Highlights
- Real-time strategy games were once incredibly popular and while they may be less common now, games like StarCraft 2 are still played today.
- Many groundbreaking RTS games from the 90s have aged well and are still worth playing, such as Stronghold, Total Annihilation, Dune 2, and Warcraft 2.
- These classic RTS games offer unique gameplay mechanics, engaging campaigns, and historical settings that make them enjoyable for fans of the genre.
Real-time strategy games were one of the most popular game genres for a long time, peaking by the mid-90s and remaining relatively popular for a long while after that. Today, RTS games are less common, but the genre remains popular, with games like StarCraft 2 still being played despite its age.
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Because most of the major innovations surrounding the RTS genre happened during the 90s, many of the ground-breaking, classic games of the genre are decades old by now. However, many of these games have aged tremendously, and are still worth playing today.
8 Stronghold
This historic medieval RTS game takes place in medieval Britain, and while it may not be the oldest game among its peers, it's still decidedly old, released over twenty years ago in 2001.
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Stronghold is known for its heavier focus on economy than other RTS games at the time, even featuring economy-focused missions peppered in with its combat-focused ones. Stronghold also has an in-game map editor and an HD version available on Steam, with a definitive edition set to release in November 2023.
7 Total Annihilation
This game, whose lead designer went on to develop 2007's Supreme Commander, is a 1997 real-time strategy game that features high-octane action and powerful strategies thanks to its arguably uneven balancing.
While these balancing issues may have prevented Total Annihilation from being a successful competitive game, it still stands up as one of the greatest old-school RTS games of all time with its narrative campaign and unique, powerful Commander units. However, players looking for a more modern, streamlined experience should look to the game’s spiritual successor, Supreme Commander.
6 Dune 2
Widely regarded as the first fully-fledged RTS game, Dune 2 was one of if not the first game to follow the structure and mechanics of base building, resource gathering, and unit management. Surprisingly, the game still holds up today, though it might be a little inaccessible for some.
Originally released in 1992, Dune 2 is set on Frank Herbert's iconic desert planet Arrakis and puts players in command of one of three Houses, battling for control of Arrakis against the other two. Each House is also a little different to play, having access to different variations of specific units. Overall, Dune 2 is worth playing, especially for those interested in RTS history.
5 Warcraft 2
This sequel to 1995's Warcraft: Orcs & Humans is arguably one of the most influential RTS games of the mid-90s, acting as a precursor to Blizzard's StarCraft and bringing more attention to story and direction in RTS games.
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Warcraft 2 features two single-player campaigns, one for each of its two factions: the Orcs and the Humans. The game also features a map editor that enables players to create their own scenarios. For players looking for a fantasy RTS campaign with good replay value, Warcraft 2 is a game that's still worth playing today.
4 Homeworld
Originally released in 1999, this sci-fi RTS classic tasks players with guiding the last people of a planet after it's destroyed by a ruthless empire, using a mothership to construct a fleet that carries over between the game's various missions.
Homeworld is also unique for its 3D environment; because units can travel in 3D space, the player can perform more advanced maneuvers and strategies. The game has an evocative narrative, excellent art direction, and features a beautiful soundtrack that helps immerse players in the action. Furthermore, the game (and its sequel) are now available in their original and remastered editions on Steam.
3 Age Of Empires 2
Originally released back in 1999, Age Of Empires 2 is widely regarded as one of the best RTS games of all time with its relatively competent AI opponents, historic setting, and intuitive gameplay that offers plenty of strategic options.
However, Age Of Empires 2 is now more accessible than ever with its more recent Definitive Edition arriving on Steam in 2019, offering improved AI and a graphics overhaul that allows for HD textures and smooth zooming, allowing players to get closer to the action.
2 Command & Conquer: Red Alert
This 1996 prequel to the original 1995 RTS hit, Command & Conquer, features an alternate history setting and a single-player campaign interspersed with live-action cut-scenes. Command & Conquer: Red Alert is revered for its evocative setting and playful tone, as well as its solid RTS mechanics and distinct faction units.
Red Alert was a massive commercial success on release, going on to spawn various sequels, and it's worth playing even today for its intuitive controls, fun story, and the mission variety of its campaign.
1 StarCraft
This wildly popular science fiction RTS game from 1998 is arguably one of the greatest video games, and one of the greatest RTS games, of all time. StarCraft led the way for RTS games in the late 90s, innovating with its three vastly distinct factions: the Protoss, the Zerg, and the Terrans.
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Although StarCraft would later be eclipsed by its sequel, the classic game has since been remastered with better graphics and audio, making StarCraft's fantastic narrative campaign more accessible than ever before.