The action RTS genrehas been a long-standing favorite among PC gamers for decades now, and as the genre looks to expand into the world of console gaming too, more and more high-quality titles are being released year after year. Whether it’s combating aliens in asci-fi settingor traveling back to an ancient historical time period, the RTS genre truly has something for everyone.
With a focus on strategy and management, these games can require more forethought and planning than many others. From micromanaging squads on the frontlines of combat to grandiose campaigns and city building, many games have integrated several gameplay mechanics into them, but each is heavily centered around action-packed real-time strategy.
This game almost single-handedly created the genre that gamers know today as RTS. While it lacks a lot of the modern conveniences of the genre, it was incredibly innovative and influential, and every RTS owes it a debt.
The idea of gathering resources to build and manage units added an economy to each mission, adding another layer of strategy that is key to the genre. WithDunebeing so popular from the recent film adaptations, now is as good a time as ever to jump into this game.
RTS games set in already-popular game franchises give players an opportunity to see the universe from a different perspective.Halo Warsdoes just this, along with giving the genre an honest go on consoles, a place where it always had trouble adjusting.
Halo Warsserves as a solid RTS for beginners, since adapting the genre to an Xbox 360 controller streamlines a lot of the experience. Fans of the genre will not feel too left out, though, since it still feels like a genuine RTS. Most importantly,Halofans will be pleased by this spin-off’s take on the world.
Metascore: 93 (Warcraft 3)
Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos
ONLY THE RUTHLESS SURVIVEFrom the creators of the #1-selling action/strategy game of all time comes a new generation of chaos. Cunning, sinister, and seemingly unstoppable, the demonic Burning Legion prepare to launch their long awaited assault on the mortal world. Survival is a matter of strategy, as the Reign of Chaos begins…
TheWarcraftseries might be overshadowed by theMMORPGWorld of Warcraft,but that should not take away from its contribution to the RTS genre.Warcraft 3is a particularly celebrated entry for its hero units, which led to games likeDOTA.
The first two games in the series were also standout additions to the genre for their day. The debut entry in particular put develper Blizzard on their path to becoming the legends they are today. The single-player mode of the series is notable for having more complicated objectives than the standard “destroy the enemy” that is inherent to the genre.
There was a remake ofWarcraft 3in 2020 that was met with a lackluster reception due to severe technical issues at launch.
Double Fine’stribute to Heavy Metal is easily the most unique game on this list. It is both an action-adventure game and RTS rolled into one. Players control Eddie Rigs as if they are playing a 3D action game, but major story events turn into a lite RTS mode which includes all the staples of the genre.
This is where the game either elevates or goes off a cliff, depending on one’s tastes. All the same, the aesthetics, celebrity voice roles, and sheer sincerity should be enough to let any gamer see this title through to the end.
Aliens: Dark Descentis the latest game in the iconicAliensfranchise. Set on the planet Lethe, players command a squad of colonial marines in their fight against a Xenomorph outbreak, as well as against the cultists who follow them.
The gameplay is similar toXCOM, only replacing the turn-based combat with real-time action. Players will have to manage the facilities within their base, their squad’s equipment and preparation, as well as their tactics and movement in the field. The tense atmosphere and gameplay make for a great action RTS experience, and no prior knowledge of theAliensuniverse is required to jump in.
Originally released in 1999,Homeworldhas long been a beloved title in the RTS space, particularly among fans of sci-fi settings. A sequel and a remastered collection have been released over the years, withHomeworld 3expected to release in 2024.
Players control a fleet of starships and engage in huge 3D space battles in one of the best space RTS experiences around. With a wide variety of unit customization and battlefield tactics, there is plenty to get stuck into with theHomeworldseries, and never a better time to get started than now.
Empires of the Undergrowthis a unique RTS experience that sees players take control of an ant colony as they struggle to survive the experiments of a mad scientist. Players can choose from a variety of different ant species and will have to collect resources to feed their queen, as well as combat a range of insect enemies along the way.
Although still in early access, the game features a number of deep mechanics, as players must burrow their way around the environment, collect food, and create spaces for eggs. There is plenty to love about this project from Slug Disco, with much more to come when the game fully releases.
InSteel Division 2, players command massive armies across large-scale battles in a World War 2 setting. There are not many games that are able to realistically simulate wartime tactics quite like this one.
The only downside to the game is that it can be very difficult for newer players to get into since there is limited help offered in-game and a number of complex mechanics for players to learn. Fortunately, the game’s enthusiastic community is happy to help and provide plenty of support through tutorials and forums.
Arguably one of the best games ever set in the iconicLord of the Ringsuniverse,Battle For Middle Earthand its sequelBattle For Middle Earth 2have been highly praised for their large-scale RTS combat and campaign mechanics.
Despite both games being released over 15 years ago, the modding community is continually adding content to the game, with the latest free “Age of the Ring” update giving the game a huge overhaul. Sure to please any Tolkien fan, this game is also likely to provide plenty of enjoyment for anyone looking to command large armies and witness epic spectacles on the battlefield.
Formerly the frontier of eSports andone of the most popular RTS titles of all time, theStarCraftseries has faded away in recent years. With no mention of aStarCraft 3coming any time soon, developers at Blizzard Entertainment have turned their focus elsewhere.
Despite this,StarCraftand the more popularStarCraft 2remain among the best RTS games of all time. With a slightly more arcade-style aesthetic than some other titles, the games are focused on fast-paced competitive battles and require a combination of planning and skill to win.
A third-person shooter calledStarCraft Ghostwas in development for years before it was cancelled.
