The best games with unique blends of RTS and RPG gameplay

Key insights

• Combining RPG elements with strategy games can create unique experiences held together by story-based campaign modes.
• Games like
  Dawn Of War 2
  And
  Warlords Battlecry 3
  introduced hero units and RPG mechanics to RTS gameplay.
• Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos
  has redefined the RTS genre by integrating hero units and RPG-style campaigns and presenting excellent game design.

Many modern games combine two or more genres into something new, but that hasn't always been the case. First there were such Strategy games And Role playing games. It was only later that the developers decided to mix the two together to create something unique.

There have been some great games and entire franchises Mix RPG elements with strategy gameplay. Most often, these games take place in a fantasy world and are held together by a story-driven campaign mode that gives them meaning. Hero units are widely available, with the player having the opportunity to upgrade them and select new skills before using them in tactical battles. From iconic strategies to under-the-radar gems, these are it all the best games that combine the RTS and RPG genres.

8 Mount & Blade: Warband

Open world sandbox RTS

Mount & Blade: Warband is something strange in many ways. There are few RTS games that offer sandbox style gameplay. Mount & Blade: Warband achieves this by mixing in RPG elements as the player attempts to make the leap from humble mercenary to king of the land.

The game world is dynamic and the player can approach the game as they wish. They can form alliances, complete quests and build their reputation. The battles can be truly epic and follow a well-rounded RTS system. In total, Mount & Blade: Warband is a great game that both RTS and RPG fans can enjoy.

7 Warhammer 40K: Dawn Of War 2

The ultimate 40K RTS

The original Dawn of War was a good RTS, but it was a little one-dimensional in the way the player could completely ignore their hero units and play a game of overwhelming power, similar to a traditional RTS game.

Dawn of War 2 solved this problem. Much more emphasis was placed on the hero units and the tactical use of their special abilities. Additionally, the RPG-style unit progression system has been improved and keeping units alive to turn them into veterans has become much more beneficial.

6 Heroes of Might and Magic 3

Turn-based and real-time combined

It combines classic turn-based strategy gameplay with real-time aspects and an RPG-style progression system. Heroes of Might and Magic 3 is a fantastic game that is still worth playing today, even though it was first released over 20 years ago.

Set against a high fantasy backdrop, players must explore the map, gather armies, obtain equipment and level up. The game manages to maintain the pace even though the main gameplay is turn-based on the strategic map. The game also features a compelling story and a great campaign mode that further enhances the RPG elements.

5 Total War: Three Kingdoms

Asian-themed RTS with RPG elements

A combination of Asian-inspired RPG elements and tried and tested Total war RTS combat system,Total War: Three Kingdoms combines exceptional tactical combat with character development straight from the RPG playbook.

The campaign mode is set in the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history and is heavily based on the traditions of the region. The player is tasked with managing his chosen kingdom on the strategic map and controlling troops on the real-time battle maps. The narrative is well written and the game is highly polished. Overall, this is one of the better ones Total war Games that dared to deviate from the tried and tested recipe.

4 The Banner Saga 3

Nordic inspired storytelling

The Banner Saga 3 is a strategy game that focuses on storytelling. Based on Norse mythology, the game offers an RPG-style campaign experience, although the battles are purely strategic in nature.

The player controls characters who can be fully customized, developing new abilities and becoming more powerful and valuable units that the player can rely on in strategic battles. Overall, the result is a seamless blend of strategy and role-playing, held together by the great campaign mode and excellent narrative.

3 Warlords Battlecry 3

Hero units are key

Warlords Battlecry 3 did a fantastic job of combining some great RTS-style combat with sensible RPG mechanics. This was done primarily by introducing the player to hero units, which could be leveled up over time and then become an important part of the player's troop roster.

The level of customization in this game is impressive, as is the exquisitely crafted fantasy world in which the game is set. The player is free to build defensive bases or launch an all-out attack by assembling large armies. The campaign mode strikes a good balance between all-out warfare and rewarding exploration.

2 Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos

Redefining the RTS genre

This list wouldn't be complete without a Warcraft Game is mentioned, and that's it Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos that takes its rightful place at the top. This 2002 game completely changed the RTS genre by incorporating hero units and an RPG-style campaign.

With a superbly crafted narrative as you would expect from Blizzard, the game is highly polished in every way. In addition to classic RTS action, the player must level up his heroes, collect items and equipment, and choose the right skills for battle.

1 SpellForce: The Order of the Dawn

A fantastic RTS/RPG hybrid

• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Android
• Released: November 28, 2003
• developer: EA Phenomic
• genre: Real-time strategy, role-playing game

SpellForce: The Order of the Dawn takes the top spot on this list for a very good reason: the fact that it manages to fuse two very different genres, RPG and RTS, into a meaningful and unified whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Large-scale battles take place in a fantasy world in which the player levels up his heroes, unlocks new levels and collects better equipment for them. The fact that the player can seamlessly switch between leading an entire army and leading a single unit of heroes is the game's standout feature, which many other games have tried to emulate since then, with mixed results.