Strategy games have often been scarce in the console gaming world, with few exceptions and unsuccessful attempts, such as Starcraft’s somewhat clumsy arrival on the Nintendo 64. However, in recent years, numerous titles have emerged to bring their micro-management excellence to living room accessible formats, especially in the Xbox console lineup.
For those looking to embrace their inner armchair general, Xbox Game Pass offers a variety of titles that cater to their interests. Whether it's directing a complex galaxy-spanning empire or guiding quirky creatures in explosive battles, Game Pass has something for every strategy game enthusiast.
Age Of Empires 4: Anniversary Edition
Metascore: 83
After more than a year as a PC exclusive, Age of Empires 4 made its way to Xbox consoles in August 2023. This project by Relic and World's Edge received a primarily positive reception upon launch, offering four campaigns and eight civilizations, with more added later on. Xbox owners can also access the original Age of Empires trilogy through Game Pass, making it a fantastic option for both newcomers and returning players.
Halo Wars
Metascore: 82
While many associate the Halo series with straightforward FPS titles, Halo Wars takes a different approach with grand-scale skirmishes in a highly approachable RTS format. The game's sequel, Halo Wars 2, also provides a fine continuation. Both titles offer engaging gameplay, making them great choices for those new to the genre.
Dungeons 4
Metascore: 76 (PC)
Game Pass Ultimate on PC includes Dungeon Keeper representation through EA Play. The Dungeons series serves as a spiritual successor, providing a charming game with elements of world domination and multiplayer options.
Humankind
Metascore: 77
From the creators of Endless, Humankind takes players through seven eras, offering diverse gameplay and mechanics. It is a flexible and ambitious 4X strategy game, suitable for beginners in the genre.
Persona 5 Tactica
Metascore: 77
Persona 5 Tactica offers a departure from the franchise's traditional turn-based gameplay, providing a grid-based strategy and tactics game with a unique storyline and engaging mechanics.
Loop Hero
Metascore: 82 (PC)
Loop Hero offers an innovative RPG experience, featuring auto-battler elements and strategic gameplay, providing build variety and challenging decisions for players.
Inkulinati
Metascore: N/A
Part of Xbox Game Pass's Game Preview feature, Inkulinati is a unique turn-based strategy title with a charming art style and challenging gameplay.
Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord
Metascore: 73
Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord provides a unique blend of genres, with a focus on real-time battles, management, and strategy, offering an immersive experience for players.
Shadowrun Trilogy
Metascore: 76 (PS5)
The Shadowrun Trilogy offers a compelling mix of fantasy and sci-fi, featuring strong writing, turn-based combat, and engaging storytelling, making it a worthwhile addition to the strategy genre.
F1 Manager 2023
Metascore: 79
F1 Manager 2023 offers an immersive management sim experience, blending strategic decision-making with exciting racing challenges.
Slay The Spire
Metascore: 88 (PS4)
A popular deck-builder, Slay the Spire offers a compelling mix of roguelike elements and strategic gameplay, providing an engaging and challenging experience for players.
Stellaris
Metascore: 81
Stellaris brings grand strategy to the console platform, offering complex empire management and interstellar warfare in an immersive, customizable, and diverse setting.
Gears Tactics
Metascore: 82
Set in the intricate Gears of War universe, Gears Tactics provides an engaging and strategic experience, adding depth to the series' lore and narrative.
Crusader Kings 3
Metascore: 83
Crusader Kings 3 offers a rich and engaging grand strategy experience, blending complex mechanics with compelling characters and stories, making it a standout title in the genre.
Totally Accurate Battle Simulator
Metascore: N/A
Despite its whimsical appearance, Totally Accurate Battle Simulator is an engaging and tactical experience, offering strategic depth and entertaining gameplay for simulation enthusiasts.
Best Strategy Games On Xbox Game Pass For PC
The PC version of Xbox Game Pass boasts a wide selection of strategy games, providing a robust lineup for strategy enthusiasts. Here are some standout titles available for subscribers.
Rise Of Nations: Extended Edition
Metascore: 89
Rise of Nations offers a unique, economy-driven gameplay experience that spans human history, providing engaging multiplayer and single-player campaigns for strategy enthusiasts.
Galactic Civilizations 3
Metascore: 81
Galactic Civilizations 3 invites players to conquer the galaxy in an immersive and engaging sandbox experience, offering diverse races and strategic opportunities for players to explore.
Dungeon Keeper 2
Metascore: N/A
Revive the classics with Dungeon Keeper 2, a strategic and challenging game that offers world domination and extensive single-player campaigns for players to immerse themselves in.
Cities: Skylines 2
Metascore: 75
Cities: Skylines 2 continues the legacy of the renowned city-building series, offering players the chance to create and manage sprawling metropolises, providing engaging challenges and gameplay for city-building enthusiasts.
Command & Conquer Remastered Collection
Metascore: 82
The Command & Conquer Remastered Collection preserves the essence of the classic series, offering an immersive and nostalgic strategy experience, making it a must-play for fans of the franchise.
BattleTech
Metascore: 78
BattleTech presents a challenging turn-based tactics game with deep management and strategic gameplay, offering an immersive and thrilling experience for tactical enthusiasts.