One of the most loved video game genres is the real-time strategy. With popular games under it such as Starcraft, Command & Conquer, and Warcraft, no one can deny the success RTS brought to the gaming industry. And if you’re a big fan of the genre, then I’m sure that you would want to know seven of the best real-time strategy games of all time. Let’s check them out!
StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void
StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void features a military science fiction setting where players can take control one of the main three factions: Protoss, Zerg, and Terran. It is the third and final chapter in the Starcraft II trilogy and comes with two expansion packs. Its impressive graphics are stunning, and the strategies were more complex than before, making it one of the most astounding real-time strategy games.
Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos
Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos is the high-fantasy real-time strategy game from Blizzard Entertainment. It was in this game that the two new playable races were introduced, the Night Elves and the Undead, adding to the humans and orcs. The game takes place in the fictional world of Azeroth. Its multiplayer mode allowed users to play against other players via the internet. The game was so popular it sold more than 4.5 million units and won many awards.
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 is perhaps one of the most successful RTS games EA has developed. It was part of the Command & Conquer series that was released in 1995 and propel the RTS genre into mainstream popularity. The game has two playable factions, the Soviets, and the Allies. Its solid gameplay and interesting alternate Cold War storyline make it one of the best 2D real-time strategy games aside from Starcraft.
The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-Earth
The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-Earth is the ultimate game for Lord of the Rings fans. This Microsoft Windows real-time strategy game that was developed by EA Angeles. The game was both based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel and Peter Jackson’s film trilogy. It focuses on a war waged by two sides of The Ring: the Free Peoples of Rohan and Gondor and the Forces of Darkness consists by Uruk-hai of Isengard, the Orc hordes of Mordor, Haradrim, Mûmakil, and Trolls.
Company of Heroes
Company of Heroes is a 2006 game that was developed by Relic Entertainment Microsoft Windows and OS X. The game is set during the Second World War and has two playable factions. Its goal is for players to capture strategic resource sectors and use them to build base structures, allowing them to produce new units so they can defeat their enemies. The game was critically acclaimed and won multiple awards for the best strategy game. Its success led to the release of its sequel, Company of Heroes 2 that was published in 2013.
Rise of Nations
The Rise of Nations is created by the brain behind Civilization II and Sid Meier’s Alpha Centauri, Brian Reynolds. It was inspired by turn-based strategy games as well as territories and attrition warfare. The Rise of Nations introduces 18 playable civilizations through eight ages of world history. Its profound gameplay made it one of the greatest real-time strategy games of all time. The game was re-released on Steam along with an expansion on 2014.
Battlefleet Gothic: Armada
Battlefleet Gothic: Armada is the RTS game that took place in the universe of Warhammer 40,000. In this game, players can control fleets that represent one of the six factions: Chaos Undivided, Eldar Corsairs, the Imperial Fleet, Space Marines, the Tau Empire, and the Orks Pirates. The primary goal of the game is to fight and win the control of the Gothic sector of space. The game was released on Steam in April 2016 for Microsoft Windows PCs and gaming laptops
How about you, what’s your favorite real-time strategy game? Care to share it with us in the comments below?