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
Conqueror's Blade
Master the art of siege tactics in Conqueror's Blade, a tactical action MMO brought to you by Booming Tech. Create your hero, command medieval units, and ride out for epic online battles in a vast new world. Play for free today!
Minion Masters
An addictive fast-paced hybrid of Card games & Tower-Defense. Play 1v1 - or bring a friend for 2v2 - and engage in epic online multiplayer battles full of innovative strategy and awesome plays! Collect 200+ cards with unique mechanics, all free!
Total War: THREE KINGDOMS
Total War: THREE KINGDOMS is the first in the award-winning series to recreate epic conflict across ancient China. Combining a gripping turn-based campaign of empire-building & conquest with stunning real-time battles, THREE KINGDOMS redefines the series in an age of heroes & legends.
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.
Dark Future: Blood Red States
Step into the extraordinary, dystopian world of Dark Future, filled with danger, chaos and adventure. A game of both action and strategy unlike any other, featuring a unique time dilating command mode to help you make tactical decisions on the dangerous highways of this world.
Train Valley 2
Build bigger and more complex railway networks than ever before! Building on the success of the original, you’ll get more of what you loved about the original and then some. With increasingly difficult and complex challenges from local industries, the Valley has never felt so vast! ALL ABOARD!
NationWar:Chronicles | 国战:列国志传
This is a sandbox game that is deeply rooted in the rich historical information of the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. The story of the game unfolds slowly in the eighth century BC on the vast and mysterious land of China.
Cube Land Arena
The kingdom of Cubia call for your help, come to this vast kingdom where you will face strong enemies and hard challenges, you are the chosen to defend the cristals of life and finally bring peace to reign of Cubia.
Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2
Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2 is the new real-time strategy game adapted from Games Workshop’s famous tabletop game that portrays the epic space battles of the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
Medieval Kingdom Wars
Rewrite medieval history through bloody siege combat in a fusion of RTS and Grand Strategy genres. Rule, build, and serve your King as a minor lord in medieval Europe. Experience siege, field and naval combat with an unseen degree of brutality. Rogue-like progression, epic towns and battles await…
Prime World: Defenders 2
Defenders 2, - an exciting hybrid of Tower Defense and CCG, - is now available on Steam! Challenge endless hordes of monsters: build an impassable defense on their path and protect your mines. Collect all the unique towers and prove that even a tornado is not an obstacle for you.
Bad North: Jotunn Edition
Bad North is a charming but brutal real-time tactics roguelite. Defend your idyllic island kingdom against a horde of Viking invaders, as you lead the desperate exodus of your people. Command your loyal subjects to take full tactical advantage of the unique shape of each island.
Football Manager 2019
Simulation gaming perfected. Create your unique footballing story by taking charge of the club you love. Complete control of this stunningly realistic game world is yours - every decision in your hands, or yours to delegate. Your call, your way, your story. Everything you've ever dreamed of!
I am not a Monster: First Contact
Retro sci-fi tactical turn-based strategy with an exciting storyline. The Albatross space liner is overrun by lizard-like monsters that can infect humans and turn them into their own kind. Save the passengers and defeat the hostile creatures.
Victory At Sea Pacific
Victory at Sea Pacific is the exciting game of naval RTS combat set during World War II. Bringing an epic approach to real time strategy war gaming, search and destroy enemy fleets across an open world sandbox in a desperate attempt to change the course of history.
Perfect Heist
Perfect Heist is a round-based online game, where the robber team tries to execute a bank robbery without getting noticed, and the cop team tries to prevent it. Robbers hide in plain sight and try to slowly infiltrate the bank while the Cops try to figure out who is a normal customer, and who is a robber!
Dustwind
ARE YOU READY FOR CLASSIC REALTIME TACTICS? Be the nameless heroine in the wastelands of DUSTWIND's story campaign, fight against and with human players in the elaborate Multiplayer mode or design your very own story campaigns and maps in the mighty map editor!
Ancestors Legacy
Ancestors Legacy is a squad-based real time strategy with a strong focus on tactics. Inspired by medieval European history, it brings to life four different nations and their conflicts, usually solved by war.
A Total War Saga: THRONES OF BRITANNIA
From the multi-award-winning strategy series, A Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia combines huge real-time battles with engrossing turn-based campaign, set at a critical flashpoint in history. Anglo-Saxons, Gaelic clans and Viking settlers clash for control. What Kingdom will you build?
EMERGENCY 4 Deluxe
Coordinate firefighters, police, medical personnel and specialists in the classic EMERGENCY 4 Deluxe! Now with the previously untranslated bonus missions in English.
Tower of Time
A new kind of RPG awaits you. A story-rich dungeon crawler with innovative real-time combat that lets you pause or slow time. Tactical thinking is essential to succeed. Now with RPGlite and Permadeath for fast-paced game.
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.
Zula Global
Zula is an intense free-to-play FPS in which you can play cooperatively with your teammates to overthrow the enemy side. You can enjoy new content weekly and receive gifts every day. Variety of maps and weapons from the real world so you can immerse yourself 100%.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 16th 2025.
1. 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. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played real time tactics game, thanks to its 1,901 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.2
18,875
3,835
1,901
players
2. 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 916 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among real time tactics games based on player count.
8.0
10,067
2,158
916
players
3. 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. While seeing 780 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among real time tactics games based on player count.
9.3
10,037
451
780
players
4. 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 591 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played real time tactics games.
7.3
375
111
591
players
5. 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 574 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played real time tactics games.
9.5
19,105
462
574
players
6. 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 530 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played real time tactics games.
7.2
1,682
591
530
players
7. Ultimate General: Civil War
Ultimate General: Civil War is a tactical real time strategy war-game. Experience the bloodiest period of U.S. history - the American Civil War of 1861-1865. Ultimate General: Civil War is a wargame, real time tactics and war game developed and published by Game-Labs. Released on July 14th 2017 has received 7,902 reviews of which 7,053 were positive and 849 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 415 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played real time tactics games.
8.7
7,053
849
415
players
8. 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. With 394 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played real time tactics games.
6.5
409
196
394
players
9. 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 380 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played real time tactics games.
7.0
373
131
380
players
10. 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 377 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played real time tactics games.
8.7
3,188
353
377
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 16th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted real time tactics games.
1. Ashes of the Singularity: Escalation
A massive-scale real-time strategy game where you command entire armies on a dynamic battlefield. Conquer multiple worlds across several single-player campaigns; or play with your friends in multiplayer combat. Ashes of the Singularity: Escalation is a rts, base-building and pvp game developed by Stardock Entertainment and Oxide Games and published by Stardock Entertainment. Released on November 10th 2016 has received 4,738 reviews of which 3,526 were positive and 1,212 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Featuring a massive 94% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for real time tactics category.
7.3
3,526
1,212
-94%
29.17€
1.75€
2. 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. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in real time tactics games.
7.2
1,610
549
-94%
38.83€
2.33€
3. 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 #3 best deal in real time tactics games.
9.4
35,581
1,458
-93%
39.43€
2.76€
4. 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. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for real time tactics games.
8.0
6,672
1,438
-93%
29.57€
2.07€
5. 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 #5 position in the best deals for real time tactics games.
7.2
485
156
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
6. 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 712 reviews of which 447 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 #6 position in the best deals for real time tactics games.
6.1
447
265
-93%
18.71€
1.31€
7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for real time tactics games.
7
1,366
522
-92%
17.50€
1.40€
8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for real time tactics games.
7.1
595
210
-89%
27.09€
2.98€
9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for real time tactics games.
8.6
1,077
105
-88%
10.00€
1.20€
10. 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 #10 position in the best deals for real time tactics games.
9.4
13,900
476
-87%
39.77€
5.17€
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 16th 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. 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. With 394 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free real time tactics games on Steam.
6.5
409
196
394
players
2. 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. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 380, this real time tactics game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free real time tactics games on Steam.
7.0
373
131
380
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 140, 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
140
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
69
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
25
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
13
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
5
players