- #1 Depraved
97% matchMixed61% of 1,237 reviews2019
Dev: Evil Bite
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.9 hrsMean: 9.3 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Depraved is a city builder game with survival aspects, settled in the Wild West. Build towns and establish important outposts to supply your residents with food and other raw materials. Resist the seasons, dangerous animals, and bandits and conquer the Wild West.
Why similar: City Builder 21.4%, Western 21.2% ★, Economy 11.9%, Management 10%, RTS 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: This is the closest thematic match, focusing on building and managing a settlement in the American Wild West.
- #2 Banished
96% matchVery Positive90% of 42,988 reviews2014
Dev: Shining Rock Software LLC
Windows
Median: 7.8 hrsMean: 26.9 hrs≥1hr: 78%
In this city-building strategy game, you control a group of exiled travelers who decide to restart their lives in a new land. They have only the clothes on their backs and a cart filled with supplies from their homeland. The townspeople of Banished are your primary resource.
Why similar: City Builder 48.1%, Strategy 10.5%, Simulation 8.4%, Sandbox 7%, Resource Management 5.8%
Why You'll Like It: The definitive survival city-builder that shares 1849's focus on population needs and resource management.
- #3 Railway Empire 2
96% matchMostly Positive73% of 2,521 reviews2023
Dev: Gaming Minds StudiosPub: Kalypso Media
Windows
Median: 8.3 hrsMean: 26.0 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Don the coat of a clever entrepreneur, take over a small railway company in the early 1800s and turn your steam engines into the workhorses of the economy. Grow your company into the largest railway company of the continent and outsmart your competitors.
Why similar: Western 23.5% ★, City Builder 15.5%, Economy 11%, Management 9.8%, Historical 8%
Why You'll Like It: Captures the Western expansion and logistics management themes central to the 1849 experience.
- #4 Rise of Industry
95% matchMostly Positive73% of 4,155 reviews2019
Dev: Dapper Penguin StudiosPub: Kasedo Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 10.8 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Put your entrepreneurial skills to the test in the first title in the ROI series as you create & optimise intricate production lines. As an early 20th-Century industrialist, grow your empire & adapt to an ever-changing business landscape with unexpected events that could lead to boom…or bust.
Why similar: City Builder 22.3%, Economy 15.7%, Management 14.4%, Resource Management 9.5%, Strategy 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses heavily on the intricate production and trade networks that define the economic management in 1849.
- #5 Settlement Survival
94% matchVery Positive86% of 7,842 reviews2022
Dev: Gleamer StudioPub: Team17
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 10.8 hrs≥1hr: 80%
In this city-building game, you will lead a group of survivors in their search for a new home. Manipulate the landscape, manage limited supplies, plant crops, hunt wildlife, gather resources, and develop trade routes to build a bustling and unique town.
Why similar: City Builder 35.1%, Management 13.7%, Economy 10.2%, Building 8.8%, Sandbox 8.1%
Why You'll Like It: Offers a very similar gameplay loop of managing resources and population growth in a challenging environment.
- #6 Nebuchadnezzar
94% matchMostly Positive79% of 1,793 reviews2021
Dev: Nepos GamesPub: Astra Logical
Windows · Linux
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Create and customize cities in Nebuchadnezzar, a classic isometric city-builder where careful planning and define your rise as a ruler in ancient Mesopotamia.
Why similar: City Builder 24%, Economy 12.1%, Management 9.2%, Historical 7.7%, Sandbox 7.7%
Why You'll Like It: Shares the classic 2D city-builder aesthetic and complex production chain mechanics.
- #7 Anno 1404 - History Edition
93% matchVery Positive82% of 3,444 reviews2020
Dev: Ubisoft MainzPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 31.4 hrs≥1hr: 64%
Relive the captivating gameplay of a true city-building classic with Anno® 1404 History Edition.
Why similar: City Builder 41.6%, Strategy 13.7%, Management 13.6%, Building 9.6%, Simulation 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for complex production chains and trade networks that 1849 players will appreciate.
- #8 Lords and Villeins
92% matchMostly Positive71% of 951 reviews2022
Dev: Honestly GamesPub: Fulqrum Publishing
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 15.5 hrs≥1hr: 54%
Build a prosperous settlement in a unique simulation of a feudal economy - each family runs their shop, owns their goods, and trades with other villagers in a free market. You will manage the land, build houses, organise events, set taxes, and balance supply and demand while engaging in diplomacy!
Why similar: City Builder 27.5%, Management 13.9%, Economy 12.6%, Resource Management 8.8%, Sandbox 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: Provides a similar top-down management feel with a deep focus on population needs and social hierarchies.
- #9 Bounty Train
91% matchMostly Positive70% of 1,710 reviews2017
Dev: Corbie GamesPub: Daedalic Entertainment
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 8.0 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Explore the dangerous life, the accurate historic events and contemporary inventions of the North American/US 19th century. Acquire one of the most legendary steam machines and transform it into a fortress on rails.
Why similar: Western 21.5% ★, Economy 16.6%, Management 16.4%, Strategy 14.7%, Simulation 13.7%
Why You'll Like It: Features the same Western setting and a heavy emphasis on logistics and trade.
- #10 Ostriv
90% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 7,359 reviews2020
Dev: yevhen8
Windows
Median: 9.0 hrsMean: 36.3 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Ostriv is a city-building game that puts you in a role of a governor of an 18th century Ukrainian town to challenge your creative skills and management abilities.
Why similar: City Builder 27.8%, Historical 11.8%, Economy 11.3%, Management 10.9%, Resource Management 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: A realistic historical city-builder that emphasizes deep supply chain management and organic growth.
- #11 SteamWorld Build
89% matchVery Positive84% of 2,093 reviews2023
Dev: The StationPub: Thunderful Publishing
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 10.9 hrs≥1hr: 71%
SteamWorld Build is a casual city-building and dungeon-management cross-over set in the SteamWorld Universe, where you build and manage a town on a dying planet. You'll need to balance resources, construction, and exploration to its depths to ensure your town's survival and eventual escape.
Why similar: Western 25.6% ★, City Builder 19.5%, Economy 11.5%, Management 8.5%, Resource Management 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: A charming city-builder with a similar focus on resource extraction and production chains.
- #12 Railroad Pioneer
91% matchMixed61% of 262 reviews2014
Dev: Kritzelkratz 3000Pub: HandyGames
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 10.3 hrs≥1hr: 46%
Be a pioneer and build the most famous transcontinental railroad tracks in the United States of America throughout the 19th century.
Why similar: Strategy 42.5%, Simulation 39.2%, Management 18.2%
Why You'll Like It: Directly mirrors the Western expansion and transportation-based economic growth theme.
- #13 Railway Empire
89% matchVery Positive83% of 9,620 reviews2018
Dev: Gaming Minds StudiosPub: Kalypso Media
Windows · Linux
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 12.3 hrs≥1hr: 89%
In Railway Empire, you will create an elaborate and wide-ranging rail network, purchase over 40 different trains modelled in extraordinary detail, and buy or build railway stations, maintenance buildings, factories and tourist attractions to keep your travel network ahead of the competition.
Why similar: Western 20.1% ★, Economy 13.5%, Management 13.4%, City Builder 11.3%, Strategy 10.5%
Why You'll Like It: The original game that captures the Western transportation expansion theme with management depth.
- #14 Foundation
86% matchVery Positive86% of 23,481 reviews2025
Dev: Polymorph Games
Windows
Median: 11.0 hrsMean: 26.3 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Foundation is a grid-less, laidback medieval city-building game with a focus on organic development, monument construction and resource management.
Why similar: City Builder 39.6%, Economy 10.1%, Management 9.1%, Resource Management 8.2%, Strategy 7.3%
Why You'll Like It: A gridless city-builder that focuses on organic growth and complex resource management.
- #15 Patron
87% matchMostly Positive72% of 3,136 reviews2021
Dev: Overseer Games
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Patron is a survival city builder with a unique social dynamics system. Gather and produce resources, build your fledgling village into a prosperous city and navigate the intricate social tensions before they reach boiling point.
Why similar: City Builder 34.4%, Economy 12.4%, Strategy 9.7%, Management 9.7%, Resource Management 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: A survival city-builder that emphasizes social management and resource balancing similar to 1849.
- #16 Lethis - Path of Progress
88% matchMixed68% of 1,210 reviews2015
Dev: Triskell Interactive
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 7.9 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Lethis - Path of Progress is a city-builder in a victorian steampunk setting.
Why similar: City Builder 40.4%, Resource Management 12%, Strategy 9.9%, Building 8.5%, Simulation 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: A classic-style city-builder with a strong focus on production chains and historical aesthetics.
- #17 Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic
84% matchVery Positive91% of 25,183 reviews2024
Dev: 3DivisionPub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Median: 6.6 hrsMean: 73.0 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Build a soviet republic from an impoverished country into a rich industrial superpower in a city builder with intricate production chains and a fully simulated global economy. Manage the lives of your citizens from education to work and party loyalty to criminal activity.
Why similar: City Builder 25%, Economy 13.7%, Historical 11.7%, Management 11.4%, Sandbox 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: The ultimate challenge in complex logistics and production chain management for those who want more depth.
- #18 Timberborn
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 38,007 reviews2026
Dev: Mechanistry
Windows · Mac
Median: 9.8 hrsMean: 40.3 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Humans are long gone. In a world struck by droughts and toxic waste, will your lumberpunk beavers do any better? A sandbox city-building game featuring ingenious animals, vertical architecture, water physics, and terraforming. Contains high amounts of wood.
Why similar: City Builder 44.7%, Management 16.8%, Sandbox 12.7%, Building 9.6%, Strategy 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: Adds a unique survival twist to the city-building genre with complex water and resource management.
- #19 Train Fever
86% matchMixed64% of 3,520 reviews2014
Dev: Urban GamesPub: Good Shepherd Entertainment
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 29.9 hrs≥1hr: 66%
It’s the year 1850, and there are great times ahead! Establish a transport company and be its manager. Build infrastructure such as railways and stations, purchase transportation vehicles and manage lines. Fulfill the people’s needs and watch cities evolve dynamically.
Why similar: City Builder 18.9%, Economy 18.9%, Management 17.6%, Simulation 13.8%, Strategy 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: Provides a deep look at transportation logistics within a historical setting that complements 1849's trade focus.
- #20 Townsmen - A Kingdom Rebuilt
85% matchMostly Positive71% of 1,339 reviews2019
Dev: HandyGames
Windows
Median: 6.3 hrsMean: 14.6 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Townsmen – A Kingdom Rebuilt hands the crown to you: Guide your people from their first steps in a small village to a massive medieval metropolis with thousands of inhabitants.
Why similar: City Builder 33.2%, Strategy 17.1%, Simulation 14.7%, Economy 8.9%, Resource Management 6.4%
Why You'll Like It: Offers a similar 2D management experience with historical production chains and population needs.
- #21 Blueprint Tycoon
84% matchVery Positive82% of 1,097 reviews2016
Dev: Endless Loop Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Build your settlement, gather goods, ensure maximum efficiency and make a profit!
Why similar: Management 21.5%, City Builder 21.5%, Economy 12.9%, Resource Management 11.7%, Simulation 10.3%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses specifically on the logistics and production chain aspects of management games.
- #22 Frostpunk
82% matchVery Positive93% of 132,545 reviews2018
Dev: 11 bit studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.2 hrsMean: 22.4 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Frostpunk is the first society survival game. As the ruler of the last city on Earth, it is your duty to manage both its citizens and infrastructure. What decisions will you make to ensure your society's survival? What will you do when pushed to breaking point? Who will you become in the process?
Why similar: City Builder 42.9%, Resource Management 17.1%, Strategy 10.8%, Management 7.2%, Economy 6.5%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the high-stakes survival and population management found in the more difficult scenarios of 1849.
- #23 El Dorado: The Golden City Builder
83% matchMixed56% of 106 reviews2024
Dev: Hobo BunchPub: Gameparic
Windows
El Dorado is a strategy city-building game in which you plan, build and develop your settlement to conquer Jukatan and earn the title of The Golden City. Become a leader, whom even Gods will bow to. Offer sacrifices to the Gods to earn their favor, but beware and don’t lose yourself in your riches.
Why similar: City Builder 23.6%, Economy 12.7%, Management 11.5%, RTS 10.6%, Resource Management 10.3%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on building and managing a historical settlement with complex needs and resource chains.
- #24 Sumerians
81% matchVery Positive88% of 322 reviews2023
Dev: Decumanus GamesPub: Melqart Games
Windows
Sumerians is a city building game set in ancient Mesopotamia. Attract new citizens and grow by expanding your irrigation system, building walls, palaces, temples and ziggurats. Research new technologies, manage your production, hire workers, and trade.
Why similar: City Builder 26.7%, Strategy 11.6%, Historical 11.1%, Simulation 10.8%, Economy 10.4%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on historical city-building with a strong emphasis on trade and resource management.
- #25 Pax Augusta
79% matchMostly Positive72% of 626 reviews2025
Dev: Roger GassmannPub: Senatis
Windows
Pax Augusta is probably the most authentic ancient city-building simulation. Build flourishing cities and look after your citizens. Earn gold with production and trade of goods and build impressive monuments. Strengthen your influence and become a Roman emperor!
Why similar: City Builder 32.1%, Historical 16%, Simulation 13.4%, Strategy 13.2%, Management 10%
Why You'll Like It: A historical city-builder that emphasizes resource management and expansion in a classic setting.
- #26 Settlements Rising
78% matchVery Positive82% of 412 reviews2025
Dev: The Catalyst Crew
Windows
Settlements Rising is a medieval city building and colony management game. It offers a lively colony experience with simulated villagers, dozens of professions and resources, natural disasters, and raids, while providing full control over the colony through trade, production chains and datas.
Why similar: City Builder 33.6%, Resource Management 12.7%, Management 11.8%, Strategy 9.1%, Economy 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: A colony-sim that focuses on resource management and population growth in a historical-inspired setting.
- #27 Cliff Empire
79% matchVery Positive87% of 4,340 reviews2019
Dev: Lion's Shade
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 15.2 hrs≥1hr: 79%
After a nuclear war life on the surface became impossible. A 300m thick radioactive fog covered the Earth. We are looking for bold active people to manage the process of restoring life on Earth. Join!
Why similar: City Builder 29.3%, Economy 16.1%, Management 11.9%, Resource Management 11.1%, Strategy 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: Requires careful resource management and trade between multiple settlements, much like 1849.
- #28 Civitatem
80% matchMixed63% of 133 reviews2022
Dev: LW Games
Windows
Civitatem is a medieval city builder where you help your villagers raise a new settlement in dangerous lands by making use of their skills and available world resources.
Why similar: City Builder 36.2%, Strategy 13.2%, Simulation 10.5%, Resource Management 10.4%, Management 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: A medieval city-builder that shares the 2D management and survival elements of 1849.
- #29 Empire Architect
81% matchMixed65% of 171 reviews2017
Dev: Batholith Entertainment
Windows
Empire Architect is an ancient city-building real time strategy game, with elements from grand strategies sprinkled in for good measure. The levels are procedurally generated, and you have limited control over your subjects
Why similar: City Builder 26.1%, Economy 10.4%, Strategy 8.2%, Simulation 7.8%, Management 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: Offers a similar simulation and management experience within a historical context.
- #30 Project Highrise
77% matchVery Positive85% of 4,730 reviews2016
Dev: SomaSimPub: Kasedo Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 8.7 hrsMean: 32.1 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Project Highrise is a skyscraper construction and management sim...
Why similar: Management 27%, Simulation 13.8%, Building 12.9%, Strategy 12.6%, Economy 9.7%
- #31 Marble Age: Remastered
77% matchVery Positive86% of 388 reviews2020
Dev: Clarus Victoria
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 6.3 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Marble Age is a turn-based historical strategy where your task is to turn a small Ancient Greek village into a flourishing Polis, powerful enough to conquer the known world!
Why similar: City Builder 20.4%, Historical 12.5%, Economy 12%, Management 11.7%, Strategy 9.7%
- #32 Gold Rush! Anniversary
78% matchMixed58% of 200 reviews2014
Dev: Sunlight Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 7.6 hrs≥1hr: 96%
Gold Rush! takes you back to the year 1849, when gold was discovered in California. It was certainly one of the most exciting times in American history. Gold Rush! includes the three routes tens of thousands took to the gold regions. Become Jerrod Wilson and experience each trek as you travel from New York to California.
Why similar: Western 32.3% ★, Historical 26.3%, Strategy 16.7%, Simulation 11%, Indie 6.2%
Why You'll Like It: Shares the specific historical theme of the California Gold Rush, though with a different gameplay focus.
- #33 1980
75% matchVery Positive89% of 681 reviews2020
Dev: Merxon22
Windows · Mac
Welcome to the 1980s! This is a city which just started to develop, and you're in charge of this small urban village. How will the city's future be tied to this place? Manage your land, construct new buildings, explore the stories, and find out the ultimate fate of this urban village!
Why similar: City Builder 35.9%, Management 19%, Strategy 17.3%, Resource Management 9%, Building 6.6%
- #34 Project AURA
76% matchMixed64% of 698 reviews2018
Dev: Nexcentric Games
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 8.1 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Project Aura is a micro management game where you lead a Colony of Climate Disaster Survivors. You have been assigned the mission to build an habitat capable of survival in this new unknown world.
Why similar: City Builder 28.6%, Management 12.4%, Economy 11.9%, Resource Management 11%, Strategy 10.4%
- #35 Spice Road
76% matchMixed68% of 69 reviews2014
Dev: Aartform Games
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 97%
Strategy, trade and empire building on the old Silk Road. Spice Road is a town building, social and economic simulation game full of original challenges.
Why similar: Strategy 30.4%, Simulation 25.5%, Economy 21.9%, Management 13%, Indie 9.1%
- #36 Anno 2070™
75% matchMixed60% of 12,622 reviews2011
Dev: Blue BytePub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 10.5 hrsMean: 30.9 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Build your society of the future, colonize islands, and create sprawling megacities with multitudes of buildings, vehicles, and resources to manage.
Why similar: City Builder 41.5%, Strategy 13.4%, Economy 10.3%, RTS 8.8%, Resource Management 7.7%
- #37 Urbek City Builder
72% matchVery Positive90% of 1,808 reviews2022
Dev: FridusPub: RockGame S.A.
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 10.0 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Urbek is a city building game where you can build your own neighbourhoods: from nightlife district to industrial district. Don't exhaust your natural resources before you have an educated population to build more efficient structures.
Why similar: City Builder 28.3%, Economy 14.1%, Management 13.2%, Resource Management 10.5%, Sandbox 9.1%
- #38 Industry Giant 4.0
73% matchMostly Negative37% of 545 reviews2025
Dev: Don VS DodoPub: Toplitz Productions
Windows
Build an industrial empire from scratch in Industry Giant 4.0. Produce goods, build up your industries, construct transportation networks, plan production, manage finances, and navigate global events. Become the next business tycoon and write history!
Why similar: City Builder 19.9%, Economy 12.3%, Management 12.3%, Resource Management 9.3%, RTS 8.8%
- #39 Marble Age
74% matchVery Positive83% of 741 reviews2015
Dev: Clarus Victoria
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Turn-based historical simulation strategy. Develop the Greek civilization from the small village to the great city-state when it will dominate the world!
Why similar: City Builder 19.9%, Historical 12.9%, Economy 12.2%, Management 11.1%, Strategy 8.9%
- #40 Turmoil
71% matchVery Positive93% of 15,720 reviews2016
Dev: Gamious
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 12.0 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Drill for oil like it's 1899! Turmoil offers players a visually charming, tongue-in-cheek take on the simulation genre inspired by the 19th century oil rush in North America.
Why similar: Management 19.1%, Economy 17.7%, Resource Management 15.7%, Capitalism 11.9%, Strategy 10.6%
- #41 Iron Village
71% matchVery Positive89% of 65 reviews2025
Dev: Lunar Chippy Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
With the help of your railway, build houses, farms, warehouses, and more to create your village. Trade what your people make for other resources and gold to grow your village into a prospering town, and grow the railway into a powerhouse.
Why similar: City Builder 33.7%, Economy 17.6%, Management 13.6%, Building 9.7%, Sandbox 7.6%
- #42 Rise of Industry 2
71% matchMixed67% of 198 reviews2025
Dev: SomaSimPub: Kasedo Games
Windows
Navigate the competitive industrial landscape of vibrant 1980's USA! Make strategic manufacturing decisions, optimize production chains, acquire technologies, and expand your global business network with key contacts. Opportunities await those savvy enough to capitalize on them!
Why similar: City Builder 20.6%, Economy 14.1%, Management 12.7%, Resource Management 11%, Capitalism 8.8%
- #43 Bronze Age - HD Edition
73% matchMostly Positive77% of 367 reviews2017
Dev: Clarus Victoria
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 4.1 hrs≥1hr: 75%
What was it like to be a chief of a tribe in 6000 year B.C.? Oh, you know, the usual - feed your people, build them shelters, defend them from raids of neighbors. And if you are lucky, sooner or later you will build a kingdom and become their king!
Why similar: City Builder 21.4%, Economy 13.1%, Historical 12.1%, Management 11.4%, Resource Management 9.2%
- #44 Villagers
74% matchMixed53% of 342 reviews2016
Dev: bumblebee.Pub: Avanquest Software Publishing Ltd
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Villagers is a beautifully illustrated and richly detailed town-building game where you build a thriving community using the people and resources around you. Success or failure depends on your ability to create a town that can grow and prosper, and overcome the harsh realities of medieval life!
Why similar: City Builder 58%, Strategy 19.8%, Simulation 16.7%, Indie 5.5%
- #45 Capital Simulator
72% matchMixed62% of 52 reviews2020
Dev: chenjd
Windows · Mac
A game that simulates the use of capital to build a complex industrial chain, stock investment and business challenges
Why similar: City Builder 25.4%, Management 15.8%, Strategy 14.4%, Simulation 14%, Economy 12.4%
- #46 Train Valley
69% matchVery Positive90% of 3,405 reviews2015
Dev: Alexey DavydovPub: Flazm
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 7.5 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Build railways, manage traffic and stay accident-free. Play in Europe, America, Japan and USSR in 1830-2020. Complete the story mode from the Gold Rush of 1849 to the first manned spaceflight, and then explore the random mode. Management. Construction. Trains. Welcome to Train Valley!
Why similar: Resource Management 28.4%, Management 21.6%, Strategy 13.3%, Building 12.1%, Simulation 11.6%
- #47 Power to the People
69% matchVery Positive82% of 543 reviews2022
Dev: Rhombico GamesPub: Crytivo
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 5.8 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Build and maintain a power grid for a constantly growing population, while fighting off all kinds of disasters in this thrilling resource management experience. It's time for you to give "Power to the People"! Do you have what it takes to keep the lights on?
Why similar: City Builder 24.9%, Economy 17.2%, Management 15%, Resource Management 11.8%, Isometric 9.4%
- #48 Hearthlands
70% matchVery Positive82% of 414 reviews2017
Dev: Four White Cats
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 7.1 hrs≥1hr: 58%
Hearthlands is a medieval/fantasy city-building real time strategy game in which you take a role of a king in a procedurally generated world. You can not control your subjects directly; instead you focus on city-building, resource management, diplomacy, magic, etc.
Why similar: City Builder 29.5%, Management 11%, RTS 9.9%, Economy 8.9%, Resource Management 8.5%
- #49 California Escapades
68% matchMostly Positive72% of 310 reviews2024
Dev: NUTS POWER ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED
Windows
In this simulation and adventure game, explore 19th-century Gold Rush California. Join Jim and Emma to build and manage your farm and city. Plant crops, raise animals, construct buildings, complete missions, uncover secrets, and collect treasures. Start your adventure now!
Why similar: City Builder 39.4%, Strategy 14.5%, Simulation 13.2%, Management 10.2%, Building 8.3%
- #50 Two Point Museum
64% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 11,346 reviews2025
Dev: Two Point StudiosPub: SEGA
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.8 hrsMean: 24.8 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Curate and manage incredible museums! Explore to discover amazing artifacts. Design and refine the layout, keep staff happy, guests entertained, donations plentiful… and children off the exhibits
Why similar: City Builder 27%, Economy 11.6%, Management 10.8%, Sandbox 9.6%, Simulation 9%
- #51 Builders of Greece
68% matchMixed56% of 562 reviews2025
Dev: BLUM EntertainmentPub: CreativeForge Games
Windows
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 5.8 hrs≥1hr: 61%
Immerse yourself in the beautifully recreated golden age of Hellenic city-states. Builders of Greece is a city management game that lets you display your strategic and economic mastery. Build your Polis from scratch, make meaningful decisions, trade, fight and expand to become the ultimate ruler.
Why similar: City Builder 29.4%, Economy 11.6%, Historical 10.8%, RTS 8.5%, Strategy 8.2%
- #52 Towns
73% matchMostly Negative27% of 2,812 reviews2012
Dev: Xavi Canal, Ben PalgiPub: SMP
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 17.6 hrs≥1hr: 53%
The game brings a fresh new take on the city building/management genre by introducing many RPG features. In Towns you manage a settlement on top of an active dungeon. Instead of playing the hero who delves deep into the dungeon, how about playing the town that houses and caters to the hero's needs?
Why similar: City Builder 45.2%, Sandbox 14.7%, Strategy 10%, Simulation 8.9%, Resource Management 5.2%
- #53 Polismos
67% matchMostly Positive74% of 50 reviews2024
Dev: Composition GS
Windows
Polismos is a city builder set in ancient Greece. To ensure your city's prosperity you will need to care for your people, trade valuable resources, enact wise policies, and maybe even dominate other cities.
Why similar: Historical 26.2%, City Builder 20.8%, Strategy 11.7%, Simulation 11%, Economy 9.1%
- #54 Wild West Supermarket Simulator
67% matchMostly Positive74% of 149 reviews2025
Dev: SunDustPub: Toplitz Productions
Windows
Run a General Store in the Wild West. Customize and expand your shop. Make sure that your customers’ constantly changing needs are satisfied. Work every job yourself or let your employees stack the shelves and work the till. Find out what it feels like to own a Wild West Supermarket.
Why similar: Western 26.3% ★, Economy 17.3%, Management 14.5%, Capitalism 10.4%, Simulation 7.9%
- #55 Industry Giant
70% matchMostly Positive75% of 75 reviews2018
Dev: QLOCPub: Toplitz Productions
Windows
In Industrial Giant you have to find a route to profit to prove your management skills in this resource management business simulation. Experience the soaring heights and the shattering depths of being an industrial giant!
Why similar: City Builder 22.3%, Economy 16.2%, Management 12.6%, Sandbox 8.2%, Historical 8.1%
- #56 Let Them Trade
65% matchVery Positive85% of 1,033 reviews2025
Dev: SpaceflowerPub: ByteRockers' Games
Windows
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 68%
Build a network of cities that produce and trade resources, upgrade your castle, and protect the cities from cheeky bandits. Tinker with the economy at your own pace, and watch the charming wooden world grow into a lively and thriving kingdom.
Why similar: City Builder 30.8%, Economy 18.7%, Resource Management 14.1%, Management 13.6%, Building 7.3%
- #57 Railroad Corporation
68% matchMostly Positive74% of 1,474 reviews2019
Dev: Corbie GamesPub: Iceberg Interactive
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 7.1 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Relive the pioneering spirit of the Golden Age of Steam by establishing your own railroad empire across 19th century North America. Bring settlements together, produce and trade goods and develop new technologies to stay ahead of the competition. Want more? RAILROAD CORPORATION 2 Out Now!
Why similar: Western 24.6% ★, Management 12.8%, Historical 12.4%, Economy 11.6%, Strategy 7.7%
- #58 Railroad Corporation 2
65% matchMostly Positive73% of 351 reviews2026
Dev: Corbie GamesPub: Iceberg Interactive
Windows
The 20th century heralds the new age of electrification for the railroad, and a new opportunity to make your fortune. Build your corporation carefully, as you deploy modern electric and diesel locomotives, lay new tracks, transport goods and passengers, and stay ahead of the competition.
Why similar: Western 25.3% ★, City Builder 15.3%, Economy 12.4%, Historical 9.3%, Sandbox 7.6%
- #59 Little Big Workshop
67% matchVery Positive84% of 3,350 reviews2019
Dev: Mirage Game StudiosPub: HandyGames
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 8.1 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Manage your workers, stations, machines and create awesome stuff as your little big workshop grows into your dream factory!
Why similar: Management 16.3%, Simulation 15.3%, Strategy 15%, Economy 13.7%, Resource Management 12.3%
- #60 Cities in Motion
69% matchMostly Positive77% of 1,080 reviews2011
Dev: Colossal OrderPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 54 minMean: 10.6 hrs≥1hr: 49%
Manage transportation for commuters in four of the world's greatest cities - Vienna, Helsinki, Berlin, and Amsterdam
Why similar: City Builder 25.7%, Management 22.1%, Simulation 19.6%, Economy 13.3%, Strategy 8.9%