Since the creation of video games there has always been a genre that differs from others because of its complexity and their intricate strategies.

But probably the first thing that you have to differentiate between are the two subgenres that changed the dynamics of video games: RTS (Real-time strategy) and TBS (Turn-based strategy), the most important and popular in the great genre of strategy.

Time Waits for No One

The main and most basic difference between these two subgenres is the concept of time and all it entails. We see time takes place in a rather fluid and personal way in RTS games. Here the movements of the player are made instantly without waiting for anything more than the user’s own action. On the other hand, in a TBS game we must wait in turn, which will limit us a little more.

Thus, it becomes clear that these subgenres are made for different types of people and, more than anything, are based on how you would like to manage your time. If you like a paused mode, the TBS is your favorite sub-genre that you will take advantage of more. If instead you like the action in real time and see everything developing with much more speed, RTS games is your thing.

Board Game vs Adventure Game

The best analogy to sum up both subgenres in a nutshell (if you are not familiar with them) is saying that TBS can be imagined as a board game, where each player has a turn and waits for the end of his partner’s turn, with each turn offering multiple actions to choose from.

Meanwhile, RTS is more like a frantic action similar to adventure games and that promises a lot of immediate fun.

And there is not much more to say, except for a few variations in history, gameplay and graphics and all of the aforementioned,  these subgenres have always been at the top, fighting for which is the best. Yet everything depends on the user’s taste for fun.  What matters the most is feeling safe with game and making the most of it, as this is the best way to play.