10 Best RTS Games on PlayStation 5

Traditionally, real-time strategy (RTS) games are more common on PCs than consoles like the PlayStation. However, gaming technology is evolving, making RTS games easily compatible with console controls. Interestingly, some of the most popular RTS games are getting remakes for consoles.

PlayStation 5’s controls and overall design are well-suited for playing RTS games. Fortunately, it is a popular platform among developers, giving you dozens of titles with varying themes, storylines, and gameplay designs. Here is an overview of the five best RTS games on PS5.

10. Warpips

Warpips is an excellent introductory RTS game for those who are new to the genre. This easy-to-learn strategy game takes you on a pixelated, linear battle. Your objective is to deploy the right mix of units, tanks, and planes to push back and overtake your opponent's position in front of you. However, don't expect your adversary to fall easily on their backs. They will push back, causing the battle in this tug-of-war strategy game to go back and forth.

9. Iron Harvest

Iron Harvest is a mechanized RTS game set shortly after the Great War in which you command not only soldiers but also dieselpunk mechs. The main campaign story spans over 20 missions across three campaigns, taking you on an all-out war over European grounds. In addition, the entire campaign is co-op-friendly. So, you can take on the strategizing side-by-side with a friend.

8. SpellForce 3 Reforced

SpellForce 3 Reforced is an RPG that mastered the art of story-telling into a blend and delivered quite immersive gameplay. Endowed with impeccable graphics and good controls, the games offers players interesting spell casting opportunities. For players who are into the adventure with a spice of all types of gameplay, then his is a good choice on the PS console.

7. Company of Heroes 3

Despite a brief hiatus, Relic Entertainment reignited interest in their RTS franchise with the release of Company of Heroes 3 in 2023. This new and improved WWII-themed FPS transports you to the Italian and North African fronts of the conflict. You command four distinct factions in the game's two campaigns, controlling air, ground, and naval groups through a series of wars in which you must strategically clear the opposition from mountainous outposts to coastal towns.

6. Anno 1800

Anno 1800 is an RTS game in which you control the outcome of the Industrial Revolution. You take control of civilization in the midst of 19th-century craziness, looking to capitalize on the technological and political advancements of the era. These, of course, come with negotiations for resources, trade, and the colonization of new lands. You decide whether you want to be a conqueror or a liberator. Will you collaborate with other countries or take advantage of everything they have to offer in the name of your own prosperity? You decide in Anno 1800's all-out grand RTS.

5. The Riftbreaker

The Riftbreaker is a multifaceted game. It is mostly based on the real-time strategy (RTS) genre, requiring you to make difficult decisions on which resources to collect and how to use them. However, it also features survival and action elements, requiring you to essentially live off the landing while fighting and escaping from hordes of menacing alien creatures. While this may feel generic, it is actually outstanding and delivers an engaging (almost addictive) playing experience.

The story in The Riftbreaker is about Ashley, a space explorer with a mechanical suit called Mr. Riggs, trying to prepare an alien planet for human colonization. Preparing the planet involves harvesting limited resources to build bases and a large portal device. However, the local wildlife is aggressive, and Ashley must fight off dangerous creatures to survive. Admittedly, the story is a bit bland, but it doesn’t matter once you start building and fighting.

4. Cult of the Lamb

Cult of the Lamb is cute and ingeniously creative. However, don’t let the cute characters fool you, as the story is deep and the gameplay is complex. It is based on an adorable, possessed lamb with a tragic background and ambitious future. The lamb is indebted to a stranger who saved him from annihilation and must build a loyal cult in his name. It sounds bizarre, but it is really captivating when you get into it.

3. Iron Harvest

Iron Harvest is a brilliant RTS game inspired by an alternative take on Europe’s war era. Instead of World War I, the game is based on a Great War that ravages the continent for five years. Moreover, this war involves huge war machines that come in varying shapes, sizes, and designs.

The war involves three factions: Polania (Poland), Saxony (Britain), and Rusviet (Russia). Each faction has unique heroes and war machines. Moreover, each faction must embark on a campaign comprising seven missions, all of which tie into the main story. The goal is to capture, upgrade, and secure enemies’ resources (oil and iron) to sustain and expand your armies. However, that is easier said than done and is a complex balancing act, highlighting the game’s RTS genre.

2. Tactics Ogre: Reborn

Tactics Ogre is a legendary game in the RPG-strategy niche. Interestingly, it is the inspiration for Final Fantasy Tactics, one of the best PS games of all time. Originally made for PC, Tactics Ogre: Reborn is specially customized for consoles, including PS4 and PS5. Moreover, it boasts a few improvements that make it more enjoyable and engaging than the original version.

1. Crusader Kings III

The third game in a series with medieval dynastic politics as inspiration is Crusader Kings III. It is based on leaders trying to climb their way up the political and societal ranks to become mighty kings and emperors. Players can utilize various strategies to achieve their objectives, including marriage alliances, blackmail, underhanded murder, open warfare, religion, and more. For example, you can merge two kingdoms peacefully through marriage or conquer a defiant kingdom through war. However, every decision has a consequence, requiring you to think everything through. For example, deploying your entire army to conquer another kingdom can leave your kingdom vulnerable to attack by other kings.

So, what’s your take on these ten best RTS games on PlayStation 5? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.