Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games have long captivated the hearts and minds of gamers, offering an exhilarating blend of strategic thinking, resource management, and tactical combat. Whether you’re commanding armies on the battlefield or carefully planning your empire’s expansion, RTS games provide an immersive experience that challenges your intellect and decision-making skills.
List of The Best RTS Games
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of RTS games and unveil some of the best titles that have stood the test of time.
StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void
Kicking off our list is a true icon in the RTS genre – StarCraft II. Released in 2010 by Blizzard Entertainment, StarCraft II remains a benchmark for strategic gameplay. Set in a science fiction universe, players choose from three distinct factions – Terran, Protoss, and Zerg – each with its unique strengths and strategies. The game’s competitive scene has fostered a community of dedicated players, showcasing the importance of strategic thinking and quick decision-making in high-stakes matches.
Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings
Taking us back to history’s annals is Age of Empires II. This game, released in 1999 by Ensemble Studios, transports players through different epochs, from the Dark Ages to the Imperial Age. With an emphasis on resource management, city-building, and warfare, Age of Empires II’s enduring popularity lies in its rich historical settings and the complexities of leading civilizations to glory.
Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos
Warcraft III, released in 2002 by Blizzard Entertainment, revolutionized the RTS genre with its introduction of hero units and intricate storytelling. Beyond the traditional strategy elements, players were drawn into a fantasy world of magic, epic battles, and memorable characters. This game also played a pivotal role in the emergence of the Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) genre with the creation of the Defense of the Ancients (DotA) map.
Company of Heroes
Company of Heroes, launched in 2006 by Relic Entertainment, reimagined the WWII RTS genre with its focus on small-scale tactical combat and dynamic battlefield mechanics. Set during the Normandy campaign, the game’s attention to detail and emphasis on realistic troop behavior made it a standout title, where careful positioning and strategic resource management are key to victory.
Total War: Shogun 2
Total War: Shogun 2, part of the Total War series by Creative Assembly, transports players to feudal Japan, where they must balance turn-based empire management with real-time battles. Released in 2011, the game’s captivating blend of strategy, diplomacy, and warfare captures the intricacies of feudal politics while delivering epic battles on the battlefield.
Rise of Nations
Rise of Nations, launched in 2003 by Big Huge Games, bridges the gap between traditional RTS and 4X (explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate) strategy games. Players traverse through various historical periods, managing cities, armies, and resources while engaging in both tactical and strategic decision-making.
Homeworld Remastered Collection
For space enthusiasts, Homeworld Remastered Collection, released in 2015, is a must-play. This collection revitalizes the classic space-based RTS games with improved visuals and retains the captivating narrative that takes players on an interstellar journey, commanding fleets and conquering planets in the vastness of space.
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2, released in 2000 by Westwood Studios, is an alternate history gem that pits superpowers against each other in an exaggerated World War II setting. The game’s quirky factions, fast-paced gameplay, and iconic units make it a beloved title that balances strategy with sheer fun.
Supreme Commander
Supreme Commander, launched in 2007 by Gas Powered Games, lives up to its name by offering grand-scale battles and a deep emphasis on strategic planning. With its focus on resource management and customizable units, players engage in massive conflicts that showcase the importance of macro-level thinking and adaptability.
Anno 1800
Stepping into the realm of city-building and strategy, Anno 1800, released in 2019 by Blue Byte, combines these elements with real-time strategy. Set in the 19th century, players must manage resources, trade routes, and societal needs while navigating the challenges of the Industrial Revolution.
Conclusion
Real-time strategy games have proven to be a formidable force in the gaming industry. With their immersive experience that challenges players to think critically and strategically, this genre has attracted fans of historical settings, sci-fi battles, and fantasy realms alike. From classics like Age of Empires II to modern gems like Company of Heroes, real-time strategy games have something for everyone.
The genre’s masters have left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape, providing countless hours of strategic enjoyment for players around the world. So if you’re looking to dive into the world of real-time strategy games, don’t forget to equip yourself with a gaming computer to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Adam Carter 
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