What Are RTS Games?
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RTS stands for Real-Time Strategy, a game where players control resources, create units, and fight enemies in real time. Unlike turn-based games, actions in RTS happen continuously.
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This means players must make fast choices and handle multiple tasks at once. Some well-known RTS games include StarCraft and Age of Empires.
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If you’ve ever played a game where you have to think quickly and manage many things at once, you’ve experienced the heart of RTS games.Â
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In an RTS game, you’ll:
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- Collect resources (like gold, wood, or special futuristic materials)
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- Build your base and defense systems
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- Train your units
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- Research new technologies to gain an advantage
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- Lead your forces in battles against rivals
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Everything happens in real-time, which means your opponent is doing the same while you’re building your base.
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There’s no pause button, so you must stay alert, plan quickly, and adapt to stay ahead.
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The Birth of Real-Time Strategy Games
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The real-time strategy (RTS) genre gained popularity in the 1990s, but its beginnings go back even earlier.
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One of the first games to include RTS features was “Herzog Zwei,” which came out in 1989 for the Sega Genesis.
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Though it might seem outdated now, it was an important step in developing the genre.
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The game that truly shaped RTS games was “Dune II: The Building of a Dynasty,”.
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Developed by Westwood Studios (who later created Command & Conquer), Dune II introduced many of the key elements we now expect in RTS games.
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The genre’s popularity skyrocketed after the release of “Warcraft: Orcs & Humans” in 1994 and “Command & Conquer” in 1995.
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These games set the foundation for future RTS games and influenced many.
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Key Features of an RTS Game
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What makes a game an RTS (Real-Time Strategy)? Here’s what you need to know:
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- Continuous Gameplay
In an RTS, the game never stops. You don’t get breaks to plan; everything happens in real time.
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- Managing Resources
To grow your forces and structures, you must carefully gather and manage various resources.
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- Building Your Base
A big part of RTS games is building and defending your base, which is essential to success.
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- Creating Units
You make units like soldiers, tanks, or creatures to form your army and fight opponents.
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- Tech Upgrades
You can research new technologies to unlock better units and abilities as you progress.
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- Map Control
Holding key areas of the map can give you an edge in the game, helping you gain strategic advantages.
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- Hidden Information
The “Fog of War” means parts of the map stay hidden until you explore, adding surprise elements.
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- Micromanaging Units
Advanced players can precisely control individual units, making sure every action counts.
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Mastering the RTS World
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Now you’re ready, commanders! You’ve learned what drives an RTS game.
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Whether you guide armies through history, lead alien forces in space, or protect your base from mythical enemies, RTS games deliver an exciting and unique experience.
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So, grab your plans and start making your move!
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