6. Age of Empires Series
One of the first strategic real-time games to use a somewhat historical basis, The Age of Empires series is considered by many to be one of the founding games in the RTS genre. From 1997 to present day, and beyond from the looks of the art book released in the Collectors' Edition of Age of Empires III, the series has been known for fun. It's a little more laid back than the majority of strategy titles, but at its core is the rock-paper-scissors foundation that has stayed with us for decades. From the Stone Age through Iron, from the colonization of America through the French and Indian War, and coming in the future, the Great Wars and even the future. The name Age of Empires has meant something, and will for years to come.

5. Total Annihilation
There are many that argue TA as the greatest RTS of all time. Then again, there are many that would argue for every game on this list, and probably many others not even present. Total Annihilation did a great deal to revolutionize the genre, and included many features still lacking from some modern titles. Yet it's still very dated. Some games still play perfectly after ten years, but Total Annihilation leaves players wishing for a modern counterpart. Perhaps when its spiritual successor (Supreme Commander) releases it will be higher on "the list", but for now, as great as it is, Total Annihilation rests in slot 5.

4. Rise of Nations
Quite possibly the greatest historical RTS game of all time, Rise of Nations came from Big Huge Studios and Microsoft Games, and proves that the complexity of deep strategy can be blended with easy-to-play menus and strategic design. Units are greatly varied and the list of playable nations is gigantic. The game has fantastic scenarios and brilliant multiplayer that leaves everyone wanting more. And they can have it. Not to mention, a whole new game mode "Conquer the World", which is still one of the greatest inventions in RTS history. Still unconfirmed, the sequel will eventually be coming from Big Huge, and it's a good bet it will be just as amazing.

3. Command & Conquer Series
How does one describe arguably the most fiercely loved of military game series ever on a PC? The three distinct series within the Command & Conquer umbrella are very different in universe, but very similar in gameplay. The primary series is "Tiberian", which focuses on terrorists NOD and their attack on the western world. The UN's Global Defense Initiative (GDI) takes them on, and brings a great set of games, with another due out next year which is supposed to return the entire series to its roots. Also notable are the Red Alert series, which involves Yuri and the Russians taking on America in the future Cold War. There's also Generals which was a large departure from the other games in the Command & Conquer series, and is very heavily debated. Overall one of the most fantastic series ever to grace PCs, and still living strong. Westwood will always be remembered as the giants of strategy they were.

2. StarCraft
Who hasn't heard the phrase "ZERG RUSH!"? And with good reason... those little bastards can hurt in large numbers. The creatures of Blizzard (and terrans') creation are still considered some of the worst beings in the history of space travel. Not to mention the so-brilliant-it's-frightening Protoss, with their teleportation and terrifying Archons. The races, locations, and twisted story of StarCraft will live forever in the minds of all of its players. Besides, it still plays just as great as ever, and still has a very active online community. If you haven't gotten into it yet, there's no reason not to jump on in. The greatest space RTS in history waits for no one. If only Blizzard would ever respond to the call for the desperately needed sequel...

1. WarCraft Series
Without even counting the super-crazy-mega-amazing hit World of WarCraft that was inspired (and draws heavily from) this series, the WarCraft series is one of the most acclaimed and beloved series of all time, in any genre. With two, and eventually four, races battling over two continents and a few extra-planar locales, Blizzard proves that crowding is a problem in every universe. Orcs and Humans have warred throughout history, and with the third title's addition of the Undead and the Night Elves, things will only get worse (and therefore better). It's a close fight between WarCraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal and Warcraft III: Frozen Throne for greatest title of the series, but either way you're bound for great victories and horrible defeats.