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
ICBM: Escalation
ICBM: Escalation is a grand RTS where you command armies, develop cutting-edge tech, and wield devastating weapons. Conquer enemies with conventional forces or nuclear firepower. With new modes like Standoff and Conquest, the game offers deep strategic layers in a global warfare setting.
Rogue Command
Classic RTS gameplay fused with a modern roguelike. Shape your build each run by assembling an evolving arsenal of powerful units and facilities. Harvest resources, build out your base. Raise your army and call down orbital strikes to overcome the forces threatening your survival.
Sea Power : Naval Combat in the Missile Age
From the lead designer of Cold Waters, Sea Power lets you control NATO and Warsaw Pact forces in modern naval conflict campaigns. Use your advanced naval weaponry and sensors to respect rules of engagement and defeat the enemy forces in a tense fight for initiative and air/naval supremacy.
Tower Factory
Tower Factory is a tower defense and automation game with roguelite elements. Optimize resource production using conveyor systems while defending against monster waves. Can you find and destroy the enemy tower before it's too late?
Empire of the Ants
Conquer enemy nests and lead your colony through the perils of the forest in this groundbreaking RTS. Empire of the Ants is a photorealistic, third-person real-time strategy game where you command your insect legions in epic battles.
Surviving the Abyss
Earth, 1976. You have been tasked with managing a deep-sea science facility working to perfect cloning. Explore the darkness and keep your crew alive in this hardcore survival colony builder. And beware. The darkness hides untold horrors.
Age of History 3
Grand strategy wargame where the destiny of Civilizations rests in your hands - will they stand united under your leadership or fall divided in conflict? Journey through the entire saga of human civilization, from its earliest days to the futuristic era, crafting your legacy age by age.
East Trade Tycoon: Inheritance
Eastern Trade Tycoon: Inheritance is a trading simulator game.In the game,you can from zero to hero.By trading markets, build a business,earn money,level up, investing accurately, and manage family to become a trading tycoon!
Diplomacy is Not an Option
Diplomacy is Not an Option is a strategy game set in a medieval fantasy world. Build your town and defenses, raise huge armies and fight against massive hordes of enemies. How long can you survive?
Axon TD: Uprising - Tower Defense
Axon TD lets you expand the map boundaries themselves. A huge arsenal of towers and a wide variety of enemies clash in a battlefield that grows to your whims. Engage in single, cooperative, and roguelite gameplay.
63 Days
Coming of age as a part of the first generation born free, WWII stripped me of my family, home, and future. Now I'm left with only one choice: to get my revenge and independence, or die trying. The odds are against us: will our tactics, stealth and teamwork be enough?
Mechabellum
Mechabellum is a rewarding tactical wargame where you gain victory by adapting your strategy and outthinking your opponents. Command a mechanized army in battles against humans or AI, customize your units and strategically place them on the battlefield to watch them destroy your enemies.
Kepler-2100
Kepler-2100 is a space fantasy strategy war game
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.
9-Bit Armies: A Bit Too Far
Unleash voxel warfare in 9-Bit Armies: A Bit Too Far. Lead a modern military, build bases, unlock units, and attack in all-out war. Engage on land, sea and air in over two dozen missions, online skirmishes, or co-op. Easy to learn, a challenge to master.
Toy Shire
Are you prepared for a thrilling toy army tower defense adventure? Welcome to the Toy Shire! Battle diverse foes in various locations, defend your family, and repel foes from your area. Save the world by strengthening your defense with toy towers!
Sins of a Solar Empire II
Battle for galactic dominance in this real-time 4X strategy game with unrivaled scale! You’ll explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate through military force, diplomacy, trade, culture, influence, and other underhanded tactics.
Loopstructor
This is a strategy game that combines tower defense with Roguelike. Unlike traditional tower defense game, the towers in the game are vehicles that move along ‘loops’.You need to create defense loop and build battle trains to defend against enemy attacks.
Age of Defense
Age of Defense is a tower defense game full of mind-blowing mayhem. There are tons of monsters and tough defenders in the game each of which fits perfectly into a funny cartoonish setting.
Norland
Lead your noble family in this medieval colony sim, facing off against class conflict, religious struggle, and political treachery. Tend to your people’s needs, uncover the lost knowledge of a fallen empire, and engage in nefarious plots against your enemies.
Gladiator Guild Manager
A strategic autobattler sim where you build a team of gladiators, compete in arenas, plan fight tactics, and form alliances. Combine fighters, beasts, and mages, develop and equip them to optimize your well-oiled fighting machine, dominate the championships, and leave your mark on the world.
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 15th 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 15th 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. 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, medieval and rts game developed and published by Destructive Creations. Released on May 22nd 2018 has received 8,373 reviews of which 6,597 were positive and 1,776 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in rts games.
7.7
6,597
1,776
-99%
34.99€
0.55€
4. 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. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for rts games.
7.2
3,548
1,224
-99%
28.99€
0.56€
5. 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 #5 position in the best deals for rts games.
7.1
1,407
523
-99%
16.99€
0.31€
6. Dark Future: Blood Red States
Step into the extraordinary, dystopian world of Dark Future, filled with danger, chaos and adventure. A game of both action and strategy unlike any other, featuring a unique time dilating command mode to help you make tactical decisions on the dangerous highways of this world. Dark Future: Blood Red States is a vehicular combat, rts and turn-based tactics game developed and published by Auroch Digital. Released on May 16th 2019 has received 477 reviews of which 295 were positive and 182 were negative resulting in a rating of 6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for rts games.
6
295
182
-99%
24.50€
0.44€
7. 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 18,382 reviews of which 17,320 were positive and 1,062 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for rts games.
9.2
17,320
1,062
-98%
29.99€
0.67€
8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for rts games.
8.7
975
89
-98%
19.99€
0.58€
9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for rts games.
7.8
3,242
815
-98%
19.99€
0.56€
10. 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 #10 position in the best deals for rts games.
7.5
4,450
1,342
-98%
44.99€
0.98€
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 15th 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