Real-time strategy games might not be the flavor of much of the gaming community, but for those who love it – It’s a fantastic journey to embark on. It’s usually a challenging one, but if you put your wits to the task, it can be very beneficial to your critical thinking, team building, planning, and decision-making skills.
Now who doesn’t want a boost in those areas – I sure do!
So, if you are looking to build gigantic armies and raise empires via blood and gore while improving some of your soft skills, then this list of real-time strategy games is your plug.
Today we’ll be looking at the seven best cognitive building real-time strategy games out there in 2020. Some of these games are quite dated though, but if the gameplay and graphics still hold up okay, then we will be adding them to our list. Alternatively, check out the evil twin of the RTS genre – the best turn-based strategy games. Let’s dive in…
#1 StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty
Considering that this game also made our list of the best strategy games all around, it’s a no-brainer that we should start our list of real-time strategy games with StarCraft II.
Most developers usually struggle with creating a sequel, especially one that hit worldwide acclaim – However, Blizzard Entertainment got something fundamentally right – they kept the elements of the original game intact, albeit improving them significantly. With remarkable missions, amazing graphics and keeping the foundation intact, StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty is an excellent addition to the series.
StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty Gameplay
The gameplay is much faster paced than the original, but also extremely competitive. There are more units and a new set of missions that not only you satisfied but also ensure you are immersed in the storyline. Gameplay-wise, StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty is a tactical masterpiece.
StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty Graphics
StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty won’t blow you away with its graphics – they are more cartoon-like than the original – but it works fine for a real-time strategy game. However, the amount of work Blizzard Entertainment put into the level of detail of the maps and the characters are nothing short of extraordinary.
StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty Storyline
The story is quite captivating and takes you on an adventure with marshal-turned-rebel-leader Jim Raynor. It also features some familiar faces from the original heroes and some new heroes that spice up the game’s flavor. The storyline also has some depth – asides accomplishing your mission objectives, you must also complete a varied but fascinating list of mini-tasks throughout the game.
StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty Coop/Multiplayer
Multiplayer is quite the captivating option here, although rookies tend to prefer to play the AI. Once you have a stable internet connection, be assured of an intense but thrilling multiplayer experience. The developers have also added some interesting tactical dimensions to the multiplayer option that serve to lend to the overall experience of the game.
StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty Overall Review
It’s a no-brainer that StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty makes our list – this is a well-made real-time strategy game. Combining impeccable production, astounding gameplay that has been improved upon significantly, and a much-improved multiplayer option, StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty is an amazing joy for any real-time strategy gamer.
#2 Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos
Warcraft III is probably one of the best real-time strategy PC war games ever made. Offering extraordinary 3D graphics that put Warcraft II visuals to shame, developer Blizzard Entertainment created a vibrant strategy game classic. It’s a fantastic story, smooth gameplay, and excellent graphics mean this will be a benchmark used to measure real-time strategy games in the coming years.
Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos Gameplay
The best keeps on getting better. If you have played StarCraft, then you should be up and running in no time. It’s a pretty addictive game and one that needs you to learn the art of multitasking. It’s interactive interface also goes a long way to ease a new player’s introduction to the Warcraft world of Orcs, humans, undead, and the night elves.
Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos Graphics
Here, Blizzard Entertainment really did go all out – it is by far one of the best visually appealing games I have come across in a long time – and I am a tough one to please. The 3D engine does a great job of rendering amazing graphics, and after watching one of the plot-driven cutscenes in-between campaigns, you might find yourself pining for a Warcraft movie. That’s how good the graphics are.
Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos Storyline
Immersive is the best way to describe WCIII’s storyline. It throws in some much-needed spice to the conventionally slow early stages of real-time strategy combat. WCIII comprises of four campaigns, and these weaves an entertaining and memorable story viewed from the unique perspective of each of the four factions. Each mission goal is original and has enough variety to keep you guessing at every turn.
Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos Coop/Multiplayer
WC III’s multiplayer can take anything from 2 to 12 players. Back when it was released, Blizzard’s enhancements to Battle.net have helped make the Warcraft III multiplayer groundbreaking for that period in terms of receptiveness and popularity. The diversity in the maps also lends to the beauty of the multiplayer mode, allowing for great variety depending on who you are playing against.
Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos Overall Review
Warcraft III is a must-have game, and its incredible graphics, immersive story, and epic multiplayer mode make it an outstanding game with enough appeal to outlast a generation. If you’re into World Of Warcraft, check out our WoW expansion list.
Related: World of Warcraft Classic Best Classes
#3 Europa Universalis 4
Europa Universalis 4 is a polished, almost frighteningly massive experience that drills its hooks in you the moment you click on that first country, and simply refuses to let go.
Europa Universalis 4 Gameplay
Europa Universalis 4 is a strategy game that actually requires strategy. The controls are not one of the most difficult to master and are quite smooth and easy once you find your way around them. The best part – the AI is quite developed and merciless and won’t hesitate to finish you off if you make the wrong move.
If you’re looking for even more excitement, the best EU4 mods might fulfill your desires.
Europa Universalis 4 Graphics
The improvement over EU3 is amazing – graphics are solid, detailed, and feature-rich. For a game with a steep learning curve, the graphics are certainly a welcoming sight to newbies.
Europa Universalis 4 Storyline
My perspective entirely – but I think Europa Universalis lacks a storyline. Rather, you create your own story as you journey through history as the leader of your chosen nation. Now, this isn’t entirely a bad thing I would say, as the game completely immerses you in over 400 years of European history, giving you a chance to “fix” events in time that you don’t agree with.
Europa Universalis 4 Coop/Multiplayer
Whether you are battling with friends or thinking of taking on history with your best friend, Europa Universalis 4 has you covered. Its multiplayer option can allow upwards of 25 players to battle each other for deals and territory, while it’s improved menu interface and chat system mean you shouldn’t have a problem when playing co-operative multiplayer mode.
Europa Universalis 4 Overall Review
If you love history, and strategy games that ensure you are always thinking on your feet, Europa Universalis 4 is a wondrous game. It is a unique and rewarding journey of world domination and will leave you glued to your gaming chair for hundreds of hours.
#4 Star Wars – Empire at War
In Empire at War, Star Wars fans finally got a strategy game worthy of the Star Wars franchise. Not only is this game perfect, but it is inventive and fun. It literally transported me into the Star Wars world effortlessly, and it was a huge drag getting myself out of it. The familiar Star Wars setting is some experience that can’t be described with text.
Star Wars – Empire at War Gameplay
As a real-time strategy game, gameplay on Empire at War delivers a true Star Wars gaming experience. The gameplay is the usual Command and Conquer style and comes with the usual downside of getting repetitive after a while. However, if you are a fan of such style of games, you’ll love Empire at War. The AI is a downside though – it’s quite easy to defeat the AI without much thought.
Star Wars – Empire at War Graphics
It’s 2020, so the graphics are not that cutting edge, and look a bit retro. However, with a great video card, they are quite amazing for the time this game was launched- 2006. The close-up shots of the battle and maps are okay, although there is some lack of detail in the design of vehicles and infantry – everything almost looks the same and can be visually confusing.
Star Wars – Empire at War Storyline
The storyline has a good amount of content, and its multi-tiered approach (space, ground, and galactic) offers strategy gamers an interesting feel of a galactic scale conquest.
Star Wars – Empire at War Coop/Multiplayer
The multiplayer mode here is quite amazing – I mean, who wants to keep on playing against the AI, considering how bad it is. Multiplayer campaign mode was restored in 2017 via Steam, after a three-year hiatus – Gamespy went offline in 2014.
Star Wars – Empire at War Overall Review
Empires at War is possibly the best strategy game of the Star Wars series since Rebellion and is easily recommendable to any real-time strategy gamer or Star Wars fan. Its graphics, good storyline, and healthy multiplayer community mean you should have a satisfying Star Wars experience.
#5 Offworld Trading Company
Offworld Trading Company is unlike any other real-time strategy game out there. It takes a unique approach to economic strategy and combines it with a lot of depth, quick decision making, and lots of maneuvering. It also throws in some unique sci-fi mechanics which help up its replayability. This is the sort of game you will be thinking about while at work.
Offworld Trading Company Gameplay
In a sense, Offworld Trading Company gameplay is a mirror of most real-world economies. It is a ruthless, fast and brutal game, with an overwhelming number of options available at every point in the game. The extremely detailed tutorials do, however, help ease the intensity of the complex gameplay, although, be assured that the AI will not let you off the hook that easily. ‘
Offworld Trading Company Graphics
Graphics-wise, this is a solid and polished game. Like the proverbial Oliver Twist, I would have preferred it to be a bit more detailed, but Mohawk Games does quite a good enough job with the graphical interface.
Offworld Trading Company Storyline
Offworld has an interesting storyline – set in outer space. You are in a race of time to build your corporate off-world empire. Sabotage, corporate espionage, black market moves, and shady trade tactics become a key part of your toolbox in this world where the winner takes it all.
Offworld Trading Company Coop/Multiplayer
I think Offworld was built for multiplayer gaming – lots of variabilities and high, quick intensity matches. It also has a dedicated coop mode. To make matters more interesting, Mohawk Games, in collaboration with Stardock launched a free multiplayer client that allows players to face off against each other for free, even if they don’t already own the game.
Offworld Trading Company Overall Review
Offworld is a fantastic strategy game, best played against humans, not the AI. It is simple yet nuanced, and its high intensity but quick matches mean you can achieve world domination in no time. That is also its downside – if you are used to drawn-out strategy games, then you might get bored with Offworld in no time.
#6 Company of Heroes 2: Ardennes Assault
Company of Heroes 2: Ardennes Assault is one game that aptly embodies the never give up slogan – one slip of the hand and you are done for, that you won today’s battle doesn’t mean you won the war. The single-player campaign will enthrall you with its well-designed missions and compelling storyline. Company of Heroes 2 will keep you busy with intense close combat fighting that leaves little or no margin for error.
Company of Heroes 2: Ardennes Assault Gameplay
Relic ensured that the gameplay here is as intense as it can get. They also upped the stakes by exchanging the mission-based style of the original with a long, hard, and realistic war campaign mode. Here, you must be smart with how you use your resources and manpower.
The changes in gameplay also increase the learning curve for rookies, although if have played prior versions of Company of Heroes, you should be able to handle the gameplay better than newbies to the Company of Heroes franchise.
Company of Heroes 2: Ardennes Assault Graphics
The energy of the visual interface does allow for some engaging single-player campaign. Company of Heroes 2 almost feels like a movie in some spots, and Relic does a fantastic job of drawing us into the lives of our soldiers with well-detailed visualizations that add color and life to the game.
Company of Heroes 2: Ardennes Assault Storyline
I think the first thing to point out here is if you love war stories, you’ll love Company of Heroes 2. The storyline has so much depth and replicates one of the most popular battles accurately – the “Battle of the Bulge.” Its level of depth also ensures you keep coming back to your PC for a fresh dose of complex and challenging battles to navigate.
Company of Heroes 2: Ardennes Assault Coop/Multiplayer
Company of Heroes 2: Ardennes Assault is a single-player game and has no multiplayer modes.
Company of Heroes 2: Ardennes Assault Overall Review
Ardennes Assault is a satisfying experience once you get a grasp of its complexity and ruthless AI. While it can be an overwhelming experience for rookies, that doesn’t take away the beauty of this game. Overall, Ardennes Assault is a must-get strategy game and offers gamers a lot of replay value – a major part of why it made our list of top strategy games of 2020.
#7 Halo Wars 2
Based of the wildly successful Microsoft’s Halo franchise, Halo Wars 2 is an overall good real-time strategy game, challenging enough where you really need to think, but not so challenging where you just want to put it down and walk away. As a veteran of the former Halo Wars game, I love this game and think it’s a great way for newbies to learn the vagaries of real-time strategy games.
Halo Wars 2 Gameplay
Halo Wars 2 takes an FPS spin and turns it into a real-time strategy campaign entailing tower-defense-like modes, protecting your flag or simply defending/attacking your enemies. It can be quite engaging – but ultimately, this is a tactical RTS experience that you can get through in no time.
Halo Wars 2 Graphics
Nothing revolutionary here…Did you really believe that? The graphics are absolutely gorgeous and well-detailed. Creative Assembly took no prisoners here. The cut scenes are incredibly well-thought-out and help immerse you further into the game and the Halo universe.
Halo Wars 2 Storyline
Halo Wars 2 is a chronological follow up of Halo 5, with the Spirit of Fire crew continuing their swashbuckling adventures through the universe. The story is well integrated, and the gorgeous cutscenes help prepare you for what is to come.
Halo Wars 2 Coop/Multiplayer
The multiplayer option of Halo Wars 2 offers a great amount of variety for gamers, which is a positive amongst RTS games of its kind. You can play a deathmatch with your friends, or battle for territorial domination with 1 – 6 players. It’s Blitz multiplayer mode also offers you some fast and unpredictable action and is sure to be a hit if you are a fan of the Halo franchise.
Halo Wars 2 Overall Review
Halo Wars 2 is a fun game, especially for beginners to the real-time strategy genre – gameplay is quite engaging but not very complex. It’s an addictive multiplayer option, and gorgeous graphics make this a worthy addition to our list.
Final Verdict
So that’s it…Seven amazing real-time strategy games that are sure to suit your specific needs from this genre.
What’s your best option?
I prefer StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty. Its brilliant gameplay and storyline suit my quirky self perfectly. Europa Universalis 4 would be a close runner-up if I had to pick a second – I am a huge fan of economic strategy, and Europa Universalis 4 simulates that in astounding detail.
Also, you should check out the outstanding total war games, as they are among my favorites. They aren’t really falling into the RTS genre, so they couldn’t make the list.