The Best Real-Time Strategy Games To Play If You Love Age of Empires 2

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My article about turn-based games for fans of XCOM was very popular, and it got me thinking about other beloved game series people often seek out similar experiences for. Age of Empires 2 immediately came to mind. It’s a true real-time strategy classic, one of the most well-known strategy games ever made, and it’s still incredibly popular in 2026.

So, if you’re a fan of Age of Empires 2 and are looking for similar games, let’s explore some of the best real-time strategy options available!

15 – Cossacks: Back to War

I want to introduce a real-time strategy game that I particularly enjoyed playing in its prime, a few years after the release of Age of Empires 2. Cossacks: Back to War continues the historical setting, focusing on the Age of Sail between the 16th and 18th centuries. While it uses the familiar RTS formula of building a town, collecting resources, and advancing through eras, Cossacks takes things to a new level. It allows for massive battles with thousands of units on screen, letting you organize them into regiments and experiment with different formations. This was especially important in that era, where victory often went to the side with the most firepower. The game beautifully captures a fascinating period where traditional weapons like lances and bows existed alongside muskets, cannons, and cavalry.

14 – Tempest Rising

Tempest Rising, a recently released real-time strategy game, is a standout title in the genre. It shares similarities with games like Command & Conquer: Generals and Age of Empires – if you enjoyed either of those, you’ll likely enjoy this one too. I found it successfully combines the fast-paced base building, precise unit control, and quick combat that fans of those classic games love. The game’s two extensive campaigns, where you command either the Global Defense Force or the Tempest Dynasty, are particularly engaging and, in my opinion, the highlight of the experience. While skirmishes and multiplayer are available, the single-player campaigns really shine. Combined with imaginative unit designs and impressive graphics, Tempest Rising is a game that’s easy to get lost in.

14 – Warcraft III: Reforged

As a huge RTS fan, I think Warcraft III is right up there with Age of Empires 2 as one of the best ever. It really changed things up by letting you control powerful hero units – they weren’t just another face in the crowd, you actually played them! That idea went on to become massive with games like World of Warcraft and Dota. While the ‘Reforged’ version has its issues, it’s honestly the easiest way to get into the game these days, rather than trying to track down the original from 2002.

12 – Total War: Rome II

You might be surprised to see Total War: Rome II on this list, but let me explain. If you enjoy strategy games – and since you’re here, I assume you do – and have an interest in history, especially the Roman Empire, then Rome II could be perfect for you. It combines all those elements into what many consider one of the greatest strategy games ever created. While it differs from classic games like Age of Empires 2 with its turn-based campaign map instead of traditional base-building, the real-time battles are incredibly engaging. Although the game had a rocky start, it’s been significantly improved with updates and is now a beloved favorite among Total War fans.

11 – Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds

Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds feels remarkably similar to Age of Empires 2, and for good reason – it was built using the same engine! Essentially, it’s Age of Empires 2 with a Star Wars theme, and it’s fantastic. Developed by the original Age of Empires team, it was a surprisingly big hit, selling almost half a million copies, and has since become a beloved cult classic. The game features iconic hero units like Darth Vader and even flying units. An expansion called Clone Campaigns added new playable factions – the Confederacy of Independent Systems and the Galactic Republic – along with two new story campaigns. You can often find it on sale on Steam, so keep an eye out! It also has a charming, pre-rendered visual style. For the best possible experience, be sure to install the Expanding Fronts mod.

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2026-05-16 16:43