Best Real-Time 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 games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals real-time games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Sudden Strike 4
Sudden Strike is back! The beloved Real Time Strategy series returns, this time with bigger battlefields, more units, better graphics, new scenarios and legendary commanders – making Sudden Strike 4 more tactical and realistic than ever before!
Cursed Treasure 2
Why be good when you can be... bad? Cursed Treasure 2 is an addictive tower-defense game that puts the power of darkness at your fingertips. Build towers of powerful orcs, demons, and undead, and master powerful spells, to protect your precious hoard from all manner of no-good do-gooders.
Rusted Warfare - RTS
{{An RTS inspired by the classics of the past!}} Making up for it's subpar retro graphics with fun gameplay and modern multi-threaded tech enabling huge battles to run smooth... Featuring singleplayer challenges, skirmish, sandbox, 10-player multiplayer & workshop modding.
Steel Division: Normandy 44
Steel Division: Normandy is a tactical real-time strategy (RTS) game that pits players against AI enemies in a single-player campaign -- or against several opponents in massive 10-on-10 multiplayer battles.
Syrian Warfare
Real Time Strategy with a high degree of realism. The game is based on a true story.
Realpolitiks
Become the leader of any contemporary country in this streamlined real-time grand strategy game. Use diplomacy, espionage, military and economic power to deal with other nations, while tackling issues such as terrorism, financial crises and medical epidemics, all in an effort to achieve global domination!
Cards of Cthulhu
CARDS OF CTHULHU is the Roguelike Card RPG full of madness. Experience the unique combination of strategic deck-building with fast-paced combat and face-off parody monsters from horror B movies.
Heroes of the Monkey Tavern
After countless days and nights celebrating within the infamous Monkey Tavern, our team of adventurers have spent every last penny... Their fates, however are about to change...
Stronghold Legends: Steam Edition
Catapult werewolves over castle walls, incinerate troops with dragon fire and command the Knights of the Round Table! This remaster of the mythical ‘castle sim’ features Steam multiplayer, Workshop support, new maps, achievements and DLC campaigns.
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.
STAR WARS™ Galactic Battlegrounds Saga
Lead the great armies of the Star Wars™ Episode II: Attack of the Clones saga in intense real-time strategy clashes. Enter the fray as the Galactic Empire, Rebel Alliance, Wookies, Trade Federation, Gungans or Royal Naboo to determine the course of the Galactic Civil War.
Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak
A ground-based RTS prequel to the classic Homeworld games. Assemble your fleet and lead them to victory on the shifting sands of Kharak in this compelling strategy game for PC from Blackbird Interactive.
Impossible Creatures Steam Edition
Impossible Creatures is a 3D RTS game that pits the player against an evil villain. Using Earth’s most formidable animals as building blocks, the player must create an army of genetically-altered mutant monsters in a titanic struggle to protect an unsuspecting world.
Act of Aggression - Reboot Edition
Act of Aggression – Reboot Edition brings the techno-thriller RTS game Act of Aggression to a higher level. The Reboot Edition offers a full gameplay overhaul in skirmish mode against the AI and in your multiplayer battles.
Satellite Reign
Satellite Reign is a real-time, class-based strategy game, set in an open-world cyberpunk city. You command a group of 4 agents through rain-soaked, neon-lit streets, where the law is the will of mega-corporations.
Executive Assault
Executive Assault is an indie real-time strategy/first-person shooter where you can not only build your base and create armies, but also take control of your units and fight as one of them.
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.
The Spatials
It's the year 5781 -- and you have been chosen to build and lead a space station in a wild corner of the galaxy! Attract visitors and explore hundreds of planets to fund your station.
AdVenture Capitalist
Welcome, eager young investor, to AdVenture Capitalist! Arguably the world's greatest Capitalism simulator!
There Came an Echo
There Came an Echo is a real-time strategy game in which the player assumes command of a small squadron, using an advanced voice recognition system to issue orders. It features a character-driven sci-fi narrative that stars Wil Wheaton, Ashly Burch, Laura Bailey, Yuri Lowenthal, and more!
Galcon 2: Galactic Conquest
Galcon 2 is a demolition derby in space! Send swarms of ships from planet to planet to conquer the galaxy in this fast paced multiplayer strategy game!
Battle Nations
Battle Nations is back! Build your empire and lead your armies to victory! Choose from traditional troops and vehicles or unleash exotic forces like mammoths, velociraptors, sandworms, and futuristic plasma units!
Most played real-time games on Steam
Take a look at the top real-time games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 15th 2025.
1. Necrosmith 2
Like a dead man reanimated by dark sorcery, the necromancer simulator is back! Give the undead the ability to fly over mountains and swim across rivers, explore a fully generated world at night and fend off enemy hordes during the day. Start a new, uhm, life. Necrosmith 2 is a tower defense, strategy and rogue-lite game developed and published by Alawar. Released on March 27th 2024 has received 1,191 reviews of which 932 were positive and 259 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played real-time game, thanks to its 198 peak concurrent players over the last day.
7.5
932
259
198
players
2. Per Aspera
Make Mars your own! Take control of the world’s most sophisticated AI (AMI) and terraform the surface of the Red Planet for a city-building experience on a planetary scale. Transform this barren world into a lush paradise and explore the surface for any ancient secrets that may be waiting. Per Aspera is a online co-op, real-time and management game developed by Tlön Industries and published by Raw Fury. Released on December 03rd 2020 has received 5,484 reviews of which 4,163 were positive and 1,321 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played real-time games.
7.4
4,163
1,321
64
players
3. Sins of a Solar Empire: Trinity®
In Sins of a Solar Empire: Trinity, you are the leader of a civilization embroiled in a galactic war, fighting for the survival of your entire race against relentless foes. Sins of a Solar Empire: Trinity® is a 4x, pvp and pve game developed by Stardock Entertainment and Ironclad Games Corporation and published by Stardock Entertainment. Released on November 16th 2011 has received 793 reviews of which 612 were positive and 181 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played real-time games.
7.4
612
181
22
players
4. Cossacks: Art of War
Cossacks: The Art of War continues the history of the great battles of XVII–XVIII centuries Cossacks: Art of War is a crpg, wargame and turn-based tactics game developed by GSC Game World and published by GSC World Publishing. Released on August 26th 2011 has received 335 reviews of which 270 were positive and 65 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played real-time games.
7.5
270
65
19
players
5. 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. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played real-time games.
8.1
1,994
381
13
players
6. Krush Kill ‘N Destroy 2: Krossfire
Krush Kill 'N Destroy 2: Krossfire is a fast and furious post-apocalyptic real-time strategy game where you have to be quick or be dead. Play as one of three unique factions in the struggle to seek out and conquer oil fields to fuel your army. Krush Kill ‘N Destroy 2: Krossfire is a strategy, retro and real-time game developed by Beam Software and published by Ziggurat. Released on July 23rd 2020 has received 349 reviews of which 245 were positive and 104 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played real-time games.
6.7
245
104
9
players
7. Earth 2160
After the destruction of the EARTH in 2150, the leaders of the Eurasian Dynasty escaped on board an evacuation fleet. Now they are fighting for the survival of the human species. Their base is one large building comprising of smaller variable parts. Earth 2160 is a base-building, space and rts game developed by Reality Pump Studios and published by TopWare Interactive and ACE. Released on April 01st 2006 has received 1,405 reviews of which 994 were positive and 411 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played real-time games.
6.8
994
411
5
players
8. Cursed Treasure 2
Why be good when you can be... bad? Cursed Treasure 2 is an addictive tower-defense game that puts the power of darkness at your fingertips. Build towers of powerful orcs, demons, and undead, and master powerful spells, to protect your precious hoard from all manner of no-good do-gooders. Cursed Treasure 2 is a strategy, tower defense and indie game developed by IriySoft and published by Armor Games Studios. Released on July 21st 2017 has received 516 reviews of which 424 were positive and 92 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played real-time games.
7.7
424
92
3
players
9. The Last Express Gold Edition
Step aboard the 1914 Orient Express in this award-winning mystery adventure from Prince of Persia creator Jordan Mechner. Described as one of the best adventure games of all time, The Last Express is an intrigue-filled adventure set aboard the luxurious Orient Express. The Last Express Gold Edition is a adventure, point & click and mystery game developed by and published by DotEmu. Released on November 21st 2013 has received 345 reviews of which 279 were positive and 66 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played real-time games.
7.6
279
66
3
players
10. Dice Legacy
Dice Legacy is a dice-based survival city builder set on a mysterious ringworld. Your ship has reached the shore of an uncharted continent. Roll and use your dice to gather resources, expand and defend your settlement, survive the winter and interact with the strange inhabitants of this eerie world. Dice Legacy is a city builder, survival and strategy game developed by DESTINYbit and published by DESTINYbit and Amplifier Studios. Released on September 09th 2021 has received 1,026 reviews of which 706 were positive and 320 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played real-time games.
6.7
706
320
2
players
Best deals on real-time games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of real-time 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 games.
1. 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. Featuring a massive 98% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for real-time category.
8.1
1,994
381
-98%
23.99€
0.64€
2. Necrosmith 2
Like a dead man reanimated by dark sorcery, the necromancer simulator is back! Give the undead the ability to fly over mountains and swim across rivers, explore a fully generated world at night and fend off enemy hordes during the day. Start a new, uhm, life. Necrosmith 2 is a tower defense, strategy and rogue-lite game developed and published by Alawar. Released on March 27th 2024 has received 1,191 reviews of which 932 were positive and 259 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in real-time games.
7.5
932
259
-95%
7.79€
0.42€
3. Earth 2160
After the destruction of the EARTH in 2150, the leaders of the Eurasian Dynasty escaped on board an evacuation fleet. Now they are fighting for the survival of the human species. Their base is one large building comprising of smaller variable parts. Earth 2160 is a base-building, space and rts game developed by Reality Pump Studios and published by TopWare Interactive and ACE. Released on April 01st 2006 has received 1,405 reviews of which 994 were positive and 411 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in real-time games.
6.8
994
411
-93%
9.75€
0.75€
4. Per Aspera
Make Mars your own! Take control of the world’s most sophisticated AI (AMI) and terraform the surface of the Red Planet for a city-building experience on a planetary scale. Transform this barren world into a lush paradise and explore the surface for any ancient secrets that may be waiting. Per Aspera is a online co-op, real-time and management game developed by Tlön Industries and published by Raw Fury. Released on December 03rd 2020 has received 5,484 reviews of which 4,163 were positive and 1,321 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for real-time games.
7.4
4,163
1,321
-86%
29.99€
4.26€
5. Dice Legacy
Dice Legacy is a dice-based survival city builder set on a mysterious ringworld. Your ship has reached the shore of an uncharted continent. Roll and use your dice to gather resources, expand and defend your settlement, survive the winter and interact with the strange inhabitants of this eerie world. Dice Legacy is a city builder, survival and strategy game developed by DESTINYbit and published by DESTINYbit and Amplifier Studios. Released on September 09th 2021 has received 1,026 reviews of which 706 were positive and 320 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for real-time games.
6.7
706
320
-86%
14.99€
2.22€
6. 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. Siege of Centauri is a tower defense, real time tactics and pve game developed and published by Stardock Entertainment. Released on September 12th 2019 has received 438 reviews of which 287 were positive and 151 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for real-time games.
6.3
287
151
-86%
14.79€
2.17€
7. Cossacks: Art of War
Cossacks: The Art of War continues the history of the great battles of XVII–XVIII centuries Cossacks: Art of War is a crpg, wargame and turn-based tactics game developed by GSC Game World and published by GSC World Publishing. Released on August 26th 2011 has received 335 reviews of which 270 were positive and 65 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 84% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for real-time games.
7.5
270
65
-84%
4.99€
0.80€
8. WAR PARTY
War Party is a strategy game where you enter a prehistoric world of Dinosaurs, Cavemen and Magic! Build up your chosen faction, gather resources, explore the land and command them against enemy tribes and wildlife! Will your story be about Life, Death or Balance? Can you survive? WAR PARTY is a strategy, rts and base-building game developed and published by Rogueside. Released on March 28th 2019 has received 449 reviews of which 309 were positive and 140 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 71% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for real-time games.
6.6
309
140
-71%
9.99€
2.97€
9. The Last Express Gold Edition
Step aboard the 1914 Orient Express in this award-winning mystery adventure from Prince of Persia creator Jordan Mechner. Described as one of the best adventure games of all time, The Last Express is an intrigue-filled adventure set aboard the luxurious Orient Express. The Last Express Gold Edition is a adventure, point & click and mystery game developed by and published by DotEmu. Released on November 21st 2013 has received 345 reviews of which 279 were positive and 66 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 60% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for real-time games.
7.6
279
66
-60%
6.99€
2.81€