Top Command and Conquer Alternatives for RTS Fans

Command & Conquer (C&C) is an iconic real-time strategy (RTS) franchise that captivated gamers for decades with its innovative gameplay, full-motion video cutscenes, and compelling storylines. From the early days of Westwood Studios to the later titles under Electronic Arts, C&C set a high bar for the genre. However, with the series' future uncertain and many players seeking fresh experiences, exploring Command and Conquer alternative games is a great way to rekindle that RTS spark.

Discover Your Next Favorite Command and Conquer Alternative

If you're a veteran C&C player looking for a new challenge, or simply someone who enjoys the strategic depth and fast-paced action of RTS games, you're in luck! The world of real-time strategy is vast and continually evolving. Here are some of the best alternatives that capture the essence of Command & Conquer while offering their own unique twists.

OpenRA

OpenRA is a free and open-source real-time strategy game engine that recreates classic C&C titles like Red Alert and Tiberian Dawn, offering an enhanced experience with modern features. Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, it’s a fantastic Command and Conquer alternative for fans who want to relive the classics with improved gameplay and multiplayer options, retaining the core RTS features.

Widelands

Widelands is a free, open-source RTS game that offers single-player campaigns and a multiplayer mode. Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, it provides a different take on the RTS genre with a focus on resource management and building, making it a great Command and Conquer alternative for players who enjoy a more economic-driven strategy experience alongside traditional RTS gaming.

CaesarIA

CaesarIA is an open-source remake of the classic city-building simulator Caesar III, aiming to expand upon its possibilities. Available on Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and Wine, it's a unique Command and Conquer alternative for those who appreciate the city-building and resource management aspects of RTS, with medieval themes and multiplayer support.

Age of Mythology

Age of Mythology is a commercial real-time strategy game for Windows that focuses on town building, resource gathering, army creation, and strategic combat. It’s an excellent Command and Conquer alternative for players who enjoy a more fantastical setting with mythological units and powers, featuring robust multiplayer modes and deep RTS gameplay.

openage

Openage is a free and open-source Age of Empires engine, built from scratch. Compatible with Mac, Windows, Linux, and BSD, it offers a strong Command and Conquer alternative for those seeking a highly customizable and community-driven RTS experience. Its focus on open-source development means continuous improvements and a passionate player base.

Littlewargame

Littlewargame is a medieval-themed HTML5 Real-Time-Strategy game that runs entirely in your browser, requiring no installation. With multiplayer mode and a map editor, this free web-based RTS is a convenient and accessible Command and Conquer alternative for quick strategic battles without any downloads.

Empire Earth

Empire Earth (EE) is a commercial real-time strategy video game for Windows and Java Mobile, known for spanning vast periods of human history. It's an excellent Command and Conquer alternative for players who enjoy progressing through different historical eras, offering diverse units and technologies within its RTS gameplay.

Dune Legacy

Dune Legacy is a free and open-source effort to revitalize Dune II, often considered the first real-time strategy game and a direct precursor to C&C. Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, it's a perfect Command and Conquer alternative for those who want to experience the roots of the genre with modern enhancements and endless gameplay possibilities.

Earth

The Earth series (Earth 2140, 2150, 2160) are commercial 2-D real-time strategy games for Windows and Linux with a strong sci-fi theme. These titles offer robust multiplayer and RTS features, making them a compelling Command and Conquer alternative for players who enjoy futuristic warfare and strategic base building.

Dune

The Dune series, including Dune II, Dune 2000, and Emperor: Battle for Dune, laid the groundwork for the RTS genre. These commercial games are available on Windows, AmigaOS, and PlayStation, providing a direct historical link to Command and Conquer. As a Command and Conquer alternative, they offer a similar blend of resource gathering and tactical combat in the iconic Dune universe.

Whether you're looking for open-source passion projects that revive classic gameplay, expansive historical sagas, or cutting-edge sci-fi battles, there's a Command and Conquer alternative out there for every RTS enthusiast. Explore these options and find the perfect strategic fit for your next gaming session!