StarCraft
StarCraft is a 1998 real-time strategy game developed by Blizzard Entertainment. Set in a distant sector of the galaxy, it pits three distinct factions, the human Terrans, the insectoid Zerg and the psionic Protoss, against one another across a sweeping science-fiction campaign.
The game was praised for its asymmetric faction design, where each race played very differently, from the Zerg's cheap, swarming units to the Protoss's powerful but costly warriors, yet remained finely balanced, a rare achievement in the genre. Its gripping story, delivered through mission briefings and cinematics, elevated the single-player experience while its multiplayer, supported by the Battle.net service and a bundled map editor, became a competitive cornerstone that inspired countless custom scenarios.
StarCraft is widely credited with helping establish professional esports, particularly in South Korea, where it became a televised cultural phenomenon. Today it can be played through an official re-released edition that updates the visuals while preserving the classic gameplay.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to StarCraft, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
| Alternative | Price | Steam Deck | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| StarCraft II | Free + in-app purchases | Not on Steam | PC, Mac |
| Warzone 2100 Indie | Free | Not on Steam | PC, Mac, Linux |
| Sanctuary: Shattered Sun Indie | Free | Steam Deck Untested | PC |
| Stormgate | Free + in-app purchases | Steam Deck Playable | PC |
| StarCraft: Remastered | € 14,99 | Not on Steam | PC, Mac |
StarCraft II
Free + in-app purchasesThe free-to-play sequel with the Wings of Liberty campaign and full multiplayer.
StarCraft II runs on PC, Mac. Not available on Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch.
Warzone 2100 Indie
FreeA free, open-source RTS with deep unit design and huge maps, still actively developed after 25 years.
Warzone 2100 runs on PC, Mac, Linux. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch.
Sanctuary: Shattered Sun Indie
FreeA free, community-driven sci-fi RTS inspired by the StarCraft lineage.
Sanctuary: Shattered Sun runs on PC. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch.
Stormgate
Free + in-app purchasesA free-to-play RTS from ex-StarCraft II developers, aimed squarely at the competitive three-faction formula.
Stormgate runs on PC. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch.
StarCraft: Remastered
€ 14,99The original and Brood War in 4K with modern online matchmaking.
StarCraft: Remastered runs on PC, Mac. Not available on Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch.
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