The Ultimate Guide to Dominating the Action RTS Genre - Top 10 Ranked Games!
Discover the ultimate collection of action-packed RTS games! From commanding armies in epic battles to exploring unknown galaxies, these iconic titles offer thrilling gameplay and strategic challenges Dive into worlds like never before with Aliens: Dark Descent, Homeworld, Empires of the Undergrowth, and more Prepare for an immersive gaming experience that will keep you hooked for hours!
The action RTS genre has remained a popular choice for PC gamers for decades, and now it is expanding its reach into the world of console gaming. As a result, every year we see the release of more and more high-quality titles. Whether you prefer battling aliens in a futuristic setting or exploring ancient historical periods, the RTS genre offers something for everyone.
These games prioritize strategy and management, often requiring more thinking and planning compared to other genres. From carefully supervising squads in intense combat situations to leading epic campaigns and constructing cities, these games incorporate various gameplay mechanics. However, they all revolve around the thrilling concept of real-time strategy.
10 Aliens: Dark Descent
Aliens: Dark Descent is the latest installment in the beloved Aliens game series. It takes place on the planet Lethe, where players lead a squad of colonial marines battling a Xenomorph outbreak and the devoted cultists who worship them.
The gameplay of Aliens: Dark Descent resembles that of XCOM, but with real-time action replacing the turn-based combat. Players must efficiently manage their base's facilities, equip and prepare their squad, and carefully plan their tactics and movement in the field. With its intense atmosphere and gameplay, this game delivers a thrilling action RTS experience that anyone can enjoy, even without prior knowledge of the Aliens universe.
9 Homeworld (Series)
Released in 1999, Homeworld quickly became a cherished title in the realm of real-time strategy games, especially among enthusiasts of science fiction themes. Over the years, a sequel and a remastered collection have been launched, and fans eagerly await the arrival of Homeworld 3 in 2024.
In Homeworld, players take command of a fleet of starships, immersing themselves in epic 3D space battles that rank among the finest in the genre. With a wide range of options for customizing units and employing diverse tactics on the battlefield, the Homeworld series offers ample opportunities for engagement, making it an ideal time to embark on this thrilling journey.
8 Empires of the Undergrowth
In Empires of the Undergrowth, players assume the role of an ant colony in a unique RTS experience. Their mission is to survive the experiments of a mad scientist while choosing from a diverse range of ant species. To sustain their queen and fend off various insect enemies, players must gather resources. Despite being in early access, the game offers intricate mechanics including burrowing, collecting food, and creating egg chambers. Slug Disco has created a project that is already enjoyable, with even more exciting updates to come upon its full release.
7 Steel Division 2
Steel Division 2 allows players to lead formidable armies in epic World War 2 battles, providing a highly realistic simulation of wartime tactics. However, while the game offers limited in-game assistance and features complex mechanics, new players can rely on the supportive and knowledgeable community who readily provide tutorials and assistance via forums.
6 The Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle-Earth
Considered by many as one of the greatest games based on the legendary Lord of the Rings world, Battle For Middle Earth and its sequel Battle For Middle Earth 2 have received widespread acclaim for their expansive real-time strategy combat and campaign features.
Even though these games were released more than 15 years ago, the modding community keeps enhancing them by consistently adding new content. The most recent update, "Age of the Ring," is a substantial overhaul that is sure to delight fans of Tolkien's work. Additionally, for those seeking the thrill of commanding vast armies and experiencing awe-inspiring spectacles on the battlefield, this game is bound to provide endless enjoyment.
5 StarCraft (Series)
Once the forefront of eSports and a revered RTS franchise, the StarCraft series has experienced a decline in recent times. The absence of any news regarding the arrival of StarCraft 3 has led Blizzard Entertainment developers to shift their attention elsewhere.
Nevertheless, both StarCraft and its widely acclaimed sequel, StarCraft 2, continue to hold their place among the greatest RTS games in history. Distinguished by their slightly more arcade-style visuals, these games center around intense and rapid competitive battles, demanding a blend of strategic foresight and dexterity to emerge victorious.
4 Company of Heroes (Series)
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With its third installment now available, the Company of Heroes franchise allows players to take control of expansive armies in the context of World War 2. Spanning across various factions and locations, the series offers a chance to immerse oneself in historical accuracy and engage in real-time tactical gameplay that seamlessly combines intensity and strategy.
Company of Heroes is a must-play not only for fans of the real-time strategy genre as a whole, but also for those who have a particular interest in the World War 2 era. The game offers a unique opportunity to encounter iconic units, vehicles, and aircraft, all while engaging in battles for territory throughout diverse campaigns and game modes.
3 Command and Conquer (Series)
The Command and Conquer series has garnered a loyal following among enthusiasts of science fiction real-time strategy games. It has truly transformed the genre with its remarkable integration of base construction, diverse units, and epic warfare on a massive scale.
From the captivating Red Alert trilogy set during the Cold War era to the thrilling Tiberium Wars saga, Command and Conquer has consistently provided players with mesmerizing futuristic conflicts that encompass not only land and air units, but also units deployed at sea. Furthermore, the introduction of awe-inspiring super-weapons intensifies the urgency of each battle, as all factions strive towards the ultimate objective of annihilating their adversaries.
2 Age of Empires (Series)
Age of Empires is an essential game for fans of historical real-time strategy (RTS) games and city builders. Players take on the role of commanding a historical nation and must strategically build their settlement from scratch, transforming it into a powerful city while also defeating their adversaries.
With the latest addition, Age of Empires 4, the focus lies on the era between the Dark and Imperial Ages, although previous versions have explored the Discovery Age too. Whether you choose to play as the honorable samurai or imperial France, each nation presents a distinct playstyle featuring exclusive structures, units, and abilities.
1 Total War (Series)
The Total War series is widely considered as one of the best action RTS series. It first started in 2000 with Total War: Shogun and has since grown to include various historical periods as well as the fantasy realm with the Warhammer trilogy. Developed by Creative Assembly, the series offers players the chance to command armies from different eras and conquer territories in the game's expansive grand campaigns. Whether you're a fan of the Napoleonic era, Ancient Rome, or Medieval Europe, there is something for everyone in these epic battles. And with the upcoming release of Total War: Pharaoh, the series is set to reach even greater heights.
