The 12 Best RTS Games: Our Opinion vs. Reddit’s

Real-time strategy (RTS) games are some of the most important foundations of modern gaming. The best ones helped popularize online competitions and tournaments, brought gaming to the masses, and even served as the basis for MOBAs.

Though they might no longer remain on the throne as the most visible titles around, RTS games are still widely played and loved by both veterans and newcomers. At the time, many were some of the best PC games you could find.

Check out the 12 best RTS games of all time and a couple to look forward to.

Best RTS Games at a Glance

Game	Rating on Metacritic	Platforms
Frostpunk 2	85/100	Windows, macOS, PlayStation, Xbox
Age of Empires IV	81/100	Windows, Xbox
Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak	79/100	Windows, macOS
StarCraft II	93/100	Windows, macOS
Dune: Spice Wars	73/100	Windows, Xbox
Company of Heroes 3	81/100	Windows, PlayStation, Xbox
Total War: WARHAMMER III	86/100	Windows, macOS, Linux, Xbox
Rise of Nations	89/100	Windows, macOS
Command & Conquer: Generals	84/100	Windows, macOS
Iron Harvest	75/100	Windows, PlayStation, Xbox
Sins of a Solar Empire II	75/100	Windows
Empire Earth I & II	81/100, 79/100	Windows

The Top RTS Games According to Us

1. Frostpunk 2

With Frostpunk 2, it’s up to you to manage and lead a city in an alternate history of the early 20th century. Following in the footsteps of your predecessor, the captain — the character you play in the first Frostpunk game — your job is to help the city thrive despite the burden of its limited resources.

From overpopulation to food shortages, this game revolves around navigating the many problems consuming the city and helping it grow larger. In doing so, you must make tough decisions, negotiate, and uphold promises, all while helping keep the city from falling into chaos.

Frostpunk 2 is one of the best strategy games that offers new, unique gameplay from the first version. While this game has a greater focus on first society survival than traditional RTS games, its emphasis on decision-making and careful planning makes it a must-try title.

2. Age of Empires IV

The Age of Empires franchise is a classic in the world of strategy, and it’s one of the best RTS games of all time. Released in 2021, Age of Empires IV is the newest entry in this beloved series.

Similar to previous installments, the main goal of Age of Empires IV is to advance your capital city through multiple ages while micromanaging resources and building an army to conquer your opponents. There is also a campaign option, allowing you to play through different scenarios. 

With ample downloadable content and various single- and multiplayer ways to play, Age of Empires IV is one of the best RTS games for players interested in civilization building.

3. Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak

The prequel to Homeworld (1999), Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak places you in Kharak, a desert planet, with a plot set 106 years before the original. It combines strategic military and resource management with a rich and immersive storyline. Plus, with its single- and multiplayer support, you can enjoy this game alone or with friends.

Because Deserts of Kharak strays from the original Homeworld’s lore and background, you don’t need to play it first. But if you love RTS games and don’t mind an older title, it can be a helpful introduction. 

With a high focus on micromanagement in various areas, Deserts of Kharak is a true strategy game, putting your management and planning skills to the test. With its multiplayer support, it’s a great title to play with friends of all skill levels.

4. StarCraft II

Whereas Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak strays from the lore of its first game, StarCraft II continues the story of the original StarCraft title. Each campaign allows you to explore a story focused on one of three races. However, its single-player features aren’t the only way to enjoy this title; it also offers multiplayer support. 

One standout feature of StarCraft II is that it’s free to play — perfect for players new to RTS games looking to test the waters. While you will have to pay for some additional features, most of the content needed to learn the genre is accessible without an investment. Because of this, StarCraft II is a top choice for new and experienced players alike, providing dozens of hours of gameplay across its multiple game modes.

5. Dune: Spice Wars

There are two ways to dominate and control the planet of Arrakis in Dune: Spice Wars. If you’re looking for a cunning route tailored more for the pacifist, you can conquer this planet through diplomacy. For others, military strategy may be more to your taste.

The gameplay of Dune: Spice Wars also revolves around city building and resource management. This includes an economy, with a tax payment required after a certain number of in-game days to maintain good standing.

As a 4X, Spice Wars is a deep title with immersive gameplay, strong narrative, and win conditions centered on your ability to balance multiple elements at once. It’s important to note that Dune: Spice Wars falls onto the more challenging end of RTS games, and it may not be the best choice for those new to the genre. However, with its action-packed strategic gameplay, we think it should be on the bucket list of every RTS player.

6. Company of Heroes 3

Company of Heroes 3 is a RTS war game that takes you back on the frontlines of World War II. Taking on the role of the Allied Forces, this title is set in the Italian and North African theaters. 

One unique feature that’s new to the Company of Heroes series is the tactical pause system. With RTS games, micromanaging every detail, unit, and action can be difficult, especially if you’re new to the genre. With tactical pause, you can pause a battle and create a queue of commands that will unfold when you resume. 

RTS games open a world of possibility for multiplayer gameplay, and Company of Heroes 3 does an excellent job of showcasing this quality, with thrilling multiplayer battles that can offer hundreds of hours of gameplay. Overall, it’s one of the best RTS games to play with others, especially those newer to the genre thanks to its tactical pause system.

7. Total War: WARHAMMER III

Unlike traditional RTS games, Total War: WARHAMMER III embraces more real-time tactics elements, balanced with turn-based strategy. This is similar to other games in this franchise, which may be worth checking out if you enjoy this format. 

Outside of battle, this game operates in a turn-based manner. You and your opponents move units across the board and manage any settlements. However, once your army meets another, the battle itself plays out in real time. 

If you’re looking for a blend of real-time and turn-based gameplay, Total War: WARHAMMER III is the perfect title, especially if you’re looking to play with friends. Reddit’s opinion tends to fall in line with this, with many players praising the title as the best in the series. While there are some imperfections, there is high praise for the modding community, unit diversity, and DLCs.

Best RTS Games According to Reddit

Whether through reviews or social media, word of mouth is a great way to discover new games. These are some good RTS games according to Reddit that you can play today.

8. Rise of Nations

First released in 2003, Rise of Nations was rereleased as an extended edition in 2014, bringing this classic RTS game to digital. This game blends chess-like mechanics with the real-time strategy and civilization-building elements beloved by many fans of the genre. 

You have to stay on your toes from the start of the game. This is because what seems like a small failure at the beginning can quickly snowball, impacting how well your civilization is able to thrive. As a result, you need to keep a careful eye and skillfully manage your resources, economy, and military.  

Redditors find that this title aligns closely with the mechanics of a grand strategy title. Even over 20 years after its first release, Rise of Nations sports an active online community, with players planning matches with one another and discussing strategy. Many players on Reddit are familiar with the RTS genre and find that Rise of Nations persists as a fan favorite, although its chess-like structure and emphasis on multifaceted management may pose a challenge for beginner players.

9. Command & Conquer: Generals

Another war game title, Command & Conquer: Generals strays away from a focus on economy and resources and places you in the role of generalship. Instead of micromanaging full civilizations, you have to compose and manage your military. This game is perfect for a player who doesn’t mind older titles and is looking for a popular single-player title, especially given its three campaigns. 

Undoubtedly, Command & Conquer: Generals is one of the best RTS games of all time, according to Reddit. Players hold this game near and dear, noting that it was a fan-favorite title when it was first released and even now, with mods breathing new life into this 2003 title.

In all, even a quick glance at the Reddit threads show just how much modern players still love this game, with it being cited as many players’ favorite RTS game even today. Many Redditors also note that this title stands unique even to other Command & Conquer games, highlighting the innovation this game undertook that allows it to remain relevant over 20 years later.

10. Iron Harvest

Like Frostpunk 2, Iron Harvest takes place in an alternate history, focusing on the aftermath of WWI. One unique feature about this game that hasn’t shown up on our list yet is its use of dieselpunk and mecha themes. These embrace retro futuristic styles, showing the blend of technology with machinery. For dieselpunk, which is a subgenre of sci-fi, this machinery is specifically diesel-fueled.

This title offers plenty of ways to play, whether you’re looking to play alone or explore the multiplayer game modes. This includes separate storylines as well as skirmish modes. In all, this title is perfect for RTS fans looking for a game that offers hundreds of hours of gameplay that is equal parts war game and gritty alternate history. 

Players on Reddit praise the single-player options for this game, including the campaigns and missions, although there are many comments about a lackluster multiplayer scene due to a smaller community.

11. Sins of a Solar Empire II

A 4X title, Sins of a Solar Empire II goes beyond micro- or macromanagement. Instead, it combines both elements, forcing you to think outside the box and practice a high level of awareness to manage your galactic empire. 

Sins of a Solar Empire II is one of the best RTS sequels out there, holding true to its roots while introducing innovative gameplay that makes it perfect for hundreds of hours of strategy and competition in its single- and multiplayer game modes.

Sins of a Solar Empire II is highly acclaimed across dozens of Reddit threads, with players praising its gameplay, polished visuals, and balance of micro- and macromanagement.

12. Empire Earth I & II

Two games within a single series, Empire Earth I and II are classics, with the latter released in 2005. You’re in charge of building an empire in each game, from managing its buildings to its units. As you do so, you can gain strategic bonuses through your accomplishments and guide your empire throughout the ages.

For today’s Empire Earth I players, nostalgia is one of the main factors for its still-active community. Many players on Reddit note that this game is unique even compared to other RTS titles, creating an experience hard to find in other titles. While there is some comparison to the Age of Empire series, Empire Earth has many positive reviews for its attention to detail, even with its older graphics.

Upcoming RTS Games in 2025

RTS games aren’t a thing of the past. While many of the games on our list have their roots in the early 2000s, the RTS genre is alive and well, with many releases scheduled for 2025.

Darfall

Set to release in the second quarter of 2025, Darfall mixes your typical hero-based RPG elements with city building — a combination that requires plenty of strategy to navigate.

Daytime in the game revolves around gathering and managing resources, building up your town, and exploring the land around you. However, once night falls, you’ll enter horde-style gameplay as you fight against waves of enemies. 

Darfall is already gaining attention on Reddit, with players staying up-to-date with the developers in anticipation of the game’s launch. However, in the early years of this game’s development, there was talk about whether or not this game would include multiplayer, especially as an indie title. As of now, it is set to be released as a single-player game.

Crown of Greed

Crown of Greed is also set to launch in the second quarter of 2025, but this game is vastly different from most RTS titles. Most of this has to do with free will.

For many RTS games, you’re in complete control, free to micromanage to your heart’s desire. However, when it comes to this game, you’ll find that units making up your civilization may not always agree. With an indirect management system, you can’t force units to work for you. As a result, accomplishing tasks may require some creativity — or coins to buy their services.

Crown of Greed has the potential to be a unique entry into the RTS genre, combining classic and untraditional elements into an innovative title. 

Many players on Reddit have already played the demo of this title. Although there has been some mixed feedback about certain elements like graphics needing polishing before the final game is released, Redditors overall seem intrigued by the gameplay this title has to offer.

Era One

Era One is set to be a genre-bending title, blending elements of RTS with base building, survival, and tactical battles, all within a space setting. You can build your base from the ground up, constructing a variety of structures and warships. Plus, you’ll need to manage your military and guide them through tactical battles.

One of the many new RTS games to keep an eye out for, this title is planned for release in July 2025. With its variety of unique characteristics, this game could go on to become a classic in the RTS genre, offering several ways to play alone or with friends. 

Redditors seem to think the same. Although some players think the game may be niche, there are high hopes that it is equally fun and good quality.

RTS Games FAQ

What Is the Most Popular RTS Game Right Now?

While its difficulty is a factor to take into consideration, StarCraft II is one of the most popular RTS games to play right now, alongside many titles in the Age of Empires series. Many players praise the game’s mechanics and storylines, and the option to play either in a single-player mode or dive into multiplayer matches with friends solidifies its claim as one of the most popular among RTS fans.

Why Aren’t RTS Games as Popular as They Used To Be?

One of the main reasons RTS games aren’t as popular as they used to be is because of platform availability.

Although some of these titles are also available for console, many RTS games are only available on desktop. With a rise in console and mobile gaming in recent decades, the limited platform availability reduces the number of players who can enjoy these fun, thoughtful games.

What’s the Best RTS Game for Beginners?

Because of their emphasis on strategic thinking and complex gameplay, it may seem like real-time strategy games aren’t beginner-friendly. However, plenty of titles are perfect for new and experienced RTS players.

One of the best games for beginners is StarCraft II. This game is free to play, letting you test out the genre and learn the mechanics without an initial investment. Plus, with a single-player mode, you can play alone if you find yourself dealing with gamer rage.

Take Your Strategy Skills Mobile

The best RTS games balance fun with challenging gameplay that requires you to get creative in how you think. This can create hours of fun that you can enjoy alone or with a friend, depending on which of these top RTS games you choose.

If you’re looking for your next virtual adventure, there are hundreds of popular games available. Discover some of the best strategy games that you can start playing today and dive into a new world.