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3 Best Upcoming RTS Games 2025-2026

It wasn’t that long ago that the entire gaming industry revolved around a genre so homogeneously. The last time something of this nature was observed was in the early '90s. But after the advancement in technology and the downfall of the RTS genre, it seems gaming has evolved to be more than just a simple genre. While it has brought us whole new genres it has also led to the fracturing of gamers—an event which saw the development of long-seated rivalries and the start of the infamous console wars. Hope though is not lost as the last genre to unite gamers is making a come and it would seem that old dreams of RTS players are finally being realized. Hence to that end, these are the best upcoming RTS for the future.


Table of Contents

1. Touhou Empires
   
2. I Think I'm in Love with a Demon Prince
   
3. Summoners War
   

Touhou Empires

Figure 1-1. Touhou Empires Cover Art

First on the list, we have arguably the most anticipated game in the RTS genre since the release of Rome's Total War Remake. It is none other than Neetipa’s passion project  Touhou Empires a game that not only adapts the game series for the RTS genre but also does it in the series' unique style. This means that while technically all of the main system mechanics of the game are based on the Age of Empire games the developers will be changing them to fit in the weird and wacky world of Touhou. We can also expect to see the multiple different enemies and characters from the series be adapted to fit the game's core battle mechanic. Aka the creation of troops, the establishment of settlements, and last but certainly not least the hoarding of supplies. Neepita has also expressed a desire to have the game be connected to the story of one of the mainline Touhou games. A connection that might lead to the return of some fan-favorite characters. So what are you waiting for the game is live now on Steam to pre-order, it is also an exclusive there.

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.

Figure 1-2. Touhou Empires Gameplay

I Think I'm in Love with a Demon Prince

Figure 2-1. I Think I'm in Love with a Demon Prince Cover Art

The juxtaposition between the larger picture and the small scale has always been a key point of RTS games. As they allow for the player to immerse himself in the story and the gameplay. This is why the modern iteration of macro management has all but eroded the faith old-school gamers had in the genre. But not all hope is lost as with the creation of new genres such as tower defense we have seen the grand strategy element return to RTS games as they now move away from macro management and tell self-inclusive stories that affect the grander narrative. A prime example of this is the new upcoming game “I Think I’m in Love with a Demon Prince”. A game that touts to be as unique as its long title, it is developed by Jagged Realms and features a beautiful paper art style that teleports the players to the ancient feud between angels and demons. It is set in a world that is as old as time, where the demons had fought against the armies of Heaven for ages and now finally it seems the tides are changing as the interpersonal relations of characters start to unfold. So what are you waiting for come preorder this game now on Steam as it is a Windows exclusive.

Figure 2-2. I Think I'm in Love with a Demon Prince Gameplay

Summoners War

Figure 3-1. Summoners War Cover Art

Last, on the list we have one of the most anticipated MOBA crossover games on Steam right now. It is none other than Summoners Wars developed by Com2uS. They have also developed the previous Summoners Wars: Chronicles, which unlike the upcoming game was an action RPG of sorts. While the developers have not explained their reason behind the change of genre, it does seem like the game will be a faithful rendition of an RTS with major improvements from the SRPG and TRPG genres. It will also be completely free on the Steam store and will allow players to form parties with other players and take on raid-style bosses and multi-level dungeons. All of these are new for the RTS genre, but seeing the track record of the developers with MOBAs we can rest assured that the game will no doubt be another landmark in the long line of strategy games that have caused a paradigm shift. But alas the result will have to wait as the game is slated for a Q1-2024 release date.

Figure 3-2. Summoners War Gameplay

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