Top 20 Greatest Real Time Strategy Games
If you like real-time strategy games, it doesn't get any better than this. Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at the best the real-time strategy genre has to offer. We’re keeping it limited to one entry per franchise, so only the finest entries count.
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00:00 20.
00:24 Dungeon Keeper
00:33 Sometimes it's good to be bad.
00:34 That's how it goes in Dungeon Keeper, where we take control of the titular antagonist.
00:38 Players create dungeons that expand as the game goes on, eventually taking over the world.
00:43 Of course, that's easier said than done, and Dungeon Keeper frequently throws enemies
00:46 our way.
00:47 Although it starts slowly, building up the dungeons carries a definite sense of accomplishment.
00:59 Fans are made intimately familiar with the map, as fending off enemy attacks and unlocking
01:02 new areas go hand in hand.
01:04 Quirky dark humor and an equally quality multiplayer add another layer to the game.
01:09 Eventually, players craft a complex, rewarding backdrop that pays off the many hours invested
01:14 in the game.
01:22 19.
01:23 Halo Wars
01:31 The Halo series took a stab at the RTS genre with Halo Wars.
01:35 It isn't the most revolutionary of titles, but it gets all the basics right.
01:39 Instead of being at the heart of the battle, players navigate through a bird's eye view.
01:43 This allows us to see the war as it happens and alter its course in real time.
01:54 The game is far from subtle, as attacks are launched from all sides, which means aggression
01:58 is key.
01:59 Different modes of attack reap separate rewards, since every weapon also has a weakness.
02:04 Because of this, players have to figure out which style of play works best to win the
02:07 war.
02:08 While it goes hard, Halo Wars is user-friendly, making it a great option for players new to
02:12 the genre.
02:18 18.
02:21 Stellaris
02:29 Stellaris stays true to the 4X's genre.
02:32 Players can explore, expand, exploit or exterminate.
02:35 Set in a futuristic space, fans can choose the peaceful route and coexist with different
02:39 colonies or wreak utter destruction.
02:41 The sprawling title covers massive ground, so creating empires takes a long time to accomplish.
02:46 However, it also familiarizes players with the ins and outs of the galaxy, providing
02:50 them with enough time to decide what kind of playthrough they're looking for.
02:59 Although its pacing could have been quicker, the level of immersion in Stellaris is too
03:02 good to ignore.
03:03 It lives up to its ambitious sense of scale as newer worlds arrive to conquer or preserve.
03:11 17.
03:15 Sins of a Solar Empire - Rebellion
03:24 Another 4X RTS set in space, this one appeals to the competitive spirit.
03:29 With multiplayer as the main focus, fans go up against each other in a battle for supremacy.
03:33 The game is enjoyable when played with an attack-heavy mindset or a defensive one.
03:37 Using diplomacy requires a chess-like playing style as Rebellion has fans contemplating
03:41 all of their decisions.
03:48 Going in with an aggressive attitude is high risk, high reward.
03:51 Players can win big or lose most of what they've worked for.
03:54 It's a thinking person's title that makes the best of the strategic aspect of gaming.
03:58 With a greater number of factions in store, Rebellion sets itself as the definitive Sins
04:02 of a Solar Empire expansion.
04:06 16.
04:10 Supreme Commander
04:19 With a focus on resource management, Supreme Commander empowers players with the ability
04:23 to self-sustain.
04:24 Set during a period of relentless war, the mission is to extract as much as you can from
04:28 each environment.
04:29 And thanks to the ingenious strategic zoom camera, battles can be fought simultaneously
04:33 with other aspects of the game.
04:41 A variety of different locations refreshes playthroughs as well, each carrying a unique
04:45 identity.
04:46 Supreme Commander does emphasize exploration, but there's also a lot of action in store.
04:51 Battles can be chaotic because of the large number of enemies, which is why players need
04:54 to get their strategies in order.
04:56 It's daunting to juggle so many responsibilities at once, but Supreme Commander remains exciting
05:01 all the way through.
05:06 15.
05:10 Rise of Nations
05:19 Taking place across time, Rise of Nations depicts the rise and fall of various civilizations.
05:24 The game goes from ancient ages all the way to the present.
05:27 Players get to shape Earth's history by establishing civilizations of their choice.
05:31 It also serves as a fascinating blend between real-time strategy and turn-based gameplay,
05:35 with Rise of Nations bringing the best out of both genres.
05:47 At the time of its release, curating playthroughs based on individual choices was rare, making
05:51 the game a trailblazer in the industry.
05:53 The transition from one civilization to the next is simply remarkable, and the seamlessness
05:58 of its tonal switches is another quality that Rise of Nations inhabits.
06:06 14.
06:11 Total Annihilation
06:21 Living up to its title, Total Annihilation has a destructive feel from the beginning.
06:24 It centers around a galactic conflict between humans and AI, leading to all-out war.
06:29 Although released decades ago, the game has aged well where its mechanics are concerned.
06:33 Radar fields and jammers allow locating and hiding attacks, adding a crucial component
06:38 to gameplay.
06:42 Fortunately, an easy-to-use interface and constantly replenishing resources keep the
06:50 action ticking.
06:51 Due to its large scale, Total Annihilation features multiple forms of warfare, ranging
06:55 from breaching fortresses to overcoming naval battles.
06:58 The game was lauded for pushing graphical limitations at the time, blending 2D and 3D
07:02 graphics for visuals that instantly catch the eye.
07:09 13.
07:12 Age of Mythology
07:22 Taking place during four significant ages in human history, this game has a mythological
07:26 spin on a tried and tested format.
07:29 Every culture has a god that aids the player, granting them both resources and weapons for
07:32 their campaign.
07:39 More than the single-player mode, though, Ages of Mythology was popular for its multiplayer.
07:44 Fans worldwide collided in tournaments featuring different modes suited to their expertise.
07:48 Detailed animations capture viewers into the game's world, and the characters' interactions
07:51 with the environment is fun to see.
07:54 The mythological aspect might be a bit out there, but it allows Age of Mythology greater
07:58 creative freedom.
07:59 By the end of its run, there was no doubt how captivating it is.
08:08 12.
08:10 The Lord of the Rings – The Battle for Middle-Earth
08:20 The Lord of the Rings games have dabbled with multiple genres.
08:23 The Battle for Middle-Earth takes a successful venture into RTS territory, where fans can
08:27 see J.R.R. Tolkien's world for all the dangers it contains.
08:31 The game can be played as the heroes or the villains split into good and evil campaigns.
08:43 Unlike the standard RTS, this one has a fast-paced tone that rarely lets up.
08:47 In addition, limited resources brings a sense of urgency that motivates players to see things
08:51 through as quickly as they can.
08:53 The rousing soundtrack helps keep the mood up as well, complementing the barrage of battles
08:57 that come our way.
08:58 What the game lacks in depth, it more than makes up for in entertainment.
09:06 11.
09:10 Rome – Total War
09:18 In this entry of the Total War series, fans are taken along two centuries of Roman history
09:23 during its Republic era.
09:24 The tumultuous period in ancient Rome sets the stage for an exciting playthrough that
09:28 contains battles galore.
09:30 Tactical brilliance is necessary to tackle these conflicts and the game prepares players
09:33 from the get-go.
09:41 The impressively detailed map provides several points of interest to choose from.
09:44 By creating factions and sifting through units of battle, fans become accustomed to the style
09:48 of play needed to capture territories.
09:51 The combination of real-time strategy and turn-based gameplay is easy to get into.
09:55 It balances the duality between building and battling, highlighting the wonderful simplicity
09:59 with which Rome – Total War is designed.
10:09 10.
10:14 Sacrifice
10:22 Who says RTS games have to rely on a particular formula?
10:25 Sacrifice dares to be different with a behind-the-shoulder perspective practically unheard of for the
10:29 genre.
10:30 Instead of worrying about gathering resources, players need to hone their magical skills.
10:34 Not only does this save a lot of time, but it gives a great sense of freedom that few
10:37 similar titles provide.
10:39 Because of this, combat is an invigorating experience that hits hard each time.
10:52 Although competing against others is an option, Sacrifice eschews the usual RTS emphasis on
10:57 multiplayer for a well-defined single-player mode.
11:00 Set in a mystical world where everything from wizards, gods and demons show up, the story
11:04 arguably usurps gameplay for how engrossing it is.
11:07 Sacrifice has some flaws, but its originality is impossible to overlook.
11:14 9.
11:19 Warhammer 40k – Dawn of War
11:29 This title depicts what it's like to be on the battlefield amidst complete catastrophe.
11:33 It's tougher than most RTS games due to the limited time between battles.
11:36 But this kind of challenge sets Dawn of War apart, as only the brave can see their way
11:41 through.
11:42 Success is determined by commanding infantry squads to whittle down the opposition's
11:45 forces.
11:46 As such, players have to stay in touch with constant developments in battle, testing their
11:50 mettle as captains of the army.
11:59 While it's not a revolutionary title, Dawn of War is among the best in the business.
12:03 Depending on how it's played, the game can be completed in a quick burst or enjoyed over
12:07 many hours to fully appreciate its value.
12:13 8.
12:18 Northgard Games in Norse mythology surged in popularity
12:29 recently with titles like God of War and Assassin's Creed Valhalla.
12:33 Northgard arrived earlier with an RTS-style game that has a heavy focus on exploration.
12:37 The protagonist's mission to avenge his father brings him to the island of Northgard.
12:41 Duking it out like Vikings has its own sense of fun, but establishing the home base and
12:45 expanding the hero's reach is Northgard's winning quality.
12:53 Uncovering new sections of the map and starting from scratch is an exciting prospect considering
12:57 just how far players eventually get.
13:00 World-building elements are a lot more unique here since the Nordic-based landscape is rarely
13:04 explored in the genre.
13:06 The game is a venture into the unknown that's absolutely worth the adventure.
13:15 7.
13:17 Frostpunk
13:31 Frostpunk delves into the survival of the human race after a cataclysmic volcanic winter.
13:36 Players need to establish and care for an entire city, complete with how it's run and
13:40 deciding the fate of its inhabitants.
13:42 It's a mature step in the RTS landscape as everything hinges on making difficult choices.
13:47 Frostpunk goes further by diving into the ethics and morality behind certain decisions,
13:51 showing players how they might behave when the going gets tough.
14:01 It might give off a bleak, dystopian outlook, but the game has players at the edge of their
14:05 seats to see where it's all headed.
14:08 Such a surprising aesthetic is the kind of turn that keeps real-time strategy interesting.
14:18 6.
14:23 Homeworld
14:24 This sci-fi game tells the story of exiles looking for a new home.
14:35 Homeworld can be complicated to those unfamiliar with the RTS formula as gameplay is centered
14:40 around creating constructs in a 3D design.
14:43 Resources are mined from nearby planetary objects, while battleships are used to stave
14:46 off attacks from enemies.
14:48 There's no easy way to get around it, so fans have to pay attention to detail to get the
14:52 best out of Homeworld.
15:02 Intriguing and satisfying in equal measures, figuring out the intricacies behind the game
15:06 is part of the fun.
15:08 Once players are set, it's easier to appreciate Homeworld for its complex, atmospheric backdrop
15:12 that excels in both its narrative and execution.
15:21 5.
15:23 Warcraft III – The Frozen Throne
15:32 Before World of Warcraft became synonymous with the series, this entry achieved its then-critical
15:37 peak.
15:38 As the last mainline RTS entry in the franchise, The Frozen Throne does a splendid job at signing
15:43 off with a bang.
15:44 With revamped controls and weapon types, it builds on the original Warcraft III's strong
15:48 points.
15:49 The availability of more than 60 maps to select featuring players around the world makes The
15:53 Frozen Throne incredibly layered.
16:02 Whether it's finding new resources or scouring the map for places to battle, there's a rich
16:05 environment for players to discover.
16:07 Additionally, The Frozen Throne lays the template for diverse missions that World of Warcraft
16:11 later expanded upon.
16:19 4.
16:21 Company of Heroes 2
16:32 Depicting a conflict with real-world connections is always difficult, but Company of Heroes
16:36 2 is up to the task.
16:38 We're dropped in the eastern front of World War II where the land is steeped in conflict.
16:42 There is the capacity for building strongholds, but players are pushed forward to stay on
16:46 the offensive.
16:47 As a result, aggressive tactics like guiding infantry, artillery, and attack vehicles are
16:52 the way to go.
16:59 The game doesn't let us get too comfortable.
17:02 Trying weather conditions get players to improvise different plans in their playthrough.
17:06 While the game's historical accuracy is questionable, it does prove how crucial strategic brilliance
17:11 is during times of war.
17:12 Company of Heroes 2 also shows the series' penchant for bigger and bolder forms of gameplay.
17:20 3.
17:23 Command & Conquer - Red Alert 2
17:33 Red Alert 2 also makes a world war its primary setting, although the presentation is on the
17:37 lighter side.
17:38 With live-action cutscenes and a deliberately cheesy tone, Red Alert 2 goes for a breezy
17:43 playthrough.
17:44 Its relatively lower difficulty allows for new players to try it out.
17:47 Players can have different experiences based on choosing between Allied and Soviet campaigns,
17:51 extending its replay value.
17:59 Collecting money essentially wins you the game, as having resources gives players almost
18:03 complete control.
18:05 While it sounds simplistic, Red Alert 2 is credited with popularizing RTS games, appealing
18:09 to gamers like few did before.
18:12 As one of the biggest critical and commercial successes of the year, Red Alert 2 helped
18:15 normalize the genre to a wider audience.
18:24 2.
18:26 Age of Empires II - The Age of Kings
18:35 Set during the Middle Ages, the second Age of Empires has five campaigns to indulge in.
18:39 Each has locations to explore that are filled to the brim with content.
18:43 Establishing settlements is just the beginning of an experience that features a variety of
18:46 things to do.
18:47 There's also a level of authenticity present, as soundbites in native languages can be heard
18:52 to go along with the overall design.
18:59 How economies and battles are handled decides the course of the playthrough, which can last
19:02 for several hours in each campaign.
19:05 Because of an easy-to-use interface, the game's entertainment value remains sky-high.
19:10 All in all, fans can lose themselves in Age of Empires II's vast maps on their way to
19:14 forging their path in history.
19:38 1.
19:40 StarCraft II - Wings of Liberty
19:50 With storytelling that complements its gameplay, Wings of Liberty comes closest to RTS perfection.
19:56 The primary outline surrounds a massive three-way war that's reaching its breaking point.
20:00 This sets up a riveting campaign that gradually rises in intensity as players guide the protagonist
20:05 across as many as 29 missions.
20:07 The game consistently delivers these missions without compromising its quality.
20:11 And with a few unexpected twists, players won't have any hint of boredom through its
20:15 expansive runtime.
20:24 Wings of Liberty's in-game mechanics improve on its equally lauded predecessor, adding
20:28 fluid animations and controls that heighten its level of immersion.
20:31 Mainly though, it's how needless material is removed in favor of fun-filled, hard-hitting
20:35 elements that make Wings of Liberty a cut above the rest.
20:46 Is there an RTS game you think deserves to be on the list?
20:49 Let us know in the comments.
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