7 Best Real-Time Strategy Games Of The 2020s, Ranked (So Far)

The real-time strategy genre has been around for a very long time at the time of writing this article, and throughout the years, many wonderful titles have been released to deliver players the experience they’re expecting from such games. There are even titles for those who are not into the genre, which speaks to its versatility.

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Many real-time strategy games released in the late 90s and early 20s were way ahead of their time, implementing innovative game mechanics and combat situations that amazed thousands. And while other games play it a bit more safely, modern offerings are also quite interesting. Here are some of the best real-time strategy games of the 2020s thus far.

7

Stronghold: Warlords

The Introduction Of Warlords Greatly Complements The Experience

Systems

Released

March 9, 2021

ESRB

m

• Introduction of Warlords
• Part of the popular Stronghold franchise

Stronghold: Warlords was released in 2021 and is part of the popular Stronghold franchise that had its origins way back in the early 2000s. One of the greatest things about this game is that, unlike previous installments in its franchise, it introduces 8 neutral AI-controlled warlords.

Warlords can provide players with shipments of resources, forces and other valuable elements that can give them an edge in battle. Although the reception for Stronghold: Warriors was mostly mixed, the game is still great fun and is definitely a title every lover of the real-time strategy genre should try at least once. Many fans of the Stronghold franchise agree that a few of the older titles deserve a remaster to restore them to their former glory.

6

Dune: Spice Wars

A Great Real-Time Strategy Game Inspired By The Popular Movie Franchise

Dune: Spice Wars

Systems

Released

September 14, 2023

ESRB

Teen // Fantasy Violence, Drug Reference

• Seven different factions
• Resources like polar ice caps can produce great amounts of water

Set on the famous desert planet of Arrakis that has made an appearance in most of the Dune cinematic franchise, Dune: Spice Wars presents players with a great real-time strategy experience where they’ll have to harvest resources such as spices and minerals. There are also elements like polar ice caps that can produce substantial amounts of water for players.

There are seven factions in the game: House Atreides, House Harkonnen, House Corrino, House Ecaz, House Vernius, the Fremen, and the Smugglers, giving Dune: Spice Wars a ton of variety. While other real-time strategy games have unlockable characters, Dune: Spice Wars focuses more on the strength of each faction from the get-go to give players exactly what they came for.

5

Iron Harvest

Heavily Inspired By The Soviet-Polish War Of The Early 20th Century

Released

September 1, 2020

ESRB

m

• Dieselpunk elements that make the game interesting
• Fast-paced gameplay

Being heavily inspired by the Polish-Soviet War that took place between 1919 and 1921, Iron Harvest is set in an alternate history universe where many things are possible, and war is present at all times. The game has often been described as having a dieselpunk mecha design and feeling to it, which makes it very interesting and clashes (in a good way) with the period it’s supposed to be set in.

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Iron Harvest features great real-time strategy mechanics, as well as a considerable number of exciting campaigns that players can take on. On top of that, this real-time strategy game has fast-paced gameplay, which further enhances the experience.

4

Sins Of A Solar Empire 2

A Great Sequel To A Title That Captured Thousands

Systems

• Deep space battles
• Players have full control over their strategy

The original Sins of Solar Empire was a great title that managed to garner a significant fanbase as soon as it was released, thanks to its deep space theme and interesting combat mechanics paired with real-time strategy elements.

In Sins of a Solar Empire 2, players can instantly zoom in to control various technical engagements to ensure that every part of their offensive strategy is deployed successfully. Battles take place in deep space, so players will often get to enjoy the view while they destroy their enemies’ fleets. Although the Sins of a Solar Empire series is rather short, it’s probably safe to say that it’s one of the best real-time strategy franchises out there.

3

Company Of Heroes 3

An Outstanding Addition To The Company Of Heroes Series

Systems

Released

February 23, 2023

ESRB

m

• Implementation of the new Tactical Pause System
• Interactions with commanders are very impactful on the narrative

Released in February 2023, Company of Heroes 3 is a great installment in an already popular franchise that builds upon what made it famous and implements new and interesting elements for players to explore and take advantage of. This title implements the Tactical Pause System that was not present in previous releases, allowing players to pause a battle and get a few commands in line.

That said, most of the elements present are real-time despite this new system, making the story dynamic through combat and interactions with commanders. The Company of Heroes franchise is worth playing for many reasons, one of them being its importance to the real-time strategy genre.

2

Frostpunk 2

Tons Of Challenges That Players Will Have To Face Under Inclement Conditions

Strategy

Survival

City Builder

Systems

Released

September 20, 2024

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Drug Reference, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence

• Constant struggles in a post-apocalyptic setting
• Players take on the role of “the Steward”

As far as city-building survival video games with real-time strategy elements go, Frostpunk 2 is definitely among the top contenders on the list, as it not only offers a very entertaining experience to players, but it also presents a unique concept in a well-crafted setting.

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The game is set in New London in the year 1916, roughly 30 years after the “Great Storm” that took place in the first title. Players will take on the role of “the Steward”, who is in charge of ensuring that their city runs like clockwork despite the various challenges along the way.

1

Crusader Kings 3

An Outstanding Title Set In The Middle Ages

Released

September 1, 2020

ESRB

T for Teens: Drug Reference, Language, Mild Violence, Suggestive Themes

• The game’s map is more detailed and larger than its predecessor’s
• Dynasties can form cadet branches

Following in the footsteps of its predecessors, Crusader Kings 3 combines elements from both real-time strategy and grand strategy games, as well as dynasty simulator titles, all set in the Middle Ages.

According to the developers, the game’s map is about four times more detailed than the one present in Crusader Kings 2, which adds to the experience and gives players more options to develop coldly-calculated strategies with more ease. The possibility of forming cadet branches through dynasties is also very interesting and gives the game realism, as powerful ancient families used to work similarly.

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