The RTS genre stands for Real-Time Strategy. The translation of the name of this class of games can be fairly accurately described as "real-time strategies." This genre is almost the oldest, if we take the era from the 90s. Currently, the RTS category is not very popular due to generational change, other priorities and preferences in the entertainment sector. It is because of the lack of demand that developers do not pay due attention to this genre - the last major AAA projects came out a very long time ago. However, even the classics can still bring a lot of pleasure to fans of strategies. In this article, we will consider exactly the full-fledged RTS strategies - without mixing genres, RPG elements, and similar solutions. Only classic. Only the best projects.
What games will be considered?
It should be noted right away that it is impossible to single out a specific list of the best strategies - the problem lies in the different requirements of gamers for graphics, mechanics, as well as the theme and style of the game. However, there are a number of generally recognized games that can be called the best RTS strategies for the entire development of the industry. Below we will consider 5 bright representatives of this genre:
- Warcraft 3.
- Starcraft 2.
- Red Alert 3.
- Stronghold Crusader.
- Company of Heroes.
All of these games can still impress the player, since we did not choose very old projects, which will be difficult for a modern user to understand due to hopelessly outdated graphics or mechanics.
Warcraft 3
The Warcraft series is rightfully considered one of the best PC RTS strategies in history. The game from Blizzard still lives on: an updated Battle.net, ongoing tournaments. The project also gave birth to the popular MOBA-game Dota 2.
The whole series is based on an epic story, which is supported by a large-scale lore and elaborate characters from the fantasy universe. In the third part, the creators jumped above their heads by the standards of that time - a new engine, animations, unit voices, cut scenes that were amazing. Changing the time of day, hundreds of items, character abilities and freedom of action within the map - all of this has allowed Warcraft 3 to be still considered one of the best RTS strategies on the PC. You can try it now: at least from the story campaign with all the additions, you will definitely get a lot of pleasure if you like the RTS genre!
Starcraft 2
We take the second part, because the original Starcraft has a too high entry threshold for beginners. In continuation of the classics, more pleasant graphics, training, as well as an interesting campaign mode. It is curious that Warcraft was once considered only a faded copy of Starcraft, although these RTS were created by the same studio.
Starcraft 2 is considered the main eSports discipline in the genre to this day. There are no equal in terms of quality of work, balance, attention to the details of this strategy. If you are not a fan of eSports with its most thoughtful matches, fast actions of players and micro-control, amazing imagination, then you have an interesting campaign with videos and inserts!
Red alert 3
Another project that can be attributed to the best strategies of RTS. Branch of the Command & Conquer series in three parts. The first two are considered the best, but it is better for a beginner to get acquainted with a more modern game, which was released in 2008.
The main feature of the strategy is the cranberry theme. The confrontation of the Soviet Union (with bears, spies, fantastic equipment) and Europe. The country of the rising sun intervenes in the conflict. In the game, you can go through a campaign for each of the parties and enjoy jokes, parodies, as well as perfect mechanics, which migrated from the older C&C series.
Stronghold crusader
Let's move from the fantastic RTS strategies to the historical ones. One of the most striking examples is the classic Stronghold Crusader.
In the Stronghold series, the player tries on the role of the king of the state and tries to bring his country to the forefront. The gameplay is based on economic decisions, construction, cultural development, troops, and so on. Stronghold also offers ample opportunity to attack and defend its own fortress.
Currently, you can purchase an HD reissue and touch the classics. It added high-resolution textures, improved interface and much more. But the most important thing is the saved mechanics and balance of the original. Stronghold Crusader cannot be seen as an esports RTS strategy, but it is great for nostalgic evenings alone or in the company of friends on a multiplayer map.
Company of Heroes 1 & 2
The Company of Heroes series relates to military strategies. The most popular RTS received with the release of the second part. At the moment, the game is one of the few representatives of the genre that keep afloat in the current conditions of the popularity of strategies in general. The game is updated and supported by developers, which cannot but please fans.
Company of Heroes 2 tells the story of World War II by the Red Army. One can argue endlessly about the reliability of the historical events shown in the game, but it is impossible to deny that the game turned out to be just excellent in the gameplay plan.
Even in 2018, the level of graphics and detail of Company of Heroes 2 may surprise a fan of RTS strategies. The creators also thought out interesting mechanics of the effects of cold, ice, the influence of weather conditions on soldiers and the behavior of equipment. If you are not interested in the story mode, then welcome to the multiplayer - there are still players, interesting cards and a well-balanced balance of the parties.
Conclusion
We examined only a small part of the RTS strategies, which are mandatory for familiarization. If you are just starting to study this genre, then, unfortunately, among the projects of 2015-2018 it is unlikely to find such wonderful games.
There are dozens of great strategies - World of Conflict, Cossacks, The Lord of the Rings, Dawn of War, Age of Empires and many others. RTS strategies are the games that were the most popular before, but are not going through the best of times now. To play the classics presented in the article, you need at least to familiarize yourself.