Playing Age of Empires on Xbox has become a reality with recent releases and enhanced compatibility. While the Age of Empires series was traditionally known for its PC exclusivity, Xbox players now have a variety of options that capture the essence of strategy, city-building, and warfare. Whether we’re enjoying the Definitive Editions or exploring games with similar mechanics, the Xbox library offers a treasure trove of strategic experiences for console enthusiasts. Let’s dive into the best Age of Empires game for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and some available on Xbox Game Pass.
The Best Age of Empires Games for Xbox: Strategic Masterpieces on Console
1. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
At the top of our list is the Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, which has been optimized for Xbox. The game retains all the classic elements we love—building civilizations, managing resources, and engaging in large-scale historical battles—while featuring console-friendly controls. With updated graphics, new campaigns, and multiplayer modes, it feels like the perfect bridge between PC and console gaming. It’s available on Xbox Game Pass, making it accessible to a wide audience of Xbox strategists.
2. Age of Empires IV (via Xbox Cloud Gaming)
The long-awaited Age of Empires IV can now be enjoyed on Xbox consoles via Xbox Cloud Gaming. This title brings modern innovations to the classic Age of Empires formula, with gorgeous visuals, updated mechanics, and brand-new campaigns focusing on different civilizations. We can lead our armies through dynamic and historically rich campaigns, experiencing grand battles from various historical eras. Xbox Cloud Gaming allows us to stream the game seamlessly, making it one of the best options for Xbox players craving the latest in RTS gaming.
3. Halo Wars 2
Moving from ancient battles to futuristic warfare in the best Age of Empires game for Xbox, Halo Wars 2 delivers a fantastic real-time strategy experience set in the Halo universe. We command armies of Spartans, vehicles, and advanced weaponry to engage in large-scale battles against the Banished. The game’s intuitive controls make it a perfect fit for a console, and its multiplayer modes offer competitive and cooperative gameplay options. For Xbox players who enjoy strategy games with a sci-fi twist, Halo Wars 2 is a standout choice.
4. Total War: Warhammer II (via Xbox Cloud Gaming)
For fantasy strategy fans, Total War: Warhammer II offers a deep mix of turn-based empire management and real-time tactical battles. We control armies of fantastical creatures—dragons, sorcerers, and infantry—while expanding our empire on a grand campaign map. The game’s rich lore and extensive tactical depth make every battle feel epic, providing a strategy experience that mirrors the Age of Empires. Available through Xbox Cloud Gaming, it brings an engaging RTS option to Xbox strategists.
5. Northgard
Northgard is a game where players build cities in a Viking-themed, real-time strategy. We help Viking clans to expand and fight for a new land while facing such challenges as winter, mythological creatures, and other clans. Exploration mixed with conquest also makes Northgard one of the best Age of Empires-like games you can get on Xbox consoles.
6. Civilization VI
Civilization VI is a turn-based strategy game, but it has a very rich roster of mechanics that are related to the Age of Empires. We ‘run’ a civilization from the period of antiquity to the present time, managing war and peace, science, arts, and politics within the best Age of Empires game for Xbox. Civilization VI for Xbox has great controls and challenges which makes it essential for Xbox gamers to control the destiny of civilization for centuries.
Read More: Best Kingdom Games For Xbox
7. Empire of Sin
To switch things up Empire of Sin then takes us back to 1920s Prohibition where we run a Criminal Empire. It is the mix of RTS with turn-based combat while we develop our criminal organization and its related businesses alongside fighting with other gangs. Stellar storytelling coupled with strategy makes the choices matter which is refreshing given its approach to empire-building in a distinct historical period. Available on Xbox, it presents the player with a different feel compared to standard RTS games.
8. Stellaris: Console Edition
For a leap into the future, Stellaris: Console Edition offers a grand strategy experience set in space. We manage an empire that spans across galaxies, engaging in diplomacy, exploration, and epic space battles. The game’s deep systems of trade, military expansion, and political intrigue mirror the complexities of Age of Empires but in a far-reaching, sci-fi setting. The console edition is optimized for Xbox, providing smooth gameplay and hours of strategic possibilities.
9. Bad North: Jotunn Edition
Bad North: Jotunn Edition is a minimalist yet challenging strategy game where we defend our islands from waves of Viking invaders out of the best Age of Empires game for Xbox. The real-time tactics involve managing units, positioning them strategically, and ensuring survival against ever-growing threats. With its simple graphics and intuitive controls, Bad North is perfect for quick strategy sessions on Xbox. The game’s tactical depth, despite its minimalist design, provides a satisfying strategic challenge for console players.
10. Surviving Mars
In Surviving Mars, we take on the challenge of establishing and managing a colony on the red planet. Resource management, survival, and city-building are at the heart of this game, as we expand our colony while dealing with environmental hazards and the limitations of Mars. The game’s futuristic setting and focus on strategic planning and survival provide a different but engaging strategy experience for Xbox players. It’s an excellent choice for fans of long-term, resource-driven strategy games.
Read More: Best Building Games For Xbox
11. Tropico 6
Tropico 6 places us as the El Presidente, a leader of an island nation going through various ages. We farm, construct buildings, provide necessities, organize society and at the same time face the outside world and politics. This is a fun and intense city-builder that Xbox players will like, mostly because of the game’s humorous aura and the profound levels of strategy hidden under the surface. As a game that focuses more on politics and economy, Tropico 6 gives a different and funnier taste than Age of Empires to play.
12. Command & Conquer Remastered Collection (via Xbox Cloud Gaming)
If you like modern settings, then the Command & Conquer Remastered Collection is a great package filled with new graphics and controls. It is accessible on Xbox Cloud Gaming and it gives Xbox players a rebirthed but old-school RTS thrill.
Command & Conquer Remastered Collection on EA
Conclusion
While Age of Empires has found its way onto Xbox through Definitive Editions and Cloud Gaming, there’s a world of strategy games beyond this classic franchise. Whether we’re building Viking settlements in Northgard, commanding futuristic fleets in Stellaris, or battling through Prohibition-era Chicago in Empire of Sin, Xbox consoles offer a rich variety of strategic experiences. The best Age of Empires game for Xbox ensures that the spirit of empire-building, resource management, and tactical warfare remains alive and well on Xbox, keeping our minds sharp and our strategic hearts satisfied.
Can I play Age of Empires on Xbox Game Pass?
Yes, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is available on Xbox Game Pass, allowing subscribers to enjoy the game without purchasing it separately.
Do these games support multiplayer modes on Xbox?
Many of these games, including Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, Halo Wars 2, and Stellaris, offer robust multiplayer modes, allowing players to compete or cooperate in real-time strategy matches.
Can I play these games on older consoles like Xbox 360?
Some of the older games, like Command & Conquer, might be available on older consoles via backward compatibility, but newer titles like Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition and Age of Empires IV are optimized for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
