Best Of
10 Best RTS Games on PlayStation 5 (June 2025)
When most gamers think of real-time strategy, they probably picture a keyboard, mouse, and a battlefield on a high-end PC. But surprisingly, the PlayStation 5 has proven to be a solid platform for strategy enthusiasts, offering a lineup of RTS games that range from deep and complex to fast-paced and fun. Players can enjoy micromanaging cities, commanding troops, and plotting political coups; there's something for every kind of strategist. Here’s a look at the 10 best RTS games currently available on PS5.
10. Company of Heroes 3
Kicking things off is Company of Heroes 3, a war strategy game that brings World War II combat to life with cinematic flair and amazing tactical gameplay. Though the series is rooted in PC history, the console port holds up surprisingly well. Players are tasked with capturing territory, managing squads, and adapting to the battlefield in real time. With the added layer of terrain-based advantages and destructible environments, Company of Heroes 3 offers a rewarding, immersive RTS experience for anyone who enjoys historic warfare with a modern touch.
9. Bad North
For those looking for a simpler, more visually calming RTS, Bad North is a perfect choice. Don’t let the clean art style fool anyone; it’s deceptively intense. In this game, players defend small islands from waves of Viking invaders using limited troops and clever positioning. Surprisingly, there are no sprawling maps or tech trees. It's just bite-sized tactical challenges that ramp up quickly. Additionally, the game offers an unmatched strategic experience that’s perfect for quick sessions or late-night marathons.
8. Minecraft Legends
Minecraft Legends gives a fun twist to the classic Minecraft world by mixing RTS elements with action-adventure. Instead of just building, players take control of a hero and lead mobs to fight off Piglins and set up defences. The game’s easy-to-learn controls let players jump right in and start planning attacks or building fortifications.
Surprisingly, it’s not a hardcore RTS, but that’s part of its charm. It’s a more relaxed way to get into strategy games, especially for anyone who loves Minecraft’s creative vibe. If you enjoy exploring, battling, and building in a procedurally generated world, this game offers a cool, laid-back experience. It is perfect for fans of the Minecraft universe looking to try something new.
7. Zombie Tycoon
Zombie apocalypse games are everywhere, but Zombie Tycoon flips the script. Now, here is the interesting twist: instead of surviving the zombies, players become the zombies. This thrilling gives players control of zombie hordes as they wreak havoc on humanity. It’s silly, over-the-top, and loaded with immersive zombie vibes. While it may not be the deepest game on this list, it stands out for its humor and unique spin on traditional strategy gameplay.
6. Desperados III
Desperados III perfectly blends RTS and real-time tactics, offering a game that demands both precision and thoughtful strategy. Set in the Wild West, players command a group of highly specialized characters, each with distinct abilities, to outsmart and outmaneuver enemies. One thing that stands out in the game is its levels. Notably, the levels are beautifully designed, and every mission feels like a complex puzzle with countless ways to solve it. Ultimately, Desperados III is an ideal pick for players who enjoy stealth, tactical gameplay, and the satisfaction of outwitting their opponents.
5. Stellaris
Stellaris is a huge, fun strategy game where players get to explore space and build their own empires. Unlike typical RTS games, Stellaris focuses more on managing an entire civilization. That includes things like diplomacy, military, science, and exploration. This RTS game takes place in a randomly generated universe, so every time you play, it's a completely new experience. With its many systems to explore, Stellaris is perfect for players who enjoy deep strategy games and don’t mind investing lots of time building their galactic empire.
4. Frostpunk
Frostpunk is a strategy game that combines powerful storytelling with tough survival challenges. Set in a frozen, post-apocalyptic world, players must guide the last city on earth through extreme cold and difficult moral decisions. Every choice matters, as even the smallest action can cost lives. For example, balancing resources like warmth, food, and labour is crucial to survival. However, things can go wrong fast, and hope can quickly fade. Overall, it’s a dark and demanding experience, but it offers a deeply unforgettable journey for those who can manage the challenges.
3. Tropico 6
Tropico 6 brings a lighter, more fun twist to strategy games as a charming city-builder. The game is full of humour and satire, poking fun at politics and power. However, don't be fooled; the playful tone hides a surprisingly deep economic and political system. This game stands out because it blends humour with complex strategy. While you’re busy making decisions that affect your island’s economy, you’re also dealing with political manoeuvring, elections, and managing the needs of your citizens.
2. Crusader Kings III
Crusader Kings III isn’t just your average strategy game—it’s a sprawling, unpredictable, and often hilarious medieval soap opera where power, ambition, and scandal go hand-in-hand. While it wears the armor of a grand strategy game, its heart beats with deep role-playing mechanics that let you shape the lives and legacies of an entire noble dynasty. Players take control of a family line, navigating generations through brutal wars, strategic marriages, backroom deals, and plenty of underhanded assassinations.
Every decision you make, whether choosing a spouse, plotting against a rival, or raising your heir, can have ripple effects that echo for centuries. The PS5 version brings the depth of the PC classic to consoles with an intuitive interface and streamlined controls, making it more approachable without sacrificing complexity. Even if you’re new to the genre, you’ll soon find yourself lost in the layers of intrigue and emergent storytelling.
1. SpellForce 3: Reforced
SpellForce 3: Reforced, a masterful blend of RTS and RPG elements that feels like the best of both worlds. Players build bases, gather resources, and lead armies into battle. As they do so, they explore a rich fantasy world with hero characters who level up, acquire gear, and complete quests. The game runs beautifully on the PS5, with polished controls and a strong narrative to tie everything together. For fans who want a strategy game with immersive RPG vibes, SpellForce 3 delivers in spades.
