Whether you’re new to video games, or you’ve been playing for years, it’s essential to know which are the best RTS games out there. These games can be a great way to spend your free time, many of which can be played for hours at a time.
Battlefleet Gothic
Whether you are a casual player or a seasoned veteran, Battlefleet Gothic is an excellent game to play. This real-time strategy (RTS) game is based on the lore of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, and features authentically recreated Battlefleet Gothic ships.
In the Gothic sector of space, forces from the Disloyal Imperial Navy, Eldar pirates, and Chaos intrude. Spire, a captain of the Battlefleet Gothic, is tasked to investigate an abandoned space station. However, Spire soon discovers that the station has been taken over by Chaos forces.
In the Gothic sector, the Imperium has been forced to defend itself against the invasion of Chaos. Accordingly, the Imperium sent out Battlefleet Gothic, a mercenary force capable of boarding enemy ships and attacking them.
Age of Mythology
Whether you are a fan of classical strategy games or just an occasional player, Age of Mythology has a lot to offer. In this game, you are tasked with commanding the forces of ancient Greek, Egyptian, and Norse gods and myths. This re-imagined classic RTS includes a variety of units, buildings, and abilities to help you conquer rival cultures.
Age of Mythology is a real-time strategy game with some fantasy thrown in for good measure. It was developed by Ensemble Studios, makers of the popular Age of Empires series. It’s the first game in the series to have a fully-fledged 3D graphics engine.
Dune: Spice Wars
Developed by Shiro Games, Dune: Spice Wars is a 4X strategy game that features a sandbox mode and a pause button and is available for early access until the full release in 2023. It is based on the universe of Frank Herbert’s Dune novels and films and draws inspiration from other RTS games.
The sandbox mode provides players with enough depth to keep them interested in the game, but the gameplay is not as sophisticated as other RTS games. In addition, while the game’s graphics are not bad, the colors are bland, and the overall palette lacks variety.
Armada
Developed by Activision, Armada is a real-time strategy game. This unique game offers a wide variety of ships and tactics for players to enjoy. It is played with a controller, but players also can play online against real-world opponents via 3G and WiFi networks.
Players can choose from four races. The Federation Sovereign class, the Klingon Empire, the United Federation of Planets, and the Romulan Star Empire. Each of these races has five different combat vessels.
Each vessel has a unique special ability. For example, the Klingons have a Borg Assimilator that can rob enemy ships of the crew.
Deserts of Kharak
Originally a four-way space-strategy title, Blackbird Interactive retroactively retrofit Deserts of Kharak into the Homeworld universe. The result is a fast-paced RTS that’s reminiscent of classic Homeworld games. The game has great mechanics and a solid RTS design, but it suffers from some classic RTS bugs.
In Deserts of Kharak, the campaign takes place on Kharak, a desert planet where civilizations have been clinging to life for centuries. The Gaalsien, technologically-advanced religious fanatics, are attacking the northern Coalition. Rachel S’jetu leads an expedition aboard the carrier Kapisi in a do-or-die mission.
Halo Wars
Until recently, Halo Wars was the best real-time strategy game on a console. It’s easy to see why: Halo Wars’ gameplay is simple yet strategic, with intuitive controls and a limited number of units to manage.
For newcomers to the genre, Halo Wars is a great introduction. It’s easy to learn and has some of the newest RTS elements. For example, the campaign has a good storyline and pairs well with the multiplayer mode.
The game also has a neat mechanic, the Leader Wheel. Each of the three UNSC leaders has its unique unit. This feature allows players to see how effective these units are.
Stellaris
Developed by Paradox Interactive, Stellaris is a 4X game set in a distant future galaxy. Players have to build up an empire in a randomly generated universe. They aim to conquer other races, spread their empire across the universe, and gain technological advances.
Stellaris’ gameplay is somewhat similar to that of Galactic Civilization. Players are assigned spacecraft and armies, and they compete to dominate their planet and neighboring territories. Players can also sign peace treaties and join alliances with other races. They can also change their nationality and culture, as well as their ethics and values.
