Best Real Time Tactics Games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated real time tactics games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free real time tactics games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Iron Marines Invasion
Prepare to take off, soldier! The galaxy needs your strategy! Prove your RTS expertise, explore an entire galaxy and defend it from a threatening invasion.
Dark Envoy
Lead a party of relic hunters in an epic cRPG adventure set in a war-torn Guns N’ Sorcery world. Experiment with a tactical slo-mo and a modern combat system!
Cavalry Girls
In this refreshing and exciting shooting game, lead the brave and fearless girl soldiers to fight with the enemy. Refit different types of machine armour, reasonably deploy machine soldiers with different skills, repel all kinds of enemies, and protect the Empire behind you in the gunfire.
Executive Assault 2
The RTS/FPS phenomenon has moved into space! Build your base on an asteroid, command fleets of starships for epic battles, pilot fighters, mine and trade resources, assemble robots to defend or assault other stations. Take sole command or share the glory as you fight for control of the quadrant.
Ancient Warfare: The Han Dynasty
Ancient Warfare: The Han Dynasty is a wargame demonstrating ancient warfare in China and combining elements of Big Strategy, RTS and RPG. You can learn little-known stories of heroes in ancient China by experiencing battles accommodating thousands of soldiers.
Airship: Kingdoms Adrift
Welcome to Suthseg! As the newly commissioned airship captain, forge a mercantile empire across the archipelago, until the great powers of Europa turn their attention toward it. Build up a fleet, chart trade routes, establish industries, and explore the frontier at your airship's helm!
Dune: Spice Wars
A 4X real-time strategy game from the developers of the critically acclaimed Northgard. Set in Frank Herbert’s groundbreaking Dune universe, you must lead your faction and battle for control and dominance over the harsh desert planet of Arrakis.
Hadean Tactics
Hadean Tactics is a roguelike deckbuilding game fused with autobattler elements to create a unique strategy experience. Use your cards to influence the actions of your units and help your Hero defeat the Six Wings of Hell!
Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew
Assemble your crew and set sail on an infamous ghost ship to sneak, stab, and spellcast your way through the Inquisition in this non-linear stealth strategy game. Chart a course, develop uncanny abilities, and use unconventional tactics to find a powerful pirate artifact!
EMERGENCY
Save lives – be a hero! Join forces against the chaos in the newest title of the award-winning EMERGENCY series. Take up your shift as incident commander and coordinate with other players to fight fires, arrest gangsters and rescue injured civilians. Your city needs you!
Love n War: Hero by Chance II
Love n War: Hero by Chance II is a tactical RPG with exciting battles and hot girls. The fight against the Drogakan empire goes on with a more sophisticated storyline this time. Build your economy, recruit gorgeous heroic girls, upgrade units, and immerse in stimulating love tales.
BattleGroupVR
BattleGroupVR is a first person real-time space strategy where you lead a fleet of powerful warships into battle from the bridge of your own flagship. Assemble your fleet, upgrade your load-outs, train your captains, engage the enemy and secure the sector. Try not to go down with the ship.
Supreme Ruler 2030
Rise to power as any modern day country in a realistic military, political and economic simulation. Command your country's diplomacy, espionage, and resource management to strengthen your position. Use real-time tactical control of your military to fortify your place as the Supreme Ruler.
Ultimate Epic Battle Simulator 2
Welcome to Ultimate Epic Battle Simulator 2, the most ridiculous and insane battle simulator in existence! Create eye watering battles with hundreds of thousands, even millions of characters on screen! Jump into multiple campaigns in game or player made, or play in sandbox mode and FPS invasion
Eternal Return
Eternal Return is a free-to-play, 2.5D perspective Battle Royale game. Search, Craft, Hunt, and Fight using a variety of characters. Plan your strategy and become the last survivor on this eternal experiment.
Doomsday: Last Survivors
New tower defense gameplay! The apocalypse has come, and zombies are running amok. As the leader of the survivors, collect and use resources to defend their last shelter!
Aliens: Dark Descent
Drop into the gripping journey of Aliens: Dark Descent, a squad-based, single-player action game in the iconic Alien franchise. Lead your soldiers in real-time to stop a new and terrifying kind of Xenomorph outbreak on Planet Lethe.
Ajax’s Trial
Legendary Hoplite: Ajax's Trial is the prologue version of Legendary Hoplite, a game that combines Tower Defense and Action RPG genres. In this game, you'll need to build fortifications, upgrade your army, and create your own unique strategy to fight off hordes of monsters across 7 levels.
Dungeon Village 2
Recruit adventurers and monsters to create your own RRG-style town!
Showgunners
As a contestant on a high stakes reality game show of the future, you must survive a dangerous urban environment packed with traps, confounding puzzles, and heavily armed psychopaths. Turn-based combat in hand crafted levels, built for entertainment.
Total Conflict: Resistance
Total Conflict: Resistance is a unique symbiosis of global strategy, tactics and first-person action. Realistic mass battles, many types of armored vehicles, weapons, uniforms, unique mechanics, immersive free gameplay. Lead any state and bring it to greatness!
Most played real time tactics games on Steam
Take a look at the top real time tactics games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 15th 2025.
1. Football Manager 2023
Build your dream squad, outsmart your rivals and experience the thrill of big European nights in the UEFA Champions League. Your journey towards footballing glory awaits. Football Manager 2023 is a simulation, sports and management game developed by Sports Interactive and published by SEGA. Released on November 08th 2022 has received 19,657 reviews of which 17,645 were positive and 2,012 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played real time tactics game, thanks to its 4,005 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.8
17,645
2,012
4,005
players
2. Call to Arms - Gates of Hell: Ostfront
Call to Arms - Gates of Hell is a realistic RTS/ RTT game that offers endless replay value. Command all types of troops in historical singleplayer, dynamic campaign, PvP and PvE battles. Are you ready for some serious immersion in World War 2? Call to Arms - Gates of Hell: Ostfront is a world war ii, historical and real time tactics game developed by Barbedwire Studios and Digitalmindsoft and published by Digitalmindsoft. Released on June 11th 2021 has received 23,811 reviews of which 19,837 were positive and 3,974 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. While seeing 2,741 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among real time tactics games based on player count.
8.2
19,837
3,974
2,741
players
3. NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION: Awakening
Conquer Warring States Japan under one banner NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION: Awakening is a wargame, real time tactics and grand strategy game developed and published by KOEI TECMO GAMES CO. and LTD.. Released on July 20th 2022 has received 2,321 reviews of which 1,720 were positive and 601 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. While seeing 1,829 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among real time tactics games based on player count.
7.2
1,720
601
1,829
players
4. WARNO
Realistic, immersive, breathtaking. WARNO is the ultimate World War III battle simulator from the masters of strategy, Eugen Systems. A Cold War turns decisively hot as you command hundreds of units on a beautiful and brutal battlefield. Outsmart, outfight, and lead your forces to total victory. WARNO is a wargame, military and real time tactics game developed and published by Eugen Systems. Released on May 23rd 2024 has received 12,671 reviews of which 10,303 were positive and 2,368 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. With 1,064 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played real time tactics games.
8.0
10,303
2,368
1,064
players
5. Stronghold Crusader HD (2012)
The highly anticipated sequel to the best-selling Stronghold, Stronghold Crusader HD throws you into historic battles and castle sieges from the Crusades with fiendish AI opponents, new units, 4 historical campaigns and over 100 unique skirmish missions. Stronghold Crusader HD (2012) is a military, city builder and real time tactics game developed and published by FireFly Studios. Released on October 21st 2013 has received 19,811 reviews of which 19,346 were positive and 465 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 780 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played real time tactics games.
9.5
19,346
465
780
players
6. Door Kickers 2: Task Force North
Command military Special Ops Teams in gripping tactical combat against a Middle East-based terrorist network. Sequel to RockPaperShotgun's "Best Tactics Game of 2014". Door Kickers 2: Task Force North is a tactical, top-down and real-time with pause game developed and published by KillHouse Games. Released on February 10th 2025 has received 10,848 reviews of which 10,389 were positive and 459 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 618 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played real time tactics games.
9.3
10,389
459
618
players
7. Stronghold: Definitive Edition
Greetings sire! Your stronghold awaits you. Build a castle economy, besiege unforgettable villains and return to the 'castle sim' that started it all. Experience this classic RTS with upgraded visuals, modernised gameplay, Steam multiplayer and a new campaign. Stronghold: Definitive Edition is a city builder, strategy and real time tactics game developed and published by FireFly Studios. Released on November 07th 2023 has received 8,681 reviews of which 7,470 were positive and 1,211 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 562 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played real time tactics games.
8.4
7,470
1,211
562
players
8. Ultimate General: Civil War
Ultimate General: Civil War is a tactical real time strategy war-game. Experience the bloodiest period of U.S. history - the American Civil War of 1861-1865. Ultimate General: Civil War is a wargame, real time tactics and war game developed and published by Game-Labs. Released on July 14th 2017 has received 7,984 reviews of which 7,123 were positive and 861 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 554 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played real time tactics games.
8.7
7,123
861
554
players
9. Sea Power : Naval Combat in the Missile Age
From the lead designer of Cold Waters, Sea Power lets you control NATO and Warsaw Pact forces in modern naval conflict campaigns. Use your advanced naval weaponry and sensors to respect rules of engagement and defeat the enemy forces in a tense fight for initiative and air/naval supremacy. Sea Power : Naval Combat in the Missile Age is a naval combat, simulation and strategy game developed by Triassic Games AB and published by MicroProse Software. Released on November 12th 2024 has received 3,787 reviews of which 3,411 were positive and 376 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 490 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played real time tactics games.
8.7
3,411
376
490
players
10. Viking Rise
Race against other players to explore Valhalla and conquer Midgard! Viking Rise is a strategy, rpg and 4x game developed and published by IGG SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.. Released on May 21st 2024 has received 575 reviews of which 418 were positive and 157 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. With 469 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played real time tactics games.
6.9
418
157
469
players
Best deals on real time tactics games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of real time tactics games available on Steam right now, updated on June 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted real time tactics games.
1. Ashes of the Singularity: Escalation
A massive-scale real-time strategy game where you command entire armies on a dynamic battlefield. Conquer multiple worlds across several single-player campaigns; or play with your friends in multiplayer combat. Ashes of the Singularity: Escalation is a rts, base-building and pvp game developed by Stardock Entertainment and Oxide Games and published by Stardock Entertainment. Released on November 10th 2016 has received 4,772 reviews of which 3,548 were positive and 1,224 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for real time tactics category.
7.2
3,548
1,224
-99%
28.99€
0.56€
2. Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun
Shadow Tactics is a hardcore tactical stealth game set in Japan around the Edo period. A new Shogun seizes power over Japan and enforces nationwide peace. In his battle against conspiracy and rebellion, he recruits five specialists with extraordinary skills for assassination, sabotage and espionage. Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is a stealth, strategy and tactical game developed by Mimimi Games and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on December 06th 2016 has received 37,237 reviews of which 35,767 were positive and 1,470 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in real time tactics games.
9.4
35,767
1,470
-98%
39.99€
1.14€
3. Tower of Time
A new kind of RPG awaits you. A story-rich dungeon crawler with innovative real-time combat that lets you pause or slow time. Tactical thinking is essential to succeed. Now with RPGlite and Permadeath for fast-paced game. Tower of Time is a real time tactics, real-time and turn-based game developed and published by Event Horizon. Released on April 12th 2018 has received 2,375 reviews of which 1,994 were positive and 381 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in real time tactics games.
8.1
1,994
381
-98%
23.99€
0.64€
4. Partisans 1941
Partisans 1941 is a real-time tactics game with stealth elements, set on the eastern front of WW II. As an army commander behind enemy lines you gather a group of Partisans to wage guerilla warfare against the German occupants. Partisans 1941 is a strategy, real time tactics and world war ii game developed by Alter Games and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on October 14th 2020 has received 8,186 reviews of which 6,728 were positive and 1,458 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for real time tactics games.
8.0
6,728
1,458
-98%
29.99€
0.63€
5. War Mongrels
War Mongrels is an isometric real-time tactics game that takes place on the eastern front of World War II. Dynamic and tactical gameplay with stealth elements, tightly packed into a dark, fascinating story! Play on your own or in online co-op (PC). War Mongrels is a strategy, real time tactics and stealth game developed by Destructive Creations and published by Destructive Creations and DMM Games - Asia. Released on October 19th 2021 has received 2,205 reviews of which 1,644 were positive and 561 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for real time tactics games.
7.2
1,644
561
-98%
37.99€
0.81€
6. Hot Brass
As an elite SWAT operator, think fast and put your tactics to the test to master a series of missions and save lives. Summon your team of up to four players in online and local co-op, or hone your skills solo. Don’t just be the best—be the best of the best. Hot Brass is a real time tactics, stealth and crime game developed by Walk with Kings and published by Treasure Hunters FanClub. Released on February 26th 2021 has received 651 reviews of which 492 were positive and 159 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for real time tactics games.
7.2
492
159
-98%
14.79€
0.37€
7. Airship: Kingdoms Adrift
Welcome to Suthseg! As the newly commissioned airship captain, forge a mercantile empire across the archipelago, until the great powers of Europa turn their attention toward it. Build up a fleet, chart trade routes, establish industries, and explore the frontier at your airship's helm! Airship: Kingdoms Adrift is a real time tactics, sandbox and pvp game developed by Revolution Industry and published by Gamersky Games and indie.io. Released on September 21st 2023 has received 828 reviews of which 606 were positive and 222 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for real time tactics games.
7.0
606
222
-98%
26.99€
0.68€
8. John Wick Hex
John Wick Hex is a fast-paced, action-oriented strategy game that makes you think and strike like John Wick, the professional hitman of the critically acclaimed film franchise. John Wick Hex is a strategy, action and real time tactics game developed by Bithell Games and published by Big Fan Games. Released on December 04th 2020 has received 720 reviews of which 453 were positive and 267 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for real time tactics games.
6.1
453
267
-98%
19.99€
0.56€
9. Shadow Tactics: Aiko's Choice
Aiko's Choice is the anticipated standalone expansion to the acclaimed stealth strategy game Shadow Tactics. Set in Edo Japan, you take control of the skillful kunoichi adept Aiko and her deadly assassin friends to hunt down the ghosts of her past. Shadow Tactics: Aiko's Choice is a real time tactics, strategy and isometric game developed by Mimimi Games and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on December 06th 2021 has received 4,436 reviews of which 4,144 were positive and 292 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for real time tactics games.
9
4,144
292
-97%
19.99€
0.64€
10. Radio Commander
Use the radio to give commands to the soldiers on the battlefield. Keep track of the situation based on their voice reports only. Lead US platoons to clash with Vietcong in a realistic, innovative approach to the RTS genre. Make hard choices in a narrative driven experience, and face the outcome. Radio Commander is a simulation, singleplayer and wargame game developed by Serious Sim and published by Games Operators and PlayWay S.A.. Released on October 10th 2019 has received 1,907 reviews of which 1,378 were positive and 529 were negative resulting in a rating of 7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for real time tactics games.
7
1,378
529
-97%
16.79€
0.57€
Free real time tactics games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play real time tactics games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on June 15th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play real time tactics games.
1. Viking Rise
Race against other players to explore Valhalla and conquer Midgard! Viking Rise is a strategy, rpg and 4x game developed and published by IGG SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.. Released on May 21st 2024 has received 575 reviews of which 418 were positive and 157 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. With 469 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free real time tactics games on Steam.
6.9
418
157
469
players
2. Doomsday: Last Survivors
New tower defense gameplay! The apocalypse has come, and zombies are running amok. As the leader of the survivors, collect and use resources to defend their last shelter! Doomsday: Last Survivors is a strategy, strategy rpg and 4x game developed and published by IGG SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.. Released on June 25th 2023 has received 656 reviews of which 441 were positive and 215 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 391, this real time tactics game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free real time tactics games on Steam.
6.5
441
215
391
players
3. Infinitode 2 - Infinite Tower Defense
Infinitode 2 - a strategy in the Tower Defense genre, in which the player will have to build towers to protect his base from endless waves of enemies. The game features huge maps, lots of towers, resource miners, upgrade tree and map editor. Infinitode 2 - Infinite Tower Defense is a level editor, tower defense and building game developed and published by Prineside. Released on May 06th 2021 has received 3,674 reviews of which 3,354 were positive and 320 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 190, this real time tactics game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free real time tactics games on Steam.
8.8
3,354
320
190
players
4. Freestyle 2: Street Basketball
Freestyle 2: Street Basketball is a fast paced online arcade basketball game. Create your own unique player and compete in the online street league! Use variety of b-ball moves and customize your player! Team up with the best street ballers online and rise to the top! Freestyle 2: Street Basketball is a basketball, sports and time management game developed by and published by Joycity. Released on April 01st 2015 has received 12,647 reviews of which 9,153 were positive and 3,494 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free real time tactics games on Steam.
7.1
9,153
3,494
100
players
5. Tribal Wars
Compete in hardcore PvP strategy in persistent game worlds where real time resource and troop management in coordination with other players is required to expand your kingdom from one village to hundreds as you conquer the map in this winner takes all medieval contest. Tribal Wars is a strategy, massively multiplayer and base-building game developed and published by InnoGames. Released on November 12th 2020 has received 738 reviews of which 531 were positive and 207 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free real time tactics games on Steam.
6.9
531
207
65
players
6. World War Armies
World War Armies is the ultimate PvP real-time strategy game. Command advanced war machines and compete for free against other players worldwide. Revolutionary mechanics reduce downtime and focus on direct engagement with the enemy, you get to the fun parts of RTS faster. World War Armies is a rts, pvp and strategy game developed and published by Hypemasters and Inc.. Released on May 02nd 2024 has received 763 reviews of which 474 were positive and 289 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free real time tactics games on Steam.
6.1
474
289
42
players
7. AOD: Art Of Defense
AOD is a new gameplay in the traditional tower defence genre. You must protect your base from waves of approaching enemies. Build and improve your towers and units and destroy your enemies in any way you can. Don't be weak, destroy them all, show who's in charge! AOD: Art Of Defense is a tower defense, real time tactics and wargame game developed and published by Sateda. Released on December 01st 2020 has received 376 reviews of which 294 were positive and 82 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free real time tactics games on Steam.
7.4
294
82
27
players
8. Empires Apart
An exciting free-to-play Real Time Strategy game set in medieval times. Uniquely designed factions, customization options, singleplayer and multiplayer gameplay. Gather resources, raise an army and lead your civilization to victory in a classic RTS, brought to the modern age. Empires Apart is a strategy, rts and free to play game developed by DESTINYbit and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on March 29th 2018 has received 2,442 reviews of which 1,671 were positive and 771 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free real time tactics games on Steam.
6.7
1,671
771
7
players
9. 3 Days War
3 Days War is a unique multiplayer strategy war game. Integrating the mechanics of RTS+4X, it allows dozens of players to engage in a three-day real-time strategy competitionon. Commanders, use your skills, strategies, games and even deception to become the ultimate winner! 3 Days War is a rts, pvp and grand strategy game developed and published by 荆棘鸟工作室. Released on April 16th 2023 has received 654 reviews of which 557 were positive and 97 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free real time tactics games on Steam.
8.0
557
97
5
players