RTS games aren’t particularly known for being the easiest to understand games, but that doesn’t mean some can’t be relaxing. The ones that are relaxing are few and far between.
RTS or real-time strategy games typically involve a lot of thought and keeping track of some significantly minuscule things. Low stress in terms of these kinds of games means it probably isn’t a raw RTS game, or it has some easier-to-manage elements of the game.
By using that as a criterion, it opens up a few games to this category. Most of these are here because they have some sort of mode that makes things a bit less difficult and more fun for just some casual play.
10
Starcraft Series
Blizzard
Starcraft is arguably one of the most iconic games in the entire genre, and in a lot of ways helped evolve the genre to what it is today. While it is iconic, it isn’t particularly a game that many would consider low-stress.
A vast majority of the game is dedicated to playing competitively, but there are campaigns you can enjoy, although they aren’t particularly the focus of what the game offers.
This means it definitely makes the list, but the game has an extreme level of micromanagement, making it one of the most raw RTS games out there. While it is an enjoyable time, very few people could identify it as low stress.
9
Total War Series
Creative Assembly
The Total War series of games is pretty expansive. From classic war scenarios to the Warmhammer series, there are plenty of games to satiate whatever you’re craving.
These games are almost entirely RTS-focused, and while they don’t necessarily have to be low stress, they can be when played solo. It’s an easy way to sort of control the speed of things and engage with the game on your level.
While the massive grand battles and controllable armies don’t need to be controlled to the smallest movement, they can be. There also isn’t much outside of the battles that requires immense attention unless you’re playing on extreme difficulties.
8
Age of Mythology: Retold
World’s Edge | Tantalus Media | Forgotten Empires | CaptureAge | Virtuos Studios
Age of Mythology: Retold is an interesting RTS that gives players the power of the gods. From the Grecian to Egyptian gods, there are a ton of different ways to go in this game.
Not only does it have a campaign for players to enjoy, but it also has co-op maps that let you and your friends play together rather than against each other. It’s not necessarily rare to have, but in a game with so much to offer, it makes things even more enticing.
With so many DLCs available, this game is sure to provide plenty of hours of fun. You can play it casually at your own pace, or take it to a harder level whenever you feel comfortable.
7
Tempest Rising
Slipgate Ironworks
With the ages of old behind us, Tempest Rising takes place in a futuristic dystopia. This RTS offers a lot of ways to play and draws most of its inspiration from the early 2000s RTS games.
With two different campaigns to play and plenty of ways to play, this RTS focuses on combat. If you’re not a fan of certain aspects of the game offers Custom Game lobbies alongside solo skirmish modes to suit whatever preference you have.
The game offers a way for you to engage it on your own terms, and with the focus on combat, it’s a little less to manage overall.
6
Dawn of War
Relic Entertainment
It always seems that the Warhammer franchise is perfectly suited for the RTS format, and Dawn of War is no exception. With upgraded graphics from the original game, the definitive edition is a great place to learn the RTS genre.
With four total campaigns, you’ll have plenty of game to play even if you’re not interested in going beyond the single-player aspects. Nine factions and over 100 maps make it one of the largest RTS games available, but that also gives you a lot of variety in how you approach the game.
All of that combined leads to a game that’s fun, crazy, and not quite as complicated or complex as the more recent RTS games. Even if you aren’t a Warhammer fan, there’s a lot to love here.
5
Anno Series
Ubisoft Mainz
While Ubisoft itself may not have the best track record, the Anno series has a phenomenal history that spans a ton of human history. From the Roman era to the Industrial Revolution, there’s almost always something to catch your fancy.
Each game typically has a campaign for you to enjoy and lets you set up games however you like. It does focus a bit more heavily on the city-builder aspects, but that keeps the actual RTS aspects from getting too overly complicated.
All the Anno games are pretty well received, and that’s because they offer players so many options to play. Whether you like stories of the past or something more recent, you’ll always have a game to play.
4
Command & Conquer
Westwood Studios
Command & Conquer is arguably one of the oldest RTS games there is. It’s got a great reputation, and the reason for that is the love and care put into this game to give players the freedom to experience it how they want.
It’s a raw RTS, so while it might be a little more complex than some of the others, it’s still one of the easiest to digest, especially with the remastered collection. It, of course, has a campaign with over 100 missions and plenty of additional modes to enjoy.
A great classic game revamped for a new age. The game offers you a way to play at your own pace and move into the harder modes when you feel ready, making it one of the best.
3
Spellforce Series
Grimlore Games | Phenomic
Spellforce might be an older title, but its age only shows how good things used to be. It isn’t a raw RTS, but rather a combination of RTS and RPG elements. It’s a perfect game to play when you don’t want the extreme focus that RTS games typically require.
You can play through an entire story that focuses heavily on the choices and decisions you make, but mixes in some grand battle strategy in RTS format. It’s a great way to learn the genre.
Spellforce has always been a unique game in the genre for the way it blends RTS and RPG, but more than that, it’s an excellent way to simply relax without needing to worry too much about mastering so many systems.
2
Age of Empires IV
World’s Edge | Relic Entertainment | Forgotten Empires | Climax Studios
Age of Empires is a series that still lives on as one of the best strategy games to ever exist. It offers a few ways to play and gives you a way to control how you want to engage with the RTS mechanics.
That isn’t particularly rare, but the game does a great job of keeping things from getting overwhelming. Whether it’s through the campaigns or some of the PvE modes, you can play at your own pace while you learn the ropes.
A fantastic game made for players new to the RTS genre as a whole, providing several ways to engage with the game. Few games reach such acclaim as Age of Empires IV, and there’s clearly a reason for that.
1
Manor Lords
Slavic Magic
Manor Lords fits into a sort of weird niche, like most indie games, since it is primarily a city builder with RTS-style combat, but that’s what makes it such a unique game. If you’re looking for a game that’s a little more lax, then this is the game for you.
If you’re looking for a more in-depth RTS, then you’ll have a hard time finding one that’s low-stress. Manor Lords becomes low stress because it has RTS elements you can explore without feeling like you’re under pressure.
