Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about real-time strategy games of the 2020s.
What is a real-time strategy game?
A real-time strategy (RTS) game is a genre in which players command units, manage resources, and build structures while the game clock runs continuously, unlike turn-based strategy titles. The player must balance economy, military production, and tactical positioning all at once under time pressure.
What are the most prominent RTS titles of the 2020s?
The decade's headline releases include Age of Empires IV (2021), Company of Heroes 3 (2023), and the continued competitive life of StarCraft II, while indie titles like Northgard and They Are Billions carved out dedicated followings.
Which studios are most associated with 2020s RTS development?
Relic Entertainment led the Company of Heroes franchise, while World's Edge (a subsidiary of Xbox Game Studios) developed Age of Empires IV. Smaller teams such as Shiro Games (Northgard) and New World Interactive (They Are Billions) also gained significant traction.
Where should a newcomer begin if they have never played an RTS?
Age of Empires IV is often recommended for its polished onboarding and accessible pacing, while Northgard offers a gentler, more forgiving loop for players who want strategy without intense micro-management. StarCraft II remains the gold standard for learning pure micro and macro, though its learning curve is steeper.
How do 2020s RTS games differ from the 1990s–2000s golden era?
Modern entries lean heavily on cinematic presentation, co-op modes, and cross-platform play, whereas older titles prioritized pure competitive depth and modding communities. The 2020s also saw a shift toward smaller, more focused designs rather than sprawling 50-unit battles as the default.
What subgenres or design flavors appear in 2020s RTS?
The decade spans classic base-building (Age of Empires IV), squad-based tactical combat (Company of Heroes 3), survival-horror hybrid (They Are Billions), and asymmetric faction design (Northgard). This breadth means a player can find an RTS that emphasizes economy, micro, or narrative over any single pillar.
What platforms are 2020s RTS games available on?
Most major titles launched on Windows PC, with Age of Empires IV and Company of Heroes 3 also arriving on Xbox consoles. Some indie RTS titles extended to PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, though the genre remains PC-dominant due to mouse-and-keyboard control schemes.
What does the competitive or esports scene look like for 2020s RTS?
StarCraft II still maintains an active professional circuit, particularly in Korea, while Age of Empires IV introduced a new competitive scene with official tournaments. Company of Heroes 3 and other tactical titles have smaller but dedicated competitive communities.
What key mechanics define the RTS genre in the 2020s?
Core pillars include resource gathering, base construction, unit production, and real-time tactical command, all executed simultaneously. Modern additions often include hero or commander units, fog-of-war variants, and asymmetric faction abilities that reshape how each player builds their strategy.
What was a notable moment for the genre in the 2020s?
The 2021 launch of Age of Empires IV marked the first new mainline entry in the beloved series in over a decade, generating enormous community excitement. In 2023, Company of Heroes 3's release reinvigorated interest in squad-based tactical RTS after a long gap from the previous entry.