Best RTS Games That Support 6-Player Co-Op, Ranked

Key Takeaways

Starcraft 2
offers 6-player cooperative modes with unique mechanics.
Kingdoms Reborn
combines city builder & grand strategy for up to 12 players.
Total War: Warhammer 3
provides huge cooperative campaigns with 8 players.

As a long-time enthusiast of real-time strategy games (RTS), I must say that my current obsession is Age of Empires 4 and Total War: Warhammer 3, both offering unique yet immersive multiplayer experiences that have truly captivated me.

Recently, there’s been a revival in Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games, with excitement surrounding titles like Manor Lords and Frostpunk due to their immersive real-time strategy gameplay and creative mechanics. However, the essence of the genre truly shines when multiplayer is involved, especially when it comes to 6-player cooperative modes, which not many RTS games currently offer.

This ranked list contains the best RTS games with cooperative modes for teams of 6 players, or for duo players that want to spice it up by fighting against teams of 6 players. From a classic Sci-Fi franchise that has seen better days, to the latest remaster of an old jewel that has come back to shake the grounds with its unusual mechanics.

5 Starcraft 2

Great For Sci-Fi Fans And Multiplayer Full Scale Wars

The Starcraft series has consistently been highly praised by strategy game enthusiasts, with Starcraft 2 standing out as one of the top games within the genre. This title also supports collaborative multiplayer sessions, accommodating everything from 3 vs 2 to free-for-all matches with up to 8 players simultaneously. Cooperative play is limited to specific maps, but there are custom community maps that enable intense 6 vs 6 battles.

One distinctive feature of Starcraft 2 is its intricate unit system, leading to intense combat scenarios. Choosing between Protoss, Terran, or Zerg significantly alters the gameplay, and it’s crucial to understand teamwork among these factions, even though they may be adversaries in the storyline. However, interest in Starcraft 2 has waned noticeably over recent years, primarily because of declining popularity in the strategy genre. Yet, its multiplayer mode continues to thrive, with matches often ready within just two minutes. Moreover, there are numerous friendly communities offering custom maps that cater well to new players.

4 Kingdoms Reborn

A Cozy Yet Challenging Experience That Mixes RTS And Survival

Developer: Earthshine
Platforms: PC (Steam)
Released: November 3, 2020

Kingdoms Reborn might just be one of the finest Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games ever produced, blending elements of city-building, grand strategy, and expansive maps designed for cooperative or competitive play among up to twelve participants. The gameplay mechanics are straightforward but challenging, requiring players to dedicate a bit more time than average to grasp its intricacies. However, the payoff is well worth it as it offers an incredibly enjoyable experience when played with friends. Notably, it draws inspiration from classic war strategy board games.

Unfortunately, it seems that the multiplayer aspect of Kingdoms Reborn has been experiencing a decline in active players recently. This can be attributed to the increased popularity of other Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games such as Manor Lords and the re-release of Age Of Mythology: Retold. To play with others, arrangements must typically be made ahead of time because finding matches through the system can sometimes prove difficult. However, there is a dedicated Discord community set up to coordinate games, making it easier for players to participate in cooperative gameplay within Kingdoms Reborn.

3 Age Of Empires 4

The Very Definition Of The Classic RTS With Modern Graphics And Cool Mechanics

In simpler terms, “Age of Empires 4” has retained the beloved features from previous series installments in the Real-Time Strategy (RTS) genre, plus it introduces unique mechanics for each civilization that enhances gameplay significantly. However, one standout feature of “Age of Empires 4” is its multiplayer mode — offering numerous user-generated maps for up to 8 players to cooperate or compete intensely, with meticulously crafted units and a revised combat system for balanced gameplay.

In this game, although only eight players can play on the largest map setting, teams of six can take on two skilled players or the AI in challenging modes. Each civilization boasts sophisticated tech trees and possesses unique units and mechanics that set them apart. For instance, Mongols have the ability to move all their buildings across different zones, making it hard to identify their main base. The Rus Empire earns gold while hunting animals, and their villagers receive a significant bonus from these resources. As such, this game is perfect for multiplayer sessions as it combines strategy, base construction, and army management to deliver an exceptional real-time strategy experience among friends.

2 Total War: Warhammer 3

Huge, Enormous, Challenging, With Long Cooperative Campaigns

In essence, “Total War: Warhammer 3” is an engaging blend of turn-based and real-time strategy warfare, which has garnered immense praise from fans. This game boasts one of the most extensive cooperative campaign modes in its genre, supporting up to eight players concurrently. The persistent world campaign can provide up to ten hours (and more) of collaborative strategic gameplay. In real-time battles, players can command massive battlefields filled with thousands of units. This interactive aspect lends the game its Real-Time Strategy (RTS) element. Furthermore, the game offers a variety of multiplayer modes, including a fresh Domination mode (akin to king of the hill, featuring a capture zone), which alters the strategy players must employ during combat.

In “Total War: Warhammer 3,” you’ll find a wealth of options with 15 different races and numerous factions to choose from, allowing for endless experimentation in strategy development and army construction. An added bonus is that those who possess all three titles of the series can access every multiplayer mode and map from prior games within this new installment – a feature that Warhammer enthusiasts are sure to applaud. This aspect makes “Total War: Warhammer 3” truly stand out.

1 Age Of Mythology: Retold

Offers Players The Chance For 6v6 Battles With Mythological Beings

The highly anticipated comeback of one of history’s greatest Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games has garnered global interest: it retains its classic mechanics while upgrading graphics, maps, and a total combat system overhaul that promises to please even the most discerning fans. As Mythology is the only version of Age Of Empires that officially supports 12-player maps, it opens up the opportunity for 6vs6 cooperative battles. This leads one to wonder: What transpires when a dozen Titans engage in battle simultaneously?

The remastered version of “Age of Mythology: Retold” offers more than just enhancements and additional units for each civilization; it includes all the expansions from the original game in a tidy package, providing players with a wealth of content to explore. Not only does this game preserve the authentic experience, but it has certainly raised the bar for future remasters. Here’s hoping that fans of real-time strategy games such as “Rise of Nations” will soon see an updated and polished version of their favorite game, which would be a delight for those who appreciate cooperative RTS action.

2024-09-07 10:33