The 12 Best RTS Games in 2026

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. At the time, many of these were some of the best PC games you could find.

Check out the 12 best RTS games of all time below.

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
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
Iron Harvest	75/100	Windows, PlayStation, Xbox
Sins of a Solar Empire II	76/100	Windows
Stormgate	74/100	Windows
Age of Mythology: Retold	83/100	Windows, PlayStation, Xbox
Manor Lords	No score available	Windows, Xbox

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, offering new, unique gameplay from the original. While this game focuses more on first-person 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 among the most popular video games for strategy players, a true staple of the genre, and 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 in-depth PvE and PvP gameplay options, Age of Empires IV is one of the best RTS games for players interested in civilization building.

3. StarCraft II

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 — many consider it to be one of the best online multiplayer games.

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 one of the best real-time strategy games for new and experienced players alike, providing dozens of hours of gameplay across its multiple game modes.

4. 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.

5. Company of Heroes 3

Company of Heroes 3 is an RTS war game that takes you back to 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 possibilities 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.

6. Total War: WARHAMMER III

Unlike traditional RTS games, Total War: WARHAMMER III embraces a greater emphasis on real-time tactics, 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. Reviewers tend to agree, 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.

7. 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 platforms. 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 thrives. As a result, you need to keep a careful eye and skillfully manage your resources, economy, and military.  

Even 20 years after its first release, Rise of Nations has an active online community, with players planning matches and discussing strategy. Many players are familiar with the RTS genre and consider Rise of Nations a fan favorite. However, its chess-like structure and emphasis on multifaceted management may pose a challenge for beginners. 

8. Iron Harvest

Like Frostpunk 2, Iron Harvest takes place in an alternate history, focusing on the aftermath of WWI. One unique feature of this game is its use of dieselpunk and mecha themes, blending futuristic technology and robotics with industrial machinery to create a distinctive aesthetic.

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.

9. Sins of a Solar Empire II

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

Many consider Sins of a Solar Empire II to be 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 among reviewers, with players praising its gameplay, polished visuals, and balance of micro- and macromanagement. 

10. Stormgate

Stormgate is a free-to-play RTS launched on Unreal Engine 5, giving players a graphically beautiful experience full of color, vibrance, and high-quality effects. The game’s streamlined micromanagement, game-changing map objectives, and emphasis on fast, decisive play reward competitive players who’ve mastered RTS mechanics.

Players can take control of three distinct factions (Vanguard, Infernal Host, and Celestial Armada) and battle it out in 1v1 or 3v3 battles, or team up to outsmart the computer in a 3v3 PvE game mode. For single-player enthusiasts, Stormgate also offers a campaign where players take control of the Vanguard to ward off Infernal and Celestial invaders.

11. Age of Mythology: Retold

Age of Mythology: Retold is a remake of the original 2002 hit Age of Mythology. It retains the original campaign, civilizations (from Greek and Egyptian to Chinese and Japanese), and all the classic units and structures, providing an authentic, faithful experience for those who played the original game.

Age of Mythology: Retold is built on AoE III: Definitive Edition’s iteration of the Bang Engine. It features a complete graphical and audio modernization overhaul, new mechanics (like reusable God powers, an increased population cap, and new units), and noteworthy rebalances (for Gods, units, and scouting) to make the game feel fresh.

12. Manor Lords

Manor Lords blends Total War-style RTS battles with advanced Cities: Skylines-style city-building gameplay, allowing players to build, protect, and manage what feels like a continuous civilization. Unlike other RTS games, where matches typically don’t last longer than a few hours, Manor Lords matches can often reach up to 10-20 hours.

Players can think of this game more as a hybrid of strategy, base-building, and civilization maintenance than a traditional RTS game. Its city-building, deep financial and economic simulation, and logistics aspects distinguish it from most other titles in the genre. With that said, RTS players will find themselves right at home with the game’s combat mechanics.

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.

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 Are RTS Games Making a Comeback?

RTS games are making a comeback thanks to a demand for more high-level, strategic gameplay in a gaming market largely dominated by shooters and RPGs. Innovations in the genre are attracting new, modern audiences, while remasters of old greats are bringing OG players back into the mix.

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.

What RTS Games Are Best for Single Players?

Games like StarCraft II, Age of Empires IV, Company of Heroes 3, Total War: WARHAMMER III, and Age of Mythology: Retold are fantastic RTS options for single players.