The RTS genre has always been associated with PCs first and foremost. There are various reasons behind this - but it mainly stems from the genre's demand for micromanagement and swift controls. Naturally, the keyboard and mouse setup better complements this style, with its elaborate, intuitive inputs.
These factors, coupled with the rise of the MOBA, have made the console RTS (at least notable ones) something of a unicorn. Yet, it's not a complete ghost town. In fact, there do exist some console versions of RTS games that aren't just playable, but actually fun and relatively smooth.
Updated April 14, 2022 by Ryan Bamsey: Real-time strategy is a fantastic genre of games that encompasses so much more than war and combat - though that's still a large part of it. While the genre thrives within the PC environment, that's not to say that console players don't get the chance to play some fantastic strategy games. We've added some more fine examples to the list.
12 Crusader Kings 3 (PS5, Xbox Series X)
Paradox Interactive is something of a giant when it comes to grand strategy games, and you wouldn't think that they work so well when bringing them to consoles - but Crusader Kings 3: Console Edition is a surprise that keeps on giving.
The complex slew of menus are made accessible in this port, and it feels as much a true Crusader Kings game like any other.
11 Bad North (PS4, Xbox One, Switch)
Bad North is a roguelite that plays a little similar to games like FTL and Slay the Spire, but far more stripped back. You must protect a series of small islands from invaders in small-scale RTS battles, picking up new warriors as you go on.
This game has a pretty even difficulty curve that teaches you exactly what you need to know, exactly when you need to know it. The battles get very challenging but never feel unfair, and starting a new run with more information feels gratifying.
10 Evil Genius 2: World Domination (PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X, Switch)
If you have ever wondered what it would feel like to be the villain in an over-the-top, farcical spy movie, Evil Genius 2 might be the game for you. It'll have you building a secret lair, sending your agents across the world to carry out your nefarious deeds, and dealing with goody-two-shoes heroes who seek to stop you.
With a fantastic sense of humor and irony, Evil Genius 2 is a fantastically entertaining romp through the tropes codified by Bond movies. Let the cheesiness wash over you and you're confronted with genuinely compelling gameplay that'll keep you engaged for hours.
9 The Colonists (PS4, Xbox One, Switch)
In The Colonists, you take control of a civilization of robots who need to colonize a new world. This encompasses the usual things - gathering resources and building new infrastructure and such - but also lets you explore at your own pace and discover new worlds to colonize.
Pair this compelling gameplay with a charming presentation and you have a game that will keep you occupied for hours. Building a whole city when you started with almost nothing is a fantastic experience.
8 Sudden Strike 4 (PS4, Xbox One)
Just like its predecessors, Sudden Strike 4 makes players feel like they're at the helm of an army, commanding a variety of units to win skirmishes. This tactical RTS keeps gamers engaged for countless hours with loads of addictive gameplay.
While its controls are a tad overwhelming at first, studio Kite Games eases players into the action with a step-by-step tutorial and clear interface. The dynamic gameplay, coupled with some crisp, detailed visuals, makes this a bargain.
7 Dawn Of Discovery (Wii)
One can't help but think why other studios didn't exploit the Wii's intuitive pointer controls when playing this charming console RTS. The controls simply feel made for this type of point-and-click experience. Yet, Dawn of Discovery, (otherwise known as Anno 1404) shines as a rare RTS gem on the machine.
Players will attempt to balance resources and build up their settlements in order to deal with an incoming famine. The game takes the lush Medieval motif of Age of Empires and dials back the complexity, adding an appealing colorful aesthetic. At the same time, the micromanaging and strategy involved should entice veterans of the genre.
6 Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars (Xbox 360)
Command & Conquer is certainly in the conversation with the likes of StarCraft when it comes to iconic sci-fi RTS games. This enjoyable sequel reinforces this notion on PC - but how does the console version fare?
As it happens, the Xbox 360 port largely lives up to the clout established by EA and Westwood Studios. Though this doesn't exactly surpass its PC origins, it's nonetheless one of the strongest RTS games on the console. Scrolling across the map and using the triggers to bring up commands usually proves swift and simple. Tiberium Wars also offers an impressive palette of addictive multiplayer options.
5 Tooth And Tail (PS4)
As it happens, there are some interesting offerings from the indie scene as well, often coming in particularly creative forms. Case in point? PS4's Tooth and Tail. It's tough to offer a unique spin on the war-based RTS, but studio Pocketwatch Games has done just that.
For the record, this can be enjoyed on PC, Mac, and Linux, too. Yet, the simplicity is such that this charming RTS makes for a smooth translation on the home console. Players will be taking control of anthropomorphic animals taking part in chaotic skirmishes. This is dressed with a retro-style isometric view, reminiscent of mid-90s Blizzard.
4 Halo Wars 2 (Xbox One)
It's no easy feat crafting a deep strategy romp that's also easy to manage with a game controller. Yet, 343 Industries and Creative Assembly have pretty much found this sweet spot, with their rich Xbox One follow-up to Halo Wars.
Most of the basic commands are easily-accessible, and navigating these dense maps is usually a breeze. It's not perfect, but one gets the sense that the studio had controllers in mind when designing the interface. The satisfying support powers and fairly smart AI also help fill in the gaps when needed. Halo Wars 2 offers loads of thrilling, addictive gameplay in various forms. This is the case in its multi-faceted campaign and the slew of online/local multiplayer options.
3 SimCity (SNES)
It's odd to imagine a smooth RTS experience even with a joystick - let alone the D-pad of a 16-bit machine. And somehow, SNES' version of SimCity just feels right. Of course, this is partly a testament to just how stellar the debut in this iconic franchise is. Yet, this streamlined experience can also be attributed to the simple menu screen and vibrant, clear-cut map layout. The mechanics are both detailed and tight, allowing players to micromanage and tend to various city tasks in seconds.
And unlike many on this list, the Super NES version of SimCity comes with its own unique perks. These include reward buildings like casinos, Bowser attacks, and a coveted Mario statue granted following "megalopolis" status.
2 Pikmin 3 (Wii U, Switch)
Nintendo fans were intrigued when iconic designer Shigeru Miyamoto unveiled a peculiar strategy game involving hordes of small, anthropomorphic plants. This turned out to be the distinctly fun Pikmin series, which saw its most enjoyable, lavish rendition yet on Wii U. The game takes advantage of the Wii U's Gamepad, functioning as both a controller and an extension of the game itself. With tons of strategic gameplay that's both focused and detailed, this series still shines as an example of how to do an RTS right on a console.
Pikmin had new life breathed into it with a clean port of this game released on the Switch, something that brings us that much closer to Pikmin 4.
1 Lord Of The Rings: The Battle For Middle Earth 2 (Xbox 360)
Who would have thought one of the strongest console exclusives on the 360 would be a LOTR real-time strategy game? Building on the foundation of its predecessor, this sequel ups the ante in terms of mechanics and scope. The slew of options is condensed into a streamlined wheel on the bottom left of the screen.
This, coupled with simple hotkeys, allows players to swiftly pull up commands with little sweat. With a fairly smooth learning curve, it shouldn't take long for players to bask in the glory and fun of slaying orcs.