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3 Best RTS Games Like Age of Empires 2024

Let us admit, real-time strategy games, or RTS games for short, have been captivating gamers for a very long time. As such, with their intricate art of blending strategic planning, tactful approach, and real-time decision-making mechanics, RTS games have literally hooked gamers for decades, going all the way back to the 90s era when the iconic blockbuster “Age of Empires” was released.

Since then, the gaming world has never been the same. While the Age of Empires set gold standards for the RTS genre, the gaming world has inevitably moved on and continued to evolve. Therefore, a new breed of RTS games has emerged, ones that not only meet the high bar set by Age of Empires but also infuse modern gaming elements to elevate the experience.

And in this article, we will look at some of the 3 best RTS games like Age of Empires to play in 2024.


Table of Contents

1. The Touhou Empires
   
2. Star Maidens Chronicle: Definitive Edition
   
3. Grimgrimoire
   

The Touhou Empires

Figure 1-1. The Touhou Empires Cover Art

The Touhou Empires, which is releasing in early 2024 for Windows via Steam, makes it to the top of our list of the best RTS games like Age of Empires. As such, this game marks a striking new addition to the real-time strategy (RTS) genre that has been developed by Neetpia, an indie Japanese game studio best known for making highly addicting RTS games.

Fans of the Touhou Project would know very well that this upcoming game is a remastered version of the classic The Touhou Empires. While nothing new to the core mechanics has been added, the remastered version introduces many notable changes such as improved visuals and the support for the English language.

Figure 1-2. The Touhou Empires Gameplay

And for those getting to know this classic game for the first time, we provide everything you need to know here. The Touhou Empires is set in the mystical realm of Gensokyo where players engage in intense strategic battles and belong to one of the many factions available in the game. Yes, each faction is unique and gives the player a distinctive “perk” which they receive the moment they determine and choose their faction. For instance, the Scarlet Devil Mansion emphasizes of early game power while the Hakurei Shrine is known for its robust defensive structures.

As such, with an extensive combat system, multiple unique factions, and a rich game storyline, The Touhou Empires is easily one of the best RTS games like Age of Empires to play in 2024.

For The Touhou Empires, You can visit the AEG Esports Tournaments to find out an esports tournament opportunity with a cash prize, or join the Discord to connect with multiplayer friends.

Star Maidens Chronicle: Definitive Edition

Figure 2-1. Star Maidens Chronicle: Definitive Edition Cover Art

Next on our list is another captivating real-time strategy game but one which has been developed by Project YNP: Star Maiden Chronicles: Definitive Edition. In case you cannot wait for The Touhou Empires remastered version, the good news is that you can play Star Maiden Chronicles: Definitive Edition right now! The game was released on Windows back in 2020.

Star Maiden Chronicles, just like any other RTS game, follows the typical pattern where a player takes on the role of a commander leading a powerful faction at the start of the game. While the primary objective is to destroy enemy strongholds, it’s easier said than done. Being an RTS game, Star Maiden Chronicles demands strategic foresight as well as tactical acumen.

Figure 2-2. Star Maidens Chronicle: Definitive Edition Gameplay

And in order to achieve this, the game then seamlessly moves players to first establish and develop their city where they raise an army strong enough to overwhelm their opponents.

As such, the game's setting and narrative are woven around handling various battlefield situations and players continuously evolve their tactics and strategies to stay ahead of their foes. That is why, Star Maiden Chronicles: Definitive Edition is one of the best RTS games like Age of Empires to play in 2024.

For Star Maidens Chronicle, You can visit the AEG Esports Tournaments to find out an esports tournament opportunity with a cash prize, or join the Discord to connect with multiplayer friends.

Grimgrimoire

Figure 3-1. Grimgrimoire Cover Art

Even if you are new to RTS games, it’s likely you have heard about Grimgrimoire. This is because it is not a new game and has been in existence since 2007. This makes it a more than 15-year-old game! But don’t worry, we are not going to make you play this age-old game by Vanillaware; instead, we introduce you to the remastered version of this game with the same name and same developer that was released in 2023 on various platforms such as Nintendo Switch, PS4, and even PS5!

Unlike the previous 2 RTS games on our list above that supported online play, Grimgrimoire is more of a single-player RTS game. In that, the game follows Lillet Blan, who is invited to the Magic Academy Silver Star Tower to become a magician.

Figure 3-2. Grimgrimoire Gameplay

Speaking of which, Grimgrimoire features four different types of magic: Glamour, Necromancy, Sorcery, and Alchemy; where each is used to summon unique units to fight against monsters and menaces at each stage of the game.

In Grimgrimoire, battles are fought using familiars summoned by the power of grimoires, with units like fairies, golems, demons, and dragons. As such, the game features real-time simulation battles where players must strategically summon familiars to defeat the enemy while protecting their own party.



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