Want to command vast armies, manage resources, and outthink your opponents in real time? Real-time strategy (RTS) games have been around for decades, yet they remain one of the most satisfying and tactical genres in gaming.
While action-heavy games dominate the spotlight today, RTS titles still deliver something uniquely powerful — the thrill of outmanoeuvring an entire army with pure strategy.
From genre-defining classics to innovative modern entries, these are some of the best RTS games you can dive into right now.
Dune: Spice Wars
Set on the deadly desert planet of Arrakis, Dune: Spice Wars blends traditional RTS combat with 4X-style strategy. You’ll manage resources, expand your territory, and manipulate rival factions while surviving sandstorms and monstrous sandworms.
It’s not just about brute force, as diplomacy and intrigue are as deadly as any army here. A must-play for Dune fans and anyone craving deep, layered strategy.
Why play it: Political warfare, survival, and large-scale strategy in one package.
Cataclismo
Cataclismo stands out for its blend of RTS and creative base-building. Think LEGO meets tower defence. Instead of placing prefab structures, you design your fortress piece by piece to defend against monstrous hordes.
It’s a clever twist on the genre that rewards creativity and long-term planning, making every base feel uniquely yours.
Why play it: Beautifully tactile construction system and tense, satisfying defence gameplay.
Door Kickers 2: Task Force North
Door Kickers 2 takes the RTS formula and shrinks it down to squad-level tactics. You command a team of elite operatives through dangerous missions, planning every move in real time — or pausing to issue precise commands.
It’s fast, focused, and perfect for players who enjoy methodical, small-scale combat over managing massive armies.
Why play it: Smart, tactical gameplay that’s part RTS, part puzzle, and endlessly replayable.
Frostpunk
If city-building and moral dilemmas are more your speed, Frostpunk is a masterpiece. Set in an apocalyptic ice age, you lead one of humanity’s last surviving settlements. You’ll need to make brutal decisions — sacrifice some to save many — while balancing warmth, resources, and hope.
Why play it: Beautiful storytelling, emotional weight, and strategic depth make this one unforgettable.
Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition
Age of Empires IV is the ultimate modern take on a classic. Build empires, wage massive historical battles, and watch as your civilisation grows from humble beginnings to global dominance.
With refined mechanics and stunning visuals, this is Age of Empires at its best — both nostalgic and fresh.
Why play it: Timeless gameplay, deep strategy, and a thriving multiplayer scene.
Command & Conquer Remastered Collection
This legendary collection brings back Command & Conquer and Red Alert, fully remastered with modern visuals and quality-of-life updates. It’s campy, chaotic, and incredibly fun, which is exactly what you’d expect from RTS royalty.
You’ll also get every expansion and mission ever released, making it one of the most complete packages in RTS history.
Why play it: Pure nostalgic energy and classic strategy at its finest.
Company of Heroes 3
The Company of Heroes franchise has always been a benchmark for tactical RTS design, and Company of Heroes 3 pushes it even further. Blending intense real-time battles with a new dynamic campaign map, it lets you wage World War II your way — combining grand strategy with boots-on-the-ground combat.
Cover mechanics, flanking, and terrain play huge roles here, rewarding smart tactical thinking over raw numbers.
Why play it: Realistic warfare, cinematic combat, and deep tactical nuance.
Northgard
If you’re after something a little calmer — and colder — Northgard is a fantastic choice. You control a Viking clan carving out a new life on a mysterious frozen continent. You’ll manage food, shelter, and happiness while battling rivals and mythical beasts.
It blends RTS structure with survival and exploration, offering a pace that’s challenging but never overwhelming.
Why play it: A beautifully atmospheric blend of strategy, mythology, and resource management.
They Are Billions
Steampunk meets zombie apocalypse in They Are Billions. You’ll build, fortify, and defend human colonies against endless swarms of infected. Every wall, turret, and troop matters — because one breach can spell total destruction.
It’s pure tension from start to finish, rewarding careful expansion and flawless defensive planning.
Why play it: One of the most thrilling and punishing RTS survival experiences ever made.
Iron Harvest
Set in an alternate 1920s where diesel-powered mechs stomp across battlefields, Iron Harvest delivers classic base-building and tactical combat with a unique visual twist. It’s heavily inspired by games like Company of Heroes but stands apart thanks to its mecha aesthetic and slower, more deliberate pace.
Why play it: Combines gritty dieselpunk visuals with thoughtful, strategic gameplay.
RTS games continue to evolve, from pixelated classics to modern hybrids that merge genres and ideas. Whether you prefer massive historical empires, intense tactical skirmishes, or creative survival challenges, there’s an RTS out there that will test both your mind and your mettle.
So, gather your troops, plan your moves, and get ready to outthink the world — one battle at a time.
The post The Best RTS Games to Play Right Now appeared first on Green Man Gaming Blog.
This post offers a great selection of RTS games for fans of strategy and tactical gameplay. It’s exciting to see such a variety of titles that challenge players to think on their feet. Looking forward to exploring some of these recommendations!
I’m glad you enjoyed the selection! RTS games really excel at offering deep strategic experiences, especially with the variety of factions and unique mechanics each game brings. It’s interesting how some titles also incorporate elements of RPGs, allowing for character progression that adds another layer to the gameplay.
Absolutely! The depth of strategy in RTS games often encourages players to think several steps ahead, which can lead to some intense gameplay moments. Plus, the community around these games often adds to the experience, with shared strategies and tips.