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
Space Run
Space Run is a «real-time spaceship construction strategy game». Space Run takes the well-known Tower Defense-style gameplay and twists it, challenging you to manage and protect a spaceship and its cargo against the hazards of deep space!
Rise of Nations: Extended Edition
Rise of Nations is back! Play the updated classic with full Steamworks integration and enhanced features!
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.
Age of Mythology: Extended Edition
Age of Mythology is back! Choose your god and take to the battlefield in this classic, upgraded with full Steamworks integration and enhanced features.
Wargame: Red Dragon
The new reference in RTS at its best! The Wargame series returns to duty, larger, richer and more spectacular than ever before. In Wargame Red Dragon, you are engaged in a large-scale conflict where Western forces clash against the Communist bloc.
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.
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.
Desperados: Wanted Dead or Alive
"Desperados: Wanted Dead or Alive" is the first strategy game ever to combine a movie-based and story-driven atmosphere of an adventure game with the intellectual challenge of a real time tactic game.In this western-style title, discover a game of strategy and tactics played out in exceptional real time.
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.
Unholy Heights
Welcome to Unholy Heights, a mashup of Tower Defense and Apartment Management Simulation!
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.
Wargame: Airland Battle
2 SIDES, 12 NATIONS, 750 UNITS: THE STRATEGY GAME REFERENCE IS BACK! Richer, more beautiful and more accessible, Wargame AirLand Battle is the sequel to the explosive real-time strategy game Wargame European Escalation! 1985.
Age of Empires II (Retired)
Age of Empires II has been re-imagined in high definition. With the release of Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, this product will not be updated further.
Legend of Grimrock
Use the Dungeon Editor to build entirely new adventures and challenges for other players to solve.
Stronghold Kingdoms
A massively multiplayer grand strategy game, Stronghold Kingdoms is about forging alliances, political mind games, city-building and castle sieges with thousands of other players!
Wargame: European Escalation
The New Fatal Error DLC includes a new 5-mission Operation and touch-screen controls.
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.
Supreme Commander
For a thousand years, three opposing forces have waged war for what they believe is true. There can be no room for compromise: their way is the only way. Dubbed The Infinite War, this devastating conflict has taken its toll on a once-peaceful galaxy and has only served to deepen the hatred between the factions.
Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance
The last days of man are at hand.. Two years after the Infinite War the once great warring nations now lie in ruins, and humanity’s hope for a brighter future is nothing but a bitter memory. A new, seemingly unstoppable enemy, supported by the zealots of The Order, now seeks to eradicate mankind: UEF, Aeon Loyalist, and Cybran alike.
Nuclear Dawn
Explore war-torn post-apocalyptic landscapes and take fight against enemies using various weapons in this FPS/RTS hybrid.
Cossacks: Art of War
Cossacks: The Art of War continues the history of the great battles of XVII–XVIII centuries
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€