Summary
Real-time strategy games provide players with an abundance of entertainment, as many RTS games provide players withan assortment of interesting battlefieldsto fight on, either against other players or the computer. As they put their skills to the test in both historical locations and fantasy ones, too.
Besides the captivating locations, combat in these real-time strategy titles is one of the most important features of many of these games, as these battles need to be engaging to keep players hooked on playing them. With so many real-time strategy games available on the likes of Steam as well as on consoles, these are the real-time strategy games that have the best combat.
Starting strong, a great real-time strategy title players should consider when looking for a game with great combat isSpellforce 3: Reforced. The game is not only an RTS title but also combines its gameplay with the RPG genre to create a strategy game with an intriguing story that will have players attached to their units as they explore each region of the map.
As players conquer regions, they will be put into RTSskirmish-style games, where the members of the player’s party are now transformed into Hero units. Using these units can create some exciting moments inSpellforce 3as these characters have plenty of overpowered abilities that can truly turn the tide of battle while also allowing their smaller units to wade into war.
Players who are fans of theWarhammer 40kfranchise are sure to find enjoyment when playingWarhammer 40k: Dawn of War 2. This RTS title is filled with fast-paced tactical combat that encourages the player to think on the go as they take on various missions asone of the six factionsof the infamous Space Marines.
With a combination of both melee and ranged combat, players will have an assortment of units to experiment with inWarhammer 40k: Dawn of War 2.The units aren’t the only deadly things in this RTS game, as the environments can also be used to the player’s advantage, as these dynamic and destructible environments can also be used to defeat enemies.
While many of the real-time strategy games available to players have them choosing from human or at least humanoid units, there are some RTS titles that step away from the usual soldiers needed to fight in campaigns to instead take their battles into space.Sins of a Solar Empire 2is one such example of this sort of RTS game, where players instead control spaceships that are likely to encounter opposition among the stars.
WhileSins of a Solar Empire 2focuses on an assortment of management mechanics from not only the player’s fleet, but also the entire empire they grow, the combat simulated in space is some of the most detailed. Players need to consider the speed of their turrets as well as how they wish to use their ships to block lethal hits.
Some players may be tempted to enjoy classic real-time strategy games, though many of these titles may struggle to run on modern machines. Thankfully, there are titles that have been released in recent years, such asTempest Rising, that mimic the enjoyment and nostalgia of previous RTS titles while also being engaging to new players as well.
In between the usual base-building inTempest Rising, this real-time strategy game is praisedfor its hard-hitting combatthat takes place in a post-nuclear version of Earth. With three factions to choose from, each comes with its own unique units to make each battle feel different, as well as make for some exciting moments.
The enjoyment of classic real-time strategy games such asWarcraft 3: Reign of Chaoscannot be understated. As one of the first games made by Blizzard to enter 3D, the title was critically acclaimed on release, with not only the graphics pleasing people, but the combat too, especially as the choice of factions wasn’t just for appearance, but also as each had its own strengths and weaknesses to alter a player’s tactics in combat.
Although players can enjoy the reimagining of this title known asWarcraft 3: Reforged, nothing will beat the nostalgia and classic feeling of the originalWarcraft 3: Reign of ChaosRTS game that was released in 2002. From its saturated graphics to the excitement of battle in this 3D world.
Sins of a Solar Empire 2isn’t the onlysci-fi real-time strategy gameset in space that has some of the best combat in the genre. Another great option for players looking for intense combat while flying throughout the universe isStellaris.
With an enormous procedurally generated universe to explore,Stellarishas plenty of space for some of the biggest space battles in RTS history. Each war fleet created by the player is entirely customizable to not only match the player’s playstyle but also allow the player to create the perfect battle force for when diplomacy is no longer working.
Some of the best RTS titles are those which teleport players to a certain part of history. One of the most popular experiences for this strategy genre is allowing players to control factions within World War 2 as seen inCompany of Heroes. As campaigns withinCompany of Heroesallow players to experience different battles from the actual Second World War, players will learn not only strategy but also the emotions of losing heroic soldiers in war.
Like any good real-time strategy title, the combat is not only brought to life through soldiers fighting against each other, but also the environments that are transformed through the various gunfire and explosions that occur, which may give the player an advantage at points.
Out of all the real-time strategy games that have been released over the years, those looking for great combat in an RTS should look no further thanAge of Empires 2: Definitive Edition. This franchise of real-time strategy games has continued to intrigue players, with classics likeAge of Empires 2being remade to include a fully remastered soundtrack and brilliant 4K graphics to allow players to see the details of every combat encounter.
In many ways, the battles of each interesting campaign inAge of Empires 2paved the way for many future RTS titles, though players were happy to return toAge of Empires 2for its 25th Anniversary as they strategized through growing a powerful army of diverse units.
