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
Z
“Z”, the classic Real Time Strategy Game by the Bitmap Brothers. Fans of this classic strategy title are in for a real treat. Everything is in here from the terrific comedy cut scenes to the frantic game play making this is the definitive version of Z.
Soldiers: Heroes of World War II
The first instalment in a series that would become known as Men of War. Take control of American, British, Soviet, or German forces to play out battles set in World War II. Primarily a strategy game, but you can directly control your forces with keyboard and mouse as well!
COH 2 - The Western Front Armies: US Forces
This individual army for COH2 allows you to access all existing COH2 maps in auto-match, and play against all other existing factions in multiplayer. It can also be obtained at a discount by acquiring The Western Front Armies multiplayer standalone, where it is bundled with the OKW army.
CoH 2 - The Western Front Armies: Oberkommando West
This individual army for COH2 allows you to access all existing COH2 maps in auto-match, and play against all other existing factions in multiplayer. It can also be obtained at a discount by acquiring The Western Front Armies multiplayer standalone, where it is bundled with the USF army.
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.
Tropico 5
Return to the remote island nation of Tropico and expand your Dynasty’s reign from the early colonial period to beyond the 21st Century, facing new challenges including advanced trading mechanics, technology and scientific research, as well as cooperative and competitive MULTIPLAYER.
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.
Men of War: Assault Squad 2
Men of War: Assault Squad 2 features new single player style skirmish modes that take players from extreme tank combat to deadly sniper stealth missions. Commanders can now faceoff against opponents on various new multiplayer 1v1 – 8v8 maps.
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.
1849
1849 is a city management game set during the California Gold Rush. Your task is to build towns, populate them with workers, and make sure that they are housed, fed, and entertained. You’ll have to manage and coordinate extensive production and trade networks to make sure your towns thrive.
SuperPower 2 Steam Edition
SuperPower 2 is the only global geopolitical simulation game which allows players to control entire countries. Players control countries in 3 major areas: political, economic and military, but this time, in a beautiful real-time 3D environment.
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.
Faces of War
The second instalment in the series that would become known as Men of War. Through the eyes of Allied, German and Russian squad leaders, experience the most immersive World War II real-time strategy game where each battle is played out and won differently based on your tactical choices.
Praetorians
Praetorians is set amidst the political machinations of an emerging Roman Empire. You will be transported back to the dusty battlefields of Egypt, the combat theaters of Gaul and finally to the heart of the Empire itself, Italy in the crusade to become Emperor.
Imperial Glory
It is a time of war in Europe. Driven by new ideas of Enlightenment, the hearts of men and women across the continent are inflamed with dreams of freedom and glory. This is the moment for a military genius to forge himself a name to be remembered throughout all eternity. This is your moment.
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.
Infested Planet
Command a team of 5 elite soldiers against an alien horde of 100,000. Surrounded on all sides, you must outmaneuver and outsmart the enemy.
Banished
In this city-building strategy game, you control a group of exiled travelers who decide to restart their lives in a new land. They have only the clothes on their backs and a cart filled with supplies from their homeland. The townspeople of Banished are your primary resource.
Graviteam Tactics: Operation Star
Graviteam Tactics: Operation Star is a sequel to Achtung Panzer: Kharkov 1943. It’s an Eastern Front war game with solid graphics and sprawling battlefields that really emphasizes the scope of WWII tank combat.Want to step into the role of a commander in the very heart of Kharkov’s defense?
Hostile Waters: Antaeus Rising
In 2032 an Earth that knows only peace is forced to relearn the art of war. Twenty years have passed since the population of Earth did a fine job of destroying nearly everything in one final struggle for power by the politicians and military leaders.
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.
Zombie Tycoon 2: Brainhov's Revenge
Pick your faction, Monster, strategy, and find out who gets to become King of the Undead!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 April 30th 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 118,379 reviews of which 85,669 were positive and 32,710 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 14,590 peak concurrent players over the last day.
7.2
85,669
32,710
14,590
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 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. While seeing 14,016 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among rts games based on player count.
9.4
152,453
8,278
14,016
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 7,302 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
7,302
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 3,077 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
3,077
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 2,427 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
2,427
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 101,202 reviews of which 96,936 were positive and 4,266 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 2,269 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played rts games.
9.4
96,936
4,266
2,269
players
7. Tempest Rising
Command distinct factions in a desperate struggle for power and resources in Tempest Rising - a classic RTS set on Earth after a nuclear war. Tempest Rising is a rts, strategy and base-building game developed by Slipgate Ironworks™ and published by 3D Realms and Knights Peak. Released on April 21st 2025 has received 4,724 reviews of which 4,229 were positive and 495 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 2,163 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played rts games.
8.6
4,229
495
2,163
players
8. 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 16,304 reviews of which 14,674 were positive and 1,630 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 1,958 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played rts games.
8.8
14,674
1,630
1,958
players
9. 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 38,906 reviews of which 37,985 were positive and 921 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 1,923 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played rts games.
9.6
37,985
921
1,923
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 109,491 reviews of which 86,449 were positive and 23,042 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 1,723 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played rts games.
7.8
86,449
23,042
1,723
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 April 30th 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 8,484 reviews of which 6,772 were positive and 1,712 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
6,772
1,712
-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 8,341 reviews of which 6,574 were positive and 1,767 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
6,574
1,767
-95%
37.20€
1.86€
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 4,743 reviews of which 3,532 were positive and 1,211 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
3,532
1,211
-94%
29.17€
1.75€
4. Dungeons 3
At last, the Dungeon Lord has successfully united the forces of evil and established his dark empire. Time for the next step in his most diabolical quest: expansion! Dungeons 3 is a strategy, villain protagonist and base-building game developed by Realmforge Studios and published by Kalypso Media. Released on October 13th 2017 has received 18,348 reviews of which 17,288 were positive and 1,060 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for rts games.
9.2
17,288
1,060
-93%
29.29€
2.05€
5. 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 2,585 reviews of which 1,977 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 #5 position in the best deals for rts games.
7.4
1,977
608
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
6. 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 16,945 reviews of which 12,225 were positive and 4,720 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for rts games.
7.1
12,225
4,720
-93%
34.57€
2.42€
7. 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 3,518 reviews of which 2,687 were positive and 831 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for rts games.
7.4
2,687
831
-92%
28.25€
2.26€
8. 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 4,045 reviews of which 3,234 were positive and 811 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for rts games.
7.8
3,234
811
-91%
20.00€
1.80€
9. 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 4,919 reviews of which 4,317 were positive and 602 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
4,317
602
-90%
9.99€
0.99€
10. 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 784 were positive and 88 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for rts games.
8.5
784
88
-90%
20.60€
2.06€
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 April 30th 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 3,077 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
3,077
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 398, this rts game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free rts games on Steam.
8.4
18,673
3,062
398
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 227, this rts game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free rts games on Steam.
6.7
3,664
1,735
227
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
86
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 2,768 were positive and 538 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
2,768
538
43
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 10,655 reviews of which 8,961 were positive and 1,694 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
8,961
1,694
35
players
7. 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 370 reviews of which 288 were positive and 82 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free rts games on Steam.
7.3
288
82
21
players
8. 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 2,435 reviews of which 1,664 were positive and 771 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free rts games on Steam.
6.7
1,664
771
17
players
9. Art of War: Red Tides
Art of War: Red Tides is a fair multiplayer strategy game that allows different teams on the same platform (e.g. smartphones, PC, etc.) to battle against each other. You will encounter players around the world! Art of War: Red Tides is a free to play, strategy and multiplayer game developed and published by Game Science. Released on December 22nd 2016 has received 6,897 reviews of which 5,440 were positive and 1,457 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free rts games on Steam.
7.7
5,440
1,457
13
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 2,572 reviews of which 2,358 were positive and 214 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
2,358
214
9
players