I can’t explain how enjoyable RTS or Real-Time Strategy games are. The experience is super interactive. Nothing is more exciting than building your army and watching your opponent try to beat your army. You can annihilate the enemy with the move of your mouse.
Though this genre has been facing a downhill in recent years, RTS games are gaining popularity again. Games like A.I. War 2, Northgards, and Supreme Commander have proven RTS games can be exciting and enjoyable. So, I decided to list 35 of the best RTS games for pc that are best for 2023. Let’s have a look at the list.
What is RTS?
Real-time strategy games, or RTS games, are a sub-genre of Strategy Video games. It is different in gameplay compared to other strategy games. In RTS, players don’t wait for their turns; the game is played simultaneously in real-time. RTS also consists of Real-time tactics, Tactical role-playing games, Tower defense, Turn-based strategy, and Turn-based tactics games. RTS games came to light in 1982 in the game InfoWorld.
Best Real-Time Strategy Game for PC
A real-time strategy game makes your brain perfect for planning. It will give you an experience like adventure games. FossGuru made an extensive list of the 35 best RTS games pc.
1. Shadow Tactics: Blade of the Shogun
Shadow Tactics: Blade of the Shogun is the best example of real-time strategy games pc. In our opinion, this one takes the crown as the best modern RTS game. In this game, you guide five elite warriors, and they all have different skill sets. You can try a demo for free from Steam. To buy the game, you will have to pay $12.99 only. SHADOW TACTICS has many twists as a real-time strategy game, making it more enjoyable.
2. Northgard
Northgard is an excellent PC RTS game that you can play to develop your strategy. The game makes you the lord of a kingdom. Here you don’t fight or build things. Instead, you assign your townspeople different jobs. They will construct buildings and do chores for you. The game is quite a handful when you play it. You can purchase the game from Steam for just only $10.49.
3. Ashes of the Singularity: Escalation
Ashes of the Singularity: Escalation is a great RTS game for pc. It has heroes, companies, and armies to fight with. The game features a total annihilation strategy and makes it exciting. Weapons, blasts, and many more make it an excellent RTS game.
4. Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak
Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak has a 90s RTS pc games vibe. But it is a modern-day RTS with massive battles, gunfights, and actions. It is a war fantasy game that needs special skills to win. You can fight in futuristic tanks, aircraft, and many unique vehicles. Defend your base and destroy the enemy. Get Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak for only $15.99 from Steam.
5. Driftland: the Magic Revival
Driftland: the Magic Revival is a magical fantasy RTS game. You control wizards, heroes, and minions. The goal is to fight and defend your territory. It is a beautiful RTS pc game indeed to play with friends. You can get them for only $10.49 from Steam.
6. Company of Heroes 2
Experience the ultimate World War II battlefield. Company of Heroes 2 is not for the faint of hearts. It has an enormous gunfight, ruthless action, and excellent graphics. To experience real-time strategy, check out Company of Heroes 2.
7. Age of Empires 2 definitive edition
Age of Empire 2 definitive edition has an extravagant mix of combat, construction, civ development, and resource collection. This game gives you the ultimate RTS experience. Combat or battle strategies are more refined than other RTS games. The game is available for $19.99 from Microsoft Store and Steam.
8. Supreme Commander
Supreme Commander is one of my favorite real-time strategy games. I enjoy this first-hand interactive battle strategy game. It has battles, new and cool-looking weapons, a massive map, and superb gameplay. The game is available for Windows O.S. You can buy it for only $6.49 from Steam.
9. Starcraft 2
Starcraft 2 is an excellent intuitive free real-time strategy game. You can even say it is the ultimate RTS game on the market that is free to play. It gives a bunch of decisions to make. It offers high-risk gameplay with powerful weapons and bases. Build your base and attack your opponent. Strategize cautiously and win over the enemies. Get it for free now.
10. Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 is for you if you like real-time strategy games. However, it has not received any sequel since Red Alert 3 in 2008. The Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 is a special one. You start the fight between bottlenose dolphins and Soviet squids. Isn’t that a new experience? It is available for free on some knock websites. But we recommend buying it from the official E.A. Sports website.
11. Crusader Kings 2
Crusader Kings 2 is a dynasty-based real-time strategy game on playing in 2023. It has an elaborate RPG game story with plot twists. The game simulation is impressive, and you will get hooked on Crusader Kings 2 when you start playing it. The game is free to play on P.C. You can get your free copy from Steam now.
12. Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos
Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos from Blizzard Games is one of the most loved real-time strategy games of 2020. It has 62 adventurous missions, 40+ hours of fun, and exciting gameplay with astonishing graphics. You can buy the game directly from the developers for only $29.99.
13. Frostpunk
If you ask what the best real-time strategy game is? Then most people will answer Frostpunk. This fantastic survival strategy game will blow your mind. It features a tremendous game screen, a nice background story, and captivating gameplay. Anyone who has a thirst for survival games will enjoy Frostpunk. The game is not for minors.
14. The Settlers
The Settlers is a combination of real-time strategy games and city-building animation. It has been popular since it came out. The game has battles, action creativity, and city building. The Settlers is truly a king of RTS games. It is fun and exciting to enjoy The Settlers.
15. Civilization 6
Civilization 6 is one of the most challenging RTS games pc on our list. After expanding some of its features, it has become one of my favorite games. The game introduces two concepts of the Golden Age and the Dark Age. You must build your empire, defend against natural calamities, and overcome several difficulties. Simply put, you must develop and sustain a civilization from scratch.
16. Bad North: Jotunn Edition
Bad North: Jotunn Edition is a funny 2D-looking RTS game that is extremely fun. I enjoy this game and play it a lot. This indie simulation has epic battles and great gameplay. We will surely enjoy this one as it covers all the aspects of an RTS game.
17. Warzone 2100
Warzone 2100 is a free RTS game for pc. It supports both single-player and multiplayer gameplay. You have to command the forces to rebuild the world after nuclear missiles have destroyed it. We can play the game with friends and or play against A.I. Bots. You have to strategize to ensure victory carefully. Get it for free from the official website.
18. Ancestors Legacy
Are you looking for an exciting RTS game on your PC, Playstation, or Nintendo? Then Ancestors Legacy is the perfect answer to your question. In this game, the player has to play different scenarios to choose from four races to play as. The game has a day and night rotation, making it more fun to play. You can play this game in single-player as well as multiplayer mode. The game costs USD 20.99.
19. 0 A.D.
0 A.D. is one of the free real-time strategy games you can download and play on your P.C. The game can be said to be a spiritual successor to the Age of Empires. The game is also one of the best co-op games on P.C. This wildfire game is one of the adventure games you can get for free.
20. Tooth & Tail
Have you ever thought of yourself as a rodent or a controlled one? Now you can do that with Tooth & Tail. This RTS game features exciting gameplay. You can play this game on Windows and PlayStation. The game will cost you only 8.19 USD on Steam.
21. A.I. War 2
A.I. War 2 is the successor of the hit RTS A.I. War: Fleet Command. This game is a massive strategy game. A.I. machines have turned against humanity. It would be best if you secured the victory for humankind over machines. Strategize and do whatever it takes to win the pride of the human race. The game is priced at USD 8.19 on Steam.
22. Europa Universalis 4
Europa Universalis 4 is a masterpiece. This premium RTS game, P.C., will give you the thrilling excitement of an RTS game. The game is one of the long-running flagship strategy games from Paradox. The story of Europa Universalis 4 is set in the 1800s. As the head of the government, you must deal with political and economic strategies. Select the best methods in which your nation will prosper the most. It is priced at USD 10 in the Paradox store.
23. Homeworld Remastered
Homeworld Remastered is a real-time strategy game pc that is set in far space. You control the mothership that controls the battle against enemy forces. Unlike other ships, the player-controlled spaceship cannot move. It is stationary and gives the command to the fleet. You are in control of the battleships. Try and strategize to bring a win for your team.
24. The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-Earth
The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-Earth is an exciting RTS game for pc. The game features all the aspects of the famous film The Lord of the Rings. If you are a fan of the film, then you will surely enjoy the game. Get the game from the official E.A. website.
25. Offworld Trading Company
Offworld Trading Company is one of the best RTS games for pc that came out in early 2020. In Offworld Trading Company, Mars has been colonized by humans. Big business tycoons are making their way into the Mars industry. You will play the game as one of the Businessmen. Your goal is to lead the colonization and industrial revolution on the pink planet.
26. Tropico 6
On Tropico 6, the players play on a large archipelago, and as the game progresses, they own more islands. Are you willing to become a good leader or a tyrant dictator? It is up to you. Tropico 6 will give you the ultimate city-building experience in an RTS game. It also supports a multiplayer mode where you can play with four friends.
27. Total War: Three Kingdoms
In Total War: Three Kingdoms, you can choose from 12 legendary warlords to conquer early China. The player can control the war’s tide with military dominance, technological advantages, and political strategies. I am sure you will enjoy Total War: Three Kingdoms. The game costs around USD 38 on Steam.
28. Zero-K
Zero-K is an online real-time strategy game to play on your P.C. In Zero-K, the players drive giant robots, build massive armies, and move mountains if needed. The target is to destroy all the enemies at all costs. This PvP player can also be enjoyed in multiplayer mode. Most importantly, Zero-K is a free RTS. So, you can play it without making any payment.
29. OpenRA
OpenRA is another best free RTS game for P.C. that you can play in 2023. It is a combination of classic command-giving games with modern technologies. The game is free to play. You can install it on Windows P.C. and strategize as a communist commander. Do whatever it takes to ensure your side’s victory.
30. Spring: 1944
In the spring of 1944, the battles between the Axis and Allied powers were intense. In the game Spring: 1944, you are given the command of a unit of allied power. You have to ensure victory by carefully strategizing your mission plan. Become a professional war strategist and win over the enemies.
31. Sins of a Solar Empire
Sins of a Solar Empire comprise a 4X strategy game concept, but the framework is based on RTS games. The game is all about space empires expanding their territory. It is a brutal fight to protect and expand the part of each realm. As the leader, you must strategize plans to ensure victory and safeguard your people. The game will cost $13.19 if you wish to purchase it.
32. Stellaris
Stellaris is a great RTS game focusing on outer space missions and strategies. You have to conquer and expand your territory. Fight to protect and utilize your army’s full power. The game is priced at USD 12.99.
33. Rise of Nations
Rise of Nations is a great game to make your brain work at total capacity. There are different cities and nations. They are at war, and some countries have forced alliances. What will you do to protect, expand, and build your kingdom?
34. Endless Legend
Endless Legend is a 4X turn-based fantasy game that needs precise strategizing. The game has powerful heroes, minions, warlords, and other powerful allies. You have to command them and fight vicious enemies. The game will cost USD 29.99 on Steam.
35. Alpha Centauri
Alpha Centauri is a planetary strategic game available for Windows P.C. It is one of the cheapest yet most exciting games you can play. The game is priced at only $1.49. Humans are doing a monumental task by colonizing space. You must guide your people and ensure everything goes according to plan.
Final Thoughts
Real-time strategy games are perfect for brainstorming and putting your thinking power to the paddle. These types of games get me going. If you consider yourself intelligent, try these best RTS games for pc. Comment down below which one of these games you enjoyed playing most.
Nice
Thanks for your compliment!
Which one is similar to military soldier?
You can try these ones-
Supreme Commander,
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2,
Warzone 2100.