Real-time tactics games give players a different way to scratch their real-time strategy itch. While RTS games give players lots of resource management and base-building components, RTT games focus more on a different kind of management. This includes limited resources, limited unit numbers, and making choices that there is no coming back from.

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This experience can reach new levels of enjoyment when players can bring an ally along for the ride. Finding ways to overcome challenges as a coordinated unit is truly satisfying, such as when one player can lay down suppressive fire while another flanks the target — or both going in at the same time to divide the offensive power of the target. As such, some of the best real-time tactics games of all time also include a co-op option.

7 Ground Control II: Operation Exodus

Tactical Alien World Strategy

• Release Date: June 23, 2004
• Platforms: Steam

Ground Control II: Operation Exodus can be seen as a very engaging and enjoyable RTS — without any base building. This is a cornerstone of a lot of real-time tactics games, in that players will need to use the forces they have to defeat enemy units in order to grow in strength. This is the perfect game for someone looking for an experience that truly blurs the lines between real-time tactics and real-time strategy.

The campaign of Ground Control II: Operation Exodus can be enjoyed with up to two friends, which greatly enhances the enjoyment, as players are able to rely on allies to watch over certain parts of the map while they monitor another.

6 Commandos 2: Men Of Courage

Strategically Crafted World War 2 Tactics

The Commandos games task players with observing everything that is in play on the map, and figuring out the best course of action to take. Commandos 2: Men of Courage features characters that have unique skill sets that will be pivotal in completing a mission's goals. Players will need to use stealth and subterfuge to navigate enemy-riddled areas.

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While players cannot play through the game’s campaign together, there is plenty of dedicated content for four players to work together on through online play. Players will need to plan out where each character will need to be and when to move into action, and this coordination is a ton of fun in co-op.

5 Faces Of War

Very Fast-Paced Thinking WW2 Setting

• Release Date: September 8, 2006
• Platforms: Steam

Just like the Commandos games, players will be commanding a small squad of units during World War 2 in Faces of War. However, players will have a range of different factions to select from, including both the German and Soviet factions. There are numerous locations that remain memorable after the game is over thanks to well-thought-out level design.

Players can play in a group of four through online play, but unlike Commandos, Faces of War has plenty of fast-paced decision-making that can turn a simple exchange into a nerve-racking ordeal filled with rapidly-changing circumstances.

4 Men Of War: Assault Squad 2

Large Scale Tactical Skirmishes

• Release Date: May 15, 2014
• Platforms: Steam

Players will be able to choose which side of the war they wish to play for, either the Allied or the Axis forces, in Men of War: Assault Squad 2. Afterward, they will undertake various missions for different countries. Players will take control of their squad and either lead an assault or defend a position.

Men Of War: Assault Squad 2 supports up to eight players online, but the missions will not be those of the story campaign — rather, they will be skirmishes to accomplish set objectives. The visuals are some of the best in the Men of War series, which helps craft a very enjoyable experience for a group of friends while they're planning out their next course of action.

3 Total War: Warhammer 3

High Fantasy Fueled Grand Warfare

Unlike the Warhammer 40,000: Dawn Of War games, players will focus on unleashing all-out carnage in a fantasy setting, rather than a futuristic one. Total War: Warhammer 3 offers an unforgettable epic adventure, filled with massive battles and masterfully-crafted storytelling.

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The third installment is the first to feature up to eight players that can play through various game modes. This includes the same story campaign that is playable in single-player, a dedicated co-op campaign, and a survival game mode. Out of all previous entries, this entry offers the most content for those seeking a brilliant co-op experience with friends.

2 Door Kickers

Tactical Breaches In Small Spaces

• Release Date: October 20, 2014
• Platforms: Steam, Android, iOS, Switch

Door Kickers provides plenty of levels where players will need to take out enemies and rescue the people they have taken hostage. Players will need to decide which gear is the right choice to bring along with them, and make tactical decisions on how they wish to move around each corner. In addition to dozens of levels, there is also a mission generator.

The entire campaign can be played with a friend through online co-op, and playing user-generated content allows for an endless amount of new challenges to take on. Each of these levels will have different objectives, and figuring out what gear to use will be key to overcoming them all.

1 WARNO

Realistic Cold War Management & War Tactics

One of the largest scopes of any Real Time Tactics game has to be WARNO. Players will be able to build and customize full battalions of ground troops, tanks, and aerial support. The maps truly come to life with not just fields, but small cities ravaged by war.

WARNO allows players to join forces in taking down an AI threat together. Players will share and manage their combined forces to overwhelm their opponent and achieve mutual victory. This is similar to a previous Real Time Tactics game developed by the same team called Steel Division 2, although WARNO features a lot more modern quality of life additions.

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