Best RTS Games to Play Right Now (2025)

Just ten or fifteen years ago, real-time strategy games were the true kings of the gaming industry. Dozens of projects were released every year, and legends like StarCraft and attracted millions of players. Today, however, the genre is going through hard times — major RTS releases can be counted on one hand, and players’ interest has shifted toward third-person action games, Souls-likes, and sandboxes. All of this is due to the high entry barrier. Strategy games require players to make quick decisions, multitask, manage resources perfectly, and, of course, improvise. In addition, modern users, who are accustomed to simple and dynamic genres, are not willing to spend dozens of hours just to master the basic mechanics.

Another problem that has affected the genre’s popularity is the decline in quality. Modern strategy games rarely reach the level of the legendary projects of the late '90s and 2000s. Instead of deep tactical possibilities and well-thought-out balance, we get simplified mechanics, plagiarism, and a lack of original ideas. If you miss «real» strategy games or just want to discover the genre — here’s a selection of timeless hits that remain relevant even decades later.

Dune 2: Battle For Arrakis (US: Dune 2: The Building of a Dynasty)

Dune 2: Battle for Arrakis is the «father of the genre», laying the foundation for all modern RTS games. It’s the perfect project for newcomers who have never tried real-time strategies but really want to get to know them. Through Dune 2, it’s easiest to learn the basic mechanics of the genre: economy, division of units and buildings, fog of war, and base development. Despite lacking many modern mechanics and having an outdated look, Dune 2 is still incredibly playable and captivating even 33 years later. This is all thanks to flawless game design, the atmosphere of Frank Herbert’s novel, and, of course, an amazing soundtrack.

For RTS connoisseurs, Dune 2: Battle for Arrakis is the Holy Grail. It’s a game you want to replay for nostalgia’s sake. However, if you can’t stand pixel art and aren’t particularly keen on exploring «museum pieces», there’s always Emperor: Battle for Dune — a more modern version of Dune 2 from the same creators at Westwood Studios. All the key features of the «father of the genre» are fully present.

Company of Heroes

Company of Heroes is not just one of the best RTS games in history, but one of the best games overall. Unlike other representatives of the genre, where the focus is on resource gathering and base building, this project centers on controlling small squads of units and capturing control points, which are used to replenish materials and armaments. Thanks to its high interactivity—you can use cover, interact with objects on the map, equip squads, and upgrade units—the game significantly shakes up the classic foundations of the genre.

Nineteen years later, Company of Heroes remains relevant thanks to its unique mechanics, atmosphere, and well-preserved visuals. It is one of the few RTS games that combine strategic depth with dynamic gameplay. In 2020, it was ported to iPad, and three years later—to Nintendo Switch. An ageless classic with a huge modding community, gorgeous setting, and thrilling multiplayer. If you missed this game, now is the time to fill the gap!

StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty

StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty is the last big-budget RTS from the once-great Blizzard. It can be called the gold standard of the genre with a clear conscience, featuring flawless balance among three unique races with fundamentally different tactics and strategies. Unlike many other RTS games, StarCraft 2 has preserved the classic game design formula with a dynamic economy, unit micro-management, and deep strategic layers. The project is still a major esports discipline, where victory depends not only on mouse-clicking speed but also on anticipating the opponent’s actions.

StarCraft 2 remains relevant thanks to its impeccable story campaign with interesting missions and unique gameplay situations. Even today, the game looks no worse than the newest RTS games, and its soundtrack still gives you goosebumps. If, for some unknown reason, you missed the StarCraft 2 trilogy, now is the perfect time to play it from start to finish.

Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos

Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos is a cult project that once radically changed perceptions of real-time strategy games by combining classic RTS gameplay with RPG elements. At the heart of the gameplay are unique heroes who can gain experience, develop skills, and use powerful abilities that can dramatically affect the outcome of any battle. The game is also famous for having one of the most captivating story campaigns in video game history, and its rich lore became the foundation for the World of Warcraft universe.

Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos is a game you can easily enjoy even today, as its game design works perfectly even 23 years later. Not to mention, the failed remaster titled Reforged couldn’t replicate the magic formula of one of the best games from the «old Blizzard». If you want an RTS with deep mechanics, an atmospheric soundtrack, gorgeous style, and an interesting story, this is the best choice among all real-time strategies. A must-play for all time.

Sid Meier's Gettysburg!

You may have never heard of Sid Meier's Gettysburg!, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve attention. This is one of the best RTS games, developed by the creator of the legendary Civilization series. The action takes place during the famous Battle of Gettysburg in the American Civil War, and players command the armies of the North or South. Gettysburg! is entirely focused on tactics and real-time troop management. You have a limited number of units, which cannot be «produced» again—every loss matters. The game’s key feature is its unique movement system, where orders are executed gradually, creating the feeling of commanding a real army.

Despite its age, Sid Meier's Gettysburg! remains one of the most unique and historically accurate RTS games in the industry. Sid Meier knows how to make timeless games that remain interesting even decades later. Recommended for history and tactics enthusiasts who want depth without any modern simplification.

Rome: Total War

Rome: Total War is a cult classic that combines global turn-based strategy with real-time tactical battles. Players are offered control over an entire faction in Ancient Rome, balancing diplomacy, economy, politics, and military clashes. On the global map, you can develop cities, forge alliances, and plan long-term strategies. Battles, however, take place in a hybrid blend of tactics and RTS. At the time, the game was famous for its realism, large armies, and detailed unit design.

Years later, no other game in the Total War series has matched the success of the first Rome. Despite its now outdated visuals, it’s still a stunning project in terms of mechanics, impressing with its scale and depth. If you love ancient history and want to participate in epic battles, this game was made for you.

Age of Empires 2: The Age of Kings

Age of Empires is one of the most «enduring» series, having successfully survived the RTS genre crisis and remaining relevant to this day. The second part, known as The Age of Kings, is considered the best in the franchise. The project offers a deep civilization development system across four ages—from the Dark Age to the Imperial Age—unique units for each faction, and a well-thought-out balance between resource gathering, economic development, and military expansion. While seemingly accessible to newcomers, the game hides dozens of tactical nuances and strategic decisions that make its gameplay both engaging and challenging even for experienced gamers.

Today, you can get to know Age of Empires 2 thanks to the excellent Definitive Edition remaster, which features updated graphics, new campaigns, and improved mechanics. The project is perfect for getting acquainted with the genre, as well as for multiplayer battles with an active community. If you want to try one of the best RTS games with a historical atmosphere and endless skill development, Age of Empires 2 is your choice!

Pikmin 2

Pikmin 2 is the most unusual RTS from Nintendo, released on the GameCube and later ported to the Switch with updated graphics and convenient controls. Unlike other games in the genre, here you command a group of small creatures, manage resources, explore locations, solve puzzles, and battle enemies. Although all actions take place in real time, tactical planning and coordination of small groups play an important role during missions.

With the Pikmin series, Nintendo reinvented the RTS genre, making it accessible for any audience while still leaving a share of hardcore challenge for perfectionists. If you want a simple, relaxing strategy with unique mechanics and a friendly atmosphere, the second Pikmin is an excellent choice! Fortunately, it’s available on Switch, so you don’t need to hunt down an old GameCube.

Black & White

is an unusual RTS with god simulator elements from the renowned Peter Molyneux. In this game, the main focus is on moral choice and interaction with the inhabitants of the virtual world. Playing as an omnipotent being, you can be good or evil and make decisions that affect the environment. Years later, the game remains interesting thanks to its vast freedom of action, allowing you to experiment with moral dilemmas and observe the consequences of your decisions.

Visually, Black & White has aged quite a bit, but the gameplay still feels innovative. It’s an RTS that encourages creativity more than quick unit commands. If you want to try something truly unconventional in the genre, Black & White can still surprise you even now.

Age of Mythology

Age of Mythology is another genre legend with an interesting concept of combining history and mythology. The game transports you to a world of ancient legends, where you can choose one of three cultures (Greeks, Egyptians, or Norse) and use gods, mythical creatures, and miracles to achieve victory. At its core, the game design relies on classic RTS mechanics—resource gathering, base development, and army building. Mythical units make the gameplay unique and provide plenty of room for various tactics.

Today, you can play the improved Age of Mythology: Retold with updated graphics and enhanced multiplayer. The project offers an unforgettable experience exploring ancient legends and managing each culture. It’s the perfect choice for those tired of classic military RTS games.

Rise of Nations

Rise of Nations is an unusual hybrid of RTS and grand strategy. The player must manage an entire civilization and progress through eight historical eras—from ancient times to the modern age. Essentially, it’s something like Civilization, but with a real-time combat system. However, the game has limitations on the number of settlements and the size of the army, which introduces a special economic system with increased attention to military power.

Like Age of Mythology, Rise of Nations received an Extended Edition re-release with improved graphics and functional multiplayer with ranked matches. Even today, the project boasts a wide variety of mechanics and overall accessibility for any audience. If you enjoy tactical games like Civilization but want dynamic real-time battles, this game is definitely worth trying.

World in Conflict

World in Conflict is a unique RTS set in an alternate universe with a global conflict between the USSR and Western countries, developed by the creators of Tom Clancy's The Division. The gameplay focuses on tactics and real-time unit management. There’s no need to build bases or gather resources. Additional troops can be called in for points earned during missions, and the core gameplay is centered on lightning-fast decision-making and tactical depth.

World in Conflict is one of the most cinematic RTS games in history, featuring an engaging narrative campaign and a unique approach to game design. Thanks to the Complete Edition re-release with some improvements and all available expansions, the game remains interesting for modern gamers even now. A must-play for fans of the genre and lovers of tightly woven stories.

StarCraft

The first StarCraft is one of the most influential RTS games in the history of the genre. Thanks to it, Blizzard managed to introduce a huge number of gamers to the genre and create an entire esports branch. With its perfectly polished balance, StarCraft is still considered one of the best competitive and mechanically deep games. Dynamics, tactics, and micromanagement—these three pillars were established in this game and are used in most modern RTS titles.

Even after 27 years, StarCraft remains relevant thanks to its active community and cult status. If you want to try one of the most significant games in the genre’s history, there’s the updated Remastered version, released in 2017. Even now, this iconic RTS can surprise you with its depth, balance, and unique story. Absolutely essential to experience!

Sins of a Solar Empire

Sins of a Solar Empire is an unusual hybrid of RTS and 4X strategy. The game offers large-scale management of an entire space empire. You’ll explore star systems, colonize planets, build fleets, and participate in massive battles. Sins of a Solar Empire also features a wealth of mechanics focused on tactics, strategy, and micromanagement. Thanks to its unique concept and deep gameplay, the project remains popular with a large number of gamers.

If you enjoy games where you can immerse yourself in large-scale empire management and participate in intense real-time battles, Sins of a Solar Empire is the perfect choice. In 2024, a second installment was released, which in some ways is inferior to the original, but if you want more modern visuals and aren’t put off by bugs and a clunky interface, the sequel is a great way to get acquainted with the series.

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War

For a long time, Dawn of War was considered the best game in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Even years later, it’s still a magnificent RTS, standing out for its emphasis on tactics and capturing strategic points. The game has everything we love about Warhammer 40K: brutal Space Marines, destructible environments, brutal battles, and a grim atmosphere. Even now, Dawn of War remains relevant thanks to its well-crafted atmosphere, thoughtful game design, and an active community that keeps this 21-year-old game alive.

If you love the Warhammer 40,000 universe and want to play an exciting RTS with unique factions and intense battles, Dawn of War is an excellent choice. Even now, the game runs great on modern systems, and the Anniversary Edition offers the complete set of all available campaigns and races.

Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars

is a classic RTS with dynamic gameplay and a captivating story campaign in a futuristic setting. The game is well-known for its live-action cutscenes featuring famous actors. The core gameplay consists of finely polished real-time strategy fundamentals and unique factional features that can dramatically change the balance of power during battles.

Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars is considered one of the best RTS games in history, preserving all the key genre features established in Dune 2. If you want to experience one of the most iconic strategies of the early 2000s and enjoy «classic» RTS game design, there’s no better choice. The game has hardly aged and still feels as fresh as modern titles.

The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-Earth 2

The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-Earth 2 is a fantastic RTS based on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. The game offers a special system of «heroizing» units by improving troops through accumulated experience, as well as fortress construction on the global map, which can be modified for defense or offense. Each faction has unique units, buildings, and mechanics, creating variety in gameplay. The developers perfectly captured the spirit of The Lord of the Rings, complementing the project with familiar music and visual style from Peter Jackson’s films.

The Battle for Middle-Earth 2 is one of the best Lord of the Rings games, actively supported and developed by a productive modding community. Its unique mechanics and dynamic battles are still fresh and can surprise even today’s audience. The game especially shines in multiplayer, where you can spend dozens of hours.

Command & Conquer: Generals

is an unusual RTS, distinguished by its modern setting and emphasis on tactical use of technology. Players can choose one of three unique factions, each with not only its own units but also a completely different game design, including specific mechanics and approaches to combat. For example, the USA relies on technology, while China favors mass attacks and powerful weaponry. At the time, the game boasted realistic destruction, making the gameplay spectacular and dynamic.

Even after 22 years, Command & Conquer: Generals remains relevant thanks to its theme, which, against the backdrop of modern geopolitical conflicts, feels surprisingly topical. Thanks to the high variety of factions, thoughtful mission design, and deep tactical possibilities, the game continues to attract attention even in the era of modern strategies.

Homeworld 2

Homeworld 2 is a unique space RTS with unconventional gameplay. Unlike most games in the genre, which take place on a flat map, this project offers a fully three-dimensional space, allowing you to move ships along all three axes. This seemingly simple innovation adds a special depth to game design and reimagines combat encounters. Add to this the management of a huge fleet, technology development, and combining ship classes, and you get the most unconventional RTS in our entire list.

Even now, Homeworld 2 remains relevant thanks to the Remastered Collection, which improved graphics, interface, and added support for modern platforms. If you want to try one of the most atmospheric and unusual games in the RTS genre, we highly recommend the second installment—but don’t pay attention to the recently released Homeworld 3. It was developed by a completely different studio, which doesn’t seem to have captured the essence of the series.

Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3

Red Alert 3 is a vibrant RTS, distinguished by its unique style, humor, and alternate history, where the Cold War evolved into a massive conflict between three unique factions. Unlike other Command & Conquer games, it combines dynamic gameplay with an eccentric, sometimes absurd, storyline, supported by live-action cutscenes. Special attention is given to the cooperative campaign, allowing you to complete missions together with a friend—at the time of release, this was a real innovation for the genre.

Today, Red Alert 3 remains interesting thanks to its unique blend of fun, strategic depth, and spectacle. This game offers a completely different RTS experience and emotions thanks to co-op play. One of the brightest entries in the Command & Conquer series, and even now it looks and plays quite well.

Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance

Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance is a large-scale RTS with an emphasis on «epicness». The game offers incredibly huge maps where players must control thousands of units simultaneously. The gameplay features strategic zones and the ability to coordinate armies through automated orders, which greatly simplifies micromanagement and control. Diverse factions and tech trees make the game varied and highly replayable.

Eighteen years later, Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance is still in demand. Thanks to the fan initiative Forged Alliance Forever, the game is actively improved and updated. Modders update multiplayer modes and create new campaigns, including co-op. If you want to try something global and large-scale within the RTS genre, Forged Alliance will welcome you with open arms.

Stronghold

Stronghold is a legendary mix of RTS and castle management sim, famous for its focus on building, defense, and economic management. In this game, you become a feudal lord who must build fortresses, manage villages, and care for the well-being of your people. The huge number of mechanics from economic strategies makes the game very deep and diverse, while large-scale battles with castle sieges are spectacular.

None of the subsequent Stronghold games managed to surpass the original, and the 2021 release Warlords actually disappointed fans. The first part is still popular and is actively improved by an extensive modding community. If you want to try something unique in the RTS genre or build a flourishing castle, Stronghold is the perfect choice. An ageless classic.

Northgard

Northgard is one of the few modern RTS games that has earned a place among the «best of the best». In this game, you play as the leader of a Viking clan, tasked with colonizing a mysterious continent and defeating your rivals. Most of your time will be spent on exploration, resource management, and surviving harsh climatic conditions. There are several clans to choose from, each with unique mechanics and victory conditions, making the gameplay quite varied.

Northgard captured players’ attention primarily thanks to its multiplayer, which is surprisingly engaging and flexible. The game features pleasant visuals, an excellent set of mechanics, and a slow-paced settlement development, making it a great fit for both newcomers and genre veterans.

Codename: Panzers – Phase One

Codename: Panzers – Phase One is a hardcore real-time strategy game focused on controlling small squads with unique abilities. Unlike other RTS games, there’s no base building or resource gathering here, allowing you to focus on tactics and micromanagement. The action takes place during World War II, and each mission is a tough challenge where every move must be carefully planned.

Codename: Panzers – Phase One remains one of the most challenging RTS games in history, and every genre fan should give it a try. Yes, the visuals are noticeably dated, but the gameplay and unique scenarios still feel fresh today. You could easily call this game the «Dark Souls of RTS». Even on the easiest difficulty, it will make you sweat.

Soldiers: Heroes of World War 2

Soldiers: Heroes of World War 2 is a unique blend of RTS and tactical simulator that stands out from its competitors with its unusual approach to the genre. The game focuses on realistic tactical battles and detailed interaction with the environment. Players have the unusual ability to directly control any unit and play as them, as if it were an action game rather than an RTS. Each unit has a huge number of features and mechanics, adding realism and depth to the gameplay.

Soldiers: Heroes of World War 2 was a real breath of fresh air for the genre and received many sequels, though only a few reached the greatness of the first part. Despite not the highest press ratings, every game in the series is warmly received by gamers, and spiritual successors like Call to Arms — Gates of Hell: Ostfront are hugely popular on Steam. If you want to try an RTS where not only strategic thinking but also precise actions matter, Soldiers: Heroes of World War 2 is the best choice.

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Did you find a game from our list to try? Or do you play other RTS titles? Share your thoughts in the comments!