- #1 Anno 1800
97% matchVery Positive81% of 32,192 reviews2019
Dev: Ubisoft MainzPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 9.8 hrsMean: 40.6 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 37.9%, Economy 13.2%, Strategy 8.6%, RTS 6.8%, Simulation 6.2%
Why You'll Like It: This is the definitive Anno experience, offering the same deep supply chain management and economic complexity found in the series.
- #2 Anno 1404 - History Edition
96% matchVery Positive82% of 3,586 reviews2020
Dev: Ubisoft MainzPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 31.9 hrs≥1hr: 64%
Relive the captivating gameplay of a true city-building classic with Anno® 1404 History Edition.
Why similar: City Builder 39%, Building 14.4%, Strategy 11.9%, Simulation 8.2%, Management 8%
Why You'll Like It: As the spiritual predecessor to the Roman-themed entries, it provides the most similar mechanical foundation for city-building and trade.
- #3 Manor Lords
96% matchVery Positive84% of 90,512 reviews2024
Dev: Slavic MagicPub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Median: 9.6 hrsMean: 23.2 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: City Builder 35%, Historical 17.3%, Strategy 9.5%, Simulation 8.3%, Economy 8%
Why You'll Like It: It combines organic city-building with tactical combat, capturing the grounded, historical feel of managing a growing medieval settlement.
- #4 Citadelum
95% matchVery Positive84% of 1,066 reviews2024
Dev: Abylight BarcelonaPub: Abylight Studios
Windows
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 62%
Citadelum is a city builder set in legendary Ancient Rome. Build your own settlement, gather resources and evolve it into a magnificent city. Explore the world, trade and lead your mighty legions in epic tactical battles. Earn the favor of the Gods or challenge them, if you dare.
Why similar: City Builder 23.3%, Rome 18.1% ★, Economy 10.9%, Historical 10.5%, Building 10.3%
Why You'll Like It: A dedicated Roman city-builder that focuses on logistics, resource management, and the expansion of the Roman Empire.
- #5 Pax Augusta
94% matchMixed70% of 652 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 28.8%, Rome 24% ★, Historical 14.2%, Simulation 11.2%, Strategy 10.8%
Why You'll Like It: This title offers a deep simulation of Roman city management with a strong emphasis on historical accuracy and economic growth.
- #6 Foundation
92% matchVery Positive87% of 24,128 reviews2025
Dev: Polymorph Games
Windows
Median: 11.1 hrsMean: 27.2 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 40.9%, Economy 9.4%, Sandbox 8.6%, Building 7.9%, RTS 6.9%
Why You'll Like It: It emphasizes organic city growth and complex production chains without the constraints of a rigid grid system.
- #7 Grand Ages: Rome
94% matchMostly Positive75% of 814 reviews2009
Dev: Haemimont GamesPub: Kalypso Media Digital
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 8.0 hrs≥1hr: 53%
As Governor of a Roman Province in the time-honoured Roman Empire, its fortune very much lies in your hands. Choose one of five Roman noble families such as Caesar’s Julii with different abilities to accomplish the comprehensive missions.
Why similar: City Builder 34.5%, Rome 20.4% ★, Historical 13.1%, Strategy 12.7%, Simulation 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: A classic strategy title that captures the essence of Roman expansion, military management, and urban development.
- #8 Imperator: Rome
93% matchMixed66% of 26,881 reviews2019
Dev: Paradox Development StudioPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 37.7 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Dominate the classical Mediterranean in Imperator: Rome, a grand strategy game from Paradox Interactive. Navigate the dangerous waters of politics and diplomacy as you build up your provinces and conquer foreign lands. Now available with special content and the digital artbook.
Why similar: Rome 30.9% ★, Historical 19.2%, Strategy 18.1%, Simulation 10.2%, Economy 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: For players who enjoy the grand strategy aspect of the Roman era, this game provides unmatched depth in political and imperial management.
- #9 Farthest Frontier
91% matchVery Positive86% of 25,375 reviews2025
Dev: Crate Entertainment
Windows
Median: 9.9 hrsMean: 27.1 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Protect and guide your people as you forge a town from untamed wilderness at the edge of the known world. Harvest raw materials, hunt, fish and farm to survive. Produce crafted items to trade, consume, equip and fight with as you battle for your survival against the elements and outside threats.
Why similar: City Builder 26.6%, RTS 15.1%, Building 14.9%, Economy 12.7%, Historical 11.3%
Why You'll Like It: Offers a challenging and detailed approach to resource management and survival in a historical setting.
- #10 Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic
90% matchVery Positive91% of 27,069 reviews2024
Dev: 3DivisionPub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Median: 6.2 hrsMean: 71.3 hrs≥1hr: 76%
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 27.4%, Economy 13.6%, Historical 12.3%, Building 11.1%, Sandbox 7.9%
Why You'll Like It: The most complex economic simulation available, perfect for players who love the intricate logistics and supply chains of the Anno series.
- #11 Caesar™ IV
91% matchMostly Positive71% of 871 reviews2016
Dev: Tilted Mill Entertainment, Inc.Pub: Activision
Windows
Median: 36 minMean: 16.2 hrs≥1hr: 44%
Starting as governor of a newly formed province in the Roman Empire your goal is simple: advance up the empire's political ladder to become the next Caesar.
Why similar: City Builder 46.4%, Rome 18.6% ★, Strategy 14.3%, Historical 11.4%, Simulation 9%
Why You'll Like It: The quintessential Roman city-builder that set the standard for the genre with its focus on infrastructure and citizen needs.
- #12 Pioneers of Pagonia
89% matchVery Positive81% of 5,473 reviews2025
Dev: Envision Entertainment
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 8.3 hrs≥1hr: 77%
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: City Builder 23.9%, RTS 16.6%, Economy 13.7%, Building 11.1%, Management 7.7%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the satisfying loop of building supply chains and managing a growing settlement in a vibrant world.
- #13 Pharaoh™: A New Era
89% matchMostly Positive75% of 5,357 reviews2023
Dev: Triskell InteractivePub: Dotemu
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 13.3 hrs≥1hr: 85%
The legendary city-builder returns! Lead the creation of one of the greatest civilizations the world has ever seen in this HD remake with modernized UI. Build monuments, manage your population and explore 4,000 years of history through over a hundred hours of gameplay.
Why similar: City Builder 33.6%, Economy 14%, Building 13%, Historical 12.4%, Management 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: This remake captures the classic city-building mechanics and complex production chains that heavily influenced the modern genre.
- #14 Nebuchadnezzar
88% matchMostly Positive79% of 1,834 reviews2021
Dev: Nepos GamesPub: Astra Logical
Windows · Linux
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 7.5 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 27.3%, Economy 12.6%, RTS 11.6%, Sandbox 10.5%, Building 10.3%
Why You'll Like It: A classic-style isometric city builder that features deep production chains and historical city planning.
- #15 Ostriv
87% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 7,621 reviews2020
Dev: yevhen8
Windows
Median: 8.9 hrsMean: 36.5 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: City Builder 29.8%, Historical 12.3%, Economy 10.9%, Building 10.2%, Sandbox 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: Provides a highly detailed and realistic approach to historical town building with a focus on individual citizen needs.
- #16 Sid Meier's Civilization VII
86% matchMixed48% of 58,486 reviews2025
Dev: Firaxis GamesPub: 2K
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 18.6 hrsMean: 49.5 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Lead empires that evolve or endure through the Ages. Build something you believe in with Sid Meier's Civilization® VII.
Why similar: City Builder 35.7%, Economy 19.7%, Historical 19.2%, Strategy 10.1%, Simulation 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: Provides the grand scale of empire management across history, perfect for those who enjoy the 4X elements of Roman expansion.
- #17 Cities: Skylines II
86% matchMixed56% of 91,808 reviews2023
Dev: Iceflake StudiosPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows
Median: 23.6 hrsMean: 76.6 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Raise a city from the ground up and transform it into a thriving metropolis with the most realistic city builder ever. Push your creativity and problem-solving to build on a scale you've never experienced. With deep simulation and a living economy, this is world-building without limits.
Why similar: City Builder 38.2%, Building 13.1%, Economy 12.1%, Sandbox 11.1%, Simulation 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: The premier modern city-builder for those who enjoy large-scale infrastructure planning and management.
- #18 Kingdoms Reborn
85% matchVery Positive90% of 9,712 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: City Builder 42.9%, Economy 11.1%, RTS 10%, Management 7.9%, Building 7%
Why You'll Like It: A multiplayer-focused city builder that incorporates card-based progression to keep the gameplay dynamic.
- #19 Norland
84% matchVery Positive82% of 10,349 reviews2024
Dev: Long JauntPub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 18.4 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: City Builder 24.9%, Economy 13%, Historical 12.2%, Sandbox 11%, Building 10.9%
Why You'll Like It: Combines city-building with complex social and political dynamics, focusing on the management of a noble family and their subjects.
- #20 Tropico 6
84% matchVery Positive88% of 29,404 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: City Builder 38.3%, Economy 15.5%, Strategy 10.2%, Management 8.2%, Sandbox 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: Provides a lighthearted but deep approach to economic and political management within a sandbox city-building framework.
- #21 Nova Roma
81% matchVery Positive94% of 2,244 reviews2026
Dev: Lion ShieldPub: Hooded Horse
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 10.2 hrs≥1hr: 81%
The glory of Rome is at your fingertips in this city-building game where you must appease the gods, enact laws, and develop complex supply chains to meet the needs of your citizens.
Why similar: City Builder 25.4%, Economy 13.2%, Historical 12.4%, Building 10.8%, Sandbox 10.6%
Why You'll Like It: A newer title focusing on Roman city-building, expansion, and the management of a growing provincial capital.
- #22 Dawn of Man
83% matchVery Positive87% of 17,826 reviews2019
Dev: Madruga Works
Windows · Mac
Median: 10.9 hrsMean: 30.1 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: City Builder 51.7%, Historical 9.1%, Strategy 8.7%, Sandbox 7.2%, Economy 6.2%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the evolution of a settlement from the Stone Age to the Iron Age, emphasizing survival and technological progression.
- #23 Victoria 3
82% matchMostly Positive70% of 60,895 reviews2022
Dev: Paradox Development StudioPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 14.7 hrsMean: 120.1 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Paradox Development Studio invites you to build your ideal society in the tumult of the exciting and transformative 19th century. Balance the competing interests in your society and earn your place in the sun in Victoria 3, one of the most anticipated games in Paradox’s history.
Why similar: Economy 24.9%, Historical 21.7%, Sandbox 12%, Strategy 10.7%, Management 10.5%
Why You'll Like It: Offers deep economic and political simulation for those who enjoy the macro-management of an empire's growth and trade.
- #24 Ancient Cities
82% matchMixed63% of 2,160 reviews2023
Dev: Uncasual Games
Windows
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 11.1 hrs≥1hr: 64%
Ancient Cities is a realistic, survival city builder in an immersive procedural environment. Lead the fate of your tribe through ancient times!
Why similar: City Builder 30.8%, Historical 15.6%, Economy 12.6%, Strategy 8.8%, Management 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: A survival-focused city builder that emphasizes the historical development of a settlement through the ages.
- #25 Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition
80% matchVery Positive86% of 95,309 reviews2021
Dev: World's EdgePub: Xbox Game Studios
Windows
Median: 14.3 hrsMean: 77.8 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Celebrating its first year of delighting millions of global players, the award-winning and best-selling strategy franchise continues with Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition, putting you at the center of even more epic historical battles that shaped the world.
Why similar: RTS 31.1%, City Builder 24.9%, Strategy 15.8%, Historical 11%, Resource Management 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: Captures the historical military and economic balance of the era with a focus on real-time strategy.
- #26 HUMANKIND™
81% matchMixed69% of 28,603 reviews2021
Dev: AMPLITUDE Studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 7.5 hrsMean: 33.1 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Rewrite history by shaping a civilization as unique as you are. Combine 60 cultures from the Ancient Era to the Modern Age to lead your empire to victory. Build thriving cities, outsmart rivals in epic battles, spread your influence and leave your mark on HUMANKIND™.
Why similar: City Builder 38.1%, Strategy 20.2%, Historical 19.2%, Management 7.9%, Multiplayer 6.4%
Why You'll Like It: Allows for the development of a civilization through various historical eras, offering a grand strategic perspective.
- #27 Against the Storm
78% matchVery Positive94% of 37,259 reviews2023
Dev: Eremite GamesPub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Median: 5.4 hrsMean: 28.7 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: City Builder 25.4%, Economy 13%, Historical 12%, Building 11%, Sandbox 10.4%
Why You'll Like It: A unique roguelite city-builder that emphasizes efficient production chains and rapid expansion in a fantasy setting.
- #28 Frostpunk 2
78% matchMostly Positive75% of 26,922 reviews2024
Dev: 11 bit studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 8.0 hrsMean: 20.0 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Develop, expand, and advance your city in a society survival game set 30 years after an apocalyptic blizzard ravaged Earth. In Frostpunk 2, you face not only the perils of never-ending winter, but also the powerful factions that watch your every step inside the Council Hall.
Why similar: City Builder 57.7%, Strategy 15%, Resource Management 12.6%, Simulation 5.8%, Management 5.5%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on high-stakes resource management and societal survival, requiring careful planning to keep your city thriving.
- #29 Patron
79% matchMostly Positive72% of 3,194 reviews2021
Dev: Overseer Games
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 6.5 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 36.5%, Economy 12.1%, Building 9.6%, Strategy 9.5%, Historical 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: A solid city-builder with a focus on social management, research, and survival in a medieval setting.
- #30 Banished
79% matchVery Positive90% of 43,296 reviews2014
Dev: Shining Rock Software LLC
Windows
Median: 7.7 hrsMean: 27.1 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 50.7%, Strategy 10.1%, Sandbox 8.9%, Simulation 8.2%, Economy 5.5%
Why You'll Like It: The foundational survival city-builder that influenced many modern titles with its focus on resource scarcity and population management.
- #31 Celestial Empire
76% matchVery Positive90% of 718 reviews2025
Dev: President StudioPub: PlayWay S.A.
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 8.6 hrs≥1hr: 64%
Forge an empire under the watchful eyes of the gods! Take care of your people, develop efficient production chains and trade with other landlords. Ensure their survival through harsh winters and disasters.
Why similar: City Builder 17.5%, RTS 12.3%, Economy 9.9%, Historical 8.7%, Sandbox 8.1%
- #32 Corsair Cove
75% matchVery Positive86% of 3,074 reviews2026
Dev: Limbic EntertainmentPub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Median: 4.8 hrsMean: 9.8 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Build a sprawling pirate haven, raise a fleet to explore the high seas, and take on the Crown to keep the Age of Piracy alive! From ale to flintlock pistols, and from scallywags to swashbucklers, you’ll need to manage complex production chains and govern a rowdy crew to reign supreme over the seas!
Why similar: City Builder 25.8%, Economy 13.4%, Historical 12.5%, Building 11%, Sandbox 10.1%
- #33 MEMORIAPOLIS
76% matchMostly Positive76% of 1,785 reviews2025
Dev: 5PM Studio
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 7.1 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Memoriapolis is a historical city builder where your city grows organically across 5 ages, from Antiquity to the Industrial Revolution. Manage resources, interact with factions, and shape your dynasty toward building a final Wonder with easy, normal, or hard difficulty levels.
Why similar: City Builder 36.4%, Building 13.2%, Historical 12.4%, Management 8.8%, Strategy 7.7%
- #34 Roman Triumph: Survival City Builder
75% matchVery Positive84% of 764 reviews2025
Dev: Coreffect InteractivePub: Forklift Interactive
Windows
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 6.9 hrs≥1hr: 74%
At the farthest reaches of the empire, a new Roman city is born! Manage and grow your city, please the gods, and survive against barbarians and mythological threats to achieve Roman Triumph!
Why similar: City Builder 23.6%, Rome 18.1% ★, RTS 15%, Building 10.2%, Sandbox 9.9%
- #35 Anno 2205™
77% matchMostly Positive70% of 6,333 reviews2015
Dev: Blue BytePub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 10.1 hrsMean: 54.3 hrs≥1hr: 89%
In Anno 2205™, you join humankind‘s next step into the future with the promise to build a better tomorrow. You conquer Earth, establishing rich, bustling cities and grand industrial complexes, but to secure the prosperity of your people, you must travel into space.
Why similar: City Builder 39.8%, Economy 12.2%, Strategy 10.6%, RTS 9.5%, Simulation 6.7%
- #36 Kingdoms and Castles
74% matchVery Positive94% of 31,383 reviews2017
Dev: Lion Shield, LLC
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 16.2 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: City Builder 27.9%, RTS 12.8%, Economy 10.5%, Building 8.6%, Sandbox 8.6%
- #37 Anno 2070™
77% matchMixed60% of 12,702 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 41.1%, Strategy 12.1%, RTS 12.1%, Economy 9.4%, Simulation 5.8%
- #38 Pompeii: The Legacy
73% matchVery Positive82% of 280 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: City Builder 26.7%, Rome 20.5% ★, Economy 13.3%, Historical 11.6%, Strategy 6.6%
- #39 Millennia
73% matchMixed67% of 3,777 reviews2024
Dev: C Prompt GamesPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows
Median: 14.3 hrsMean: 36.2 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Create your own nation in Millennia, a historical turn-based 4X game that challenges your strategic prowess across 10,000 years of history, from the dawn of humanity to our possible futures.
Why similar: Economy 27.2%, Historical 25.9%, Strategy 16.5%, Simulation 12.8%, Management 11.5%
- #40 Tropico 5
74% matchMostly Positive79% of 14,408 reviews2014
Dev: Haemimont GamesPub: Kalypso Media Digital
Windows · Linux
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 22.8 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 39.9%, Strategy 12.6%, Sandbox 10.7%, Economy 9.9%, Simulation 8.9%
- #41 Railway Empire 2
71% matchMostly Positive73% of 2,651 reviews2023
Dev: Gaming Minds StudiosPub: Kalypso Media
Windows
Median: 7.9 hrsMean: 26.8 hrs≥1hr: 90%
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: City Builder 20.8%, Economy 13.6%, Sandbox 11%, Historical 10.6%, Building 10.1%
- #42 Anno 1701 History Edition
70% matchVery Positive86% of 224 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: City Builder 27.9%, RTS 17.2%, Economy 9.9%, Building 8.8%, Historical 8.7%
- #43 Anno 1503 History Edition
71% matchMostly Positive71% of 133 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: City Builder 27.6%, RTS 17.3%, Economy 10.1%, Building 8.8%, Historical 8.8%
- #44 Stronghold: Definitive Edition
69% matchVery Positive86% of 10,331 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: City Builder 27.4%, RTS 14.7%, Economy 11.7%, Building 9.7%, Sandbox 9.6%
- #45 Europa Universalis V
68% matchMixed67% of 30,445 reviews2025
Dev: Paradox TintoPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows
Median: 52.4 hrsMean: 119.4 hrs≥1hr: 92%
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 24.3%, Historical 22.2%, Strategy 11.8%, Resource Management 11.2%, Building 10.3%
- #46 Imperium Romanum Gold Edition
72% matchVery Positive85% of 483 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: City Builder 37.4%, Rome 24.7% ★, Strategy 18.8%, Simulation 12.6%, Historical 6%
- #47 Empire City Simulator
71% matchMixed58% of 96 reviews2024
Dev: Red Brix Wall
Windows
Become a ruler and build the ancient city of your dreams in Empire City! Unlock new opportunities for your city's prosperity, gain the support of the gods, construct grand buildings, and create unique infrastructure. Transform a small settlement into a magnificent center of civilization!
Why similar: City Builder 26.8%, Rome 18.1% ★, Historical 12.6%, Economy 10.2%, Building 9.5%
- #48 Empire Architect
72% 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 28.3%, Economy 10.3%, Rome 10.1% ★, Building 9.2%, RTS 9%
- #49 ENDLESS Legend™ 2
67% matchVery Positive83% of 2,825 reviews2025
Dev: AMPLITUDE StudiosPub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Median: 5.2 hrsMean: 13.0 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Lead your people to victory on an ever-evolving world in this strategy game featuring asymmetric factions led by powerful heroes. Build your empire, wield political influence, and raise grand armies to wage war in a race to uncover dark secrets buried within the planet.
Why similar: Historical 20.3%, Economy 20.1%, Sandbox 17.3%, Management 12.3%, Strategy 11.5%
- #50 Caesar™ 3
69% matchVery Positive93% of 2,241 reviews2016
Dev: Impressions GamesPub: Activision
Windows
Median: 1.7 hrsMean: 12.3 hrs≥1hr: 56%
Prove your strength of mind and spirit and you just may be crowned Caesar!
Why similar: City Builder 45.1%, Rome 19.3% ★, Historical 12.9%, Strategy 11.3%, Simulation 7.7%
- #51 Anno 1602 History Edition
68% matchMostly Positive79% of 283 reviews2024
Dev: Ubisoft MainzPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 50%
Relive the beginnings of the Anno® series with Anno® 1602 History Edition, updated and optimized for current computers.
Why similar: City Builder 27.7%, RTS 17.4%, Economy 10%, Building 8.8%, Historical 8.8%
- #52 Whiskerwood
65% matchVery Positive92% of 3,269 reviews2025
Dev: Minakata DynamicsPub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Median: 9.1 hrsMean: 16.4 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Establish a home for your industrious mice under the oppressive paw of your cat overlords in this city builder featuring complex simulations, intricate production chains, and the age-old rivalry between cat and mouse.
Why similar: City Builder 24.8%, Economy 13.5%, Historical 12.2%, Building 11%, Sandbox 10.8%
- #53 Settlement Survival
67% matchVery Positive85% of 8,054 reviews2022
Dev: Gleamer StudioPub: Team17
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 11.2 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 38.4%, Building 15.3%, Sandbox 10.2%, Management 9.5%, Economy 7.2%
- #54 Old World
67% matchVery Positive82% of 6,828 reviews2022
Dev: Mohawk GamesPub: Hooded Horse
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 12.0 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Old World is a revolutionary new historical strategy game where you lead your dynasty over generations of rule against rival kings and queens. Wage massive wars, manage your court, and build a dynasty — or watch your empire crumble to dust. What legacy will you leave behind?
Why similar: Historical 21.3%, Economy 21%, Sandbox 14.9%, Management 12.3%, Strategy 11.8%
- #55 The Settlers® : Rise of an Empire - History Edition
69% matchMostly Positive77% of 751 reviews2019
Dev: Ubisoft Blue BytePub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 18.1 hrs≥1hr: 67%
Build vibrant cities in a medieval world with this modernized version of The Settlers – Rise of an Empire. Each character leads their individual lives and can be observed by you at any time. Will you go down in history as a legendary king?
Why similar: City Builder 52.7%, Strategy 24.2%, RTS 18.1%, Multiplayer 4.4%, Singleplayer 0.7%
- #56 Builders of Egypt
70% matchMostly Negative33% of 505 reviews2025
Dev: Strategy Labs
Windows
Builders of Egypt is a city-building economic strategy taking place in the Nile Valley. Immerse yourself in a world full of pyramids, where you will become a part of the ancient world. Create history, be history!
Why similar: City Builder 27.2%, Historical 12.4%, Economy 11.8%, Building 10.7%, RTS 10.5%
- #57 Going Medieval
64% matchVery Positive89% of 21,328 reviews2026
Dev: Foxy VoxelPub: Mythwright
Windows
Median: 8.0 hrsMean: 32.3 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: City Builder 24.5%, RTS 16.9%, Economy 13.8%, Historical 12.4%, Sandbox 11.2%
- #58 Railway Empire
68% matchVery Positive83% of 9,710 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: Economy 16.4%, City Builder 15.1%, Strategy 12.7%, Building 11.4%, Management 11%
- #59 CivCity: Rome
70% matchMostly Positive71% of 946 reviews2007
Dev: FireFly StudiosPub: 2K
Windows
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 11.3 hrs≥1hr: 52%
CivCity: Rome, an innovative city builder inspired by the world of Sid Meiers Civilization, and created by a collaboration between Firefly Studios and Firaxis Games, invites players to shift focus from building a multi-city empire and zoom-in on the great cities of the Roman Empire, culminating in Rome itself!
Why similar: City Builder 47.7%, Rome 23.2% ★, Strategy 12.9%, Historical 9.8%, Simulation 6.1%