The Ultimate Guide to Mastering Mech RTS Games

Mechs have been a popular element in high-concept science-fiction stories, particularly in video games. With their formidable combat abilities and impressive size, mechs are ideal for both playable characters and adversaries.

Moreover, the modular nature of mechs allows for extensive customization and upgrades in video games. However, mechs are typically associated with fast-paced action and turn-based tactical games. Nonetheless, there are a handful of real-time strategy games that effectively utilize the mech theme.

8 Phantom Brigade

Phantom Brigade offers a unique experience for fans of mech strategy games who enjoy a combination of turn-based tactics and real-time combat. Unlike traditional RTS games, it doesn't involve base-building or resource gathering. In this game, players have the opportunity to customize and equip their own squad of mechs, embarking on missions where they must strategize and arrange various combat maneuvers on a timeline. Once the player has finished plotting their movements and actions, the timeline unfolds in real time, similar to the gameplay in Into The Breach. One notable aspect of Phantom Brigade is its provision of ample information about the enemy's intentions, allowing players to plan their actions ahead of time.

7 Zero-K

Zero-K, an open-source spiritual successor to popular retro RTS games like Supreme Commander and Total Annihilation, is currently available for free. This community-driven passion project offers players the opportunity to manage two distinct resources, construct bases, command formidable units, and amass an army of robotic soldiers and mechanized vehicles.

Setting itself apart from other games in the Supreme Commander style, Zero-K boasts destructible terrain, adding an innovative element to gameplay. Additionally, players are able to choose from multiple commander classes at the beginning of each match, introducing an extra layer of diversity and excitement.

6 Iron Harvest

Iron Harvest

Platform(s) PC, Xbox One, PS4Developer(s) KING ArtGenre(s) Real-Time Strategy

This hyper-classical RTS game draws clear inspiration from games like Company Of Heroes, but places a greater emphasis on broader strategy and micromanagement rather than individual tactics. While ground troops are present, the true stars of Iron Harvest are the formidable mechanical hulks that players can control.

Set in an alternate history where an industrial revolution has given rise to powerful war machines known as mechs in various shapes and sizes, Iron Harvest features a single player campaign that allows players to experience the game from the perspective of three distinct factions. Surprisingly, the game's narrative is remarkably evocative for an RTS game. Additionally, the inclusion of destructible environments adds a sense of weight to the mechs, as players maneuver them through clusters of buildings to carry out their objectives.

5 Metal Fatigue

In Metal Fatigue, the spotlight is on the game's "Combots" - agile, customizable mech units - rather than the tank-like units. Players have the ability to customize their mechs extensively, designing them to suit different situations. Each faction offers a range of unlockable parts that are unique to them.

The game features both ranged and melee combat, with impressive 3D models and animations that still hold up today. This results in epic battles between a variety of mechs. Additionally, during battles, parts of the mechs can be dislodged and players have the option to pick up and use enemy parts or retrieve their own parts from the battlefield. Each mech is piloted by a unit, who can eject and retreat when their mech is finally defeated.

4 Planetary Annihilation: TITANS

Drawing inspiration from titles like Total Annihilation, Planetary Annihilation: TITANS challenges players to gather resources, construct bases on expansive planets, and assemble armies of advanced mechanized units with the goal of eliminating enemy commanders. With its fast-paced gameplay, Planetary Annihilation prioritizes strategic gameplay over extensive customization options.

Distinguishing itself with its multiple-planet combat system, Planetary Annihilation requires players to skillfully oversee bases across various regions and engage in warfare on multiple fronts. Emphasizing macro management over micromanagement, the game rewards players who can efficiently construct and oversee numerous bases while engaging in large-scale battles simultaneously.

3 Mech Engineer

Undoubtedly one of the most underrated games on Steam, Mech Engineer is an indie gem that offers a highly intricate gaming experience. While it may initially pose a challenge for new players, those who persevere will discover a captivating and strategic game with an immersive user interface.

In Mech Engineer, the strategy mechanics are streamlined, presenting players with only three options during real-time-with-pause combat: requesting an artillery strike, directing units to a specific location, or allowing them to make their own decisions. Despite the apparent lack of control, this dynamic ensures that every decision carries weight, resulting in an intense and immersive gameplay. Moreover, this emphasis on strategic decision-making extends to the game's extensive mech-building and customization features, allowing players to craft the perfect mech squad.

2 Beyond All Reason

This updated spiritual successor to Total Annihilation stands out as one of the most refined and efficient mech RTS experiences in contemporary gaming. As of now, it is completely free to play. Beyond All Reason offers a range of gameplay options, including single player, co-op, and competitive multiplayer modes.

With an extensive variety of units spanning different tech levels and an impressive selection of maps, Beyond All Reason provides players with a diverse and immersive experience. Additionally, the game allows for customization through toggle settings such as fog of war and aerial combat. Even in single player mode, the game remains entertaining thanks to an exceptionally capable AI.

1 Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance

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Considered by many as one of the greatest real-time strategy (RTS) games ever made, Forged Alliance is a standalone expansion to the original Supreme Commander. Developed by Gas Powered Games, this expansion was aimed at revitalizing the dwindling player base of Supreme Commander. Despite its age, Forged Alliance still stands strong as a highly skilled and engaging RTS game, offering a wide range of strategic options and visually stunning spectacles, although its graphics may appear dated.

Supreme Commander was the brainchild of Chris Taylor, the co-founder of Gas Powered Games and a key contributor to the acclaimed 1997 game Total Annihilation. As a result, Supreme Commander can be seen as the true spiritual successor to Total Annihilation, surpassing the expectations of many. The game revolves around colossal mechanical entities known as "Commanders," which players can directly control to construct and lead their armies.