Top 20 Best Real Time Strategy Games

The top 20 best real-time strategy (RTS) games for PC are a selection of some of the best strategy games released for the platform. These games offer a combination of action and strategy gameplay, featuring elements such as resource gathering, base building, unit creation, exploration, and combat. RTS games are typically played from a top-down, isometric perspective. This allows players to easily navigate the game map and control units and buildings.

Many RTS games today have advanced 3D graphics. This provides the ability to rotate, zoom, and change the camera’s orientation for a customizable gameplay view. Unlike traditional turn-based strategy games, RTS games require players to react and adjust their actions in real-time as movement, construction, combat, research, and other aspects of the game are all happening simultaneously.

About the Top 20 (and Best) RTS Games

The list of the 20 best RTS games for PC includes both classic games from the genre’s golden age, such as Command & Conquer, Age of Empires, and Starcraft, and newer releases that introduce innovative features, mechanics, and graphics. These games have helped establish RTS games as a staple of PC gaming.

The games are listed in alphabetical order rather than a traditional ranked order. Each game has its qualities, storylines and settings that will provide hours of enjoyment and game play.

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is a remastered version of the classic real-time strategy game Age of Empires II, which was originally released in 1999. The game is set in the Middle Ages and follows the stories of 13 different civilizations as they rise to power and compete against each other.

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition includes the base game and its two expansion packs, The Conquerors and The Forgotten, which add new civilizations, units, and features to the game. The expansion also includes a number of improvements and updates, such as enhanced graphics and gameplay mechanics, as well as new multiplayer modes and features.

Age of Empires IV

Age of Empires IV is a real-time strategy game set in the age of empires, a period of history that saw the rise and fall of many great civilizations. In the game, players take on the role of a leader of one of these civilizations, building up their society and army and competing against other civilizations for dominance.

The game features a variety of different civilizations to choose from, each with their own unique units and abilities. Players must carefully manage their resources and build up their civilization, training units and researching new technologies to give them an edge in battle.

Age of Empires IV also includes a single-player campaign mode, in which players follow the story of one of the civilizations as they rise to power and face off against their rivals. The game also includes a multiplayer mode, allowing players to compete against each other online.

The game is a challenging and strategic RTS game that combines base-building and resource management with intense combat and a rich historical setting.

Age of Mythology Extended Edition

Age of Mythology: Extended Edition is a remastered version of the classic real-time strategy game Age of Mythology, which was originally released in 2002. The game is set in a mythical world inspired by ancient civilizations and mythology, and follows the struggles of three main civilizations: the Greeks, the Egyptians, and the Norse.

In the game, players take on the role of a leader of one of these civilizations and must build up their society, gathering resources and training units to fight against other civilizations or mythical creatures. The game features a variety of different units and structures, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, and players must carefully choose which units to build and deploy in order to gain the upper hand in battle.

Age of Mythology: Extended Edition includes the base game and its two expansion packs, The Titans and The Golden Gift, which add new civilizations, units, and features to the game. The expansion also includes a number of improvements and updates, such as enhanced graphics and gameplay mechanics, as well as new multiplayer modes and features.

Ashes of the Singularity: Escalation

Ashes of the Singularity: Escalation is a real-time strategy game set in a future where humans have colonized other planets and advanced artificial intelligence has become a key part of society. The game is set in the midst of a war between two factions: the post-human Conglomerate and the human Resistance.

In the game, players take on the role of a commander of one of these factions. The game features a large variety of units, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Players must carefully choose which units to build and deploy in order to gain the upper hand in battle.

Ashes of the Singularity: Escalation also includes a single-player campaign mode. In it players follow the story of the conflict between the Conglomerate and the Resistance. The game also includes a multiplayer mode, allowing players to compete against each other online.

Command & Conquer Remastered Collection

Command & Conquer: Remastered Collection is a remastered version of the classic real-time strategy game Command & Conquer and its expansion, Command & Conquer: Red Alert. The game takes place in a futuristic world where two factions, the Global Defense Initiative (GDI) and the Brotherhood of Nod, are locked in a global conflict. Players take on the role of a leader of one of these factions. They must build up their base, gather resources, and train units in order to fight against the enemy.

Command & Conquer: Remastered Collection includes the base game and its expansion. It also includess a number of improvements and updates, such as enhanced graphics and gameplay mechanics, as well as new multiplayer modes and features. The collection also includes a number of bonus features, such as developer interviews and behind-the-scenes content.

Company of Heroes 2

Company of Heroes 2 is a World War II real-time strategy game. The game puts players in control of various armies, each with their own unique abilities and units. Players must build bases, gather resources, and train troops in order to defeat their opponents on the battlefield. The game features a single-player campaign mode, as well as various multiplayer modes, including competitive play and cooperative play.

Company of Heroes 2 features a number of gameplay mechanics, including base building, resource management, and unit training and deployment. Players can also make use of various tactical options, such as flanking and positioning, to gain an advantage in battle. The game also includes a dynamic weather system, which can affect the battlefield and the performance of various units.

The game takes place on the Eastern Front of World War II and follows the struggles of the Soviet Red Army against the Nazi German Wehrmacht. Players can choose to control either side in the conflict, and the campaign mode follows the story of the Soviet Union’s efforts to push back the invading Germans. The game also includes a number of historical scenarios that allow players to relive key battles and campaigns of the war.

Company of Heroes 2 Platinum Edition includes the base game and all three expansions and is a good way to keep you busy until Company of Heroes 3 is released.

Dune Spice Wars

Dune Spice Wars is a 4x realtime strategy game set in the world of Frank Herbert’s classic sci-fi novel Dune. Inspired by the classic Dune and Dune II PC games from the early 1990s. Players take control of one of the Great Houses of the universe, vying for control of the planet Arrakis, the only source of the rare and valuable Spice Melange.

With a variety of units, buildings, and special abilities, players will need to carefully manage their resources, develop their economy, and position their forces to outwit their opponents and seize control of the Spice. A single-player campaign, online multiplayer, and skirmish modes are available.

Halo Wars: Definitive Edition

Halo Wars: Definitive Edition is a remastered version of the real-time strategy game Halo Wars, which was originally released in 2009. The game is set in the Halo universe, a science fiction setting created by Microsoft Game Studios, and follows the story of a group of soldiers fighting against a hostile alien race known as the Covenant.

Halo Wars: Definitive Edition includes the base game and its expansion, Halo Wars: Awakening the Nightmare, which adds new units, campaigns, and features to the game. The expansion also includes a number of improvements and updates, such as enhanced graphics and gameplay mechanics, as well as new multiplayer modes and features.

Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak

Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak is a real-time strategy game set in a science fiction universe. It was released in 2016 for Windows and Mac.

In the game, players control a group of soldiers and vehicles known as the “Kuari Expedition,” who are tasked with investigating a mysterious anomaly in the desert of Kharak. As players progress through the single-player campaign, they must gather resources, build up their forces, and engage in battles against enemy factions.

Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak features a variety of vehicles, including ground-based units such as tanks and artillery, as well as air and space units. The game also features a dynamic weather system and destructible environments.

Iron Harvest

Iron Harvest is a real-time strategy game set in an alternate version of the 1920s, where the world is still recovering from the devastating effects of World War I. In this world, massive mechs known as “dieselpunk” have been developed, and they play a key role in the conflict between the different factions vying for power.

Iron Harvest also includes a single-player campaign mode, in which players follow the story of the conflict between the factions, as well as a multiplayer mode, allowing players to compete against each other online. The game is a challenging and strategic RTS game that combines base-building and resource management with intense real-time battles and a unique alternate history setting. Its blend of historical and futuristic elements makes it stand out in the genre.

The Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle-earth II

The Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle-earth II is a real-time strategy game that brings alive the world of Middle-earth, as depicted in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings novels.

In the game, players can choose to play as either the forces of good or evil. They must build up their armies, gather resources, and engage in battles against the opposing side. The game had one expansion pack, The Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle-earth II – The Rise of the Witch-king. This came out in 2006.

Northgard

Northgard is a real-time strategy game in a fantasy world inspired by Norse mythology. In the game, players take on the role of a clan leader, building up their settlement and training units to defend against enemy clans, wild beasts, and mythical creatures.

Northgard also includes a single-player campaign mode. This mode follows the story of the clans as they struggle to survive and thrive in the world of Northgard. The game also includes a multiplayer mode, allowing players to compete against each other online.

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is a real-time tactics (RTT) game set in Japan during the Edo period. In the game, players take on the role of a leader of a group of skilled operatives. The group must use their stealth and tactics to complete a series of missions. It is a challenging and tactical game. It combines stealth and resource management with complex mission-based gameplay and a rich historical setting.

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun also includes a single-player campaign mode and multiplayer modes. In the single player mode, players follow the story of the group as they carry out their missions. The multiplayer mode, allowing players to compete against each other online. Its immersive storytelling and deep gameplay mechanics have made it a standout in the RTT genre.

Sins of a Solar Empire Rebellion

Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion is an expansion for the real-time strategy game Sins of a Solar Empire. It still follows the struggles of various factions for control of the galaxy. The expansion adds new factions and campaigns to the game. The new “Rebel” faction that is at odds with the other factions. It also introduces new tech trees and units, as well as new gameplay mechanics and options.

It is the third expansion for Sins of a Solar Empire and is completely standalone. In the game, players must manage their resources carefully. They will build up their military and economic power in order to defend their territory and conquer new worlds. Players choose from a variety of different ship types and technologies. Each has their own strengths and weaknesses, and players choose which units to build and deploy.

Sins of a Solar Empire has seen a number of expansions and DLCs since its release in 2008. A sequel, Sins of a Solar Empire II is currenty in development.

StarCraft II

Starcraft II is a military science fiction real-time strategy game from by Blizzard Entertainment. It takes place in a distant future. Three different alien species, the Terrans, the Protoss, and the Zerg, battle in a perpetual war for dominance. Players can choose to play as one of these three factions. They will gather resources, build bases, create armies, and engage in combat. One of the key features of Starcraft II is its multiplayer component. It allows players to compete against each other online in various game modes such as 1v1, 2v2, 3v3, and 4v4.

It consists of three standalone games: Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty, Starcraft II: Heart of the Swarm, and Starcraft II: Legacy of the Void. Together, the Starcraft II trilogy offers a deep and engaging RTS experience. It has strong multiplayer gameplay, a compelling story, and beautiful graphics. The Starcraft II Battlechest is a great way to get all three chapters of the Starcraft II saga.

Stronghold: Warlords

Stronghold: Warlords is a real-time strategy game set in a medieval fantasy world. It was released in 2021 for Windows, Mac, and Linux. In the game, players assume the role of a lord or lady in medieval times. They must build up their castle and army in order to defend against enemy attacks and conquer enemy territories. The game features a single-player campaign mode, as well as multiplayer modes including cooperative play and competitive play.

Stronghold: Warlords introduces a new gameplay element in the form of warlords. Players recruit and use warlords to lead armies and launch special abilities. The game also features a new resource system. Players must gather resources in order to build and maintain their castle and army.

Total War: Three Kingdoms

Total War: Three Kingdoms is a turn-based strategy and real-time tactics game set in ancient China, during the Han Dynasty. The game takes place in a period of civil unrest and political intrigue. The Chinese Empire is split into three rival kingdoms, each fighting for control.

In the game, players take on the role of a warlord and must build up their kingdom. This includes, recruiting and training armies, engaging in diplomacy and intrigue, and conquering new territories.

Total War: Three Kingdoms also includes a single-player campaign mode. Players will follow the story of one of the warlords as they rise to power and attempt to unify China. The game also includes a multiplayer mode, allowing players to compete against each other online.

Total War: Warhammer III

Total War: Warhammer III is a real-time strategy gam which takes place in the fantasy world of Warhammer. This is the same setting for the tabletop wargame created by Games Workshop. In the game, players take on the role of a leader of a faction vying for control of the world. They will build up their armies and engage in epic real-time battles against other factions.

Total War: Warhammer III also includes a single-player campaign mode. In it, players follow the story of their chosen faction and attempt to achieve the goals and emerge victorious. The game also includes a multiplayer mode, allowing players to compete against each other online.

Warcraft III Reign of Chaos – Reforged

Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos is a real-time strategy game which takes place in the fantasy world of Azeroth. In the game, players take on the role of a leader of one of four factions. The humans, orcs, night elves, or undead. Each faction has its own unique units and abilities. Players must carefully choose which units to build and deploy in order to gain the upper hand in battle.

Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos first came out in 2002 and is the third game in the Warcraft series. There has been one expansion pack, Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. This expansion adds new units, campaigns, and features to the game.

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II is a real-time strategy game that takes place in the grimdark universe. In the game, players take on the role of a leader of one of four factions. Factions include the Space Marines, Orks, Eldar, or Tyranids. Its immersive storytelling and deep gameplay mechanics have made it a classic in the RTS genre.

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II is the second game in the Dawn of War series. A total of two expansion packs are available for the game. They include, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II: Chaos Rising and Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II: Retribution. Both expansions add new units, campaigns, and features to the game.