Games Like Original War

As one of the survivors and humankind's first “Achronal” being, you must piece together what happened and unravel the mysteries surrounding the alien invasion.

Why similar: Time Travel 39.8% ★, RTS 25.9%, Strategy 15.9%, Sci-fi 7.8%, Multiplayer 7%

Why You'll Like It: Features a core time-travel mechanic that directly mirrors the temporal manipulation themes found in Original War.

Ambitious megacorporations monopolize the conquest of space and the colonization of the solar system. At the very edge of the solar system, the companies make a discovery that will shift the technological advantage and upset the balance. And so a new conflict is born: "The Jupiter Incident."

Why similar: RTS 28.8%, Strategy 17.7%, Sci-fi 17.4%, Real-Time with Pause 16.3% ★, Moddable 9.1% ★

Why You'll Like It: A tactical space RTS that prioritizes narrative-driven missions and individual ship management over mass production.

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 31.9%, Strategy 22.3%, Moddable 12.8% ★, War 12.3%, Multiplayer 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a highly tactical experience where individual unit inventory and positioning are vital for survival.

The story is situated on Mars. It starts where UFO: Aftermath left off and runs simultaneously with UFO: Aftershock. While the Laputans on Earth are fighting Wargots and Starghosts and finding out what caused the destruction of their home planet, a small colony on Mars is trying to survive and flourish.

Why similar: Real-Time with Pause 59.1% ★, Strategy 20.8%, Sci-fi 13.4%, Indie 2.5%, RPG 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: Combines tactical squad management with base-building and research in a challenging sci-fi setting.

Delivering a visceral WWII gaming experience, Company of Heroes redefines RTS by bringing the sacrifice of heroic soldiers, war-ravaged environments, and dynamic battlefields to life. Please visit the "Company of Heroes - Legacy Edition" page for additional user reviews.

Why similar: RTS 45.9%, War 17.8%, Strategy 17.2%, Multiplayer 8.5%, Moddable 4.6% ★

Why You'll Like It: Offers deep tactical combat where unit veterancy and individual squad survival are crucial to success.

SpellForce 3 - The perfect blend between RTS and RPG!

Why similar: RTS 43.7%, RPG 15.8%, Strategy 15.1%, Multiplayer 10%, Co-op 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: Seamlessly integrates RPG character progression and hero management into a traditional RTS framework.

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 32.5%, Real-Time with Pause 16% ★, Strategy 11.3%, Sci-fi 8.7%, Real-Time 8.6% ★

Why You'll Like It: Provides large-scale strategic depth with complex tech trees and a focus on long-term resource management.

A ground-based RTS prequel to the classic Homeworld games. Assemble your fleet and lead them to victory on the shifting sands of Kharak in this compelling strategy game for PC from Blackbird Interactive.

Why similar: RTS 45.1%, Strategy 16.6%, Sci-fi 15.6%, Multiplayer 8.1%, Real-Time 5.7% ★

Why You'll Like It: A narrative-heavy RTS that emphasizes the preservation and progression of your fleet across a persistent campaign.

Return of the Classic, now remastered! Battle Realms is a fantasy RTS inspired by the stories told in martial- arts movies and oriental mythology. Develop your peasants into a highly trained and deadly efficient clan of warriors who are ready to die with your name on their lips.

Why similar: RTS 60.5%, Strategy 29%, Multiplayer 9.8%, Singleplayer 0.8%

Why You'll Like It: Units are trained and persist through combat, requiring careful management of your limited workforce and soldiers.

A classic real-time strategy game with an epic single player campaign, multiplayer & coop, set in the alternate reality of 1920+

Why similar: RTS 34.1%, Real-Time 15.4% ★, War 13.9%, Strategy 9.8%, Multiplayer 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: A tactical RTS that utilizes hero units and cover mechanics to make individual unit choices matter.

What began as a conflict over the transfer of consciousness from flesh to machines escalated into a war which has decimated a million worlds. The Core and the Arm have all but exhausted the resources of a galaxy in their struggle for domination.

Why similar: RTS 55.7%, Strategy 17.5%, Sci-fi 12.8%, Multiplayer 8.7%, Singleplayer 1.9%

Why You'll Like It: The classic RTS foundation that shares the resource-heavy, sci-fi industrial aesthetic of Original War.

"You are outgunned. You are massively outnumbered. You must win." These are your orders. Humanity has already fought its war against the machines -- and lost. AI death squads stand watch over every planet and every wormhole, the few remaining human settlements are held captive in orbiting bubbles, and the AIs have turned their...

Why similar: RTS 29.2%, Strategy 29.2%, Real-Time with Pause 11.4% ★, Sci-fi 8.5%, Difficult 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on asymmetric warfare and deep strategic planning against a superior, persistent enemy force.

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: Real-Time with Pause 24.9% ★, RTS 22.8%, War 10.7%, Wargame 10.4%, Moddable 10% ★

Why You'll Like It: A deep tactical wargame that demands careful unit composition and terrain utilization for victory.

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 51.6%, Strategy 17.1%, Sci-fi 16.3%, Multiplayer 9.5%, Real-Time 3.4% ★

Why You'll Like It: Offers a polished, classic RTS experience with distinct factions and a heavy focus on base building.

It’s 2741 and the universe is at war. The Terran Empire is laying siege to the NSA, a treaty of colonies that upholds freedom and democracy. After losing the battle in space, the NSA is forced to retreat to its last stronghold. Can you snatch victory from impending doom?

Why similar: Strategy 45.1%, RTS 41.5%, Sci-fi 13.4%

Why You'll Like It: A tactical RTS that removes base building to focus entirely on unit control and battlefield maneuvering.

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

Why similar: RTS 31.5%, Wargame 20.9%, War 11.9%, Real-Time 11.1% ★, Strategy 8%

Why You'll Like It: A tactical RTS that emphasizes unit preservation and realistic military engagement in a modern setting.

Slip into the role of Daniel Hanson, commander of the first mission to a remote planet called Meridian. Assured of the fact that the planet is uninhabited, the unexpected reception of a distress call from the surface could mean many things, none of which you are prepared for.

Why similar: RTS 57.1%, Strategy 24.6%, Sci-fi 12.3%, Indie 4.3%, Singleplayer 1.6%

Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi RTS that emphasizes narrative choices and the strategic management of limited unit types.

{{An RTS inspired by the classics of the past!}} Making up for it's subpar retro graphics with fun gameplay and modern multi-threaded tech enabling huge battles to run smooth... Featuring singleplayer challenges, skirmish, sandbox, 10-player multiplayer & workshop modding.

Why similar: RTS 32.4%, Real-Time with Pause 15.4% ★, Real-Time 14.4% ★, Moddable 13.9% ★, Strategy 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: An indie RTS that captures the classic feel of resource gathering and massive unit counts in a compact package.

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 56.7%, Strategy 17%, Real-Time 10.1% ★, War 4.8%, Multiplayer 4.6%

Etherium is a real-time strategy game set in a science-fiction universe, where three factions battle it out for a mysterious and rare resource known as ‘Etherium’.

Why similar: RTS 36.2%, Sci-fi 32.4%, Strategy 21.6%, Multiplayer 9%, Singleplayer 0.8%

Why You'll Like It: Features unique resource management and environmental hazards that force players to adapt their strategy.

Rise of Nations is back! Play the updated classic with full Steamworks integration and enhanced features!

Why similar: RTS 45.5%, Strategy 19.5%, War 11.3%, Real-Time 11.1% ★, Multiplayer 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: Blends fast-paced RTS mechanics with grand strategy elements for a comprehensive historical experience.

Nomad Fleet is a RTS game where you must lead the last remnants of Mankind to safety after a mysterious alien race has hunted them near extinction. Lead a fully armed fleet of battleships, carriers and fighters through a series of randomized scenarios and encounters where they must fight for their survival while scavenging for resources,...

Why similar: Real-Time 31.6% ★, RTS 26.1%, Strategy 19.3%, Sci-fi 13.2%, Indie 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: A space-based RTS that emphasizes survival and the preservation of your limited fleet assets.

The desperate leadership of a doomed Soviet Union travels back in time to change history and restore the glory of Mother Russia.

Why similar: RTS 30.9%, Real-Time 12.9% ★, Strategy 11.4%, Online Co-Op 11.3%, Co-op 10%

Why You'll Like It: A classic base-building RTS that features a campy but engaging sci-fi narrative.

XCOM 2 is the sequel to XCOM: Enemy Unknown, the 2012 award-winning strategy game of the year. Earth has changed and is now under alien rule. Facing impossible odds you must rebuild XCOM, and ignite a global resistance to reclaim our world and save humanity.

Why similar: War 36.8%, Sci-fi 25%, Strategy 18.8%, RPG 14.4%, Singleplayer 5%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses heavily on the survival and unique progression of individual soldiers in a high-stakes sci-fi conflict.

Ancient Space is a story driven single player real time strategy game where you take command of a fleet embarking on a scientific mission to chart undiscovered reaches of space called ‘The Black Zone’. Overcome overwhelming odds and fight for your life and the survival of your ship and its crew.

Why similar: RTS 51.8%, Strategy 26.3%, Sci-fi 16.4%, Singleplayer 2.8%, Atmospheric 1.8%

Why You'll Like It: A story-driven space RTS that focuses on tactical fleet management and mission-based objectives.

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 44.3%, Strategy 23.8%, Multiplayer 9.8%, War 9.4%, Co-op 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: A nostalgic return to classic RTS mechanics that prioritizes simple, effective base building and unit management.

Command a space-faring empire in Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion, the new stand-alone expansion that combines 4X depth with real-time strategy gameplay.

Why similar: RTS 33.6%, Online Co-Op 14.5%, Sci-fi 14.4%, Co-op 12%, Multiplayer 11.9%

Why You'll Like It: A grand-scale space RTS that balances complex economy management with large-scale fleet combat.

Tomorrow's War Is NOW Ripped from today's headlines, Act of War: Direct Action™ is a frightening tale of suspense, international intrigue and geopolitical military conflict. This real-time strategy experience puts you squarely in control of counterterrorist forces and delivers a first look at tomorrow's war.

Why similar: RTS 54%, Real-Time 16.4% ★, War 13.2%, Strategy 9.7%, Multiplayer 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: A modern military RTS that emphasizes cinematic storytelling and realistic unit interactions.

For a thousand years, three opposing forces have waged war for what they believe is true. There can be no room for compromise: their way is the only way. Dubbed The Infinite War, this devastating conflict has taken its toll on a once-peaceful galaxy and has only served to deepen the hatred between the factions.

Why similar: RTS 33.1%, Real-Time with Pause 18.7% ★, Real-Time 15.2% ★, Strategy 12.6%, Sci-fi 9.5%

Moduwar is an adaptive organic RTS where you control an alien creature, Modu - and your body is your army. Grow new organs, split, merge and mutate them into unique units that adapt to your needs as you fight against human and alien threats in single and multiplayer modes.

Why similar: Real-Time 24.2% ★, RTS 22.5%, Wargame 11.7%, War 11.5%, Sci-fi 8.7%

Can anyone build an empire in a place like this? Other factions are naturally suspicious of newcomers and may wage war at the first sign of unidentified craft. Here, a natural death is an uncommon luxury.

Why similar: Real-Time with Pause 48.6% ★, Real-Time 29% ★, Strategy 12.7%, Wargame 4.4%, Sci-fi 3.4%

2280 A.D. The last few survivors of a ruined Earth seek a new home: Mars, a planet whose inhabitants didn't take too kindly to outsiders. The Red Solstice is a tense, tactical, squad-based action game. Fight to survive with up to 8 players in co-op, or lead your own squad in single-player mode.

Why similar: Real-Time with Pause 26.9% ★, Real-Time 17.7% ★, RTS 16.8%, Sci-fi 7.1%, Difficult 6.2%

Galactic Ruler offers real time strategy game play at both planetary level and in space! Lead your faction in diplomacy or conquest across a procedurally generated galactic map where any system might hold hostile enemies or resource riches. Develop advanced technologies to rule the galaxy!

Why similar: Real-Time with Pause 36.9% ★, RTS 16.2%, Moddable 10.6% ★, Co-op 9.1%, Sci-fi 7.8%

A 4X real-time strategy game from the developers of the critically acclaimed Northgard. Set in Frank Herbert’s groundbreaking Dune universe, you must lead your faction and battle for control and dominance over the harsh desert planet of Arrakis.

Why similar: RTS 28.2%, War 16.4%, Sci-fi 15.8%, Co-op 8.9%, Strategy 8.8%

War Selection is a compelling RTS game featuring base building, resource extraction and warfare. Evolve from a stone age tribe to a distinct industrial nation with unique game mechanics and battle for supremacy with dozens of players on a unique procedurally generated map.

Why similar: RTS 37%, Strategy 15.3%, War 13.8%, Multiplayer 12.1%, Online Co-Op 8%

Molten Armor is an action tower defense game with a non-linear story in sci-fi setting! Command defenses and stop hordes of enemies! Fight on land, sea and in the skies!Decisions taken in the heat of battle will change the course of the war.

Why similar: RTS 28.3%, Wargame 18%, War 11%, Difficult 10.6%, Sci-fi 10.1%

Cossacks: The Art of War continues the history of the great battles of XVII–XVIII centuries

Why similar: Real-Time 31.6% ★, RTS 24.1%, Wargame 18.8%, Difficult 12%, Strategy 6.5%

An epic struggle for control!

Why similar: RTS 48.3%, Strategy 37.2%, Sci-fi 14.6%

After the destruction of the EARTH in 2150, the leaders of the Eurasian Dynasty escaped on board an evacuation fleet. Now they are fighting for the survival of the human species. Their base is one large building comprising of smaller variable parts.

Why similar: Real-Time 47.1% ★, RTS 36.8%, Strategy 11.4%, Sci-fi 1.9%, Co-op 1%

UFO: Aftermath is a 3D isometric, tactical strategy game with a rich and compelling sci fi story.

Why similar: Real-Time with Pause 50.6% ★, Strategy 33%, Sci-fi 13.5%, Singleplayer 2.9%

A four races sci-fi base building real time strategy game set on the dark side of an unknown planet where the valuable "green ice" resource can be found.

Why similar: RTS 47.5%, Strategy 27.6%, Sci-fi 17.4%, Indie 7.4%

Lead the Mobile Infantry in this RTS game set in the Starship Troopers film universe. Balance your army composition with a diverse set of unit types, overcome line-of-sight and line-of-fire challenges through tactical positioning, and use special abilities to smash the Arachnid hordes!

Why similar: RTS 34.1%, Real-Time 20.1% ★, Strategy 13.8%, War 12%, Wargame 10.1%

Unity of Command is an innovative and refreshing operational-level wargame that covers the entire 1942/43 Stalingrad Campaign on the Eastern Front.

Why similar: Wargame 39%, Strategy 32.4%, War 11.4%, Difficult 10%, Indie 6%

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 79.9%, RTS 12.4%, War 5.1%, Multiplayer 2.2%, Singleplayer 0.4%

Earth has been destroyed. Mankind is fractured. The galaxy is at war. But one hope remains: a new home for mankind. Probes detected a habitable planet in the Orion sector. You must fight your way to it, but nothing is as it seems. A more devious plan is underway that threatens the entire galaxy.

Why similar: Strategy 77.7%, Indie 22.3%

8-Bit Invaders! is a fast-paced, retro Real-Time Strategy game for the PC. Control the military might of the Galactic Marine Corps or Invade with the devastating power of the Cranioids! Mine, Build, and Fight your way to victory! Conquering the Multiverse was never so easy.

Why similar: RTS 33.1%, Strategy 13.9%, War 11.2%, Multiplayer 8.8%, Sci-fi 8.1%

The Great War is over - the fight continues. Command a legion of soldiers, desperately trying to make their way home amidst the chaos of civil war. Lead them through the unforgiving wilderness onboard an armored train. Manage your crew and resources and try to survive.

Why similar: RTS 41.2%, War 18.4%, Strategy 17.4%, Wargame 16.9%, Atmospheric 3.4%

A desolate realm, kept in flux by the rhythm of battle. A proving ground for those with great ambition. A Year Of Rain is the ultimate team real-time strategy game. Choose your faction, team up and take control of a legendary hero to lead your armies!

Why similar: RTS 35%, Online Co-Op 12.7%, Co-op 11.3%, Multiplayer 10.4%, PvP 9.8%

Distant Worlds is a vast, pausable real-time 4X space strategy game. Experience the full depth and detail of turn-based strategy, but with the simplicity and ease of real-time, and on the scale of a massively-multiplayer online game.

Why similar: Real-Time with Pause 24.7% ★, Real-Time 19.4% ★, Strategy 15.4%, RTS 14.4%, Sci-fi 13.2%

A classic single-player RTS set in a Solar System ruled by megacorporations. Journey from Mars all the way to Planet 9 and uncover the secrets of the BlackChain.

Why similar: RTS 44.1%, War 20.8%, Sci-fi 17.8%, Strategy 12.6%, Singleplayer 3.3%

Star Shift Origins tells the story of the first crew of the Dauntless. Trapped in an alternate reality and on the run, the crew desperately searches for answers while being hunted by the relentless Earth Systems Alliance (ESA).

Why similar: Time Travel 47.5% ★, Sci-fi 16%, Strategy 11.7%, RPG 9.6%, Story Rich 8.6%

Element is a realtime strategy space game for people who don't have time to play realtime strategy space games. Generate energy, mine element, build attack and defence units, and destroy the enemy while maintaining a balance between earth, air and water.

Why similar: RTS 27.2%, Real-Time 20.7% ★, Wargame 14.6%, War 14.1%, Sci-fi 10.4%

'War, the Game' is a RTS for pc in realistic present day setting.The controls are intuitive, the game rules are simple and transparent.The game focuses on strategy and the use of ones brain to complete the scenarios.The map is a spherical version of earth. That's new.

Why similar: RTS 35.3%, Strategy 34.9%, War 22.4%, Indie 7.4%

Xenonauts is a strategy game in which you control a multi-national military organisation defending a Cold War-era Earth from alien invasion, using small squads of persistent soldiers to eliminate the extraterrestrials and recover their technology in turn-based ground combat.

Why similar: Sci-fi 38.6%, Strategy 34.3%, Singleplayer 9.7%, Indie 8.2%, Atmospheric 5.2%

Customize your unique faction in a new take on real-time strategy as you fight in a variety of skirmish, solo, and multiplayer battles. You are not only a commander, but also an engineer – so you have ultimate control over your faction’s units, factories, superweapons and economy.

Why similar: RTS 65.3%, Strategy 20.5%, Multiplayer 8.6%, Indie 4.1%, Singleplayer 1.5%

This is the story about the beginning of the conquest of outer space by earthlings. It began as a global idea of saving mankind from hunger and lack of resources, and ended as a brutal and merciless war in space far from Earth.

Why similar: RTS 49.6%, Wargame 22%, Strategy 16.5%, Sci-fi 7.6%, Indie 4.3%