Ultimate Guide to the Top First-Person Strategy Games: Unlock Hidden Gems Now!

Highlights

The RTS/FPS hybrid is a niche sub-genre that has recently gained traction with modern entries like Warshift and Executive Assault 2.

Players can delve into the chaos of combat in first-person perspective with these games, elevating the traditional RTS gameplay to a more immersive level.

From overseeing troops and constructing bases to commanding vehicles and participating in FPS combat, these games provide a captivating gaming experience that caters to both strategy and shooter enthusiasts.

The RTS genre is vast, but there's a lesser-known sub-genre that has been overlooked: the RTS/FPS hybrid. This unique combination started gaining popularity in the 2000s but has since faded into obscurity. Fortunately, there are now modern titles reviving this intriguing concept.

The most thrilling aspect of strategy games is when the action erupts, and players can sit back and witness the chaos unfold. And what's even more exhilarating is when players can actively participate in the intricately designed scenarios from a first-person perspective. Whether it's older games or new early-access releases, players can now experience the frenzy of combat through an immersive first-person point of view.

10 Warshift

Warshift can occasionally feel clumsy, but it offers an immense feeling of grandeur when commanding ground and air vehicles. Players take charge of military forces engaged in epic battles against an alien species, set in the futuristic year of 2062.

Blend real-time strategy elements of constructing bases and commanding troops with the ability to control a formidable fleet of steel armadas. The utilization of these formidable vehicles, whether devastating tanks or agile hovering aircraft, is done from a first-person perspective, providing players with a direct and immersive experience of alien warfare. What truly sets Warshift apart is the astonishing fact that it was solely developed by one person!

9 Executive Assault 2

Executive Assault 2 takes the foundation of its predecessor and elevates it to new heights, offering players a truly immersive and awe-inspiring gaming experience. Set in the vastness of space, players have the ability to construct and manage their own bases, while simultaneously commanding powerful fleets of starships in epic battles that unfold in a captivating sci-fi universe.

With the ability to assume control of starships from a first-person perspective, players are fully immersed in the action, providing a thrilling sensation of being an integral part of a galaxy-wide conflict.

Not only that, but players also have the option to directly join the combat on foot as robot soldiers, further enhancing the gameplay through a more traditional first-person shooter environment. While the game may have a few minor imperfections, those who can appreciate the intricately designed setting and immersive atmosphere will find an extraordinary real-time strategy experience awaiting them in Executive Assault 2.

8 Abatron

Abatron offers players the unique opportunity to command any unit in this early-access game. With an engaging experience and leveling system in place, the battlefield can dramatically change direction within moments.

The mechanics for building bases are seamless, and effectively managing troops is effortless. Set on a desolate planet surface turned into a battleground, the combat is thrilling, and the first-person perspective adds a sense of realism to alien encounters. However, one drawback is the limited updates received by the game in recent years.

7 Battlezone 2: Combat Commander

Dating back to 1999, this entry in the Battlezone series is considered to be older. Despite its dated graphics, players can still have an immersive experience as they construct bases and command their fleets in a first-person perspective. Battlezone 2: Combat Commander is recognized as one of the first hybrids of real-time strategy and first-person shooter genres, setting the stage for future games in this genre.

If players enjoy engaging in combat and appreciate a sci-fi setting filled with fun, Battlezone 2: Combat Commander is an ideal starting point. However, for fans seeking improved visuals, the 2018 remastered version, Battlezone: Combat Commander, offers a more polished and updated experience.

6 Natural Selection 2

Natural Selection 2 stands out from other games due to its unique feature of allowing players to control either human marines or xenomorph aliens. In each team, there is a commander whom the player assumes control of, issuing commands and supplying resources to the rest of the squad. The real-time strategy (RTS) elements are both straightforward and effective, contributing to the game's dynamic atmosphere.

Taking inspiration from classic shooters like the Quake series, Natural Selection 2 incorporates multiplayer first-person shooter (FPS) elements and style. The intense fights that take place in spaceship hallways can create a strong sense of claustrophobia. As an RTS/FPS hybrid with a focus on combat, the shooting mechanics of Natural Selection 2 feel refined and satisfyingly precise.

5 Call To Arms

Call to Arms offers a unique blend of RTS and FPS gameplay, immersing players in a modern warfare setting. With a bird's eye view perspective, managing troops becomes simple and effective, reminiscent of classic RTS military games. The addition of player-controlled troops in first-person shooter mode adds a raw and realistic feel to the combat.

One of the standout features of Call to Arms is the limited duration players have to take control of the FPS view, adding an extra layer of strategic decision-making. Determining the perfect moment to directly engage in combat is left to the players to figure out.

4 Silica

Silica shows great potential as one of the top contenders in its niche genre. Its early access status is the only drawback. Within the game, players have the option to choose from three factions competing for dominion over Baltarus, a planet with a desert-like setting that adds to its distinct ambiance. The game succeeds in creating a realistic and immersive experience, whether players assume the role of a commander overseeing the action or a first-person foot soldier. Smooth animations and fluid combat mechanics stand out as the game's most impressive features.

3 Savage 2: A Tortured Soul

Savage 2: A Tortured Soul is a fantasy real-time strategy game that incorporates first-person shooter elements. Within a captivating setting reminiscent of Lord of the Rings, two teams, namely The Beast Horde and The Legion of Man, engage in intense battles. This game falls into the unique genre of fantasy shooters, offering a distinctive gameplay experience.

With its deliberate pacing, Savage 2 allows players to employ tactical thinking, resulting in a gameplay that resembles that of an RPG rather than a traditional RTS. The strategic aspect of the game heavily relies on the casting of spells, which can be executed from both the commanding perspective or the more combat-oriented first-person view. For gamers seeking an immersive fantasy world, Savage 2 provides the ultimate blend of real-time strategy and first-person shooting.

2 Total Conflict: Resistance

Total Conflict: Resistance, currently rated as "Very Positive" on Steam, is the ultimate modern warfare RTS/FPS game, even in its early access stage. It seamlessly combines the best features of both genres, allowing players to forge alliances, manipulate enemies, and establish dominance on the battlefield through intricate strategy management. Once players have successfully seized control of the battleground from a top-down perspective, they can dive into intense combat as they personally command vehicles and troops in either first or third person. Featuring a sleek UI and breathtaking visuals, fans of modern warfare strategy games simply cannot afford to overlook this exceptional title.

1 Sanctum 2

Sanctum 2, released in 2013, remains the ultimate combination of strategy and FPS. This unique tower defense game provides a thrilling first-person perspective, offering a captivating science fiction experience. The seamless integration of tower defense tactics and first-person shooting creates an incredibly enjoyable gameplay. Players can defend and enhance their base, strategically plan turret and weapon placements, and even engage in cooperative multiplayer battles with up to four friends. Sanctum 2 stands as an exceptional blend of FPS and strategy, making it a must-play game.