The Best RTS Games To Try If You Are Not Into The Genre

In a real-time strategy game, players are responsible for resource management, unit production, intel gathering, combat, and, of course, real-time strategic planning. In essence, they are tasked with a multitude of responsibilities. As a result, the genre can seem overwhelming, rigid, and at times, stressful. Unfortunately, these factors can create a barrier that deters many from experiencing an RTS game at all.

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The RTS genre is one of the oldest in gaming, originating in the 1980s and exploding in popularity in the latter half of the 1990s with fast-paced, meta-optimized gameplay. Today, an RTS can encompass a blend of the fast-paced and the methodical, exploring a vast array of settings and mechanics while offering alternative approaches to the traditional formula. This evolution has made the genre more approachable while still delivering satisfying real-time strategic gameplay. Whether they’re drawn to historical skirmishes, sci-fi adventures, or minimalist tactics, these real-time strategy games offer something for everyone.

10

Thronefall

Simplistic RTS Gameplay For Short Play Sessions

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Thronefall

Systems

Released

October 11, 2024

Developer(s)

GrizzlyGames

Publisher(s)

GrizzlyGames

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Simplicity permeates Thronefall, a gorgeous hybrid of tower defense and real-time strategy. Developed by a small team, this title offers players a single-player experience that perfectly merges strategy and action. Players will engage in customary RTS mechanics by building, in this case rather rapidly, and defending their relatively small kingdom. However, the one distinction with Thronefall is that waves of enemies attack in rounds during the night, with each round presenting increasing difficulty levels.

Defense takes the form of projectile towers and barricades. It also means recruiting soldiers of different types and commanding them to defend specific choke points. All of this requires the management of an economy, rewarded per turn from building accumulation and as a reward for completing a round. The systems in place are designed to be intuitive, allowing for straightforward gameplay that is easy to understand, provides excellent replayability, and is satisfying for short gaming sessions.

9

Iron Harvest

An Engrossing And Immersive Story-Driven RTS

For those unfamiliar with the work of artist Jakub Różalski and his acclaimed board game Scythe, Iron Harvest envisions a vastly alternative version of World War 1 with devastating dieselpunk-inspired mechs headlining. An undoubtedly stimulating addition to the genre, Iron Harvest provides an engrossing story-driven campaign bolstered by a superbly written narrative and excellent in-game cutscenes. Players will experience lore-rich missions in a war-torn world where auto-machine technology and Eastern European tradition have clashed.

Gameplay-wise, Iron Harvest draws inspiration from the Company of Heroes series by featuring infantry squads that can take cover while capturing locations to progress in the game. It also showcases some of the most impressive destructible environments in the RTS genre, creating a flashy and immersive adventure that defines the game’s more action-oriented direction, where base-building is not a priority. For those who prefer not to tackle the campaign solo, the game offers a cooperative mode that invites a friend to join the action. Alternatively, competitive multiplayer is available; however, with a dwindling player base and a stagnated meta-game, Iron Harvest is best enjoyed today through its compelling campaign mode.

8

Pikmin 4

A Cozy Puzzle-Based RTS With Personality

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Pikmin 4

Systems

Released

July 21, 2023

Developer(s)

Nintendo

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Pikmin 4, a certainly unique take on the genre, deviates from the conventional RTS gameplay loop. It presents a delightful and charming experience by minimizing the micromanagement and fast-paced clicking often found in other RTS titles. It provides a much more welcoming change of pace as players explore environments and solve puzzles in their quest to locate the series protagonist, Captain Olimar, and help him return home by using a posse of Pikmin, each with different abilities.

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With solid gameplay mechanics that offer an adequate challenge and the high-quality level design synonymous with Nintendo games, this title is undoubtedly the coziest entry on this list. For fans of this nearly two-decade-old franchise and those who enjoy a more laid-back gaming experience, Pikmin 4 is an accessible RTS brimming with personality.

7

Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2

A Glorious Space Battler RTS For Fans Of Sci-Fi

Tactical

Strategy

Science Fiction

Systems

Released

January 24, 2019

Developer(s)

Tindalos Interactive

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

RTS has been a significant part of the world of Warhammer since the prominent success of the Dawn of War series. Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2 moves away from the infantry-based gameplay of Dawn of War. It casts players as the captains of behemoth space cathedrals and other outlandish spaceships as they engage in battles in the depths of space. It features three sizeable campaigns for the Imperials, Necrons, and Tyranids, and a skirmish mode that includes all 12 playable factions from the original tabletop game that it is based on.

While there are menial mechanics that generate resources to buy more ships, the core thrill comes from the space battles. These encounters consist of standard capture point tasks and story missions with various objectives, all set against a stunning 2D backdrop of vibrant planets and swirling nebulas. They’re captivating, extravagant, and truly a feast for the eyes of Warhammer and sci-fi fans. For those seeking an ardent strategic campaign, look elsewhere. Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2 is solely about satisfying real-time sci-fi combat.

6

Tooth And Tail

A Gamepad-Friendly RTS Suited For Couch Co-Op

Set in a quaint world of animal revolution, where factions of mice, squirrels, and boars vie for control, Tooth and Tail facilitates streamlined and novel mechanics that promote short playthroughs and couch play—a welcome and sorely missing aspect across much of the genre. For instance, the controls are designed explicitly for gamepads, replacing the cursor with a walking mouse commander, and matches last between 5 and 12 minutes. This quick and convenient gameplay ethos also offers significant replayability, further enhanced by the charming pixel art style and procedurally generated levels.

While some may not appreciate the simplified RTS mechanics, underestimating the game as shallow would be a mistake. Instead, it delivers an expeditious experience with diverse, functional units catering to various playstyles, maintaining just the right amount of complexity to keep players invested. Tooth and Tail also has wickedly good multiplayer, available in local split-screen co-op for friends and family to enjoy or online for a more competitive focus.

5

Anno 1800

A Joyful Entry Point To RTS City-Builders

The seventh and latest installment in Ubisoft’s series of city-building games, Anno 1800, takes place on a designated island during the Industrial Revolution of the 19th Century. Players are tasked with navigating Western Europe’s social and technological changes at the time, constructing a settlement to expand the chosen faction’s nation. This includes sailing boats to neighboring NPC towns for trade and diplomacy, exploration, and, most importantly, the building of a new civilization. Anno 1800 displays remarkable detail in its city-building mechanics, permitting a humble village to flourish into a thriving metropolis; it is both a joy to assemble and a pleasure to watch it grow.

While primarily focusing brilliantly on the city-building and diplomatic aspects of gameplay, it does feature flecks of naval and air combat, albeit not particularly well-executed. However, that’s not to say it detracts from the overall experience. Anno 1800 plays to its strengths and is an excellent entry point for players interested in exploring city-builders. There’s also a ton of DLC available, offering a surfeit of buildings that allow players to personalize their city designs.

4

Steel Division 2

A Grand WW2 RTS With Large-Scale Battles

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Steel Division 2

Systems

Released

June 20, 2019

Developer(s)

Eugen Systems

Publisher(s)

Eugen Systems

OpenCritic Rating

Fair

For a solid World War 2 entry into the genre, look no further than Steel Division 2—a profound and grand RTS that blends large-scale battles with intricate martial strategy, focusing on a unique and rewarding experience for those willing to invest time in its mechanics. For those unfamiliar with the Steel Division series, players take the role of general as they command a selection of divisions to push through enemy lands on a top-down battlefield that stretches up to 150km.

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Steel Division 2 offers much of the same as its predecessor, focusing on tactical battles that touch on suppressive fire, morale, and resupply across land and air. Matches are won or lost on the front line of combat, a colored line overlaying the field that pushes and pulls as units move. While the campaign mode may feel somewhat underwhelming, the multiplayer experience is where the game truly shines, allowing players to participate in large 10v10 battles.

3

Manor Lords

Play A Historically Accurate RTS As A Feudal Lord

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Manor Lords

Systems

Released

April 26, 2024

Developer(s)

Slavic Magic

Publisher(s)

Hooded Horse

OpenCritic Rating

Fair

Manor Lords is a Medieval city-builder and strategy game that has made waves since its Steam Early Access release. Despite being released with little content, the makings of a truly great title are there, and it has been continuously updated with great faith by its sole developer, even being nominated for two 2024 Game Awards. This title has been praised for its realism, placing it as one of the most immersive, beautiful, and best historical city builders.

At the forefront of its gameplay is the city-building. Players will take the mantle of a feudal lord ruling over their dominion. It’s about keeping townsfolk happy and fed and everything running smoothly. However, there is a well-integrated addition of real-time battles akin to the Total War series, with large conformed units of spears, swords, and bows. While this approach is less conventional than that of other RTS games, it effectively blends the genre with its primary focus on city-building. For those seeking a title with historical accuracy and a more relaxed approach to gameplay, Manor Lords is well worth the time. And, with updates still coming, this RTS will only improve with age.

2

Northgard

A Viking-Themed RTS With Satisfying Multiplayer

Sadly, not many RTSs have ventured into the realm of Norse mythology before. Thankfully, that’s what Northgard is: a brilliantly packaged Viking-themed RTS focused on survival and exploration. It (initially) lightly challenges players to settle, explore, build, and trade with neutral NPC Viking clans on an uninhabited island, where townsfolk must be kept alive in the face of rival clans and monsters lurking in the wild, unclaimed land. It quickly emphasizes survival; players must prioritize supplies to make it through the impending winters dictated by the game’s persistent seasonal clock.

To aid in the fight against enemies and the threat of nature, Northgard’s cute, vibrant, and almost cartoonish in-game visuals offer a welcome respite, whilst a refined HUD and interface makes it easily approachable. Ultimately, it’s a much slower-paced RTS with minimal grinding that’s easy to pick up but difficult to master. When mastered, however, the absolute satisfaction of Northgard comes from its competitive multiplayer, which is excellent for playing with or against friends or others online.

1

Frostpunk 2

A Challenging But Rewarding RTS Where Choice Matters

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Frostpunk 2

Strategy

Survival

City Builder

Systems

Released

September 20, 2024

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

RTS games don’t always have to revolve around war; this is where Frostpunk 2 comes into play. This highly anticipated sequel to the 2018 hit is a post-apocalyptic city-building and survival strategy game that significantly expands upon its predecessor, intensifying the difficult decisions central to the game’s premise. In Frostpunk 2, players must ensure the survival of civilians during a Victorian steampunk-inspired ice age while managing limited resources and maintaining peace among various factions, all while keeping their citizens warm, which is of the utmost importance.

It is important to note that Frostpunk 2 is a very challenging game that demands deep consideration to progress. There will be no battles here; it is a game of choice and consequence where players juggle multiple tasks. While rookie mistakes are unavoidable, learning from them and improving in subsequent playthroughs is an integral and satisfying part of this rewarding RTS experience. Topped off by a haunting atmosphere and exquisite visuals, Frostpunk 2 is undoubtedly worth partaking in.

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