The best historical RTS games you should play

History can be difficult to realistically simulate in games, and sometimes gamers just want to live in the fantasy of a military general in the distant past. If that's the case, there's no better place than the historical RTS genre. Whether it's a medieval siege or the Sengoku period, historical RTSs have plenty of opportunities for great strategy games throughout history.

7 Stronghold Crusader

Lay siege to the fortress

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Many of many games set in the Middle Ages, few have attempted to replicate the true experience of the Crusades like Stronghold Crusader. Players can take on the role of various historical characters, such as Richard the Lionheart or Saladin, as powerful empires battle for control of the Holy Lands.

However, what does Stronghold Crusader what is unique is that it focuses on siege and castle warfare. Players can build castles for themselves, and attacking forces need to balance risk and reward to find ways to overcome obstacles, making this game one of the best base defense RTS games out there. Most RTS games don't focus on siege combat, so this is an exciting and welcome addition to the genre.

6 Age of mythology

Cosplay God

Although Age of mythology without appearing strictly in any historical period, Ensemble Studios were clearly fascinated by the power of stories and mythologies over war. Therefore, Age of mythology attempts to bring the two together in a cult classic.

Playing as different nations such as the Norse, Egyptians, and Greeks, players can engage in traditional RTS combat, but with the added feature of using mythological units and powers. It gives the game an extra flair that transforms the rote combat into something much more fantastical, making it a fan favorite even after the rather controversial remake was released.

5 Cossacks 3

Mass slaughter

As one part remake, one part sequel to the 2001 original Cossacks: European Wars, Cossacks 3 is a fan favorite in the RTS genre for its historical accuracy and special focus on the wars of the 17th and 18th centuries, which are comparatively less explored than other eras.

In particular, fans love the Cossacks franchise for its focus on large numbers of units, meaning that wars really feel huge in scale and scope with up to 32,000 individual units at any one time with complex naval and military tactics. It's hardcore, but worth learning.

4 Total War: Rome 2

Still thinking about the Roman Empire

Although it is one of the most popular periods of history to explore, there are surprisingly few games that really delve into the Roman military experience, especially Total War: Rome was originally released. However, in 2013 Total War: Rome 2 hit stores and, despite a rocky launch, became a fan favorite as the epitome of a Roman military simulation.

Taking the classic Creative Assembly formula, combining macro and micro tactics that would lay the foundation for future games such as Total War: Warhammerplayers can campaign across the ancient world and learn firsthand how the Roman war machine functioned.

3 Company of heroes

Be the greatest generation

Despite the newest Company of heroes 3 more appreciated after a series of updates, many fans still claim that the original Company of heroesreleased in 2006, is the franchise's best, and for good reason.

Innovative physics, tactical combat and dynamic combat systems, Company of heroes The action takes place in the last years of the Second World War and is an unprecedented simulation of unit management in urban and open warfare. It's an incredibly immersive take on history and contains more than enough mechanical meat to keep any RTS fan well fed.

2 Total War: Shogun 2

Sengoku Sayonara

The Sengoku period of Japanese history is famous for large-scale wars and high drama, making it an ideal setting for RTS games such as Total War: Shogun 2 which combines the experience of combat with cunning planning and stunning historical details that will make any history buff a fan.

Best of all, the Fall of the Samurai DLC takes the game back to the 19th century with the advance of Western powers and modern warfare, creating a completely unique combination of samurai tactics and gunpowder. It is a stunning vision of the past and is often considered the pinnacle of everything Total war franchise.

1 Age of empires 2

The best of the best

It's hard to imagine how any RTS game will surpass its reputation, popularity and mechanical depth Age of empires 2. Roughly modeling the duration of the Middle Ages, Age of empires 2 allows players to take control of a wide range of historical civilizations in an attempt to dominate a series of interesting maps, as well as an incredibly memorable campaign.

Players must build a thriving economy to fund the war effort in real-time, just as enemy players do the same by sending out scouts and preparing for battle. It's a tense and exciting game where quick tactical decisions can decide the fate of the game, which keeps it popular even in modern times and is the perfect starting point for beginners. A must play for all RTS fans Age of empires 2especially those interested in history.