Real-time strategy gamesare a staple of the video game industry and an important part of gaming history, with some of the most famous PC games being a part of the genre. Games likeWarcraft 3,Age Of Empires 2, andCommand & Conquerare arguably some of the most influential games of all time.
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The reason for the continued popularity of RTS games since their peak in the 1990s could be attributed to their facilitation of player agency and creativity, which is made possible by the genre’s common complexity and depth. Manygames in the RTS genrelean into this creativity, providing players with a sandbox to play in and experiment with different tactics and techniques. Whilesome RTS games provide fully open sandbox experiences, others aim to provide players with a multitude of ways to play.
8The White Laboratory
This unique RTS/tower defensemash-up has a distinct aesthetic andphysics-based gameplaythat help to make it stand out.The White Laboratoryplays out in real-time-with-pause and allows players to build structures and machines via multipurpose components.
The White Laboratory’sstructure is more akin to a tower defense game than an RTS, but its RTS elements (such as managing units/towers and base-building mechanics) combined with player creativity encouraged through its modular system make it a unique sandbox experience for fans of RTS and tower defense games.
7Istrolid
Thisfree-to-playsci-fiship-building gamegives players the creative tools to design and build their own spaceships before taking them out onto the battlefield in quick skirmishes of territory control.
Istrolidallows for a variety of units and strategies with its extensive customization options as players fight to take control of the galaxy in the game’s single-player campaign, through which players can gather new parts to change up their strategy and create more efficient ship designs. Furthermore, the game doesn’t lock any of its mechanics behind a pay wall, instead opting to allow players to pay for cosmetic options via DLC.
6Extremely Realistic Siege Warfare Simulator
Extremely Realistic Siege Warfare Simulatoron tactical commands and abilities in siege-based combat scenarios that encourage players to strategize in a variety of ways as they attempt to defend from and perform sieges in a medieval fantasy setting.
Extremely Realistic Siege Warfare Simulatoroffers simple, accessible gameplay and controls with a focus on tactical decisions and broad strategies over complex management and economy mechanics. Furthermore, the game allows players to take control of units and partake in battles with them, not unlike theMount & Bladegames.
5Void Destroyer 2
This open-world sci-fi sandbox game plays similarly to games likeMount & Blade, allowing players to explore a world and take part in tactical, strategic battles, all while building up an army (or in this case, a fleet). Players control their own ship in real-time through a first-person perspective, butVoid Destroyer 2has an intuitive and competent system for handling RTS battles that allow players to control multiple ships at once.
AlthoughVoid Destroyer 2doesn’t begin as an RTS, instead putting players in control of a singular ship and letting them loose in the game’s open world, the game opens up once players begin to progress and build their fleet.
4Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord
This open-world strategy RPG has players commanding their units in real-time from the perspective of their own character on the battlefield and requires management of troops and formations in order to lead armies to victory and conquer territories.
Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlordis more of an RPG than an RTS, but there’s no question that the game’s combat involves a heavy amount of real-time strategy. The game’s open world provides a dynamic sandbox full of opportunities for diplomacy, trading, and waging war.Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlordalso features a modding kit and Steam Workshop support for further customizing the experience.
3Kenshi
Kenshiis an open-world party-based RPG that doesn’t play like a traditional RTS, but its real-time-with-pause gameplay allows players to fight large-scale battles with up to thirty squad members that can be controlled both individually and all at once.
While it may take a while to get to the point in which players can control large amounts of characters and make an impact on the game world,Kenshioffers an expansive and reactive sandbox for players to experiment in as they progress, all in a truly unique fantasy setting.
2Age Of Empires 4
Age Of Empiresis one of the most revered series in the RTS genre, but the latest game in the franchise is perhaps the most accessible with its improved graphics and emphasis on player choice.Age Of Empires 4doesn’t stray far from the gameplay structure of the previous games, tasking players with controlling large armies in strategic warfare while building up and defending bases across various maps.
Age Of Empires 4hasvarious distinct civilizationsto play as, a historic setting, and additional modes that allow players to set up their own battles or tackle specific challenges, giving players the ability to choose how to play.
1Star Wars: Empire At War
Star Wars: Empire At Wardisplays its sandbox capabilities right from the get-go when it asks players to choose between commanding the Rebel Alliance or the Empire. Depending on which side the player chooses to take, the game’s campaign can take on an entirely different tone.
Star Wars: Empire At Wartakes place on a galactic map in real-time and features both ground and space combat, although the game is arguably more revered for the latter. It also features iconic characters and planets from the films, making it a great experiencefor fans of theStar Warsuniverse.
