Unleash Epic Real-Time Battles: The Top Game Strategy Picks Await!

Highlights

Real-time combat enhances immersion and creates a unique experience, making strategy games more exhilarating and tactical.

The tabletop game Warhammer 40K has been effectively transformed into a video game format in Dawn of War, featuring seamless and user-friendly real-time combat. In their own unique settings, Age of Empires 2, Warcraft 3, and Total War: Shogun 2 also provide engaging and influential real-time combat mechanics.

Real-time combat in strategy games has its own interpretation and can vary for different people. Essentially, it refers to combat that occurs in real-time rather than being turn-based or having long waiting periods. While combat is often overshadowed in strategy games due to their extensive scope, real-time combat adds excitement and enhances the tactical aspect.

Real-time combat not only immerses players in a unique experience but also strengthens the strategic elements of strategy games, allowing for the exploration of various combat techniques. Whether players control large armies or command mighty dragons, strategy games with real-time combat should not be underestimated.

8 Warhammer 40K: Dawn Of War

Dawn Of War successfully combined the beloved tabletop miniatures game Warhammer with the strategic elements of real-time strategy video games. It effectively translated the tabletop experience into a captivating video game format, distinguishing itself as the pioneer among numerous Warhammer video games. Players assume control of formidable Blood Angel space marines, engaging in thrilling battles against a diverse range of adversaries from the expansive 40k universe. Through real-time combat, players immerse themselves as commanders, directing and coordinating troops across the battlefield. Whether one is a devoted Warhammer enthusiast or simply a fan of real-time strategy games, Dawn of War offers an exceptional gaming experience with its seamless and accessible real-time combat mechanics.

7 Age Of Empires 2: The Age Of Kings

Age of Empires 2

Platform(s) Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PCDeveloper(s) Forgotten EmpiresGenre(s) Real-Time Strategy

Originally released in 1999 for Microsoft Windows, Age of Empires 2 stands as one of the most influential real-time strategy games ever created. Undoubtedly, the real-time combat aspect is one of the game's strongest features. Serving as a benchmark for future RTS games, the Age of Empires series, particularly its second installment, showcased exceptional combat mechanics that perfectly encapsulate the essence of real-time warfare.

Despite its age, the game remains visually captivating. However, for those seeking a more contemporary experience, a remastered version of Age of Empires 2 was launched in 2019. The remaster retained the core elements while enhancing the visuals, ensuring that the real-time combat retains its original impact of 1999. Featuring an impressive roster of thirteen playable civilizations, Age of Empires 2 offers a vast and immersive gaming experience. From engaging campaigns set in the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan's rule to the Frankish campaign during England's Hundred Years' War, the game delivers historically accurate and highly entertaining real-time combat, setting it apart as a standout in the strategy genre.

6 Warcraft 3: Reign Of Chaos

Warcraft 3, released in 2002, is widely regarded as the best fantasy real-time strategy (RTS) game, impressing both critics and players alike. With its captivating real-time combat mechanics, players engage in typical RTS gameplay, such as resource collection, base building, and troop training, but in the enchanting World of Warcraft setting. The game offers four playable factions – Orcs, Humans, Night Elves, and the Undead – allowing for epic battles on fantastical battlegrounds. Warcraft 3 seamlessly blends MMO-style skills with traditional RTS combat, resulting in an unparalleled strategy experience that shouldn't be missed. Its fluid and immersive gameplay, combined with outstanding single-player campaigns, place it among the top strategy games of all time. For those seeking a fantasy strategy game that offers real-time combat participation, Warcraft 3 is the ultimate starting point.

5 Total War: Shogun 2

Total War: Shogun 2

Platform(s) PCDeveloper(s) Creative AssemblyGenre(s) Strategy, Tactical

Total War: Shogun 2 undoubtedly stands out as the ultimate choice for experiencing thrilling real-time combat. With its epic samurai battles on a grand scale, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the action firsthand. While the Total War series primarily relies on turn-based strategy, it is the inclusion of real-time tactics during combat that truly sets this installment apart.

Immersing the player in a visually stunning battlefield, complete with impressive animations, the game truly comes alive when the action intensifies. The ability to zoom in with the camera allows for a closer look at brutal death animations, further enhancing the immersive experience. Ultimately, it is the captivating nature of the real-time combat that truly captivates players.

4 Starcraft 2: Wings of Liberty

StarCraft 2

Platform(s) PC, macOSDeveloper(s) BlizzardGenre(s) Real-Time StrategyReleased July 27, 2010

The Starcraft series, developed by Blizzard Entertainment, boasts a highly devoted fanbase, particularly evident in Starcraft 2. This game stands as one of the finest real-time strategy (RTS) games ever created, showcasing exceptional real-time combat. With its extensive selection of campaigns and expansions, Starcraft 2 is the ultimate choice for sci-fi enthusiasts.

In this game, players have the ability to construct sprawling bases on either vibrant green or barren rock planets, fully immersing themselves in captivating alien landscapes. The emphasis on environmental elements in Starcraft 2 further amplifies the intensity of the real-time combat experience. Unpredictable events, such as sudden floods of lava or surprise encounters with nocturnal adversaries, keep players on edge. These notable features make Starcraft 2 a truly distinctive and groundbreaking RTS title.

3 Stellaris

Stellaris

Platform(s) PC, PS4, Xbox OneDeveloper(s) Paradox Development StudioGenre(s) 4X, Grand StrategyReleased May 9, 2016

If you're intrigued by the idea of engaging in real-time space battles amidst a vast expanse of stars and planets, then Stellaris is a game you shouldn't miss. Despite being developed by a smaller team, Stellaris has managed to amass a dedicated following and establish itself as one of the top strategy games featuring real-time combat in a cosmic setting.

Within Stellaris, the name of the game is maintaining a delicate equilibrium of power, and players must employ their combat expertise along with a strategic approach to tip the scales in their favor. Take command of a galactic empire and utilize your real-time combat skills to conquer and establish your species' dominion amongst the stars.

2 Company Of Heroes

Company of Heroes stands out as a top-tier military strategy game, boasting captivating real-time combat. It empowers players to lead tanks, ships, and large armies in epic World War II battles, where combat reigns supreme. With two playable factions, players can choose to command either the allies or the axis forces, engaging in an expansive campaign or engaging in exhilarating multiplayer battles against one another.

For those seeking a more lifelike approach within the real-time strategy (RTS) genre, Company of Heroes delves into the raw and gritty essence of the battlefield, offering an unparalleled WW2 experience. This game is a must-have for enthusiasts of strategy games and military shooters, as its real-time combat takes the gaming experience to unmatched heights.

1 Spellforced 3: Reforced

Spellforced 3 is an exceptionally serene fantasy RTS game, boasting stunning and captivating environments accompanied by soothing background music. This extraordinary title provides a delightful fusion of RPG elements and real-time strategy combat, setting it apart as a singular and enjoyable experience. While all the Spellforced games are commendable, this particular installment excels in combat, offering some of the most impressive battles.

In Spellforced 3, players have the option to embark on their journey alone or team up with others to engage in co-op skirmishes, either as allies or adversaries. The game encompasses a vast array of races and skill trees to explore, and by incorporating RPG mechanics, it elevates the depth of the combat beyond that of a traditional RTS game.