Beginner-Friendly RTS Games to Kickstart Your Strategy Journey

Alrighty, buckle up, folks! I’ve been a gamer for quite some time now, and one genre that has always managed to keep me hooked is Real-Time Strategy (RTS). These games are like a box of chocolates—you never know what you’re gonna get! Some are sweet and easy to digest, while others are dark chocolate with a kick. Let me guide you through some RTS games that I believe every strategy enthusiast should try at least once.

Real-time strategy games offer an exhilarating blend of disorder and management. They thrust you right into the thick of things, requiring swift decision-making, lightning-fast reactions, and a talent for outmaneuvering opponents.

For decades, I’ve been constructing dominions, leading troops, and swiftly overcoming obstacles in combat, and every confrontation seems to weave a fresh story based on the choices I make.

It’s referred to as Real-Time Strategy (RTS). The allure of these games lies not only in revisiting cherished classics or exploring fresh settings in bizarre landscapes, but also in the captivating nature of the strategic challenges they present.

As a budding strategy gamer, these titles offer an exhilarating experience where you transform disorder into triumph. If you’re fresh to the Real-Time Strategy (RTS) scene, these entries serve as the ideal launchpad for your conquest!

9. Age Of Empires III Definitive Edition

History, Storytelling, Nostalgia

I openly acknowledge my preference for Age of Empires, particularly Age of Empires III; and now, there’s even a Definitive Edition available.

In my youth, few games could match the impact that this particular one had on my afternoons, much like the classic games found on Cartoon Network. Arrive home from school, ignite AoE III, and plunge straight into combat.

As a novice in the Real-Time Strategy (RTS) genre during my teenage years, if I managed to thrive as a dominant ruler, then so can you. The concept is straightforward: gather resources, create villagers and soldiers, and expand your dominion over everything within sight.

In a custom game, you have the freedom to set the criteria for victory, such as a traditional war victory, or alternatively, the empire that constructs a wonder could emerge victorious. The possibilities are open-ended.

8. Northgard

It’s Really Cold And Dangerous Here

Winters in the Nordic regions can be quite harsh, but games like Northgard make the exploration and survival aspect enjoyable. It shares a resemblance with Age of Empires, yet it approaches its gameplay with a more lighthearted attitude.

Although the game involves collecting resources, fighting rival factions, and progressing your community, what makes it unique is its adorable graphics. However, the pressure mounts as winter draws near – will you be prepared enough?

As a gamer, I can’t help but appreciate the brownie points this game scores with its varied difficulties, game modes, and user-friendly victory conditions. It’s simple enough for me to get the hang of, yet complex enough to keep me engaged as I unravel its intricacies. The Ragnarök mode is just one of the many exciting aspects that make this game a must-play!

As a fellow enthusiast captivated by the Viking era and its enchanting Norse ambiance, I’m thrilled to share that there’s an abundance of engrossing Viking-themed video games waiting to be discovered!

7. Bloons Tower Defense 6

Whimsical Ways To Outsmart Balloons

I know, I know; Bloons TD 6 is a tower defense game; it says so right on the box.

Let me share that I discovered an appealing tower defense game, which incorporates sufficient real-time strategy (RTS) elements to make it a suitable starting point for someone delving into the genre.

In this game, success is greatly influenced by mastering two important aspects: allocating resources effectively (similar to monkey soldiers, weapons, currency, and experience points) and strategically placing your characters.

This game is charmingly complex, as it seems straightforward yet proves challenging when advancing through different stages. What might seem like a simple task of bursting balloons turns out to be quite a challenge due to their ability to multiply, heal, and possess defensive mechanisms. They can be quite bothersome, I must say. If you haven’t given it a try, don’t underestimate it.

6. Command and Conquer

Classic Base-Building Warfare

Oh, the sense of nostalgia; this game title was a significant part of my youth. Now it’s back in a remastered version, but the core elements still hold true – they’ve simply been given a more polished look.

This game offers an exhilarating blend of rapid-fire, high-intensity gameplay and classic tower-defense strategies that stand the test of time.

Spamming tanks across the screen still holds a certain satisfaction, and I’ve missed the campy cutscenes. I always reach for Red Alert, but Command and Conquer has a title for every kind of RTS player.

One well-known strategy game that’s great for beginners is Command and Conquer. Playing it was an excellent introduction to war games for me, unlocking numerous opportunities in the gaming world.

5. Company of Heroes 2

Immersive and Realistic WWII Combat

World War II, much like The Great War before it, changed society irrevocably.

Straight away, Company of Heroes delves into the intricacies of military strategies during World War II, ensuring that every choice carries significant weight.

As a gamer, I found it to be an excellent introduction due to its deliberate speed, giving me ample time to familiarize myself with the game mechanics. If real-time strategy (RTS) isn’t your cup of tea and you lean more towards turn-based strategies, this RTS could still offer an engaging experience; it’s a thoughtful RTS that allows for strategic planning and consideration.

This is an awesome stepping stone to more complex titles and well worth the playthrough.

4. Battlefleet Gothic: Armada II

In A Galaxy Far Far Away

For enthusiasts of methodical gameplay, here’s another game offering a gradual progression: Armada II transports you into the cosmos for an engaging Gothic science fiction clash featuring towering spacecraft and grand galactic skirmishes.

As a devoted admirer of real-time strategy games, I find that it offers a more leisurely, thoughtful tempo, making it a gentler journey for me. It encourages me to savor each moment, weigh my choices carefully, and thoroughly consider all possible strategies.

This title isn’t as immediately intimidating as some others, instead offering a gentle introduction to the Warhammer universe. Yet, it provides an incredibly engaging experience, allowing you to gradually explore its depths.

If you’re looking for something unique in the realm of real-time strategy games, this could be an intriguing choice that offers a fresh viewpoint on the genre.

3. Ashes of the Singularity

Conflict On The Grandest Scale

I don’t have to love a game to respect it. Ashes of the Singularity is unapologetically massive, throwing battles at a scale that makes most RTS games feel tiny. I prefer to command individual units; here, you’ll command entire armies. It’s a shift of perspective, but a valuable one if you want to fully explore RTS.

This game, found abundantly in marketplaces, has excellent content but its initial stages are challenging in an uninviting manner. Unlike many games that may require patience with difficult opening levels, this one is more of a strategic test for novices. I’ve included it here because it encourages deep thought and growth in strategic skills from the start.

I find the game intriguing with its four distinct storylines and various situations, yet I wish there was less extensive exposition from Haalee. While I understand the need for such information for beginners, it feels excessive. The game certainly offers a wealth of material to explore.

Try out the others first, and afterwards give this one a try. It could serve as an excellent starting point for exploring the more expansive aspects of Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games. You might find yourself becoming fond of its ambitious design.

2. They are Billions

Hordes And Hordes And Hordes

I don’t usually let strategy games get under my skin; this one does it anyway.

Hey there fellow gamer! Let me confess something: I’ve got to admit, I get a bit jittery around those zombie hordes. This game is just packed with ’em, and it gives me the creeps, let me tell you! They’re everywhere you look – billions of them, it seems! You gotta find the right balance between offense and defense, or else even the smallest mistake could spell doom for your colony. Scary stuff indeed!

This game, similar to other Real-Time Strategy (RTS) titles, does not offer any leniency. It emphasizes the importance of strategic planning as you progress through Nightmare, Brutal, and Apocalypse – three increasingly challenging levels. Moreover, there are four ranks leading up to these difficulties, indicating just how tough this game can be.

This game isn’t among the top-notch zombie games out there, but there’s an unsettling genius in its ability to create such intense tension.

The relentless waves of zombies will either captivate you on your screen or have you cowering in a corner, gasping for air from a brown paper bag. In any case, it’s an entertaining experience.

1. Iron Harvest

Rewriting 1920s History With Diesel Mechs

Dieselpunk mechs should absolutely have a place in the RTS genre, and Iron Harvest makes that happen.

Compared to some other titles, this one has a friendlier feel; it gradually introduces you to a unique blend of traditional infantry and mechanical units.

In this game, it’s important to avoid sending out units randomly; instead, pay close attention to their placement as timing and strategy are crucial; the secret lies in anticipating your opponent’s actions and making strategic responses.

This game is deeply rooted in an intriguing alternative-reality backdrop, offering an engaging and captivating experience. If you’re looking for a real-time strategy game that demands considerable time investment, this could be just what you’ve been searching for – especially once you’ve completed all the Age of Empires series.

2024-12-20 18:39