Most RTS games you can find nowadays took much from one of the finest games ever, Starcraft. Of course, this title is not the only influence on the real-time strategy genre. Still, aspects such as the visual style, military units, army development, and mission performance were extracted in form and substance from this famous game and franchise.

But what are these Games Like Starcraft that, over the years, captivated gamers' imaginations? In the subsequent sections, we mention some of these games and focus on gameplay features they share with the Blizzard Entertainment classic.

• Release Date: March 31, 1998

• Developer: Blizzard Entertainment

• Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment

• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Nintendo 64, Classic Mac OS

• Metascore: 88

Most seasoned and old-fashioned gamers already know that Starcraft is one of the most relevant real-time strategy games ever. This RTS game builds the foundations of the RTS genre, together with other games such as Warcraft and Command & Conquer. 

Contrary to the latter, the real-time strategy game that concerns us occurs in a distant and fictional future and faraway sector of the Milky Way galaxy. In this remote part of the universe, three races fight each other to control multiple systems and planets: the Humans, the Zerg, and the Protoss. 

Each race has unique infantry, weapons, ships, and resources to fight and defend its faculties and installations. Still, not even a race has an innate advantage over others since strengths and weaknesses are well-balanced to encourage players to plan their strategies and focus.   

As one of the best RTS games of all time, Starcraft, the franchise's first iteration, fed and developed many of the mechanics that today are popular in most games of the real-time strategy genre. 

StarCraft Remastered Battle.Net CD Key is available on RoyalCDKeys.

We’ve created a list of eight games like StarCraft you can find in the video game industry. All these titles share not only mechanics and general features with the legendary title but also a general sense of warfare and tension.

• Release Date: July 3, 2022

• Developer: Blizzard Entertainment

• Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment

• Platforms: PC, Classic Mac OS, Mac OS X

• Metascore: 92

The first on this list is just another classic of the genre and one of the favorites of strategy enthusiasts. Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos is a real-time strategy title and the third installment of the famous franchise released for the first time in 1994. Reign of Chaos is the first game of the saga to present 3D models and visuals.

Like StarCraft, Warcraft III follows the action of two factions looking for supremacy: The Human Alliance – formed by humans, high elves, and dwarves – and the Orcish Horde – consisting of trolls, orcs, and taurens. However, two alternative factions were added as a strategy for expanding the game: the Undead and the Night Elves, which we can see in further games, such as the universal WoW.  

Since the same studio developed StarCraft and Warcraft, they share multiple RTS mechanics and features of classic RTS titles. In both games, you must explore the surroundings looking for resources to build structures and units for battle. Warcraft also features the classic “hidden” map you uncover through exploration.

Like in the futuristic Blizzard’s creation, in Reign of Chaos, the action occurs on a map of varying size and is characterized by different geological formations, such as plains, plateaus, valleys, depressions, waters, and more. To ensure success, you must develop units and strengthen your attack forces to conquer the territory and defeat the enemy´s hordes. 

RoC introduces new features to the gameplay of the franchise's second game –Tides of Darkness– such as mighty heroes, a day and night cycle, and Creeps, who guard key resources and are hostile towards all players.

Key Features:

• New 3D-built maps with unique environments and geography. 

• Multiple new and powerful heroes can advance in level. 

• Four factions and several units with unique strengths and weaknesses.

Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos Global Battle.Net CD Key is available on RoyalCDKeys. 

• Release Date: February 21, 2017

• Developer: 343 Industries | Creative Assembly

• Publisher: Microsoft Studios

• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox One

• Metascore: 70

Another great game that shares multiple aspects and features with the StarCraft series is Halo Wars 2. As you can infer, this title occurs in the science fiction Halo universe in 2559. This is the first point in common with StarCraft since both games occur in a distant future where machines, alien races, and high technology abound. 

Halo Wars 2 is a military real-strategy game. It's closer to reality since different units resemble those in more realistic games like Command & Conquer. Here you can control two factions: the United Nations Space Command and alien factions, the Banished. Each faction introduces unique abilities to base your campaign on the land.

Comparing the Starcraft series and Halo Wars 2, we can say that the latter features more interesting battles as they use a “rock-paper-scissors” approach, where vehicles easily destroy infantry, infantry is effective against aircraft, and aircraft demolish ground vehicles. This title also presents common RTS attributes, such as gathering resources and building a base of operations to plan your single-player campaign and tactics to cover the territory. 

In a certain way, Halo Wars 2 is a direct descendant of StarCraft but with improved visuals and a more diverse range of options. Moreover, Halo Wars 2 supports a multiplayer mode that allows you to play cooperatively or competitively against friends or other fans of the saga. 

Key Features:

• A real-time strategy adventure set in the Halo universe.  

• Dozens of units fight at the same time by featuring incredible visuals and effects. 

• Multiple RTS mechanics are a total challenge. 

Halo Wars 2 - Ultimate Edition Xbox Live CD Key is available on RoyalCDKeys. 

• Release Date: November 14, 2019

• Developer: Forgotten Empires

• Publisher: Xbox Games Studios

• Platforms: Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

• Metascore: 84

The Age of Empires franchise has brought us many of the most exciting moments in the gaming history. Since its first release in 1996, the Age of Empires saga has captivated millions of users worldwide due to its strategic battle system and historical focus, allowing players to play with multiple civilizations, empires, realms, and kingdoms. 

Age of Empires II: The Ages of Kings and Definitive Edition refined the original game by adding new civilizations, units, technologies, campaigns, and improvements in AI. This time, the game takes place in the Middle Ages. Therefore, you can use European and Asian civilizations that progress through the years and warfare. 

At first sight, StarCraft and Ages of Empires share a bit due to their distinctive visual styles, but both titles have similar mechanics. In StarCraft and AoE II, you collect resources to develop technologies, buildings, and units you need to face challenges and other empires. 

AoE is a more strategic game since it focuses on besieging castles and settlements, but in both titles, the army plays a crucial role in the victory. 

Key Features:

• Dozens of civilizations will immerse you in one of the most interesting ages of history.

• Complex strategy gameplay that turns you into the master of warfare. 

• A competitive multiplayer mode lets you unleash all your skills. 

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition Steam CD Key is available on RoyalCDKeys.

• Release Date: February 23, 2023

• Developer: Relic Entertainment

• Publisher: Sega

• Platforms: Windows, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S

• Metascore: 81

A World War II game could not be missing from this list. This is the case of Company of Heroes 3, a real-time strategy game that puts you in the shoes of Allied Forces during a campaign in Italy and North Africa. 

This title corresponds to the franchise's third installment and takes much of the StarCraft series since the first is based on warfare strategies and better tactics to reach a particular goal. In Company of Heroes 3, you advance across the territory using different units, such as infantry and marines, interacting with the environments and Italian partisans.

Your actions affect the course of events and even the narrative’s ending. This way, the story is dynamic, and you can build your path across different scenarios in the Mediterranean context.        

Exploring and controlling the map is the cornerstone of gameplay. Besides, playing involves facing enemy forces and capturing special points to recover a particular area. Finally, Company of Heroes 3 presents better graphics than its predecessor, Company of Heroes 2, and more defined mechanics. 

Key Features:

• A dynamic story and campaign are affected by your actions.

• Several factions and units with unique abilities and diverse tactical opportunities.

• A single-player campaign and multiplayer modes to diversify strategies and approaches. 

Company of Heroes 3 Global Steam CD Key is available on RoyalCDKeys.

• Release Date: October 28, 2008

• Developer: EA Los Angeles

• Publisher: Electronics Arts

• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, OS X

• Metascore: 82

Red Alert 3 is another game focused on the Second World War, more precisely, in an alternative reality from World War II, which turns the game into a more frenetic and interesting iteration. In this world where World War II never happened, the Allies face the Soviet Union and the Empire of the Rising Sun. Consequently, you can utilize these three factions to win the world conflict or lead your civilization to total annihilation.  

Like StarCraft, this game focuses on constructing buildings and factories and collecting resources to build armory and iron marines to help you to reach your objectives. 

An interesting pro of Red Alert 3 is this title features co-op campaigns, where an AI  partner or online player can assist you in your strategic missions. Moreover, RA3 emphasizes naval combat by configuring multiple bodies of water. This way, it gives players an expansion regarding attack approaches, capable of conquering maps through lakes or oceans.  

Key Features:

• An alternative Second World War that faces Allies against Soviets. 

• Co-op main campaigns together with AI or other players. 

• Multiple scenarios, weapons, and enemies expand the possibilities of gaming.  

Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 Origin CD Key is available on RoyalCDKeys.

• Release Date: October 21, 2016

• Developer: Firaxis Games

• Publisher: 2K

• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, mobile devices

• Metascore: 88

Civilization VI takes us to the world of the most incredible empires since the Stone Age – Egypt, Rome, and Greece, among others. 

Contrary to other games mentioned above, this title is a turn-based strategy 4X –Explore, Expand, Exploit, and Exterminate – game. Consequently, strategy is almost everything in Civilization VI since you need to plan your moves and the management of resources. 

The main difference between Sid Meier’s VI and the StarCraft series is that the first focuses on developing a civilization from a basic settlement to a mighty world power. Besides, in the futuristic Blizzard’s game, you only have one path to win: destroying your enemy completely. On the other hand, Civilization VI features four ways of winning: military domination, cultural influence, technological superiority, and religion.

Another difference is that in Civilization VI, you organize your cities according to effectiveness and districts to accommodate the most relevant buildings for the functioning of the civilizations. In StarCraft, you only create camps and little settlements since these are thought for warfare and directly attack the enemy. Abilities trees provide new cultural structures to boost the different edges of your rising town.   

A strong point of Civilization VI is that the world is randomly generated. Consequently, a run never is the same. You will find barbarians and other civilizations you must conquer in these lands with the turn-based elements Civilization VI puts at your disposal. 

Key Features:

• More than fifteen civilizations with their respective heroes. 

• Life flows through centuries and millennia.

• Different districts to organize your rising town and four ways of winning. 

Sid Meier’s Civilization VI Steam CD Key is available on RoyalCDKeys.

• Release Date: September 28, 2017

• Developer: Creative Assembly

• Publisher: Sega

• Platforms: Windows, Linux, MacOS

• Metascore: 87

Total War series is an acclaimed video game saga with multiple titles and universes. Warhammer II, in particular, is based on the turn-based strategy miniatures game created in 1987. Consequently, it is a real-time and turn-based video game in this fictional universe.

In Warhammer II, you move extensive armies and manage settlements across the map. On every map, you find challenging factions to engage or fight; it’s up to you! Similar to StarCraft, armies and units battle in real-time. Consequently, the strategy and the usage of different types of units are crucial to rise with victory.

Warhammer II also shares with Blizzard Entertainment's space saga the possibility of choosing different races to dominate the territory, such as the Lizardmen, the Dark Elves, and the Skaven. Each race has its storyline and cutscenes, which allows you to enjoy the game from different points of view, contrary to other titles in this list.

Key Features:

• Real-time battles with dozens and hundreds of units in the galactic battlegrounds.

• Extensive maps where you move your army and build bases.

• Over ten races with unique plots, strengths, and weaknesses. 

Total War: Warhammer II Steam CD Key is available on RoyalCDKeys.

• Release Date: March 2, 2010

• Developer: Gas Powered Games | Virtual Programming

• Publisher: Square Enix

• Platforms: Windows, Xbox 360, Mac OS X

• Metascore: 77

Supreme Commander 2 is likely the game in this list that deeply resembles StarCraft in terms of lore, visuals, and graphics. This title is the sequel to the 2007 Supreme Commander, improving features and achieving well-defined graphics.

In SP2, you control armored units and build mass extractors and power generators that give you enough energy to use units, transports, airships, and weapons. This way, resource management is relevant to position over the enemy army, similar to other RTS games.

Supreme Commander 2 stands out for its visuals and an impressive battle system that involves dozens and hundreds of units fighting at the same time. Each unit presents unique attacks and animations, while the armored units battling in the same area provide a sense of warfare that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Moreover, the title presents multiple scales, allowing you to check the entire territory and particular zones in detail.

Key Features:

• Battles at different levels and scales across the map.

• Multiple armored units with improved designs and looks. 

• Exciting gameplay mechanics that expand the possibilities. 

Supreme Commander 2 Steam CD Key is available on RoyalCDKeys.

If you always dreamed of being part of space marines or a commander in the middle of a space battleground, then StarCraft and the other games mentioned in this list are what you need. All of them will provide you with unique battling experiences and hundreds of hours of fun due to their replayability.