Looking to buy an RTS for the first time.

[MurderousToaster]

I'd recommend any of the Dawn of War or Warcraft titles. They're good RTS for people just starting out.

 

[Klepa]

Warcraft 3 is probably one of the easiest ones to start out with. It has a good story, and it's fairly meat and potatoes when it comes to RTS games. Cheap as mud too.

Age of Empires 2 is also a good pick. Dunno if you can even buy it anywhere anymore.

My favorite RTS of all times is Company of Heroes, but you shouldn't get it as your first one. Steam has it fairly cheap, although you missed the sale a few weeks ago, when it was going practicly free.

 

[Brownie101]

Command and Conquer: The First Decade, 13 RTS games in one box.
And it's cheap too.

This. I mean, yea...The new CnC's are good, but for true RTS gaming, you have to play Tiberian Sun or Tiberian Dawn. I mean, about 10 years on and I'm still playing Command and Conquer: Tiberian Sun. It was just that good of a game.

Generals is alright, as it was made at the turning point, where EA took Westwood and the games were still decent.

Just, I'd suggest anything by Westwood. Specifically, Tiberian Sun, Red Alert 2. Those are my top RTS Picks. And I play a lot of RTS...

Agreed, although if you want Tiberium Sun, why not just download it from EA? They've recently made it and the Firestorm a free download, as well as Command & Conquer Tiberium Dawn and Red Alert (The original). There is an article in the news room, if you want to know more: http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/7.175507-EA-Gives-Away-Command-Conquer-Tiberian-Sun

Wow! I had no idea they had done this. It's the perfect thing for me because I've been wanting to play the original CnC again for years now. Tahnks so much!

 

[Twad]

Starcraft.
Ages of empires 2 and/or 3