Real-Time Strategy Games With The Best Stories, Ranked

The real-time strategy genre is one of the most popular across all gaming platforms, and it's been so for a few decades now. There's something special and entertaining about commanding an army or a small group of characters while having to strategically place them and plan out their movements to ensure victory.

Many of these games rely on their combat system and faction variety to deliver an enjoyable experience to players. However, others go much beyond that, featuring enticing stories that complement the rest of the game to create the ultimate real-time strategy experience. Here are a few real-time strategy games with fantastic stories.

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5 Star Wars: Empire At War

A Galactic Conflict Set In The Early Years Of The Empire

• Set in one of the most interesting periods of Star Wars history.
• Features iconic moments from the saga, such as the destruction of Alderaan.

Set between Star Wars: Episode III and Episode IV, this game focuses on battles between the Rebel Alliance and the evil Galactic Empire. Featuring both space and ground battles, it offers players a chance to lead their own battalion and make strategic decisions to overcome obstacles and ultimately defeat the opposing army. Players can either choose to play as the Rebel Alliance or the Empire, depending on their preference.

Star Wars: Empire at War also features iconic moments from the saga, such as the destruction of Alderaan with large-scale fleets hovering above the planet. This game's story is great because it combines strategy with a fascinating period in Star Wars history, touching on the armed conflict that eventually leads to Luke joining the Rebel Army and becoming a Jedi.

4 Company Of Heroes 3

A Grand Strategy Game That Excels At Representing World War II

• The story is partially based on historical events.
• Camaraderie, sacrifice, and loss are all key ingredients to a good war story.

Set in one of the darkest periods of human history, Company of Heroes 3's events take place across Europe and North Africa during World War II. Focusing on the invasion of Italy and North Africa, the game will not only let players take control of their own army forces, but also provide a certain emphasis on their contributions throughout the war.

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As with any other war story, Company of Heroes 3 is full of loss, sacrifice, and camaraderie, which makes the experience much more immersive by raising the stakes. Combining operational and real-time battle tactics and partially grounded on historical accuracy of the period, this title delivers an enjoyable strategic experience that will have players invested before long.

3 Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2

A Cold War Story With Sci-Fi Elements

• The game combines warfare and political conflict with Sci-Fi themes.
• Wolfenstein fans might find this game very enjoyable, regardless of the difference in genre.

Set in a Cold War scenario where the Allies and the Soviets are fighting to establish dominance, Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 players will have to plan their moves strategically to survive enemy attacks and defeat their opponents. Luckily, the heavy air that comes with armed conflict is somewhat dissipated by a few superweapons introduced in the game. This does take away some of the seriousness, but it works well with the overall concept.

While not a similar genre, the combination of Soviet technology with superweapons and advanced warfare elements feels reminiscent to what players can see in the Wolfenstein titles. Combining political aspects of real life with sci-fi elements doesn't sound like it would work, especially when talking about a real-time strategy game. However, Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 pulls it off gracefully.

2 Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos

Set The Standard For Fantasy Storytelling In Gaming

• Focusing on multiple factions, the story is rich and complex.
• Characters have well-crafted arcs over the progression of the game.

Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos is, to say the least, a tragic and complex tale that players will want to experience time and time again. As the Scourge faction, led by Arthas, spreads through every corner of Azeroth, the game switches back and forth between the narrative perspectives of an Orc, a Night Elf, and a Human, as well as a few members of the undead factions.

The game's story is great not only due to its magical setting, multiple faction variety, and combat mechanics, but also because it has its fair share of betrayal, corruption, and tragedy. 22 years after its release, Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos is still regarded by many as one of the titles responsible for setting the standard for fantasy storytelling in modern gaming.

1 Homeworld

The Heartfelt Struggle Of The Kushan People For Survival

• Deep space adventure with a story full of hope and a struggle for survival.
• Epic space battles that require strategic thinking.

Last, but not least, there is Homeworld, which set the stage for many of its sequels, including Homeworld 3. The game tells the story of the Kushan, a people that embark on a journey hoping to recover their home planet. It portrays their struggle for survival, and the reasons behind their exile from the planet they once called their own.

Players will have to hone their strategic skills in order to survive the multiple conflicts that happen throughout the game, including epic space battles that, while limited at the time by graphics and game mechanic possibilities, are still fun to experience and win. In 2015, a remastered version of the game was released. While many long-time fans loved it, it was received with a mixed response overall, with the original still being scored higher by a few gaming outlets.

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