Hello
Quick Q – do they always come with cables included? Specifically Shinano XT if it matters
ta

Proper aftermarket ones do, "cheaper" ones may not.

Mostly, yes. But it usually says.

crown race part 2

Pretty sure they usually come with just the inner cables but not the outers.(shimano anyway) I stand to be corrected

Outers also included in official shifter sets.(though probably the wrong lengths/ not enough sections)