Best PC RTS Games With Controller Support

Key Takeaways

  • Iron Harvest offers controller support & touches on fictional real-life armed conflict.
  • Ancestors Legacy features historical elements & full controller support on Steam.
  • Desperados 3 offers a thrilling Wild West story with full controller capabilities.

As a seasoned gamer with years of experience under my belt and a particular fondness for real-time strategy games, I can confidently say that this list is a treasure trove for any controller enthusiast like myself. The blend of historical elements, intriguing narratives, and strategic gameplay in these titles is nothing short of exhilarating.


Real-time strategy (RTS) games encompass a wide range of styles, transcending not only the subjects they explore and the battle techniques they incorporate but also the devices they inhabit. In today’s world, it’s quite typical to find RTS titles spreading across numerous platforms to attract a larger audience. Nonetheless, this isn’t a universal rule.

Occasionally, real-time strategy games are exclusive to PC, either because the developer chose so or due to the high cost of porting the game to other platforms. Nonetheless, some gamers prefer playing strategy games with their Xbox or PlayStation controllers. Consequently, games that offer full controller support can be a blessing for these players. Here are some top-notch PC real-time strategy games that come with controller compatibility.

5 Iron Harvest

A Thrilling Take On A Century-old Conflict

  • Set in the fictional version of a real-life armed conflict
  • Full controller support on Steam

In a made-up world and drawing inspiration from the Polish-Soviet War of 1919 to 1921, the game Iron Harvest centers around a major dispute among nations in Central and Eastern Europe, primarily involving Polania (Poland), Rusviet (Russia), and Saxony (Germany). This captivating title offers meticulously designed strategy elements to engage players as they carefully strategize each move. Moreover, it subtly references a significant historical armed conflict that occurred in real life.

In Iron Harvest, players can enjoy a strategic adventure in its entirety without needing to struggle with their mouse and keyboard, as it provides full control support. This makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a comprehensive gaming experience that doesn’t require constant battling with input devices.

4 Ancestors Legacy

A Wonderful RTS Heavily Based On Historical Elements From The Viking Era

  • Notable historical figures are present in the game
  • The game touches on the Viking era, and significant events in it

In Ancestors Legacy, players are offered numerous choices, boasting both a single-player campaign and multiplayer mode. Players can select to assume various roles, such as the Vikings, Slavs, Anglo-Saxons, or Teutons. Notable characters in the game include William the Conqueror and Edward the Confessor, enhancing the immersion by featuring historical figures of significance, thereby making the gameplay more authentic.

Ancestors Legacy delivers a genuine real-time strategy adventure, covering significant historical periods such as the Viking age, where the attack on Lindisfarne’s monastery unfolded. This game boasts full controller compatibility across platforms like Steam, making it an excellent choice for players who prefer different control methods, ensuring they can enjoy the game in a way that suits their comfort level best.

3 Desperados 3

A Bounty Hunter Seeks Revenge For The Death Of His Father

  • Exciting Wild West Story
  • The game features many different locations that were famous in the Wild West

In “Desperados 3”, players embark on an exciting real-time strategy adventure where they follow the tale of bounty hunter John Cooper, pursuing a notorious bandit leader in his vendetta. The game is set in the Wild West and offers numerous locations, creating an immersive experience as if you’re an outlaw eluding capture by the sheriff.

The unique concept of Desperados 3 stands out, as most real-time strategy games are either based in the distant past or far into the future. The thrill of strategically navigating tense situations in the iconic Wild West is enjoyable, and it’s an experience that players are unlikely to forget quickly. What’s more, it offers full compatibility with Xbox controllers, and through USB for DualShock controllers. This makes it a great choice for PC gamers who prefer using a wired controller or one connected via Bluetooth adapter.

2 Shadow Tactics: Blades Of The Shogun

A Story Of Honor And War To Keep The Peace

  • Peace in Japan is threatened by a mysterious enemy
  • Great and responsive controller support

In the era of feudal Japan, the game titled “Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun” unfolds a tale of unease that arises following decades of unity and tranquility within the nation. As players delve deeper into the narrative, they’ll gradually discover hidden truths about the forces endangering Japan. This game is rich in traditional Japanese elements, such as its backdrops and the garments donned by the warriors engaged in combat.

Acclaimed for boasting one of the finest controller support among PC real-time strategy games, Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is not just enjoyable to play and aesthetically pleasing, but it is also a comprehensive game offering countless hours of entertainment for players.

1 Halo Wars 2

The Sequel To One Of Halo’s Most Successful Risky Moves

  • Players can use different vehicles to survive
  • A risky deviation from Halo‘s classic FPS formula

The Halo series is primarily recognized for its pulse-pounding FPS battles starring none other than the iconic Master Chief. Interestingly, in 2009, developers at Bungie thought outside the box and created a game within the Halo universe that focused on real-time strategy instead of sticking to the conventional shooter format. This was a daring decision with the potential for disaster, but it turned out to be successful enough to birth this sequel.

In Halo Wars 2, gameplay adheres to the traditional real-time strategy model, allowing players to direct armies from an overhead perspective and aim to outwit and overpower enemy troops for ultimate victory on the battlefield. This action-packed title features iconic vehicles such as Warthogs and Wraiths, while preserving the strategic essence of the Halo franchise.

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2024-10-23 11:33