Top 20 Greatest Real Time Strategy Games
#20: “Dungeon Keeper” (1997)
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Sometimes, it’s good to be bad. That’s how it goes in “Dungeon Keeper,” where we take control of the titular antagonist. Players create dungeons that expand as the game goes on, eventually taking over the world. Of course, that’s easier said than done, and “Dungeon Keeper” frequently throws enemies our way. Although it starts slowly, building up the dungeons carries a definite sense of accomplishment. Fans are made intimately familiar with the map, as fending off enemy attacks and unlocking new areas go hand in hand. Quirky dark humor and an equally quality multiplayer add another layer to the game. Eventually, players craft a complex, rewarding backdrop that pays off the many hours invested in the game.
#19: “Halo Wars” (2009)
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The “Halo” series took a stab at the RTS genre with “Halo Wars.” It isn’t the most revolutionary of titles, but it gets all the basics right. Instead of being at the heart of the battle, players navigate through a bird’s-eye view. This allows us to see the war as it happens and alter its course in real time. The game is far from subtle, as attacks are launched from all sides, which means aggression is key. Different modes of attack reap separate rewards since every weapon also has a weakness. Because of this, players have to figure out which style of play works best to win the war. While it goes hard, “Halo Wars” is user-friendly, making it a great option for players new to the genre.
#18: “Stellaris” (2016)
“Stellaris” stays true to the 4Xs genre – players can explore, expand, exploit, or exterminate. Set in a futuristic space, fans can choose the peaceful route and coexist with different colonies, or wreak utter destruction. The sprawling title covers massive ground, so creating empires takes a long time to accomplish. However, it also familiarizes players with the ins and outs of the galaxy, providing them with enough time to decide what kind of playthrough they’re looking for. Although its pacing could have been quicker, the level of immersion in “Stellaris” is too good to ignore. It lives up to its ambitious sense of scale, as newer worlds arrive to conquer or preserve.
#17: “Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion” (2012)
Another 4X RTS set in space, this one appeals to the competitive spirit. With multiplayer as the main focus, fans go up against each other in a battle for supremacy. The game is as enjoyable when played with an attack-heavy mindset or a defensive one. Using diplomacy requires a chess-like playing style, as “Rebellion” has fans contemplating all of their decisions. Going in with an aggressive attitude is high-risk, high-reward – players can win big or lose most of what they’ve worked for. It’s a thinking person’s title that makes the best of the strategic aspect of gaming. With a greater number of factions in store, “Rebellion” sets itself as the definitive “Sins of a Solar Empire” expansion.
#16: “Supreme Commander” (2007)
With a focus on resource management, “Supreme Commander” empowers players with the ability to self-sustain. Set during a period of relentless war, the mission is to extract as much as you can from each environment. And thanks to the ingenious “strategic zoom” camera, battles can be fought simultaneously with other aspects of the game. A variety of different locations refreshes playthroughs as well, each carrying a unique identity. “Supreme Commander” does emphasize exploration, but there’s also a lot of action in store. Battles can be chaotic because of the large number of enemies, which is why players need to get their strategies in order. It’s daunting to juggle so many responsibilities at once, but “Supreme Commander” remains exciting all the way through.
#15: “Rise of Nations” (2003)
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Taking place across time, “Rise of Nations” depicts the rise and fall of various civilizations. The game goes from ancient ages all the way to the present. Players get to shape Earth’s history by establishing civilizations of their choice. It also serves as a fascinating blend between real-time strategy and turn-based gameplay, with “Rise of Nations” bringing the best out of both genres. At the time of its release, curating playthroughs based on individual choices was rare, making the game a trailblazer in the industry. The transition from one civilization to the next is simply remarkable, and the seamlessness of its tonal switches is another quality that “Rise of Nations” inhabits.
#14: “Total Annihilation” (1997)
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Living up to its title, “Total Annihilation” has a destructive feel from the beginning. It centers around a galactic conflict between humans and A.I., leading to all-out war. Although released decades ago, the game has aged well where its mechanics are concerned. Radar fields and jammers allow locating and hiding attacks, adding a crucial component to gameplay. Fortunately, an easy-to-use interface and constantly replenishing resources keep the action ticking. Due to its large scale, “Total Annihilation” features multiple forms of warfare, ranging from breaching fortresses to overcoming naval battles. The game was lauded for pushing graphical limitations at the time, blending 2D and 3D graphics for visuals that instantly catch the eye.
#13: “Age of Mythology” (2002)
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Taking place during four significant ages in human history, this game has a mythological spin on a tried-and-tested format. Every culture has a god that aids the player, granting them both resources and weapons for their campaign. More than the single-player mode, though, “Age of Mythology” was popular for its multiplayer. Fans worldwide collided in tournaments featuring different modes suited to their expertise. Detailed animations capture viewers into the game’s world, and the characters’ interactions with the environment is fun to see. The mythological aspect might be a bit out there, but it allows “Age of Mythology” greater creative freedom. By the end of its run, there’s no doubt how captivating it is.
#12: “The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth” (2004)
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“The Lord of the Rings” games have dabbled with multiple genres. “The Battle for Middle-earth” takes a successful venture into RTS territory, where fans can see J. R. R. Tolkien’s world for all the dangers it contains. The game can be played as the heroes or the villains, split into “good” and “evil” campaigns. Unlike the standard RTS, this one has a fast-paced tone that rarely lets up. In addition, limited resources bring a sense of urgency that motivates players to see things through as quickly as they can. The rousing soundtrack helps keep the mood up as well, complementing the barrage of battles that come our way. What the game lacks in depth, it more than makes up for in entertainment.
#11: “Rome: Total War” (2004)
In this entry of the “Total War” series, fans are taken along two centuries of Roman history during its Republic era. The tumultuous period in Ancient Rome sets the stage for an exciting playthrough that contains battles galore. Tactical brilliance is necessary to tackle these conflicts, and the game prepares players from the get-go. The impressively detailed map provides several points of interest to choose from. By creating factions and sifting through units of battle, fans become accustomed to the style of play needed to capture territories. The combination of real-time strategy and turn-based gameplay is easy to get into. It balances the duality between building and battling, highlighting the wonderful simplicity with which “Rome: Total War” is designed.
#10: “Sacrifice” (2000)
Who says RTS games have to rely on a particular formula? “Sacrifice” dares to be different with a behind-the-shoulder perspective practically unheard of for the genre. Instead of worrying about gathering resources, players need to hone their magical skills. Not only does this save a lot of time, but it gives a great sense of freedom that few similar titles provide. Because of this, combat is an invigorating experience that hits hard each time. Although competing against others is an option, “Sacrifice” eschews the usual RTS emphasis on multiplayer for a well-defined single-player mode. Set in a mystical world where everything from wizards, gods, and demons show up, the story arguably usurps gameplay for how engrossing it is. “Sacrifice” has some flaws, but its originality is impossible to overlook.
#9: “Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War” (2004)
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This title depicts what it’s like to be on the battlefield amidst complete catastrophe. It’s tougher than most RTS games due to the limited time between battles. But this kind of challenge sets “Dawn of War” apart, as only the brave can see their way through. Success is determined by commanding infantry squads to whittle down the opposition’s forces. As such, players have to stay in touch with constant developments in battle, testing their mettle as captains of the army. While it’s not a revolutionary title, “Dawn of War” is among the best in the business. Depending on how it’s played, the game can be completed in a quick burst or enjoyed over many hours to fully appreciate its value.
#8: “Northgard” (2017)
Games about Norse mythology surged in popularity recently, with titles like “God of War” and “Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.” “Northgard” arrived earlier with an RTS-style game that has a heavy focus on exploration. The protagonist’s mission to avenge his father brings him to the island of Northgard. Duking it out like Vikings has its own sense of fun, but establishing the home base and expanding the hero’s reach is “Northgard’s” winning quality. Uncovering new sections of the map and starting from scratch is an exciting prospect considering just how far players eventually get. Worldbuilding elements are a lot more unique here since the Nordic-based landscape is rarely explored in this genre. The game is a venture into the unknown that’s absolutely worth the adventure.
#7: “Frostpunk” (2018)
“Frostpunk” delves into the survival of the human race after a cataclysmic volcanic winter. Players need to establish and care for an entire city, complete with how it’s run and deciding the fate of its inhabitants. It’s a mature step in the RTS landscape, as everything hinges on making difficult choices. “Frostpunk” goes further by diving into the ethics and morality behind certain decisions, showing players how they might behave when the going gets tough. It might give off a bleak, dystopian outlook, but the game has players at the edge of their seats to see where it’s all headed. Such a surprising aesthetic is the kind of turn that keeps real-time strategy interesting.
#6: “Homeworld” (1999)
This sci-fi game tells the story of exiles looking for a new home. “Homeworld” can be complicated to those unfamiliar with the RTS formula, as gameplay is centered around creating constructs in a 3D design. Resources are mined from nearby planetary objects, while battleships are used to stave off attacks from enemies. There’s no easy way to get around it, so fans have to pay attention to detail to get the best out of “Homeworld.” Challenging and satisfying in equal measures, figuring out the intricacies behind the game is part of the fun. Once players are set, it’s easier to appreciate “Homeworld” for its complex, atmospheric backdrop that excels in both its narrative and execution.
#5: “Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne” (2003)
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Before “World of Warcraft” became synonymous with the series, this entry achieved its then-critical peak. As the last mainline RTS entry in the franchise, “The Frozen Throne” does a splendid job at signing off with a bang. With revamped controls and weapon types, it builds on the original “Warcraft III’s” strong points. The availability of more than 60 maps to select featuring players around the world makes “The Frozen Throne” incredibly layered. Whether it’s finding new resources or scouring the map for places to battle, there’s a rich environment for players to discover. Additionally, “The Frozen Throne” lays the template for diverse missions that “World of Warcraft” later expanded upon.
#4: “Company of Heroes 2” (2013)
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Depicting a conflict with real-world connections is always difficult, but “Company of Heroes 2” is up to the task. We’re dropped in the Eastern Front of WWII where the land is steeped in conflict. There is the capacity for building strongholds, but players are pushed forward to stay on the offensive. As a result, aggressive tactics like guiding infantry, artillery, and attack vehicles are the way to go. The game doesn’t let us get too comfortable – trying weather conditions get players to improvise different plans in their playthrough. While the game’s historical accuracy is questionable, it does prove how crucial strategic brilliance is during times of war. “Company of Heroes 2” also shows the series’ penchant for bigger and bolder forms of gameplay.
#3: “Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2” (2000)
“Red Alert 2” also makes a world war its primary setting, although the presentation is on the lighter side. With live-action cutscenes and a deliberately cheesy tone, “Red Alert 2” goes for a breezy playthrough. Its relatively lower difficulty allows for newer players to try it out. Players can have different experiences based on choosing between Allied and Soviet campaigns, extending its replay value. Collecting money essentially wins you the game, as having resources gives players almost complete control. While it sounds simplistic, “Red Alert 2” is credited with popularizing RTS games, appealing to gamers like few did before. As one of the biggest critical and commercial successes of the year, “Red Alert 2” helped normalize the genre to a wider audience.
#2: “Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings” (1999)
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Set during the Middle Ages, the second “Age of Empires” has five campaigns to indulge in. Each has locations to explore that are filled to the brim with content. Establishing settlements is just the beginning of an experience that features a variety of things to do. There’s also a level of authenticity present, as sound bites in native languages can be heard to go along with the overall design. How economies and battles are handled decides the course of the playthrough, which can last for several hours in each campaign. Because of an easy-to-use interface, the game’s entertainment value remains sky-high. All in all, fans can lose themselves in “Age of Empires II’s” vast maps on their way to forging their path in history.
#1: “StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty” (2010)
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With storytelling that complements its gameplay, “Wings of Liberty” comes closest to RTS perfection. The primary outline surrounds a massive three-way war that’s reaching its breaking point. This sets up a riveting campaign that gradually rises in intensity, as players guide the protagonist across as many as 29 missions. The game consistently delivers these missions without compromising its quality. And with a few unexpected twists, players won’t have any hint of boredom through its expansive runtime. “Wings of Liberty’s” in-game mechanics improve on its equally lauded predecessor, adding fluid animations and controls that heighten its level of immersion. Mainly, though, it’s how needless material is removed in favor of fun-filled, hard-hitting elements that make “Wings of Liberty” a cut above the rest. Is there an RTS game you think deserved to be on the list? Let us know in the comments.
