Top Ten Best RTS Games

There is a reason why Starcraft 2 is rated EVERY, SINGLE games rated website on earth. This game is easy to play, but impossible to master, even the pros. It's not complicated. Blizzard counts every single inch of the game's quality. Graphics, UI, story, gameplay, balance, and connectivity (for multiplayer).

Don't believe me? Go buy the 3 day card provided for Starcraft 2, play it, and you're gonna feel like a fool for spending the penny to buy the 3 day card after you buy the game itself

Amazing game! I grew up watching my uncle play it before I took it up myself. Even back then I was amazed at the huge variety of gameplay options, the general quality of the game and-most importantly-the storyline. In my opinion Starcraft has the best storyline of any game I have ever played. All those complex characters, tons of action and plot twists really make this game the best RTS ever.

The first (and, along with it's sequel, the only) RTS to truly implement three different, yet completely balanced races. It almost feels like three different games in one (a concept further explored in it's sequel, and it's three releases).

Plus, the interface just makes sense, and the story is superb (the best story ever in a genre that it's not known for it's detailed storylines).

Anyone that can claim that there is a better RTS out there than this must be on more than drugs... Like said before 3 races that play super different (which you don't get from any other RTS) and yet are still somehow super balanced, plus theres really only one other "RTS" with more detail which is WarHammer 40000 which I personally can't consider an RTS... and all of this doesn't even cover the Map Maker which you can make literally any type of game from... Starcraft 2 isn't just the Best RTS but probably the best game period

Not as revolutionary as StarCraft, however it is one of the most, if not the most unique RTS game of all time. The factions are highly differentiated and the introduction of heroes adds a new dynamic to traditional strategy that adds depth and replayability, whilst additional features such as the superb Battle.net system and the accessible yet powerful world editor make WarCraft 3 a transcending classic. Top that off with what is one of the greatest storylines in gaming, and WarCraft I definitely deserves the title of 'best RTS game'.

WarCraft 3 is the best. Like the other person said, it has a good map editor. The Frozen Throne expansion had an AMAZING story. The four races are:Human, Orcs, The Night Elves and The undead. The units of each race are on a different scale. FORGET THIS! I forgot to mention heroes. The heroes are your generals, your most powerful units. Each level grants you an ability point. For example, the human blood mage, gets phoenix at level 6.

The single greatest, most influential map editor ever created. This game will be forever remembered for spawning a huge number of genres that had never had a place before, and for inspiring many spin off games like League of Legends. Screw the original campaign, the map editor made the game worth it!

I haven't played many of the others but from the ones I have played, WC3 (plus The Frozen Throne) was the best. Everything from the storyline to the gameplay was high quality, and the multi-player was pretty good too. I've stopped playing PC games now unfortunately but if ever Blizzard were to come out with WC4 then I would definitely buy it. I can't be bothered with WoW and the extortionate subscription fees, which is probably the same reason why Blizzard can't be bothered with making a WC4 :(

You need tactics and strategy in this game. In Starcraft any where on the map is anywhere on the map, but in Company of Heroes the map can mean your direct counters loses to its counter because of the map. Cover matters. If you like strategy you like this better than Starcraft, if you are a gamer and like games before you like war or strategy you like starcraft better.

The RTS that reinvented the RTS genre, still, 8 years later after release, the king of the RTS Throne.

We all hoped the sequel, COH2 would lead the charge for RTS onward to glory, but this aging king still stands supreme. Now we are just waiting for someone to take over the lead... It's about time!

Historically accurate, realistically brilliant in its fashion, a worthy shot of hours and hours of playing, all the more reason to spend your bucks to throw yourself and sink in its depth of awesomeness. My greatest thanks to THQ and Relic for such game to exist.

Most unique RTS I have ever played, honestly. You can tell this game definitely focused on quality, not quantity, the game is so good, it offers so much. Give it a chance, I promise you won't regret it. Also the online is amazing.

Best RTS of all time hands down. Only reason it wasn't more popular than AOEII is that the graphics where ahead of it's time. Took a beefy machine to run this game and not many people could play it unless all of the affects where turned off. The graphics are still ahead of most RTS's that have been released in the last 3 years. That is an amazing thing. There still is not an RTS that even comes close to touching AOEI in any way especially with the Asian Dynasties expansion pack. If you didn't rank this first, it's likely only because you haven't played it yet and have no clue what you are talking about.

Microsoft where complete and utter fools to close ensemble studios. The only bad thing about this game, is it will ruin any other RTS experience for you. Nothing else measures up to date. I'm not interested in playing any other RTS though I've tried almost all of them. Truly sad Microsoft's lack of foresight on this. Even more sad that they are holding onto the rights.

Great Graphics, must strategically pick units well for battles, even building locations will influence your victory or defeat. Every second counts when it comes to gathering resources, defending and attacking. The home city cards add even another level of strategy to the game not included in number 2. Online play is excellent, I just can't stop playing this game.

For a mature gamer, I don't know how you could go with anything other than AoE3. The rest are geared towards a kid mentality, big bright explosions and cartoonish characters. Either that or depressed teenagers, with muddy battlefields and hardass 20th century depictions of war. No thanks, not for me. AoE3 is firmly rooted in actual history, actual technology, which makes it far and away the most compelling RTS game I've played.

Excellent graphics, an historical setting, and the same solid RTS gameplay as its predecessors have made this title a best-seller. Persistent home cities add another dimension to the strategy, and there is a good matchmaking service for finding online games.

Empire Earth is a real time strategy game from Sierra, which you build your civilizations not through ages but epochs. Select from 14 epochs in world history including the Bronze Age, the Renaissance, the Imperial Age, World War II and the Digital Age and establish an empire for the ages. Contained here are links for both Empire Earth and it's expansions

In most RTS games you can end a match in 30 minutes. In Empire Earth a match may last for hours and maybe days. The game also is the only one that has 15 epochs while others RTS games don't have more than 4. That's why it's the best RTS game of all time!

I don't think anything ever came close to the original game in the series. After Stainless Steel Studios disbanded, the quality of the expansions dropped and the sequels of the game were just a wreck after that. It actually put Mad Doc out of business.

This game has been played by so many. It Deserves to be among the top giants in gaming history. It captures all ages to come and show of their strategy at the art of war against others. Spamming from all ages and until this day holds a top rank in best RTS the world has seen.

Yes, the best RTS and one of the best games of all time. Why? Because it was the true definition of an RTS game series of whom got it start before Starcraft. It boasted 13 civilizations, although similar, each has unique units and abilities like faster work rate, stronger infantry, stronger cavalry, and is loaded with variety that changes your approach to strategy with each civilization. Terrain variety; sand, dirt, water, different forest types, and later snow and ice. This game had great graphics not only for its time but it still looks great. Even though I have AOE3 running on a great computer, I still consider AOE2's graphics superior because of the smooth gameplay and uncluttered feel. Not to put Starcraft down but I just do not like it, I have made myself play it so many times just because everyone makes it seem so good that I want to experience that joy, and I only end up with a headache and slight wanting-to-puke feelings. Not only do I feel Age of Empires 2 is my favorite ...more

The perfect RTS. The only flaw I can find is possibly the inability to create self-perpetuating income. However, relics and the market do enable even this. Random map is the single most amazing element of any RTS, ever. Three ways to win, not including regicide, keeps everyone in a multiplayer game even after they've been reduced to a single peasant. Four resources creates nice complexity and allows for alternate resource starvation strategies. The thought that was put into the game by the developers, I mean eight different food sources for heaven's sake, is astounding. And balance... Ah balance... While other RTS games claim to have balance, AoE II is the standard for balance, because each race is the same, except for the differences, which are the strategic point of the game and were your choice in the first place. If Age of Empires II were to receive some very minor graphic upgrades, exactly the same proportions, just better animations, better lighting, better water textures and ...more

Age of empires 2 two was my third RTS game, the first was dune, then came red alert, then Age of Empires 2. The first age of empires lacked the finesse of being a great game due to the lack of large populations, but once I played AoE 2 I truly fell in love with RTS. Age of Empires 2 has a variety of gameplay that most RTS games lack. The seeded maps tend to make games unpredictable due to the random positions of resources, this meant that I had to come out with strategies on the spot, in addition to requiring base building mobility, my macro and micro were both equally important. If I did not micro my scout and worker positions at the start of the game I could be 7 minutes behind a rival, the most single mistakes could cost me dearly in games. That is not to say that Age of Empires 2 was fun only because of PvP, going against computers was very fun too, in fact it occupied 90% of the time I played AoE 2, 1 vs 6 hardest AIs. The game had very interesting aspects to it, very often when ...more

Hands down, one of the best if not the best RTS games of all time. This was the first RTS game I played to be honest, but the main reason this is way better than the third version is the completely balanced civilizations. The third version never had the balance this one had but was superior in terms of graphics and some mechanics like queuing. And since it's going to have a definitive edition and have those mechanics added, It's going to keep this position for a long time.

While todays RTS tend to reduce the old idea of base-building to just a few and the decision whether a match is won edges closer to the tactical level, Supreme Commander and its expansion Forged Alliance steer into the opposite direction. Sporting armies easily numbering the hundreds, the players have to focus on the rather 'Grand strategy' part, deciding where to put their resources to good use. And, unlike most siblings at this level of strategy, the player is supported by its UI, not obstructed, allowing for a rather relaxed management unlike some click-fests.

Albeit the learning curve is rather steep at the beginning, those looking for a more "strategic" game are rewarded.

Even thought Starcraft is more popular, it seems mostly because it is simple. Supreme Commander is simple in it's economy, just like starcraft (without having to build pesky buildings to increase unit cap) however, it has much more complex gameplay and economy balance. It's not just a spam and conquer like starcraft, this is a true strategy game, deserving of the title, with it's perfect scale, and massive battlefields, and not just a spam and conquer game of tactics.

Supcom, and FA specifically, offer a level of complexity and tactical diversity unmatched on this list. The list of features separating this game from the pack is too extensive to list but can be found with a little homework. What turns many new players away from the game is the fact that the entry level will lose at the beginning. This isn't PAC-man. Proficiency requires determination, intelligence, humility, and an unflinching love of real time strategy. CoH shouldn't be within a 5-mile radius of this list.

There is so much diversity in this game. Battles range from tiny bots battling it out, relying on the players' micro, to massive artillery battles, to massive experimental weapons of mass destruction. There are nukes, satellites, customizable command units that can fry any unit with its overcharge ability. It has a better economy system than any RTS out there, and the best naval combat I have ever seen. You can get both versions of this game for 11$, and it will last forever. Try it now.

Best game ever - hundreds of different units allows true strategy, and having to defend against air, sea and land attacks just makes it all the more awesome. Epic online battles with shared resources allowed strategy of the type not seen in other online Real Time Strategy games, where each player can play their part - some people farming resources - others concentrating on defense or attack, not just for themselves - but for their team.

For it's day Total Annihilation had huge maps on which to battle your enemy. It also featured everything you could want: form an airforce, to a navy complete with submarines. The economic system was beyond its time as well. Easily the pioneer of grand scale RTS genre. Need I remind you TA was released around the time of C&C, yet you'd never guess that from it's superiority in every possible way.

This is the game that literally beat out StarCraft for the "Best RTS Gmae Of All Time" award more than 8 years after its 1997 release. One of the best soundtracks in the genre, was the inspiration for Supreme Commander (created by the same person) and the new Planetary annihilation, most advanced physics engine in the genre, upto 10 players with potentially limitless unit cap, infinite resources capable of making a match last for minutes to weeks or longer, less than one Gb in size and almost a Tb of 3rd party content with more being made every day, plus so much more

This has to be the best RTS game I have ever played! Nothing compared to it at the time. It was the first true 3D game, not only in units but with the terrain as well. You could zoom in on units and watch them walk and then zoom back out to see the whole battle field. There are hundreds of units and maps, and the battles could be very large. Over all this is still one of my favorite games to play.

It's an RTS game mixed with a castle simulator. There are so many ways you can approach any one situation. The enemy has a large castle? Sneak in a bunch of slaves and burn his crops to the ground! What, his gate's are always locked? Send in some knights to attack the walls, and then send in assassins to open the gate from the other side!

Not to mention the genuine feel of running your own castle! The characters are fun to play against, and the dynamic market system was a feature that not many games bothered to introduce into their games yet.

This should be much higher on the list, but it's a highly underrated game. Second to only Age of Empires in my opinion, but Crusader has some things AoE doesn't, like the necessity to feed your people and the ability to generate revenue without going to farm resources. Only downside to this game in my opinion is that there aren't too many troop counters, such as AoE, however, it is good it isn't to that extreme effect where it's near impossible.

One of the first games I played. And it got my attention since first time I played it. I like how real everything is about managing your castle. The happyness, the combat, building, economy, everything kept me with this game untill today

Best RTS game ever in my opinion. Its simplicity, fused with its fun factor clearly makes game really entertaining! Much better than any other game of its genre.

While other games may have better graphics and smoother mechanics, Rise of Nations has the nostalgia feel that no other game can match for me. Plus, the stability of it on pretty much any system makes it a must get for any RTS gamer, especially for those who don't have top-of-the-line systems.

Huge variety and complexity, beautifully crafted and presented this is a cracking, immerse game. Full of subtle touches as you progress and constantly varying dynamics. This is my all time favorite game by a mile. On the surface, it may seem like AOE 2/3, but in my opinion it is far better and more interesting.

This is basically the best of Age of Empires and Civilization in one, with incredible elements and a fast paced, complex yet intuitive system. An absolute must play for any real time strategy enthusiast, and what I consider to be the greatest real time strategy ever created. Period.

He biggest game in the whole game industry. Balanced on a level which has no competitor. Tons of options, no forced gameplay. I'm still in love with Protoss.
Rise of Nations is the best RTS game. Balanced, a good story, this is an example of how RTS games should be made!

Good graphics and exciting game play. Campaigns are great. Challenge mode in zero hour is my favorite as well. Spent hundreds of hours to play this game in my collage.

Truly an amazing game, I've played it since 2003 and I still LOVE it! There's so much to do and the campaign is really large, it is the most fun RTS game in my oppinion.

Best game ever. It still feels current with everything that is going on in the world. Fun and simple game play too!

Amazing gameplay, each faction was well balanced and very different from one another. I still play this today.

This game is very simple but each races distinct units and abilities balance the all out and make every game wide open for anyone playing. It has a very accurate to the movies campaign and all the heroes from the films. In one moment you can go from being attacked by archers to have a Balrog knocking down your gate and destroying everything, this game gets crazy fast. If you're looking for an rts that focuses on combat and units more than city building give this game a try.

Personally, I like the sequel a bit more... But I own the whole anthology collectors edition, which is one one case... So I can vouch for all of them. This is a great game, despite the lack of multiplayer support nowadays from EA. (On another note, this also completely killed LOTR: Conquest for me, which needs the serial key to be verified online by their guys...) The sequel was fantastic, and the EXPANSION to that was totally kickass. And even without EA, I've run many a LAN party with these games, great memories.

This game was simply amazing and still is. The only downside is it is no longer supported by EA games which means no online gameplay unless you use FREE 3rd party software like Gameranger which a lot of people do then its fun to battle players. This game along with the 2nd and the expansion could be up there next to Starcraft if it was still being updated and patched but now its up the the loyal players to upload patches and stuff for the community. A great game though. Look up "forshire bfme" on google and you can download all three games for free this game is no longer sold and the ones that are on sale on online auction sites sell for hundreds of dollars. So its not illegal to download, and they are compatible with Gameranger so you can play them on Gameranger with people. Also the file sizes were shrunken so you can download a smaller file to save your data I think the first and second ones are like 2-3 gigs on "foreshires" blog site. The campaigner sticks to the lore of the book ...more

Simply THE BEST... This should easily be number 1. An excellent RTS - extremely similar to C&C with better gameplay, factions, and units. The second... Even better gameplay, with a little less on graphics.

Honestly the most satisfying RTS game and also one that uses true brains and strategy rather than producing more than your enemy can, unit placement and movements are key and morale is what makes this game a true strategy game.

A totally different approach to RTS than other RTS games. If you are looking for a realistic RTS then this is the best. Battles and affairs of state are kept seperate in the game allowing for battles to be extremely realistic.

Simply Amazing game that occupied much of my time, I absolutely cannot wait Rome: Total War 2 set to release sometime this year but be sure to play the original you wont regret it.

The best of two worlds, turn base and RTS all in one, also one of the best eras for strategy war games. Still playing it, and loving it.

Yuri's Revenge was my favorite childhood RTS game. I would be on the computer for hours playing against up to 6 other computer controlled enemies in the skirmishes. You can choose your country and the others or have them chosen at random and alter difficulty to suit whats best for you. Fast pace, keeps you moving and staying on the defense or offense. Amazing saga!

In C&C series, RA 2 yuri is the best for me, you can out wit others with in 5 min. A lot of fast fast and long game strategies, good story line, good music. Bad side, too many mods and bugs, and map always reveal after explored, make it hard to sneak in. In entertaining perspective, I would rank ra2 yuri only after warcraft 3, only because warcraft3 has ton of custom and ton of players online.

Going back to its roots, Command & Conquer 3 revives the epic conflict between the Global Defense Initiative and the Brotherhood of Nod. There's a third side called the Scrin in the fray now, but you'll remember the Mammoth tanks and ion cannons from earlier games in the series. C&C3 has a good selection of multiplayer maps and Battlecast functionality, which makes spectating games fairly easy.

The best in the Tiberium ark.
Good music, cool, extremely differentiated factions, and the Live action Cutscenes we all know and love for their cheesiness. Lots of well known actors, too, and the Scrin are a cool touch. Also added the squads, instead of single units. Beutiful, and runs extremely smoothly on Vista, XP, 7, and 8.

I agree with everyone else's opinion about the game. This one game opened the doors to Games Workshop's fantastic and lore rich Universe that is the 40k universe. After playing the game, I started. To read the books like, Hellsreach, and Fall of Damnos. Both are fantastic books in my opinion, but of the strategy games I have ever played, this series is the best I have ever played. I am not saying that the games in the top listed are not that good, but it is in my opinion that this series has a place in the top ten.

This is coming from someone who has played Warhammer 40,000 all throughout his life and sees it as not just a simple hobby but essentially a life long love and something that you must go through with love, determination, and wits to be successful in. Warhammer 40,000 deserves to be ranked higher, but this rank is as we all know good as well. It combines science fiction, tactics, as well as good 'ole blood and gore. All Warhammer players also realize the sheer awesomeness of the chainsword as well

Fast paced, frenetic, squad based combat, 7 playable races, and a sandbox turn-based campaign map for single player. Minimized resource management and maximum unit management. Customize-able squads allow you to change not only the look of the unit and your army as a whole but the functionality of the squad being upgraded, allowing for endless combinations, strategies, and tactics

Excellent all-round game. Satisfying game mechanic, with ruthless and intelligent AI. This game also wins on the good ole blood, gore and insanely intense battles. What's not to like?

It's 2015, I'm 16, and believe it or not I've been playing this since I was about 4, I still play it even today (well the expansion) and it never gets old, amazing game. Also if you ever feel you're getting bored of it, there are hundreds of AMAZING modifications for this game. The gameplay never ends. If you love RTS games and don't have this, get it right now. Be sure to pick up the expansion pack as well.

A C&C game is not in the top 10? WORST LIST EVER! This game had it all; though it's story is nothing to write home about, it's music is a memorable selection of techno tunes, it's graphics look good for 2.5D standards, and it's multiplayer was top of the class. I prefer Yuri's Revenge if only because it balanced characters such as Tanya, added new units, a whole new playable faction and team-based skirmishes, but that doesn't stop Red Alert 2 on it's own being worth your time and money.

I don't think most people would agree this being in the top 10 but at least in the top 30? How the hell is it 77! Even Red Alert 3 is higher, and that was complete crap. I played all of the C&C games and this in my opinion is the best. I do like Starcraft and Warcraft I more however.

I still play this game today! This is by far one of the best RTS games because if its simplicity and allowing any individual across a variety of ages to get into the game. The soundtrack was superb as well as the graphics for a game made in 2000.

Extremely awesome, I love Halo wars! Halo Wars I like a tower defense (exceptional of the the campaign mode) Combined with a Halo game. Very good! I would really recommend trying the Halo wars demo on the Xbox 360 game marketplace or buying the full version.

Halo wars is one of the best rts out there! It is very unqiue and creative to creat an rts based off the halo series, and it totally rocks! Vote for halo wars!

The best RTS ever! It combines HALO and Strategy games! You can't ask for more!

Epic game of all time. At least better than homeworld.

After so many years Homeworld still looks fine to me, and I saw in very few space strategies those excellent mechanics of rockets and other stuff dealing damage to enemies at impact, not only ugly and stupid animations like those in Sins of solar empire. That always made this game looks and feels so great for me. Epic storyline, based on original Battlestar Galactica series, joined with excellent soundtrack (Adagio for strings by Samuel Barber especially) and voice acting makes this game just most epic experience in my gamer life.

I had this game when I was younger and I must say it was one of the most fun and strategy based PC gaming experiences that I have ever had. The gameplay was smooth and fun, and the storyline was excellent. It is definitely one of the greatest RTS games, and most certainly still 100% playable twelve or so years later.

The 3D world makes you think and play in ways that are fun and difficult at the same time along with intense massive battles with a great story line, combine that with awesome multiplayer and great Ai and you have a perfect game.

Homeworld was my all time favorite when I was growing up, The scale of the fights, the story line in the campaign was great, Heck I even cried in the Homeworld 2 campaign and that is something I've never done before.

Very good game. Much better after playing napoleon total war. But rome total war is much better in my opinion it's a must play if you like rts based on history good turn by turn game.

AoM is by far my favourite RTS game ever. The second best for me is Warcraft III, which says a lot.
AoM is extremely balanced, has near perfect game mechanics, has a fun story mode and I could spend hours with the map editor! It's such a shame that it didn't get so much recognition. I would've loved to see even more expansion packs including other civilizations and mythologies.

I love Age of Mythology! It improved on the AOE formula with 3 unique races, and 9 major gods which acted as subraces. It's a shame that while games like Warcraft 3 (which was released at the same time) have remained popular, Age of Mythology was forgotten. Oh well if you go to AOM Heaven games it still has a small, but strong, community. (And AOM online matchmaking is still working, even though it only has like 50 people playing it)

I love AoM! It has a nice gameplay and by far the best story in a RTS. Also, you were able to learn a lot of real historic facts with with the game. I can take it not being the first, but come on, it should be in the top 5 at least, it's a blasphemy this not being in top ten on this list.

Age of Mythology was the first game I ever played... So much memories... After 10 years, I still play it, and I enjoy it the same. That says something, doesn't it? It's just something else... It's the very definition of a simple game, yet it's awesome...

AoM for ever!

Most fun RTS I've ever played in my life...! Take this with a grain of salt because I've only ever played this on Xbox

I understand this isn't like a lot of RTS games out there but that is what makes it so great and my favorite, the fact that it is all about utilizing strategy on the battle feild and not on resource gathering

I decided it needed at least a couple of votes. It was not as unique as its older brother, but I still enjoyed it. THe game is able to run on a wider range of computer software, making it more accessible to the casual gamer.