- #1 The Guild 3
97% matchMixed60% of 7,930 reviews2022
Dev: Purple LampPub: THQ Nordic
Windows
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 16.1 hrs≥1hr: 78%
The Guild 3 is a fascinating trade and life simulation that takes place during the late Middle Ages. Step into the shoes of a citizen, acquire businesses and mansions, produce goods and trade them, start intrigues in politics and society, love, hate, bribe, fight and live through good and bad times!
Why similar: Economy 25.9%, Medieval 18.3%, Politics 9.2% ★, Simulation 7.9%, Strategy 7.3%
Why You'll Like It: As the direct successor, it modernizes the core economic and political gameplay loop of the series.
- #2 Medieval Dynasty
96% matchVery Positive90% of 51,181 reviews2021
Dev: Render CubePub: Toplitz Productions
Windows
Median: 11.8 hrsMean: 36.2 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Hunt, survive, build and lead in the harsh Middle Ages: Create your own Medieval Dynasty and ensure its long-lasting prosperity or die trying! Play alone or team up with friends to enjoy the ultimate medieval experience.
Why similar: Medieval 31.1%, Simulation 10.2%, Multiplayer 9.8%, Building 9.5%, Management 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: This game perfectly captures the life-simulation and dynasty-building aspects of The Guild by allowing you to grow a family line and manage a settlement from a first-person perspective.
- #3 The Guild II
96% matchMostly Positive71% of 841 reviews2010
Dev: 4HEAD StudiosPub: THQ Nordic
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 41%
The Guild 2 is the shining successor of the ultra successful medieval life sim, Europe 1400. The Guild 2 is a unique mixture of RPG and life simulation in an immersive middle ages scenario. The player and his party become part of history and can even change it in real-time. Go back to the dark middle ages and found a new dynasty!
Why similar: Medieval 17%, Trading 16.8%, Economy 15.3%, Simulation 13.3%, Strategy 12.1%
Why You'll Like It: The original title provides the foundational experience of the series, focusing on family lineage and business management.
- #4 Crusader Kings III
95% matchVery Positive90% of 140,691 reviews2020
Dev: Paradox Development StudioPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 29.0 hrsMean: 147.7 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Love, fight, scheme, and claim greatness. Determine your noble house’s legacy in the sprawling grand strategy of Crusader Kings III. Death is only the beginning as you guide your dynasty’s bloodline in the rich and larger-than-life simulation of the Middle Ages.
Why similar: Medieval 23.3%, Economy 16.7%, Strategy 14.3%, Simulation 9.9%, Management 8.1%
Why You'll Like It: It offers the deepest political and dynasty management experience, focusing on the same interpersonal relationships and power struggles found in The Guild.
- #5 Patrician IV
94% matchMixed56% of 761 reviews2010
Dev: Gaming Minds StudiosPub: Kalypso Media Digital
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 8.5 hrs≥1hr: 42%
You are a merchant in northern Europe in the late Middle Ages when the Hanseatic League was flourishing. Your goal is to rise to the most successful and influential member of the Hanse, ultimately being elected Elderman, leader of the trading league.
Why similar: Trading 35.7%, Economy 25.2%, Strategy 16.2%, Resource Management 8.6%, Simulation 7.2%
Why You'll Like It: This title focuses on the complex trading and economic simulation aspects that are central to the success of a merchant family in The Guild.
- #6 Norland
93% matchVery Positive82% of 10,043 reviews2024
Dev: Long JauntPub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 18.2 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Lead your noble family in this medieval colony sim, facing off against class conflict, religious struggle, and political treachery. Tend to your people’s needs, uncover the lost knowledge of a fallen empire, and engage in nefarious plots against your enemies.
Why similar: Colony Sim 26.4%, Economy 15.2%, Medieval 12.7%, City Builder 10.4%, Strategy 6.1%
Why You'll Like It: A strategy game that emphasizes the social and political lives of noble families, closely mimicking the dynasty-building mechanics of the seed game.
- #7 Manor Lords
92% matchVery Positive84% of 88,052 reviews2024
Dev: Slavic MagicPub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Median: 9.4 hrsMean: 22.3 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Manor Lords is a medieval strategy game featuring in-depth city building, large-scale tactical battles, and complex economic and social simulations. Rule your lands as a medieval lord – the seasons pass, the weather changes, and cities rise and fall.
Why similar: Medieval 20.1%, City Builder 16.5%, Colony Sim 14.7%, Economy 10.7%, Strategy 9.4%
Why You'll Like It: It combines deep medieval city-building with tactical combat and economic management, capturing the grounded feel of a developing feudal society.
- #8 Grand Ages: Medieval
94% matchMixed48% of 1,971 reviews2015
Dev: Gaming Minds StudiosPub: Kalypso Media Digital
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.8 hrsMean: 8.3 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Rise from the humble role of a simple mayor governing a small settlement and rule over all of Europe.
Why similar: Trading 19.6%, Economy 16.3%, Medieval 16.3%, Strategy 11.6%, City Builder 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: It provides a broad strategic view of medieval trade and economic expansion across Europe.
- #9 Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
91% matchVery Positive88% of 291,509 reviews2022
Dev: TaleWorlds Entertainment
Windows
Median: 62.5 hrsMean: 155.1 hrs≥1hr: 96%
A strategy/action RPG. Create a character, engage in diplomacy, craft, trade and conquer new lands in a vast medieval sandbox. Raise armies to lead into battle and command and fight alongside your troops in massive real-time battles using a deep but intuitive skill-based combat system.
Why similar: Medieval 39%, Strategy 15.7%, RPG 10.4%, Sandbox 8.7%, Multiplayer 7.9%
Why You'll Like It: It blends RPG character progression with large-scale strategy and political maneuvering in a medieval sandbox.
- #10 Foundation
90% matchVery Positive86% of 23,848 reviews2025
Dev: Polymorph Games
Windows
Median: 11.1 hrsMean: 26.9 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 21.4%, Medieval 16.7%, Colony Sim 15.4%, Economy 13.8%, Simulation 7.7%
Why You'll Like It: A grid-less city-builder that focuses on organic growth and medieval social structures, providing a relaxing but deep management experience.
- #11 Noble Fates
91% matchVery Positive83% of 1,472 reviews2021
Dev: Xobermon, LLC
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 12.4 hrs≥1hr: 73%
Harness your Demigod powers to lead a group from rags to riches in this 3D Fantasy Kingdom Management Sim with RPG elements. Command from the sky or take control in 3rd Person to BUILD, BATTLE, and RULE. Navigate a world of interesting Nobles, earn their respect, and decide their Fates.
Why similar: Colony Sim 39.2%, Medieval 15.7%, City Builder 14.9%, Strategy 7.9%, Management 6.6%
Why You'll Like It: This game focuses heavily on the social simulation and dynasty management of a medieval kingdom, mirroring the character-driven nature of The Guild.
- #12 Anno 1404 - History Edition
89% matchVery Positive82% of 3,532 reviews2020
Dev: Ubisoft MainzPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 31.9 hrs≥1hr: 64%
Relive the captivating gameplay of a true city-building classic with Anno® 1404 History Edition.
Why similar: Colony Sim 23.3%, City Builder 19.6%, Strategy 12.3%, Simulation 9.3%, Medieval 6.5%
Why You'll Like It: It is the gold standard for complex supply chain management and economic city-building in a historical setting.
- #13 Going Medieval
87% matchVery Positive89% of 21,027 reviews2026
Dev: Foxy VoxelPub: Mythwright
Windows
Median: 7.9 hrsMean: 32.0 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Build and manage your own castle settlement in a land reclaimed by wilderness. With detailed management, survival strategy, and a moddable sandbox world, Going Medieval challenges you to build the mightiest colony this side of the apocalypse.
Why similar: Colony Sim 32.4%, Economy 19.6%, City Builder 12.3%, Strategy 7.1%, Simulation 6.5%
Why You'll Like It: This colony sim features deep character management and dynasty-like survival elements in a medieval setting.
- #14 Banished
89% matchVery Positive90% of 43,179 reviews2014
Dev: Shining Rock Software LLC
Windows
Median: 7.8 hrsMean: 27.0 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: Colony Sim 43.6%, City Builder 18.6%, Medieval 8.1%, Strategy 7.7%, Simulation 6.8%
Why You'll Like It: A classic survival-focused city builder that emphasizes the harsh realities of managing a medieval population.
- #15 SAELIG
88% matchVery Positive87% of 1,120 reviews2017
Dev: Atorcoppe Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 12.6 hrs≥1hr: 61%
SÆLIG is a game that blends together elements of simulation, strategy, RPG, and business management. Centred around the life of you and your family, you must try to survive and bring wealth and prosperity to your household.
Why similar: Economy 19.5%, Trading 19.2%, Medieval 14.4%, Simulation 8%, Strategy 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: An indie gem that focuses on life simulation and trading in a medieval setting, directly echoing the gameplay style of The Guild.
- #16 Lords and Villeins
86% matchMostly Positive71% of 970 reviews2022
Dev: Honestly GamesPub: Fulqrum Publishing
Windows
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 15.3 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: Colony Sim 31.2%, Economy 13.4%, Medieval 13%, City Builder 11.5%, Strategy 6.5%
Why You'll Like It: A management game that focuses on the social hierarchy of a medieval village, requiring you to manage the lives of individual families.
- #17 Tropico 6
85% matchVery Positive88% of 29,117 reviews2019
Dev: Limbic EntertainmentPub: Kalypso Media
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 27.0 hrs≥1hr: 88%
El Presidente is back! Prove yourself once again as a feared dictator or peace-loving statesman on the island state of Tropico and shape the fate of your very own banana republic through four distinctive eras.
Why similar: Economy 22.1%, City Builder 19.5%, Politics 12.2% ★, Strategy 10.8%, Political Sim 10.5% ★
Why You'll Like It: While set in a different era, it excels at the political simulation and economic management that defines the 'ruler' experience in The Guild.
- #18 Dawn of Man
84% matchVery Positive87% of 17,748 reviews2019
Dev: Madruga Works
Windows · Mac
Median: 10.9 hrsMean: 30.0 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Command a settlement of ancient humans, guide them through the ages in their struggle for survival. Hunt, gather, craft tools, fight, research new techs and face the challenges the environment will throw at you.
Why similar: Colony Sim 46.2%, City Builder 22.7%, Strategy 7.9%, Economy 7.6%, Simulation 5.6%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the struggle for survival and economic development of a small community through the ages.
- #19 Ostriv
84% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 7,511 reviews2020
Dev: yevhen8
Windows
Median: 9.0 hrsMean: 36.7 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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: Colony Sim 27.4%, Economy 14.1%, City Builder 13.7%, Medieval 9.3%, Strategy 7.7%
Why You'll Like It: This city builder features a highly realistic economy and complex citizen needs that mirror the depth of The Guild's economic systems.
- #20 Rise of Venice
86% matchMixed61% of 515 reviews2013
Dev: Gaming Minds StudiosPub: Kalypso Media Digital
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 7.3 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Venice: As a young man striving for success, power and wealth and with the support of your family, you begin to build up a trading empire across Genua, Tripoli, Rome, Alexandria and Constantinople in addition to many other significant cities from the Renaissance. This is where your story begins...
Why similar: Trading 28.9%, Economy 25.1%, Strategy 18%, Simulation 14.9%, Management 6.7%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the political and economic rise of a merchant family, capturing the trading spirit of the Renaissance era.
- #21 Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic
82% matchVery Positive91% of 26,263 reviews2024
Dev: 3DivisionPub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Median: 6.3 hrsMean: 72.4 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: Colony Sim 28.9%, Economy 18.6%, City Builder 13.3%, Strategy 7.8%, Simulation 7.5%
Why You'll Like It: Offers an incredibly deep and complex economic simulation that appeals to players who enjoy the intricate business management of The Guild.
- #22 Kingdoms Reborn
83% matchVery Positive91% of 9,636 reviews2020
Dev: Earthshine
Windows
Median: 10.0 hrsMean: 24.3 hrs≥1hr: 87%
A city builder with simulated citizens, set in a procedurally-generated world map. Grow your kingdom through the eras from a tiny medieval hamlet into a prosperous global empire! Cooperate or compete in real-time with your friends in multiplayer mode.
Why similar: Colony Sim 30.2%, City Builder 18.8%, Economy 13.5%, Medieval 10.2%, Strategy 5.6%
Why You'll Like It: A city-builder with multiplayer elements and a focus on managing resources and trade routes.
- #23 Blacksmith Master
82% matchVery Positive84% of 2,627 reviews2025
Dev: Untitled StudioPub: Hooded Horse
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.0 hrsMean: 12.8 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Manage your own medieval smithy in Blacksmith Master and supervise the entire process from mining ores and gems to designing and selling finished products. Forge everything from weapons and armor to tools and cooking utensils to fund your craft and become the Blacksmith Master.
Why similar: Colony Sim 26.8%, Economy 16.3%, Medieval 13.3%, City Builder 10.8%, Strategy 6.3%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the craft and business management of a single shop, mirroring the 'profession' aspect of The Guild.
- #24 Stronghold 2: Steam Edition
81% matchVery Positive89% of 5,674 reviews2017
Dev: Firefly Studios
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 18.5 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Tax, torture or treat your peasants! Rehabilitate criminals or sentence them to death? Decide as you enjoy jousting over a lavish banquet, all while under siege from the warmongering Lord Barclay.
Why similar: Colony Sim 28.7%, Economy 17%, Medieval 14.4%, City Builder 12.4%, Strategy 5.8%
Why You'll Like It: Combines castle building with medieval economic management and social simulation.
- #25 Patron
80% matchMostly Positive72% of 3,179 reviews2021
Dev: Overseer Games
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 6.6 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: Colony Sim 34.4%, City Builder 14.1%, Economy 13.1%, Medieval 10.8%, Strategy 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: A survival city-builder that incorporates social dynamics and political decision-making into its management loop.
- #26 RimWorld
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 241,365 reviews2018
Dev: Ludeon Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 60.2 hrsMean: 264.3 hrs≥1hr: 92%
A sci-fi colony sim driven by an intelligent AI storyteller. Generates stories by simulating psychology, ecology, gunplay, melee combat, climate, biomes, diplomacy, interpersonal relationships, art, medicine, trade, and more.
Why similar: Colony Sim 53.8%, City Builder 10.6%, Strategy 8.2%, Simulation 7.8%, Management 7.3%
Why You'll Like It: While sci-fi, its deep focus on character traits, social dynamics, and emergent storytelling makes it a spiritual cousin to the life-sim aspects of The Guild.
- #27 Settlements Rising
78% matchVery Positive81% of 428 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: Colony Sim 32.9%, City Builder 13.9%, Medieval 12.7%, Economy 9.4%, Strategy 7.1%
Why You'll Like It: A colony sim that focuses on the economic growth and management of a medieval settlement.
- #28 Hearthlands
79% matchVery Positive82% of 414 reviews2017
Dev: Four White Cats
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 7.2 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: Colony Sim 31.2%, City Builder 14.9%, Medieval 13%, Economy 11.5%, Strategy 7.9%
Why You'll Like It: A medieval city-builder that emphasizes resource management and the development of a thriving economy.
- #29 First Feudal
79% matchMostly Positive76% of 634 reviews2021
Dev: Harpoon Games
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 11.7 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Become a real medieval feudal lord: start with a small village and build it up into an enormous impenetrable castle. You will have to repel enemy raids: hide behind thick walls, lure your enemies into strategically placed traps, and even lead your loyal peasants into battle.
Why similar: Colony Sim 33.1%, Medieval 14.5%, City Builder 10.7%, Economy 7.6%, Simulation 6.6%
Why You'll Like It: A colony sim that allows you to manage the daily lives and tasks of your medieval subjects.
- #30 Urban Empire
81% matchMostly Negative34% of 2,462 reviews2017
Dev: Reborn GamesPub: Kalypso Media Digital
Windows
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 7.9 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Urban Empire is a ‘City Ruler’, pioneering a new breed of strategy game that combines city builder features with political scheming and adds profound social and historical events into the mix, creating a whole new gameplay experience.
Why similar: Politics 21.4% ★, Economy 17.9%, City Builder 14.3%, Political Sim 13.2% ★, Strategy 11.5%
Why You'll Like It: A political city-builder that focuses on the long-term governance and social development of a city.
- #31 The Guild Gold Edition
77% matchMostly Positive74% of 598 reviews2014
Dev: 4HEAD StudiosPub: THQ Nordic
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 8.4 hrs≥1hr: 29%
It’s the year 1400- the late Middle Ages. Europe sees the dawn of the golden age of the new departures and the free spirit. Under the rule of the bourgeoisie and businessmen, more and more towns are emerging from the clutches of the aristocracy and are achieving independence, power and wealth.
Why similar: Economy 30.1%, Medieval 25.9%, Strategy 19.3%, Simulation 18.8%, Management 5.9%
- #32 Patrician III
77% matchVery Positive82% of 1,004 reviews2010
Dev: Ascaron Entertainment ltd.Pub: Kalypso Media Digital
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 10.1 hrs≥1hr: 40%
Become a fellow of the famous medieval Hanse trading association in the 13th century. Manage the politics, prestige and economic success in your city and the known parts of Europe!
Why similar: Trading 29.9%, Economy 27.7%, Strategy 13.2%, Simulation 11.2%, Management 7.9%
- #33 Tropico 5
75% matchMostly Positive79% of 14,372 reviews2014
Dev: Haemimont GamesPub: Kalypso Media Digital
Windows · Linux
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 22.2 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Return to the remote island nation of Tropico and expand your Dynasty’s reign from the early colonial period to beyond the 21st Century, facing new challenges including advanced trading mechanics, technology and scientific research, as well as cooperative and competitive MULTIPLAYER.
Why similar: City Builder 23.2%, Economy 16%, Strategy 15.1%, Politics 13.3% ★, Simulation 11.7%
- #34 Life is Feudal: Forest Village
76% matchMixed66% of 6,000 reviews2017
Dev: MindillusionPub: Bitbox Ltd.
Windows
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 30.9 hrs≥1hr: 63%
LiF:Forest Village is a city builder with survival aspects in a realistic harsh medieval world. Shape, build and expand your settlement, grow various food to prevent your villagers from avitaminosis and starvation. Possess them for additional micromanagement or simply to wander around.
Why similar: Colony Sim 45.1%, City Builder 19.1%, Medieval 11.6%, Strategy 6.8%, Resource Management 5.4%
- #35 Noble Legacy
73% matchMostly Positive71% of 700 reviews2025
Dev: Studio 369Pub: Ultimus Rex LLC
Windows
Noble Legacy is a medieval colony sim where every villager has a purpose and every decision carries weight. Build a thriving settlement, recruit & manage your people, master a deep economy, and defend your realm as you forge a legacy worthy of the crown. What kind of ruler will you be?
Why similar: Colony Sim 24.7%, Economy 16.3%, Medieval 12.9%, City Builder 10.3%, Political Sim 9.2% ★
- #36 Mittelland AD
73% matchVery Positive97% of 114 reviews2025
Dev: BKM
Windows
Achieve fame and wealth in the Principality of Mittelland! Found a dynasty, trade goods, prove your political skill, eliminate your rivals, and immortalize yourself in the history books! The classic political and economic simulation starting from the year 1600.
Why similar: Economy 24.4%, Trading 19.8%, Medieval 19.6%, Strategy 10.5%, Simulation 9.3%
- #37 Anno 1503 History Edition
74% matchMostly Positive72% of 124 reviews2024
Dev: Ubisoft MainzPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Experience the classic gameplay of 1503 A.D.: The New World, optimized for current computers with resolutions up to 4K.
Why similar: Colony Sim 31%, Economy 12.7%, City Builder 12.6%, Political Sim 9.3% ★, Simulation 8%
- #38 Anno 1602 History Edition
74% matchMostly Positive78% of 266 reviews2024
Dev: Ubisoft MainzPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 50%
Relive the beginnings of the Anno® series with Anno® 1602 History Edition, updated and optimized for current computers.
Why similar: Colony Sim 31.3%, Economy 12.7%, City Builder 12.6%, Political Sim 9.3% ★, Strategy 8.2%
- #39 The Guild II - Pirates of the European Seas
76% matchMostly Positive72% of 266 reviews2010
Dev: 4HEAD StudiosPub: THQ Nordic
Windows
Median: 36 minMean: 7.7 hrs≥1hr: 44%
The first true life simulation series set in the fascinating medieval Europe! The Addon expands and transforms the game into an even greater experience by adding a huge area including the cities of "The Hanse" located at the shores of the European seas.
Why similar: Medieval 29.3%, Simulation 27.2%, Strategy 22%, Economy 15.3%, RPG 5.3%
- #40 Anno 1701 History Edition
73% matchVery Positive86% of 214 reviews2024
Dev: Ubisoft MainzPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Rediscover the classic gameplay of 1701 A.D. and its expansion The Sunken Dragon in Anno® 1701 History Edition.
Why similar: Colony Sim 30.9%, City Builder 12.7%, Economy 12.7%, Political Sim 9.1% ★, Simulation 7.9%
- #41 Songs of Syx
72% matchVery Positive95% of 8,550 reviews2020
Dev: Gamatron AB
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 13.7 hrsMean: 41.0 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Songs of Syx is a fantasy city-builder with vast battles simulating thousands of citizens and soldiers. Start off as a small village and build, scheme, and fight your way towards a mighty empire. The mechanics are deep and true to life, where tiny events can spiral into the collapse of kingdoms.
Why similar: Colony Sim 32.7%, Economy 16.9%, City Builder 13.3%, Medieval 12.9%, Strategy 6.9%
- #42 Pompeii: The Legacy
71% matchVery Positive82% of 249 reviews2026
Dev: Siscia Games
Windows
Rebuild Pompeii from the ashes and lead it through centuries of politics, intrigue, and survival. Shape laws, expand trade across the Empire, guide your city through disasters, and command legions in optional real-time battles. Your legacy begins now.
Why similar: Colony Sim 28.6%, Economy 16.1%, Medieval 12.5%, City Builder 11.6%, Political Sim 9.3% ★
- #43 Kingdoms and Castles
71% matchVery Positive94% of 31,170 reviews2017
Dev: Lion Shield, LLC
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 16.1 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Kingdoms and Castles is a city-building simulation game about growing a kingdom from a tiny hamlet to a sprawling city and imposing castle. Make trade agreements, alliance, and war with neighboring AI controlled kingdoms. Each villager and resource is individually simulated.
Why similar: Colony Sim 29.6%, Economy 14.5%, City Builder 13.8%, Medieval 10.6%, Strategy 5.6%
- #44 Colonize Prologue
72% matchMixed64% of 513 reviews2022
Dev: RembrosoftPub: CreativeForge Games
Windows
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 14.4 hrs≥1hr: 59%
Colonize Prologue is a combination of survival game and building strategy that takes place during the colonization period - the 17th century. It tells the story of a settlement in the new world and all the difficulties encountered by the early settlers.
Why similar: Colony Sim 30.5%, Trading 16%, Economy 15.4%, City Builder 12.4%, Management 5.8%
- #45 Anno 1800
71% matchVery Positive81% of 31,581 reviews2019
Dev: Ubisoft MainzPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 9.8 hrsMean: 40.1 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Anno 1800™ – Lead the Industrial Revolution! Welcome to the dawn of the Industrial Age. The path you choose will define your world. Are you an innovator or an exploiter? A conqueror or a liberator? How the world remembers your name is up to you.
Why similar: City Builder 26%, Economy 25.6%, Strategy 12.3%, Simulation 9.7%, Politics 5.9% ★
- #46 Against the Storm
67% matchVery Positive95% of 36,221 reviews2023
Dev: Eremite GamesPub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Median: 5.4 hrsMean: 28.4 hrs≥1hr: 83%
A dark fantasy city builder where you must rebuild civilization in the face of apocalyptic rains. As the Queen’s Viceroy, lead humans, beavers, lizards, foxes, and harpies to reclaim the wilderness and secure a future for civilization's last survivors.
Why similar: Colony Sim 25.6%, Economy 15.5%, Medieval 12.7%, City Builder 10.6%, Strategy 6.1%
- #47 Victoria II
70% matchVery Positive92% of 19,947 reviews2010
Dev: Paradox Development StudioPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 49.3 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Carefully guide your nation from the era of absolute monarchies in the early 19th century, through expansion and colonization, to finally become a truly great power by the dawn of the 20th century. Victoria II is a grand strategy game played during the colonial era of the 19th century, where the player takes control of a country, guiding...
Why similar: Politics 24.3% ★, Economy 22.9%, Political Sim 16.6% ★, Strategy 12.4%, Historical 7.7%
- #48 Knights of Honor II: Sovereign
69% matchMostly Positive77% of 6,602 reviews2022
Dev: Black Sea GamesPub: THQ Nordic
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 13.2 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Become the king and fight over Europe in this fresh take on medieval real-time grand strategy. Manage provinces, gather armies, initiate diplomacy, and dabble in espionage. The path is open: become the true Sovereign of your people and bring them to glory.
Why similar: Medieval 36.5%, Strategy 26.7%, Simulation 17.3%, Historical 6.5%, City Builder 5.2%
- #49 Townsmen - A Kingdom Rebuilt
70% matchMostly Positive71% of 1,370 reviews2019
Dev: HandyGames
Windows
Median: 6.3 hrsMean: 14.5 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: Colony Sim 40.4%, City Builder 12%, Strategy 11.7%, Simulation 11.2%, Medieval 10.2%
- #50 Pioneers of Pagonia
66% matchVery Positive82% of 5,380 reviews2025
Dev: Envision Entertainment
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 8.2 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Rebuild hope in a world that was lost in the fog. Lead your Pioneers across the isles of Pagonia, unite scattered tribes, raise thriving communities and discover the history of your people as you reclaim your world in the new story campaign.
Why similar: Colony Sim 28.4%, Economy 17.4%, Medieval 13.4%, City Builder 10.9%, Strategy 6.4%
- #51 Tropico 3
69% matchVery Positive89% of 1,929 reviews2009
Dev: Haemimont GamesPub: Kalypso Media Digital
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 11.0 hrs≥1hr: 39%
Become the dictator of a remote island during the Cold War. Charm, persuade, intimidate, oppress, or cheat your people to stay in power! Are you a kind and generous leader? A corrupt and ruthless tyrant ruling with an iron fist?
Why similar: City Builder 22.5%, Politics 18% ★, Simulation 15.1%, Strategy 13.5%, Economy 12.6%
- #52 Tropico 4
68% matchVery Positive92% of 12,698 reviews2011
Dev: Haemimont GamesPub: Kalypso Media Digital
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 13.9 hrs≥1hr: 86%
The world is changing and Tropico is moving with the times - geographical powers rise and fall and the world market is dominated by new players with new demands and offers - and you, as El Presidente, face a whole new set of challenges.
Why similar: City Builder 30.9%, Economy 13.6%, Simulation 13.3%, Strategy 13.1%, Politics 9.8% ★
- #53 Settlement Survival
67% matchVery Positive86% of 7,950 reviews2022
Dev: Gleamer StudioPub: Team17
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 10.9 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: Colony Sim 31.1%, Medieval 16%, City Builder 14.9%, Economy 11.1%, Management 5.8%
- #54 Imperium Romanum Gold Edition
70% matchVery Positive85% of 479 reviews2008
Dev: Haemimont GamesPub: Kalypso Media Digital
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 41%
The city builder strategy game Imperium Romanum is set in the time-honoured Roman Empire. As governor of a Roman province, you will devise a strategy to build a well organised, prosperous and commanding settlement. Its fortune very much lies in your own hands.
Why similar: Colony Sim 44%, Strategy 19.7%, City Builder 18.9%, Simulation 14.4%, Historical 2.3%
- #55 Stronghold: Definitive Edition
66% matchVery Positive86% of 10,135 reviews2023
Dev: Firefly Studios
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 10.4 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Greetings sire! Your stronghold awaits you. Build a castle economy, besiege unforgettable villains and return to the 'castle sim' that started it all. Experience this classic RTS with upgraded visuals, modernised gameplay, Steam multiplayer and a new campaign.
Why similar: Colony Sim 25.4%, Economy 16.3%, Medieval 14.4%, City Builder 13.6%, Strategy 7.4%
- #56 Stronghold Legends: Steam Edition
68% matchVery Positive88% of 2,681 reviews2016
Dev: Firefly Studios
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 9.1 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Catapult werewolves over castle walls, incinerate troops with dragon fire and command the Knights of the Round Table! This remaster of the mythical ‘castle sim’ features Steam multiplayer, Workshop support, new maps, achievements and DLC campaigns.
Why similar: Colony Sim 28.4%, Economy 16.9%, Medieval 12.5%, City Builder 12.1%, Management 5.3%
- #57 A Game of Humans
69% matchMixed66% of 73 reviews2020
Dev: Scion Studios
Windows
A sandbox village simulation fundamentally about people, their thoughts and their needs. Luckily they are not alone in their burden, for you possess divine powers. And you would surely never add to the plight of the common man... Right?
Why similar: Colony Sim 31.6%, City Builder 13.4%, Medieval 13.2%, Economy 12.3%, Strategy 7.2%
- #58 Europa Universalis V
62% matchMixed68% of 29,250 reviews2025
Dev: Paradox TintoPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows
Median: 51.3 hrsMean: 107.7 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Use war, trade or diplomacy to satisfy your grandest ambitions and dominate five centuries of history in the newest version of Europa Universalis, Paradox Interactive's flagship historical grand strategy game.
Why similar: Economy 28.7%, Trading 27.8%, Strategy 10.3%, Simulation 9.9%, Resource Management 7.9%
- #59 Majesty 2
67% matchMixed69% of 1,285 reviews2009
Dev: 1C:InoCoPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 12.9 hrs≥1hr: 64%
In the world of Majesty, you are the ruler of the kingdom Ardania. At your service are your loyal and somewhat obnoxious subordinates, who have their own minds about how things should be done. In fact, Majesty is the only game where your heroes decide on their own what should be done and when, leaving you to try to control them through...
Why similar: Strategy 45.4%, Simulation 33.5%, City Builder 13.7%, Management 5.2%, Singleplayer 2.2%