From commanding vast armies to managing intricate economies, real-time strategy games have provided some of the most cerebral experiences in gaming history. With the ability to command vast armies from the past, modern day and the future, RTS games have captivated players for decades.
Some classic titles, like StarCraft and Total Annihilation, have cemented themselves as icons, shaping the evolution of the genre. Yet, for every legend there are a multitude of other games which offered unique mechanics, deep strategies, and memorable experiences, but that quietly faded into obscurity.
With over 600 real-time strategy titles released since 1990, it’s expected that some excellent titles have slipped through the net and escaped the notice of real-time strategy fans. Lets take a look back through the games of the past that you might have missed but are still worthy off your attention.
10. Total Annihilation: Kingdoms (1999)
Released in June 1999, Total Annihilation: Kingdoms was meant to capitalize on the success of the original Total Annihilation, one of the most influential real-time strategy games of all time. However, it was overshadowed by Age of Empires II: Age of Kings and StarCraft: Brood War, both of which dominated the RTS scene at the time. Fans of the original Total Annihilation found Kingdoms’ slower pace and fantasy setting less appealing than the futuristic, robot-driven warfare of its predecessor.
What makes it stand out is its bold shift to a fantasy setting, with sprawling medieval battles involving dragons, magic, and four unique factions, each with distinct abilities and playstyles. The game’s massive, beautifully rendered maps and epic-scale combat were impressive for its time, allowing for a grand sense of scope and strategy.
Why you should play it now: While it didn’t achieve the success of the original, Kingdoms still offers a unique RTS experience for those who love large-scale battles in a fantasy setting. Its slower pace and varied factions make it a great choice for players who enjoy methodical planning and epic, drawn-out warfare. For fans of Total Annihilation or fantasy real-time strategy titles, it’s worth revisiting.
09. Original War (2001)
Released in June 2001, Original War was overshadowed by genre giants like Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 and Empire Earth, both of which had more traditional real-time strategy mechanics and broader appeal. Despite this, Original War offered a unique take on the RTS genre with its blend of tactical decision-making, resource scarcity, and a strong narrative.
What makes it stand out is its finite resources and deep storytelling. The game incorporates RPG elements, where each unit matters, and decisions about resource management can have long-lasting impacts. Time travel and alternate history plotlines add further layers of intrigue, creating a complex and immersive experience that differentiates it from more straightforward RTS titles.
Why you should play it now: Original War remains a fascinating and unique game for players who enjoy a challenge and appreciate story-driven RTS gameplay. Its emphasis on tough decisions and long-term strategy creates a depth rarely seen in modern titles, making it a rewarding experience for players who are looking for something different from the usual real-time strategy fare.
08. Ground Control (2000)
Released in May 2000, Ground Control found itself in direct competition with Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun and Homeworld. While those games had a heavy focus on base-building and resource management, Ground Control took a different path, focusing purely on tactical combat. This departure from standard RTS mechanics was both its strength and a reason it didn’t find a massive audience.
What makes it stand out is its complete lack of base-building, which forces players to focus entirely on battlefield tactics and unit placement. The game’s use of 3D terrain was innovative for its time, allowing for strategic positioning and line-of-sight advantages. Ground Control also featured stunning graphics and a strong emphasis on unit diversity and customization.
Why you should play it now: If you’re looking for an RTS that prioritizes tactical depth and battlefield strategy over micromanagement, Ground Control offers a refreshing change. Its 3D environments and intense focus on combat still hold up, and it’s a great choice for players who want a more streamlined, tactics-heavy experience.
07. Battle Realms (2001)
Released in November 2001, Battle Realms was overshadowed by Warcraft III, a massive real-time strategy release that dominated the market. However, Battle Realms managed to carve out a niche for itself with its distinct setting and innovative gameplay mechanics, though it never achieved the same level of fame as its competitors.
What makes it stand out is its Eastern-inspired setting and unique unit creation system. In Battle Realms, peasants can be trained into warriors, and units can be upgraded with skills and abilities, adding a dynamic element to unit management. The game also featured a beautiful art style and fluid animations that brought its mystical, samurai-inspired world to life.
Why you should play it now: Battle Realms offers a unique combination of resource management and unit evolution that sets it apart from other RTS titles. Its focus on small-scale tactics, fast-paced combat, and a distinct art style makes it a hidden gem for real-time strategy fans looking for something different from the typical medieval or sci-fi settings.
06. Empire Earth (2001)
Released in November 2001, Empire Earth was released in the same year as Age of Empires II: The Conquerors and Civilization III, both of which had huge fanbases and strong sales. Despite this tough competition, Empire Earth earned a dedicated following for its ambition and scope, which spanned the entire history of human civilization.
What makes it stand out is its grand scale. Empire Earth allows players to control a civilization from the prehistoric era to the future, with a vast tech tree and the ability to engage in land, sea, and air battles. Its variety of units and eras creates a sense of epic progression, making each game feel like an expansive journey through time.
Why you should play it now: If you’re a fan of grand strategy and enjoy games that cover a wide range of historical periods, Empire Earth still holds up as a massive, engaging real-time strategy game. Its ambitious scope and the sheer variety of gameplay offer a depth that’s hard to match, making it a perfect choice for players who love long-term strategic planning and evolution.
05. Grey Goo (2015)
Released in January 2015, Grey Goo arrived at a time when the real-time strategy genre had already begun to decline, and it faced competition from StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void and Company of Heroes 2. Despite being developed by veterans of the genre, Grey Goo didn’t quite capture the mainstream audience it hoped to, even though it was well-received by RTS fans.
What makes it stand out is its return to classic RTS gameplay with a modern twist. The game features three unique factions: the Humans, the technologically advanced Beta, and the Goo—a fluid, amorphous race that plays unlike anything seen in most RTS games. Grey Goo emphasizes asymmetric factions and macro-strategy over micromanagement, making it accessible while still challenging for hardcore RTS players.
Why you should play it now: Grey Goo is a love letter to classic real-time strategy games, but with modern visuals and refined mechanics. Its unique faction designs and strategic depth make it a must-play for fans of the genre looking for a modern take on the classic RTS formula. Its streamlined approach is perfect for players who appreciate macro-management and deep faction diversity.
04. Halo Wars (2009)
Released in February 2009, Halo Wars was one of the few RTS games designed specifically for consoles, launching as StarCraft II and Dawn of War II were solidifying their dominance on PC. As a console real-time strategy game, it faced an uphill battle in a genre dominated by mouse-and-keyboard gameplay, but Halo Wars found a dedicated audience thanks to its accessibility and connection to the hugely popular Halo franchise.
What makes it stand out is its streamlined control scheme and intuitive design, which made it one of the most accessible RTS games ever released on a console. The game allowed players to command familiar Halo forces like the UNSC and Covenant, all within the context of fast-paced, large-scale battles. Its strong narrative, integrated with Halo’s universe, gave it an added appeal for franchise fans.
Why you should play it now: Halo Wars is one of the few real-time strategy games that successfully bridged the gap between console and PC gaming. If you’re a fan of the Halo universe or looking for an RTS with a faster, more action-oriented style, it’s still one of the best examples of how real-time strategy mechanics can work on a console.
03. World in Conflict (2007)
Released in September 2007, World in Conflict entered a market crowded by Command & Conquer 3 and Supreme Commander, both of which focused heavily on base-building and resource management. By contrast, World in Conflict offered a fresh, tactical approach, removing base-building entirely and focusing on fast-paced, large-scale battles in an alternate-history Cold War setting.
What makes it stand out is its blend of cinematic storytelling and tactical depth. Set in an alternate history where the Soviet Union invades the United States, the game offers a powerful narrative-driven campaign filled with memorable characters and intense, large-scale battles. The destructible environments and dynamic battlefields added a level of immersion that few RTS games could match.
Why you should play it now: World in Conflict remains one of the most visually stunning and emotionally charged real-time strategy games ever made. Its tactical focus, coupled with its gripping story, makes it a standout even years after its release. If you enjoy fast-paced tactical combat and narrative-driven missions, World in Conflict is a must-play for any RTS fan.
02. Earth 2150 (2000)
Released in March 2000, Earth 2150 had to compete with Homeworld and Age of Empires II, both of which were at the top of the real-time strategy market. Despite this, Earth 2150 managed to distinguish itself with its persistent campaign, deep unit customization, and 3D environments, all of which set it apart from other RTS games at the time.
What makes it stand out is its emphasis on long-term strategy and unit customization. Earth 2150 allows players to design their own units, choose from a wide variety of weapons and technologies, and carry their decisions across multiple missions in a persistent campaign. Its use of 3D terrain also allowed for a more dynamic battlefield, with players able to build fortifications and tunnels to gain a strategic edge.
Why you should play it now: Earth 2150 remains one of the most complex and rewarding RTS experiences, with a level of depth and customization that few games can match even today. Its persistent campaign and emphasis on player choice make every decision matter, creating a level of immersion and challenge that’s rarely seen in modern RTS titles. If you’re a fan of deep strategy and customization, Earth 2150 is a must-play.
01. Dark Reign: The Future of War (1997)
Released in September 1997, Dark Reign was overshadowed by the genre-defining releases of StarCraft and Total Annihilation. However, Dark Reign quietly introduced several gameplay innovations that would go on to influence future RTS titles, including customizable AI and dynamic terrain manipulation, which allowed players more control over their units and battlefield tactics.
What makes it stand out is its innovative approach to real-time strategy mechanics. Dark Reign allowed players to assign specific AI behaviours to units, making it one of the first RTS games to offer this level of tactical control. Its use of terrain, such as hills that affected line-of-sight and water that could be crossed by hovercraft, added a layer of strategic complexity rarely seen at the time.
Why you should play it now: Dark Reign remains a hidden gem for real-time strategy enthusiasts who appreciate deep tactical gameplay and innovative mechanics. Its AI customization and terrain dynamics still feel fresh and offer a level of strategic depth that many modern RTS games lack. If you want to explore a classic RTS that pushed boundaries, Dark Reign is worth revisiting.
Dark Reign concludes our list of Top 10 Forgotten RTS Games: Hidden Gems You Need to Rediscover, but we know there are countless other classics that may have slipped through the cracks over the years. Do you think we missed any real-time strategy titles that deserve a spot on this list? Whether it’s a cult favourite or a personal hidden gem, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Let us know in the comments, or head over to the Community Hub to continue the conversation with fellow strategy gamers.
