Best Real Time Tactics games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated real time tactics games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free real time tactics games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Artisan TD
Artisan TD is a puzzle-oriented Tower Defense game where you must survive by building mazes.
LOCKDOWN Protocol
A first person social deduction game, combining real time action and communication, 3 to 8 players. While most players will do their best to complete objectives and ensure victory, a small portion of dissidents will try to stop them at all costs, without getting caught.
Tapple - Idle Clicker
Welcome to Tapple, the idle clicker game where every tap brings you closer to an ever-growing collection of Tapples. Build your empire one tap at a time, discover unique Tapple drops, and experience the rewarding gameplay that keeps you coming back for more.
TFC: The Fertile Crescent
The Fertile Crescent is a captivating reimagining of classic base-building RTS, inspired by the epic struggles of growth, advancement, and conquest in the cradle of civilization.
Thriving City: Song
In 960 A.D., the Zhao Song Dynasty was established. As the mayor, you'll need to help the townspeople settle down, cultivate the land and expand. However, when the emperor issues a national mandate, conflicts between factions threaten city development—what strategy will you adopt?
Gooba Ball
A physics-based puzzle game where you combine colorful balls to achieve the ultimate form -- Goober! Combine two of a kind until, like I said, Goober… What more to do you freakin’ want?
WARNO
Realistic, immersive, breathtaking. WARNO is the ultimate World War III battle simulator from the masters of strategy, Eugen Systems. A Cold War turns decisively hot as you command hundreds of units on a beautiful and brutal battlefield. Outsmart, outfight, and lead your forces to total victory.
Viking Rise: Valhalla
Race against other players to explore Valhalla and conquer Midgard!
Mech Engineer
A dark sci-fi mech assembling manager with semi-auto battles against mutating, alien bio-weapon.
Men of War II
Experience warfare like never before! Men of War II, the anticipated sequel to the highly acclaimed RTS franchise is here with all-new units, locations, campaigns, game modes and true trademarks of the series: historical fidelity and action-filled gameplay on the Eastern and Western Fronts of WWII.
Slapshot: Rebound
Slapshot: Rebound is a physics-based multiplayer game where you play an arcade style match of hockey. No shoot button, no puck glue, no RNG. It’s up to you and your team to take control of the puck, pass, shoot, outplay your opponents. Play with your friends or team up with other Slapshot players!
Children of the Sun
On a deadly road trip into darkness, control the path of a single bullet and unleash a fury of vengeance on the sinister cult that ruined your life in this tactical puzzle-shooter.
The Lost Village
Once there was a prosperous village of Martials, now none of it remains. As the son of the former Master, you will lead your followers to rebuild this village. Recruit followers and enter the mysterious illusional domain, acquire lost wonders. Will you see the rebirth of ancestors’ glory again?
Sons of Valhalla
Sons of Valhalla is a combat and base-building game set in the Viking Age. Build fortresses and lay siege to enemy strongholds, gather warriors and board longboats, and engage in personal combat as you raid and conquer across England.
No Plan B
Carefully plan your team's tactics in close quarters battles. Use the timeline to synchronize each door breach, grenade throw and room entry with precision. Watch your team execute your plan autonomously in epic cinematic replays. Take on challenging roguelike campaigns or standalone missions.
CD 2: Trap Master
Become THE Trap Master - play your deck of lethal traps to mow down waves of bizarre creatures and protect your altars! Craft a unique deck of traps and powers, discover treasure of surprise effects, and guard a different base each time until you are ready for the unforgiving boss.
Just Another Night Shift
Just Another Night Shift is a casual competitive 1v1 or 2v2 PvP stealth strategy game. Play as a Thief and as a Security Guard. Steal the statue and try to prevent it in this 3D indie game. Grab a friend and work THE NIGHT SHIFT of your life. Join us for hours of fun gameplay with your friends!
Toy Shire: Room One
Are you prepared for a thrilling toy army tower defense adventure? Welcome to the Toy Shire! Battle diverse foes in various locations, defend your family, and repel foes from your area. Save the world by strengthening your defense with toy towers! FULL GAME AVAILABLE NOW!
Dungeon Keeper™ 2
Bad guys have all the fun. Discover your dark side as you build an evil underground kingdom and defend it against the forces of good.
Dungeon Keeper Gold™
Build your dungeon & protect it with a labyrinth of dark corridors, a web of deadly traps, an arsenal of powerful spells, and an army of bloodthirsty demons
Rail Route
In Rail Route, you will design, construct, upgrade, and automate your railway network in one of the many maps based on real-life cities worldwide. Dispatch the trains to make the traffic flow and the network grow!
Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance
Terminator: Dark Fate – Defiance is not just a game; it's an adrenaline-fueled journey where your strategic prowess decides the fate of mankind against the machines. After the machines took over, the greatest threats may not come from the machines but rather from other human survivors.
Legendary Hoplite
A combination of Action RPG and Tower Defense: slay monsters, find weapons, upgrade your armies, defend your base… Prevent humanity from extinction at the hands of monsters from Greek mythology and ancient tribes. Don't let them cross the gate, commander!Most played real time tactics games on Steam
Take a look at the top real time tactics games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 15th 2025.
1. Football Manager 2023
Build your dream squad, outsmart your rivals and experience the thrill of big European nights in the UEFA Champions League. Your journey towards footballing glory awaits. Football Manager 2023 is a simulation, sports and management game developed by Sports Interactive and published by SEGA. Released on November 08th 2022 has received 19,612 reviews of which 17,603 were positive and 2,009 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played real time tactics game, thanks to its 5,783 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.8
17,603
2,009
5,783
players
2. Call to Arms - Gates of Hell: Ostfront
Call to Arms - Gates of Hell is a realistic RTS/ RTT game that offers endless replay value. Command all types of troops in historical singleplayer, dynamic campaign, PvP and PvE battles. Are you ready for some serious immersion in World War 2? Call to Arms - Gates of Hell: Ostfront is a world war ii, strategy and real time tactics game developed by Barbedwire Studios and Digitalmindsoft and published by Digitalmindsoft. Released on June 11th 2021 has received 22,710 reviews of which 18,875 were positive and 3,835 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. While seeing 5,311 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among real time tactics games based on player count.
8.2
18,875
3,835
5,311
players
3. WARNO
Realistic, immersive, breathtaking. WARNO is the ultimate World War III battle simulator from the masters of strategy, Eugen Systems. A Cold War turns decisively hot as you command hundreds of units on a beautiful and brutal battlefield. Outsmart, outfight, and lead your forces to total victory. WARNO is a wargame, military and real time tactics game developed and published by Eugen Systems. Released on May 23rd 2024 has received 12,225 reviews of which 10,067 were positive and 2,158 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. While seeing 1,873 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among real time tactics games based on player count.
8.0
10,067
2,158
1,873
players
4. Stronghold Crusader HD (2012)
The highly anticipated sequel to the best-selling Stronghold, Stronghold Crusader HD throws you into historic battles and castle sieges from the Crusades with fiendish AI opponents, new units, 4 historical campaigns and over 100 unique skirmish missions. Stronghold Crusader HD (2012) is a military, real time tactics and city builder game developed and published by FireFly Studios. Released on October 21st 2013 has received 19,567 reviews of which 19,105 were positive and 462 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 1,396 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played real time tactics games.
9.5
19,105
462
1,396
players
5. Door Kickers 2: Task Force North
Command military Special Ops Teams in gripping tactical combat against a Middle East-based terrorist network. Sequel to RockPaperShotgun's "Best Tactics Game of 2014". Door Kickers 2: Task Force North is a tactical, top-down and real-time with pause game developed and published by KillHouse Games. Released on February 10th 2025 has received 10,488 reviews of which 10,037 were positive and 451 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 1,357 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played real time tactics games.
9.3
10,037
451
1,357
players
6. Commandos: Origins
ALARM! You have been selected for a mission which will shape the fate of the entire world. Witness the very beginning of the legendary elite WWII force in Commandos: Origins. The long-awaited sequel to the Commandos series brings you right back to the foundation of the real-time tactics genre. Commandos: Origins is a strategy, real time tactics and action-adventure game developed by Claymore Game Studios and published by Kalypso Media. Released on April 09th 2025 has received 486 reviews of which 375 were positive and 111 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. With 760 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played real time tactics games.
7.3
375
111
760
players
7. Sea Power : Naval Combat in the Missile Age
From the lead designer of Cold Waters, Sea Power lets you control NATO and Warsaw Pact forces in modern naval conflict campaigns. Use your advanced naval weaponry and sensors to respect rules of engagement and defeat the enemy forces in a tense fight for initiative and air/naval supremacy. Sea Power : Naval Combat in the Missile Age is a naval combat, strategy and simulation game developed by Triassic Games AB and published by MicroProse Software. Released on November 12th 2024 has received 3,541 reviews of which 3,188 were positive and 353 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 605 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played real time tactics games.
8.7
3,188
353
605
players
8. Stronghold: Definitive Edition
Greetings sire! Your stronghold awaits you. Build a castle economy, besiege unforgettable villains and return to the 'castle sim' that started it all. Experience this classic RTS with upgraded visuals, modernised gameplay, Steam multiplayer and a new campaign. Stronghold: Definitive Edition is a city builder, strategy and real time tactics game developed and published by FireFly Studios. Released on November 07th 2023 has received 8,416 reviews of which 7,238 were positive and 1,178 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 603 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played real time tactics games.
8.4
7,238
1,178
603
players
9. NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION: Awakening
Conquer Warring States Japan under one banner NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION: Awakening is a wargame, real time tactics and grand strategy game developed and published by KOEI TECMO GAMES CO. and LTD.. Released on July 20th 2022 has received 2,273 reviews of which 1,682 were positive and 591 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. With 527 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played real time tactics games.
7.2
1,682
591
527
players
10. Creeper World 4
The unstoppable fluid enemy has returned and destroyed every world in its path! Defend against Creeper as it floods across the 3D terrain in this real time strategy game where the enemy is a fluid. Creeper World 4 is a tower defense, wargame and real time tactics game developed and published by Knuckle Cracker. Released on December 03rd 2020 has received 4,280 reviews of which 4,077 were positive and 203 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 524 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played real time tactics games.
9.2
4,077
203
524
players
Best deals on real time tactics games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of real time tactics games available on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted real time tactics games.
1. War Mongrels
War Mongrels is an isometric real-time tactics game that takes place on the eastern front of World War II. Dynamic and tactical gameplay with stealth elements, tightly packed into a dark, fascinating story! Play on your own or in online co-op (PC). War Mongrels is a real time tactics, stealth and strategy game developed by Destructive Creations and published by Destructive Creations and DMM Games - Asia. Released on October 19th 2021 has received 2,159 reviews of which 1,610 were positive and 549 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Featuring a massive 94% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for real time tactics category.
7.2
1,610
549
-94%
38.83€
2.33€
2. Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun
Shadow Tactics is a hardcore tactical stealth game set in Japan around the Edo period. A new Shogun seizes power over Japan and enforces nationwide peace. In his battle against conspiracy and rebellion, he recruits five specialists with extraordinary skills for assassination, sabotage and espionage. Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is a stealth, strategy and tactical game developed by Mimimi Games and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on December 06th 2016 has received 37,039 reviews of which 35,581 were positive and 1,458 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in real time tactics games.
9.4
35,581
1,458
-93%
39.43€
2.76€
3. Partisans 1941
Partisans 1941 is a real-time tactics game with stealth elements, set on the eastern front of WW II. As an army commander behind enemy lines you gather a group of Partisans to wage guerilla warfare against the German occupants. Partisans 1941 is a strategy, real time tactics and world war ii game developed by Alter Games and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on October 14th 2020 has received 8,110 reviews of which 6,672 were positive and 1,438 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in real time tactics games.
8.0
6,672
1,438
-93%
29.57€
2.07€
4. Hot Brass
As an elite SWAT operator, think fast and put your tactics to the test to master a series of missions and save lives. Summon your team of up to four players in online and local co-op, or hone your skills solo. Don’t just be the best—be the best of the best. Hot Brass is a real time tactics, stealth and crime game developed by Walk with Kings and published by Treasure Hunters FanClub. Released on February 26th 2021 has received 641 reviews of which 485 were positive and 156 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for real time tactics games.
7.2
485
156
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
5. John Wick Hex
John Wick Hex is a fast-paced, action-oriented strategy game that makes you think and strike like John Wick, the professional hitman of the critically acclaimed film franchise. John Wick Hex is a strategy, action and real time tactics game developed by Bithell Games and published by Big Fan Games. Released on December 04th 2020 has received 711 reviews of which 446 were positive and 265 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for real time tactics games.
6.1
446
265
-93%
18.71€
1.31€
6. Radio Commander
Use the radio to give commands to the soldiers on the battlefield. Keep track of the situation based on their voice reports only. Lead US platoons to clash with Vietcong in a realistic, innovative approach to the RTS genre. Make hard choices in a narrative driven experience, and face the outcome. Radio Commander is a simulation, singleplayer and wargame game developed by Serious Sim and published by Games Operators and PlayWay S.A.. Released on October 10th 2019 has received 1,888 reviews of which 1,366 were positive and 522 were negative resulting in a rating of 7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for real time tactics games.
7
1,366
522
-92%
17.50€
1.40€
7. Airship: Kingdoms Adrift
Welcome to Suthseg! As the newly commissioned airship captain, forge a mercantile empire across the archipelago, until the great powers of Europa turn their attention toward it. Build up a fleet, chart trade routes, establish industries, and explore the frontier at your airship's helm! Airship: Kingdoms Adrift is a action, rpg and adventure game developed by Revolution Industry and published by Gamersky Games and indie.io. Released on September 21st 2023 has received 805 reviews of which 595 were positive and 210 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for real time tactics games.
7.1
595
210
-89%
27.09€
2.98€
8. S.W.I.N.E. HD Remaster
S.W.I.N.E. HD Remaster is the new edition of the challenging classic strategy game S.W.I.N.E! The filthiest of all wars between the Rabbit and the Pig armies is a sophisticated real-time strategy with completely revised textures, detailed unit models, a 16:9 adapted interface. S.W.I.N.E. HD Remaster is a strategy, rts and retro game developed by Kite Games and published by Kite Games and WhisperGames. Released on May 23rd 2019 has received 1,182 reviews of which 1,077 were positive and 105 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for real time tactics games.
8.6
1,077
105
-88%
10.00€
1.20€
9. Desperados III
Desperados III is a story-driven, hardcore tactical stealth game, set in a ruthless Wild West scenario. Play smart if you want to succeed. A good plan can make the difference between survival and finding yourself at the business end of a pistol. Desperados III is a real time tactics, strategy and stealth game developed by Mimimi Games and published by THQ Nordic. Released on June 16th 2020 has received 14,376 reviews of which 13,900 were positive and 476 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for real time tactics games.
9.4
13,900
476
-87%
39.77€
5.17€
10. Men of War: Vietnam
The critically acclaimed series returns! Experience Vietnam from both sides of the war. Men of War: Vietnam is a strategy, war and tactical game developed and published by Fulqrum Publishing. Released on September 08th 2011 has received 1,225 reviews of which 794 were positive and 431 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for real time tactics games.
6.3
794
431
-87%
7.69€
1.00€
Free real time tactics games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play real time tactics games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play real time tactics games.
1. Viking Rise: Valhalla
Race against other players to explore Valhalla and conquer Midgard! Viking Rise: Valhalla is a strategy, rpg and 4x game developed and published by IGG SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.. Released on May 21st 2024 has received 504 reviews of which 373 were positive and 131 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. With 409 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free real time tactics games on Steam.
7.0
373
131
409
players
2. Doomsday: Last Survivors
New tower defense gameplay! The apocalypse has come, and zombies are running amok. As the leader of the survivors, collect and use resources to defend their last shelter! Doomsday: Last Survivors is a strategy, strategy rpg and 4x game developed and published by IGG SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.. Released on June 25th 2023 has received 605 reviews of which 409 were positive and 196 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 382, this real time tactics game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free real time tactics games on Steam.
6.5
409
196
382
players
3. Infinitode 2 - Infinite Tower Defense
Infinitode 2 - a strategy in the Tower Defense genre, in which the player will have to build towers to protect his base from endless waves of enemies. The game features huge maps, lots of towers, resource miners, upgrade tree and map editor. Infinitode 2 - Infinite Tower Defense is a level editor, tower defense and building game developed and published by Prineside. Released on May 06th 2021 has received 3,592 reviews of which 3,277 were positive and 315 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 324, this real time tactics game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free real time tactics games on Steam.
8.8
3,277
315
324
players
4. Tribal Wars
Compete in hardcore PvP strategy in persistent game worlds where real time resource and troop management in coordination with other players is required to expand your kingdom from one village to hundreds as you conquer the map in this winner takes all medieval contest. Tribal Wars is a strategy, massively multiplayer and base-building game developed and published by InnoGames. Released on November 12th 2020 has received 723 reviews of which 524 were positive and 199 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free real time tactics games on Steam.
6.9
524
199
98
players
5. AOD: Art Of Defense
AOD is a new gameplay in the traditional tower defence genre. You must protect your base from waves of approaching enemies. Build and improve your towers and units and destroy your enemies in any way you can. Don't be weak, destroy them all, show who's in charge! AOD: Art Of Defense is a tower defense, real time tactics and wargame game developed and published by Sateda. Released on December 01st 2020 has received 369 reviews of which 288 were positive and 81 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free real time tactics games on Steam.
7.3
288
81
33
players
6. Empires Apart
An exciting free-to-play Real Time Strategy game set in medieval times. Uniquely designed factions, customization options, singleplayer and multiplayer gameplay. Gather resources, raise an army and lead your civilization to victory in a classic RTS, brought to the modern age. Empires Apart is a strategy, rts and free to play game developed by DESTINYbit and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on March 29th 2018 has received 2,429 reviews of which 1,660 were positive and 769 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free real time tactics games on Steam.
6.7
1,660
769
18
players
7. 3 Days War
3 Days War is a unique multiplayer strategy war game. Integrating the mechanics of RTS+4X, it allows dozens of players to engage in a three-day real-time strategy competitionon. Commanders, use your skills, strategies, games and even deception to become the ultimate winner! 3 Days War is a rts, pvp and grand strategy game developed and published by 荆棘鸟工作室. Released on April 16th 2023 has received 632 reviews of which 537 were positive and 95 were negative resulting in a rating of 8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free real time tactics games on Steam.
8
537
95
4
players