I grew up during the golden age of real-time strategy, a period that spanned the late 90s and early 2000s, which many enthusiasts regard as the pinnacle of the genre. During those years, the gold standard was set, and timeless classics emerged, captivating players worldwide. However, from the late 2000s until around 2015, the RTS genre experienced a notable decline, slipping into a deep slumber. Fortunately, it appears that this beloved genre is now fully awake and poised to make a significant comeback in 2026 and 2027.
This article highlights some of the most anticipated real-time strategy games on the horizon, showcasing a diverse array of titles. From medieval adventures like Stronghold 4 to sci-fi explorations such as ZeroSpace, and even nostalgic nods to the classics of the 90s and 2000s like D.O.R.F., the RTS genre is gearing up for a resurgence. Among the latest entries are Dawn of War IV and Total War: Warhammer 40,000, signaling a robust revival of interest in strategy gaming. The information presented here reflects the current knowledge available, though details may evolve as release dates approach.
15 – Bergfried
- Developer: Quid Pro Games
- Publisher: Quid Pro Games
- Release Date: To be announced
- Steam Page
Despite the success of titles like Stronghold, Age of Empires 2, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, options for medieval strategy games remain limited. Enter Bergfried, the inaugural offering from Quid Pro Games. This title promises to blend the castle-building mechanics of Stronghold, the town-management elements of Manor Lords, and the real-time combat familiar to RTS fans. The development journey is one to watch, as early trailers and screenshots suggest an intriguing experience. As a medieval history enthusiast, the description of Bergfried as providing an organic castle-building experience on a unique grid that reflects the irregular shapes of European castles from the high and late Middle Ages certainly piques my interest.
14 – Panzer Strike
- Developer: ISAK Team
- Publisher: ISAK Team
- Release Date: Q3 2026
- Steam Page
Panzer Strike made an appearance during the Steam Next Fest, and while initial impressions were somewhat mixed, there’s potential for this title to evolve into something noteworthy. The developers aim to recapture the essence of late 90s and early 2000s RTS classics like Blitzkrieg and Sudden Strike. The sprite work is commendable, animations feel fluid, and the scale is impressive. However, improvements in pathfinding are essential, as this aspect proved to be a significant challenge during gameplay. For those who fondly remember the era of World War II strategy games, Panzer Strike is certainly one to watch.
13 – Falling Frontier
- Developer: Stutter Fox Studios
- Publisher: Hooded Horse
- Release Date: Coming soon
- Steam Page
Falling Frontier has been a topic of discussion for quite some time, with numerous delays raising questions about its future. Yet, given its status as one of the most wishlisted strategy games on Steam, it deserves another chance. This procedurally generated space RTS boasts stunning visuals and promises an unparalleled level of detail in ship-on-ship combat. The lingering question remains: when it finally launches, will Falling Frontier earn its place among the best sci-fi strategy games ever created?
12 – Chronicles: Medieval
- Developer: Raw Power Games
- Publisher: Raw Power Games
- Release Date: 2026
- Steam Page
The anticipation for Chronicles: Medieval has been building for quite a while, as it promises a dynamic sandbox strategy experience set during the Hundred Years’ War. This game combines the free-roaming gameplay reminiscent of Mount & Blade with the large-scale real-time battles characteristic of Total War. Players will not only command their forces but can also engage directly in combat, creating what could be a match made in strategy gaming heaven.
11 – Dinolords
- Developer: Northplay
- Publisher: Ghost Ship Publishing
- Release Date: To be announced
- Steam Page
In a landscape often criticized for its reluctance to innovate, Dinolords stands out as a bold and imaginative concept. The development team has taken a unique approach by merging the medieval setting with dinosaurs, an idea that is as whimsical as it is intriguing. Players will navigate a medieval world where knights are replaced by armored dinosaurs, and they can take direct control of their dinosaur-riding Lord. This innovative twist on traditional RTS gameplay is sure to capture the attention of those seeking fresh experiences in the genre.
