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5 Best Strategy RPGs on PS5 & Xbox Series X

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best strategy RPGs

Consoles have a love-hate relationship with strategy RPGs. Initially, the genre was plagued on consoles by poorly made ports from PC. This frequently resulted in brutal controls that rendered these games unplayable and unenjoyable on a controller. However, thanks to advancements in consoles such as the PS5 and Xbox Series X, strategy RPGs have gained a lot of traction on consoles in recent years. There are now a number of enjoyable strategy RPGs on the market. So, if you enjoy being the puppet master in RPGs, controlling every variable to minute precision, these are the best strategy RPGs on PlayStation and Xbox Series X that provide that experience.

5. Crusader Kings III

Crusader Kings III - Next-Gen Announcement Trailer

Crusader Kings III, a grand medieval strategy RPG developed by Paradox, is one of the genre's most well-known and respected titles. Popularity aside, Crusader Kings III is a great pick, whether you are new to the genre or an experienced veteran. You command one of the various houses and command a dynasty, making all decisions from diplomatic meetings to declaring war on others.

This game is one of the best strategy RPGs on next-gen despite how complex it can sometimes be. Although new players can successfully complete a campaign, learning the ins and outs of its strategy will take time. As a result, we decided to rank it here, though if you are willing to invest the time to learn, the title can provide countless hours of Strategy RPG entertainment.

4. The Banner Saga

The Banner Saga - Your Saga Starts Now

The plot of The Banner Saga revolves around an extinct evil race, thought to be extinct, who return to destroy everything in your distant Viking world. You must navigate the vast map as the commander of a caravan, making consequential decisions that affect the outcome of your story. As a result, your choices not only in combat but also on your journey, influence how your story unfolds. Recruit new caravan members, rise to every challenge, and keep those closest to you alive. As the deaths in this game, are permanent.

With excellent controls and a simple interface, The Banner Saga is a joy to play from start to finish. Rather than focusing solely on your character as the story progresses, the game does an excellent job of making you care about the rest of your caravan by presenting you with difficult choices that affect your entire party. As a result, you'll have to make some difficult decisions that necessitate some serious thought before acting. Some of which, will surely have you stuck at crossroads. Due to its riveting story and beautiful artwork, The Banner Saga is without a doubt one of the best strategy RPGs on next-gen consoles.

3. Sid Meier's Civilization VI

CIVILIZATION VI Launch Trailer

Hailed as one of the best strategy RPGs of all time, Sid Meier's Civilization VI knocks it out of the park by putting you in control of every aspect of empire-building. You can choose from 20 different civilizations, each with its own set of abilities and units to establish your dynasty. Beginning with a primitive society and progressing to a futuristic utopia, you must lead your people through thick and thin while conquering enemies and building magnificent cities. As a turn-based game, each turn is filled with opportunity, keeping a constant thrill of what's to come next.

Whether you play cooperatively or solo, there's always something to keep you engaged in Sid Meier's Civilization VI. The game is suitable for players of all skill levels, and there are a number of tutorials and advisors to assist you when you get stuck. It also has a very welcoming atmosphere, which is beneficial because it comes across as quite intimidating at first. Nonetheless, what makes Sid Meier's Civilization VI one of the best strategy RPGs is each playthrough provides a unique experience. Making it one of the most replayable games in the genre and the reason for the franchise's long-term success.

2. Marvel's Midnight Suns

Marvel's Midnight Suns | Official Launch Trailer

The latest strategy RPG making waves on next-gen is Marvel's Midnight Suns, from developers Firaxis Games. In this turn-based strategy RPG, you command a hand-picked team of Marvel heroes who go on a hero's journey to prevent the Mother of Demons from summoning her master, Chthon. You can choose from a cast of 14 different Marvel heroes to make up your squad, ranging from Blade the vampire hunter to everyone's favorite neighborhood hero, Spider-Man.

Furthermore, Marvel's Midnight Suns is one of the best strategy RPGs you can play if you like card-based combat. As the heroes in your squad come with a variety of attack, block, and counter cards that determine how you approach the game's combat. What's more, Marvel's Midnight Suns has received praise for its immersive and true-to-the-comics storyline, which runs deep throughout the entire playthrough. Not to mention, there is a whole other dimension to the gameplay that revolves around your interactions and friendships with other heroes.

Overall, Marvel's Midnight Suns check all the boxes and create the perfect storm. Resulting in one of the best strategy RPGs as of late that we strongly recommend you play if you haven't already.

1. XCOM 2

Official XCOM 2 Launch Trailer

XCOM 2 from Firaxis Games, is the strategy RPG mascot. Originally garnering it's success due to its flawlessly executed turn-based combat, which paved the way for the games that followed. Many did, believe us, but none were able to match XCOM 2's execution and level of success.

In XCOM 2 you command the Avenger and attempt to reclaim Earth from alien forces. Commanding the XCOM defense force's remnants, you are fighting for humanity and attempting to expose the dark and twisted agenda that lies behind closed doors. By providing a variety of approaches to each level, this game allows you to be creative and calculate each turn while weighing the risk and reward of each decision. At the end of the day, XCOM 2 stands as one of the best strategy RPGs because of its fluid combat, dynamic levels, alluring story, and consistent challenge.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there other strategy RPGs you think are best on PS5 and Xbox Series X? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!

Riley Fonger is a freelance writer, music lover, and gamer since adolescence. He loves anything video game-related and grew up with a passion for story games such as Bioshock and The Last of Us.