Command and Conquer is a beloved real-time strategy game that has captured the hearts of gamers worldwide. Its unique blend of resource gathering, base building, and tactical combat has made it a classic in the genre.
If you’re a fan of Command and Conquer and looking for similar games to sink your teeth into, look no further. In this article, we will explore 20 real-time strategy games that offer the same thrilling gameplay and strategic depth as Command and Conquer.
StarCraft
One of the most iconic real-time strategy games of all time, StarCraft is a must-play for any fan of the genre. Developed by Blizzard Entertainment, StarCraft takes place in a science fiction universe where three unique factions battle for dominance.
The game is set in the distant future, where humanity has colonized the galaxy and encounters two alien species: the insectoid Zerg and the advanced Protoss.
As a player, you have the opportunity to command one of these factions, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, and lead them to victory.
The campaign mode of StarCraft offers an engaging single-player experience, where you can delve deep into the lore and unravel the mysteries of the universe. Each faction has its own unique campaign, filled with epic battles, intriguing characters, and unexpected plot twists.
But the true heart of StarCraft lies in its multiplayer mode, where players from around the world can test their skills against each other. Join forces with friends or compete against strangers in intense battles that require strategic thinking, quick reflexes, and meticulous planning.
The multiplayer community is vibrant and competitive, with dedicated players constantly pushing the boundaries of the game’s mechanics and strategies.
With its immersive storyline, challenging gameplay, and competitive multiplayer, StarCraft has cemented its place as one of the greatest real-time strategy games of all time.
StarCraft II
A sequel to the original StarCraft, StarCraft II continues the epic story and gameplay of its predecessor. With improved graphics and mechanics, StarCraft II offers even more intense battles and strategic decision-making. Whether you choose to control the human Terrans, the insectoid Zerg, or the advanced Protoss, StarCraft II guarantees hours of thrilling gameplay.
Step into the world of StarCraft II, where the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance. As you embark on your journey, you will find yourself immersed in a rich and expansive universe, filled with intricate lore and captivating characters. The game takes place in a distant future, where three powerful factions vie for control over the galaxy.
Dive into the immersive single-player campaign, where you will experience an epic storyline filled with twists and turns. Engage in intense multiplayer battles, where you can test your skills against players from around the world. Or, challenge yourself with the cooperative mode, where you can team up with friends to take on challenging missions and face off against powerful AI-controlled enemies.
The game’s stunning visuals are complemented by a dynamic soundtrack, composed by renowned musicians, that sets the tone for each intense battle and emotional moment.
StarCraft II is not just a game; it is a phenomenon that has captivated millions of players worldwide. Its competitive esports scene has become a global sensation, with professional players competing for fame and fortune in tournaments around the world.
Age of Empires Series
Featuring historical settings and deep strategy, the Age of Empires series is a must-play for any fan of real-time strategy games. From ancient civilizations in Age of Empires I and II to the colonial era in Age of Empires III, each installment offers unique gameplay and challenges. Build your empire, wage wars, and lead your people to victory in this beloved series.
- In Age of Empires I, players can take on the role of various ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Babylonians.
- Age of Empires II takes players on a journey through the Middle Ages, where they can command powerful medieval civilizations like the Britons, Franks, and Mongols.
- In Age of Empires III, the series takes a leap forward to the colonial era, where players can lead European powers such as the British, French, and Spanish in their quest for global dominance.
Aside from the main campaigns and scenarios, the Age of Empires series also offers a robust multiplayer mode, allowing players to compete against each other or form alliances in epic online battles.
The community of dedicated players and modders has kept the series alive and thriving for years, constantly creating new maps, civilizations, and gameplay modifications to enhance the experience even further.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply enjoy the thrill of strategic warfare, the Age of Empires series offers an unparalleled gaming experience. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of human history, build mighty civilizations, and shape the destiny of nations in this timeless series that continues to captivate players around the world.
Red Alert Series
Developed by the same studio behind Command and Conquer, the Red Alert series is a natural choice for fans of Command and Conquer. Set in an alternate timeline where World War II never happened, Red Alert offers a unique blend of historical events and futuristic technology. With its memorable characters, intense campaigns, and multiplayer battles, the Red Alert series provides hours of thrilling gameplay.
Step into the world of Red Alert and experience a thrilling alternate history where the fate of the world hangs in the balance. In this alternate timeline, Adolf Hitler never rose to power, and instead, a new global conflict emerges between the Allies and the Soviet Union. As a player, you have the opportunity to shape the outcome of this epic struggle.
Immerse yourself in the rich narrative of the Red Alert series, where every decision you make has consequences. Will you lead the Allies to victory, or will you side with the Soviet Union and reshape the world order? The choice is yours to make, and the fate of nations rests on your shoulders.
Engage in intense online matches against players from around the world, testing your skills and strategies against the best of the best. Whether you prefer to play as the Allies or the Soviet Union, the multiplayer mode provides endless hours of competitive fun.
Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos
From the creators of World of Warcraft, Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos is a real-time strategy game that combines fast-paced combat and deep storytelling.
As the commander of either the humans, orcs, undead, or night elves, you must navigate the complex world of Azeroth and lead your armies to victory.
With its dynamic hero system and engaging campaign, Warcraft III delivers a truly immersive experience.
Dune 2000
Based on the classic science fiction novel by Frank Herbert, Dune 2000 immerses players in a futuristic universe ruled by interplanetary factions.
As a commander, you must manage resources, build bases, and lead your armies to conquer the treacherous desert planet of Dune.
With its compelling story, challenging missions, and strategic gameplay, Dune 2000 is a hidden gem in the real-time strategy genre.
Rise of Nations
Rise of Nations is a real-time strategy game that spans the entire history of human civilization. Starting from ancient times and progressing through the ages, you must build cities, research technologies, and lead your nation to victory.
With its innovative blend of turn-based and real-time gameplay, Rise of Nations offers a unique and engaging experience.
Total Annihilation
Released in 1997, Total Annihilation is a groundbreaking real-time strategy game that revolutionized the genre. With its massive battles, advanced units, and strategic gameplay, Total Annihilation delivers an epic experience like no other.
Whether you choose to play the single-player campaign or engage in multiplayer matches, Total Annihilation will keep you hooked for hours on end.
Supreme Commander
Considered a spiritual successor to Total Annihilation, Supreme Commander takes the grand scale of its predecessor to new heights.
With its massive armies, customizable units, and strategic depth, Supreme Commander offers a challenging and rewarding real-time strategy experience.
Plan your assaults, deploy your forces, and outsmart your opponents in this critically acclaimed title.
Company of Heroes
Set during World War II, Company of Heroes puts you in command of a squad of soldiers as you fight through the intense battles of the European theater.
With its innovative cover system, destructible environments, and realistic combat mechanics, Company of Heroes offers an immersive and cinematic real-time strategy experience.
Lead your troops to victory and rewrite the history of the war.
Grey Goo
Grey Goo is a fantastic real-time strategy game that offers a unique twist on the genre. Developed by Petroglyph Games, the creators of the original Command and Conquer, Grey Goo introduces three playable factions: the Beta, Humans, and the titular Grey Goo. Each faction possesses its own strengths and weaknesses, allowing for diverse and strategic gameplay. The game’s dynamic campaign and multiplayer modes provide endless hours of strategy and excitement.
In Grey Goo, players are immersed in a futuristic world where advanced technology and alien species collide. The Beta faction, known for their resourcefulness and adaptability, utilizes advanced robotics and stealth technology to outmaneuver their opponents. On the other hand, the Humans rely on their ingenuity and tactical prowess, utilizing a combination of infantry, vehicles, and air support to dominate the battlefield. Lastly, the Grey Goo faction, an enigmatic and mysterious force, consists of self-replicating nanobots that consume everything in their path.
The game’s campaign mode takes players on a thrilling journey through a series of interconnected missions, each offering unique challenges and objectives. As players progress, they unravel a gripping storyline filled with intrigue, betrayal, and unexpected alliances. The campaign allows players to experience the game’s rich lore and immerse themselves in the world of Grey Goo.
For those seeking a competitive experience, Grey Goo offers a robust multiplayer mode. Players can test their skills against friends or engage in intense online battles against opponents from around the world. With a variety of maps and game modes to choose from, each match presents a new opportunity for strategic planning and tactical execution.
Overall, Grey Goo is a must-play for fans of the real-time strategy genre. With its unique factions, engaging campaign, competitive multiplayer, stunning visuals, and active modding community, the game offers a comprehensive and immersive gaming experience.
Homeworld
Homeworld is a classic real-time strategy game that takes place in space. Developed by Relic Entertainment, Homeworld immerses players in a captivating sci-fi universe where they must lead their fleet of spaceships to victory. The game’s revolutionary 3D graphics and innovative gameplay mechanics set it apart from other strategy games of its time. Homeworld’s immersive story and deep strategic gameplay make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Step into the shoes of a skilled commander, as you embark on an epic journey through the vastness of space. Homeworld offers players a unique and immersive experience, allowing them to explore the depths of the universe like never before.
But Homeworld is not just about stunning visuals; it also boasts a rich and engaging storyline that will keep players hooked from start to finish. The game’s narrative unfolds gradually, revealing a complex universe filled with political intrigue, ancient civilizations, and hidden secrets.
One of the standout features of Homeworld is its innovative gameplay mechanics. Unlike traditional strategy games, where battles take place on a flat plane, Homeworld introduces a fully three-dimensional battlefield.
As you progress through the game, you will have the opportunity to research and unlock new technologies, allowing you to upgrade your fleet and gain an edge over your adversaries. From powerful weapons to advanced ship designs, the possibilities are endless.
Homeworld’s multiplayer mode also offers endless hours of competitive gameplay. Pit your strategic skills against other players from around the world in intense space battles. Form alliances, forge rivalries, and prove your dominance in the vastness of space. With a dedicated community of players, there is always someone ready to challenge you to a thrilling match.
Homeworld is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate players with its immersive universe, stunning visuals, and innovative gameplay mechanics.
Empire Earth
Empire Earth is a real-time strategy game that spans different epochs of human history. Developed by Stainless Steel Studios, Empire Earth allows players to start from the Stone Age and advance through various time periods, including the Middle Ages, World War II, and even the distant future. With its massive tech tree, diverse civilizations, and epic battles, Empire Earth offers a truly immersive and strategic gaming experience.
Imagine yourself transported back in time, to an era where civilizations were just beginning to take shape. As you start the game in the Stone Age, you find yourself in a world filled with primitive tools and simple dwellings. But fear not, for this is just the beginning of your journey through time.
As you progress through the ages, you witness the rise and fall of mighty empires. The Middle Ages bring with them the grandeur of castles and knights, as you command your armies to conquer new lands and defend your territories.
But the adventure doesn’t stop there. Empire Earth takes you even further into the future, where advanced technologies and futuristic warfare await. Experience the thrill of commanding armies equipped with laser weapons and piloting powerful mechs. Engage in epic battles that span across vast landscapes, from the scorched deserts of the present to the alien worlds of the future.
One of the most captivating aspects of Empire Earth is its massive tech tree. With each new era, you unlock a plethora of new technologies and units, allowing you to expand your civilization and dominate the battlefield. From researching new farming techniques to developing advanced military tactics, every decision you make shapes the destiny of your empire.
Empire Earth is a game that offers a rich and immersive experience, allowing players to explore the vast expanse of human history and shape the destiny of civilizations.
Act of War: Direct Action
Act of War: Direct Action is a modern-day real-time strategy game developed by Eugen Systems. Set in a near-future scenario, the game follows the story of Task Force Talon, a special forces unit combating terrorism.
Act of War combines intense tactical combat, engaging storytelling, and realistic military units, providing players with a thrilling and strategic experience.
World in Conflict
If you’re looking for a real-time strategy game with a modern military setting, World in Conflict is a perfect choice. Developed by Massive Entertainment, World in Conflict shifts the focus from base-building to intense tactical battles.
Set during the height of the Cold War, the game puts players in the shoes of a commander leading their troops in a hypothetical World War III scenario.
With its immersive graphics, realistic mechanics, and captivating story, World in Conflict offers a unique and satisfying gameplay experience.
Sins of a Solar Empire
Sins of a Solar Empire is a space-themed real-time strategy game developed by Ironclad Games. Combining elements of 4X strategy games and traditional RTS gameplay, Sins of a Solar Empire offers a vast and immersive experience.
Players can explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate across a sprawling galaxy. The game’s epic scope, intricate diplomacy mechanics, and intense battles make it a standout in the genre.
Stronghold
Stronghold is a real-time strategy game that focuses on medieval castle-building and sieges. Developed by Firefly Studios, Stronghold transports players to the Middle Ages, where they must manage resources, recruit armies, and defend their castles against enemy attacks.
With its intricate castle construction mechanics, engaging campaigns, and challenging AI opponents, Stronghold provides a strategic and immersive medieval experience.
Dawn of War Series
The Dawn of War series, developed by Relic Entertainment, is a beloved franchise set in Games Workshop’s Warhammer 40,000 universe.
These real-time strategy games offer intense and brutal battles between various factions, each with their own unique playstyle.
From the grim and dark atmosphere to the strategic depth of its gameplay, the Dawn of War series is a must-play for both Warhammer fans and strategy enthusiasts.
Blitzkrieg
Blitzkrieg is a World War II-themed real-time strategy game developed by Nival Interactive. Set on the Eastern Front, Blitzkrieg allows players to command historical units and experience the most significant battles of the war.
With its detailed unit management, dynamic campaigns, and realistic combat mechanics, Blitzkrieg provides an immersive and challenging strategy experience for history buffs and RTS fans.
Conclusion
Whether you are a fan of Command and Conquer or just looking for a new real-time strategy game to sink your teeth into, this list of 20 similar games has something for everyone.
From space-based warfare to historical battles, from futuristic scenarios to medieval sieges, these games offer a wide range of strategic experiences that will surely satisfy your gaming cravings.
So gather your troops, formulate your strategy, and dive into the thrilling world of real-time strategy gaming!
