Key conclusions
- StarCraft 2 offers deep tactical gameplay in a cooperative campaign mode.
- Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition delivers balanced mechanics and upgraded visuals for cooperative play.
- Company of Heroes 2 has a realistic World War II setting and requires effective communication to succeed.
The real-time strategy genre has been around for decades, with new and improved titles being developed and released over the years. While some timeless classics were released as standalone records, others began incredibly long franchises that continued to grow throughout their lives.
Playing solo real-time strategy games is already a lot of fun as players can fight against different enemy factions and plan their attack approach to emerge victorious and progress through the story. However, games in this genre really come alive and become exciting when played with friends in co-op mode. Here are some of the the best real-time strategy games with co-op campaigns.
5 Starcraft 2
Great knowledge, deep tactical gameplay
- Unique abilities and commanders for players to choose from
- Collaboration and communication are key
Classic in the genre of real-time strategy, Starcraft 2 offers a great campaign with deep strategic gameplay and a powerful narrative. Playing in co-op mode, players can join forces with their friends to take part in the game's campaign while controlling different commanders in different missions. Like other co-op games, StarCraft 2 requires cooperation between all parties for victory and success throughout history.
There's also tons of lore to unlock and deep tactical gameplay that will appeal to franchise veterans and newcomers alike.
4 Age Of Empires 2: Definitive Edition
A great remake of a timeless classic
- Updated user interface and graphics
- Balanced mechanics that require communication between all participants
A remake of the original classic, Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition, features improved visuals, better overall gameplay, and of course, the ability to play the campaign in co-op mode. Players can participate in various historical battles with their friends, working together to collect and manage their resources, build large armies to defeat their enemies and advance their civilizations.
The new co-op mode in the game not only offers tons of fun and hours of entertainment, but also creates a challenge that was not present in the original title, as players will need to seamlessly manage their economy and military strategy while communicating as effectively as possible with their friends.
3 Company of heroes 2
A strategy game about World War II that feels all too real
- Realistic setting of the Second World War
- Each player has different responsibilities and must work effectively with the others
This real-time strategy game is set in the dark times of World War II and focuses heavily on military tactical warfare, including cover mechanics and realistic scenarios that will transport players to the battlefield. Company of heroes 2 features a great co-op campaign that allows players to work together to take on Nazi forces while coordinating attacks, using specialized units, and securing points of interest.
Like other real-time strategy games, Company of heroes 2 will require players to communicate effectively to join forces and increase their chances of success against the enemy during war. Each player will have to take on different roles and responsibilities, ensuring proper management of their units and artillery.
2 Halo Wars 2
A sequel that leans heavily on its predecessor
- The game retains the good parts of its predecessor and implements some great elements of its own
- Players can use vehicles such as the Scorpion tank and Warthogs
For many years, Art Hello the franchise is known for offering players action-packed games in the FPS genre, which has made almost every game a massive hit. When Microsoft decided to deviate from this successful formula by releasing the original Halo Warsthey took a huge risk, which fortunately paid off handsomely. Halo Wars not only chose real-time strategic game mechanics and required tactical planning, but also opened new doors for Hello franchise worldwide.
Halo Wars 2 follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, keeping the elements that made it great while adding others to create an all-around enjoyable experience. The co-op campaign in this game allows players to team up with friends to jointly strategize and plan base defensive maneuvers as well as large-scale attacks on the enemy. Halo Wars 2 featuring iconic vehicles from the franchise such as Scorpion tanks and Warthogs, piloted of course by Spartans and a few UNSC Marines.
1 Total War: Warhammer 3
A great addition to the Total War Universe
- Players can work together to develop tactical plans and diplomatic approaches
- There is a wealth of knowledge to uncover
Combining grand strategy game mechanics with real-time combat elements, Total War: Warhammer 3 offers large armies, incredible spells and a large selection of magical creatures. The game's wonderful co-op mode allows players to form different alliances to fight the various opposing factions available and overcome the obstacles that this title throws at them.
Players can plan war tactics with friends or other online players to command armies, develop tactical approaches, and even carry out diplomatic missions that can change the outcome of the campaign as it progresses. All the while learning more about the lore of the universe and the interesting elements behind it. In general, this can be said with confidence Total War: Warhammer 3 is one of the greatest real-time strategy games ever released, and its co-op campaign leaves much to be desired.
