Strategy Games With The Best Skirmish Modes

Highlights

Homeworld: Deserts Of Kharak offers a unique ground-based real-time strategy experience with excellent skirmish gameplay.
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn Of War introduces strategic gameplay focusing on hero units, adding a twist to traditional RTS mechanics.
XCOM 2 stands out with its turn-based combat approach, allowing players to build synergistic squads for skirmish battles.

As a seasoned gamer with over three decades of experience under my belt, I must say that each of these strategy games offers a unique and captivating take on skirmish battles. From the old-school charm of Stronghold Crusader 2 to the fast-paced action of Homeworld 3, there’s something for every strategy enthusiast out there.

Strategy games can take various forms, ranging from games focused on long-term strategic thinking (grand strategies), to those demanding quick tactical decisions (real-time strategies), and those requiring meticulous planning for every action (turn-based strategies). These games often offer multiple playthroughs due to skirmish battles, either against artificial opponents or human players in multiplayer sessions.

As a gaming enthusiast who enjoys strategy titles, I’ve come across many games that don’t feature a skirmish mode, which can be quite disappointing. For those that do, the execution often leaves much to be desired. However, there are gems out there with exceptional skirmish modes – some so good they become infinitely replayable. Others take the traditional skirmish experience and inject it with a fresh twist, setting them apart from the norm in exciting ways.

7 Homeworld: Deserts Of Kharak

Discover Homeworld Lore

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS
Released: January 20, 2016
Developer: Blackbird Interactive
Genre: Real-time strategy, Strategy

It’s possible that some readers might not realize that the “Homeworld” series encompasses a ground-based real-time strategy game, unlike its space-themed counterparts. Specifically, “Homeworld: Deserts Of Kharak” revolves around an expedition to discover the original mothership, serving as the backstory for the events in the initial “Homeworld” game.

In the game “Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak,” the skirmish mode stands out for its engaging nature. This mode can be played against either AI or other human players. What sets this skirmish mode apart is that it encourages movement across the map, as players must gather resources and safeguard them, instead of merely establishing a base and hunkering down behind its walls in this real-time strategy game.

6 Warhammer 40,000: Dawn Of War

RTS Done A Little Differently

In most real-time strategy games, the focus is on constructing a powerful army made up of various unit types, followed by an offensive move. Yet, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War approaches gameplay in a unique manner.

In skirmish battles within the game ‘Warhammer 40,000: Dawn Of War’, players can construct their own units, yet it’s the pre-existing hero units that possess remarkable strength. Consequently, instead of engaging in full-scale conflicts, strategy is essential for victory. Hero units are deployed to achieve objectives, while standard units, trained by the player, serve as backups. This strategic twist sets ‘Warhammer 40,000: Dawn Of War’ apart from conventional RPG mechanics, giving it a unique flavor.

5 Stronghold Crusader 2

Castle Building Strategy

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, GeForce Now
Released:September 23, 2014
Developer: Firefly Studios
Genre: Real-Time Strategy

In Stronghold Crusader 2’s skirmish mode, you’ll find a classic gameplay experience that involves gathering resources, constructing your own castle, fortifying it with defenses, and eventually building an army for offense. If you manage to repel any initial attacks before your defenses are fully set up, you can then comfortably protect yourself behind your castle walls while growing your troop numbers.

In Stronghold Crusader 2, the typical RTS gameplay often results in intense skirmishes happening towards the end of a match, once both sides have amassed substantial armies. Such encounters frequently escalate into grand-scale conflicts, featuring hundreds of combatants.

4 Homeworld 3

Fleet Combat In Space

Any collection of strategy games should include at least one space combat title, and Homeworld 3 is an excellent choice for that role. This game builds upon the traditional Homeworld gameplay, streamlining it to make it more approachable for a broader range of players. Although it may be less intricate than its two predecessors, this simplification significantly reduces the need for micro-management during high-speed skirmishes.

In Homeworld 3, you can engage in skirmish battles that can be fought against artificial intelligence (AI), other players, or a mix of both. Setting up a skirmish involves choosing the battlefield and deciding whether it will be a multiplayer game or a solo match against AI. Skirmishes commence at a leisurely pace but soon escalate into intense fleet battles.

3 XCOM 2

Fun Turn-Based Combat

In XCOM 2, the method of handling skirmish battles sets it apart from other games in this collection. Prior to engaging in a skirmish game, players are required to select their squad first. Each squad consists of four soldiers, and you’re tasked with determining which classes these soldiers will represent for the upcoming match.

In XCOM 2, when you’re assembling a squad for a skirmish, you have the flexibility to modify each unit’s abilities and gear. This allows you to create a harmonious team that, collectively, performs better than its individual members might suggest. You also get to pick the battlefield terrain for these encounters. Regrettably, these battles are not multiplayer in XCOM 2; they are solely against AI opponents.

2 Ashes Of The Singularity

Absolute Chaos

In numerous aspects, “Ashes Of The Singularity” can be seen as a spiritual descendant to the iconic real-time strategy game “Total Annihilation“. This game emphasizes quantity over quality, for quantity possesses its unique charm. Engaging in combat often means managing hundreds of units, massive battles, and an abundance of explosions.

In Ashes Of The Singularity, skirmish games employ the game map similarly to the campaign, with various resource points scattered across it. Players must progress, secure, and safeguard these points to keep growing their forces. However, rival factions will also strive for control of these same resources, creating numerous intense battles at those locations.

1 Starcraft

Helped Start The Esports Scene

First introduced in 1998, Starcraft remains one of today’s most played esports games, demonstrating its lasting impact. This groundbreaking real-time strategy game has left a significant mark by introducing the concept of a “rush” game and popularizing the term “Zerg,” which refers to a massive, rapid attack using inexpensive units within an RTS setting.

In the world of Starcraft, skirmishes can be intense and move at breakneck speed. Each faction brings its own distinct strategies to the table, leveraging their individual strengths and vulnerabilities. It’s no surprise that Starcraft ranks number one on this list – it’s a timeless game that set the stage for many of the modern titles discussed hereafter.

2024-08-13 13:34