Strategy Games With The Best Multiplayer

Key Takeaways

Strategy games vary from turn-based to real-time, with multiplayer experiences often elevating the gaming experience.
Total War: Shogun 2’s complex strategic gameplay makes it suitable for lengthy multiplayer sessions with up to 2 players.
Games like Wargame: Red Dragon and StarCraft 2 offer refined multiplayer experiences with strategic complexities and historical accuracies.

As a seasoned gamer who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of real-time strategy games, let me tell you that this list is a treasure trove for any RTS enthusiast like myself! Each game on here offers a unique and engaging multiplayer experience that keeps me coming back for more.

Strategy games, which go back to the early beginnings of gaming, have consistently captured people’s interest over time. These games are available in various forms, ranging from intricate 4X strategy games where a campaign might take multiple days or even weeks to finish, to quicker real-time strategy games that can be enjoyed in brief play sessions.

In the realm of multiplayer strategy games, exceptional ones often offer an enhanced gaming journey compared to the solo mode. A few have even pushed the boundaries of the genre, while others serve as cornerstones for competitive esports events and professional gaming.

7 Total War: Shogun 2

Combat In Feudal Japanese Style

Total War: Shogun 2 is a unique blend of turn-based grand strategy and real-time battle tactics, a mix that the series has consistently excelled in. Translating this engaging gameplay experience to a multiplayer setting was likely no easy feat.

Total War: Shogun 2 earns its spot on this list by skillfully merging simultaneous strategic multiplayer action across the main map, and engaging real-time tactical battles on an individual level. It’s important to note that a multiplayer session in this game can span for numerous hours, particularly when there are more than 2 participants involved.

6 Wargame: Red Dragon

Fight The Cold War

Wargame: Red Dragon” is a real-time strategy game that simulates tactical warfare during the Cold War era. You can engage in combat on various maps, which are modeled after real-life geographical areas. Many of the playable units have some degree of historical accuracy attached to them.

This game is deeply rooted in real war strategies from that period, utilizing the unique strengths and vulnerabilities of each unit type. To triumph over fellow players in multiplayer battles, a solid grasp of military strategy is essential. Strategies like flanking and position-based assaults are crucial elements in this outstanding multiplayer military strategy game.

5 Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos

Four Factions Fight for Supremacy

In all aspects, Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos embodies the classic style of Western Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games. It makes use of traditional fantasy motifs including human, elven, undead, and orc races. The gameplay adheres to the conventional RTS formula, where players collect resources, construct a defensive fortress, and train diverse units to form an attacking army.

This game is included on the list due to its authentic, traditional Real-Time Strategy (RTS) multiplayer gameplay, similar to that of games like StarCraft and Command & Conquer. The skirmish battles were intense, quick, and wrapped up rather swiftly. Essentially, it was entertaining without being overly complex.

4 StarCraft 2

A Modern Update To StarCraft

In terms of real-time strategy games, StarCraft 2 stands out as a significant contender. It was one of the earliest games to serve as the foundation for lucrative eSports competitions, and it remains a fan favorite today. The game offers an easy learning curve but presents a challenge when it comes to mastering its depths.

The reason StarCraft 2 appears on this list instead of the original StarCraft is primarily due to its significantly enhanced multiplayer experience. Unlike the original game, which was designed for modem play with certain limitations, StarCraft 2 has been crafted to deliver a more modern and seamless multiplayer performance.

3 Age Of Empires 2

Historical RTS With Great Multiplayer

In a nutshell, “Age of Empires 2” is richly detailed as a standalone game, with its captivating historical setting centered around various civilizations. It blends elements like research, resource management, and multiple victory conditions. However, you might wonder, how does this intricate design impact the multiplayer aspect?

The team responsible for developing Age of Empires 2 did an exceptional job integrating multiplayer mode. They maintained the intricacy of single-player experience while introducing a new dimension of strategic depth that goes beyond standard skirmish gameplay found in other strategy games. Each match presents unique challenges since players strive to dominate the game map, ensuring no two encounters are identical.

2 Command & Conquer: Generals

Frantic RTS Combat

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Classic Mac OS
Released: 2003
Developer: Danger Close, Aspyr, EA Pacific, i5works
Genre: Real-time strategy, Action game, Adventure game, Strategy

In the realm of real-time strategy (RTS) games, the “Command & Conquer” series has played a significant role in shaping the genre. But why “Command & Conquer: Generals” made it onto this list might initially appear puzzling. The main campaign of this game drew some criticism, primarily due to its departure from traditional mechanics that had been proven effective in previous iterations.

Interestingly enough, the modifications that initially drew criticism are what have turned Command & Conquer: Generals into an exceptional multiplayer title. The game differs significantly from its predecessors by offering a more rapid pace and necessitating the player to seize strategic zones on the map and protect them. All in all, it offers an exhilarating gaming experience for as few as two players, while with four or more, it becomes an absolute whirlwind of action.

1 Age Of Mythology

Wield Devine Powers

Age of Mythology” truly deserves the number one position in this list. It blends strategic gameplay aspects like resource gathering and base construction, yet maintains an exciting real-time battle dynamics.

In the multiplayer mode of Age of Mythology, players can utilize all the tools and capabilities available in the single-player version. This means they have access to mythical units as well as any divine powers they may unlock. Consequently, this game transcends the basic strategy of fortifying a defense and continuously sending troops against opponents. In essence, multiplayer in Age of Mythology necessitates strategic planning and thoughtful decision-making.

2024-09-25 13:33