Real-time Strategy Gaming
Bubble
Skill
RTS Gaming is a community of enthusiasts, competitors, and creators focused on real-time strategy video games where players manage reso...Show more
Real-time Strategy Gaming
Bubble
Skill
RTS Gaming is a community of enthusiasts, competitors, and creators focused on real-time strategy video games where players manage resources, units, and tactics in live, fast-paced environments.
Statistics
Estimated Global Reach
6M
Popularity
Medium
Regional Hotspot
Worldwide
Country Hotspots
KR
+4
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General Q&A
RTS gaming centers on fast-paced strategy games where players control units and resources in real time, demanding quick thinking and advanced planning.
Community Q&A
RTS gaming centers on fast-paced strategy games where players control units and resources in real time, demanding quick thinking and advanced planning.
Community members gather on online ladders, forums, Discord servers, and at tournaments—bonding over ranked matches, team play, and iconic showmatches.
Community Q&A
Summary
Key Findings
Meta Obsession
Opinion ShiftsRTS players deeply debate and evolve the meta, treating each patch or tournament change as a community-wide strategic puzzle to solve collectively and competitively.
Skill Rituals
Identity MarkersMastery in RTS is marked by ritualized practices like optimizing APM and perfecting build orders, signaling status and dedication within the community.
Legend Cult
Community DynamicsThe community mythologizes iconic matches and players, using them as a shared cultural touchstone that bonds members and defines ‘true’ RTS heritage.
Tactical Banter
Communication PatternsCommunication thrives on insider jargon and live tactical banter, reinforcing group identity and enabling intense, nuanced in-game coordination and post-game analysis.
Sub Groups
Competitive Players
Focused on ranked play, tournaments, and esports events.
Casual/Fan Communities
Fans who play for fun, share memes, and discuss game lore.
Modding & Mapmaking
Creators who develop custom maps, mods, and scenarios for RTS games.
Content Creators & Streamers
Individuals who produce guides, streams, and video content for the RTS community.
Statistics and Demographics
Platform Distribution
1 / 2
Steam Community
35%Steam Community is the central online hub for RTS gamers, offering game-specific groups, matchmaking, discussions, and mod sharing.
Discord
25%Discord hosts highly active, real-time chat servers dedicated to specific RTS games, tournaments, and fan communities.
Reddit
15%Reddit features large, active subreddits for RTS gaming and individual games, supporting discussion, strategy sharing, and news.
Gender & Age Distribution
Ideological & Social Divides
Community Development
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Insider Knowledge
Terminology
Greeting Salutations
Example Conversation
Insider
GLHF!
Outsider
What do you mean by that?
Insider
It means 'Good Luck, Have Fun'—a respectful way to start a match wishing your opponent well.
Outsider
Oh, that's nice! I like the sportsmanship.
Cultural Context
In RTS, GLHF is a traditional good luck wish exchanged before matches showing sportsmanship.
Inside Jokes
"Just one more probe..."
Commonly said when a player obsessively tries to build one more worker unit despite the risk, humorously highlighting the anxiety of resource management.
"That’s such a cheesy strat!"
Mocking a player who relies too heavily on early aggressive tactics that are risky but can be frustrating to face.
Facts & Sayings
„Build Order“
A precise, optimized sequence of actions for constructing buildings and units in the early game to gain an advantage.
„APM (Actions Per Minute)“
A measure of how many commands a player inputs per minute, reflecting speed and multitasking ability.
„Cheese“
A risky, aggressive tactic aiming for a quick win, often by surprise or exploiting early weaknesses.
„Wall-off“
Positioning buildings or units to block opponents' paths, especially at choke points, for defense.
„Timing Push“
An attack launched at a carefully chosen moment when certain units or technologies become available.
Unwritten Rules
Don't rage or insult opponents publicly.
Maintaining respect fosters a healthy competitive environment and prevents community toxicity.
Explain new strategies patiently when asked.
Sharing knowledge strengthens the community and helps newcomers improve.
Avoid revealing your entire strategy upfront.
Keeping some tactics secret maintains competitive tension and strategic depth.
Acknowledge good plays by opponents.
Recognizing skill builds mutual respect and encourages fair play.
Fictional Portraits
1 / 3
Lucas, 22
college studentmaleAn avid RTS gamer passionate about climbing the competitive ladder and streaming his gameplay for an online audience.
Competitive excellenceStrategic innovationCommunity respect
Motivations
- Mastering advanced strategies to win tournaments
- Growing his streaming channel and community
- Connecting with other competitive players to improve skills
Challenges
- Balancing gaming with academic responsibilities
- Dealing with toxic interactions in competitive matches
- Finding reliable practice partners for high-level play
Platforms
Discord competitive clansReddit RTS subredditsTournament chat platforms
microingmacroingrushharassteching up
Insights & Background
Historical Timeline
Main Subjects
Works
1 / 3
1 / 3
Works
First Steps & Resources
Get-Started Steps
Time to basics: 2-3 weeks
1
Choose a Starter RTS Game
1-2 hoursBasic
Summary: Select a beginner-friendly RTS game and install it to start learning core mechanics.
Details: The first step is to pick a real-time strategy game that is accessible to newcomers and has an active community. Popular choices often include games with robust tutorials and a range of difficulty settings. Research which games are recommended for beginners by browsing community forums or watching introductory videos. Once chosen, install the game on your device, ensuring your hardware meets the minimum requirements. This step is crucial because each RTS has unique mechanics, but foundational skills transfer across titles. Beginners often struggle with decision paralysis due to the variety of games available; focus on one to avoid being overwhelmed. Evaluate your progress by becoming comfortable with the game's interface and basic controls. If you can complete the tutorial missions without confusion, you’re ready for the next step.
2
Complete In-Game Tutorials
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Play through the game’s official tutorials to learn basic controls, resource management, and unit commands.
Details: Most modern RTS games offer built-in tutorials designed to introduce new players to essential mechanics such as resource gathering, unit production, and basic combat. Dedicate time to thoroughly completing these tutorials, even if they seem simple. Pay close attention to how the game teaches hotkeys, camera movement, and the user interface. Beginners often skip tutorials, missing out on foundational knowledge. If you find yourself struggling, replay sections or consult community guides for clarification. Mastery of the tutorial content is vital, as it forms the basis for more advanced strategies. Assess your progress by ensuring you can perform basic actions without hesitation and understand the game’s objectives. If you can win the final tutorial mission, you’re ready to move on.
3
Play Against AI Opponents
4-6 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Practice matches versus computer-controlled opponents to develop basic strategies and multitasking skills.
Details: After tutorials, start playing skirmish matches against AI at the easiest difficulty. Focus on building your economy, producing units, and experimenting with different strategies. This is a safe environment to make mistakes and learn at your own pace. Many beginners struggle with multitasking and managing multiple objectives; use this time to practice splitting your attention between resource gathering, base building, and combat. Try to gradually increase the AI difficulty as you improve. Use replays or post-game stats to identify areas for improvement, such as idle workers or inefficient build orders. This step is essential for building muscle memory and confidence before facing human opponents. Progress is evident when you can consistently defeat the AI on standard difficulty.
1
Choose a Starter RTS Game
1-2 hoursBasic
Summary: Select a beginner-friendly RTS game and install it to start learning core mechanics.
Details: The first step is to pick a real-time strategy game that is accessible to newcomers and has an active community. Popular choices often include games with robust tutorials and a range of difficulty settings. Research which games are recommended for beginners by browsing community forums or watching introductory videos. Once chosen, install the game on your device, ensuring your hardware meets the minimum requirements. This step is crucial because each RTS has unique mechanics, but foundational skills transfer across titles. Beginners often struggle with decision paralysis due to the variety of games available; focus on one to avoid being overwhelmed. Evaluate your progress by becoming comfortable with the game's interface and basic controls. If you can complete the tutorial missions without confusion, you’re ready for the next step.
2
Complete In-Game Tutorials
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Play through the game’s official tutorials to learn basic controls, resource management, and unit commands.
Details: Most modern RTS games offer built-in tutorials designed to introduce new players to essential mechanics such as resource gathering, unit production, and basic combat. Dedicate time to thoroughly completing these tutorials, even if they seem simple. Pay close attention to how the game teaches hotkeys, camera movement, and the user interface. Beginners often skip tutorials, missing out on foundational knowledge. If you find yourself struggling, replay sections or consult community guides for clarification. Mastery of the tutorial content is vital, as it forms the basis for more advanced strategies. Assess your progress by ensuring you can perform basic actions without hesitation and understand the game’s objectives. If you can win the final tutorial mission, you’re ready to move on.
3
Play Against AI Opponents
4-6 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Practice matches versus computer-controlled opponents to develop basic strategies and multitasking skills.
Details: After tutorials, start playing skirmish matches against AI at the easiest difficulty. Focus on building your economy, producing units, and experimenting with different strategies. This is a safe environment to make mistakes and learn at your own pace. Many beginners struggle with multitasking and managing multiple objectives; use this time to practice splitting your attention between resource gathering, base building, and combat. Try to gradually increase the AI difficulty as you improve. Use replays or post-game stats to identify areas for improvement, such as idle workers or inefficient build orders. This step is essential for building muscle memory and confidence before facing human opponents. Progress is evident when you can consistently defeat the AI on standard difficulty.
4
Watch Community Replays and Streams
3-5 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Observe skilled players via replays or live streams to learn tactics, build orders, and decision-making.
Details: Engage with the RTS community by watching replays of high-level matches or live streams. Focus on how experienced players manage their economy, execute build orders, and react to opponents. Take notes on strategies and timing, and try to understand the reasoning behind their decisions. Beginners often feel overwhelmed by the speed and complexity of advanced play; pause and rewind to break down key moments. This exposure helps you internalize effective habits and introduces you to the language and culture of the RTS community. Evaluate your progress by identifying strategies you can try in your own games and by becoming familiar with common terminology. This step also helps you connect with the broader community, which is vital for long-term engagement.
5
Join Online Matches and Communities
1-2 weeks (ongoing)Intermediate
Summary: Play online matches and participate in forums or chat groups to gain experience and connect with others.
Details: Transition to playing online matches against real opponents, starting with unranked or beginner lobbies. Expect to lose often at first—focus on learning from each game rather than winning. Engage with community forums, Discord servers, or chat groups to ask questions, share experiences, and find practice partners. Many beginners fear negative interactions or poor performance; remember that most communities welcome new players and offer advice. Use feedback from matches and discussions to refine your strategies. This step is crucial for developing adaptability and resilience, as human opponents are less predictable than AI. Progress is measured by your comfort in online play, ability to implement feedback, and growing sense of belonging in the community.
Welcoming Practices
„Offering to share beginner-friendly build orders.“
Helps newcomers develop foundational skills and feel included in the community.
„Inviting new players to observe replays and streams.“
Encourages learning through example and fosters connections with experienced members.
Beginner Mistakes
Ignoring economy while focusing only on combat units.
Balance resource gathering and unit production to maintain sustainable growth.
Overcommitting to a single strategy without adapting.
Learn to scout opponents and adjust tactics dynamically during matches.
Pathway to Credibility
Tap a pathway step to view details
Master basic build orders.
Demonstrates understanding of efficient early-game play, essential for competitiveness.
Consistently win ranked matches or local tournaments.
Proves skill and dedication, earning respect among peers.
Contribute to community discussions and share knowledge.
Positions oneself as a helpful insider and thought leader, fostering a positive reputation.
Facts
Regional Differences
North America
North American RTS scenes often emphasize flashy plays and aggressive strategies in tournaments.
Europe
European players tend to focus on meticulous macro-play and defensive tactics.
Asia
Asian RTS communities are notable for extremely high APM and technical precision.
Misconceptions
Misconception #1
RTS games are just about fast clicking.
Reality
Speed is important but strategic thinking, planning, and adaptability define successful RTS play.
Misconception #2
RTS is outdated compared to modern games.
Reality
The genre remains vibrant with active communities, regular tournaments, and remastered classics gaining renewed interest.
Misconception #3
All RTS games are the same.
Reality
Different RTS titles vary widely in mechanics, pacing, and strategic depth, each fostering unique subcultures.
Clothing & Styles
Gaming jersey or e-sports team apparel
Worn by competitive players and fans to show allegiance and professionalism in tournaments.
Comfort-focused attire (e.g., ergonomic gloves, esports branded hoodies)
Reflects the importance of comfort and performance during intense, long gaming sessions.
