The greatest RTS units of all time, determined by democracy
PC Gamer is hosting a community voting tournament to determine the greatest real-time strategy units of all time. Building on their previous coverage of favorite RTS units published nearly a decade earlier, the publication has created a new shortlist of iconic units that will compete in randomized bracket-style matchups. Readers have a two-day voting window for each round, with winning units advancing through successive rounds of competition.
The tournament premise emphasizes that determining the “best” unit is inherently subjective—voters can base their decisions on various criteria, from competitive performance in 1v1 battles and strategic value to visual design and entertainment factor. Rather than relying on editorial deliberation and debate, PC Gamer opted for a democratic voting format that lets the community directly determine which units resonate most. This approach represents a shift from the traditional ranked list methodology, instead leveraging reader engagement and preference to crown a winner. The article highlights that real-time strategy as a genre is fundamentally competitive, making the tournament format particularly fitting for determining which units have truly earned their place as the greatest of all time.