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People usually play real-time strategy (RTS) games on their desktop computers. Navigating a rapidly evolving battlefield is difficult to emulate on a touchscreen, so it will take time for Android RTS games to become widespread.

Developers typically design mobile games to be easy to play in short chunks. The RTS genre on Android is no exception. Ports of games like Rome: Total War encourage long gameplay sessions, while others like Element fit comfortably on your morning commute. Some of these games offer some online functionality, but if you’re looking for a dedicated online experience, read on for our roundup of the best online multiplayer Android games.

cultist simulator

Cultist Simulator is one of the best card games on Android, but unlike most games, it’s played in real time. In Cultist Simulator, you embark on a Lovecraftian adventure where you summon spirits, encounter gods, and ultimately die. It may not look like an RTS at first, but you’ll soon find yourself caught in a web of intrigue and deception that requires a lot of strategic planning.

One of the attractions of Cultist Simulator is the lack of a tutorial. So you learn by playing and failing until you understand the twists and turns of the game. It’s relentless, immersive, and just plain awesome.

rusty war

Don’t let Rusted Warfare’s ultra-retro graphics put you off. This is a throwback to the days of games like Total Annihilation and Supreme Commander – and that’s good, Rusted Warfare wastes no time with his polished UI and beautiful animations. This is the game for fans of classic RTS games who want the same experience on mobile.

Rusted Warfare offers players a staggering array of buildings and units to command, but it’s hard to understand everything that’s going on. But thanks to a sophisticated control system, you can lead your army to victory in no time.

Rome: Total War

Rome: Total War’s Android port brings a brand new UI that beautifully showcases how complex RTS can be adapted for mobile gaming. Commanding hundreds of soldiers from your mobile phone is very easy and doesn’t feel overwhelming.

Rome: Total War lets you control one of 19 factions. Through campaigns, it seeks to conquer Europe, North Africa, and the Near East. Massive RTS battles are the game’s centerpiece, but the well-thought-out turn-based campaign allows players to think and strategize before their next conquest.

Bad North: Jotunn Edition

In Bad North, you rule an island kingdom besieged by Viking invaders. Fly between a series of stunning procedurally generated islands and advance your campaign, leading your people to safety as you fend off waves of axe-wielding marauders. Missions are long enough to give you the satisfaction of winning, but short enough to grab your attention.

Place your troops around the island and give orders before each mission begins. There is no fine-grained control here. Each unit is smart enough to interpret your order in the best possible way. Don’t let the attractive aesthetic fool you. Within minutes, you’ll be kneeling in Viking blood and desperately issuing orders to defend your land.

mushroom war 2

Mushroom Wars 2 is perfect for those who like to play a short RTS on occasion. It’s not as complicated as some of the other games on our list, but that’s not the point. Mushroom Wars 2 is designed to be easy to pick up and play.

Mushroom Wars 2 is easy to learn, but it’s not a casual game. Missions can be very difficult, so be prepared to take a break when the going gets tough. It also has an online mode, so you can play against your friends.

north guard

Northgard is reminiscent of games like Age of Empires. The gameplay revolves around managing resources to expand your settlement and sending waves of armies to capture enemy territory. The focus here is on carefully managing a small number of units rather than large-scale battles.

Northgard includes a campaign that introduces players to the main factions, but its multiplayer is where this game excels. Each faction emphasizes a different path to victory, and while Northgard is easy to learn, it will take a while before you win regularly. Northgard is one of the most challenging RTS games available for Android.

Plague Inc.

Plague Inc. is the perfect game if a global pandemic hasn’t curbed your earth-shattering urges. This is a complex game that rewards planning and careful maneuvering to successfully wipe out humanity. Failing over and over again in a row is a rite of passage for newcomers, but the last time you see the last person succumb to your disease will make you want to try again.

Once you have selected the type of disease you want to use, progress through the game to research new features for your disease. Traits can be new methods of communication, symptoms, or abilities. Evolving and implementing your own traits should be done carefully. Once humanity becomes aware of your disease, it’s a race against time to develop a cure.

element

Element was designed from the ground up to be instantly pick up and play. Gameplay follows the classic RTS formula (gather resources, build an army, and defeat your opponents), but it only takes a few minutes to complete a round. While many games advertise the same benefits, Element’s strength lies in its impeccable execution.

Elements is not an easy game. The options available to the player are minimal (there are only four of his types of buildings/units), but it takes a good deal of practice to utilize them correctly. There are short periods of “peaceful” set-up, but often the turning point in the game he reaches within a minute.

Rimmed Capsules

Rymdkapsel ignores the definition. A base builder, puzzle game, and tower defense all in one, you don’t need fancy graphics or complex features for a great RTS.

Rymdkapsel’s games follow a simple premise. Build your base, research monoliths, and defend against the evil Triangle. The emphasis is on building your base to your liking, but without careful resource management and corridor planning, your plans will fail. Perfect for those who want to be rewarded perfectly.

League of Legends: Wild Rift

MOBAs have traditionally been the realm of desktop computers, but League of Legends: Wild Rift proves that you can have a complete MOBA experience right from your mobile phone. It is a scaled-down version of the main game, offering 5v5 gameplay and no pay-to-win mechanics. Like all MOBAs, it’s derived from RTS gameplay, so it takes place in real time.

Wild Rift is a live service game, so it’s perfect if you want a continuously updated game. However, if you prefer an offline experience, don’t miss this one.

Challenge yourself with RTS games

RTS games for Android are generally aimed at competitive players, but casual gamers should give some a try. Titles like Rymdkapsel offer relaxing gameplay, and Cultist Simulator is perfect for those who like a good story. RTS games are usually played at home on a desktop computer or laptop, so for a more classic RTS experience try playing the game on one of his best Chromebooks.