Most popular real time strategy games are always historical ones. But what about the RTS games set in the era we live in? Yeah, there are some. As a matter of fact, I’ve listed 15 modern warfare real time strategy games.
It’s time to take a break from the sword, bow and arrow. Strategy games with tanks, aircraft, missiles, and radars are quite fun. You can witness the destructive nature of mankind firsthand!
Realistic modern warfare RTS games:
1. Foxhole
Foxhole is a cooperative sandbox massively multiplayer action-strategy video game according to its Wikipedia page. Longest definition you can see.
Basically, it’s a war simulation where thousands of players meet. Every soldier has a different way of contribution to the war. Such as logistics, base building, reconnaissance, combat, and more.
You can play it solo, but believe me, it’s going to be a pain in the ass. In order to enjoy Foxhole, I recommend joining a clan via discord. Correct distribution of tasks makes this game much more enjoyable.
2. Company of Heroes Series
Company of Heroes is a real-time strategy video game franchise. Latest game Company of Heroes 3 released in 2023.
It features the mediterranean theatre of World War 2. In game two campaigns, multiplayer PvP, and co-op modes welcome you!
The game emphasizes tactical decision-making, with a focus on environmental destruction and unit abilities. Command ground, air and naval forces and build supply lines to crush enemy forces!
3. Men of War Series
Men of War franchise have three main games. Men of War classic, Men of War: Assault Squad 1 & 2. There are also some DLC packages, but I won’t get into that now. Games of the franchise are all set in the WW2, just like Company of Heroes.
It’s basically a real-time strategy game that emphasizes tactical combat and advanced unit management. You’ll feel all aspects of war from extreme tank combat to deadly sniper stealth missions.
All in all, it’s pretty well-established franchise and must be played by the lovers of realistic strategy games.
4. Call to Arms Franchise
Call to Arms is another RTS modern warfare franchise from the same developers of Men of War.
Call to Arms – Gates of Hell: Ostfront is currently the latest and most optimized game of the Digitalmindsoft studios.
It puts you in command of the armies during the Eastern Front conflict. A great way to experience the brutal battles between Soviet and German forces all over again.
5. Syrian Warfare
Unrest in Syria began in 2011 started a civil war that will peak during 2012–2017. Indie studio called Cats Who Play decided to make a game out of it.
Syrian Warfare is a modern warfare RTS game of ultra-realism, which is also based on real story. There are no health bars, building constructions, or unit productions. This game is all about tactics, strategy, chaos, and realism.
Command a small group of soldiers, manage ammunition, and lead your team through series of intense battles.
6. Command Conquer Generals
Here is a game from my childhood. It’s pretty edgy and politically incorrect. But still it’s considered one of the best RTS games set in the modern era.
But first you should know, it’s not available on Steam. You need to get it from EA via origin. It’s part of the Command Conquer Ultimate Collection. 17 games in that bundle including Generals.
There are 3 factions in Command & Conquer: Generals. USA, China, and Middle East. Each have unique units and buildings according to their respective culture.
With its excellent graphics, addictive gameplay, and a memorable storyline, C&C Generals is a standout in the real-time strategy genre.
7. Rise of Nations
Here is another RTS game that hits me with nostalgia.
Rise of the Nations is a game that makes you start in a stone age and rise to the modern era. You can literally nuke tribes if you research technology fast enough. It might sound silly. But developing aircraft carriers and submarines from scratch is pretty satisfying.
You can find the Rise of the Nations Extended Edition on steam. It includes Thrones and Patriots DLC.
8. ICBM
Biggest man-made threat to the survival of humanity is the nuclear bomb technology. What would have happened if nations decide to nuke each other? This game answers that question.
ICBM is a 2020 modern warfare game where you control nuclear weapons, build missile silos, and nuke everywhere.
It’s the spiritual successor of the old 2006 nuclear war game DEFCON. Others say it’s HOI4 with nukes.
9. Wargame: Red Dragon
Wargame: Red Dragon is a real-time strategy game set in East Asia during the Cold War era. In this fantasy, western forces clash against the Communist bloc.
The game features over 1,450 units, including infantry, tanks, and aircraft, from 17 different countries. Campaign is thrilling. However, the real fun is in the 20 player PvP system.
10. Regiments
Regiments is a Real-Time Tactics game set in Germany 1989. Cold War gone hot, and two blocs are fighting to death!
Campaign is quite challenging. You must break through the lines, call in artillery and air support, maneuver, feign retreats, and stage mobile defenses.
Multiplayer is fun too. Choose Nato or Warsaw Pact and join the massive battle!
11. Wargame: Airland Battle
Wargame: Airland Battle is a RTS war game that takes place in a fictionalized version of Cold War era.
Wargame: Airland Battle features:
- 2 sides.
- 12 nations.
- 750 units.
- All-out war between NATO and the Warsaw Pact.
Wargame: Red Dragon was set in East Asia. Whereas Wargame: Airland Battle set in North Sea. And of course, as name states, this version is more focused on airland battles.
12. First Strike: Classic
Second and last nuclear war themed real time strategy game of this list is First Strike: Classic.
It’s a fast-paced game that allows you to control one of the 12 nuclear super-powers of the world. The goal of this game is simple. Try to be the last one remaining in an Armageddon like world.
There is no multiplayer option in First Strike: Classic. So, if you are looking for a RTS to play with friends, skip this one.
13. Combat Mission Shock Force 2
Combat Mission Shock Force 2 is a is a military grade simulation depicting a hypothetical conflict in Syria between the forces of NATO and the Syrian Army.
The game uses modern military equipment and forces from various nations. Realism is the main focus of Combat Mission Shock Force 2.
Play casual single player campaign or go to challenging multiplayer that will test your strategic and tactical skills.
14. WARNO
WARNO is the ultimate WW3 simulator. It’s set in an alternative history where cold war ended up being HOT!
The game features various battles between two blocks. To be specific: West Germany, United Kingdom, United States, and France VS Soviet Union and East Germany.
BEST ALTERNATIVE HISTORY GAMES
Variety of maps, terrains, realistic graphics, and sound effects awaits.
15. Invasion Machine
Invasion Machine is a modern-warfare RTS / sandbox game inspired by the real conflicts of Middle East region.
The campaign is divided into 8 chapters. First chapter is when you first deploy, and the last chapter is where battle ends.
The missions are unique. As the Commander of this Peace Force, you’ll be doing various tasks, mingling with locals, and hunting hostile elements.
Honorary Mention
After talking about 15 modern warfare real time strategy games, I just wanted mention one last game that does not really fit in this genre. However, it’s so much fun, anyone with interested in modern war strategy gaming will also love it. The game I’m talking about is the Hearts of Iron IV.
The game is 4x grand strategy and not an RTS. But it feels like a RTS as long as you don’t use the pause-game option.
It’s a WW2 game in essence but there are lots of HOI4 alternate timeline mods that are set in modern times. Such as Millennium Dawn: A Modern Day, Novum Vexillum, End of a New Beginning, and more.