Get ready to sharpen your mind, hone your skills, and embark on epic journeys as we unveil the top strategy games that Xbox has to offer. From commanding space fleets to leading historical empires, these games will challenge and captivate you in equal measure. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist looking for your next conquest or a newcomer eager to embark on your first strategic adventure, there’s something for everyone on this curated list.
Consider getting the Xbox game pass to unlock a variety of strategy games and more.
1. Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition
- Genre: Real-Time Strategy
- Single and Multiplayer
- Date of release: 28 October 2021
- Developer: Relic Entertainment, World’s Edge
- Average Playtime: 30 hours
Age of Empires is one of the best-known strategy video games out there, and with its 4th installment, the game found its way to Xbox consoles. The Age of Empires series is the most beloved RTS franchise, and the Anniversary Edition didn’t disappoint. When it came out you could play with eight civilizations through four campaigns. Later on, two more civilizations were added to the game.
AOE 4 offers 30 hours of playtime for all those who enjoy single-player mode. However, there’s an abundance of content for multiplayer mode too. The fourth installment of the AOE series is excellent for new players, especially if they want to try the multiplayer strategy scene. But there’s an agreement in the strategy games fandom that AOE 2 is the best real-time strategy game ever, and you should be pleased to learn that it’s also available to Xbox owners.
2. Dune: Spice Wars
- Genre: Real-Time Strategy
- Single and Multiplayer
- Date of release: 14 September 2023
- Developer: Shiro Games
- Average Playtime: 8 hours
The Dune franchise is being reinvented with the release of the new Villeneuve’s movies. But the new players should know that Dune is no stranger to the world of video games. There are Multiple games set in the world of Frank Herbert’s novels, and many of them are strategy. The newest addition to the list was released in late 2023 as a 4x real-time strategy game.
In Dune: Spice Wars, you’ll take control over one of the numerous factions that are fighting for galactic supremacy. But the gameplay is set on one planet, Arakis, where the substance around which the whole universe revolves, the Spice, is found. Each playable faction has its own set of strengths, weaknesses, and other nuances that players need to consider when devising strategies to impose their dominance over the world of Dune.
3. RimWorld
- Genre: Strategy, Construction Simulation, Management Simulation
- Single player mode
- Date of release: 4 November 2013
- Developer: Ludeon Studios, Double Eleven, Tynan Sylvester
- Average Playtime: 62 hours
RimWorld is a complicated strategy-simulation game that’s filled with RNG. You’ll play as an observer who’s responsible for the management of the space-farming community. You’ll not only get to develop this galactic colony, but you’ll also be responsible for all the individuals inhabiting it. However, the goal is to escape the harsh and hostile planet on which the colony was raised, with at least one colonist surviving.
But the RNG of this game is relentless, and just when you think everything is well and your colony runs smoothly, the stakes will rise. The planet’s environment can make colonist’s lives difficult, or internal struggles could break them apart. You never know what’s going to happen next as the events are random and you’ll have to plan.
4. Crusader Kings 3
- Genre: Grand Strategy, RPG
- Single-player and Multiplayer modes
- Date of release: 1 September 2020
- Developer: Paradox Interactive
- Average Playtime: 70 hours
Although Crusader Kings started as a game exclusive to PCs, it grew in popularity so much that it eventually became PS5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles. The third installation of the Crusader Kings series is built upon previous games. But the developer decided to take the gameplay to the next level with new mechanics and story.
As a player, you’ll take on a ruling dynasty and lead it through generations and different centuries. However, the game is set only in Middle Ages as it starts in the year 867 and ends in 1453. All the characters have strong personality traits that their heirs can inherit, or completely lose. Each playable character has a personal story added to the Grand Strategy, which sets the Crusader Kings III apart from its predecessors.
5. Stellaris
- Genre: 4X, Grand Strategy
- Single-player, Multiplayer, and Co-op modes
- Date of release: 9 May 2016
- Developer: Paradox Development Studio
- Average Playtime: 31 hours
Grand Strategy is not a common game genre for consoles, but Stellaris managed to adapt to the Xbox platforms just fine. However, console gamers had to wait until February 2019 to try it out. But the wait was worth it as Stellaris brought some innovative mechanics to the world of console strategy games.
In Stellaris, you’ll take control of an interstellar civilization and manage its development. In time, you’ll meet other civilizations controlled by other players or the AI. You’ll get to decide if you want to develop diplomatic relations with other players, trade, or engage in warfare. Although dealing with other civilizations is a big part of the game, you’ll also have to manage a set of emergent events controlled by the AI.
6. Age of Wonders: Planetfall
- Genre: 4X, Turn-Based Strategy
- Multiplayer mode
- Date of release: 6 August 2019
- Developer: Triumph Studios
- Average Playtime: 55 hours
Planetfall is the fifth installment of the Age of Wonders series of strategy games. But what makes it unique is that, unlike its predecessors that were set in the world of magic, Planetfall is set in the sci-fi universe. It also has the best graphics, art, and soundtrack of all AOW games.
In this turn-based strategy game, you’ll get to manage one of the factions that rose in the galaxy after the Star Union, an intergalactic government of orth, fell apart. Your faction needs to survive and the only way to do it is if it dominates the limited resources available on the map.
7. Railway Empire
- Genre: Strategy
- Single Player mode
- Date of release: 25 May 2023
- Developer: Gaming Mind Studios
- Average Playtime: 43 hours
If you ever wondered how hard it is to manage your railway, this game will give you an answer. You’ll have to conquer various types of terrain to build a network of railways but that’s not all. You’ll also have to manage your resources and invest in various types of locomotives and wagons to serve the different cities on the detailed map of the US.
The second installment of the Railway Empire doesn’t bring much new when it comes to game mechanics and gameplay. However, the maps are much bigger and more detailed! Now you can choose to play the US or the Europe maps and set focus on specific parts of the maps. The graphics are updated and the whole game seems more vibrant and alive.
8. Two Point Hospital
- Genre: Business Simulation, Strategy
- Single-player and Multiplayer mode
- Date of release: 30 August 2018
- Developer: Two Point Studio
- Average Playtime: 40 hours
Do you like to dabble in the chaotic world of business management? Try running not one, but multiple hospitals to see if you’re built for the task. Two Point Hospital lets you manage different medical facilities, and each has its own problems.
You’ll be responsible for the employment of medical and non-medical staff and for managing resources that will allow you to construct a perfect hospital. The graphics might not be the best part of Two Point Hospital, but the animation is done very well and gives an impression of a hospital as a living and breathing system.
9. Tropico 6
- Genre: Business Simulation, Strategy
- Single-player and Multiplayer mode
- Date of release: 6 March 2019
- Developer: Limbic Entertainment, Realmforge Studios
- Average Playtime: 35 hours
Tropico is a well-known construction management and political simulation game series, and its sixth installment is not much different. As a player, you’ll assume the role of “El Presidente” , a fictional dictator of an even more fictional tropical paradise nation set in the Caribbean.
Unlike previous Tropico games, the sixth one allows you to build your nation in an archipelago instead of just one island. Your actions as “El Presidente” have a direct influence on the behavior of your citizens so be careful not to inspire them into a revolt.
10. The Colonists
- Genre: Strategy
- Single-player mode
- Date of release: 24 October 2018
- Developer: Code by Fire, Mode 7 Games, Auroch Digital
- Average Playtime: 118 hours
A colony of self-replicating robots just settled on the new planet. Their dream is to build, develop, and in time become humans. You, the player, must help them realize this dream. Gather and manage resources, build, and construct roads to direct little robots to their tasks.
The Colonists is a simple strategy game similar to Settlers and Anno Domini. However, there’s something cute about an armada of robots willing to do your bidding. The Colonists is one of the most relaxing strategy games, perhaps because there are no complex game mechanics, and although some planning is needed, the environment and the game AI work for the benefit of your robots.
But the journey doesn’t end here. With new titles constantly being released and the gaming landscape evolving, there’s always something new to discover and conquer in the world of strategy gaming. So, whether you’re a veteran tactician or a newcomer eager to test your skills, we encourage you to dive in, explore, and experience the thrill of strategic gaming on Xbox.
