Discounted Real-Time with Pause 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 with pause games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals real-time with pause games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Stellaris
Explore a galaxy full of wonders in this sci-fi grand strategy game from Paradox Development Studios. Interact with diverse alien races, discover strange new worlds with unexpected events and expand the reach of your empire. Each new adventure holds almost limitless possibilities.
Battlevoid: Harbinger
Battlevoid: Harbinger is a hard sci-fi space exploration game blending roguelike, turn-based, star map strategy, and real-time space battles. You are a young commander venturing out into enemy territories, to unknown galaxies, never knowing what you will face as you jump out from hyperspace.
Lords of Magic: Special Edition
Urak, once peaceful, is now a land of darkness, chaos and death. The people yearn for a champion to drive away the forces of evil. That champion is you.
Train Valley
Build railways, manage traffic and stay accident-free. Play in Europe, America, Japan and USSR in 1830-2020. Complete the story mode from the Gold Rush of 1849 to the first manned spaceflight, and then explore the random mode. Management. Construction. Trains. Welcome to Train Valley!
Hegemony III: Clash of the Ancients
Command armies, manage resources, and build an empire in this real-time strategy wargame from Longbow Games. Will Rome fulfil its destiny to rule the ancient world or will history be rewritten to forge a new Etruscan, Gallic, or Greek hegemony!
The Red Solstice
2280 A.D. The last few survivors of a ruined Earth seek a new home: Mars, a planet whose inhabitants didn't take too kindly to outsiders. The Red Solstice is a tense, tactical, squad-based action game. Fight to survive with up to 8 players in co-op, or lead your own squad in single-player mode.
Pillars of Eternity
Prepare to be enchanted by a world where the choices you make and the paths you choose shape your destiny. Obsidian Entertainment, the developer of Fallout: New Vegas™ and South Park: The Stick of Truth™, together with Paradox Interactive is proud to present Pillars of Eternity.
Cities: Skylines
Cities: Skylines is a modern take on the classic city simulation. The game introduces new game play elements to realize the thrill and hardships of creating and maintaining a real city whilst expanding on some well-established tropes of the city building experience.
Icewind Dale: Enhanced Edition
Icewind Dale: Enhanced Edition revives the classic RPG with fresh updates for modern players. Build a party of Dungeons & Dragons heroes and explore the frozen tundra in this retro fantasy adventure.
Door Kickers
Door Kickers is an innovative realtime strategy game that puts you in charge of a SWAT team and lets you command them during a tactical intervention.
Close Combat - Gateway to Caen
Close Combat: Gateway to Caen is a great release in the critically-acclaimed Close Combat series. Gateway to Caen focuses on the largest, concentrated British offensive since the Normandy landings in an attempt to penetrate the German lines west of Caen and cross the Odon River to get the stalled advance moving again.
Distant Worlds: Universe
Distant Worlds is a vast, pausable real-time 4X space strategy game. Experience the full depth and detail of turn-based strategy, but with the simplicity and ease of real-time, and on the scale of a massively-multiplayer online game.
7,62 High Calibre
7.62 High Calibre is a tactical action game, sequel to Brigade E5. A professional mercenary is in pursuit of a certain Russian "businessman", who stole a large amount of money from his "colleagues". Now he is hiding in a small country of Latin America to avoid an inevitable punishment.
The Last Federation
From the creators of AI War: Fleet Command comes an all-new grand strategy title with turn-based tactical combat, set in a deep simulation of an entire solar system and its billions of inhabitants. You are the last of a murdered race, determined to unify or destroy the 8 others.
Creeper World 3: Arc Eternal
Creeper World 3 is what happens when cellular automata takes over a strategy simulation. Instead of discrete units that attack your base, a fluid-like substance spreads over the terraformable terrain. Your base, your weapons, your strategy... you must adapt them all.
Original War
An American geological expedition, under a UN mandate, assesses the natural resources in a distant part of Siberia, deep in the trackless steppes of Eastern Russia. But instead of oil, they discover a deposit of a hitherto unknown mineral.
UFO: Afterlight
The story is situated on Mars. It starts where UFO: Aftermath left off and runs simultaneously with UFO: Aftershock. While the Laputans on Earth are fighting Wargots and Starghosts and finding out what caused the destruction of their home planet, a small colony on Mars is trying to survive and flourish.
Startopia
A once thriving network of space stations and planets have been left lifeless, redundant scars of the apocalypse. Into this age of darkness comes light. You will lead the way in rebuilding the network of space stations to a standard accepted by the individual alien races, attracting them to harness their expertise and research new...
Aarklash: Legacy
In Aarklash: Legacy take command of a mercenary squad in search of truth and guide it through countless battles.Welcome to Aarklash, a land of chaos where incessant battles between the forces of Light, Destiny and Darkness have lasted since the beginning of time.
Europa Universalis IV
Rule your land and dominate the world with unparalleled freedom, depth and historical accuracy. Write a new history of the world and build an empire for the ages.
Divinity: Dragon Commander
You are the Dragon Commander. Your mission it is to reunite a broken empire and become the new emperor. Success depends entirely on your ability to efficiently rule your empire, build invincible armies and lead them to victory.
Company of Heroes 2
Experience the ultimate WWII RTS platform with COH2 and its standalone expansions. This package includes the base game, which you can then upgrade by purchasing The Western Front Armies, Ardennes Assault and/or The British Forces. More info in the "About This Game" section below.
March of the Eagles
“he Who Fears Being Conquered Is Sure Of Defeat.”The war-game March of the Eagles focuses on the dramatic conflicts of Europe during 1805 to 1820. Explore one of the defining periods in European history with this experience crafted by the masters of Grand Strategy, Paradox Development Studio.
Of Orcs And Men
You have been appointed to fulfill an extremely dangerous mission, deep in enemy territory: to kill one man... the Emperor himself. Lead the revolution of the Orcs and Goblins!
Most played real-time with pause games on Steam
Take a look at the top real-time with pause games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 15th 2025.
1. 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. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played real-time with pause game, thanks to its 618 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.3
10,389
459
618
players
2. Diplomacy is Not an Option
Diplomacy is Not an Option is a strategy game set in a medieval fantasy world. Build your town and defenses, raise huge armies and fight against massive hordes of enemies. How long can you survive? Diplomacy is Not an Option is a real-time with pause, resource management and simulation game developed and published by Door 407. Released on October 04th 2024 has received 9,673 reviews of which 8,217 were positive and 1,456 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. While seeing 495 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among real-time with pause games based on player count.
8.3
8,217
1,456
495
players
3. Europa Universalis III Complete
Europa Universalis III Complete includes the original Europa Universalis III as well as the expansions In Nomine and Napoleons Ambition Europa Universalis III delves deeply into the areas of exploration, trade, warfare and diplomacy. Europa Universalis III Complete is a grand strategy, strategy and historical game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on February 04th 2009 has received 1,971 reviews of which 1,646 were positive and 325 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played real-time with pause games.
8.0
1,646
325
53
players
4. From Glory To Goo
From Glory To Goo is a Sci-Fi survival RTS set on an alien world. Serve as humanity's bulwark by establishing a colony and supporting your colonists still in orbit. But beware, for The Goo, a relentless and shape-shifting force approaches from all sides, even above and below. From Glory To Goo is a base-building, colony sim and tower defense game developed and published by Stratagem Blue. Released on April 02nd 2024 has received 902 reviews of which 865 were positive and 37 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played real-time with pause games.
9
865
37
42
players
5. Original War
An American geological expedition, under a UN mandate, assesses the natural resources in a distant part of Siberia, deep in the trackless steppes of Eastern Russia. But instead of oil, they discover a deposit of a hitherto unknown mineral. Original War is a strategy, rts and sci-fi game developed by Altar Games and published by Bohemia Interactive. Released on January 27th 2014 has received 2,030 reviews of which 1,928 were positive and 102 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played real-time with pause games.
9.0
1,928
102
32
players
6. Creeper World 2: Anniversary Edition
Deceptively simple... amazingly deep. Creeper World 2 thrusts you into the 14th millennium fighting and enemy that flows and oozes through the terrain. Employ advanced weapons,gravity manipulating repulsors, wormhole like rifts, and your own wit against this never yielding enemy. Creeper World 2: Anniversary Edition is a strategy, indie and simulation game developed and published by Knuckle Cracker. Released on November 16th 2016 has received 459 reviews of which 414 were positive and 45 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played real-time with pause games.
8.4
414
45
24
players
7. Jagged Alliance - Back in Action
A contemporary remake of the much-loved series of turn-based mercenary-themed strategy games. Jagged Alliance - Back in Action is a strategy, rpg and tactical game developed by Coreplay GmbH and Bigmoon Studios and published by THQ Nordic. Released on February 08th 2012 has received 1,711 reviews of which 1,241 were positive and 470 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played real-time with pause games.
7.0
1,241
470
16
players
8. Polaris Sector
Can anyone build an empire in a place like this? Other factions are naturally suspicious of newcomers and may wage war at the first sign of unidentified craft. Here, a natural death is an uncommon luxury. Polaris Sector is a strategy, simulation and 4x game developed by SoftWarWare and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on March 22nd 2016 has received 455 reviews of which 325 were positive and 130 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played real-time with pause games.
6.8
325
130
11
players
9. Black Geyser: Couriers of Darkness
Black Geyser is an isometric, party-based fantasy RPG inspired by genre classics. Recruit characters with unique personalities and explore a land ravaged by civil war and a mysterious curse of greed. Your choices, good or evil, will decide the fate of the Kingdom of Isilmerald. Black Geyser: Couriers of Darkness is a rpg, crpg and real-time with pause game developed by GrapeOcean Technologies and published by GrapeOcean Technologies and V Publishing. Released on March 17th 2022 has received 889 reviews of which 663 were positive and 226 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played real-time with pause games.
7.1
663
226
8
players
10. Drakensang
Drakensang is a third-person party-based RPG based on the pen & paper role-play rules of The Dark Eye. Drakensang is the first PC game for over 10 years to be based on Germany's most successful and popular role-play system. Drakensang builds on the pen & paper rules as applied in version 4.0. Drakensang is a rpg, fantasy and party-based rpg game developed by Radon Labs and published by dtp Entertainment. Released on March 09th 2009 has received 735 reviews of which 592 were positive and 143 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played real-time with pause games.
7.6
592
143
5
players
Best deals on real-time with pause games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of real-time with pause 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 with pause games.
1. The Dwarves
A few heroes are facing hundreds of foes – are you even able to lead the coolest fantasy people to victory against the dark hordes? Explore a vast world, fight tactical real-time battles, and experience the fantastic story based on the bestseller "The Dwarves". The Dwarves is a dwarf, rpg and fantasy game developed by KING Art and published by THQ Nordic and EuroVideo Medien . Released on December 01st 2016 has received 2,023 reviews of which 1,495 were positive and 528 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Featuring a massive 98% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for real-time with pause category.
7.2
1,495
528
-98%
39.99€
0.90€
2. Aarklash: Legacy
In Aarklash: Legacy take command of a mercenary squad in search of truth and guide it through countless battles.Welcome to Aarklash, a land of chaos where incessant battles between the forces of Light, Destiny and Darkness have lasted since the beginning of time. Aarklash: Legacy is a rpg, strategy and adventure game developed by Cyanide Studio and published by Nacon. Released on September 12th 2013 has received 832 reviews of which 610 were positive and 222 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in real-time with pause games.
7.0
610
222
-98%
13.29€
0.39€
3. Diplomacy is Not an Option
Diplomacy is Not an Option is a strategy game set in a medieval fantasy world. Build your town and defenses, raise huge armies and fight against massive hordes of enemies. How long can you survive? Diplomacy is Not an Option is a real-time with pause, resource management and simulation game developed and published by Door 407. Released on October 04th 2024 has received 9,673 reviews of which 8,217 were positive and 1,456 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 97% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in real-time with pause games.
8.3
8,217
1,456
-97%
28.99€
0.87€
4. Masquerada: Songs and Shadows
Masquerada is a single-player tactical RPG set in a Renaissance-inspired city of magic, where real-time combat can be paused to set up elemental combos powered by Venetian-styled masks. Come for gorgeous hand-drawn art; stay for the rich lore & a thoughtful, fully-voiced tale of intrigue & tragedy. Masquerada: Songs and Shadows is a real-time with pause, dark fantasy and party-based rpg game developed by Witching Hour Studios and published by Ysbryd Games. Released on September 30th 2016 has received 540 reviews of which 478 were positive and 62 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for real-time with pause games.
8.3
478
62
-97%
19.99€
0.74€
5. UFO: Afterlight
The story is situated on Mars. It starts where UFO: Aftermath left off and runs simultaneously with UFO: Aftershock. While the Laputans on Earth are fighting Wargots and Starghosts and finding out what caused the destruction of their home planet, a small colony on Mars is trying to survive and flourish. UFO: Afterlight is a strategy, tactical and sci-fi game developed by Altar Games and published by Bohemia Interactive. Released on January 06th 2014 has received 517 reviews of which 337 were positive and 180 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for real-time with pause games.
6.3
337
180
-95%
5.99€
0.33€
6. 7,62 High Calibre
7.62 High Calibre is a tactical action game, sequel to Brigade E5. A professional mercenary is in pursuit of a certain Russian "businessman", who stole a large amount of money from his "colleagues". Now he is hiding in a small country of Latin America to avoid an inevitable punishment. 7,62 High Calibre is a strategy, rpg and simulation game developed by Apeiron and published by Fulqrum Publishing. Released on April 30th 2014 has received 455 reviews of which 346 were positive and 109 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for real-time with pause games.
7.2
346
109
-90%
4.99€
0.53€
7. Star Wolves
Star wolves is a 3D space RPG with deep strategy and tactical elements. The game thrusts players into a world of freelance space hunters in the XXI-XXII century A.D. during a time of political crisis for the all-powerful Empire and the three mega-corporations that control all the known worlds. Star Wolves is a rpg, strategy and space game developed by X-Bow Software and published by Fulqrum Publishing. Released on March 02nd 2010 has received 422 reviews of which 358 were positive and 64 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 84% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for real-time with pause games.
7.9
358
64
-84%
3.99€
0.66€
8. Original War
An American geological expedition, under a UN mandate, assesses the natural resources in a distant part of Siberia, deep in the trackless steppes of Eastern Russia. But instead of oil, they discover a deposit of a hitherto unknown mineral. Original War is a strategy, rts and sci-fi game developed by Altar Games and published by Bohemia Interactive. Released on January 27th 2014 has received 2,030 reviews of which 1,928 were positive and 102 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 80% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for real-time with pause games.
9.0
1,928
102
-80%
9.99€
1.99€
9. Drakensang
Drakensang is a third-person party-based RPG based on the pen & paper role-play rules of The Dark Eye. Drakensang is the first PC game for over 10 years to be based on Germany's most successful and popular role-play system. Drakensang builds on the pen & paper rules as applied in version 4.0. Drakensang is a rpg, fantasy and party-based rpg game developed by Radon Labs and published by dtp Entertainment. Released on March 09th 2009 has received 735 reviews of which 592 were positive and 143 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a 47% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for real-time with pause games.
7.6
592
143
-47%
9.99€
5.32€
10. March of the Eagles
“he Who Fears Being Conquered Is Sure Of Defeat.”The war-game March of the Eagles focuses on the dramatic conflicts of Europe during 1805 to 1820. Explore one of the defining periods in European history with this experience crafted by the masters of Grand Strategy, Paradox Development Studio. March of the Eagles is a strategy, simulation and grand strategy game developed by Paradox Development Studio and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on February 18th 2013 has received 374 reviews of which 252 were positive and 122 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a 47% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for real-time with pause games.
6.5
252
122
-47%
19.99€
10.63€