Real-time strategy (RTS) games excel at challenging your strategic thinking and management acumen in unique and engaging ways. These games will have you juggling resource allocation, civilization development, and environmental survival, requiring foresight and quick decision-making.

RTS games share elements with both top-tier strategy and survival games, offering campaign experiences that demand a thoughtful approach to combat, resource management, and expansion. Predominantly available on PC, the genre has recently expanded, allowing console gamers a larger array of options.

Our comprehensive list spans 20 outstanding RTS games available across various platforms, from historical settings to fantastical realms, ensuring there’s something for every type of player.

20. Ashes of the Singularity: Escalation

Developer: Stardock Entertainment
Platform(s): PC

Ashes of the Singularity, first released in early 2016, introduced a massive-scale RTS where the screen buzzes with countless units simultaneously. The game demands a powerful PC to fully experience its depth, which includes several single-player and multiplayer modes.

Released later in 2016, the standalone expansion, Escalation, caters to seasoned RTS players by enhancing everything that made the original intriguing. It integrates into the main game, providing a consolidated and richer experience.

19. Driftland: The Magic Revival

Developer: Star Drifters
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

In Driftland: The Magic Revival, magic bridges connect floating islands while you command dragons and mythical beings. The game blends 4X strategy elements with unique features that keep gameplay engaging.

The allure of Driftland lies in its vibrant setting. You can tame mythical creatures, reshape islands, and explore various modes, including single-player and multiplayer challenges.

18. Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak

Developer: Blackbird Interactive
Platform(s): PC

As a prequel to the esteemed Homeworld series, Deserts of Kharak offers an adventurous campaign through expansive dunes. You play as Rachel S’jet, leading an expedition to uncover an anomaly in a world filled with vast deserts and dangerous foes.

The game cleverly utilizes its terrain and vehicles, from land rovers to massive cruisers, providing a fresh perspective on the Homeworld universe and setting the stage for the Homeworld Remastered Collection.

17. Warcraft 3 Reforged

Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Platform(s): PC

Despite a rocky start, Warcraft 3: Reforged offers a chance to experience the original games’ campaigns with updated graphics. Players can switch between the new and classic visuals depending on their preference.

While multiplayer features are still lacking compared to the original, the community-driven W3Champions tool has been addressing some competitive aspects, maintaining an active player base and ongoing custom map creations.

16. Death Crown

Developer: 5Word Team
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Death Crown stands out with its 1-bit artistic style, reminiscent of World of Horror. This game simplifies the RTS model, focusing on essential structures like barracks, mines, and defensive towers. Its unique visual style, engaging campaign, and local co-op mode make it a distinctive choice in the RTS genre.

15. Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion

Developer: Ironclad Games / Stardock Entertainment
Platform(s): PC

A beloved hybrid of 4X and RTS genres, Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion continues to captivate players with ongoing updates and events. This standalone expansion enriches the series with new ships and victory conditions, providing a comprehensive space strategy experience.

For an in-depth look, read our Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion review!

14. SpellForce 3: Fallen God

Developer: Grimlore Games
Platform(s): PC

Blending RTS with RPG elements, SpellForce 3: Fallen God offers a unique narrative where you lead a tribe of trolls on a quest to resurrect a deity. The game mixes traditional base building with adventure, character customization, and a deep story across a 20-hour campaign.

Explore more from this series in our SpellForce 2: Shadow Wars review.

13. Frostpunk 2

Developer: 11 bit studios
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Frostpunk 2 continues to blend strategy, survival, and city-building elements, challenging players with harsh climates and tough decisions. Known for its compelling narrative and strategic depth, it has garnered acclaim, including an award at The Game Awards 2024.

Check out our Frostpunk 2 review for more insights.

12. Stellaris

Developer: Paradox Development Studio
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S 

Stellaris is Paradox Interactive’s take on the 4X strategy genre set in space. It offers a vast universe to explore, filled with alien races and galactic mysteries. Players can shape their space civilizations through strategic exploration and diplomacy.

Interested in more sci-fi adventures? See our best space games list.

11. Northgard

Developer: Shiro Games
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Northgard offers a refreshing Norse mythology-inspired twist on the RTS genre. Players choose a Viking clan to explore and settle new lands, managing resources and achieving various victory conditions through strategic planning and battles.

With continuous updates and a robust campaign, Northgard is a vibrant and engaging take on strategic conquest.

10. Iron Harvest

Developer: King Art
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S 

Set in an alternate 1920s post-WWI period, Iron Harvest features dieselpunk mechs and a looming threat over Europe. The game offers 20 missions across three campaigns, blending intense strategy with a unique narrative and setting.

9. They Are Billions

Developer: Numantian Games
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One

They Are Billions mixes traditional RTS gameplay with zombie apocalypse themes, set in a steampunk universe. Players must build and defend colonies against vast hordes of zombies, presenting a unique and challenging twist on the genre.

For more zombie action, explore our top zombie games list.

8. Command & Conquer Remastered Collection

Developer: Petroglyph / Lemon Sky Studios
Platform(s): PC

The Command & Conquer Remastered Collection updates the classic RTS games for modern systems, enhancing graphics and multiplayer functionality. This collection is essential for both new and returning players, offering hours of strategic gameplay.

For more details, read our Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 review.

7. Offworld Trading Company

Developer: Mohawk Games
Platform(s): PC

Offworld Trading Company offers a unique economic RTS experience set on Mars. Rather than combat, players compete in a market-driven gameplay style, making strategic business decisions to outmaneuver competitors.

6. Bad North

Developer: Plausible Concept / Oskar Stålberg
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Bad North is a minimalist RTS where players defend islands from Viking invaders using small, tactical squads. The game’s simplicity and procedural levels offer a fresh and engaging challenge in the RTS landscape.

5. Age of Empires 4

Developer: Relic Entertainment / World’s Edge
Platform(s): PC

Age of Empires 4 revitalizes the classic RTS series with new campaigns and civilizations. Players engage in historical battles, advancing through eras and learning about historical contexts through immersive in-game documentaries.

Learn more in our comprehensive Age of Empires 4 review.

4. Halo Wars: Definitive Edition

Developer: Ensemble Studios / Behaviour Interactive / 343 Industries
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One

Halo Wars adapts the dynamic universe of Halo into an RTS, offering fast-paced battles and strategic gameplay. The Definitive Edition includes enhanced graphics, all DLCs, and new network play options, broadening its appeal beyond Halo fans.

Explore more in our Halo Wars review.

3. Company of Heroes 2

Developer: Relic Entertainment / Feral Interactive
Platform(s): PC

Company of Heroes 2 delivers intense WWII-themed RTS gameplay, focusing on tactical maneuvers and real-time decision-making. With robust multiplayer options and additional single-player campaigns, it remains a standout title in the RTS genre.

Delve deeper with our Company of Heroes 2 review.

2. Ages of Empires 2: Definitive Edition

Developer: Forgotten Empires / Tantalus Media / Wicked Witch
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition updates the beloved RTS with enhanced graphics and new content, including campaigns and civilizations. This version is perfect for both newcomers and veterans looking for a polished strategy experience.

1. Starcraft 2

Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Platform(s): PC

Starcraft 2 continues to define the RTS genre with its compelling mix of deep strategy, engaging campaigns, and dynamic multiplayer. Since part of the game became free-to-play in 2017, it’s more accessible than ever.

For a closer look, read our StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty review.

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Seeking more gaming recommendations? Explore our selection of the best city building games.