1 – Tempest Rising: The Modern King of Base Building
If you grew up with the DNA of Command & Conquer in your veins, Tempest Rising is the game you’ve been waiting for. It has successfully captured that elusive “lightning in a bottle” feel of the 90s RTS golden age without feeling like a dated relic. The game shines in its commitment to high-production-value campaigns and snappy, responsive unit controls. For those who miss the days of building a sprawling fortress and unleashing massive, screen-shaking superweapons, Tempest Rising is the undisputed heavyweight RTS champion to play in 2026.
Conclusion
The state of RTS in 2026 is incredibly healthy, balancing the nostalgic comfort of base-building with the high-stakes tension of modern wargaming. We have finally moved past the “RTS is dead” narrative and into an era where developers are focusing on what makes the genre great: the thrill of the perfect flank and the satisfaction of a well-oiled economy.
If you find yourself gravitating toward the more defensive, “turtling” side of these titles, especially with games like They Are Billions, you should definitely head over to my guide on the 10 Best Horde Survival Strategy Games To Play In 2026. On the other hand, if you prefer your strategy with a bit more historical grit, my list of the 10 Suggestions Of Strategy Games To Buy During the Steam PVP Fest covers the best deals for competitive players.
What is currently sitting at the top of your “Must Play” pile? Are you sticking with the timeless balance of Age of Empires II or testing your tactical mettle in WARNO? Let’s get a conversation going in the comments below.
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