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.

Although technically belonging to a different genre, tactical games will be considered since they share similarities to strategy games.

Updated May 21, 2024 by Mark Sammut: During the last month, Xbox Game Pass did not welcome too many strategy games; fortunately, subscribers have plenty of older titles they can try out. Wartales has been added to this article for people who also want a sandbox RPG.

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HowLongtoBeat was used as a source for each game's average length.

Age Of Empires 4: Anniversary Edition

Metascore: 83

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

Metascore: 82

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.

Wartales

Metascore: 79 (PC)

A sandbox RPG with turn-based combat and player-driven gameplay, Wartales combines popular concepts to create something fresh and, more importantly, niche. Depending on the person, the lack of a main story could either be enticing or off-putting, and their reaction is likely to determine if they will fall in love with Shiro Games' project or not. That said, if the idea of leading a ragtag group of mercenaries across a medieval-style world in search of contracts, food, and success sounds fun, then they should give Wartales a go, regardless of whether they generally prefer to follow a standard questline structure. And, to be clear, the campaign tells plenty of small-scale stories while allowing room for players to craft tales that are solely their own.

Wartales is complicated. In an expansive and visually impressive sandbox, players lead 12 characters with traits, skills, and professions on a directionless journey beyond their need to make a living and survive. The latter is literal too, and the mercenaries must be kept fed, clothed, and paid; after all, they are people with needs and wants. The "strategy" and "tactical" elements are most apparent in the grid-based combat system, which shares similarities with the likes of Fire Emblem and Divinity: Original Sin. Most contracts/quests involve a combat scenario, and these battles tend to be quite difficult and could result in the death of the player's party members (if they die, they are gone). Furthermore, the game also complements the strategy genre by constantly requiring players to make tough and occasionally hopeless decisions.

Dungeons 4

Metascore: 76 (PC)