firstRTS: An Open-Source RTS Game Built with Godot 4.2

Forum topic · 小凯 · 2026-03-06

Summary

firstRTS is an open-source real-time strategy (RTS) game project developed with Godot 4.2 and GDScript, inspired by StarCraft and Red Alert. Available on GitHub, it implements a deterministic lockstep synchronization architecture shared by both online multiplayer and replay systems, enabling fully reproducible matches. Features include noise-based procedural map generation with symmetric resource layouts, a complete gameplay loop (harvesting, building, unit production, combat, victory conditions), multiple fog-of-war modes, and a visual replay system with scrubbing, speed control, and operation logs. The game offers two factions (Steel Alliance and Shadow Tech), single-player AI matches with difficulty logic, and LAN multiplayer via ENet on port 7777 using lockstep command synchronization. Resources consist of Minerals and Energy, with starting values of 400 and 200 respectively. It supports multilingual UI (Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English) and is currently at v0.1.0 Alpha.

firstRTS is an open-source real-time strategy (RTS) game developed with Godot 4.2, styled after StarCraft and Red Alert.

GitHub: https://github.com/igofreely/firstRTS

Core Features

Deterministic lockstep architecture: Online multiplayer and replays share the same command execution chain, so replays can fully reproduce a match
Procedural map generation: Noise-based terrain with fixed spawn points and symmetric resource layouts
Complete RTS gameplay loop: Harvest resources → build structures → produce units → scout and attack → victory/defeat conditions
Multiple fog-of-war modes: No fog, full blackout, visible terrain, and permanent reveal after exploration
Visual replay system: Progress bar, playback speed, pause, player statistics, command logs, camera modes

Resource System

Minerals: Basic resource for construction and unit production
Energy: Consumed by advanced units and buildings
Default starting resources: 400 minerals, 200 energy

Factions

Steel Alliance
Shadow Tech

The two factions differ in unit naming and stat design (Shadow Tech has shielded units).

Game Modes

Single Player (vs AI)

Configurable fog of war, game speed, starting resources, and language
AI difficulty logic implemented (economy, unit production, attack pacing)

Multiplayer (LAN)

LAN room communication via ENet (UDP)
Lockstep command synchronization ensures consistent execution across clients
Default port: 7777

Replay Mode

Automatic recording during matches (both single-player and online)
Progress control, speed adjustment, pause, command logs, and statistics panels
Replay directory: user://replays/

Tech Stack

Engine: Godot 4.2 (GDScript)
Networking: ENetMultiplayerPeer + RPC
Sync model: Lockstep (fixed tick + input delay)
Pathfinding: Path planning + local obstacle avoidance
Map system: FastNoiseLite procedural generation
Fog of war: Real-time updates via Image/ImageTexture
Localization: Custom LocalizationManager translation tables

Controls

W/A/S/D or arrow keys: Move camera
Left mouse: Select units
Right mouse: Issue move/interact commands
H: Jump camera to main base
B: Show build shortcut hints
Alt+Q/W/E/R: Place barracks/factory/defense tower/power plant
Enter: Open/send chat
Esc: Close chat/panels or open game menu

Implemented Features

Full RTS main loop (harvesting, building, combat, win/loss)
Single-player AI matches
LAN multiplayer lobby and battles
Replay recording and playback system
Multilingual UI (Simplified Chinese / Traditional Chinese / English)

Possible Extensions

More factions and tech tree branches
Richer unit abilities and counter relationships
Replacing procedural map rendering with TileSet art
More robust reconnection and anti-cheat mechanisms
Campaign levels and scripted event systems

Version

v0.1.0 Alpha