The term real-time strategy may have spawn from Dune II, but this genre of games has multiplied and evolved to become a big cornerstone of the video game industry, especially when it comes to PC gaming. RTS games take a lot of previous stategy game tropes and mechanics, focusing on unit, building and resource management, usually during times of warfare. For most games of the genre, you generally have to generate resources (usually by having a unit farm them somehow), use those resources to create buildings and have the buildings spawn additional units. Units usually consist of different builder/farmer and combat-oriented types. Proper time management and intuitive use of your forces and capabilities are a must as you continuously try upgrading and increasing your bases and forces while putting pressure on the enemies, who are trying to do the same thing.

The real-time strategy genre has boomed with the inclusion of online multiplayer matchmaking. Games like Warcraft III and StarCraft have spawned global tournaments. RTS games are a cornerstone of e-Sports, as popular tournaments such as MLG and GSL cover them regularly, oftentimes having grand prizes going into the $100,000+ mark and into the millions based on the size, scope and sponsors of the event.

There were plenty of RTS games duking it out for a spot on this list. Unfortunately, not all of our favorites were included. Other noteworthy RTS games include Empire Earth, The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-Earth, Total War: Shogun 2, Rise of Nations, Command & Conquer: Generals, Empire Earth II, Dungeon Keeper, Myth: The Fallen Lords, Sins of a Solar Empire, Medieval II: Total War, World in Conflict, Command & Conquer: Red Alert, Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness and Age of Empires III. Make sure you have sufficient Vespene Gas and keep your platoons on standby as we clear through the 10 Best Real-Time Strategy Games.

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