StarCraft is one of the best and most popular RTS games out there. StarCraft II is still one of the most competitive games at the highest level in the world. If you have played StarCraft before and are in love with the strategy genre, then you must be keen to play more fantastic games in the genre which also provide a great gaming experience with an intriguing storyline. Look no further because we offer you 14 of the best games like StarCraft you can enjoy:
Also discover: Top 15 best Android strategy games 2018
1. Age of Empires: Definitive Edition
Any list of the best RTS games is complete without the famous Age of Empires franchise. While most of you might have played the game before, I highly recommend you check out Age of Empires: Definitive Edition, a remastered version of the classic. The game contains all the content of the original title, with modernized gameplay, new visuals and many other features that you will certainly enjoy. The game offers more than 40 hours of updated campaign content, new competitive modes and 4K visualsit will surely bring back memories of your childhood. For the ignorant, Age of Empires is a classic time strategy game where you pick a civilization, start in the Stone Age, and move up to the Modern Age. In doing so, you also interact with other civilizations, make allies or eliminate enemies. The game requires players to strategize for the growth of their civilization and always stay one step ahead of their opponents.
Compatibility: Windows
Buy ( $ 19.99 )
2. Sid Meier’s Civilization VI
Sid Meier’s Civilization franchise is very popular among strategy enthusiasts and the latest title in the line – Civilization VI – is definitely worth a try if you’re looking for a superb turn based real-time strategy game . In the game, you start by choosing a civilization and settle on a map as a nomadic tribe. You must then accumulate resources and progress through the ages to become a world superpower. On your way to achieve this goal, you will make allies with other civilizations or eliminate the civilization that stands in your way. If you are a fan of RTS games, Civilizations VI should be of interest to you.
Compatibility: Windows, Nintendo Switch, Mac OS, iOS, Linux
Buy ( $ 17.99 )
3. Command & Conquer: The Ultimate Collection
Think Age of Empires but in a much more modern setting and Command & Conquer is what you get. A great alternative to StarCraft that tests your ability to strategize and conquer your opponents. The ultimate Command & Conquer collection offers the 17 games and extensions of the franchise , which is a lot of game time for anyone who has never played a Command & Conquer game before. The collection even includes Command & Conquer: Renegade, the only first-person shooter in the series, as well as the rest of the RTS titles. Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 is one of my personal favorites and I highly recommend checking out the game if you’re looking for a fun strategy title with sensational campaign stories and even better (albeit slightly better) cutscenes. above).
Compatibility: Windows
Buy ( $ 14.99 )
4. Supreme Commander Collection
Supreme Commander Collection is another great real-time strategy franchise that you should try out if you’re looking for a great StarCraft alternative. The game focuses on using giant bipedal dudes to build a base , reach higher technological levels, then conquer the bases of your opponents. The collection includes every game in the franchise, from the first Supreme Commander game to Supreme Commander 2: Battle Pack Infinite War, giving players a ton of game time at a pretty affordable price.
Compatibility: Windows
Buy ( 6.76 $ )
5. Company of Heroes 2
Discover the intricacies of WWII in Company of Heroes 2, a real-time strategy title that perfectly blends classic RT gameplay mechanics with modern functionality. Company of Heroes 2 is one of the best strategy games you can play. It takes players to the WWII Eastern Front where they must take control of the Soviet Red Army . One of the most interesting aspects of Company of Heroes 2 is its TrueSight functionality , which allows players to better assess visibility of their troops based on environmental conditions and unit type. This adds another level of complexity to the game, which makes it even more difficult.
Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux
Buy ( 6.79 $ )
6. Halo Wars 2
The Halo franchise boasts of the most popular first-person shooter games, but did you know there is an RTS Halo game? Well, if you didn’t know, you should definitely check out Halo Wars and Halo Wars 2, a completely different version of the franchise that lets you command entire armies and lead them to fight against enemies . The game has a number of StarCraft-like elements. However, its primary focus is war, with an emphasis on resource management and unit building. Halo Wars 2 is a must have game for all Halo fans.
Compatibility: Windows, Xbox One
Buy ( $ 18.90 )
7. Rise of Nations Extended Edition
Rise of Nations is the spiritual successor to the Age of Empires series, and just like AoE, it also received an updated version. Rise of Nations Extended Edition includes the original game, Rise of Nations: Thrones and Patriots, and a number of new features, including improved images and full Steamworks integration. The game follows the same style and style of play as Age of Empires, with players starting out in the ancient era and progressing into the modern era by gathering resources. You have the choice between 18 unique civilizations , each with their own unique traits and abilities, which adds a lot of replay value to the title.
Compatibility: Windows, Xbox One
Buy ( $ 4.99 )
8. Warcraft III: Reforged (Pre-order)
Blizzard’s Warcraft franchise is also well received by fans of the RTS genre and we have high expectations for the upcoming Warcraft III: Reforged. The game is currently available for pre-order and is expected to land in stores by the end of the year. However, if you don’t want to wait that long, know that you can play all previous games in the franchise if you pre-order Warcraft III: Reforged . The game, like the other titles on this list, gives players the option to choose a faction, then build their base, build an army, and recruit powerful heroes to dominate their opponents. Warcraft III: Reforged is expected to bring a complete visual overhaul, a suite of contemporary social and matchmaking features, and more.
Compatibility: Windows, macOS
Pre-order ( $ 29.99 )
9. Age of Mythology: Extended Edition
Age of Mythology is a real-time strategy game that looks a lot like Age of Empires, except that it has a more mythical setting. The game is inspired by Greek, Egyptian and Nordic mythologies to give players access to various different units and heroes that help them defeat their enemies. The progression Game remains quite similar to that of Age of Empires , players must first create a base, collect resources, form an army, and then defeat their enemies.
Compatibility: Windows
Buy ( 7.49 $ )
10. Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 2
If you’re looking for a real-time strategy game of epic proportions, you should definitely check out Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 2 – the sequel to Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War – which takes players on a journey like no other. The game’s plot revolves around a catastrophic weapon called the Spear of Khaine and three forces in pursuit of the spear. Players must choose from one of the three factions available – including Space Marines, Eldar and Orks – and fight the other two factions in the single player campaign. In multiplayer mode, a variety of skins are available for all three factions, which allows different players to use the same faction.
Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux
Buy ( $ 7.99 )
11. World of Warships
World of Warships is a navy-themed real-time strategy game,in which players control their fleet of warships to defeat the opposing team. The game is a bit slow compared to some of the other games on this list and only offers two basic types of weaponry – ship cannons and torpedoes. World of warships has a strong focus on team play , which adds an extra layer of difficulty under the strategy, as you have to coordinate with your teammates to come up with a plan to defeat the enemy. There are two main reasons you should definitely try World of Warships: it’s free and offers a great MMO experience.
Compatibility: Windows, macOS
Download ( free )
12. Total War: Warhammer II
Another great RTS title that you should try if you are looking for a good Starcraft alternative is Total War: Warhammer II. The game brings you a breathtaking new storytelling campaign, spanning the vast continents of Austria, Ultuan, Naggaroth and Southlands. The game is the second chapter of the trilogy, so you need to play the first game to get the most out of the game. In the game you take on the role of one of the eight legendary lords of four races and your main objective is to develop and lead your army disrupt the giant vortex while trying to thwart the progress of other races.
Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux
Download ( $ 29.99 )
13. Total War: Arena
The first free-to-play game in the Total War series, Total War: Arena is an online multiplayer fighting arena game. The game offers 10v10 battles where each player controls three units , each containing up to 100 warriors. The goal, like the other games on this list, is to strategically put your resources to use to defeat enemies. The game offers a total of 14 Commanders, three of which are unlocked from the start and players must earn in-game currency to unlock the rest.
Compatibility: Windows
Download ( free )
14. Ancestors Legacy
Ancestors Legacy is another great real-time strategy title that sets itself apart from other games on this list by implementing a team-based strategy mechanic. The game has a medieval european frame and tells the story of four different nations and their conflicts. Players can choose any country to enjoy the one-player campaign or participate in intense multiplayer battles. The game’s advanced tactical options, which allow players to use terrain, experience, and morale to set the course of their game, add that extra twist.
Compatibility: Windows, Xbox One
Download ( $ 17.49 )
Read also: 15 best FPS games for PC you should be playing
The best games like StarCraft
Not all of these games necessarily share the same playstyle or storyline as StarCraft, but they are all some of the best strategy games with a unique storyline and refined gameplay. If you think there are any other strategy games or any games like StarCraft that are worth making the list, feel free to mention them in the comments below.
