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
I am an Air Traffic Controller 4
Since its release in 1998, I am an Air Traffic Controller 4 has established itself as a long seller, strongly supported by numerous users both inside and outside of aviation fandom.
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.
The Battle of Polytopia
Welcome to the unique, turn-based strategy game set in the strange, flat world of the Square. Lead one of 16 distinct civilizations to victory by expanding your empire, researching technologies, and ultimately become ruler of the world! Play in single-player or multiplayer mode for up to 16 players.
Infinite Tournament Paintball
Infinite is a modern era paintball game that aims to capture the real world aspects of tournament style paintball. Featuring X-Ball format of up to 10V10, Online and Offline Play, markers set to 10.5 ramping, slide or dive into your bunker and engage in competitive matches
Necronator: Dead Wrong
Necronator: Dead Wrong is a deck-building roguelike with an RTS twist. Build a powerful deck. Collect and deploy undead units and raise a unique army. Master each commander’s playstyle and conquer the world. Change the game with rule-bending relics. Unlock new decks and do it all again.
Desperados III
Desperados III is a story-driven, hardcore tactical stealth game, set in a ruthless Wild West scenario. Play smart if you want to succeed. A good plan can make the difference between survival and finding yourself at the business end of a pistol.
Command & Conquer™ Remastered Collection
Command & Conquer and Red Alert are both remastered in 4K by the former Westwood Studios team members. Includes all 3 expansions, rebuilt multiplayer, a modernized UI, Map Editor, bonus footage gallery, and over 7 hours of remastered music.
Blackthorn Arena
Blackthorn Arena is a strategy/management sim with a real-time/turn based combat system, set in a world of mythical monsters and classic fantasy races. Play as the master of Blackthorn Arena, train your slaves into gladiators, forge them into your champions, and send them to fight for your glory!
Cepheus Protocol
Cepheus Protocol is an Open World RTS Military Survival Game. Play as the CERC hunting Patient 0, maintain Quarantine camps, fight dangerous mutations & Rogue Civilian Combatants . There’s nobody else coming, it’s up to you now.
112 Operator
Manage emergency services in any city in the world! Take calls and dispatch rescue forces. Handle difficult situations, now depending on the weather, and traffic. Help the citizens through cataclysms and natural disasters, becoming a better emergency number operator every day!
Radio General
It's WWII. You're a general sitting in a tent. All you have is a map, and a radio. Can you win the battle? Radio General is a unique strategy game where you interact with your units over the radio using speech recognition. Test your mettle and relive famous battles as a WWII general.
MechDefender - Tower Defense
MechDefender is an innovative fusion of two gaming genres - seamlessly blending the intense action of a top-down shooter with the strategic depth of tower defense.
Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders
The cult heavy metal fantasy action-strategy gem comes to PC in HD. Lead your armies from the front lines, giving strategic orders to your forces while wading into hack n’ slash action battle. Crush your foes across four campaigns, and spend the spoils of war on upgrading your forces.
Invasion Machine
Modern-warfare RTS/sandbox game inspired by the real conflicts in the Middle East. Fight a counter-insurgency war, protect the civilian population, casevac your wounded and decide how the world sees your struggle. And remember - no one gets left behind.
Taur
Taur is an action-strategy sci-fi game. Control the Prime Cannon and unlock all of its powerful weapons and abilities. Build turrets, droids, aircraft and more as you fight to protect the homeworld of the Tauron droids against a relentless invasion. Will your Taur stand against the Imperion warmachine?
Warzone 2100
In the late 21st century, the world's civilizations are wiped out by a series of nuclear strikes, seemingly caused by a massive malfunction of the new NASDA (North American Strategic Defense Agency) strategic defense system.
Praetorians - HD Remaster
Relive the celebrated real-time strategy classic Praetorians, re-imagined in high definition. Praetorians is set amidst the political machinations of an emerging Roman Empire.
Uncharted Ocean
This is a world of oceans, islands and ships. Players will start their own journey from Faro, facing an impermanent ocean and awkward opponents, and gradually build a strong fleet with wisdom and luck. The chaotic seas and tempting treasures, under the guidance of the banner, work hard for survival！
Abandon Ship
Take command of an 'Age of Sail' ship and her crew, exploring a vast, story-filled world that reacts to your decisions. Engage enemy vessels, fortifications and sea monsters in brutal tactical combat, all framed in an art style inspired by classic Naval Oil Paintings.
AI War 2
The most devious and acclaimed artificial intelligence in strategy gaming is better than ever. A grand strategy/RTS hybrid that reverses many conventions of both genres. Take territory without attracting attention, build your empire with care, and adapt to an ever-evolving galactic battleground.
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.
Crying Suns
Crying Suns is a tactical rogue-lite that puts you in the role of a space fleet commander as you explore a mysteriously fallen empire. In this story rich experience inspired by Dune and Foundation, each successful run will uncover the truth about the Empire... and yourself as well.
Siege of Centauri
Defend against thousands of enemies in this explosive tower defense game. Deploy upgradable towers and unleash powerful orbital abilities as you try to protect Earth's first colony world from destruction.
Rec Center Tycoon - Management Simulator
Design, build and manage a recreation center! Host fitness classes, build swimming pools, arcade & entertainment areas, build event rooms to host parties & much more. With endless customisation, Rec Center Tycoon goes much more in-depth than your average business management simulator.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 April 30th 2025.
1. 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, strategy and real time tactics game developed by Barbedwire Studios and Digitalmindsoft and published by Digitalmindsoft. Released on June 11th 2021 has received 23,016 reviews of which 19,151 were positive and 3,865 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played real time tactics game, thanks to its 2,427 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.2
19,151
3,865
2,427
players
2. 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 12,277 reviews of which 10,094 were positive and 2,183 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. While seeing 1,063 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among real time tactics games based on player count.
8.0
10,094
2,183
1,063
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 2,282 reviews of which 1,691 were positive and 591 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. While seeing 654 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
1,691
591
654
players
4. 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 10,564 reviews of which 10,110 were positive and 454 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 622 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played real time tactics games.
9.3
10,110
454
622
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 19,648 reviews of which 19,185 were positive and 463 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 604 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played real time tactics games.
9.5
19,185
463
604
players
6. 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, strategy and simulation game developed by Triassic Games AB and published by MicroProse Software. Released on November 12th 2024 has received 3,608 reviews of which 3,253 were positive and 355 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 501 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played real time tactics games.
8.7
3,253
355
501
players
7. 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 7,920 reviews of which 7,072 were positive and 848 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 451 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played real time tactics games.
8.7
7,072
848
451
players
8. 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 521 reviews of which 384 were positive and 137 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. With 405 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played real time tactics games.
7.0
384
137
405
players
9. Commandos: Origins
ALARM! You have been selected for a mission which will shape the fate of the entire world. Witness the very beginning of the legendary elite WWII force in Commandos: Origins. The long-awaited sequel to the Commandos series brings you right back to the foundation of the real-time tactics genre. Commandos: Origins is a strategy, real time tactics and action-adventure game developed by Claymore Game Studios and published by Kalypso Media. Released on April 09th 2025 has received 1,017 reviews of which 769 were positive and 248 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. With 370 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played real time tactics games.
7.2
769
248
370
players
10. 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 623 reviews of which 420 were positive and 203 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. With 367 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played real time tactics games.
6.5
420
203
367
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 April 30th 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 4,743 reviews of which 3,532 were positive and 1,211 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Featuring a massive 94% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for real time tactics category.
7.3
3,532
1,211
-94%
29.17€
1.75€
2. 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 2,171 reviews of which 1,621 were positive and 550 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in real time tactics games.
7.2
1,621
550
-94%
38.83€
2.33€
3. 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 37,114 reviews of which 35,652 were positive and 1,462 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in real time tactics games.
9.4
35,652
1,462
-93%
38.29€
2.68€
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 8,137 reviews of which 6,692 were positive and 1,445 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for real time tactics games.
8.0
6,692
1,445
-93%
28.86€
2.02€
5. 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 641 reviews of which 485 were positive and 156 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for real time tactics games.
7.2
485
156
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
6. 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 714 reviews of which 448 were positive and 266 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for real time tactics games.
6.1
448
266
-93%
18.71€
1.31€
7. 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 1,890 reviews of which 1,366 were positive and 524 were negative resulting in a rating of 7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for real time tactics games.
7
1,366
524
-92%
17.50€
1.40€
8. Stronghold: Warlords
Besiege Great Khans, Imperial warlords and Shōgun commanders in Stronghold: Warlords, the latest 'castle sim' from Firefly Studios. Command AI warlords across the battlefield as you build a castle economy and new gunpowder-fuelled siege engines! Stronghold: Warlords is a city builder, real time tactics and colony sim game developed and published by FireFly Studios. Released on March 09th 2021 has received 4,968 reviews of which 3,230 were positive and 1,738 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for real time tactics games.
6.4
3,230
1,738
-90%
34.99€
3.49€
9. Men of War: Vietnam
The critically acclaimed series returns! Experience Vietnam from both sides of the war. Men of War: Vietnam is a strategy, war and tactical game developed and published by Fulqrum Publishing. Released on September 08th 2011 has received 1,228 reviews of which 794 were positive and 434 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for real time tactics games.
6.3
794
434
-90%
7.99€
0.79€
10. 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 action, rpg and adventure game developed by Revolution Industry and published by Gamersky Games and indie.io. Released on September 21st 2023 has received 813 reviews of which 598 were positive and 215 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for real time tactics games.
7.0
598
215
-89%
27.09€
2.98€
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 April 30th 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 521 reviews of which 384 were positive and 137 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. With 405 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free real time tactics games on Steam.
7.0
384
137
405
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 623 reviews of which 420 were positive and 203 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 367, this real time tactics game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free real time tactics games on Steam.
6.5
420
203
367
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 3,608 reviews of which 3,294 were positive and 314 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 142, this real time tactics game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free real time tactics games on Steam.
8.8
3,294
314
142
players
4. 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 731 reviews of which 526 were positive and 205 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free real time tactics games on Steam.
6.9
526
205
78
players
5. 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 370 reviews of which 288 were positive and 82 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free real time tactics games on Steam.
7.3
288
82
21
players
6. 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 2,435 reviews of which 1,664 were positive and 771 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free real time tactics games on Steam.
6.7
1,664
771
17
players
7. 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 638 reviews of which 543 were positive and 95 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free real time tactics games on Steam.
8.0
543
95
4
players