The Xbox Game Pass library offers great titles for fans of the strategy genre, and here is a look at the best ones available to subscribers.
Strategy games were once practically non-existent in the console market, save for notable exceptions and ill-fated attempts (such as Starcraft’s remarkably awkward landing on the Nintendo 64). However, over the years, several titles have emerged to deliver their micro-management goodness to living room accessible formats — particularly when it comes to the Xbox line of consoles.
If someone is looking to channel their inner armchair general, then Xbox Game Pass has several titles that are right up their alley. Whether directing the nuanced machinations of a galaxy-spanning empire is their bag, or they’d prefer just telling wacky invertebrates when to sling bombs at one another, Game Pass has got a strategy game for them.
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HowLongtoBeat was used as a source for each game’s average length. Age Of Empires 4: Anniversary Edition
Approximate Game Length (Main Story)
50+ Hours
Genre
Real-Time Strategy
Developer
Relic Entertainment, World’s Edge
File Size
84.33 GB
Xbox Store Page
Age of Empires 4: Anniversary Edition
After spending more than a year as a PC exclusive, Age of Empires 4 made its way to Xbox consoles in August 2023. Relic and World’s Edge’s project garnered a primarily positive reception upon launch, with many regarding it as a safe but polished continuation of arguably the most beloved and popular RTS franchise of all time. Launching with four campaigns and eight civilizations (although, two more were added later on), AoE 4 offers a great deal of content for solo players, along with containing an active and robust multiplayer scene.
Xbox owners have two Age of Empires at their disposal, while PC Game Pass subscribers can play through the entire series thanks to the inclusion of the original trilogy’s definitive edition. All four games are fantastic by most metrics, and an argument could certainly be made that AoE 2 is the best RTS game of all time. However, newcomers should start with AoE 4, especially if they plan to try their hand at multiplayer. Halo Wars
Approximate Game Length (Main Story)
10 Hours
Genre
Real-Time Strategy
Developer
Ensemble Studios
X|S Enhanced
No
File Size
9.5 GB
Xbox Store Page
Halo Wars
Amazon Listing
Though many people associate the Halo name with the mainline entries that are straightforward FPS titles, Halo Wars takes the series in a new direction in terms of genre. Players are treated to grand-scale skirmishes involving factions from the Halo universe in a highly approachable RTS title. Since the game was made specifically for the Xbox 360, it features one of the most comfortable controller configurations for an RTS on a console. The story takes place before the events of the first Halo game, detailing what happened to the UNSC crew of the Spirit of Fire.
Halo Wars 2 is also available on Xbox Game Pass and serves as a fine continuation of its predecessor. In some ways, the sequel is superior to the first game, although it is certainly designed with non-RTS fans in mind. Therefore, people who want to spend more time in this universe but are reluctant to jump into a genre they are not familiar with can rest easy in knowing that Halo Wars 2 is for them. Sid Meier’s Civilization 6
Approximate Game Length (Main Story)
25 Hours
Genre
4X Turn-Based
Developer
Firaxis Games
File Size
18.24 GB
Xbox Store Page
Sid Meier’s Civilization 6
Civilization is among the most famous and storied 4X strategy franchises of all time. While memes certainly helped expand its reach, Firaxis’ games are also just generally fantastic, and they manage to be relatively approachable for the genre without sacrificing depth or innovation.
For the uninitiated, Civilization 6 asks players to assume control of a historical civilization as they try to lead them to prosperity. Thanks to the sheer quantity of mechanics and options implemented in the game, countless roads can lead to victory, and it is up to players to decide which route to take. Humankind
Approximate Game Length (Main Story)
15 Hours
Genre
Turn-Based Strategy
Developer
Amplitude Studios
File Size
31.84 GB
Xbox Store Page
Humankind
Taking a break from its Endless franchise, Amplitude Studios created Humankind, an ambitious 4X strategy game that allows players to work their way through seven eras. Starting out as nomadic tribes, players will gradually roam unclaimed land as they find food, survive, and slowly start to set the groundwork for a civilization. Eventually, they can move over to the Ancient Era, which is where the campaign opens up through the introduction of Cultures. Humankind’s scope is incredible and flexible, granting users quite a lot of freedom in how they want to lead their civilizations.
Incorporating diplomacy, religion, and even turn-based combat, Amplitude cast a wide net as it sought to cover as many preferences and play styles as possible. Surprisingly, most of the game’s mechanics and ideas are fleshed out well, making most avenues for growth viable. Humankind can be overwhelming at times, but it is not a bad option for 4X beginners. The game is available on PC and Xbox. Minecraft Legends
Approximate Game Length (Main Story)
8 Hours
Genre
Action Strategy
Developer
Mojang Studios, Blackbird Interactive
File Size
7.44 GB
Xbox Store Page
Minecraft Legends
Amazon Listing
Xbox Series X/S
In general, strategy games are synonymous with complex, multi-layered systems and steep learning curves. That’s not to say the genre cannot produce an accessible product, just that few titles manage to find a middle-ground capable of satisfying both beginners and veterans. Minecraft Legends comes closer than most of its peers, although it does not quite succeed in striking a perfect mix. Ultimately, Mojang’s spin-off might be a bit too stripped back to keep long-time strategy fans entertained for more than a few hours; however, that is not the game’s target audience. No, Legends is for Minecraft fans who want to return to the Overworld for a different adventure than they are accustomed to.
From that perspective, Minecraft Legends does a good job of balancing elements from the mainline entry with strategy staples. In a procedurally generated map divided into biomes, players lead a small army in battles against the Piglins. This process involves mining for resources in order to build strongholds to defend, and players will gradually be able to unlike more types of allies. Although nowhere near as flexible as in Minecraft, Legends’ crafting component is fairly fun, although the focus is on building structures that aid the war effort rather than works of art. Loop Hero
Approximate Game Length (Main Story)
30 Hours
Genre
RPG
Developer
Four Quarters
X|S Enhanced
Yes
File Size
515.3 MB
Xbox Store Page
Loop Hero
Loop Hero shakes up the RPG genre in a way that is innovative while also going back to basics. RPGs love their stat-driven combat systems; in fact, this element tends to be one of the reasons many people are drawn to role-playing games. Loop Hero distills this concept and selling point to its purest form. Set in a dark world suffering from widespread amnesia, players follow a hero as they automatically walk the same path over and over again.
As they battle monsters, the character acquires loot that either improves their stats or allows them to place tiles on the map to remember that part of the world. When they pass over a tile, the hero will receive benefits or face new threats. While an auto-battler, Loop Hero’s strategy element comes from the choices players make prior to a run and the tiles they pick to shape the map. Decisions often come down to seemingly minor stat improvements or buffs that can ultimately provide the boost needed to defeat a boss. Loop Hero has three classes, which does provide some build variety. Inkulinati
Approximate Game Length (Main Story)
N/A
Genre
Turn-Based, Roguelike
Developer
Yaza Games
X|S Enhanced
Yes
File Size
4.26 GB
Xbox Store Page
Inkulinati
Part of Xbox Game Pass’s Game Preview feature, Inkulinati is a unique turn-based strategy title with an eye-catching art style. Presented as the pages of a manuscript, Yaza’s game pits two (small) armies against each other in a roguelike campaign. Players pick their units and watch as their avatar, an artist looking down on the book, brings them to life; along with being a neat framing device, this feature also impacts gameplay since the artist can get tired of illustrating the same units. As such, players are advised to constantly alter their party, encouraging experimentation in the process.
Inkulinati is still a work in progress, but the available content is already impressive. As charming as its visual style is, the game does not pull any of its punches, and battles will quickly start to present a significant challenge. Solasta: Crown Of The Magister
Approximate Game Length (Main Story)
35 Hours
Genre
Turn-Based RPG
Developer
Tactical Adventures
X|S Enhanced
Yes
File Size
27.8 GB
Xbox Store Page
Solasta: Crown of the Magister
Taking from Dungeons & Dragons, Solasta: Crown of the Magister packs together a plethora of familiar fantasy tropes to create an addictive and charming adventure that stands proudly on its own. Even though the story seldom ventures beyond the standard “save the world” cliche, Solasta comes alive through its decent character customization options, particularly when it comes to skill selection and well-crafted environments.
As far as turn-based strategy RPGs are concerned, Solasta’s combat should be immediately accessible to veterans of the genre, and they are likely to have a blast facing off against the campaign’s impressive selection of monsters.
