Best Sci-Fi RTS Games

Highlights

Real-time strategy games offer diverse experiences across various themes, from WW2 battles to fantasy worlds.
Science-fiction is a prevalent theme in RTS games, with iconic titles like Homeworld and StarCraft leading the way.
Aliens: Dark Descent immerses players in the intense world of Alien, offering a unique blend of action and horror.

As a seasoned space-faring strategist and connoisseur of all things interstellar, I’ve had the pleasure of diving into the tactical depths of numerous real-time strategy games set in the vast expanse of science fiction. However, it is with a heavy heart that I must confess my undying love for three games that have captured my imagination and tested my strategic mettle time and again: Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War, Command & Conquer, and StarCraft 2.

Over time, real-time strategy games have provided players with a rich tapestry of diverse gaming experiences, exploring various unique settings. For instance, some titles like “Company Of Heroes” immerse players in intense World War II conflicts, while others such as “Warcraft” transport us to fantastical realms. The variety within the real-time strategy genre is truly impressive.

Science fiction is undoubtedly one of the primary and widely used themes in video games, particularly within the Real-Time Strategy (RTS) genre. Iconic titles like Homeworld, Command & Conquer series, and StarCraft are just a few examples of its best and most beloved games. Moreover, RTS games trace their roots back to science fiction, with Dune 2: The Building Of A Dynasty playing a significant role in shaping the classic RTS formula that gamers have grown fond of.

7 Aliens: Dark Descent

Survival-Horror, Real-Time Strategy, And The Iconic Universe Of Alien

In the realm of real-time strategy games, you’ll find a thrilling title set within the universe of the iconic sci-fi horror saga, “Alien.” Unlike some other games based on this franchise, “Aliens: Dark Descent” is heavily influenced by James Cameron’s “Aliens,” rather than Ridley Scott’s original 1979 film. What sets this game apart and makes it exceptional for fans of the Alien series is its unwavering loyalty to its source material. This commitment results in a strategy game that is deeply immersive, frequently intense, and truly worthy of the “Alien” name.

In “Dark Descent,” players are tasked with overseeing each team member, aiming to ward off mental exhaustion from excessive stress, while simultaneously managing resources and fending off Xenomorph attacks. This continuous high-stress situation may prompt players to echo Bill Paxton’s famous line from “Aliens.” For gamers seeking a distinctive real-time strategy adventure that marries the thrilling action and chilling horror of “Aliens,” “Dark Descent” is an effortless choice to consider.

6 Dune: Spice Wars

An RTS With 4X Elements Set In Frank Herbert’s Dune Universe

In the legendary world of Frank Herbert’s “Dune,” this science fiction real-time strategy game offers a distinctive blend of real-time strategy and 4X elements. This fusion creates a gaming experience that may not appeal to everyone, but it certainly sets itself apart in a genre that’s quite crowded.

Frank Herbert’s acclaimed “Dune” Universe, particularly its initial novel, stands as a cornerstone in science fiction literature. Beyond this, “Dune” holds significance in real-time strategy (RTS) game history, with “Dune 2: The Building Of A Dynasty” being one of the earliest RTS games to hit the market.

5 Star Wars: Empire At War

An Evocative Star Wars RTS

In this immersive “Star Wars” game, you’ll dive into a massive, strategic gameplay that unfolds in real-time. You can choose to lead either the Rebel Alliance or the Empire, each side offering unique and contrasting playstyles.

The game “Star Wars: Empire At War” is a fantastic choice for fans of the iconic science fiction series, as it meticulously adheres to the original storyline. Moreover, its unique selling point lies in its blend of space and ground-based battles. If you’re a fan of real-time strategy games and the Star Wars universe, “Star Wars: Empire At War” is a game you simply can’t miss. Fortunately, it’s still accessible on Steam. Additionally, “Star Wars: Empire At War” boasts a wealth of well-designed mods that players can download via the Steam workshop.

4 Homeworld

Groundbreaking Real-Time Strategy In Space

Created by Relic Entertainment, the game Homeworld stands out as a notable representative within the real-time strategy genre, particularly in the science fiction category. This sci-fi RTS is uniquely characterized by its integration of storytelling, evocative music, and, above all, its dynamic space battles in real time.

In Homeworld, the space battles don’t happen on a flat surface; rather, they occur in a fully simulated space environment where players have direct control over their ships. This simulation lends an incredible degree of complexity to each battle, making for some breathtaking confrontations during gameplay.

3 Warhammer 40,000: Dawn Of War

Squad-Based Strategy In The Grim-Dark World Of Warhammer 40,000

In the bleak and violent universe of ‘Warhammer 40,000’, ‘Dawn of War’ delivers a raw and frequently gruesome gaming experience that is both intense and action-packed. While many games have attempted to bring the ‘Warhammer 40,000’ universe to life, few have succeeded as effectively as ‘Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War’. This could be due to the fact that ‘Dawn of War’ captures much of what makes the ‘Warhammer 40,000’ setting so iconic in science-fiction literature.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t get enough of the immersive storyline, pulse-pounding missions, and real-time strategy mayhem found in Warhammer 40,000: Dawn Of War. This game is like a breath of fresh air that rarely loses its charm, especially when you just can’t look away from the action. What makes Dawn Of War truly stand out is its squad-based system – instead of managing each unit individually, we can churn out entire squads at once. It’s this unique feature that gives it a distinct edge in the RTS genre.

2 Command & Conquer

A Beloved And Wholly Unique Franchise

Numerous games within the Command & Conquer series are recognized as classic sci-fi real-time strategy (RTS) games, including the original Command & Conquer, Tiberium Wars, and the Red Alert series. Each fan has their preferred title among these. Fortunately, all of them can be easily found. Remarkably, even the original games were given a thoughtful remaster as recently as 2020.

“Command & Conquer” is well-known for its playful wit, dramatic live-action scenes, and user-friendly gameplay. The combination of strategy and tactics made possible by the straightforward mechanics in “Command & Conquer” allows players to focus more on the action and less on tedious micromanagement. While this might be a disadvantage for some, it sets “Command & Conquer” apart from other games.

1 StarCraft 2

An Industry Titan That Refuses To Die

The follow-up to the ’90s sci-fi hit by the same name has significantly contributed to establishing real-time strategy games as eSports and continues to uphold that legacy today. Despite its prime being in the past, StarCraft 2 remains active and thriving. Individuals who haven’t dabbled in this fast-paced sci-fi RTS or those who need a refresher, should definitely consider mastering – or reacquainting themselves with – this intricate game.

As a hardcore gamer, I can’t get enough of the fierce competition in StarCraft 2. The game offers three unique races – Terran, Protoss, and Zerg – each with their distinct playstyles that clash in epic battles. These iconic races are what make StarCraft 2 stand out, and watching them interact is a sight to behold. If you’re not into competitive real-time strategy, don’t worry, the game also offers immersive single-player campaigns, providing an engaging experience for everyone!

2024-08-01 09:04