Xbox Game Pass: Top Strategy Gems for January 2025

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• Top Xbox Game Pass Strategy Games

  • Aliens: Dark Descent
  • Age of Empires 4: Anniversary Edition
  • Age of Mythology: Retold
  • Halo Wars
  • Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
  • Wartales
  • Metal Slug Tactics
  • Dungeons 4
  • Humankind
  • Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
  • Slay the Spire
  • Wildfrost
  • Stellaris
  • Gears Tactics
  • Crusader Kings III
  • Minecraft Legends

• Top PC Game Pass Strategy Games

  • StarCraft Remastered & StarCraft II
  • Frostpunk II
  • Against the Storm
  • Rise of Nations: Extended Edition
  • Dungeon Keeper II
  • Command & Conquer Remastered Collection

The console market once lacked robust strategy game offerings, with notable exceptions and unsuccessful attempts (like StarCraft's awkward Nintendo 64 debut). However, numerous titles have since brought strategic gameplay to living room consoles, especially on Xbox.

Xbox Game Pass provides a wealth of options for armchair commanders. Whether you prefer managing vast galactic empires or directing quirky invertebrate bomb-slingers, Game Pass has a strategy game for you.

Tactical games, while technically a separate genre, are included due to their strategic similarities.

Updated January 5, 2025 by Mark Sammut: The new year brings anticipation for 2025's gaming landscape. Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass is poised for a strong year, building on a successful 2024. While often overlooked, new strategy titles are expected on the service, with a couple confirmed. Commandos: Origins and Football Manager 25 are potential highlights, particularly the former. Meanwhile, subscribers can explore a December 2024 addition to Game Pass. See details below.

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• Wildfrost

Aliens: Dark Descent

A Tense Tactical Experience Perfect for Franchise Fans