If you mean games that first launched in 2024, Age of Mythology: Retold is the clearest pick supported here: Xbox Wire confirmed its September 4, 2024 release on Xbox Series X|S and PC. If you mean the best strategy games you could play on Xbox during 2024, established catalogue games such as Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition and Age of Wonders 4 offer different approaches. This is a selected guide, not an objective ranking; the year labels below distinguish a 2024 release from games already available in the catalogue.
Are there any good strategy games for Xbox Series X|S?
Yes. The shortlist depends on whether you want to manage battles in real time or build an empire over a longer campaign. Age of Mythology: Retold and Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition are real-time strategy games. Age of Wonders 4 puts more emphasis on 4X empire strategy and turn-based tactical battles.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Empire of the Ants - Xbox Series X | $30.56 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
The Riftbreaker (Xsx) - Xbox Series X | $24.93 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Disciples Liberation Deluxe Edition (Xbox Series X) | $29.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Jagged Alliance 3 - Xbox Series X | $19.00 | Buy on Amazon |
These picks are recommendations by play style, not a score-based ranking. A game’s presence in the Microsoft Store strategy category indicates catalogue placement, not quality; listings and subscription labels can also change. Check the game’s current store page for platform and availability details.
Best strategy games to consider
Age of Mythology: Retold — best-supported 2024 release
Xbox Wire confirmed that Age of Mythology: Retold launched on Xbox Series X|S and PC on September 4, 2024. The real-time strategy game retells the 2002 original, using mythological settings and figures as the backdrop for commanding forces and managing conflicts. It is the clearest choice here if “of 2024” means a game that actually debuted that year.
#1 Best Overall
- TAKE PART TO AN EPIC JOURNEY Take the role of a brave ant, with a 3rd person view and explore unique abilities that can help you in battle and exploration.
- A 3D REAL-TIME STRATEGIC GAME WITH A PROGRESSIVE DIFFICULTY The game offers an intuitive experience with tutorials for newcomers to learn RTS fundamentals, while also providing scalable difficulty and advanced mechanics for veteran players to explore.
- EXPLORE VAST ENVIRONMENTS AND MEET THE LOCAL WILDLIFE The game will feature a photo-realistic forest to explore. Meet and encounter other ants and forest dwellers through your journey and interact with them. IMMERSIVE & PHOTO-REALISTIC Unreal Engine 5 allows to push the boundaries of the photo-realistic effect on the plants and wildlife.
- NARRATIVE BASED ON THE SEASONS RHYTHM The game features a narrative that follows the rhythm of the seasons, with an effect on the wildlife's attributes such as speed, resistance, buffs, and more.
- DIVERSITY OF CONTRAST AND ADAPTATION The maps in the game will also change depending on the time of day (day, night, dawn, and twilight).
In an official interview, World’s Edge team member Emma Bridle described the game’s setting as “a fantastical, magical, chaotic world that you get to control.” That fantasy framing makes it a natural fit for players who want an RTS with gods and mythology rather than a strictly historical setting. Xbox Wire: launch date and platforms; Xbox Wire: interview with the development team.
Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition — real-time strategy in an established catalogue
Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition is another real-time strategy option, but the cited console information describes an edition already available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One; it does not establish a 2024 debut. Consider it if you want an RTS recommendation from the broader Xbox catalogue rather than a game specifically released that year.
Rank #2
- Base building - your task is to construct a two-way Rift connected to Earth; this will be a very complex undertaking requiring as you build up an intricate Chain of mines, refineries, power plants, and research facilities to complete this mission
- Exploration - galatea 37 is Full of rare minerals and substances that can be found scattered across the globe; various biomes with unknown fauna and flora as well as harsh weather conditions; construct local outposts to transport the resources
- Defense - as you build and disrupt the natural order, the planet will see you as a threat; defend against thousands of hostile creatures by constructing walls, barriers, and Defense towers
- Hack, slash, shoot - Mr. Riggs can be equipped with powerful weapons and abilities that will allow you to take on the largest of beasts; you will need to be ready to face lots of hostile alien creatures as you explore the planet
- Gather samples and strange artifacts - felled beasts will drop valuable research specimens as well as rare resources which you Gather to research and craft new technologies, buildings, weapons, and equipment
World’s Edge: Age of Empires IV.
Age of Wonders 4 — 4X empire strategy with turn-based tactical combat
Age of Wonders 4 combines 4X strategy—the expansion and development of an empire—with turn-based tactical combat. That makes it a different proposition from an RTS focused on real-time command of battles. Paradox lists Xbox Series X as a platform; its official page does not establish a 2024 release, so treat this as a catalogue recommendation, not a 2024 launch.
Which one fits your strategy style?
| Game | Strategy style | Year context | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age of Mythology: Retold | Real-time strategy | Launched September 4, 2024, on Xbox Series X|S and PC, according to Xbox Wire | Players looking for a 2024 release with a mythological fantasy setting |
| Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition | Real-time strategy | Console availability is established; a 2024 debut is not | Players seeking an established RTS option in the Xbox catalogue |
| Age of Wonders 4 | 4X empire strategy and turn-based tactical combat | Xbox Series X is listed; a 2024 debut is not established | Players who want empire-building alongside turn-based battles |
What about other strategy games?
The Microsoft Store strategy category also lists catalogue options including Halo Wars, Sid Meier’s Civilization VI, and Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition. A category listing is useful for discovery, but it does not by itself confirm a specific game’s current platform support, price, subscription status, or suitability for your preferences. Check each live game listing before deciding.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #3
- Disciples: Liberation is a mature, dark fantasy strategy RPG with turn-based combat. Liberate the land of Nevendaar and uncover the endless stories hidden within this richly detailed world where every decision has a consequence, and every wrong move could be deadly.Explore a rich overworld and align with a variety of in-world factions: from a human empire tinged by religious extremism to the dark forces of the undead lead by a mad queen. Assemble a team to gather precious resources, sway political standing, and take on brutal beasts in intricate turn-based battles.
Ara: History Untold should not be counted as an Xbox Series X|S recommendation on the evidence cited here. Xbox Wire’s January 2024 preview described it as a grand-strategy game with crafting and simultaneous turns, but named Windows and Steam as its launch platforms—not Xbox consoles. Microsoft Store: strategy category; Xbox Wire: Ara: History Untold preview.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Engage in rich, tactical turn-based combat
- Experience the campaign with friends in online co-op mode
- Recruit from a large cast of unique mercenaries, including many familiar fan favorites
- Loot, salvage, and customize an arsenal of weaponry and equipment
- Decide the fate of Grand Chien in an open RPG structure
How to choose
- Choose an RTS if you want to direct battles in real time: start with Age of Mythology: Retold for a verified 2024 launch, or consider Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition as an established catalogue option.
- Choose 4X and turn-based combat if you prefer developing an empire and making tactical decisions in turns: consider Age of Wonders 4.
- Verify current access on the official game listing before purchase or subscription. Availability, price, and subscription labels can change.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
