Top 5 Best RTS Games on PC in 2018

StarCraft 2

Best RTS Games on PC in 2018

StarCraft 2, despite its age, continues to be one of the best and most popular RTS games right now. No matter what rank or skill level you are, you’ll find a game in a matter of seconds if you’re looking to 1v1 other players competitively. However, just as popular, if not more so, are the relatively recently added co-op game modes that have you and another player team up to take on weekly challenges and level up different commanders from the game’s single-player mode. Also, there are the arcade games (use map settings if you’re more familiar with StarCraft 1), that allow you to play fan created games, such as tower defense, SC2 variants, or even a MMORPG.

And, if you’re willing to pony up cash (the multiplayer is free-to-play now) you can experience the game’s excellent single-player campaign that stretches across three separate titles from the perspective of each race: Wings of Liberty, Heart of the Swarm, and Legacy of the Void.

Finally, if you’re into esports, the StarCraft 2 scene is still alive and well with regular events and tournaments with large prize pools.

Age of Empires II: HD Edition

Best RTS Games on PC in 2018

Age of Empires II: HD Edition is a remaster of the classic RTS from the late 90s. After bringing the classic back to the modern tech in 2013, the HD edition has taken on a life of its own and, until Age of Empires IV comes out, it will have to do.

AoE II HD features everything you remembered about the original and added in three new expansions into the mix as well: The Forgotten, African Kingdoms, and Rise of the Rajas. And, if you’re into to modding, there are plenty of community made mods that you can take advantage of as well.

The Age of Empires series remains beloved to this day because Microsoft and Ensemble got the formula right the first time, and it holds up even in 2018.

Tooth and Tail

Best RTS Games on PC in 2018

Tooth and Tail is a Pikmin-like RTS that sees you control one of four mouse commanders that must lead a group of animals into a war over food shortages.

Now, sure, the use of anthropomorphic characters might seem cute on the surface, but do not be fooled. Tooth and Tail is quite grim. There is a ton of violence, and the victors get to eat the opponents, cannibal style. Yeah…

Plus, all of the strategy that RTS fans would expect, is all there. You’ll need to carefully micromanage your leader and army, while also produce resources back in your territory in order to stay on the offensive. You’ll build defensive buildings, air units, machine guns and more brutal weapons that shouldn’t be in the hands of cuddly critters.

Northgard

Best RTS Games on PC in 2018

If you’re looking for something more current, Northgard is one of the more recent RTS games to come out, and is incredibly popular. The nordic and viking themed game features an old-school RTS look, but don’t be fooled into thinking it’s 100% an old school game. Northgard mixes up the genre quite a bit.

You’ll not only need to build up an army to attack and expand your empire, as is customary, but there’s also micro-level sim-like management to consider as well. Your vikings can also be assigned jobs and roles that will aid you in surviving and conquering.

Finally, unlike most RTS games that task you with destroying all of your opponent’s stuff, there are other win conditions for players that prefer a different approach. If you want something new, and innovative, Northgard is the way to go.

Halo Wars 2

Best RTS Games on PC in 2018

This one is for the console fans out there who are generally left out in the cold when it comes to RTS games. Although Halo Wars 2 is out on PC as well, it is one of the few RTS games that has successfully worked out a way to preform well on consoles as well, without sacrificing what people like best. Plus, it features cross-play, so you can play with your RTS starved brethren.

Halo Wars 2 features a lengthy campaign that will occupy you for some time, and when you’re done with that, you can move onto the game’s competitive multiplayer. You can play ranked 1v1, and team games that feature the old standard of building up your base, expanding, and smashing your army against your opponents.  Or if you prefer, there is a new faster-paced game called Blitz, that lets you build up a deck of cards to use in a micro-intensive match that usually only takes a few minutes.