What Are RTS Games?

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.

This means players must make fast choices and handle multiple tasks at once. Some well-known RTS games include StarCraft and Age of Empires.

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. 

In an RTS game, you’ll:

• Collect resources (like gold, wood, or special futuristic materials)

• Build your base and defense systems

• Train your units

• Research new technologies to gain an advantage

• Lead your forces in battles against rivals

Everything happens in real-time, which means your opponent is doing the same while you’re building your base.

There’s no pause button, so you must stay alert, plan quickly, and adapt to stay ahead.

The Birth of Real-Time Strategy Games

The real-time strategy (RTS) genre gained popularity in the 1990s, but its beginnings go back even earlier.

One of the first games to include RTS features was “Herzog Zwei,” which came out in 1989 for the Sega Genesis.

Though it might seem outdated now, it was an important step in developing the genre.

The game that truly shaped RTS games was “Dune II: The Building of a Dynasty,”.

Developed by Westwood Studios (who later created Command & Conquer), Dune II introduced many of the key elements we now expect in RTS games.

The genre’s popularity skyrocketed after the release of “Warcraft: Orcs & Humans” in 1994 and “Command & Conquer” in 1995.

These games set the foundation for future RTS games and influenced many.

Key Features of an RTS Game

What makes a game an RTS (Real-Time Strategy)? Here’s what you need to know:

• Continuous Gameplay
  In an RTS, the game never stops. You don’t get breaks to plan; everything happens in real time.

• Managing Resources
  To grow your forces and structures, you must carefully gather and manage various resources.

• Building Your Base
  A big part of RTS games is building and defending your base, which is essential to success.

• Creating Units
  You make units like soldiers, tanks, or creatures to form your army and fight opponents.

• Tech Upgrades
  You can research new technologies to unlock better units and abilities as you progress.

• Map Control
  Holding key areas of the map can give you an edge in the game, helping you gain strategic advantages.

• Hidden Information
  The “Fog of War” means parts of the map stay hidden until you explore, adding surprise elements.

• Micromanaging Units
  Advanced players can precisely control individual units, making sure every action counts.

Mastering the RTS World

Now you’re ready, commanders! You’ve learned what drives an RTS game.

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.

So, grab your plans and start making your move!