The Most Popular RTS, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the RTS you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 3, 2024 06:47
Real-time strategy games have captivated audiences around the world, offering dynamic gameplay that blends strategy, quick decision-making, and real-time action. Players often debate the virtues of one title over another, leading to lively discussions and comparisons on various forums and communities. By creating an accessible list where users can vote on their favorite titles, it becomes easier to see which games resonate most with the gaming community at large.
This system not only captures current preferences and trends but also helps new players understand which games might be worth exploring. Opposing subjective opinions can sometimes cloud the true picture of a game's reception; however, through collective community input, a clearer consensus can be formed. We invite all gamers to contribute their opinions and help shape this ongoing ranking to reflect the best in real-time strategy entertainment.
What Is the Most Popular RTS?
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161votes
Starcraft II
Blizzard EntertainmentThis game is one of the most popular RTS games ever made. The game features a complex gameplay system, a deep storyline, and a competitive multiplayer mode.Starcraft II is a real-time strategy game developed by Blizzard Entertainment. It is the highly anticipated sequel to the original Starcraft, released in 1998. Set in a futuristic sci-fi universe, the game features three distinct factions, the human Terrans, the insectoid Zerg, and the advanced alien Protoss, each with their own unique units and strategies. Starcraft II offers both single-player and multiplayer modes, with a deep and engrossing storyline in the campaign. It has become a popular e-sport with professional tournaments and a dedicated fan base worldwide.- Genre: Real-time Strategy
- Platforms: PC, Mac
- Release Date: July 27, 2010
- Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
- Factions: Terrans, Zerg, Protoss
Starcraft II in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular strategy game
- Position 8 of 10 in Most anticipated game of all time
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237votes
Age of Empires II
Ensemble StudiosThis game is a classic RTS game that has stood the test of time. It features a historically accurate gameplay system, a variety of civilizations to choose from, and a challenging campaign mode.Age of Empires II is a real-time strategy video game that takes players through different historical periods. Players build and train armies to conquer and defend territories, research technologies, gather resources, and engage in battles. The game features a variety of civilizations, each with unique strengths and opportunities for expansion.- Release Date: September 30, 1999
- Platform(s): Microsoft Windows, Mac OS
- Game Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
- Number of Civilizations: 13
- Campaigns: 5 historical campaigns
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328votesThis game is another classic RTS game that has a deep storyline and a variety of playable factions. The game also features a custom map editor that allows players to create their own maps and game modes.Warcraft III in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular Blizzard game
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421votesThis game is a popular RTS game that features a unique gameplay system, a variety of factions to choose from, and an engaging storyline. The game also has a large modding community that has created a variety of custom maps and game modes.Command and Conquer: Red Alert 2 is a real-time strategy (RTS) video game set in an alternative history universe, where the Soviet Union wages war against the Allies in the 1970s. Players control one of the factions and engage in building bases, managing resources, and commanding armies to defeat their enemies.
- Release Date: October 23, 2000
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows
- Genre: RTS
- Single-player: Yes
- Multiplayer: Yes
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58votes
Star Wars: Empire at War
Petroglyph GamesThis game is an RTS game that takes place in the Star Wars universe. The game features a variety of playable factions, a deep storyline, and a unique gameplay system that allows players to command their own fleets of ships.Star Wars: Empire at War is a real-time strategy (RTS) game set in the Star Wars universe. Players can take control of either the Rebel Alliance or the Galactic Empire and engage in epic battles across different planets and space sectors. The game features both ground-based and space-based combat, with various units and heroes from the Star Wars saga available for players to command. Additionally, Empire at War includes a galactic conquest mode, where players can strategically plan their moves and attempt to conquer the galaxy.- Platform: Microsoft Windows
- Genre: Real-time strategy (RTS)
- Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
- Release Date: February 16, 2006
- Setting: Star Wars universe
Star Wars: Empire at War in other rankings- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular Star Wars game
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614votes
Company of Heroes
Relic EntertainmentThis game is an RTS game that takes place during World War II. The game features a variety of playable factions, a deep storyline, and a unique gameplay system that allows players to command their own squads of soldiers.Company of Heroes is a highly acclaimed real-time strategy (RTS) game set during World War II. It was developed by Relic Entertainment and published by THQ. The game was first released in 2006 and has since gained a massive following, becoming one of the most popular RTS games in the genre.- Release Date: 2006
- Genre: Real-Time Strategy (RTS)
- Setting: World War II
- Developer: Relic Entertainment
- Publisher: THQ
Company of Heroes in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular war game
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716votes
Total War: Warhammer II
Creative AssemblyThis game is an RTS game that takes place in the Warhammer Fantasy universe. The game features a variety of playable factions, a deep storyline, and a unique gameplay system that allows players to command their own armies of fantasy creatures.Total War: Warhammer II is an epic strategy game that blends the rich lore and fantastical world of Warhammer Fantasy Battles with the intense and immersive gameplay of the Total War series. Set in the vibrant and diverse lands of the Warhammer universe, players embark on a conquest to control and dominate various factions, each with their unique units, heroes, and playstyle.- Genre: Turn-based strategy, Real-time tactics
- Developer: Creative Assembly
- Publisher: Sega
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux
- Release Date: September 28, 2017
Total War: Warhammer II in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most fun Total War game
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular strategy game
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89votes
Supreme Commander
Chris TaylorThis game is an RTS game that features a unique gameplay system that allows players to command massive armies of units. The game also features a variety of playable factions and a challenging campaign mode.Supreme Commander is a highly acclaimed real-time strategy (RTS) game that was released in 2007. It is set in a futuristic world where players take on the role of a commander leading one of the three factions vying for domination: United Earth Federation, Cybran Nation, or Aeon Illuminate. The game focuses on large-scale warfare, with massive armies, extensive bases, and advanced technology.- Game Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
- Platform: Microsoft Windows
- Graphics: 3D, Real-time Strategy
- Factions: United Earth Federation, Cybran Nation, Aeon Illuminate
- Unit Diversity: Over 250 unique units
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98votes
Rise of Nations
Big Huge GamesThis game is an RTS game that features a historically accurate gameplay system, a variety of playable factions, and a challenging campaign mode. The game also has a large modding community that has created a variety of custom maps and game modes.Rise of Nations is a real-time strategy (RTS) game that allows players to guide a nation through various historical periods, from ancient times to the modern age. Players control their economy, research technologies, build and command armies, engage in diplomacy, and conquer territories in both single-player and multiplayer modes.- Release Date: May 20, 2003
- Platform(s): Microsoft Windows, macOS
- Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
- Genre: Real-time strategy
- Setting: Historical
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1010votesThis game is an RTS game that takes place in space. The game features a unique gameplay system that allows players to command their own fleets of ships, a deep storyline, and a challenging campaign mode.Homeworld is a critically acclaimed real-time strategy (RTS) game that was first released in 1999. It is known for its unique setting and innovative gameplay mechanics. The game was developed by Relic Entertainment and published by Sierra Studios.
- Release Year: 1999
- Platform(s): Microsoft Windows, Mac OS
- Genre: Science fiction, RTS
- Setting: Outer space
- Player Perspective: Third-person
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Ranking factors for popular RTS
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Gameplay MechanicsThe core gameplay mechanics, such as resource management, unit control, and base building, should be engaging, balanced, and well-designed. The mechanics should also be intuitive for players to understand and add depth to the strategic choices they make while playing.
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AccessibilityThe game should be easy to pick up for new players and should have a learning curve that allows players to gradually improve their skills. A good tutorial system or introductory missions can help guide new players through the game's mechanics.
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Competitive Scene and BalanceA successful RTS should have a thriving competitive scene with a diverse range of viable strategies and counter-strategies. Balance should be a primary focus, ensuring that no one strategy or faction dominates the game, making it more interesting and dynamic.
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Graphics and AudioHigh-quality graphics and sound that support and enhance the gameplay experience, engrossing players in the game world and providing visual and auditory feedback that aids in understanding the game state.
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Single-player and Multiplayer ModesThe game should offer a rich single-player campaign with an engaging story or challenges, as well as strong multiplayer options for players to test their skills against others, including options for team play, map variety, and game modes.
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Community and Mod SupportA strong community of players and content creators helps to keep the game alive and interesting. Giving players the ability to create custom scenarios, campaigns, and mods can significantly extend the life of an RTS.
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AIThe game's artificial intelligence should offer a challenge to players without resorting to cheating or unfair advantages. Skilled AI can adapt to different strategies and provide replay value for players practicing or looking to improve their skills.
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Performance and OptimizationThe game should run smoothly on a wide range of hardware and not suffer from game-breaking bugs or performance issues. Optimization ensures that players have a satisfying experience without technical frustrations.
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Post-Release SupportDevelopers should continue to support the game after its release, including updates, bug fixes, and new content, keeping the game fresh and responsive to player feedback.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular RTS. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or RTS is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 3381 views
- 196 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each RTS once every 24 hours. The rank of each RTS is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular rts
Real-time strategy games, or RTS, have been a popular genre of video games since the 1990s. These games typically involve players managing resources, building bases, and commanding armies in real-time battles against opponents. Some of the most iconic RTS games include titles like Age of Empires, Starcraft, Command and Conquer, and Warcraft.
The popularity of RTS games stems from the strategic depth and complexity they offer, as players must balance resource management, unit production, and tactical decision-making in order to outmaneuver their opponents. Many RTS games also have vibrant online communities, with players competing in online tournaments and sharing strategies and tips.
With so many great RTS games to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which one is the most popular. However, by analyzing user data and polling the community, we can identify the most beloved and widely-played RTS games of all time.
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