Uncovering the Best OpenRA Alternatives for RTS Enthusiasts
OpenRA has carved a niche for itself as a beloved open-source re-implementation of classic Westwood RTS titles like Command & Conquer: Red Alert, Tiberian Dawn, and Dune 2000. Its commitment to modern hardware acceleration and community-driven mods has kept the spirit of these defining RTS games alive. However, for players looking to broaden their real-time strategy horizons or explore different takes on the genre, a wealth of excellent OpenRA alternative options await.
Top OpenRA Alternatives
Whether you're seeking more historical depth, fantastical battles, or continued open-source development, these alternatives offer compelling gameplay experiences for any RTS fan.
Age of Empires
Age of Empires is a historical, real-time strategy game series where you build a civilization over ages, spanning from the Stone Age to the Iron Age. As a commercial title available on Mac, Windows, Steam, and Xbox, it offers a distinct historical battle focus with strong single-player campaigns and robust RTS mechanics, making it a fantastic OpenRA alternative for those seeking a grander historical scope.
Warcraft III
Warcraft III, a commercial real-time strategy game by Blizzard Entertainment, is set a generation before the original Warcraft and features a rich fantasy world. Available on Commercial, Mac, Windows, and Linux, it provides a deep RTS experience with heroes and unique unit abilities, offering a more fantasy-driven OpenRA alternative for players.
Warzone 2100
Warzone 2100 is a free and open-source real-time strategy game where you join "The Project" to restore humanity after a nuclear war. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, BSD, and PortableApps.com, it boasts unique unit customization and a strong focus on research, making it a compelling open-source OpenRA alternative with a post-apocalyptic setting.
Widelands
Widelands is a free, open-source real-time strategy game that offers single-player campaigns and a multiplayer mode. Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, it's inspired by the Settlers series, focusing on intricate economic chains and resource management, providing a unique and engaging open-source OpenRA alternative.
Stronghold
Stronghold Crusader is a commercial RTS game from the Stronghold series, where players can take on roles like Richard the Lionheart. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and Wine, it focuses heavily on castle building and sieges, offering a distinct and engaging RTS experience as an OpenRA alternative for fans of tactical defense and offense.
Age of Mythology
Age of Mythology is a commercial real-time strategy game that blends historical elements with mythological creatures and gods. Available on Windows and Steam, it involves building towns, gathering resources, creating armies, and utilizing powerful god powers. It's an excellent OpenRA alternative for those who enjoy RTS with a mythological twist and multiplayer capabilities.
openage
openage is a free (as in freedom) open-source RTS Age of Empires engine, written from scratch in C++, Python, and more. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and BSD, it aims to provide a modern, open platform for Age of Empires gameplay, making it an ideal open-source OpenRA alternative for fans of classic RTS mechanics and community development.
Command and Conquer
Command & Conquer (C&C) is the legendary commercial real-time strategy video game franchise that largely inspired OpenRA. Available on Windows, Linux, and Wine, the original series offers the classic RTS experience with base building, resource gathering, and tactical combat. It's a fundamental OpenRA alternative for those wanting to revisit the original games or explore other titles in the iconic series.
Empire Earth
Empire Earth, a commercial real-time strategy video game, allows players to advance through historical epochs, from prehistory to the nano age. Available on Windows and Java Mobile, it offers a vast scale of historical progression and diverse units. Its grand scope makes it a compelling OpenRA alternative for players interested in evolving civilizations through time.
Dune Legacy
Dune Legacy is a free and open-source effort to revitalize the first-ever real-time strategy game, Dune II. Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, it aims to provide an enhanced experience of the classic game, making it an excellent OpenRA alternative, particularly for fans of the original Dune RTS and those who appreciate continued open-source development.
With a diverse range of options from historical epics to fantasy battles and robust open-source projects, the world of RTS gaming offers plenty beyond OpenRA. Explore these alternatives to discover your next favorite strategy game and find the perfect fit for your tactical preferences and gameplay desires.