Top 10 Multiplayer RTS Games

Many real-time strategy games now have multiplayer options that allow you to wage war over the Internet. In most cases you are required to gather resources, research new technology, build up an army, and use it to vanquish your enemy. The player limit is typically between 6 and 12. A game's popularity is not the only consideration, and these selections are based in part on my opinion and your feedback. Feel free to let me know if I've missed something.

1) Warcraft 3
This game is the latest installment of Blizzard's award-winning Warcraft real-time strategy series. Although it was released in 2002, it's still one of the most widely played RTS games in pro competitions. The Battle Chest version includes the original, Reign of Chaos, and the first expansion, Frozen Throne. Features include 3D graphics, compelling new roleplaying elements, and expanded multiplayer options for up to 12 players over Battle.net.

2) Company of Heroes
Often referred to as one of the best PC games of 2006, Company of Heroes ties real-time strategy to a WWII setting with great results. The graphics are spectacular and the game allows you to make effective use of the terrain. Company of Heroes has only two factions, the Axis and the Allies, and there are a few limits to the the type of skirmish you can configure, but these minor issues really take nothing away from this outstanding game.

3) Supreme Commander
Described as the spiritual successor to Total Annihilation, Supreme Commander manages to scale up the RTS experience a few notches. The game supports an astounding number and variety of units, and the tech tree is similarly vast. A unique camera interface allows you zoom out to a tactical map that gives you a broad overview of the conflict. The maps can get truly enormous, resulting in battles that often go on for many hours.

4) Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War
Based on a famous tabletop strategy series, Dawn of War is a curious combination of fantasy and science fiction, beautifully rendered in 3D. There is a solid mix of units and none of the playable races have been given an overwhelming advantage. Although very different from the tabletop version, it is a nicely polished game with an active community. The Gold Edition includes the Winter Assault expansion.

5) Age of Empires III
Excellent graphics, an historical setting, and the same solid RTS gameplay as its predecessors have made this title a best-seller. Persistent home cities add another dimension to the strategy, and there is a good matchmaking service for finding online games. If you already have it, The WarChiefs, released in October of 2006, is the first expansion for Age of Empires III, and brings playable Native American factions into the fray.

6) Medieval 2: Total War
Medieval 2 is the latest addition to one of the most engaging RTS series to date, renowned for its depth, large scale battles, and unparalleled levels of strategic detail. Total War games are always a hit with history buffs, and the graphics in Medieval 2 are also quite stunning. One of the only drawbacks is that you can only play battles, not an entire campaign, in multiplayer mode.

7) Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle-earth Anthology
Battle for Middle-earth II improves on its predecessor in a few ways, such as allowing you to build wherever you want rather than only in designated locations. It also adds elves, dwarves, and goblins to the mix of playable races. The official competition ladders at GameSpy are very active, and the first expansion, The Rise of the Witch-King, launched in November of 2006. The Anthology includes the first Battle for Middle-earth, The Battle for Middle-earth II Collector's Edition, and The Rise of the Witch-King expansion within a single compilation.

8) Command & Conquer: The First Decade
The Command and Conquer series from Westwood has become an RTS institution over the years. C&C: Generals is fully 3D addition to the franchise not only takes the graphics to new level, it also uses a more current setting, introduces new veteran units, and gives C&C addicts a third side to play. The First Decade package is a great deal for C&C fans, as it includes pretty much every game and expansion in the series so far, including C&C: Generals and Zero Hour.

9) StarCraft: Brood War
This is a classic sci-fi RTS from the makers of Warcraft which still has a large and very devoted following. Control one of three different species, each with their own unique units and special powers, in an effort to take over the galaxy. StarCraft remains one of the most popular RTS games played in video game competitions, especially in Korea. The Battle Chest version includes the Brood War expansion, and it supports up to 8 players over Battle.net.

10) Rise of Nations: Thrones and Patriots
With 18 playable races and a tech tree that covers everything from swords to missiles, Rise of Nations is a remarkably ambitious title. Loaded with game types and multiplayer options, Rise of Nations has won many accolades from the RTS community. The Thrones and Patriots expansion added six nations and a new government feature to the game.