Real-time strategy (RTS) games have made a serious comeback. Whether you’re into micromanaging armies, building sprawling bases, or outwitting your enemies in real time, 2025 is a fantastic year to be an RTS fan dopebox. With both fresh releases and modern classics holding strong, we’ve rounded up the best RTS games you can play on PC this year.
Stormgate
Developer: Frost Giant Studios
Release: Early Access (2025)
Born from the minds behind StarCraft II and Warcraft III, Stormgate is the most hyped RTS of the decade. With a compelling blend of sci-fi and fantasy, this free-to-play title brings classic base-building and unit tactics into a modern online experience. It supports co-op campaigns, competitive 1v1, and custom modes — making it a dream for casual and hardcore fans alike.
Why it’s great:
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Deep, polished mechanics
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Powerful modding tools
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Designed by RTS legends
Age of Empires IV: The Sultans Ascend
Developer: Relic Entertainment / World’s Edge
Release: Major Expansion (Late 2024, still trending in 2025)
AoE IV continues to dominate, especially after the critically acclaimed Sultans Ascend expansion. With new civilizations, dynamic campaigns, and meaningful balance updates, it’s evolved into one of the most refined historical RTS experiences out there.
Why it’s great:
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Gorgeous visuals and authentic history
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Excellent single-player content
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Regular competitive events
Company of Heroes 3
Developer: Relic Entertainment
Release: 2023 (still growing strong in 2025)
Company of Heroes 3 remains the king of tactical WWII RTS. Its unique blend of large-scale battles and squad-level micromanagement gives it unmatched depth. The Italian and North African theaters offer varied environments and strategies, keeping the gameplay fresh.
Why it’s great:
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Tactical depth and realism
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Excellent mod support
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Dynamic campaign system
Homeworld 3
Developer: Blackbird Interactive
Release: March 2025
Space RTS fans, rejoice. Homeworld 3 finally launched, and it lives up to the legacy. With beautiful 3D space battles, gripping storytelling, and complex fleet management, this is sci-fi RTS at its peak. The environmental hazards and tactical formations make for brainy, cinematic encounters.
Why it’s great:
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Stunning visuals
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Fully 3D strategic movement
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Rich lore and immersive missions
Iron Harvest: Operation Eagle
Developer: KING Art Games
Release: Ongoing updates in 2025
Set in an alternate post-WWI dieselpunk world, Iron Harvest blends traditional RTS gameplay with mech warfare. The Operation Eagle expansion and continued community support have kept this game thriving. If you want gritty, mechanical warfare with heavy tactics, this is it.
Why it’s great:
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Mechs. Need we say more?
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Strong single-player campaigns
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Unique art style and setting
Dune: Spice Wars
Developer: Shiro Games
Release: Full Release in 2024
Mixing 4X and RTS mechanics, Dune: Spice Wars offers a slower, more methodical RTS experience. You control one of the iconic factions from the Dune universe, balancing politics, warfare, and economy in a beautifully crafted Arrakis sandbox.
Why it’s great:
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Deep strategy and faction mechanics
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Immersive Dune atmosphere
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Hybrid 4X/RTS gameplay
Command & Conquer: Remastered Collection
Developer: Petroglyph Games / EA
Release: 2020 (Still hot with mods in 2025)
Old but gold. The remastered Command & Conquer and Red Alert have aged like fine wine, thanks to active modding and a passionate community. If you want a nostalgic RTS with modern quality-of-life improvements, this one still rocks.
Why it’s great:
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Legendary soundtracks and units
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Full mod support
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Classic gameplay with a fresh polish
Honorable Mentions
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Total War: Pharaoh – While technically a hybrid of turn-based and real-time battles, it’s worth a shout for its battlefield RTS action.
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Warcraft III: Reforged (Community Modded) – The fan-made mods and fixes keep this one alive and surprisingly enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
RTS on PC in 2025 is in a renaissance. Whether you’re a competitive ladder climber or a campaign explorer, there’s something out there to scratch that strategic itch. With legendary devs returning to the scene and new blood pushing boundaries, the genre’s future looks bright.
