Real-time strategy games (RTSs) are invading PCs this year. Are you ready? Two RTSs recently came out for Games for Windows: Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War II and Empire: Total War. They're two ends of a rich RTS spectrum. Whether you're new to RTSs or a lapsed player who hasn't deployed a troop in ages, here is a handy guide for easing into the RTS pool so you can be ready for the new Games for Windows - LIVE RTS Stormrise and the hotly anticipated RTS Starcraft II .

For the Private—the lapsed or newbie player

Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War II is the game for you if you've never played RTSs before or if you stopped playing from the crushing weight of too much micromanagement. In Dawn of War II, you don't have to gather resources all over the map, just power. You don't have to manage a complex array of buildings, just guard your single base, which is responsible for building your entire army. What you're really sitting down to do is concentrate on the fight. That's where the game excels.

Here a Pro Tip for getting your feet wet in RTSs with Dawn of War II: Play a multiplayer game with computer opponents set on Easy mode. This is a fantastic way to learn the game because you have the luxury of time to build whatever troops you'd like to learn about. Don't be in a rush to crush the enemy. Take your time to build, deploy, and learn about every different kind of troop and option at your disposal. Believe me, your patience will pay off.

Check out my turret strategy article for more tips.

For the General—the grizzled RTS veteran

When you're ready for a more hardcore RTS experience, conquer the planet with Empire: Total War. One part of the game is focused solely on empire building and resource management. You'll gather resources from around the world and allocate them toward things like researching technology. Advanced technology will allow you to build specialized facilities, which will allow you to gather more resources and build advanced weapons of war. And of course if you're building an empire you’ll be busy with diplomacy, infrastructure construction, and other things to manage, including your fighting forces.

When it comes to fighting, the game's split into two parts: naval and land battles. Each have their own styles of play, controls and specialized tactics. Land battles have different types of troops with their own capabilities while naval battles feature many types of ships and choices, even down to the types of shot you want to load your cannons with.
It's a vast game.

You won't lack for things to do in Empire: Total War.

On to Victory

If you're new or lapsed, start out with Dawn of War II. You’ll get a lot of replayability out of it and it is not intimidating. When you're comfortable capturing victory points and power nodes, graduate to Empire: Total War. If you're already experienced, you'll find the detailed and complex Empire: Total War offers everything you want and more.

After playing these two games you'll be ready for any RTS that hits the market.

— Eric Haddock
Gamertag: Abashima

 Related Dawn of War II Articles: Basics  | Intermediate Tactics  | Turret Strategy