Games Like Act of War: Direct Action

The highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed game Act of War: Direct Action picks up where the techno-thriller left off. On the eve of the U.S. Presidential elections, simultaneous terrorist attacks hit both candidates. Clues point to corrupt elements within the U.S.

Why similar: RTS 63.5%, Military 12.1%, Strategy 11.1%, Gore 8.5%, Action 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: This direct expansion continues the narrative and gameplay of the original with added naval combat and mercenary mechanics.

Broken Arrow is a large-scale real-time modern warfare tactics game that combines the complexity of joint-forces wargaming with action-packed real-time tactics gameplay.

Why similar: RTS 56.1%, War 15%, Strategy 12.3%, Military 10.2%, Multiplayer 4%

Why You'll Like It: A modern wargame that emphasizes high-tech weaponry and tactical realism, mirroring the modern combat focus of the seed game.

Act of Aggression – Reboot Edition brings the techno-thriller RTS game Act of Aggression to a higher level. The Reboot Edition offers a full gameplay overhaul in skirmish mode against the AI and in your multiplayer battles.

Why similar: RTS 62%, Military 13%, Strategy 10.1%, War 7.1%, Multiplayer 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: Developed by the same team, this spiritual successor captures the fast-paced, base-building, and modern military feel of the original series.

Joint Task Force is the real-time strategy (RTS) game where you command the frontline forces in tomorrow's most hazardous conflicts. Lead twenty dramatic missions in explosive war-zones including the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Balkans.

Why similar: RTS 58.9%, Strategy 19.6%, Military 16.5%, Action 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: Features a similar modern military setting with a focus on counter-terrorism and fast-paced real-time tactical engagements.

Real Time Strategy with a high degree of realism. The game is based on a true story.

Why similar: RTS 53%, Military 19.9%, War 10.9%, Strategy 6.9%, Real-Time 6.8% ★

Why You'll Like It: A realistic, modern-day RTS that focuses on tactical combat and the gritty nature of contemporary military operations.

Command distinct factions in a desperate struggle for power and resources in Tempest Rising - a classic RTS set on Earth after a nuclear war.

Why similar: RTS 73.5%, Strategy 11.3%, Real-Time 4.7% ★, War 3.4%, Military 2.6%

Why You'll Like It: Captures the classic 90s and 2000s RTS base-building spirit with modern graphics and high-intensity combat.

Live the thrilling career of an army commander and lead your army to victory in a massive online World War III! Take control of the U.S.-led Joint Strike Force, the European Enforcers Corps, or the Russian Spetsnaz Guards Brigade in a persistent ongoing World War.

Why similar: RTS 61.4%, Strategy 17%, War 11.8%, Military 6.2%, Multiplayer 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on a near-future geopolitical conflict with a heavy emphasis on tactical unit management and modern warfare.

Call to Arms offers an innovative mix of real-time strategy and 3rd, as well as 1st person controls. Set in the time of modern warfare, the game offers realistically modeled vehicles and heavy weaponry. Command your troops to victory or fight by yourself in the 3rd or 1st person action mode.

Why similar: RTS 39.7%, Military 18.2%, Strategy 11.8%, Real-Time 11.3% ★, War 11.2%

Why You'll Like It: Combines traditional RTS base-building with the ability to take direct control of units, offering a unique hybrid experience in a modern setting.

The new reference in RTS at its best! The Wargame series returns to duty, larger, richer and more spectacular than ever before. In Wargame Red Dragon, you are engaged in a large-scale conflict where Western forces clash against the Communist bloc.

Why similar: RTS 54.3%, Military 17.4%, Strategy 11.3%, War 7.4%, Real-Time 5.2% ★

Why You'll Like It: This title offers the definitive deep-strategy experience for modern military combat with a massive roster of realistic units.

Men of War: Assault Squad 2 expands the real-time tactics series with new skirmish missions, massive multiplayer battles, enhanced visuals, improved AI, and full Direct Control. Command five factions across 65 maps, 250 vehicles, and 200 soldiers in one of the most detailed WWII RTS experiences.

Why similar: RTS 44.3%, War 15.7%, Strategy 13.5%, Military 13.5%, Destruction 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: Provides deep tactical control over individual units and vehicles, perfect for those who enjoy the micro-management aspect of modern warfare.

Faces of War puts you in the heart of World War II – not as a distant commander, but as the leader on the ground. Combining the tactical depth of real-time strategy with the immediacy of direct control, it lets you issue precise orders or jump straight into battle as one of your soldiers.

Why similar: RTS 55.1%, Strategy 19.3%, War 15.9%, Multiplayer 6.2%, Action 3.6%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a highly tactical experience where individual unit placement and cover are critical to survival.

Steel Division 2 is a historically-accurate WW2 real-time strategy game set on the Eastern Front. Features 1:1-scale turn-based army management and real-time tactical battles with thousands of men at your order.

Why similar: RTS 52.6%, Military 18.1%, War 13.5%, Strategy 10.6%, Multiplayer 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: While set in WWII, its tactical depth and focus on realistic unit interactions make it a strong choice for fans of Eugen Systems' strategy style.

Saudi Arabia, one of the world's leading oil suppliers and a key U.S. ally, has been taken over by a highly organized group of radical terrorists. The government is in a state of collapse and turmoil and you have been chosen to lead the United States' armed forces to restore control.

Why similar: RTS 74.2%, Strategy 25.8%

Why You'll Like It: A real-time tactical game that focuses on modern military combat and realistic unit behavior.

FIRST STRIKE is a fast paced real time strategy game where you play one of the twelve biggest nuclear superpowers of the world – from known superpowers like the USA to an upstart hellraiser like North Korea – and try to be the last one remaining when the whole world blows to smithereens.

Why similar: RTS 34.8%, Political 13.1% ★, War 11.6%, Military 11.6%, Destruction 11.3%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the geopolitical tension of nuclear warfare, capturing the 'political' tag of the seed game.

Experience the ultimate WWII RTS platform with COH2 and its standalone expansions. This package includes the base game, which you can then upgrade by purchasing The Western Front Armies, Ardennes Assault and/or The British Forces. More info in the "About This Game" section below.

Why similar: RTS 43%, Strategy 35.6%, Military 7.1%, War 6.7%, Real-Time 3.8% ★

Why You'll Like It: Offers intense, tactical real-time combat with a focus on environmental destruction and squad-based maneuvers.

9th Company Roots of Terror is an action-oriented real-time strategy game based on actual events that took place during the Soviet military campaign in Afghanistan.

Why similar: RTS 63.3%, Military 18.5%, Strategy 18.3%

Why You'll Like It: A tactical RTS based on historical events that emphasizes the brutal reality of modern military engagements.

8-Bit Armies is a retro Real-Time Strategy game. With a colorful, blocky voxel art style, 8-Bit Armies is Petroglyph's most fast-paced, friendly, and accessible RTS game to date. Featuring a campaign of 25 single-player missions, 12 co-op missions, multiplayer and skirmish modes.

Why similar: RTS 66.9%, Strategy 18.5%, War 7.7%, Multiplayer 6.1%, Action 0.7%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, accessible RTS that strips away the complexity to focus on pure base-building and army-clashing fun.

Actual Armies. Actual Weapons. Actual Political Issues.World War III - Black Gold takes the player to the near future. The political crisis has been going on for months, leading to worldwide turmoil. A secret conference of the UN Central Geological Commission reveals that worldwide oil reserves have reached dangerously low levels: Oil...

Why similar: Strategy 71.8%, RTS 21.7%, War 4.9%, Multiplayer 1.6%, Singleplayer 0.1%

Why You'll Like It: An older RTS that shares the modern, geopolitical conflict theme and base-building mechanics.

Includes 47 Steam achievements, leaderboards, and stats!

Why similar: RTS 60.6%, Strategy 12.6%, Real-Time 9.6% ★, Military 6.2%, Multiplayer 4.9%

Why You'll Like It: Delivers massive-scale warfare with a focus on high-tech units and strategic map control.

Fight for control of a frontier world. Gather resources, build your base, and command your forces in battle. Survive long enough to unleash your ultimate weapon - THE EPIC.

Why similar: RTS 78.3%, Strategy 13.3%, Multiplayer 5.9%, Real-Time 1.9% ★, Singleplayer 0.4%

Why You'll Like It: A polished, traditional RTS that emphasizes base construction and distinct faction mechanics in a high-tech setting.

Carrier Command 2 is the real-time strategy game that puts you in command of a futuristic carrier capable of deploying a vast array of aircraft and amphibious units. Compete against AI or human players and hop into every single vehicle to take matters into your own hands!

Why similar: RTS 52.6%, War 18.3%, Military 16.5%, Strategy 9.6%, 3D 3%

Why You'll Like It: A unique blend of strategy and simulation that tasks you with managing a high-tech carrier fleet in modern naval warfare.

With 100+ truly unique units, Zero-K is an RTS of freedom and creativity, tempered by a decade of refinement. Sculpt land into a castle and throw invaders off it with a Jugglenaut. Explore a massive campaign, solo or co-op. Hop online for epic 32 player battles or fast paced 1v1, on 100s of maps.

Why similar: RTS 64.1%, Real-Time 17.6% ★, Strategy 11.9%, Multiplayer 6.1%, Singleplayer 0.3%

Why You'll Like It: A free-to-play, physics-based RTS that offers immense tactical flexibility and modern unit variety.

Cuban Missile Crisis is a real-time strategy game combined with a global turn-based tactical mode, thrusting gamers into a world ravaged by the military-political confrontation between the USA and USSR in 1962.

Why similar: RTS 67.9%, Strategy 32.1%

Why You'll Like It: A Cold War-themed RTS that explores the tension and tactical requirements of geopolitical military conflict.

Men of War: Vietnam brings the acclaimed real-time tactics series into a new theater of war – the jungles of Southeast Asia, 1968. Experience the chaos of the Vietnam War through two story-driven campaigns that reveal both sides of the conflict.

Why similar: RTS 46.8%, Strategy 19.3%, War 16.6%, Military 10.8%, Multiplayer 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on asymmetrical warfare and tactical unit control in a historically charged setting.

Command & Conquer and Red Alert are both remastered in 4K by the former Westwood Studios team members. Includes all 3 expansions, rebuilt multiplayer, a modernized UI, Map Editor, bonus footage gallery, and over 7 hours of remastered music.

Why similar: RTS 70.2%, Strategy 12.6%, War 11.1%, Multiplayer 5.7%, Singleplayer 0.4%

Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for the base-building RTS genre that inspired the gameplay loop of the seed game.

Be the Ultimate Modern Warfare General

Why similar: RTS 63.4%, Strategy 20.1%, Multiplayer 10.6%, Action 5%, Singleplayer 0.8%

Command & Conquer Generals Zero Hour brings you closer to the enemy than ever before. Engage opposing forces at hot spots around the globe as you match strategies and arsenals against the new masterminds of modern war.

Why similar: RTS 49.6%, Military 17.9%, War 15.7%, Multiplayer 7.1%, Strategy 7.1%

The U.S. Army is the most powerful ground force in the entire world. The backbone of a ground invasion is the U.S. Army Infantry, and in the midst of combat, their skills, courage, and teamwork are put to the test. While readiness continues to be the U.S. Army's top priority, how it goes about its business is changing.

Why similar: Military 46.7%, Strategy 38.9%, Action 13.6%, Singleplayer 0.7%

Why You'll Like It: A tactical military game that emphasizes squad-level movement and realistic combat procedures.

Become the leader of any contemporary country in this streamlined real-time grand strategy game. Use diplomacy, espionage, military and economic power to deal with other nations, while tackling issues such as terrorism, financial crises and medical epidemics, all in an effort to achieve global domination!

Why similar: Politics 34.7% ★, Strategy 33.1%, Real-Time 25.3% ★, War 7%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the grand-strategy and political maneuvering aspects of modern global conflict.

Counter Terrorist Agency lets you fight international terrorism and prevent attacks all over the world. Use modern invigilation techniques, discover connections, interrogate suspects, eliminate threats and dismantle terrorist networks.

Why similar: Real-Time 43.3% ★, Strategy 27.9%, Political 18.8% ★, Action 8.8%, Singleplayer 1.2%

Why You'll Like It: A simulation-heavy strategy game that puts you in charge of global counter-terrorism operations.

International waterways become theaters of war when the world's most formidable maritime powers exchange their fatal blows. With entire fleets at your command, you must strategically deploy vessels from every class - frigate to aircraft to nuclear submarine - to maintain the precarious balance of naval power and gain position for the...

Why similar: RTS 60.4%, Military 12.3%, Real-Time 10.2% ★, War 8.2%, Strategy 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the naval side of modern military strategy, providing a deep look at high-tech maritime combat.

Modern-warfare RTS/sandbox game inspired by the real conflicts in the Middle East. Fight a counter-insurgency war, protect the civilian population, casevac your wounded and decide how the world sees your struggle. And remember - no one gets left behind.

Why similar: RTS 40.2%, Military 22.3%, Strategy 11.5%, War 10.6%, Real-Time 8.7% ★

Why You'll Like It: A simulation-based strategy game that focuses on the complexities of modern military occupation and combat.

Realistic, immersive, breathtaking. WARNO is the ultimate World War III battle simulator from the masters of strategy, Eugen Systems. A Cold War turns decisively hot as you command hundreds of units on a beautiful and brutal battlefield. Outsmart, outfight, and lead your forces to total victory.

Why similar: RTS 51.2%, Military 21.7%, War 15.3%, Strategy 7.8%, Multiplayer 3.9%

Men of War: Assault Squad delivers a deeply tactical WWII experience, blending large-scale strategy with intense, hands-on combat. Fight across multiple fronts – from European countryside to Pacific jungles and command every unit and every bullet on the battlefield.

Why similar: RTS 40.8%, War 15.4%, Military 15.1%, Strategy 14.9%, Destruction 6.9%

Men of War is a stunning Real-Time Strategy game that takes place during the height of World War II. Intense battles span Europe and North Africa as gamers play as Soviet, Allied or German forces across 19 massive single-player missions.

Why similar: RTS 48.7%, Strategy 17.5%, Military 13.6%, War 10.3%, Multiplayer 5.2%

Ukrainian Warfare: Gostomel Heroes – is a real-time strategy game with a high degree of realism. Relive the Battle of Kiev (2022), a turning point in the Ukrainian conflict. Witness the Untold Story of 2022 Through the Eyes of Those Who Fought.

Why similar: RTS 46%, Military 15.9%, Political 14.3% ★, War 12.6%, Strategy 9.7%

Rise to power as any modern day country in a realistic military, political and economic simulation. Command your country's diplomacy, espionage, and resource management to strengthen your position. Use real-time tactical control of your military to fortify your place as the Supreme Ruler.

Why similar: RTS 35.6%, Political 17.5% ★, War 13.3%, Military 13.2%, Politics 9.5% ★

Terminator: Dark Fate – Defiance is not just a game; it's an adrenaline-fueled journey where your strategic prowess decides the fate of mankind against the machines. After the machines took over, the greatest threats may not come from the machines but rather from other human survivors.

Why similar: RTS 53.6%, Destruction 17.2%, Military 17%, Strategy 8.9%, 3D 3.3%

Steel Division: Normandy is a tactical real-time strategy (RTS) game that pits players against AI enemies in a single-player campaign -- or against several opponents in massive 10-on-10 multiplayer battles.

Why similar: RTS 56.6%, Military 15.7%, Strategy 9.9%, War 9.7%, Multiplayer 4%

Frontlines™: Fuel of War™ is an open-world First Person Shooter set on the frontlines of tomorrow. In a world ravaged by a global energy crisis, environmental decay, and economic depression, players assume the role of an elite soldier in the Western Coalition Army on an epic crusade against the Red Star Alliance to control the last of...

Why similar: Military 37.3%, War 19.2%, Action 14.9%, Gore 14.9%, Multiplayer 12.4%

Step into a brutal battle between three warring factions In Dawn of War III you will have no choice but to face your foes when a catastrophic weapon is found on the mysterious world of Acheron.

Why similar: RTS 65.2%, Strategy 12%, War 9.6%, Multiplayer 5.6%, Gore 5%

War Room is a realistic strategy, taking you straight into the heat of the war in Afghanistan.

Why similar: RTS 43.7%, Military 17.1%, Real-Time 14.1% ★, War 13.6%, Strategy 7.4%

Call to Arms - Gates of Hell is a realistic RTS/ RTT game that offers endless replay value. Command all types of troops in historical singleplayer, dynamic campaign, PvP and PvE battles. Are you ready for some serious immersion in World War 2?

Why similar: RTS 51.1%, Military 17.2%, War 16.3%, Strategy 8.9%, Multiplayer 5.9%

Real-time dynamic tactics with the strong focus on squad positioning and collaboration. Connect to the warzone from your home PC and orchestrate modern military operations from the Drone Perspective.

Why similar: RTS 52.6%, Military 16.8%, War 16.3%, Strategy 9.3%, 3D 2.7%

Engage the enemy across vast outdoor environments and expansive indoor environments as you take control of the US Army's elite anti-terrorist unit. Delta Force Land Warrior™ introduces new weapons and characters for both single player and intense online multiplayer via NovaWorld.

Why similar: Action 93.1%, Singleplayer 6.9%

The world erupts in conflict as Soviet forces invade American soil in Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2. You are the Supreme Commander. Arm yourself to the teeth with top-secret technologies and lead the Soviet or Allied troops to victory.

Why similar: RTS 74.4%, Strategy 12.6%, Multiplayer 8.1%, Action 4.1%, Singleplayer 0.7%

Assume the role of a special forces commander fighting against a terrorist organization named "Dawn of Freedom".

Why similar: RTS 49.5%, Military 18.2%, War 14.2%, Strategy 13.4%, Multiplayer 4.4%

Eastern Europe, 2008. War has broken out on the borders of Russia and the fate of the world hangs in the balance. That's when the call goes out for the Ghosts—an elite handful of specially trained Green Berets, armed with the latest technology and trained to use the deadliest weapons.

Why similar: Military 45.9%, Strategy 17.5%, War 13.6%, Multiplayer 12.6%, Action 9%

The last days of man are at hand.. Two years after the Infinite War the once great warring nations now lie in ruins, and humanity’s hope for a brighter future is nothing but a bitter memory. A new, seemingly unstoppable enemy, supported by the zealots of The Order, now seeks to eradicate mankind: UEF, Aeon Loyalist, and Cybran alike.

Why similar: RTS 71.7%, Strategy 12.8%, Real-Time 6.8% ★, Multiplayer 5.6%, War 2.2%

The next chapter in the #1 rated RTS franchise thrusts players into a hellish war torn landscape to command two battle-hardened armies in relentless campaigns for honor and country. Players lead the tenacious British 2nd Army during the heroic World War II liberation of Caen, France, and command the German Panzer Elite as they struggle...

Why similar: RTS 61.2%, Strategy 16.9%, Military 9.7%, War 5.8%, Multiplayer 3.4%

Company of Heroes 3 combines heart-pounding combat with deeper strategic choices in a stunning Mediterranean theatre of war. In Company of Heroes 3, every battle tells a story...what's yours?

Why similar: RTS 53.8%, Military 13.5%, Strategy 10.8%, War 8.2%, Multiplayer 6.7%

The enemy attack on your base is imminent; secure your defenses, mobilize your troops, reinforce key positions, and get ready for the next battle. RTS Tactical Warfare will test your resilience and strategic prowess.

Why similar: RTS 52.7%, War 16.4%, Real-Time 12.8% ★, Strategy 9%, Multiplayer 6.4%

Stalingrad is a real-time strategy title that places gamers in the middle of the most dramatic periods of World War II, covering major events from June 1942 till January 1943.

Why similar: RTS 60.6%, Strategy 22.5%, War 16.9%

The legendary Men of War RTS series has reached the cold war era. Take command of U.S. or Soviet soldiers, controlling vast armies with the military decisions down to you. Claim victory in dynamic singleplayer and co-op campaigns or challenge fellow strategists in online multiplayer!

Why similar: RTS 51.3%, Strategy 26.6%, War 13.9%, Action 8.3%

Command a special task force composed of different kinds of units, including tanks, APCs, field guns, mortars, various infantry regiments and will also have an opportunity to call for artillery and air support.

Why similar: RTS 57.7%, Strategy 24.6%, War 12.9%, Multiplayer 4.7%

ICBM: Escalation is a grand RTS where you command armies, develop cutting-edge tech, and wield devastating weapons. Conquer enemies with conventional forces or nuclear firepower. With new modes like Standoff and Conquest, the game offers deep strategic layers in a global warfare setting.

Why similar: RTS 49%, Military 12.1%, War 10.1%, Destruction 9.9%, Strategy 6.8%

Command modern military armies by zooming out and issuing orders to large formations, or zooming in to issue orders to individual squads and vehicles. Waronoi is the real-time strategy war game.

Why similar: RTS 51.2%, Military 16.2%, Strategy 13%, War 10.5%, Top-Down 6.1%

Take control of any nation and shape its future. Manage resources, trade, and taxes, engage in real-time warfare, navigate global diplomacy, and react to dynamic world events. Build a thriving economy, forge alliances, and command armies in a constantly evolving world!

Why similar: RTS 37.2%, Political 15.3% ★, Military 13.3%, War 11.3%, Politics 10.6% ★

Command a Soviet penal battalion in this standalone real-time tactics game from the Men of War series. Based on true events, Condemned Heroes delivers brutal, story-driven missions across the Eastern Front – where every order, bullet, and life matters.

Why similar: RTS 56.1%, Strategy 25.5%, War 11.5%, Action 6.9%

The latest expansion of the ultra-realistic world simulator, where you play as the head of state or the opposition! New Features: tourism simulator, party strategies with regime censures, personal wealth management, a European army, AI and robotics.

Why similar: RTS 44.1%, Political 14.2% ★, Strategy 11.2%, Military 8%, War 7.9%