We’ve compiled a list of the best online strategy games for those who like a challenge and want to take on a large community of players. The titles that we’ve jotted down below have something for MMO and MOBA enthusiasts as well as RTS fans, and they’re all enjoyable in their own unique way.
Most of the titles are available for free, while others will have you shell out hard cash for purchasing content in-game. Apart from this, a few of them won’t require you to install large amounts of data as they run directly from a browser.
1. DOTA 2:
What once started as a mere mod has now spawned into a full-fledged release. DOTA 2 is the sequel to the Defense of the Ancients map which was created for Warcraft 3. Owing to its wide popularity, Valve decided to make it into a stand-alone title that can be played on Windows, OS X and Linux. This release is no different from the original where gameplay is concerned.
The graphics have been heavily improved here by adopting the Source engine, while the hero names, abilities, items and map layout remains untouched. The objective, as always, is to destroy the opponent’s Ancient structure with the help of teammates.
2. Heroes of Newerth:
Heroes of Newerth which is also known as HoN is based on DOTA and basically possess the same style of gameplay. There are, however, different heroes to choose from and a fresh inventory system has been implemented. The title currently offers three maps which are designed for 3 vs. 3 or 5 vs. 5 matches with different bosses and number of paths for combat.
The main objective here is to guide your hero into combat and destroy the opposition’s central structure. Teamwork is an essential component and building an inventory based on the type of hero (intelligence, strength, agility, legion and hellbourne) selected and its attack type (ranged or melee) will give you an advantage.
3. League of Legends:
League of Legends is yet another title that has been heavily influenced by DOTA. This one and Heroes of Newerth share the same characteristics and what basically sets them apart is the community – Some prefer League of Legends while others side with HoN. Like in the latter, the game starts off with two teams of five players each and the objective is to breach into the enemy’s base and destroy their Nexus.
There is a choice of 116 different champions (heroes) with more being added over the months. Here, you can also create custom game modes and play against AI. LoL offers 4 maps which are referred to as Fields of Justice.
4. Command & Conquer: Tiberium Alliances
Command & Conquer Tiberium Alliances is the first browser-based title on this compilation. Developed by EA Phenomic, it was launched back in 2012 as a free-to-play online RTS game, but requires an Origin account. As the name suggests, this release is based on the Tiberium series in the C&C franchise.
Here, you start off with a small sector and while there’s no specific storyline, the primary objective is world domination. To do so, you will have to expand your borders by collecting resources and constructing new bases. Over the course of time, you may need to form alliances with others in order to survive.
5. Neptune’s Pride 2
Unlike the aforementioned titles, Neptune’s Pride 2 is more relaxed and doesn’t require you to play for continuous hours. Being browser-based and designed with HTML5, the developer has made it accessible even on smartphones and tablets. This one is a simple board game that combines strategy and space conquest into one package.
The objective is pretty simple – You have to conquer half of the stars in the galaxy. The gameplay is in real-time and comprises of 8 players, but takes weeks for victory as actions consume several hours to be completed. With every star in your control, you’ll get more ships and money as well as learn new technologies.
6. Prime World:
Prime World is an MMORPG and MOBA hybrid which the developers are calling an RPS (role playing strategy). The title is created and published by Nival and is currently in beta testing. The gameplay is pretty much the same as what you’d find in DOTA 2 and other MOBAs, albeit the creators have put in a slight twist in the form of castle building and resource gathering.
You start off creating your own base with different buildings that are used for mining resources which are essential for equipping heroes with talents. You play as either the Dokht Imperium or the Keepers of Adornia and fight for prime which is the main resource.
7. Smite:
As you’ve already seen, most of the games we’ve listed here are basically based on DOTA. Well, so is Smite. However, this developer has taken a different approach with this one. The usual MOBA features an overview camera which is above the player. This title has a third-person interface instead which is both something to love and hate depending on your preference. And no, the view is not changeable, but the graphics are absolutely gorgeous. Instead of heroes, you’ll take on the role of a mythological god.
Apart from better visuals, you’ll have the same gameplay experience. There are two teams each having 5 players. Your goal is to make your way down lanes, fight creeps, towers as well as other gods, and destroy the opponent’s Minotaur to earn victory.
Conclusion:
Several of the best online strategy games ought to be enough. Remember, they’re mostly free, but if you want the upper hand, in-title purchases is the way to go, although we wouldn’t recommend it. Also, some of them are in beta testing, so the final release may be different from what we’ve described.