RTS Basics

Its an old lament, and one that practically every Real Time Strategy beginner seems to suffer. This is RTSC's official strategy section. With a little luck, this introductory guide may help you out. Its very generic, not referring to any one game in particular and attempting (somewhat boldly) to put together some basic principles that you're likely to encounter in any game thats vaguely strategic and trundling along in real time. In all the RTS game's I've encountered, several things seemed to always repeat themselves.

While RTSC was originally a Beginners' Guide to Real Time Strategy for a now-and-then netgaming group, I've rejigged it to be a little more generic. I'm going to assume you know how to set up your own PC for a netgames event. RTSC only worries about the RTS end of the equation: getting your strategy game up to speed ASAP in the comfort and safety of your own home. While all RTS games come with a single player campaign that can teach you the bare basics of a game, it rarely prepares you for the multiplayer experience with wily humans. And of course, the whole idea isn't necessarily to win win win like some one eyed buffoon headbutting a concrete block, but to have a LAN or networked game that is actually worth the effort put into it. That is - being bloody social! There's playing to dominate a formal, by-the-book tournament, and then there's kicking the footy around the park with some mates.


			Boring Theory In which your humble scrivener pretends to be an expert and woffles on as his lost readers stare at the ceiling waiting for the pages with the girly pictures to load.

			Chess Pieces Units are the essential heart of any RTS game. Paper - Scissor - Rock Heroic individuals trump one another. Distributed Force Bugger the precious heroes, send in the expendable drones! Unit Types What you're likely to be playing with in a "typical" RTS game.

			Safety in Numbers No economy, no war machine. Development Step by step is the way to a properly grown economy. Expansions If I don't gobble it up, someone else will. Military thinking at its finest. Population Limits Even computers need to rest sometimes. Cost Effectiveness You should win the economic war for yourself...not your enemy. Support 'Tis better to refuel than buy a new car with a full tank.

			Cutting Edges Be the first on your block. Or else. Tech Trees Roadmaps to discovery!

			Being in Three Places at Once Not only do you order your units around, but you have to wipe their noses, too. Micromanagement Tools Keyboard shortcuts, Numbered Selections, Minimaps, waypointing, Patrols, Guards, and Build Queues.

			The Best Laid Plans (of Mice & Men) It blew up in your face again, didn't it? But you should have seen the other guy...

			The Oldest Enemy Time is rarely on anyone's side. Time & Tactics Missing the battle is worse than missing the enemy. Economic Timing You want it when? Er, will next week do? Oh...oh god

			Oh. That. How to Avoid Shopping Lists and just enjoy yourself.


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	Boring Theory


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