Best RTS Campaigns, Ranked

RTS 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 significant time in honing their skills, particularly in multiplayer matches, where every action must be executed flawlessly to avoid giving opponents any advantage.

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However, some titles go beyond mere game mechanics, offering campaigns with narratives that deeply engage players, creating rich universes and memorable stories that rival the best games from other genres. Alongside strategic challenges, these campaigns present captivating characters and complex plots.

10 Age Of Empires 2

A Perfect Introduction To RTS Mechanics

Real-world scenarios provide excellent backdrops for RTS games, and the Middle Ages offer a wealth of opportunities for storytelling. Age of Empires 2 remains a celebrated game to this day for its balanced gameplay and quality mechanics, and it also delivers 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. Additionally, the chance to play as historical figures like Joan of Arc, William Wallace, or Saladin adds to the game's appeal.

9 Company Of Heroes 2

World War 2 Battles On A Grand Scale

Alongside the Middle Ages, World War 2 is another setting frequently used by video game developers, particularly in FPS titles. The iconic setting also features in RTS games like Company of Heroes 2, which focuses on the Eastern Front and the battles between the Soviets and Germans.

The game excels in handling the delicate politics of the era, also highlighting some of the questionable decisions made by key figures during World War 2. For players seeking an RTS with a compelling campaign, Company of Heroes 2 delivers a solid experience, offering large-scale battles and great co-op play to boot.

8 World In Conflict

An Alternative Universe Of The Cold War

World in Conflict presents a scenario where the Cold War escalates into a global armed conflict. The campaign places players in the midst of a Soviet invasion of the United States, with missions set in iconic locations that unfold across different sides of the conflict.

The game's frenetic pace and the constant need to adapt to new battle conditions make each objective achieved feel significant. Additionally, the absence 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 Blizzard's Universe & Setting The Stage For World Of Warcraft

The Warcraft universe is rich and complex, filled with works that further expand its narrative. One such story is continued in Warcraft 3: The Frozen Throne, an expansion for Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos that adds significant new content.

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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 crafting the narratives in this game, and the interactions and relationships between the various characters enhance the overall experience.

6 Dawn Of War: Dark Crusade

A Battle Among Seven Factions For Control Of Kronus

For fans of the 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 delivers an engaging narrative interwoven with relentless combat, making the campaign particularly appealing to those familiar with the setting.

Moreover, the variety of factions and the non-linear nature of the campaign allow players to adapt to a more favorable playstyle, making strategic decisions that are impactful on the narrative outcomes. This flexibility positions Dark Crusade as a prime example of the great RTS titles available on the market.

5 Age Of Mythology

An Epic Narrative That Stretches Beyond Greece

A major milestone in RTS gaming, Age of Mythology offers one of the genre's best campaigns. Players control Arkantos as they embark on an epic journey to prevent Cronos, 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 doesn't limit itself to Greek mythology alone, expanding the narrative to include Egyptian and Norse myths as well. These shifts in setting make sense within the game's plot, allowing players to interact with characters from different cultures while attempting to save the ancient world from destruction.

4 Warcraft 3: Reign Of Chaos

Laying The Foundations For Over Two Decades Of Stories

While The Frozen Throne also boasts incredible campaigns, the original Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos is even more impactful, taking players on an epic journey across Azeroth that served as the foundation for many of the universe's subsequent narratives. Here, players witness the beginning of Arthas's corruption, one of the most significant events in the setting.

In addition to introducing iconic characters, Reign of Chaos features a narrative divided into four campaigns, each showcasing 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 storytelling, helping to establish Warcraft 3 as a classic RTS and catapulting the Warcraft setting to a wider audience.

3 Homeworld

Naval Battles In Space

The Homeworld franchise is among the most influential in the genre, particularly when it comes to space-based RTS games. This first installment of the franchise offers an exceptional storytelling experience, blending a compelling campaign with 3D graphics that add depth to the tactics employed during combat.

Homeworld's campaign is an epic journey across the galaxy, where the Kushan face challenges beyond just space battles. As they progress towards 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 RTS games with some of the best campaigns on the market, and this talent is on full display in Starcraft 2: Wings of Liberty. Departing from the medieval fantasy of Warcraft, the developers returned to their iconic sci-fi setting, delivering an exceptional sequel over a decade in the making.

In addition to expanding the lore of the universe, the campaigns explore the story of Jim Raynor's fight against the Dominion, delivering memorable moments from new and familiar faces to the Starcraft setting. The game also does a great job of keeping players engaged with varying mission objectives and by 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, instead leading led to a full-scale war between the United States and the Soviet Union, Command and Conquer: Red Alert 2 offers the best campaign in the RTS genre. Players can choose to play as either the Allies or the Soviets, with each faction offering unique and compelling stories.

Throughout the campaigns, gameplay varies, depending on the chosen faction, offering unique missions that explore each side's strengths and weaknesses. These differences in playstyle, coupled with an abundance of in-game cutscenes, make Red Alert 2 a cornerstone of the best the RTS genre has to offer.

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