Hey there strategy game fans, looking to conquer new lands and build massive empires? Whether you've played the Age of Empires series for years and are looking for your next fix or are just discovering the real-time strategy genre, we've got you covered. We dug through piles of the latest and greatest RTS games to find 10 epic titles that will scratch that empire-building itch. From historical war games to sci-fi space operas, these games let you gather resources, build bases, raise armies, and crush your enemies. So prepare your mouse-clicking finger, sharpen your strategic mind, and get ready to dive into these immersive real-time strategy worlds. Victory and glory await!
Civilization VI: The Granddaddy of 4X Strategy Games
If you're looking for an epic real-time strategy game, you can't go wrong with Civilization VI. This latest installment of the legendary Civ franchise is considered by many to be the pinnacle of 4X (explore, expand, exploit, exterminate) strategy games.
In Civ VI, you choose a historical civilization to lead from humble beginnings into a mighty empire that stands the test of time. Will you play as the scientific Greeks, the militaristic Romans, or the cultured Chinese? The choice is yours.
Once you've selected a civ, you'll find yourself immersed in building your empire from a single city to a sprawling kingdom. You'll research new technologies, construct buildings and wonders, found new cities, gather resources, and engage in diplomacy and warfare with rival leaders. The variety of paths to victory means no two games will play out the same.
With six DLC expansions already released, Civ VI offers immense replayability. The expansions add new civilizations, leaders, wonders, game modes, and more to keep your interest peaked for hundreds of hours. The cartoony graphics also give Civ VI a cheerful vibe that appeals to gamers young and old.
Whether you're a long-time Civ fanatic or looking to dive into your first 4X strategy game, Civilization VI will capture your imagination and keep you playing well into the wee hours of the morning. One more turn, anyone?
Total War: Three Kingdoms - Large Scale Battles in Ancient China
If you're looking to command massive armies in epic historical battles, Total War: Three Kingdoms is for you. Set in ancient China during the Three Kingdoms period, this real-time strategy game lets you take control of one of 11 warlords and conquer China.
To win, you'll need to build your empire from the ground up. Recruit soldiers and generals, construct buildings, improve technology, and manage your economy. When your armies are ready, expand through military conquests and diplomatic alliances. The turn-based campaign map lets you strategize and plot your next moves, while real-time battles put you in direct control of thousands of troops.
Three Kingdoms has some of the largest scale battles in the Total War series. You can field well over 10,000 soldiers at once, with infantry, cavalry, and artillery units. Terrain plays a huge role, as does morale, formation, and unit matchups. Generals also have special abilities that can turn the tide of battle. All told, combat is tactical, intense and cinematic.
There's a ton of replay value with different warlords, campaigns, and playstyles. You can focus on military might, economic prosperity, or political maneuvering. Mods also expand the experience with new units, factions, and maps. Overall, Total War: Three Kingdoms is a must-play strategy epic for history buffs and warmongers alike. Conquer China and forge your own dynasty!
Company of Heroes 2 - WWII Real-Time Tactics
Company of Heroes 2 is a popular WWII real-time strategy game set on the Eastern Front. Released in 2013, this sequel to the original Company of Heroes brings intense real-time tactics and new gameplay modes.
Command Armies in Battle
As a commander, you lead the armies of the Soviet Red Army or the German Wehrmacht. You direct squads of infantry, tanks, snipers, and more across battlefields in the Soviet Union. Build defenses, capture strategic points, and demolish your enemy. The game focuses on tactical gameplay where you micromanage units and utilize cover and flanking maneuvers.
Dynamic Weather and Destruction
The dynamic weather and terrain deformation create an ever-changing battlefield. Snowstorms reduce visibility, frozen rivers can be crossed, and explosives deform the ground. Utilize these elements to gain advantages over your opponent.
Multiplayer Action
Take the fight online in the game's multiplayer modes. Included are traditional skirmish battles as well as new modes like Theater of War. Choose a specific historical battle to replay or compete in special challenges and scenarios. You can also join a clan and participate in the global war effort, fighting over territories on a massive campaign map.
Mods and Extra Content
Like many real-time strategy games, Company of Heroes 2 supports mods and extra downloadable content (DLC). Mods range from minor gameplay tweaks to total conversions that transform the game. Official expansions add new armies, campaigns, and multiplayer modes to expand the base game.
If you're a WWII history buff or just enjoy tactical real-time strategy games, Company of Heroes 2 delivers an immersive experience. Take command and defeat your enemies on the Eastern Front!
Dawn of Man - Lead Your Tribe Through the Ages
Dawn of Man is a popular real-time strategy game where you lead a prehistoric tribe through the ages, starting from the Stone Age. Think of it as an Age of Empires set in prehistory!
Hunt, Gather and Survive
Your early humans have basic needs - food, shelter, tools. Guide them to hunt animals, fish, gather plants and berries, and build basic shelters to survive harsh weather. Stockpile resources to survive winter. Advance to the Copper Age to gain new resources and build mud huts.
Grow Your Tribe
As your tribe prospers, the population will grow. Assign tribespeople to find mates and have children. Make sure you have enough resources to feed more mouths before expanding too quickly! More tribe members means you can take on bigger projects.
Defend Against Raids
As your tribe grows, you may face raids from rival tribes. Build walls and assign warriors to defend your settlement. Research new weapons like spears and axes to gain an advantage. Forming alliances with other tribes can also help deter raids.
Advance Through the Ages
Research new technologies to progress from the Stone Age to the Copper and Bronze Ages. Domesticate animals, develop pottery and metallurgy. Advancements will unlock new buildings like farms, mines and barracks. But be careful not to advance too quickly, as you need to ensure you have the resources and tribe size to support new capabilities.
Dawn of Man provides hours of prehistoric strategic enjoyment. Guide your tribe through challenges and milestones, defend against conflict, and advance technologies to build a prosperous settlement. With gameplay reminiscent of Age of Empires, this game is perfect for any armchair strategist and history buff. What will your dawn of civilization look like?
Northgard - Viking Clan Management
Viking Clan Management
In Northgard, you take control of a Viking clan settling in a mysterious new land. Your goal is to expand your village by gathering resources, trading with merchants, and conquering uncharted territories.
Similar to Age of Empires, you start with just a few villagers and build up your settlement from there. Assign your villagers to gather food, wood, stone, and gold that will allow your clan to grow. Construct new buildings like houses, towers, and marketplaces. Research new technologies to improve your resource production.
Once your village is established, explore the surrounding lands. You may encounter enemy clans, dangerous beasts, or mysterious ruins to plunder. Form alliances or go to war with other clans. Discover relics and complete objectives to gain fame and please the gods.
Northgard focuses more on survival and resource management unlike the combat-heavy Age of Empires. Defend your village from harsh winters, wild animals, and invaders. Stock up on food and firewood or risk villagers dying from starvation or freezing. Trade excess resources at the marketplace to acquire what you're lacking.
With six different clans to choose from, each with unique bonuses, Northgard offers high replayability. Try different strategies, explore varying map layouts, or up the difficulty for an extra challenge. Play alone against AI opponents or battle friends online.
If you enjoy the base building and resource gathering of real-time strategy games but prefer less focus on military combat, Northgard is worth checking out. Manage your Viking clan and work to not just survive but thrive in a new uncharted land. Forge your own saga of exploration, growth, and conquest. Valhalla awaits!
Conclusion
So there you have it - 10 awesome real-time strategy games that are total classics just like Age of Empires. Any of these games will give you hours of entertainment and challenge you with complex strategy and resource management. What are you waiting for? Pick a title, load it up, and enjoy some epic base building, technology advancing, and army amassing. Before you know it, you'll be shouting 'Wololo' as you convert enemy units to your cause. Game on!
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