10 Best RTS Games on PlayStation Plus (December 2025)

A new month rolls in on PlayStation Plus, and suddenly, there’s a fresh batch of RTS games pulling you in from every direction. Honestly, it’s hard not to pay attention. Right away, you’ll notice there’s a bit of everything. For instance, there are classic base-building chaos moments, modern strategy twists, and, on top of that, those one-more-match-time traps we swear we’ll quit but never do. Then, as you move through the 10 Best RTS Games on PlayStation Plus this month, you’ll jump from one exciting battle to the next. So, let’s get straight into the fun.

10. XCOM 2

In XCOM 2 you lead a squad of soldiers fighting to free Earth from aliens. At the same time, you have to deal with strict regimes and ruthless dictators, so careful planning is key. Plus, side missions pop up that test your skills and keep things exciting. You’ll also manage your ship, assign tasks, and think ahead to stay on top. Every different map looks new, which makes each tough battle feel fresh. And the best part? Every fight keeps you guessing. Overall, it’s a fun mix of strategy and combat, perfect on PS Plus Extra/Premium.

9. Tropico 6

Running an island nation is harder than it sounds. You build cities. You manage resources. Citizens? Well, they have their ideas. Politics and elections? Yeah, they’ll surprise you. Tropico 6 throws all of that at you and somehow makes it fun. You’ll laugh, you’ll groan, and you’ll definitely lose track of time. Some days go perfectly; others not so much. And honestly, that’s what makes it fun. Plus, it just hit the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog, so now you can dive in and cause a little chaos of your own.

8. Bad North

 Tiny islands, angry Vikings, and you are the commander in charge. Meanwhile, houses are on fire, citizens run for cover, and coins are on the line. You’ll move units, plan strategies, and try not to let everything burn down. Along the way, pick up items, recruit new commanders, and watch the chaos unfold. Then, Normal, Hard, and a secret Very Hard mode will keep you sweating. Plus, the free Jotunn Edition adds more islands and surprises. All in all, quick to learn but tricky to master, Bad North is a tense, clever, and surprisingly fun strategy ride.

7. Crusader King III

Managing a medieval realm comes with more headaches than you’d expect. At the same time, vassals complain, neighbors plot, and your heirs might surprise you. Crusader Kings III throws all that chaos at you, letting you shape your dynasty over centuries. Characters have traits, lifestyles, and even genetics that affect their children. Meanwhile, armies of peasants and knights fight your battles, and tricky diplomacy can make or break your reign. On top of that, you can customize characters’ looks, clothes, and armor. Overall, every choice matters, and sometimes things go hilariously wrong. In the end, it’s deep, unpredictable, and endlessly fun for strategy fans.

6. Surviving Mars

In Surviving Mars, you first pick a nation and a commander, each with their own perks, buildings, and a vehicle. Then, your adventure begins on a planet that is harsh but absolutely stunning. Your rocket delivers drones, a rover, prefab buildings, and supplies to help you start your colony. As you explore, you’ll dig for metals, hunt for water, and gather fuel, all while random disasters can strike at any moment. The real challenge is keeping your colonists alive and contented. Luckily, exciting spin-offs and remasters keep the game fresh and exciting every time.

5. Wagroove

Jump into Wargroove, a strategy game where up to 4 players can duke it out. First, pick your commander and lead your troops across crazy battlefields. Then, unleash their special move, the Groove, which can totally flip the game in your favor. And that’s not all; you can build epic maps, campaigns, cutscenes, add secrets and ambushes, and even twist the rules. Finally, share your creations online or try maps made by others. Plus, it’s available on PlayStation Plus, so jumping in is super easy.

4. Age of Empires

Ever wanted to rewrite history? That’s exactly what you do in Age of Empires. You start by building your empire, gathering resources, and figuring out how to keep your armies alive. Then comes the fun part, clashing with rivals in chaotic, nail-biting battles. On top of that, spin-offs like Age of Mythology throw in gods, monsters, and wild powers that shake up the battlefield. It’s messy, strategic, and totally addictive. Now, you can play on PlayStation 5, though you’ll need to buy the games; PlayStation Plus only covers multiplayer. Overall, the series combines smart strategy, historical fun, and epic moments.

3. Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew

Hop aboard Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew, a pirate-themed real-time tactics game with a spooky twist. First, you start by gathering your cursed crew and then scoping out the Lost Caribbean. Next, each pirate has wild abilities, like taking over enemies, planting bushes to hide, or tossing distractions, so every approach feels different. Along the way, you’ll collect resources, then bring teammates back to life, and also power up their skills. Finally, sneak, plan, and use the environment to your advantage before escaping through magical portals. 

2. Anno 1800

Explore Anno 1800, a city-building real-time strategy game set in the Industrial Age. First, manage the Old World, keeping citizens, workers, and artisans happy while running production smoothly. At the same time, the New World produces goods your people want, so you’ll need smart trade routes. Additionally, the blueprint mode lets you plan your city before spending resources. Along the way, balance factories with city attractiveness, keep tourists satisfied, and expand your empire. Finally, experience the story campaign, open-ended sandbox creativity, or strategic multiplayer with friends and rivals while building your Industrial Revolution world.

1. Desperados III

Among the best real-time tactics games on PlayStation Plus, Desperados III delivers tense Wild West stealth action. First, as you sneak through sprawling maps, duck into bushes, and cleverly use the environment to take out enemies and keep your moves unpredictable. Then, when things get tricky, jump into Showdown Mode and coordinate your squad’s moves in perfect timing. Meanwhile, each character has their own wild abilities, from setting traps and causing distractions to even controlling enemies’ minds. In the end, plan carefully, manage bodies, and complete missions silently while enjoying one of the most thrilling RTS experiences available.