Free RTS Games on Steam
Steam currently has 2,657 RTS games available to download and play. Explore our list of the best free games ranked by popularity and ratings. Data for this list is calculated from reviews and player counts reported directly by Steam and will be updated in real-time. Free RTS game rankings were last updated on 12/7/2024.
Looking for more? Explore other lists such as:
- Best rts games on Steam
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- Best rts Linux games on Steam
- Free Steam games
- Most played Steam games
- Best rated Steam games
1. Dota 2
Every day, millions of players worldwide enter battle as one of over a hundred Dota heroes. And no matter if it's their 10th hour of play or 1,000th, there's always something new to discover. With regular updates that ensure a constant evolution of gameplay, features, and heroes, Dota 2 has taken on a life of its own.
Dota 2 holds the #1 spot for "best free RTS game on Steam" with a Player Score of 81. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 2,393,578 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,954,212 positive reviews and 439,366 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Dota 2 on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
2. Summoners War
A global hit RPG that captured the Summoners all around the world! Jump into the Sky Arena, a world under battle over the vital resource: Mana Crystals. Design your own deck and strategy using over 1,500 Monsters to claim victory. Go on an epic adventure with your Monsters!
Summoners War has achieved a Player Score of 72, placing it in the #2 spot for the best free RTS games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 7,260 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 5,361 positive reviews and 1,899 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. Valve has also verified it as playable on the Steam Deck and will run well.
3. Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition offers players a trial of this historical single & multiplayer RTS experience. *Note: To unlock all features of the game please see the “Base Game” product.
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition has achieved a Player Score of 83, placing it in the #3 spot for the best free RTS games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 45,458 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 38,584 positive reviews and 6,874 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 10/15/2020 |
| Franchise | Age of Empires Franchise |
| Developers | |
| Publisher | Xbox Game Studios |
| Steam App Id | 933110 |
4. Conqueror's Blade
Conqueror's Blade gives you a chance to be a true warlord. Commanding medieval troops in epic 15 vs. 15 siege battles, conquering cities with allies in the open world or fighting against players from all over the world – it's you who make the choice.
Conqueror's Blade has achieved a Player Score of 68, placing it in the #4 spot for the best free RTS games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 32,118 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 22,103 positive reviews and 10,015 negative reviews — making it "Mixed" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Conqueror's Blade on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 4/6/2020 |
| Developer | Booming Tech |
| Publisher | Poros Interactive |
| Steam App Id | 835570 |
5. Crusader Kings II
Explore one of the defining periods in world history in an experience crafted by the masters of Grand Strategy.
Crusader Kings II has achieved a Player Score of 89, placing it in the #5 spot for the best free RTS games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 72,150 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 65,363 positive reviews and 6,787 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Crusader Kings II on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 2/14/2012 |
| Franchise | Crusader Kings Official |
| Developer | Paradox Development Studio |
| Publisher | Paradox Interactive |
| Steam App Id | 203770 |
6. Lords Mobile
Clash with global players in this epic real-time strategy game!
Lords Mobile has achieved a Player Score of 66, placing it in the #6 spot for the best free RTS games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 5,480 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 3,691 positive reviews and 1,789 negative reviews — making it "Mixed" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Lords Mobile on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 6/2/2019 |
| Developer | IGG SINGAPORE PTE. LTD. |
| Publisher | IGG SINGAPORE PTE. LTD. |
| Steam App Id | 1041320 |
7. March of Empires
Claim your title as Shogun, Highland King, Northern Tsar or Desert Sultan and join this genre-redefining strategy game where you will wage constant war for real territorial conquest! Fortify your castle, fuel a massive army, and enter the ultimate fight for realm domination!
March of Empires has achieved a Player Score of 63, placing it in the #7 spot for the best free RTS games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 1,602 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,036 positive reviews and 566 negative reviews — making it "Mixed" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is not possible to play or run March of Empires on the Steam Deck.
8. War Selection
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.
War Selection has achieved a Player Score of 84, placing it in the #8 spot for the best free RTS games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 21,046 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 18,134 positive reviews and 2,912 negative reviews — making it "Very Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on both Windows and Linux systems. At the moment, it is possible to play War Selection on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 10/8/2019 |
| Developer | Glyph Worlds |
| Publisher | Glyph Worlds |
| Steam App Id | 1022450 |
9. Conflict of Nations: World War 3
This Long Term Strategy Game lets you take control of the armed forces of your nation. Become responsible for its military expansion, technological research and economic development. Form alliances and wage total war for global dominance on the battlefields of World War 3.
Conflict of Nations: World War 3 has achieved a Player Score of 76, placing it in the #9 spot for the best free RTS games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 4,827 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 3,753 positive reviews and 1,074 negative reviews — making it "Mostly Positive" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on both Windows and Mac systems. At the moment, it is not possible to play or run Conflict of Nations: World War 3 on the Steam Deck.
| Release Date | 3/15/2018 |
| Developer | Dorado Games |
| Publisher | Dorado Games |
| Steam App Id | 784950 |
10. Game of Thrones Winter is Coming
Game of Thrones Winter is Coming is a PC strategy game based on the HBO drama television series, officially licensed by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment under HBO, and developed and published by YOOZOO Games. Interactive Entertainment and HBO.
Game of Thrones Winter is Coming has achieved a Player Score of 60, placing it in the #10 spot for the best free RTS games. Its score was calculated by analyzing a total of 2,502 reviews on Steam. This breaks down to a total of 1,517 positive reviews and 985 negative reviews — making it "Mixed" on Steam.
It can be played and ran on Windows systems. At the moment, it is possible to play Game of Thrones Winter is Coming on the Steam Deck (though some functionality may be limited).
| Release Date | 11/14/2019 |
| Developer | YOUZU (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD. |
| Publisher | YOUZU (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD. |
| Steam App Id | 1105420 |
More Free RTS Games
Explore even more rankings for the 100 best free RTS games available on Steam.
| Image | Name | Actions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 529,472 | 7/9/2013 | 81 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 7,108 | 1/8/2024 | 72 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 4,445 | 10/15/2020 | 83 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 2,354 | 4/6/2020 | 68 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 1,805 | 2/14/2012 | 89 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 1,374 | 6/2/2019 | 66 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 1,133 | 12/11/2017 | 63 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 901 | 10/8/2019 | 84 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 814 | 3/15/2018 | 76 | Free | Steam Charts | |
| 726 | 11/14/2019 | 60 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 480 | 2/28/2012 | 63 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 446 | 10/21/2017 | 70 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 381 | 7/16/2019 | 73 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 375 | 8/15/2023 | 65 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 360 | 5/24/2019 | 88 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 359 | 6/23/2021 | 68 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 267 | 12/26/2023 | 64 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 261 | 8/2/2023 | 57 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 257 | 12/19/2017 | 62 | Free | Steam Charts | |
 | 228 | 12/14/2015 | 58 | Free | Steam Charts |
Soures & References
Steambase has best-in-class data powered directly by Steam, our data partners, and in-house experts. Player counts and rankings are enriched, analyzed, and updated in real-time to ensure we surface the most up-to-date insights. Learn more about the Steambase approach to data collection and our review methodology.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, December 7). Steam Store. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, December 7). Dota 2 on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, December 11). Summoners War on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, December 5). Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, December 11). Conqueror's Blade on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, October 16). Crusader Kings II on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, November 29). Lords Mobile on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, December 11). March of Empires on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, November 27). War Selection on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, December 10). Conflict of Nations: World War 3 on Steam. Steam Store.
- Valve Corporation. (2024, December 7). Game of Thrones Winter is Coming on Steam. Steam Store.