Age of Empires II: HD Edition
Most Popular RTS Games That You Can Play Right Now
Age of Empires is undeniably one of the most prolific real-time strategy (RTS) franchises in gaming history, and Age of Empires 2: Age of Kings (AOE2) undoubtedly its champion.
Released just before the turn of the century in 1999, AOE2 is still one of the most widely played RTS titles today, with the HD Edition boasting up to 20,000 concurrent players on Steam alone.
The HD Edition has received three welcome expansions in recent years, namely The Forgotten (2013), African Kingdoms (2015), and Rise of the Rajas (2016), all of which added a wealth of new campaigns and fascinating civilizations to an already remarkable game.
The game also boasts a very active modding community, with a plethora of new community-created content added on a daily basis.
While the multiplayer isn’t as active as it used to be in its heyday, the HD Edition’s improved AI and enhanced graphics is sure to keep you enthralled and immersed.
This post was originally written by Wiehahn Diederichs.
StarCraft: Remastered
Most Popular RTS Games That You Can Play Right Now
StarCraft: Remastered is a remaster of the 1998 RTS classic including its critically acclaimed Brood War expansion.
While the gameplay itself has been left mostly untouched (if it ain’t broke don’t fix it), the graphics have received a beautiful HD overhaul that supports even 4K resolutions, new audio, and has been connected to Blizzard’s online suite, Battle.net.
As a game that has always been popular in the competitive multiplayer sphere, the remaster also heavily improves on features such as online matchmaking, and provides cloud saves and social integration with all other Blizzard games.
Also, if you happen to own the original version, you are able to link your old StarCraft account with the new one and continue your win/loss statistics.
If you’re tired of the original StarCraft experience though, you can always join the future in…
StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void
Most Popular RTS Games That You Can Play Right Now
We had to wait more than a decade from the release of the original StarCraft before we were treated to its successor, StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty. Fortunately, it was well worth the wait and we received a superb real-time strategy title.
The most recent version of the game, Legacy of the Void, promotes a faster pace of play and is a distinctly different experience from the original StarCraft.
In a surprising turn of events this impeccable title, including the campaign, went free-to-play in 2017, although microtransaction were still included for skins, voice packs, co-op commanders, and war chests that fuel the esports scene.
If you’re looking for a sleek sci-fi RTS title that is still widely popular, then you can’t go wrong with StarCraft 2: Legacy of the Void.
Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos
Most Popular RTS Games That You Can Play Right Now
The Warcraft 3 franchise is one of the most recognized RTS titles around today, with the highly acclaimed and award winning Warcraft III being the latest addition to the horde (not including MMORPG World of Warcraft of course).
Released all the way back in 2003, this title is still beloved, and even received an update recently.
While the game shares many gameplay elements with StarCraft (also a Blizzard Entertainment title), its distinctive high-fantasy setting, robust lore, and wide range of intriguing characters allows it to firmly stand on its own two feet (or paws, or hoofs, or claws, depending on what race your playing).
Together with its brilliant expansion, The Frozen Throne (2004), it is an incredibly addictive title with a bustling online community and a massive variety of player created content and mods.
Company of Heroes 2
Most Popular RTS Games That You Can Play Right Now
Company of Heroes 2 is one of the few historically-based RTS titles that can hold its own against the fantasy-laden behemoths such as StarCraft and Warcraft.
Set on the Eastern Front of World War II, where some of the bloodiest conflicts of the war took place (from the ‘Battle of Berlin’ to ‘Operation Barbarossa’), the campaign mainly puts you in control of the Soviet forces and their WWII efforts.
While the game boasts an incredible and brutal campaign, its highly-active multiplayer is where most players are spending their time these days, with an average of about 4000-6000 concurrent players still playing.
This number might have been significantly higher though, considering that Russia banned the sale of Company of Heroes 2 within its borders because of its cruel depiction of Soviet military leaders in WWII.
Wherever you might stand on this title’s controversial themes, Company of Heroes 2 is still a vigorous, challenging, and enthralling RTS title that deserves your attention.
Age of Mythology: Extended Edition
Most Popular RTS Games That You Can Play Right Now
Even though the original Age of Mythology is a celebrated critically acclaimed RTS classic, the Extended Edition takes the experience to a whole new level.
With HD screen support, improved water and lighting, Steam integration, Twitch support, and the addition of the positively-received The Titans expansion, the Extended Edition is an absolute no-brainer.
Compared to other RTS titles, Age of Mythology provides a relatively less-challenging experience making it perfect for newcomers or anyone that isn’t looking to stimulate their brain matter too much.
Its strong focus on mythological themes also makes it a highly intriguing and amusing title, and one that has seen no equal to this day.
Northgard
Most Popular RTS Games That You Can Play Right Now
Northgard (2018) is by far the youngest contender on this list but that certainly doesn’t make it any less worthy.
This light hearted and entertaining Viking-themed RTS has barely been out for a few months and it already boasts a peak of just under 8000 concurrent Steam players.
Beyond its adventurous campaign, which features a host of distinctive and wonderfully fleshed-out characters, it provides players with strong and highly addictive multiplayer experience.
In addition to its strong RTS foundation, it combines several interesting simulation elements, such as villager recruitment and job assignments, which only further enhances its already hearty digital experience.
If you’re interested in a fresh and exciting RTS to sink countless hours into, Northgard’s got your back!
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