance resource management, solve complex problems, and navigate the intricacies of diplomacy.

Set during the Victorian Era, Anno 1800 immerses players in a beautifully detailed world that captures the societal issues of the time, such as factory labor and urban growth. You’ll need to carefully zone your territories for optimal growth, all while dealing with rival factions who may provoke naval battles to take control of valuable land. Sail the high seas, create a thriving aristocratic city, and experience the challenges of the 18th century in this deeply engaging RTS.

Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition

  • Release Year
  • Available On
  • Microsoft Windows, Xbox One & Series X/S
  • Although
  • Age of Empires 4

may not have reached the same level of acclaim as its predecessors, it still earns its place as one of the best RTS games with its exciting mechanics and historically accurate campaigns.

The game captures the essence of large-scale warfare, challenging players to manage armies efficiently to defeat their enemies. The medieval aesthetic, a hallmark of the franchise, is ever-present, further enhancing player immersion. Fans of the Age of Empires series will find hours of engaging gameplay awaiting them. Experience the vast medieval battlefield and command your soldiers to victory.

Hearts of Iron 4: Cadet Edition

Release Year Available On Microsoft Windows, macOS A titan of the grand strategy genre, Hearts of Iron 4 also stands as one of the best RTS games, thanks to its compelling narrative direction and deeply immersive mechanics that draw players into the heart of World War II.

Released in, the game remains relevant today, with innovative gameplay that feels timeless. In real-time, players must manage diplomacy, large-scale combat, and even espionage, all while navigating the complexities of multiplayer rivalries. Its immense replayability ensures countless hours of engagement. Take command of a great nation and guide it to triumph during one of history’s most tumultuous eras!

Starcraft: Remastered

Release Year Available On Microsoft Windows, macOS Originally released in, StarCraft quickly became a landmark in RTS gaming and a cornerstone of the esports scene. With its deceptively simple mechanics, the game offers an incredibly rewarding challenge that keeps players hooked, whether they’re immersing themselves in the gripping single-player campaign or battling it out in high-stakes multiplayer matches.

The remastered edition brought updated graphics and a polished experience, drawing in both nostalgic veterans and new players. Its esports legacy has endured for over 25 years, and the competitive multiplayer scene remains as exciting and intense as ever. Dive into this timeless RTS classic and see why StarCraft is still a favorite among gamers worldwide.

Warcraft 3 (Gold Edition)

Release Year Available On Microsoft Windows, macOS Another genre-defining title in the RTS world is Warcraft 3, which received a remaster in. The game innovated the RTS genre by introducing hero units – powerful characters that can potentially win the game on their own if leveled up successfully.

  • The core gameplay, which revolves around four distinct factions, remains in high regard, as players can still find matches easily online. One of
  • Warcraft 3
  • ‘s most significant legacies is its user-created maps, which led to the creation of the
  • MOBA genre
  • . The custom map
  • Defense of the Ancients
  • directly inspired
  • Dota 2
  • , which remains one of the most popular games in the world today. Whether you’re diving into the classic
  • Warcraft 3

experience or exploring its custom maps, this game continues to captivate players worldwide.

Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2

Release Year Available On Microsoft Windows Thanks to its engagingly unique gameplay and 2D art graphics that surprisingly still look good today, Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 remains one of the best RTS games. The single-resource system is simple enough to allow newcomers to focus on other aspects of the game, such as power management, which limits the number of buildings they can construct, and the micromanagement of units.

Additionally, the game features a compelling campaign with a storyline that captures the nostalgic early 2000s vibe, enhanced by cheesy yet entertaining real-life cutscenes with actors and movie special effects. Play as either the Allies or the Soviet Union – the choice is yours.

Company of Heroes 3

Release Year Available On Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S With its historical setting during World War II, the game successfully portrays the often-underrepresented Italian and North African war theaters with respect, ensuring the gameplay and narrative match the atmosphere.

The multiplayer scene is intense and competitive, providing a challenge even for seasoned RTS veterans. The real-time battle aspect makes every decision critical, though the “Tactical Pause” system allows players to queue actions during the heat of battle. Join the struggle and lead your soldiers to victory!

Frostpunk

Release Year Available On Microsoft Windows, macOS, Playstation 4, Xbox One The central theme of Frostpunk revolves around making tough choices between ethically sound decisions that harm the economy and morally questionable ones that benefit society in the long run. The game challenges players to manage societal problems and natural disasters in real-time, drawing critical acclaim from players, including seasoned RTS veterans.

With its atmospheric steampunk aesthetic, intense resource management, and emotionally charged decision-making, Frostpunk forces players to navigate the fragile balance between morality and survival. This combination of strategy and narrative creates a gripping experience that comes highly recommended. Fight for your colony’s survival and lead them to either glory or doom.

Rimworld

  • Release Year
  • Available On
  • Microsoft Windows, macOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
  • With its unique
  • 2D art style
  • and compelling gameplay,
  • RimWorld

secures its place as one of the best RTS gams. While some may debate whether certain choices in the game are too extreme, the developers’ inclusion of controversial mechanics that induce moral dilemmas becomes a key point of interest for players.

Managing a brand-new colony with each game start quickly becomes a routine, but players will find the game unforgiving in terms of difficulty. Test your skills at colony management and see how long you can hold onto your moral code before being forced to deviate.

A Total War Saga: TROY

Release Year Available On Microsoft Windows, macOS Hailed as one of the standout entries in the Total War franchise, Total War: TROY solidifies its place as one of the best RTS games with its innovative gameplay mechanics and strong narrative design. Players can curry favor with ancient Greek gods to gain their blessings, enabling them to perform heroic feats and turn the tide of skirmishes in their favor.

True to the RTS tradition, resource management plays a critical role, as neglecting this aspect in favor of others can lead to downfall. Secure the favor of the gods and lead your armies to victory in the epic battles of ancient Greece.

Europa Universalis 4

  • Release Year
  • Available On
  • Microsoft Windows, macOS
  • Created by the same developer behind
  • Stellaris
  • and
  • Crusader Kings 3
  • ,
  • Europa Universalis 4

masterfully brings the Early Modern period to life, offering accurate timelines and detailed depictions of kingdoms to immerse players in the era.

In real-time, players face the challenge of ruling a territory, managing diplomacy with neighbors, and making tough decisions about whether to prioritize military or economic development with limited resources. With its deep, engaging gameplay mechanics and rich narrative design, Europa Universalis 4 promises an experience that will captivate players for hours. Explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate as you carve your path to dominance.

Rise of Nations: Extended Edition

Release Year Available On Microsoft Windows, macOS Thanks to its blend of real-time strategy and turn-based elements – similar to the Civilization series – Rise of Nations: Extended Edition stands out as a unique entry among RTS games. Despite being released over a decade ago, it continues to satisfy players’ desire for resource management and nation-building in real-time.

Spanning from ancient times to the modern era, the game offers dynamic experiences that have cultivated a cult following of veteran players – always ready to welcome newcomers and new challengers. Lead your nation, evolve through the ages, and conquer your foes!

Starcraft II

Release Year Available On Microsoft Windows, macOS The sequel to the critically acclaimed Starcraft exceeded expectations, delivering a top-tier combination of engaging gameplay and a deep, immersive narrative. Released over a decade ago, Starcraft II still boasts a healthy multiplayer community, allowing for quick matchmaking and keeping the competitive scene vibrant.

Featuring three campaigns, the long-awaited sequel provides a compelling storyline, allowing players to follow the epic lore of Starcraft to its thrilling conclusion. While another sequel may not be on the horizon, Starcraft II remains a standout title that pairs perfectly with its predecessor. Dive into this thrilling space opera filled with strategic challenges and moral dilemmas.

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II

(Master Collection)

Release Year Available On Microsoft Windows, macOS This iconic title stands as a genre-defining RTS game, introducing innovative squad-based tactics paired with a deeply immersive narrative. Unlike many other RTS titles, the gameplay focuses on efficient unit management rather than traditional resource gathering and base-building.

The game’s intense scenarios and rich story plunge players into a galactic conflict against various factions, including space-faring humans. With its engaging multiplayer modes, Dawn of War II delivers an exceptional experience for fans of the RTS genre and true admirers of the WH40k universe. Lead your troops into battle and fight for your faction’s honor!

Wargame: Red Dragon

Release Year Available On Microsoft Windows, macOS As a standout in the RTS genre, Wargame: Red Dragon earns its place on this list due to its immersive single-player campaign and depth of gameplay, allowing players to experiment with a wide range of strategies. The multiplayer mode adds to its appeal, supporting lobbies of up to 20 players and creating dynamic, chaotic battlefields in each session.

With its realistic depiction of military tactics and detailed battlefield simulations, the game stands out as one of the best RTS titles, offering an intricate portrayal of conflicts between Western forces and the Communist bloc across Asia. Command vast platoons and experience the intensity of modern warfare firsthand!

Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance

Release Year Available On Microsoft Windows Released in, Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance remains a definitive classic in the RTS genre, celebrated for its large-scale strategic gameplay and surprisingly advanced AI for its time. Refining its predecessor’s mechanics, the game features expansive battlefields where players manage vast armies across land, air, and sea, creating dynamic skirmishes that span the entire map.

The game’s core revolves around resource management and tactical depth, earning it a dedicated following among RTS enthusiasts. Its innovative control system and unique strategic layer set it apart from other titles in the genre. Test your skills and master the strategic depth of this iconic RTS masterpiece!

Guides written and checked by the gamekeys.deals team against our own price data and the stores' published policies.

How we check prices

Last reviewed