Best iOS Games Like Command & Conquer

Although Electronic Arts’ Command & Conquer franchise is 30 years old, that doesn’t mean it hasn’t moved with the times. With the rise of mobile gaming, EA has even adapted the classic Command & Conquer real-time strategy gameplay into multiple mobile releases, such as Command & Conquer: Rivals and Command & Conquer: Legions.

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Within Apple’s iOS App Store, there are a range of other RTS titles available; from similar AAA real-time strategy adaptations, to retro-inspired indie takes on the genre.

8

Bad North: Jotunn Edition

A Microcosmic Interpretation Of The RTS Genre Designed For Mobile Devices

Although Swedish developer Raw Fury’s 2018 real-time strategy title Bad North arguably acts as a microcosm of the RTS genre’s tactical elements, its minimalist design lends itself to accessible play. Expanding the base game with improved mechanics and additional content, 2019’s Bad North: Jotunn Edition also brought the cutesy defending of randomly generated islands from Viking invaders to mobile devices.

Earning new units, choosing between a commander’s traits, and collecting items to continue the protection of the game’s microscopic dwellings have been elegantly adapted in the mobile port of this acclaimed RTS title. With the rising tension of multiple difficulty modes, and a customizable group of settlers, seeing Bad North‘s “adorable soldiers juxtaposed against the blood-stained realities of war” has never been easier.

7

Rome: Total War

One Of Total War’s Classic Titles Made Easily Available On iOS

Systems

Released

September 22, 2004

Considering the technological limitations of porting a real-time strategy title to mobile devices, the fact that “few games have managed to capture the complexity of Roman civilization like Rome: Total War,“ and that it runs consistently, is seemingly a marvel of modern mobile video game development.

In porting Creative Assembly’s RTS classic, mobile users cannot only play one of the Total War series’ most acclaimed titles, but they can take it with them wherever they go. Although Rome: Total War on iOS is certainly a streamlined version of the 2004 classic, the arguably praise-worthy performance and fidelity of its mobile port are to be commended.

6

Company Of Heroes

The Inaugural Entry Of Relic Entertainment’s World War 2 RTS On Mobile

In setting its sights on a more personal, small-scale skirmish approach to real-time strategy gameplay, Relic Entertainment’s Company of Heroes introduced an innovative new property to the 2004 RTS market. Beyond that, it also sought to stake its claim on a more narrative-focused experience.

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Paired with the smooth gameplay and fast load times of Feral Interactive’s mobile port, playing Company of Heroes on iOS is arguably much the same experience as would be expected of its retail PC release. Ultimately, Company of Heroes is not just a flagship title of the real-time strategy genre, but one of the best WW2 experiences on the market. As such, especially considering the mobile port’s accessibility and versatility, commanding Allied units has arguably never been easier.

5

World War Armies

A Vehicle-Focused RTS Title Set During The Conflict Of The Second World War

• Released: February 02, 2024
• Developer(s): Hypemasters Inc.
• Platform(s): iOS, Android, PC
• Genre(s): Real-Time Strategy

While the setting of the Second World War has seen more than its fair share of titles, most have seemingly focused on the brothers-in-arms comradery and bravery of the conflict.

In zeroing in on the military might of WW2’s various armored vehicles, World War Armies provides players with a free-to-play real-time strategy experience that provides infantry units but arguably focuses on the explosive exploits of the war’s machinery. Bolstered by player-versus-player combat, Hypemasters’ entry into the video game space has provided mobile players with a consistent and compelling entry-level RTS.

4

Age Of Empires Mobile

Microsoft’s Flagship Real-Time Strategy Franchise Makes The Jump To Mobile

Systems

Developer(s)

Level Infinite

Publisher(s)

Level Infinite

Considering the weight of Microsoft’s real-time strategy franchise Age of Empires‘ name, the fact that a competent and consistent adaptation of the RTS series was brought to mobile devices is astounding.

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However, as “historical strategy games are becoming all the more popular on mobile devices,” it’s less surprising that developer Level Infinite was able to bring the 25-year-old RTS property to iOS. Following a similar path to core Age of Empires titles, with minor mechanical alterations for new players and the new platform, Age of Empires Mobile is not only an arguably impressive RTS on the app store but also a worthy addition to Microsoft’s library of games in general.

3

Iron Marines

A Cutesy Starcraft-Inspired RTS With Explosive Action & Grand Scale

Systems

Released

September 13, 2017

Despite its cartoon-like visuals and implementation of chibi-esque hero units, Ironhide Game Studio’s 2017 real-time strategy title Iron Marines is arguably as competent as some of the genre’s best entries. Available on both mobile devices and PC, Iron Marines‘ objective-based gameplay and science-fiction setting make it stand out from many other video games of its like.

From defending key areas to attacking enemy strongholds, the vast number of units and abilities on screen is a testament to the power of modern smart devices. While some other strategy titles on iOS may opt for a more concentrated approach, Iron Marines‘ grand scope and extensive unit selection make it a perfect cell phone gaming experience.

2

Rusted Warfare

An Interpretation Of Classic RTS Gameplay Unhindered By Modern Visuals

Systems

Released

July 14, 2017

Developer(s)

Corroding Games

Publisher(s)

Corroding Games

Despite the waning horsepower of mobile devices compared to video game consoles and PCs, many developers who wish to see their titles on iOS and Android often attempt to get as much graphical intensity from the devices as possible.

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In a drastic reversal of this priority, Corroding Games’ 2017 RTS title Rusted Warfare seemingly places gameplay first before aesthetics; seeking to be “inspired by classic real-time strategy games with modern tech.” Utilizing a retro-inspired top-down view and minimalist sprites, Rusted Warfare makes use of its improved performance to provide players with more than 50 unique units with consistent battles with thousands of divisions at play.

1

Art Of War 3: Global Conflict

An Entry-Level RTS Depicting Modern Warfare With A Sci-Fi Spin

Art of War 3

Systems

Considering the Command & Conquer series’ position as “the IP for anyone wanting to get into RTS” titles, it should be no surprise that any video game wishing to lean into Electronic Arts’ 30-year-old series should hope to be similarly accessible.

As such, with campaign missions for each faction and the ability to control each unit independently, Gear Games’ Art of War 3: Global Conflict is simultaneously an entry-level title and a competent experience for proficient players. With a traditional hero versus villain story with the warring factions of the Confederation and the Resistance, along with unique units and abilities, Art of War 3: Global Conflict is a content-rich experience that is more than worth the time investment for any Command & Conquer enthusiasts.

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