A fantasy RTS with two ways to play
Rising Kingdoms is a fantasy-themed RTS from Haemimont Games, originally released in 2005, set in the world of Equiada. It combines strategy and adventure modes. In strategy mode you pick one of three major races: the treacherous Humans, the vicious Foresters, or the merciless Darklings. On top of your main race you can subjugate and develop one of five smaller independent nations — Shades, Nomads, Dragons, Trolls, and Elves — which become a valuable asset when you clash with opponents. In adventure mode you control a group of heroes and a small squad of troops, uncovering dark secrets and surprising twists as the story unfolds across several generations, with ancient artifacts, the rise and fall of mighty leaders and kingdoms, and the birth of new mystic creatures and races.
Playing together
The game carries the Multiplayer tag and supports Steam's Remote Play Together, so friends can join in over a network session. The store text does not specify a player count or which modes are available in multiplayer, so check in-game before you plan a session.
Before you start
This is a retro title from 2005, so expect period-appropriate presentation rather than modern polish. It was also released under other names: Вълшебни кралства in Bulgaria, Final Conquest in Spain, and Королевства: Восхождение к власти in Russia — these are the same game.