10 Best RTS Games on Xbox Series X|S (2025)

RTS games are a pretty good sport for thinking, planning, and making drastic decisions with a big payoff. As much as events unfold in real-time, requiring your response in split seconds, they do challenge your cognitive skills with several playthroughs. And so, the genre continues to grow more popular, with developers experimenting with different and creative ideas. On the Xbox Series X/S, you’ll find lots of challenging playthroughs in the best RTS games on Xbox Series X/S below.

What is an RTS Game?

An RTS, or real-time strategy game, focuses on making decisions in the moment. They can be combat-based against enemy factions, resource management among your characters, building and construction of a functional base, and more gameplay. Further, decisions have to be quick and strategic in response to real-time events, in the hope of controlling the map and dominating the opponent.

Best RTS Games on Xbox Series X/S

While RTS games found solid footing on PCs, their reach is expanding to include the best RTS games on Xbox Series X/S below.

10. Dune: Spice Wars

The Dune universe is one of the coolest inventions of writing and media, and in Dune: Spice Wars, you can have a taste of it via real-time strategy action. Everyone wants to get their hands on and control spice, a rare mineral source that powers nearly everything. 

As the leader of a faction seeking to dominate Arrakis, you can’t fall behind in the Spice Wars. Not that winning will come easy, as you explore, command your troops to battle, use diplomacy to outsmart opponents, all while watching out for the sandworms.

9. Aliens: Dark Descent

All action in Aliens: Dark Descent takes place on Moon Lethe, where an outbreak of terrifying Xenomorph creatures paralyzes space. Not only monsters, but you’ll need to fight rogue operatives of the Weyland-Yutani Corporation as well to beat the game. 

As the commander of the Colonial Marines squad, you’ll make tough decisions, infiltrating enemy quarters and hunting down adversaries. From survival through discovering hidden paths to setting up safe zones, Aliens: Dark Descent pulls out all the stops for a truly frightening yet thrilling RTS adventure.

8. Age of Empires II

It’s hard to believe that it’s the 20th anniversary of the Age of Empires franchise, arguably one of the best RTS franchises in gaming history. Feel free to check out Age of Empires II for a modern experience of the strategy series. 

As always, you’re building an empire from scratch, starting with building villages that grow in citizens and resources, and onward into establishing military forces to defend your empire against external threats.

7. Evil Genius 2: World Domination

Ever thought about how you might take over the world as the greatest villain in history? Evil Genius 2: World Domination is the place to be to test out your rebellion, where you control an evil genius and help them dominate the world. 

You’ll need to build your lair however you like, filling it with powerful toys for conquering the world. And you can have an army to command, training them in anti-heroism against the forces of justice.

6. Stellaris

The RTS genre is most perfect for space exploration, with Stellaris being one of the best RTS games on Xbox Series X/S. It’s rich with a variety of alien races to control and conquer, engaging storytelling fueling your efforts for space domination, and endless exploration of infinite space.

5. Crusader Kings III

Next is Crusader Kings III, where you first choose a noble house to lead through the Middle Ages. You’ll need to expand your dynasty, amassing power and influence, whether through acquiring land, status, and vassals. It’s a massive world teeming with historical characters who you can romance, betray, and influence in unexpected ways. From the British Isles to the Horn of Africa, thousands of kingdoms and empires await your rule.

4. Anno 1800

Anno 1800 is also a pretty massive game, taking you to the Industrial Age to build a thriving city from scratch. You’re free to take whatever path you desire, researching new technologies and unraveling complex societies. You shape the world as you see fit, gradually setting up a powerful empire unrivaled by those of other online players.

3. Company of Heroes 3

In the Mediterranean, you engage enemy forces throughout North Africa and across Italian mountainous regions. You’ll dive headfirst into vicious war, discovering the adrenaline-fueled battlefield of Company of Heroes 3. When you’re unsure of your next move, you can always pause the game to plan and queue up your attacks. 

Then watch them unfold in seamless, explosive glory. Whether the single-player or sandbox multiplayer gameplay, you’ll have diverse army units to command, and a deeply strategic coordination of air to naval strikes that disintegrate enemy forces and crown your side the winner.

2. Sudden Strike 4

On the other hand, you might enjoy the World War II battlefield experience of Sudden Strike 4. It features three campaigns, availing you with the British, American, German, and Soviet armies in some of the most iconic WWII stages of war. 

Over 100 military units await your control as you navigate 20 different scenarios and skirmish modes, ranging from rescue missions to penetrating enemy defensive lines. You might consider the Complete Edition as well, which includes all five DLCs that dial up your experience to 11 campaigns, 45 scenarios, and 200 units you can control.

1. Halo Wars 2

To conclude our list of the best RTS games on Xbox Series X/S, we have Halo Wars 2, featuring the Marines, Warthogs, Scorpions, and Spartan armies. As the commander of your chosen fleet, you’ll explore the Ark and fight against a new threat to the galaxy. But first is the preparation for war, building your base, and amassing troops. 

Then, large-scale battles ensue against AI or in 3v3 multiplayer matches against friends. You can employ different strategies in combat through exploiting the enemy’s strengths and weaknesses, and coordinating your moves with allies. Your resource management matters, too, as you build a strong supply chain and upgrades to overpower opponents.