Real-Time Strategy Games With No Base Building

As a hardcore space strategy enthusiast and a veteran of countless interstellar battles, I can confidently say that the Homeworld series is an absolute gem for those seeking freedom from the shackles of base-building. The mothership in Homeworld 1, while not exactly a traditional base, serves as the heart and soul of your fleet – a versatile unit capable of producing more ships and wreaking havoc on the battlefield.

The real-time strategy genre is a constantly expanding frontier of experimental titles and revitalizations of older classics. Whether players want an in-depth, stat-filled experience or something a little lighter, there are a host of RTS games that will meet that demand.

A significant feature in numerous Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games is the base maintenance aspect, which allows players to establish a stronghold they can expand throughout the game. However, for both newbies and experienced players, there’s an undeniable charm in being completely free, without the need for a single base, able to raise armies and engage in battles wherever you wish. For those who prefer flexibility over commitment, these real-time strategy games do not require base construction at all.

5 Homeworld

A Space RTS Meets A Galactic Voyage

The Homeworld series resonates deeply with space strategy aficionados due to its straightforward, swift-moving gameplay and aesthetic. Unlike traditional strategy games, the initial installment lacks a fixed base, but features a crucial central hub for the player’s fleet – the mothership. Reminiscent of other ships in the player’s growing armada, the mothership shares many characteristics, yet stands out due to its ability to produce additional ships with sufficient resources.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but rave about the unique experience that Homeworld offers. In this game, you’re not just tending to your own ship, but also arming it with the offensive power of other units. The storyline never gets stale because your fleet is always in motion, journeying through the vastness of space. Each battle and battleground in Homeworld is distinctly different, making every encounter an exciting new adventure. It’s a series that’s often overlooked, yet it delivers an unparalleled satisfaction that sets it apart from many other games in the genre.

4 Warhammer 40,000: Dawn Of War 2

A Strike Squad Focused RTS

Some players might exclaim, “Wow, a real-time strategy game centered around sci-fi combat without base construction sounds intriguing, but if it had more graphic violence and perhaps a subtle satire of fascism, that would be even better.” Surprisingly, those gamers have struck gold with Dawn of War 2. This game, unlike its predecessor, shifts the focus to strike forces within the Warhammer 40k universe and introduces several changes. One significant change is the elimination of base construction from the original Dawn of War.

As Warhammer games broaden their reach across multiple platforms and styles, this speedy real-time strategy (RTS) title serves as a reflection of the core elements typically found in tabletop Warhammer games, although it places more emphasis on tactical squadrons rather than large armies. This game offers an exhilarating, violent journey through engaging 40k campaigns, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a faster-paced strategy experience within a richly developed grimdark universe.

3 Ground Control

A Classic RTS Gem

Ground Control is a fantastic real-time strategy (RTS) game, situated in the 25th century, featuring multiple extraterrestrial nations to ally or oppose. It shares similarities with other beginner-friendly RTS games by providing a gradual learning curve through its campaign and early levels. This progressive introduction teaches players how to construct various squadrons, each consisting of unique units that can be customized in some manner.

In this strategy game, it’s crucial to prioritize smart troop deployment rather than just relying on powerful units. Stocking dropships with strong soldiers is useful, however, leveraging support units and utilizing the terrain effectively becomes indispensable as the challenge intensifies. The absence of base construction means that all units are already on the battlefield at the start of each fight. To ensure success, players must make optimal use of the environment and positioning to their advantage.

2 Warno

The Cold War Turns Hot

Warno serves as an authentic World War III simulator, primarily focusing on modifying and upholding the strategy of attack for the selected action. This game presents the dynamic battlefronts of a fictional yet strikingly realistic nuclear confrontation between two dominant superpowers, NATO and the Warsaw Pact. It’s an excellent choice for those willing to tackle a learning curve and immerse themselves in military realism, as tactics, air support, and artillery play crucial roles in achieving victory.

Much like the scenario depicted in “Ground Control“, this title features battles that initiate with deployment, and it lacks the establishment of permanent bases for players to fret over. The primary objectives often revolve around dominating the opposition through a direct assault or extensive bombardment, which presents an intense (yet entertaining!) representation of a large-scale “scorched earth” approach.

1 Mechabellum

A Mech-Centric Tactical Wargame

In this pre-release real-time strategy game, the mechanical units that shape each faction’s army display a great potential, as they possess distinctive strengths, vulnerabilities, and responses to one another, fostering highly strategic gameplay. Essentially, the objective in this RTS is to annihilate your opponent’s mech force – there are no bases to construct or protect. Although structures can provide advantages for your army, over-reliance on them leaves you vulnerable, as their destruction by the enemy will lead to your downfall.

Mechabellum imparts essential lessons to players from the get-go, such as managing resources wisely and creating balanced units. It’s a highly strategic combat game with an abundant quantity of content currently available, poised for further expansion as development progresses.

2024-10-09 12:33