Best RTS Games For Base Defense

Key Takeaways

Base defense games combine tower defense, base-building, and RTS elements for addictive gameplay loops.
Games like They Are Billions and Kenshi offer challenging base defense experiences in different settings.
Cataclismo and Thronefall provide unique base-building and RTS mechanics with minimalist and accessible styles.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that base defense games have become one of my all-time favorites. There’s just something immensely satisfying about constructing a fortress and watching it stand against hordes of invading enemies.

Base defense games offer some of the most addictive gameplay loops around, thanks in large part to the naturally satisfying cycle of building, defending, and re-building a stronghold built from the ground up. These games often include elements from a variety of genres, but primarily take from tower defense, base-builders, and real-time strategy games.

These games share a resemblance with colony-style simulations like RimWorld, where players are responsible for both maintaining the welfare of their inhabitants and safeguarding their settlement at the same time. Real-time strategy games such as They Are Billions focus exclusively on base defense, while others like Kenshi offer it as an optional feature within a broader sandbox environment.

6 They Are Billions

Steampunk Base-Defense Against Hordes Of Zombies

In the game titled “They Are Billions“, players are challenged to construct and safeguard a settlement while fending off waves of ravenous, swift, and numerous zombies. The sheer number of these flesh-eaters and their lethal prowess make it a challenging endeavor to keep them at bay. A single moment’s distraction can lead to catastrophic losses in this game, but skillful management and a well-thought-out strategy can lead to victory.

In the game “They Are Billions“, which can be quite challenging for beginners due to enemy swarms, you’ll appreciate that it’s a fantastic real-time strategy title with a pause feature. This means you can build structures and issue commands even when the game is paused. Although the gameplay in “They Are Billions” might become repetitive, its addictive gameplay loop keeps players engaged. The Steampunk aesthetic and combination of base-building and unit management create a rewarding gaming experience as a whole.

5 From Glory To Goo

Minimalist Indie Game With An Addictive Loop

Despite its simple pixel-art design, From Glory To Goo is a robustly constructed indie game, blending aspects from the colony-sim, real-time strategy, and base-defense genres. It boasts hero characters, army control, and base construction mechanics that lead to varied gameplay, which can prove quite engaging.

Currently, the game “From Glory To Goo” is available in Early Access. Although its core gameplay – a classic survival mode – is already well-established, the developers have expressed plans to incorporate campaign missions into the game down the line, potentially increasing its replay value. At present, due to the diversity of factions and hero units, the game offers a fair amount of repeat playability.

4 Kenshi

Sandbox RPG With Base-Building In A Hostile Environment

Kenshi is an exceptional sandbox role-playing game where players navigate using real-time strategy mechanics, directing their character and team members in real-time with a pause option. This tactical pause feature significantly enhances the strategic aspect of Kenshi’s intense combat situations, enabling players to meticulously arrange and command their troops without feeling rushed or stressed.

In addition to its other elements, Kenshi includes base-construction aspects, but establishing and safeguarding a base isn’t an easy task due to the presence of numerous hostile creatures and factions. Players will need to assemble a strong and adept team of warriors first before they can even consider protecting their base from these threats. However, successfully creating and defending a base is one of the most satisfying activities in Kenshi, and having a secure home base can significantly aid players in navigating the game’s harsh and unforgiving wasteland landscapes.

3 Cataclismo

Modular Base-Building And Swarms Of Enemies With A Gloomy Atmosphere

Cataclysm revolves around its primary feature – a versatile modular building system that lets players construct castles similar to playing with LEGO blocks. The flexibility of this building method makes the process of setting up defenses delightful, contributing significantly to the game’s entertainment value. Despite being primarily focused on construction, Cataclysm doesn’t skimp on strategy, offering a base-defense experience steeped in a somber ambiance.

In terms of appearance, “Cataclismo” offers an enjoyable visual spectacle, characterized by a muted color scheme and a cartoonish texture style. The real-time strategy aspects are relatively limited, with greater emphasis placed on building and defending your base. Despite this, it remains an engaging experience for enthusiasts of the real-time strategy (RTS) genre.

2 Thronefall

Minimalist Combination Of RTS And Base Defense

In simple terms, Thronefall offers a unique blend of base defense and real-time strategy, creating a streamlined yet stylish gaming experience that’s hard to put down. Players are challenged to defend their fortress from incoming hordes, using strategic placement of defenses and armies of soldiers for protection.

Thronefall employs a distinct approach to real-time strategy gameplay, empowering players to command a character and direct their troops from horseback with user-friendly controls. Unlike conventional RTS games, players can’t minutely manage their units; however, this innovative control method ensures an incredibly intuitive gaming experience for all players.

1 Stronghold Crusader

A Tried-And-Tested Classic

In terms of gameplay, Stronghold Crusader is quite similar to its predecessor, Stronghold, with many common elements, but it introduces an exciting new aspect – the skirmish mode. This mode allows players to set up a custom game and construct/defend their castles in a more flexible, open-ended game design.

This enhancement significantly boosts the repeat playability of “Stronghold Crusader,” providing an alternative method for players who prefer a more flexible gaming experience compared to the structured campaign missions in “Stronghold.” In this mode, players are free to construct and fortify their castle according to their preferences, immersing themselves in the classic “castle-sim” gameplay that “Stronghold” is renowned for. They can strategically manage their defenses, resources, and military forces all at once.

2024-10-05 03:34