RTS is a genre where players are given simultaneous control over multiple characters, or units, which they move and order around a map in real time to complete objectives, usually destroying an enemy base. The hallmark of modern RTS is the balance between resource management and warfare, at the same time. Players need to harvest resources, build a base, allocate skill points in a tech tree, scout the map, seize central points, and micromanage their forces in engagements with the enemy. RTS' typically offer players multiple factions to choose from, which differ in aesthetics and play style. The most common distinction is one faction that prioritizes brute force and another that values technology and creative solutions to win. Most RTS' offer story campaigns for each faction, with missions book ended by pre-rendered or live action cutscenes but the heart of the genre is competitive matches against human opponents.

The seminal game of the genre is Dune II. While preceded by other strategy titles which took place in real time or gave you control over multiple units, it was the first to incorporate resource management into the formula that most RTS use today. The studio took this knowledge to create Command & Conquer, one of the most iconic RTS series in gaming, in which the NATO-esque Global Defense Initiative takes on the enigmatic Brotherhood of Nod. Led by the charismatic Kane, NOD wins over third world nations to monopolize Tiberium, an alien resource of powerful properties.

Another iconic series is Age of Empires. It combines classic RTS gameplay with its "ages" mechanic - once you meet certain requirements, you progress to the next age, which updates the aesthetics of your buildings and units while unlocking more options.

The current reigning king of the genre is Starcraft II. Starcraft and the Warcraft games are known for their heavy reliance on APM - actions per minute. The winner is often determined by who is able to out click their opponent and micromanage their units better. As you can imagine, this is something a lot of RTS' purposely try to move away from.

As far as where to start, I definitely recommend looking out for Age of Empires II HD in the ongoing Steam Sale. You can also grab the complete Command & Conquer collection for under $20, which will give you a dozen or so games and lots of good places to start. Also keep an eye out for Grey Goo. It should be in the Steam sale soon and it's one of my favorite games released in 2015 so far. The original creators of Dune II and C&C worked on it, it's a stellar product with lots of refreshing innovations but still stays true to everything the genre stands for. I could write more about it but this is already one long ass post.