The Resurgence of Real-Time Strategy: 20 Highly Anticipated RTS Games to Wishlist in 2025
The real-time strategy (RTS) genre is experiencing something of a resurgence as of late, with 2025 shaping up to be a landmark year for players worldwide. From historical conquests and gritty sci-fi skirmishes to nostalgic throwbacks and innovative new mechanics, the sheer variety and ambition of upcoming real-time strategy (RTS) games are nothing short of astounding. They can surprise even the most staunch of veterans with the sheer amount of variety and quality on display in these games. Whether you’re a veteran general longing for the golden age of base-building and furious micro-management, or a new recruit eager to dive into deep strategic challenges that were all the rage in the late 90s and early 2000s, then join me, as I take a look at the 20 most antecipated real-time strategy (RTS) games to wishlisht in 2025, proving once and for all that real-time strategy is not just alive, it’s thriving.
20 – Sudden Strike 5
At number 25, we have the most recent announcement in this list, Sudden Strike 5. The iconic series of World War real-time strategy (RTS) games is still alive and kicking in 2025. Sudden Strike 5 promises to bring back the same authentic and expansive real-time strategy experience that Sudden Strike 4 offered, but bigger and better. Developed by Kite Games and published by Kalypso Media, it’s surprising to see how Sudden Strike 5 became one of strategy’s most anticipated titles, and it just proves that players truly want more and more strategy games. Sudden Strike 5 will immerse players in a gripping 25-mission single-player campaign across historical European and North African battlefields. Commanders will wield an impressive arsenal of over 300 historically accurate units, including a vast array of vehicles and infantry, offering unprecedented tactical freedom to outmaneuver foes, manage supplies, and seize critical objectives.
19 – Roman: Empire Wars
For the longest time, I had dismissed Roman: Empire Wars – an upcoming Roman real-time strategy game from Emperor Games- as some sort of vaporware, announced years ago, that was never going to see the light of day. However, a look at their Steam page reveals that it was updated with a release date, and the game is now scheduled for release on September 14, 2025, on PC via Steam. The basic idea of the game is rather simple, and closely follows the Total War formula: Players step into the role of a Roman Emperor, tasked with guiding legions to conquer enemy nations and spread the glory of Rome across Europe.
The game focuses on large-scale, tactical RTS battles that aim to mimic historical Roman war campaigns, featuring both land and sea engagements. If you’re a fan of Rome: Total War or Total War: Rome 2, keep an eye out for this one.
18 – Carthage: Bellum Punicum
Carthage: Bellum Punicum is a highly anticipated historical real-time strategy (RTS) game from Mindebyte, with a planned release in Q4 2025 on PC (Steam). Its whole gist is to meticulously recreate the legendary Punic Wars, allowing players to relive historical battles and command forces with figures like Hannibal Barca. The game blends grand campaign strategy with intense real-time tactical combat, emphasizing the critical management of supply lines and dynamic battlefield events. Of course, the most exciting element of it is the look of its real-time strategy battles, with the whole “History Channel” vibe to it, which I absolutely love and cannot wait to give a go. A unique feature is its realistic command system, where players send orders via messengers, adding depth to planning. Battles prioritize unit formations, flanking, and morale. I’m curious to see how detailed this one is going to turn out, but we certainly need more Roman-focused or Roman-adjacent strategy games, and I’m glad this one is coming out in 2025. If you’re like me, consider wishlisting it!
17 – Capital Command
This is the first of many Hooded Horse entries in this list. They, alongside Slitherine and Paradox, certainly got this whole strategy gaming thing under wraps! Capital Command is a highly anticipated space RTS simulation game from Hellride Games, published by Hooded Horse, projected for release in December 2025 on PC (Steam, Epic, GOG). It uniquely places players as the captain of a single capital warship, emphasizing intricate micro-management of the vessel’s navigation, power systems, weapons, and repair teams, rather than commanding an entire fleet. The game features realistic, physics-based space combat where battles unfold through dynamic “firing passes,” requiring clever maneuvering and tactical prowess against overwhelming rogue AI forces. Players will upgrade and customize their ships within a procedurally generated sandbox campaign, with custom battles also available. With its focus on granular ship control, realistic space physics, and deep strategic challenges, Capital Command is a must-wishlist for fans seeking an immersive and demanding new space combat strategy game.
16 – Zero Space
My only expectation for Zero Space is that it’s a whole lot better than Stormgate ever managed to be. This sci-fi RTS game is set to bring back the genre to its 2000s high points with its unique blend of cinematic storytelling and deep strategic gameplay, similarly to that of the iconic Starcraft series. Developed by Starlance Studios and Ironward, it offers a branching, RPG-driven story campaign where player choices impact the fate of the Orion Sector, brought to life through hours of cutscenes and interactive dialogues. Its innovative MMO Galactic Map integrates all game modes, allowing players to contribute to a persistent, shared galaxy, which is something I think I have never seen before, and I’m rather curious to see how it’s going to work out and if people will play it. There are 11 factions, 14 heroes, and over 80 units. My only concern is that Zero Space is trying to go the “let’s make this simple” route, which is something that very seldom turns out okay, but let’s see. If you’re the kind of player who loves traditional RTS like Starcraft and were looking for a successor, maybe Zero Space will be it.
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