Best RTS Games: A Comprehensive Guide

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Real-time strategy (RTS) games have been a staple in the gaming industry since the early 90s. These games require players to make strategic decisions on the fly as they build their base, manage resources, and conquer opponents in real-time. With so many RTS games available, it can be overwhelming to find the best ones to play. In this guide, we have compiled a list of the best RTS games based on gameplay, graphics, storyline, and overall popularity.

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1. Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty

Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty, developed by Blizzard Entertainment, is one of the most popular RTS games of all time. It was released in 2010 and has since gained a massive following with its engaging gameplay and immersive storyline. The game is set in the 26th century in a distant part of the Milky Way galaxy, where three factions battle for supremacy: the Terrans, the Zerg, and the Protoss.The game’s single-player campaign follows Jim Raynor, a former Terran marshal who leads a rebel group against the oppressive Terran Dominion. The campaign features a branching storyline with multiple missions, each with its own unique objectives and challenges. The game’s multiplayer mode is also highly competitive, with players from all over the world battling it out for supremacy.

Pros:

Engaging storyline
Challenging gameplay
Competitive multiplayer
Active community

Cons:

Steep learning curve
Requires a lot of micro-management
Some units are overpowered

2. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is a remastered version of the classic RTS game developed by Ensemble Studios in 1999. The game features improved graphics, updated gameplay mechanics, and new content, making it a must-play for both fans of the original game and newcomers to the genre.The game is set in the Middle Ages and features thirteen playable civilizations, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. The game’s single-player campaign follows historical figures such as Joan of Arc and Genghis Khan as they battle for dominance in Europe and Asia. The game’s multiplayer mode is also highly competitive, with players from all over the world battling it out for supremacy.

Pros:

Improved graphics
New content
Challenging gameplay
Active community

Cons:

Some civilizations are overpowered
Some mechanics are outdated
No new civilizations added

3. Warcraft III: Reforged

Warcraft III: Reforged, developed by Blizzard Entertainment, is a remastered version of the classic RTS game released in 2002. The game features updated graphics, improved gameplay mechanics, and new content, making it a must-play for both fans of the original game and newcomers to the genre.The game is set in the fantasy world of Azeroth and features four playable factions: the Humans, the Orcs, the Undead, and the Night Elves. The game’s single-player campaign follows the struggles of each faction as they battle for dominance in Azeroth. The game’s multiplayer mode is also highly competitive, with players from all over the world battling it out for supremacy.

Pros:

Improved graphics
New content
Challenging gameplay
Active community

Cons:

Some mechanics are outdated
Some units are overpowered
The remaster was poorly received by fans

4. Company of Heroes 2

Company of Heroes 2, developed by Relic Entertainment, is a World War II-themed RTS game released in 2013. The game features a single-player campaign and a multiplayer mode, both of which are highly engaging and challenging.The game’s single-player campaign follows the Soviet Red Army as they battle against the German Wehrmacht on the Eastern Front. The campaign features a branching storyline with multiple missions, each with its own unique objectives and challenges. The game’s multiplayer mode is also highly competitive, with players from all over the world battling it out for supremacy.

Pros:

Engaging storyline
Challenging gameplay
Realistic portrayal of World War II
Active community

Cons:

Can be overwhelming for new players
Some units are overpowered
Some mechanics are outdated

5. Command and Conquer: Red Alert 2

Command and Conquer: Red Alert 2, developed by Westwood Studios, is a classic RTS game released in 2000. The game features a single-player campaign and a multiplayer mode, both of which are highly engaging and challenging.The game’s single-player campaign follows the Soviet Union and the Allies as they battle for dominance in an alternate timeline where Albert Einstein travels back in time to prevent the rise of Hitler. The campaign features a branching storyline with multiple missions, each with its own unique objectives and challenges. The game’s multiplayer mode is also highly competitive, with players from all over the world battling it out for supremacy.

Pros:

Engaging storyline
Challenging gameplay
Unique alternate timeline setting
Active community

Cons:

Graphics are outdated
Some units are overpowered
Some mechanics are outdated

6. Total War: Warhammer II

Total War: Warhammer II, developed by Creative Assembly, is a fantasy-themed RTS game released in 2017. The game features a single-player campaign and a multiplayer mode, both of which are highly engaging and challenging.The game’s single-player campaign follows one of the four playable factions as they battle for dominance in the Warhammer Fantasy world. The campaign features a branching storyline with multiple missions, each with its own unique objectives and challenges. The game’s multiplayer mode is also highly competitive, with players from all over the world battling it out for supremacy.

Pros:

Engaging storyline
Challenging gameplay
Immersive fantasy world
Active community

Cons:

Can be overwhelming for new players
Some factions are overpowered
Long load times

7. Rise of Nations: Extended Edition

Rise of Nations: Extended Edition, developed by Big Huge Games, is a classic RTS game released in 2003. The game features a single-player campaign and a multiplayer mode, both of which are highly engaging and challenging.The game’s single-player campaign follows one of the twenty playable nations as they battle for dominance in a timeline spanning from ancient history to modern times. The campaign features a branching storyline with multiple missions, each with its own unique objectives and challenges. The game’s multiplayer mode is also highly competitive, with players from all over the world battling it out for supremacy.

Pros:

Engaging storyline
Challenging gameplay
Unique timeline spanning ancient history to modern times
Active community

Cons:

Graphics are outdated
Some mechanics are outdated
Some nations are overpowered

8. Star Wars: Empire at War

Star Wars: Empire at War, developed by Petroglyph Games, is a Star Wars-themed RTS game released in 2006. The game features a single-player campaign and a multiplayer mode, both of which are highly engaging and challenging.The game’s single-player campaign follows the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance as they battle for dominance in the Star Wars universe. The campaign features a branching storyline with multiple missions, each with its own unique objectives and challenges. The game’s multiplayer mode is also highly competitive, with players from all over the world battling it out for supremacy.

Pros:

Engaging storyline
Challenging gameplay
Immersive Star Wars setting
Active community

Cons:

Graphics are outdated
Some mechanics are outdated
Some units are overpowered

9. Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak

Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak, developed by Blackbird Interactive, is a sci-fi-themed RTS game released in 2016. The game features a single-player campaign and a multiplayer mode, both of which are highly engaging and challenging.The game’s single-player campaign follows the Kushan people as they search for a mysterious artifact on the desert planet of Kharak. The campaign features a branching storyline with multiple missions, each with its own unique objectives and challenges. The game’s multiplayer mode is also highly competitive, with players from all over the world battling it out for supremacy.

Pros:

Engaging storyline
Challenging gameplay
Unique sci-fi setting
Active community

Cons:

Some mechanics are outdated
Some units are overpowered
Not enough content

10. Ashes of the Singularity: Escalation

Ashes of the Singularity: Escalation, developed by Stardock Entertainment, is a sci-fi-themed RTS game released in 2016. The game features a single-player campaign and a multiplayer mode, both of which are highly engaging and challenging.The game’s single-player campaign follows the Post-Human Coalition and the Substrate as they battle for dominance in a distant part of the galaxy. The campaign features a branching storyline with multiple missions, each with its own unique objectives and challenges. The game’s multiplayer mode is also highly competitive, with players from all over the world battling it out for supremacy.

Pros:

Engaging storyline
Challenging gameplay
Unique sci-fi setting
Active community

Cons:

Can be overwhelming for new players
Some mechanics are outdated
Some units are overpowered

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best RTS games are those that offer engaging gameplay, immersive storylines, and challenging mechanics. From classic games like Command and Conquer: Red Alert 2 to modern titles like Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty, there are plenty of great RTS games to choose from. Whether you’re a veteran of the genre or a newcomer looking to get started, there’s something for everyone in the world of RTS games.