The Real-Time Strategy genre is filled with aplethora of challenging titlesthat force players to think on the fly and adapt their strategy in ever-changing battles or scenarios. It’s not always easy keeping an eye out over hundreds of units at a time, or making sure that your armies aren’t flanked or countered, but for RTS fans who learn to master the genre, there’s an incredibly rewarding gameplay experience at hand.
These experiences were not made equally, however, and while many gamesput real-time combat to use, there are some franchises that stand out as offering the best RTS experience on the market today for either beginners, series veterans, or both.
5Warcraft
A Pioneer In Fantasy Titles And A Great Franchise To Boot
Before the monumental, genre-defining hit that isWorld of Warcraft, there was a cult-classic, equally genre-defining (albeit a different genre) franchise known asWarcraft.TheWarcraftseries has bloomed into one of the most popular RTS titles to date, especially whereWarcraft 3is concerned. Although many have reservations about some promises that were not delivered upon in the HD remakeWarcraft 3: Reforged,the bones of what made the third installment in this series so good remain the same, now with a glossy HD varnish.
This is a franchise that acted as a launchpad for one of the most prolific games in history, and its importance to the fantasy theme and RTS genre cannot be overstated. The distinct but balanced collection of factions within each title make for an excellent beginner’s entry into the RTS genre. AsWorld of Warcrafthappens upon its 20th Anniversary, seeing the roots of that game in this franchise makes for a rewarding experience.
4Supreme Commander
An Underrated Gem Of Sci-Fi RTS
A smaller franchise than most on this list,Supreme Commanderstill holds up today as an incredible title within the RTS community. The sequel, though not as well received as its predecessor,offers unparalleled modabilitythat makes it an incredibly versatile title today.Supreme Commanderis not a title that will hold players' hands. It is quite challenging as far as RTS games go, but within this challenge is some incredibly compelling gameplay.
Like most highly praised RTS franchises,Supreme Commanderdoes an excellent job balancing its three distinct factions to make sure they all feel well realized and offer counters to one another. The campaigns, shifting depending on the choice of faction within each title, offer some of the most compelling sci-fi stories found in the RTS genre today.
3Age Of Empires
RTS On A Colossal Scale
An incredibly expansive, highly enduring franchise,Age of Empireshosts awide breadth of highly compelling titles. The RTS series is known for the incredibly wide-scale battles and strategies one must employ in order to succeed. There are a host of pillars that hold up this franchise, from the incredibly well-received classicAge of Empires 2to the highly novel and fresh entry in the series,Age of Mythology.
This franchise has taken such a variety of perspectives on combat and organization that at least one of its many games will surely appeal to a new player looking to get into the RTS genre. WhileAge of Empires 2and its remakes is seen as the pinnacle of the franchise, something with a modernized build likeAge of Mythologycould be an equally compelling way to go.
2Command And Conquer
The Gold Standard For RTS Titles Today
TheCommand and Conquerfranchise is one of the most iconic RTS series to date. Few franchises can claim to have the same level of impact on the genre thatCommand and Conquer’s in-depth tactical gameplay had, and with various remasters for some of the older titles out today, there are a huge variety of choices for which game in the franchise to mark as best for beginners.
The modding scene withinCommand and Conqueris similarly going strong, and holds up to the test of time, as even older titles are still being looked after by dedicated modders and passion projects. For players who want to see what the gold standard for RTS titles is,Command and Conqueris an excellent way to go.
1Starcraft
A Sprawling Space RTS Like No Other
The military science-fiction epic ofStar Craftredefined what RTS games were capable of.Star Craftis a game of such tremendous depth and tactics that it’s difficult trying to parse just how influential it’s been on the rest of the genre. With a fanbase that’s still active today and eclipses other RTS franchises entirely,Starcraftmight just be the most compelling RTS franchise to date.
The future of this franchise, especially where itsRTS roots are concerned, does seem to be in the air, but for players looking to get into a franchise with ridiculously deep lore, worldbuilding, and tactical fidelity,Starcraftmight just be as good as it gets.
