10. Desperados III
This thrilling real-time tactics title puts you in command of a ragtag group of five desperados with various lethal skills as you embark on an engrossing Wild West adventure. The challenging game rewards patience and thoughtful play, as each mission can be taken with seemingly endless approaches - but careful planning and the perfect execution result in the most thrilling sense of achievement!
9. Halo Wars 2
Following on from the events of Halo 5, Halo Wars 2 tells a new story across 13 action-packed missions. On the biggest battlefield, the franchise has ever seen, construct bases and prepare for all-out war as you lead your armies against terrifying alien foes in this real-time strategy extravaganza. With an exciting campaign and stunning multiplayer, Halo Wars 2 is a must-have for fans of the genre.
8. Wasteland 3
This squad-based strategy RPG features challenging turn-based combat as you build a squad of up to six Rangers to mow down your enemies. With endless customisation to suit your playstyle and a richly detailed narrative full of twists and turns, Wasteland 3 is an absolutely thrilling strategy title that feels totally reactive, crafting a deep and immersive world around the player.
7. Tropico 6
Introducing large archipelagos to the Tropico franchise for the first time, Tropico 6 introduces the concept or managing multiple islands at the same time and adapting to the challenges that brings. With crisp, vibrant visuals and a seemingly endless choice of buildings, bridges and tunnels to construct on and between your islands, Tropico 6 is the franchise’s highest point thus far – and thankfully, the series’ iconic sense of humour is still here, making the game a pretty good laugh too.
6. Jurassic World Evolution
Who hasn’t wanted to build their own Jurassic World? Evolution gives you the chance to do just that, developing science, entertainment and security units in a park filled with dinosaurs. And the dinosaurs are, obviously, where the game comes into its own – being able to bioengineer your own species with their own unique behaviours creates for an always fresh and exciting gameplay style. Fans of the films and newcomers (like there are any Jurassic Park newcomers out there) will find a lot to love in this exciting park-builder.
5. Sudden Strike 4
Sudden Strike 4 is one of the most tactical real-time strategy (RTS) games on the market, with the player in command of several different factions in World War II. With infantry, tanks, artillery and aircraft available, understanding how each unit contributes to a battle is critical for strategic play. With brilliantly accessible controls, superb presentation and solid gameplay, Sudden Strike 4 is an underappreciated gem of the genre.
4. Planet Coaster
Theme park simulation games have been around forever, and Planet Coaster might just be the definitive experience. Whatever your skill level, this addictive game allows you to choose from over 700 pre-made objects or design and build rides from the ground up with detailed construction, and ultimately live your fantasy of being a theme park entrepreneur. Just be prepared for how much you will binge this game - the hours just fly by while you’re frantically making sure your guests are having a good time!
3. Civilization VI
It can’t be a list of the top strategy games without something from Sid Meier. Civilization VI, developed by 2K, puts you in control of one of 24 famous (or infamous) leaders as you determine your path to victory and play your way. There are few things more gratifying in gaming than the sight of a thriving empire, built by your hands, and Civilisation VI gives you huge maps of uncharted lands to build upon. As with any Sid Meier game, it requires patience, but that patience is rewarded with one of the best strategy games on the Xbox One.
2. XCOM 2
XCOM 2 put players in control of the Avenger, the new mobile base for the XCOM military organization, as you command the engineering and research department of the base between missions to create and customise gadgets and weaponry. Missions themselves take the form of the usual XCOM turn-based combat. The result is a superb little strategy game that combines action and research, which should please both types of strategy fans!
1. Aven Colony
If you’ve ever wanted to colonize an alien planet (and who hasn’t), you’ll be in your element with Aven Colony. After learning how to manage low-oxygen, electrical storms and other perilous environmental issues, you will need to provide jobs, health care, entertainment, food and policing to win favour in the elections. The game is packed with many missions that can take several hours to complete, as well as a very pleasing sandbox mode. Aven Colony is a visually stunning sci-fi strategy masterpiece.
