Best Real-Time Strategy Campaigns, Ranked

Real-time strategy games are often celebrated for their focus on strategy and dynamic gameplay, where the ability to command armies and manage resources is essential. This genre encourages players to invest a lot of time honing their skills, especially in multiplayer matches, where every action must be executed smoothly to avoid giving opponents an advantage.

However, some titles go beyond simple game mechanics and offer narrative campaigns that deeply engage players, creating rich universes and memorable stories that rival the best games in other genres. In addition to strategic challenges, these campaigns feature compelling characters and complex plots.

10

age of empires 2

A perfect introduction to RTS mechanics

Real-world settings provide excellent backdrops for real-time strategy games, and the Middle Ages offer a wealth of storytelling opportunities. age of empires 2 It remains a celebrated game to this day for its balanced gameplay and quality mechanics, and also offers outstanding campaigns within the RTS genre.

While the campaigns may not be as complex as others, they serve as an excellent introduction for newcomers to the RTS genre, familiarizing players with the mechanics of the genre and preparing them for the greater challenges of multiplayer. In addition, the possibility of playing as historical figures such as Joan of Arc, William Wallace or Saladin increases the appeal of the game.

9

Company of heroes 2

Large-scale World War II battles

In addition to the Middle Ages, World War II is another setting frequently used by video game developers, especially in FPS titles. The iconic setting also appears in real-time strategy games such as Company of heroes 2which focuses on the Eastern Front and the battles between the Soviets and Germans.

The game excels at handling the delicate politics of the time, and also highlights some of the questionable decisions made by key figures during World War II. For players looking for an RTS with a compelling campaign, Company of heroes 2 offers a solid experience, offering large-scale battles and excellent cooperative play.

8

World in conflict

An alternate Cold War universe

World in conflict presents a scenario in which the Cold War becomes a global armed conflict. The campaign places players in the middle of a Soviet invasion of the United States, with missions set in iconic locations taking place on different sides of the conflict.

The frenetic pace of the game and the constant need to adapt to new battle conditions make each objective achieved seem meaningful. Additionally, the lack of base building allows the action to unfold more quickly, making World in conflict a memorable RTS with a deeply immersive campaign.

7

Warcraft 3: The Frozen Throne

Expanding the Blizzard universe and setting the stage for World Of Warcraft

He Warcraft The universe is rich and complex, full of works that further expand its narrative. One of those stories continues in Warcraft 3: The Frozen Thronean expansion for Warcraft 3: Realm of Chaos which adds new and important content.

While the story and campaign are excellent, The frozen throne is particularly notable for its characters, many of whom are still fondly remembered by fans. Blizzard did an incredible job creating the narratives of this game, and the interactions and relationships between the various characters enhance the overall experience.

6

Dawn of War: Dark Crusade

A battle between seven factions for control of Kronus

For fans of warhammer 40,000 franchise, Dawn of War: Dark Crusade stands out as an excellent RTS that offers a non-linear approach to storytelling, where seven factions compete for control of Kronus. The game offers an engaging narrative interwoven with relentless combat, making the campaign particularly engaging for those familiar with the setting.

Additionally, the variety of factions and non-linear nature of the campaign allow players to adapt to a more favorable playstyle, making strategic decisions that impact narrative outcomes. This flexibility positions Dark Crusade as an excellent example of the great real-time strategy titles available on the market.

5

Age of mythology

An epic narrative that extends beyond Greece

A major milestone in real-time strategy games, Age of mythology offers one of the best campaigns of the genre. Players control Arkantos as they embark on an epic journey to stop Kronos, 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 mythology is not limited solely to Greek mythology, but expands the narrative to also include Egyptian and Norse myths. These changes of scenery make sense within the game’s plot, allowing players to interact with characters from different cultures as they try to save the ancient world from destruction.

4

Warcraft 3: Realm of Chaos

Laying the foundation for more than two decades of stories

While The frozen throne It also has incredible campaigns, the original Warcraft 3: Realm of Chaos is even more impactful, as it takes players on an epic journey across Azeroth that served as the basis for many of the universe’s later narratives. Here, players witness the beginning of Arthas’s corruption, one of the setting’s most significant events.

In addition to featuring iconic characters, Realm of Chaos presents a narrative divided into four campaigns, each of which shows 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 narrative, helping to establish Warcraft 3 like a classic RTS and catapulting the Warcraft around a broader audience.

3

Homeworld

Naval battles in space

He Homeworld The franchise is among the most influential in the genre, especially when it comes to space-based real-time strategy games. This first installment in the franchise offers an exceptional narrative experience, combining a compelling campaign with 3D graphics that add depth to the tactics used during combat.

Homeworld The campaign is an epic journey across the galaxy, where the Kushans face challenges beyond space battles. As they advance toward 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.

2

StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty

Battles for the future of the galaxy

Blizzard has long been a major force in creating real-time strategy games with some of the best campaigns on the market, and this talent is on full display in Starcraft 2: Wings of Liberty. Starting from the medieval fantasy of WarcraftThe developers returned to their iconic sci-fi setting, delivering an exceptional sequel that has been more than a decade in development.

In addition to expanding the history of the universe, the campaigns explore the history of Jim Raynor’s fight against the Dominion, offering memorable moments of new and familiar faces to the fans. starship configuration. The game also does a great job of keeping players engaged with the various mission objectives and introducing new units as the story progresses.

1

Command and Conquer: Red Alert 2

A campaign inspired by the great world wars

Set in an alternate history where the Cold War never occurred, but instead led to a full-scale war between the United States and the Soviet Union. Command and Conquest: Red Alert 2 offers the best campaign in the RTS genre. Players can choose to play as the Allies or the Soviets, and each faction offers unique and compelling stories.

Throughout the campaigns, gameplay varies depending on the chosen faction and offers unique missions that explore the strengths and weaknesses of each side. These differences in play style, along with a large number of in-game cutscenes, make Red alert 2 a cornerstone of the best the RTS genre has to offer.