The Best RTS Games for Cooperative Multiplayer Fun

14 December 2024

Hey there, fellow gamer! Looking to dive into a world of strategic mayhem and teamwork with your friends? Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games have got your back! Whether you're commanding vast armies, managing resources, or plotting the ultimate flank with your buddy, there's nothing quite like the thrill of a cooperative RTS experience.

But let’s be honest, finding the right RTS game that strikes the perfect balance between challenging gameplay, teamwork, and fun can be trickier than setting up a LAN party in 2002. (Remember those struggles?) Don't worry—I’ve got you covered. In this post, I’ll give you a rundown of some of the best RTS games that are perfect for co-op play. So grab your headsets, rally your squad, and let’s get strategizing!

Why RTS Games Are Perfect for Co-op

RTS games are like the chessboards of the gaming world—except with explosions, giant robots, and alien invasions. Their complex mechanics challenge you to think on your feet, manage resources, and outsmart your opponents.

But you know what makes them even better? Sharing the battlefield with a friend. Whether you're dividing responsibilities ("You handle defense, I'll take offense") or pooling resources, co-op play in RTS games adds a whole new level of strategy. Plus, let’s face it: having someone to laugh (or cry) with when EVERYTHING goes sideways makes the experience ten times more enjoyable.

The Top RTS Games to Play Co-op

1. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition

Platforms: PC, Xbox

Ah, the classic that refuses to grow old! “Age of Empires II” has been around for more than two decades, and its Definitive Edition has polished it to near perfection. In this timeless RTS, you'll build bustling empires, train massive armies, and wage epic wars across historical settings.

For co-op, the possibilities are endless. You and your friend can team up to crush AI opponents, take on challenging campaigns, or even create custom scenarios. There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of coordinating a pincer attack on an enemy castle while your buddy builds the ultimate economy behind the scenes.

Why It’s Great for Co-op:
- Deep strategic gameplay with lots of ways to work together.
- Tons of civilizations and playstyles to match your team dynamic.
- Updated graphics and quality-of-life improvements make it accessible to new and old players alike.

2. Starcraft II

Platforms: PC, Mac

If Age of Empires is the medieval knight of RTS games, then Starcraft II is the futuristic space marine. This iconic sci-fi RTS from Blizzard isn’t just about spamming Zerglings—it’s a masterclass in intense, high-stakes strategy.

The co-op mode in Starcraft II is where it really shines for friends. With a wide selection of commanders, each offering unique units and abilities, you can team up for some fast-paced action against AI enemies. Whether you’re Terran, Protoss, or Zerg, the key to victory is finding ways to complement each other’s strengths on the battlefield.

Why It’s Great for Co-op:
- Co-op missions are action-packed and designed for teamwork.
- Regularly updated with new content, ensuring endless replayability.
- The challenge scales up, so it's fun for both newbies and seasoned players.

3. Company of Heroes 3

Platforms: PC

Want to feel like a tactical genius while fighting epic battles in World War II? “Company of Heroes 3” is your ticket to glory. This game combines fast-paced RTS gameplay with a focus on tactical positioning and squad-based combat.

In co-op, you and your allies can tackle intense skirmish matches or dive into multiplayer modes that pit you against AI foes. The game’s emphasis on terrain and cover mechanics means you’ll constantly be brainstorming new strategies with your buddy.

Why It’s Great for Co-op:
- Teamwork is essential for executing flanking maneuvers and holding objectives.
- The destruction mechanics are incredibly satisfying—nothing bonds friends like blowing up enemy tanks together!
- Beautiful graphics and sound design bring the battlefield to life.

4. They Are Billions

Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One

Alright, picture this: you're running a colony in a steampunk apocalypse, and waves of zombies are closing in from all sides. Sounds stressful? It is. But it’s the good kind of stressful—and it’s way more manageable with a co-op buddy by your side.

“They Are Billions” is a unique mix of RTS and survival, where you must construct a base, gather resources, and defend against unrelenting hordes of undead. While the game doesn’t offer official co-op at launch, there are mods and community tools that let you share the burden with friends. Trust me, the sense of accomplishment after surviving a brutal zombie onslaught is unrivaled.

Why It’s Great for Co-op:
- Working together to build and defend your colony creates compelling teamwork.
- Every decision feels high-stakes, which makes victories sweeter.
- It’s a refreshing break from traditional RTS gameplay.

5. Northgard

Platforms: PC, Mac, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Vikings, anyone? “Northgard” offers an enchanting Norse mythology setting paired with deep strategic gameplay. You’ll build settlements, expand territories, and fight for survival in an unforgiving wilderness.

In co-op, you and your friends can choose clans with unique abilities and work together to conquer the map or repel enemies. The game’s focus on resource management and exploration adds a nice layer of complexity, keeping you engaged as you figure out the best path to victory.

Why It’s Great for Co-op:
- The mix of strategy and survival keeps gameplay fresh.
- You can divide roles—one person gathers resources, while the other explores.
- Gorgeous art style and atmospheric soundtrack make it a pleasure to play.

6. Wargame: Red Dragon

Platforms: PC

For those who want a more modern, military-themed RTS experience, “Wargame: Red Dragon” delivers big time. This game features massive battles with modern armies, tanks, helicopters, and warships.

Co-op play allows you and your squad to plan and execute large-scale operations against AI opponents. The tactical depth is insane—you’ll need to consider everything from reconnaissance to supply lines. It’s the kind of game where teamwork isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

Why It’s Great for Co-op:
- The massive scale of battles makes coordinating with friends incredibly rewarding.
- Tons of units and strategies to experiment with.
- Features a steep learning curve, but that makes mastering it with friends even more satisfying.

7. Warcraft III: Reforged

Platforms: PC, Mac

Who could forget the legendary “Warcraft III”? With its blend of traditional RTS mechanics and RPG elements, this game rewrites the rulebook in all the best ways. The “Reforged” edition brings updated graphics and improved features to an already stellar game.

In co-op, you can tackle custom maps, forge alliances, and dive into user-created content that keeps the experience fresh. And let’s not forget the nostalgia factor—it’s hard not to smile when revisiting this classic with a friend.

Why It’s Great for Co-op:
- The custom maps offer endless variety and creativity.
- The RPG mechanics set it apart from other RTS games.
- Playing “Warcraft III” together feels like reliving a piece of gaming history.

Tips for Making Co-op RTS Gaming Even More Fun

- Communicate, Communicate, Communicate: Whether you’re using in-game chat or Discord, good communication is the key to succeeding as a team.
- Share Resources Wisely: Many RTS games allow resource pooling. Make sure you’re on the same page about who needs what.
- Divide Roles: Splitting up tasks—like who focuses on offense vs. defense—can make your strategy more efficient.
- Celebrate Wins (and Laugh at Losses): At the end of the day, it’s all about having fun, no matter the outcome.

Final Thoughts

RTS games are a blast solo, but when you add a co-op twist, they become an entirely different beast. Whether you’re building empires in “Age of Empires II,” fending off zombies in “They Are Billions,” or executing tactical maneuvers in “Wargame: Red Dragon,” there’s no shortage of options for multiplayer fun. So gather your friends, pick your game, and get ready to dominate the battlefield.

And hey, don’t forget to grab some snacks—because nothing goes better with conquering worlds than a bag of chips, right? Happy gaming!