If you love planning, strategizing and executing your moves with precision and skill, then you might enjoy strategy games that challenge your intellect, creativity and decision-making abilities.
Fortunately, the Xbox Series X has a great selection of strategy games that cater to tactical gamers of all kinds. Whether you prefer turn-based or real-time, historical or futuristic, military or fantasy, there is something for everyone on this console.
Here are some of the best Xbox Series X strategy games for tactical gamers, along with some more games that you might want to check out:
Gears Tactics
This is a spin-off of the popular Gears of War franchise but with a twist. Instead of a third-person shooter, it is a turn-based tactical game that puts you in command of a squad of soldiers fighting against the Locust horde. You can customize your characters, upgrade your weapons and skills, and use cover and flanking to gain an advantage over your enemies. The game also features a dynamic camera that zooms in and out depending on the action, giving you a cinematic experience.
Crusader Kings III
This is a grand strategy game that lets you create your own medieval dynasty and rule over a vast map of Europe, Africa and Asia. You can choose from hundreds of historical or fictional characters or create your own and shape their personality, traits and relationships.
You can also engage in diplomacy, warfare, intrigue and religion, as well as deal with events such as plagues, rebellions and crusades. The game is highly detailed and immersive, with a rich historical atmosphere and a dynamic narrative.
Halo Wars 2
This game is a real-time strategy game set in the Halo universe. It features iconic characters, factions, and vehicles from the sci-fi series. You can choose to play as either the UNSC or the Banished, a splinter group of the Covenant, and lead your forces in epic battles across various terrains and environments. You can also use powerful leader abilities and super weapons to turn the tide of war. The game offers a robust multiplayer mode that supports up to six players online, as well as a co-op campaign mode.
Age of Empires IV
This is the latest installment of the legendary strategy game series that spans thousands of years of human history. You can choose from eight civilizations, each with its own unique units, buildings and technologies, and explore four different campaigns that cover different eras and regions.
You can also compete with other players online in various modes and scenarios or create your own custom maps and scenarios with the map editor. The game boasts stunning graphics and animations, as well as an enhanced AI that adapts to your playstyle.
Wasteland 3
This is a role-playing game set in a post-apocalyptic world that involves tactical combat and features a variety of branching storylines and choices.
You have the opportunity to assemble your own squad of rangers, each with their own set of skills, perks and quirks, and embark on a journey to explore the frozen wasteland of Colorado.
Along the way, you can interact with various factions and characters, each with their own unique agendas and motivations, and decide whether to forge alliances with them or engage in combat.
The game has a gritty tone and dark humor, and also includes a co-op mode that enables you to play with a friend.
Desperados III
This game is a stealth-based tactical adventure set in the Wild West. You can take control of up to five characters, each with unique abilities and weapons, to complete various missions including infiltration, assassination, sabotage and more.
The game offers different approaches such as going loud or silent, lethal or non-lethal, direct or indirect. The art style of the game is stunning and the story is rich and influenced by your choices.
Stellaris: Console Edition
This is a science-fiction strategy game that allows players to explore and colonize a vast galaxy filled with wonders and dangers.
You can create your own custom empire, choosing from dozens of species, ethics, and traits or select from one of the preset ones. Additionally, you can research new technologies, construct starships and stations, engage in diplomacy or war with other factions, encounter anomalies and events, and handle crises such as invasions or rebellions.
The game boasts a deep lore and an emergent gameplay that ensures every playthrough is unique.
XCOM 2
In this turn-based tactical game, the setting is a dystopian future where aliens have invaded and taken over the Earth.
You are a member of the XCOM project, which is a resistance movement that stands against the alien occupation. Your task is to recruit and train soldiers of different backgrounds and classes, equip them with various weapons and gear, and send them on missions around the world.
You will also need to manage your base of operations, research new technologies, upgrade your facilities, and deal with the enemy’s countermeasures. The game is highly challenging and features permadeath, which means that every decision you make has significant consequences.
Warhammer II
Warhammer II is a popular strategy game for the Xbox Series X that allows players to conquer territories and factions in a fantasy world. The gameplay involves managing resources, building armies, and engaging in epic battles.
With its stunning graphics and immersive gameplay, Warhammer II will keep you on your toes as you strategically plan your next move.
The game also incorporates a diplomacy system, where players must carefully navigate relationships with other factions to achieve victory. With an emphasis on strategy and diplomacy, Warhammer II offers a unique and challenging experience for tactical gamers. So if you’re looking for a game that will test your strategic thinking and decision-making, Warhammer II is definitely worth a try.
Frostpunk
This post-apocalyptic city-building game takes place in a frozen world where players must manage resources and make tough moral decisions in order to keep their city and citizens alive.
The gameplay of “Frostpunk” revolves around managing a city in a harsh and unforgiving environment. Players must gather resources, build structures, and make tough decisions in order to keep their citizens warm, fed, and happy.
The game also features a unique “Book of Laws” mechanic, where players must choose between the greater good or individual rights.
One of the key elements of “Frostpunk” is its emphasis on strategy and resource management. Players must carefully plan and allocate resources in order to survive in the frozen world. This adds an extra layer of challenge and depth to the gameplay, making it a must-try for strategy game enthusiasts.
Summing It Up
The Xbox Series X offers a plethora of strategy games for gamers to dive into. These are just some of the best Xbox Series X strategy games for tactical gamers, but there are many more to discover and enjoy. Whether you want to lead armies, build empires, or save the world, you will find a game that suits your taste and style on this console. So grab your controller, put on your thinking cap, and get ready for some strategic fun!
