Best RTS 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 rts games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free rts games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Battlestations: Midway
Battlestations: Midway is an immense action game that drops players into massive air, sea, and undersea battles from Pearl Harbor to the Battle of Midway.
Commandos 3: Destination Berlin
Commandos 3: Destination Berlin is a game of real-time tactics that places you in command of an elite unit of Special Forces behind enemy lines in the European theater of World War II.
Commandos 2: Men of Courage
Commandos 2: Men of Courage is a tactical action/strategy game set against the backdrop of World War II. Take control of an elite group of commandos who must venture deep into enemy territory and utilize their combined expertise to complete a series of mission-based objectives.
Commandos: Beyond the Call of Duty
You have been selected for active service in the Commandos Corps, and must now mobilize in a series of 8 new dangerous missions.
Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines
Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines is a real-time tactics game set in World War II that puts you in command of a small squad of elite troopers. Send them behind enemy lines on a series of hazardous missions, and bring them back alive.
Heroes of Annihilated Empires
Heroes of Annihilated Empires - is a fantasy-based game from GSC Game World in the genre of RTS vs RPG for PC. 4 unique races awaits for the heroes, who want to fight in an Epic scale battles!
Total War: MEDIEVAL II – Definitive Edition
Spanning the most turbulent era in Western history, your quest for territory and power takes you through Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and even onto the shores of the New World.
Fleet Command
International waterways become theaters of war when the world's most formidable maritime powers exchange their fatal blows. With entire fleets at your command, you must strategically deploy vessels from every class - frigate to aircraft to nuclear submarine - to maintain the precarious balance of naval power and gain position for the...
Company of Heroes
Delivering a visceral WWII gaming experience, Company of Heroes redefines RTS by bringing the sacrifice of heroic soldiers, war-ravaged environments, and dynamic battlefields to life. Please visit the "Company of Heroes - Legacy Edition" page for additional user reviews.
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.
Darwinia
Darwinia blends real-time strategy, action, and puzzles with a unique gesture-based control system. Save the Darwinians, battle viruses, and restore order in a retro-inspired digital world. Winner of multiple prestigious awards, including the Seumas McNally Grand Prize at IGF 2006.
SpellForce 2 - Anniversary Edition
SpellForce 2 - Anniversary Edition presents the award-winning SpellForce saga hits: "SpellForce 2 – Shadow Wars" and the add-on "SpellForce 2 – Dragon Storm" for a spectacular game experience!
Stronghold 2: Steam Edition
Tax, torture or treat your peasants! Rehabilitate criminals or sentence them to death? Decide as you enjoy jousting over a lavish banquet, all while under siege from the warmongering Lord Barclay.Most played rts games on Steam
Take a look at the top rts games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of May 08th 2025.
1. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
42 Civilizations, 229 Campaign Missions, Singleplayer, Co-Op, Multiplayer, In-Game Editor, Mods, Cross-play...It is good to be the king. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is a strategy, rts and city builder game developed by Forgotten Empires, Tantalus Media, Wicked Witch, World's Edge and CaptureAge and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on November 14th 2019 has received 160,731 reviews of which 152,453 were positive and 8,278 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played rts game, thanks to its 17,006 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.4
152,453
8,278
17,006
players
2. Total War: WARHAMMER III
The cataclysmic conclusion to the Total War: WARHAMMER trilogy is here. Rally your forces and step into the Realm of Chaos, a dimension of mind-bending horror where the very fate of the world will be decided. Will you conquer your Daemons… or command them? Total War: WARHAMMER III is a strategy, turn-based strategy and grand strategy game developed by Creative Assembly and Feral Interactive and published by Feral Interactive and SEGA. Released on February 16th 2022 has received 118,572 reviews of which 85,881 were positive and 32,691 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. While seeing 14,925 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among rts games based on player count.
7.2
85,881
32,691
14,925
players
3. Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition
Celebrating its first year of delighting millions of global players, the award-winning and best-selling strategy franchise continues with Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition, putting you at the center of even more epic historical battles that shaped the world. Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition is a strategy, rts and base-building game developed by Relic Entertainment, Forgotten Empires, Climax Studios and World's Edge and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on October 28th 2021 has received 79,372 reviews of which 68,281 were positive and 11,091 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. While seeing 6,804 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among rts games based on player count.
8.5
68,281
11,091
6,804
players
4. Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition offers players a trial of this historical single & multiplayer RTS experience. *Note: To unlock all features of the game please see the “Base Game” product. Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition is a strategy, base-building and rts game developed by World's Edge, Tantalus Media and Forgotten Empires and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on October 15th 2020 has received 47,757 reviews of which 40,389 were positive and 7,368 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 2,982 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played rts games.
8.3
40,389
7,368
2,982
players
5. 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. With 2,486 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played rts games.
8.2
19,151
3,865
2,486
players
6. STAR WARS™ Empire at War - Gold Pack
Command or corrupt an entire galaxy in the definitive Star Wars strategy collection. It is a time of galactic civil war. Will you take up the reins of the Rebellion, assume control of the Empire, or rule the Star Wars Underworld? STAR WARS™ Empire at War - Gold Pack is a strategy, rts and space game developed by Petroglyph and published by LucasArts, Lucasfilm and Disney. Released on May 25th 2010 has received 39,046 reviews of which 38,122 were positive and 924 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 2,389 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played rts games.
9.6
38,122
924
2,389
players
7. 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. Age of Empires II (Retired) is a strategy, rts and medieval game developed by SkyBox Labs, Hidden Path Entertainment, Ensemble Studios and Forgotten Empires and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on April 09th 2013 has received 101,253 reviews of which 96,986 were positive and 4,267 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 2,265 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played rts games.
9.4
96,986
4,267
2,265
players
8. Manor Lords
Manor Lords is a medieval strategy game featuring in-depth city building, large-scale tactical battles, and complex economic and social simulations. Rule your lands as a medieval lord – the seasons pass, the weather changes, and cities rise and fall. Manor Lords is a strategy, simulation and rts game developed by Slavic Magic and published by Hooded Horse. Released on April 26th 2024 has received 71,057 reviews of which 61,449 were positive and 9,608 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 2,116 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played rts games.
8.5
61,449
9,608
2,116
players
9. Age of Mythology: Retold
From the creators of the award-winning Age of Empires franchise, Age of Mythology: Retold goes beyond history to a mythical age where gods, monsters, and humans collide. Age of Mythology: Retold is a strategy, rts and base-building game developed by World's Edge, Forgotten Empires, Tantalus Media, CaptureAge and Virtuos Games and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on September 04th 2024 has received 16,386 reviews of which 14,748 were positive and 1,638 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 1,875 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played rts games.
8.8
14,748
1,638
1,875
players
10. 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. Company of Heroes 2 is a strategy, world war ii and rts game developed by Relic Entertainment and Feral Interactive (Linux) and published by Relic Entertainment, Feral interactive (Mac) and Feral Interactive (Linux). Released on June 25th 2013 has received 109,576 reviews of which 86,513 were positive and 23,063 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 1,829 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played rts games.
7.8
86,513
23,063
1,829
players
Best deals on rts games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of rts games available on Steam right now, updated on May 08th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted rts games.
1. 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. Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak is a strategy, rts and sci-fi game developed by Blackbird Interactive and published by Gearbox Publishing. Released on January 20th 2016 has received 8,491 reviews of which 6,778 were positive and 1,713 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for rts category.
7.8
6,778
1,713
-95%
45.00€
2.25€
2. Ancestors Legacy
Ancestors Legacy is a squad-based real time strategy with a strong focus on tactics. Inspired by medieval European history, it brings to life four different nations and their conflicts, usually solved by war. Ancestors Legacy is a strategy, rts and medieval game developed and published by Destructive Creations. Released on May 22nd 2018 has received 8,351 reviews of which 6,579 were positive and 1,772 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in rts games.
7.7
6,579
1,772
-95%
34.40€
1.72€
3. 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 4,752 reviews of which 3,539 were positive and 1,213 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in rts games.
7.3
3,539
1,213
-94%
29.17€
1.75€
4. Medieval Kingdom Wars
Rewrite medieval history through bloody siege combat in a fusion of RTS and Grand Strategy genres. Rule, build, and serve your King as a minor lord in medieval Europe. Experience siege, field and naval combat with an unseen degree of brutality. Rogue-like progression, epic towns and battles await… Medieval Kingdom Wars is a grand strategy, rts and medieval game developed by Reverie World Studios and published by indie.io. Released on January 03rd 2019 has received 2,584 reviews of which 1,976 were positive and 608 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for rts games.
7.4
1,976
608
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
5. Stronghold Crusader 2
Stronghold Crusader 2 is the long awaited sequel to the original castle sim. After 12 years Stronghold returns to the desert with a new 3D engine and powerful Havok Physics. Crusader 2 recaptures the original game’s addictive, fast-paced gameplay and authentic castle simulation. Stronghold Crusader 2 is a strategy, medieval and city builder game developed and published by FireFly Studios. Released on September 22nd 2014 has received 16,976 reviews of which 12,251 were positive and 4,725 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for rts games.
7.1
12,251
4,725
-93%
34.57€
2.42€
6. Cartel Tycoon
Cartel Tycoon is a survival business sim inspired by the ‘80s and '90s narco trade. Expand and conquer, fight off rival thugs and evade the authorities. Earn people's loyalty and strive to overcome the doomed fate of a power-hungry drug lord. Cartel Tycoon is a top-down, rts and resource management game developed by Moon Moose and published by tinyBuild. Released on July 26th 2022 has received 3,525 reviews of which 2,689 were positive and 836 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for rts games.
7.4
2,689
836
-92%
30.63€
2.45€
7. S.W.I.N.E. HD Remaster
S.W.I.N.E. HD Remaster is the new edition of the challenging classic strategy game S.W.I.N.E! The filthiest of all wars between the Rabbit and the Pig armies is a sophisticated real-time strategy with completely revised textures, detailed unit models, a 16:9 adapted interface. S.W.I.N.E. HD Remaster is a strategy, rts and retro game developed by Kite Games and published by Kite Games and WhisperGames. Released on May 23rd 2019 has received 1,188 reviews of which 1,084 were positive and 104 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for rts games.
8.6
1,084
104
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
8. Men of War: Assault Squad
Men of War: Assault Squad features a completely new cooperative skirmish game mode with access to five different nations (Russia, Germany, USA, Commonwealth and, for the first time ever in the Men of War series, Japan) as well as increased realism and accessibility. Men of War: Assault Squad is a strategy, world war ii and war game developed by Digitalmindsoft and published by Fulqrum Publishing. Released on February 24th 2011 has received 4,929 reviews of which 4,328 were positive and 601 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for rts games.
8.5
4,328
601
-90%
9.99€
0.99€
9. Battlezone: Combat Commander
Battlezone: Combat Commander remasters FPS-RTS classic Battlezone II with slick new visuals, brand new achievements, Steam Workshop support and much more! The solar system is at war. Take command. Battlezone: Combat Commander is a strategy, action and rts game developed by Big Boat Interactive and published by Rebellion. Released on March 01st 2018 has received 872 reviews of which 783 were positive and 89 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for rts games.
8.5
783
89
-90%
20.60€
2.06€
10. 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 Red Solstice is a strategy, tactical and rts game developed and published by Ironward. Released on July 09th 2015 has received 2,495 reviews of which 1,768 were positive and 727 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for rts games.
6.9
1,768
727
-90%
9.99€
0.99€
Free rts games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play rts games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on May 08th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play rts games.
1. Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition offers players a trial of this historical single & multiplayer RTS experience. *Note: To unlock all features of the game please see the “Base Game” product. Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition is a strategy, base-building and rts game developed by World's Edge, Tantalus Media and Forgotten Empires and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on October 15th 2020 has received 47,757 reviews of which 40,389 were positive and 7,368 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 2,982 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free rts games on Steam.
8.3
40,389
7,368
2,982
players
2. War Selection
War Selection is a compelling RTS game featuring base building, resource extraction and warfare. Evolve from a stone age tribe to a distinct industrial nation with unique game mechanics and battle for supremacy with dozens of players on a unique procedurally generated map. War Selection is a strategy, base-building and free to play game developed and published by Glyph Worlds. Released on October 08th 2019 has received 21,735 reviews of which 18,673 were positive and 3,062 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 450, this rts game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free rts games on Steam.
8.4
18,673
3,062
450
players
3. 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! EMERGENCY is a free to play, multiplayer and strategy game developed and published by Sixteen Tons Entertainment. Released on August 15th 2023 has received 5,399 reviews of which 3,664 were positive and 1,735 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 215, this rts game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free rts games on Steam.
6.7
3,664
1,735
215
players
4. Zero-K
With 100+ truly unique units, Zero-K is an RTS of freedom and creativity, tempered by a decade of refinement. Sculpt land into a castle and throw invaders off it with a Jugglenaut. Explore a massive campaign, solo or co-op. Hop online for epic 32 player battles or fast paced 1v1, on 100s of maps. Zero-K is a strategy, free to play and rts game developed and published by Zero-K Team. Released on April 27th 2018 has received 3,885 reviews of which 3,639 were positive and 246 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free rts games on Steam.
9
3,639
246
99
players
5. My Lands: Black Gem Hunting
My Lands is a free online RTS where dark and light forces fight for Black Gem and dominion in a vast fantasy world. Cooperation between players, joint economy development, creation of clans and alliances and elaboration of a team strategy serve as the very foundation of the game. My Lands: Black Gem Hunting is a strategy, free to play and rts game developed by Gravvit Ltd and Forbes Consult Ltd and published by ELYLAND INVESTMENT COMPANY Ltd. Released on September 16th 2014 has received 3,306 reviews of which 2,767 were positive and 539 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free rts games on Steam.
8.1
2,767
539
50
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 739 reviews of which 455 were positive and 284 were negative resulting in a rating of 6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free rts games on Steam.
6
455
284
40
players
7. AirMech
AirMech® Strike is a fast paced Action-RTS game that can be played solo, coop, or competitively online. Earn Kudos and Experience in battle and unlock a wide collection of AirMechs and Units while you practice the perfect strategy to emerge victorious! AirMech is a free to play, strategy and multiplayer game developed and published by Carbon Games. Released on March 30th 2018 has received 10,657 reviews of which 8,964 were positive and 1,693 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free rts games on Steam.
8.2
8,964
1,693
23
players
8. 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 371 reviews of which 289 were positive and 82 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free rts games on Steam.
7.3
289
82
22
players
9. 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 2,437 reviews of which 1,666 were positive and 771 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free rts games on Steam.
6.7
1,666
771
18
players
10. Planet S
Planet S is a real-time strategy game where your goal is to colonize multiple planets in a solar system to advance your civilization, build a city and supply it to grow your faction. Planet S is a strategy, city builder and multiplayer game developed and published by Glimmerlight Games. Released on October 28th 2023 has received 2,579 reviews of which 2,364 were positive and 215 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free rts games on Steam.
8.8
2,364
215
14
players