There’s a lot to love about the PlayStation 3. The system has an excellent library of games, and many of them are real-time strategy titles.

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The PlayStation 3 has been out for over six years and several great RTS games came about during that time.

Let’s look at the best real-time strategy games the PS3 has to offer!

What is a Real-Time Strategy Game?

Real-time strategy games allow the player to build an army and control and deploy resources to win. Generally, you’ll have a top-down view of the land, using it to move around units and resources to accomplish goals and missions.

PlayStation 3 History

The PlayStation 3 is a video game console released by Sony Computer Entertainment. It was the successor to PlayStation 2 and is the third iteration in the PlayStation lineup of consoles. The PlayStation 3 competed with Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and Nintendo’s Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles.

The PS3 was first released in Japan on November 11, 2006, with international markets following shortly after. It was the first console to use Blu-ray discs as its primary storage medium. Launched in late 2006, the PS3 beat rival Microsoft’s Xbox 360 to market by more than a year and became the fastest-selling console in history up until that point.

As of July 2022, Sony has sold over 87.41 million units worldwide.

The 7 Best PlayStation 3 Real-Time Strategy Games

Let’s dive into some of the best RTS games for the PlayStation 3, based on user ratings from Metacritic.

#7. emTom Clancy’s EndWar/em

The PlayStation 3 was the first home gaming console to support online play, and it was a big deal. When emTom Clancy’s EndWar/em was released in 2008, it was one of the first real-time strategy games that allowed players to compete against each other in real-time. 

  • Deeply customizable armies featuring unit ranks and hundreds of upgrades add up to endless replay value.Can be played almost entirely via the revolutionary voice command system.Experience a chillingly realistic vision of World War III in the fashion of the best techno-thrillers.Explore 40 stunningly realistic real-world battlefields set in Europe and the United States, including Washington D.C., Paris, and Moscow.Go to war online in a persistent multiplayer campaign allowing hundreds of player matchups in battles that can last for months at a time.

The gameplay was similar to Command & Conquer: Generals, released on PC in 2003. Players built bases for their troops and vehicles to control more territories on the map. The goal was to destroy your opponent’s base before they destroy yours.

#6. emR.U.S.E./em

emR.U.S.E./em is a World War II-themed real-time strategy game from Ubisoft set on European battlefields between 1940 and 1941.

  • Deception is the essence of R.U.S.E.’s gameplay, just as it is the core of warfare: deception techniques such as espionage, decoys and radio silence played an essential role during World War II and…

The player assumes control of one of three factions: Germany, Russia, or France, each with its unique units and tactics to master. The goal is simple: destroy your opponent’s headquarters before they do it to you.

The game features five different single-player campaigns covering all significant battles during WWII and five multiplayer modes, including Deathmatch, Domination, and Capture the Flag. emR.U.S.E./em was released in 2011 and received generally positive reviews from critics and players who praised its visuals and gameplay mechanics.

#5. Anomaly: Warzone Earth

Anomaly: Warzone Earth is a real-time strategy game about destroying your enemies’ bases with spacecraft.

It’s set in a post-apocalyptic world where humans are trying to survive an alien invasion. The game puts you in charge of controlling units that can be sent into the field to fight against other teams controlled by A.I. or other players online.

The game starts slow but gets incredibly difficult in later levels. You’ll have to think fast enough to make the right decisions at the right time while also managing resources like ammo, fuel, and repair kits. It’s challenging, engaging, and enjoyable.

#4. Fat Princess

A few years ago, Fat Princess was one of the first free-to-play titles on the PlayStation Network. Since then, it’s been reworked into a full-fledged game with online multiplayer, new character classes, and even more.

Fat Princess is a multiplayer game for up to 32 players, and the goal is to rescue the princess and bring her back to your base (a twist on capture the flag). The players pick up and carry cakes to feed the Princess, which makes her heavier and harder to bring her back to her castle.

The gameplay is simple but fun and has an excellent sense of humor. The graphics are bright and colorful, although they could be more detailed and realistic. It’s worth checking out if you’re looking for something new and different from other R.T.S. games.

#3. PixelJunk Monsters Encore

PixelJunk Monsters Encore is the second game in the series, and it’s just as good as the first one. The gameplay is similar, but some new features make this game worth playing if you are a fan of the genre. 

The main difference between this game and the original PixelJunk Monsters is that you can now control your troops directly during combat by giving them commands like move here or attack this enemy instead of just sending them into battle blindly like in the original game. This makes for some exciting gameplay because it makes it possible to micromanage your troops during combat. 

#2. PixelJunk Monsters

PixelJunk Monsters was initially released in 2007 by Q-Games but was later re-released in 2012 as PixelJunk Monsters Deluxe Edition. The game features eight monsters you can control as you try to defend your base from an army of evil monkeys.

The gameplay is similar to other tower defense games where you must protect your base from waves of enemies entering through specific points on the map. However, unlike most tower defense games where you place towers down to attack any enemies, Monsters also features a combat component where you can directly control one of your monster units and fight off any enemies.

#1. emPlants vs. Zombies/em

emPlants vs. Zombies/em is a tower defense video game developed by PopCap Games. It was released for the PC on May 5, 2009, and later ported to other systems and released on other platforms.

  • Five original game modes: Adventure, Puzzle, Mini-Games, Survival and Zen GardenNew Co-op mode: Team up with a friend to fight the undead, take on challenges, go wall-nut bowling, and moreNew Versus mode: Challenge a friend and choose your side - plants or zombies21 mini-games including Whack-a-Zombie, Pogo Party and Beghouled TwistIncludes two bonus games: Peggle and Heavy Weapon

The game’s main objective is to protect a house from an onslaught of zombies by placing different plants and fungi around it. The game is lost if all the zombies reach their goal (the player’s house). Plants can be placed strategically to defend against zombies attacking the house and collect sunlight for additional income throughout the day.

The game received positive reviews from critics at release, with praise mainly directed at its presentation, humor, and gameplay mechanics. 

Where to Buy PlayStation 3 Real-Time Strategy Games

You can find RTS games from the PlayStation Store. The best part about buying from here is that you can download your game immediately after purchasing it, so you won’t have to wait for anything to be shipped.

GameStop is another good place to look for real-time strategy games on PlayStation 3. The site has a wide selection of new and used titles and consoles. Best Buy also has many new and used PlayStation 3 real-time strategy games available online.

Final Thoughts

Strategy games are some of the most popular video games on the planet, and this is especially true for gamers who play on PlayStation 3. From real-time strategy games like PixelJunk to tactical war games like Tom Clancy’s EndWar, there are plenty of great options for PS3 owners looking for a fun new game.

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