10 Best RTS Games on Xbox Series X|S (2024)

RTS, or real-time strategy games, demand quick reflexes and tactical thinking. They push you to act fast, considering all the angles, all in a span of seconds to a few minutes. While your progress can seem minimal, over time, RTS games evolve into fully-fledged worlds that highlight how far you’ve come. For that reason, they can be incredibly satisfying to pull off. We’ve scoured the Xbox Series X/S catalog of RTS games and come up with the following best RTS games on Xbox Series X/S worth checking out.

What is an RTS Game?

An RTS (real-time strategy) game is a subgenre of strategy games. Its gameplay often allows multiple players to compete with one another at the same time. You’ll often need to gather resources, build home bases and armies, and engage in combat. While turn-based strategy games involve taking turns, RTS games allow all the players to engage in gameplay and fight one another in “real-time.” 

Best RTS Games on Xbox Series X/S

Let’s check out some of the best RTS games on Xbox Series X/S:

10. Dune: Spice Wars

Dive headfirst into Frank Herbert’s Dune universe in Dune: Spice Wars. It takes you to the desert planet of Arrakis, tasking you with leading your faction to dominance.  With Spice being the most valuable resource, you’ll want to be the faction that wields it. With Spice, you can extend life and expand consciousness. You can even travel to other interstellar planets. Still, the fight for Spice will be brutal as you seek to protect your faction from all sorts of threats: rival factions, sandworms, and more. For rival factions, you can strike peace deals or stab them in the back: your choice.

9. Aliens: Dark Descent

Aliens: Dark Descent charges your squad with surviving a new Xenomorph alien threat on planet Lethe. You might just be colonial marines facing aliens. However, proper teamwork and communication can spearhead you to success. But you also face other threats, including rogue operations of the Weyland-Yutani Corporations and many more terrifying aliens of the Aliens franchise. Still, you can choose to play the game solo and command your squad in the single-player campaign.

8. Age of Empires II

The Age of Empires franchise has a staggering 20 years of gaming under its belt. To celebrate the series’ 20th anniversary, you can play the Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, which adds three new campaigns, four new civilizations, and more additional content and updates. You can play co-op mode, too, which can lessen the burden of building an entire civilization from scratch. With the overwhelming content on offer, you can easily clock hundreds of hours exploring 1,000 years of human history.

7. Evil Genius 2: World Domination

It’s only in gaming that you can become the evil villain plotting world domination. In Evil Genius 2: World Domination, you get to play the criminal mastermind. World domination takes time and effort. So, you have to start from the bottom, setting up a base and training minions. You also need a robust defense system to keep away any heroes looking to make a name for themselves. Above all, the gameplay is purely fun, adapting a satirical tone to spy-fi in the best ways possible.

6. Stellaris

Space buffs can check out Stellaris, a sci-fi grand strategy game. Here, you’ll discover plenty of alien species living in strange worlds. You’ll discover unexpected events that build on a captivating story. But the core of the game is to establish a powerful empire rivaled by none.

5. Crusader Kings III

Alternatively, check out Crusader Kings III. It mashes love, rivalry, and scheming, among other themes, all into one. Your goal is to build a long-lasting legacy with generations learning from past mistakes. Through the Middle Ages, you’ll lead your house to victory in battles, diplomacy, and true cunning gifts. History lovers will enjoy their time here.

4. Anno 1800

Another civilization-building game you can consider is Anno 1800. It features the Industrial Revolution, tasking you with setting up thriving economic routes and diplomatic treaties. You’ll make decisions that shape your civilization, whether focusing on technological innovation, liberation, or exploration. How your legacy is written is completely up to you.

3. Company of Heroes 3

Alternatively, you can test your combat skills and strategy in Company of Heroes 3. From North Africa to Italy, you’ll lead an army of comrades fighting for their nation. The campaign map is dynamic, presenting new challenges with each run. Moreover, you can pause the game to plan out your next move and then watch it unfold. Playing the role of a General, you’ll guide your troops across a warzone, ensuring you take down your opponents one base at a time.

2. Sudden Strike 4

Sudden Strike 4 is also along the lines of Company of Heroes, with bigger battlefields, more units, and some of the most iconic commanders to take control of. You’ll grapple with several scenarios that demand both skill and strategy to overcome. Whether in ground, air, or naval battles, you’ll engage in real-time combat that determines your stake in the war. With over 100 units and multiple army toys, fighter jets, tanks, bombers, and more, Sudden Strike 4 stands tall among the best RTS games worth playing on Xbox Series X/S.

1. Halo Wars 2

Lastly, check out Halo Wars 2, a real-time strategy game set in the Halo universe. You’ll command the Spirit of Fire crew as they land on the Ark and meet the fiery reception of the Banished alien faction. This springs up war that demands setting up a fortified base, gathering a plentiful supply of resources, and commanding your armies to battle. Battles take place from a top-down perspective, giving you a broad view of the battlefield. You can plan out the best strategies to destroy rival bases and regain control of enemy territories. 

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our best RTS games on Xbox Series X/S? Are there more RTS games we should know about? Let us know over on our socials here.