5 Best Real-Time Strategy Games With Unlockable Characters

Key Takeaways

• Real-time strategy games offer a variety of settings, from World War II to futuristic Sci-fi scenarios.
• Some real-time strategy games feature unlockable characters that can be accessed through DLC or gameplay progression.
• Games like StarCraft 2 and Total War: Three Kingdoms provide players with the option to unlock additional commanders or factions for enhanced gameplay.

Real-time strategy games are extremely fun as they force players to take tactical approaches to every encounter and plan out their warfare campaigns to maximize their chances of emerging victorious. There’s no shortage of settings for such games, from World War 2 to technologically advanced Sci-fi futures, and even a remote past with underdeveloped civilizations.

While most games in this genre are already very complex and complete, some also feature various characters that must be unlocked either through game progression and grinding or by purchasing a DLC. Here are some of the best real-time strategy games with unlockable characters.

5 StarCraft 2

Players Can Unlock Several Commanders Through An Expansion

• Players can unlock some commanders through a DLC
• Exciting story with multiple events

Set four years after the events of the original game, StarCraft 2 offers real-time combat game mechanics, a complex story and an entertaining campaign. Although the game features various commanders that are already free from the beginning, others will have to be unlocked through the purchase of the Legacy of the Void expansion.

Nowadays, players can purchase the expansion for a fair price that will help them unlock four different new commanders: Swann, Zagara, Vorazun, and Karax. All in all, not too bad considering how much each commander helps improve the gaming experience.

4 Company Of Heroes 2

Players Can Choose Between Spending Money Or Grinding For Commanders

• Players can control factions of the Soviet army
• Unlocking commanders can either be done for free or via a DLC purchase

Similar to its predecessor, Company of Heroes 2 is set during World War II. However, in this instance, players will have control over the Soviet army as they try to manage and gather resources, defeat enemy units and work towards unlocking different rewards, including commanders.

While the game allows players to unlock different commanders through grinding and continuous victories, they can also choose to purchase them through DLC, saving them hundreds of hours and a lot of effort. This title features entertaining combat game mechanics, and real-time strategy elements, which will force players to take tactical approaches with every encounter.

3 The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth 2

Heroes Are Unlocked Through Progression And Different Campaigns

• Players must complete the Good and Bad campaigns to unlock all heroes
• Great story-driven combat mechanics

The works of J.R.R. Tolkien are one of the greatest literary collections in existence, and as such, they’ve inspired a nearly endless series of films, TV shows, spin-offs, collectables, and, of course, games. The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth 2 is a great example of how real-time strategy games work extremely well in a setting like this. The game begins right after the Fellowship of the Ring begins their journey towards Mordor. And while Frodo and the rest are in for a dangerous adventure full of adrenaline-rushing moments, things aren’t all peaceful in Rivendell, as the elven hero Glorfindel discovers the threat of an impending attack on the famed elven sanctuary.

The game features amazing real-time strategy mechanics that force players to plan their every move carefully while choosing to either take on the Good or the Bad campaign. As they progress through the story, players can unlock different heroes and villains, such as Urulooke, Brerthor, Maur, Mektar, and many more.

2 Total War: Three Kingdoms

A Great Strategic Game Involving A Power Struggle

• A struggle for power set in ancient China
• Most factions and characters are already unlocked, but a few more can be purchased

Set in China in 190 AD, Total War: Three Kingdoms focuses on the collapse of the powerful Han Dynasty, which not only results in extreme political and social turmoil but also unleashes a series of events that will have different factions fight against each other in an effort to control the throne and gain power over the entire territory. Total War: Three Kingdoms features various personal allegiances and powerful strategic alliances that players will have to carefully consider in order to ensure victory and increase their chances of success. Led by warlords Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Sun Quan, players can control different factions on the battlefield to unify China and become the ultimate ruler.

While most factions in the game are already available since the beginning, players unlock an additional one once they reach the end of the campaign and deal with Dong Zhuo. Also, there are three additional factions that can be obtained by purchasing a DLC.

1 Northgard

Warchief Skins Are Prized Unlockables In The Game

• Many Viking-era elements
• Players can unlock warchief skins for their factions

Northgard is set in the middle of the Viking era, and focuses on the story of a prince who wishes nothing more than to avenge his father after he was murdered by the leader of the Clan of the Raven. Similar to other real-time strategy games, Northgard focuses on resource gathering and management, as well as territory exploration and conquering. The game features different regions with specific elements to each one and a dynamic weather system that makes the experience a lot more realistic.

While the game doesn’t have a particular system to unlock new characters and commanders, it does allow players to unlock warchief skins, which can be used to cosmetically upgrade their clans and give them a fierce look.