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
War for the Overworld
War for the Overworld is an unholy union of Dungeon Management and Strategy that rewards all those villainous thoughts you’ve been having. Craft your own perilous dungeon and defend it against pesky heroes who keep exploring it and taking your stuff.
Bloodsports.TV
Co-Op Hero Defense set in a deadly post-apocalyptic Sweden. Team up with your friends and protect the Missile Silo against horrific beasts and outlaws.
Star Ruler 2
Massive scale 4X-RTS set in space. Control hundreds of planets, manipulate galactic politics, research numerous advanced technologies, and command thousands of units and hundreds of planets in your quest for galactic dominance.
Cultures - 8th Wonder of the World
Solve the mystery surrounding the 8th Wonder of the World with your heroes and banish evil from the Earth! Play this RTS-Classic.
Cultures - Northland
The Vikings are back! Get this RTS classic!
Stalingrad
Stalingrad is a real-time strategy title that places gamers in the middle of the most dramatic periods of World War II, covering major events from June 1942 till January 1943.
Homeworld Remastered Collection
Experience the epic space strategy games that redefined the RTS genre. Control your fleet and build an armada across more than 30 single-player missions. Choose unit types, fleet formations and flight tactics for each strategic situation.
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!
Total War: ATTILA
Against a darkening background of famine, disease and war, a new power is rising in the great steppes of the East. With a million horsemen at his back, the ultimate warrior king approaches, and his sights are set on Rome… The next instalment in the multi award-winning PC series that combines turn-based strategy with real-time tactics,...
Seven Kingdoms 2 HD
Get ready for an exciting real-time strategy game experience like no other with Seven Kingdoms 2! Say goodbye to the monotony of resource gathering and army building, its unique gameplay offers a thrilling blend of city management, trade, industry, espionage, diplomacy, and conquest!
Survivalist
It's one year after the collapse of civilization and self-centered hedge fund manager Joe Wheeler emerges from his specially constructed bunker in search of food. This is a huge open-world RPG where you have the freedom to play how you want - but your choices have consequences.
War, the Game
'War, the Game' is a RTS for pc in realistic present day setting.The controls are intuitive, the game rules are simple and transparent.The game focuses on strategy and the use of ones brain to complete the scenarios.The map is a spherical version of earth. That's new.
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!
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.
Supreme Ruler Ultimate
Real-Time Strategy/Wargame. From World War II through the Cold War and into the future, re-live or re-imagine the tensions and crises of our recent history! Guide your nation through the era of your choice in Campaigns, Scenarios, and Sandboxes, as you make every effort to become Supreme Ruler!
Ultimate General: Gettysburg
A Tactical Battle Simulator that allows you to command thousands of soldiers as a Union or Confederate General. The game features the most accurately created map, a non-linear battle campaign, complex morale, innovative control mechanics and smart AI.
Eufloria HD
Experience “Eufloria HD”, the new edition of Eufloria, an incredibly addictive ambient strategy game that anyone can play! Explore a beautifully realized universe rendered in a style that is unique and compelling.
DG2: Defense Grid 2
Setting the bar as the definitive tower defense game, Defense Grid 2 introduces new worlds and threats to test your tower placement strategies. With a bold new look and the addition of new game modes, player-versus-player and multiplayer co-op, every play brings fun new opportunities and challenges.
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.
Cannon Brawl
Cannon Brawl is action RTS and artillery hybrid. Pilot an airship, command powerful weapon emplacements and use the destructible terrain to out think and destroy your enemy! It's a new take on artillery strategy!
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!
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.
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 June 16th 2025.
1. 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 119,858 reviews of which 87,141 were positive and 32,717 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played rts game, thanks to its 20,478 peak concurrent players over the last day.
7.2
87,141
32,717
20,478
players
2. 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 162,462 reviews of which 154,061 were positive and 8,401 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. While seeing 17,203 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among rts games based on player count.
9.4
154,061
8,401
17,203
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 80,870 reviews of which 69,559 were positive and 11,311 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. While seeing 7,469 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among rts games based on player count.
8.5
69,559
11,311
7,469
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 48,342 reviews of which 40,941 were positive and 7,401 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 3,894 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played rts games.
8.3
40,941
7,401
3,894
players
5. 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 39,435 reviews of which 38,503 were positive and 932 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 3,114 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played rts games.
9.6
38,503
932
3,114
players
6. 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 101,351 reviews of which 97,083 were positive and 4,268 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 2,893 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played rts games.
9.4
97,083
4,268
2,893
players
7. 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, 3d and rts 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 16,708 reviews of which 15,043 were positive and 1,665 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 2,556 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played rts games.
8.8
15,043
1,665
2,556
players
8. 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 109,825 reviews of which 86,713 were positive and 23,112 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 2,455 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played rts games.
7.8
86,713
23,112
2,455
players
9. Total War: SHOGUN 2
Total War: SHOGUN 2 is the perfect mix of real-time and turn-based strategy gaming for newcomers and veterans alike. Total War: SHOGUN 2 is a strategy, historical and turn-based strategy game developed by Creative Assembly and Feral Interactive (Linux) and published by Feral interactive (Mac), Feral Interactive (Linux) and SEGA. Released on March 14th 2011 has received 24,952 reviews of which 22,620 were positive and 2,332 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 2,320 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played rts games.
8.9
22,620
2,332
2,320
players
10. Northgard
Northgard is a critically acclaimed strategy game based on Norse mythology. Lead your clan, uncover the secrets of a mysterious newfound continent and defeat your enemies to conquer the Throne! Northgard is a strategy, city builder and simulation game developed and published by Shiro Games. Released on March 07th 2018 has received 64,695 reviews of which 55,844 were positive and 8,851 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 2,196 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played rts games.
8.5
55,844
8,851
2,196
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 June 16th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted rts games.
1. Starship Troopers: Terran Command
Lead the Mobile Infantry in this RTS game set in the Starship Troopers film universe. Balance your army composition with a diverse set of unit types, overcome line-of-sight and line-of-fire challenges through tactical positioning, and use special abilities to smash the Arachnid hordes! Starship Troopers: Terran Command is a strategy, rts and singleplayer game developed by The Artistocrats and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on June 16th 2022 has received 10,784 reviews of which 9,461 were positive and 1,323 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for rts category.
8.5
9,461
1,323
-99%
28.99€
0.46€
2. 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 8,519 reviews of which 6,789 were positive and 1,730 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in rts games.
7.8
6,789
1,730
-99%
45.99€
0.88€
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 4,772 reviews of which 3,548 were positive and 1,224 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in rts games.
7.2
3,548
1,224
-99%
28.99€
0.56€
4. Driftland: The Magic Revival
After a devastating war between ancient mages, a powerful spell is all that holds together the shattered planet of Driftland. Take on the role of a powerful mage capable of moving and connecting floating lands, develop a mighty empire, and restore Driftland to its former glory! Driftland: The Magic Revival is a rts, 4x and god game game developed and published by Star Drifters. Released on April 18th 2019 has received 1,930 reviews of which 1,407 were positive and 523 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for rts games.
7.1
1,407
523
-99%
16.99€
0.31€
5. Battlezone 98 Redux
One of the greatest sci-fi strategy games of all time returns with remastered visuals, online multiplayer and near unlimited mod content from Steam Workshop. Experience thrilling first person action and acclaimed RTS in this explosive alternate vision of the 1960s space race. Battlezone 98 Redux is a strategy, action and first-person game developed by Big Boat Interactive and published by Rebellion. Released on April 18th 2016 has received 1,064 reviews of which 975 were positive and 89 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for rts games.
8.7
975
89
-98%
19.99€
0.58€
6. Tooth and Tail
Lead the revolution with an army of flamethrowing Boars, mustard gas-lobbing Skunks, and paratrooper-puking Owls. Tooth and Tail is a Real-Time-Strategy game featuring Single Player, Online Competitive Play, Split Screen, Replays, and more. Build a base, lead your army, eat your enemies! Tooth and Tail is a strategy, rts and pixel graphics game developed and published by Pocketwatch Games. Released on September 12th 2017 has received 4,057 reviews of which 3,242 were positive and 815 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for rts games.
7.8
3,242
815
-98%
19.99€
0.56€
7. Knights of Honor II: Sovereign
Become the king and fight over Europe in this fresh take on medieval real-time grand strategy. Manage provinces, gather armies, initiate diplomacy, and dabble in espionage. The path is open: become the true Sovereign of your people and bring them to glory. Knights of Honor II: Sovereign is a strategy, simulation and medieval game developed by Black Sea Games and published by THQ Nordic. Released on December 06th 2022 has received 5,792 reviews of which 4,450 were positive and 1,342 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for rts games.
7.5
4,450
1,342
-98%
44.99€
0.98€
8. 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 3,536 reviews of which 2,699 were positive and 837 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for rts games.
7.4
2,699
837
-98%
28.99€
0.73€
9. 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 17,082 reviews of which 12,328 were positive and 4,754 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for rts games.
7.1
12,328
4,754
-98%
29.99€
0.87€
10. The Hive
The Hive is a strategy game with RPG elements where you assume command as the insectoid hivemind. Build and expand your underground colony, harvest resources, and evolve your swarm using DNA. Will you survive in this hostile yet beautiful underworld? The Hive is a rts, strategy and rpg game developed and published by Skydome Entertainment. Released on August 25th 2016 has received 387 reviews of which 279 were positive and 108 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for rts games.
6.8
279
108
-98%
19.99€
0.51€
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 June 16th 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 48,342 reviews of which 40,941 were positive and 7,401 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 3,894 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free rts games on Steam.
8.3
40,941
7,401
3,894
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 21,854 reviews of which 18,745 were positive and 3,109 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 579, this rts game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free rts games on Steam.
8.4
18,745
3,109
579
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 5,564 reviews of which 3,797 were positive and 1,767 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 235, this rts game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free rts games on Steam.
6.7
3,797
1,767
235
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 3,922 reviews of which 3,678 were positive and 244 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 141 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free rts games on Steam.
9.0
3,678
244
141
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 2,766 were positive and 540 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
2,766
540
53
players
6. 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 10,679 reviews of which 8,984 were positive and 1,695 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free rts games on Steam.
8.2
8,984
1,695
45
players
7. 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 763 reviews of which 474 were positive and 289 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free rts games on Steam.
6.1
474
289
42
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 376 reviews of which 294 were positive and 82 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free rts games on Steam.
7.4
294
82
27
players
9. Empires Mod
Unique strategy/first person shooter mix: One commander on each team plays from above, choosing research, placing buildings and giving orders. The rest fill the role of soldiers on the ground, with four distinct classes to choose from and customizable vehicles to drive. Empires Mod is a fps, rts and pvp game developed and published by Empires. Released on July 28th 2008 has received 1,042 reviews of which 902 were positive and 140 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free rts games on Steam.
8.2
902
140
24
players
10. 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. Warzone 2100 is a strategy, free to play and rts game developed by Pumpkin Studios, Underdone Gaming and Warzone 2100 Project and published by Underdone Gaming. Released on February 18th 2020 has received 1,500 reviews of which 1,355 were positive and 145 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free rts games on Steam.
8.6
1,355
145
19
players