Real-time strategy (RTS) games are a thrilling subgenre of strategy games where gameplay unfolds in “real time,” meaning all players act simultaneously, without waiting for turns. Unlike turn-based strategy (TBS) games, where players take turns, RTS games demand quick thinking and constant decision-making. Brett Sperry, co-founder of Westwood Studios, coined the term “real-time strategy” in the early 1990s to describe their groundbreaking game Dune II, which shaped the RTS genre we know today.
Core Mechanics of RTS Games
In RTS games, players control armies, manage resources, and build bases to expand their influence and defeat opponents. Key elements of an RTS game typically include:
- Players collect resources like gold, wood, or energy to build structures and units.
- Players establish and upgrade bases as safe zones for operations.
- New units, such as soldiers, tanks, or ships, are created to strengthen the player’s forces.
- Securing areas of the map offers strategic advantages and valuable resources.
- Battles happen on-the-fly, requiring players to coordinate attacks, defend territories, and adapt strategies as events unfold.
The interface in RTS games is often complex, designed to support multi-tasking and split-second decision-making. For instance, the “click and drag” function, commonly used to select groups of units, is a signature RTS feature. By using a combination of keyboard shortcuts and mouse clicks, players navigate fast-paced battles and manage resources, all while anticipating the moves of opponents.
RTS vs. Other Game Genres
Although similar to genres like city-building or real-time tactics games, RTS games stand apart because of their focus on simultaneous strategy and competitive gameplay. Real-time tactics games, for example, focus more on combat tactics and usually lack base-building or resource-gathering elements. In RTS games, however, players need to excel at both managing resources and deploying tactical combat strategies.
RTS games offer a challenging mix of strategy and action that appeals to competitive players who enjoy managing multiple elements at once. The real-time pace keeps players on their toes, creating a satisfying test of both mental agility and strategic thinking.