RTS games are often celebrated for their focus on strategy and dynamic gameplay, where the ability tocommand armies and manage resources is essential. This genre encourages players to invest significant time in honing their skills, particularly in multiplayer matches, where every action must be executed flawlessly to avoid giving opponents any advantage.
However, some titles go beyond mere game mechanics, offering campaigns with narratives that deeply engage players, creatingrich universes and memorable storiesthat rival the best games from other genres. Alongside strategic challenges, these campaigns present captivating characters and complex plots.
Real-world scenarios provide excellent backdrops for RTS games, and the Middle Ages offer a wealth of opportunities for storytelling.Age of Empires 2remains a celebrated game to this day for its balanced gameplay and quality mechanics, and it also delivers outstanding campaigns within the RTS genre.
While the campaigns may not be as complex as others, they serve as anexcellent introduction for newcomers to the RTS genre, familiarizing players with the mechanics of the genre and preparing them for the greater challenges of multiplayer. Additionally, the chance to play as historical figures like Joan of Arc, William Wallace, or Saladin adds to the game’s appeal.
Alongside the Middle Ages, World War 2 is another setting frequently used by video game developers, particularly in FPS titles. The iconic setting also features in RTS games likeCompany of Heroes 2, which focuses on the Eastern Front and the battles between the Soviets and Germans.
The game excels in handling the delicate politics of the era, also highlighting some of the questionable decisions made by key figures during World War 2. For players seeking an RTS with a compelling campaign,Company of Heroes 2delivers a solid experience, offering large-scale battles andgreat co-op playto boot.
World in Conflictpresents a scenario where theCold War escalates into a global armed conflict. The campaign places players in the midst of a Soviet invasion of the United States, with missions set in iconic locations that unfold across different sides of the conflict.
The game’s frenetic pace and the constant need to adapt to new battle conditions make each objective achieved feel significant. Additionally, the absence of base-building allows the action to unfold more quickly, makingWorld in Conflicta memorable RTS with a deeply immersive campaign.
TheWarcraftuniverse is rich and complex, filled with works that further expand its narrative. One such story is continued inWarcraft 3: The Frozen Throne, an expansion forWarcraft 3: Reign of Chaosthat adds significant new content.
While the story and campaign are excellent,The Frozen Throneis particularly notable for its characters, many of whom are still fondly remembered by fans. Blizzard did an incredible job crafting the narratives in this game, and the interactions and relationships between the various characters enhance the overall experience.
For fans of theWarhammer 40,000franchise,Dawn of War: Dark Crusadestands out as an excellent RTS that offers a non-linear approach to storytelling, where seven factions compete for control of Kronus. The game delivers an engaging narrative interwoven with relentless combat, making the campaign particularly appealing to those familiar with the setting.
Moreover, the variety of factions and the non-linear nature of the campaign allow players to adapt to a more favorable playstyle, making strategic decisions that are impactful on the narrative outcomes. This flexibility positionsDark Crusadeas a prime example of the great RTS titles available on the market.
A major milestone in RTS gaming,Age of Mythologyoffers one of the genre’s best campaigns. Players control Arkantos as they embark on an epic journey to prevent Cronos, the Titan who once controlled time, from regaining his powers and starting a new war.
The game’s story is well-told, and fortunately,Age of Mythologydoesn’t limit itself to Greek mythology alone, expanding the narrative toinclude Egyptian and Norse mythsas well. These shifts in setting make sense within the game’s plot, allowing players to interact with characters from different cultures while attempting to save the ancient world from destruction.
WhileThe Frozen Thronealso boasts incredible campaigns, the originalWarcraft 3: Reign of Chaosis even more impactful, taking players on an epic journey across Azeroth that served as the foundation for many of the universe’s subsequent narratives. Here, players witness thebeginning of Arthas’s corruption, one of the most significant events in the setting.
In addition to introducing iconic characters,Reign of Chaosfeatures a narrative divided into four campaigns, each showcasing the perspective of a different race: Humans, Orcs, Night Elves, and Undead. This structure allowed players to explore the conflict in greater depth, combining strategy and storytelling, helping to establishWarcraft 3as a classic RTS and catapulting theWarcraftsetting to a wider audience.
TheHomeworldfranchise is among the most influential in the genre, particularly when it comes tospace-based RTS games. This first installment of the franchise offers an exceptional storytelling experience, blending a compelling campaign with 3D graphics that add depth to the tactics employed during combat.
Homeworld’scampaign is an epic journey across the galaxy, where the Kushan face challenges beyond just space battles. As they progress towards Hiigara, their home planet, players are drawn into a narrative that explores themes of identity, survival, and sacrifice. Each advanced scenario further develops this story of a civilization’s struggle to return home.
Blizzard has long been a major force in creating RTS games with some of the best campaigns on the market, and this talent is on full display inStarcraft 2: Wings of Liberty. Departing from the medieval fantasy ofWarcraft, the developers returned to their iconic sci-fi setting, delivering an exceptional sequel over a decade in the making.
In addition to expanding the lore of the universe, the campaigns explore the story of Jim Raynor’s fight against the Dominion, delivering memorable moments from new and familiar faces to theStarcraftsetting. The game also does agreat job of keeping players engagedwith varying mission objectives and by introducing new units as the story progresses.
Set in an alternate history where the Cold War never occurred, instead leading led to a full-scale war between the United States and the Soviet Union,Command and Conquer: Red Alert 2offers the best campaign in the RTS genre. Players can choose to play as either the Allies or the Soviets, with each faction offering unique and compelling stories.
Throughout the campaigns, gameplay varies, depending on the chosen faction, offering unique missions that explore each side’s strengths and weaknesses. These differences in playstyle, coupled with an abundance of in-game cutscenes, makeRed Alert 2a cornerstone ofthe best the RTS genre has to offer.
