- #1 Anno 1800
97% matchVery Positive81% of 30,897 reviews2019
Dev: Ubisoft MainzPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 9.7 hrsMean: 39.6 hrs≥1hr: 88%
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 35.2%, Economy 13.2%, Strategy 8.4%, RTS 6.5%, Simulation 6.1%
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 3,444 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 38.5%, Building 14.5%, Strategy 12.2%, Simulation 8.4%, Management 8.4%
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 Positive85% of 85,453 reviews2024
Dev: Slavic MagicPub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Median: 9.3 hrsMean: 21.5 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 23.4%, Economy 14.2%, Historical 12.1%, Sandbox 11%, Building 10.9%
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 969 reviews2024
Dev: Abylight BarcelonaPub: Abylight Studios
Windows
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 7.5 hrs≥1hr: 60%
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 15.8% ★, Economy 11.7%, Historical 10.6%, Building 10.5%
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% 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 29.2%, Rome 21.2% ★, Historical 14.4%, Simulation 11.9%, Strategy 11.5%
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 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 39.5%, Economy 9.9%, Sandbox 8.6%, Building 7.9%, Strategy 7%
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 806 reviews2009
Dev: Haemimont GamesPub: Kalypso Media Digital
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 7.8 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 34.9%, Rome 17.8% ★, Strategy 13.8%, Historical 13.4%, Simulation 8%
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% matchMixed65% of 26,771 reviews2019
Dev: Paradox Development StudioPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 37.3 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 23.8% ★, Historical 17%, Strategy 16.9%, Political 13.7% ★, Simulation 9.5%
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 Positive87% of 23,648 reviews2025
Dev: Crate Entertainment
Windows
Median: 9.6 hrsMean: 26.7 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 25.4%, RTS 15.3%, Building 14.8%, Economy 13.3%, Historical 11.2%
Why You'll Like It: Offers a challenging and detailed approach to resource management and survival in a historical setting.
- #10 Caesar™ IV
91% matchMostly Positive71% of 844 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 47.1%, Rome 16.4% ★, Strategy 15.3%, Historical 11.6%, Simulation 9.6%
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.
- #11 Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic
89% 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 25.5%, Economy 13.7%, Historical 11.8%, Building 10.8%, Sandbox 10.6%
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.
- #12 Pharaoh™: A New Era
90% matchMostly Positive75% of 5,128 reviews2023
Dev: Triskell InteractivePub: Dotemu
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 12.6 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 32.8%, Economy 14.6%, Building 12.8%, Historical 11.9%, Management 9%
Why You'll Like It: This remake captures the classic city-building mechanics and complex production chains that heavily influenced the modern genre.
- #13 Pioneers of Pagonia
89% matchVery Positive82% of 5,204 reviews2025
Dev: Envision Entertainment
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 7.7 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: City Builder 23.3%, RTS 16.7%, Economy 14.3%, Building 11.1%, Management 8%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the satisfying loop of building supply chains and managing a growing settlement in a vibrant world.
- #14 Cities: Skylines II
88% matchMixed54% of 86,513 reviews2023
Dev: Iceflake StudiosPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows
Median: 23.8 hrsMean: 72.6 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 36.5%, Building 12.7%, Economy 12.4%, Sandbox 11%, Simulation 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: The premier modern city-builder for those who enjoy large-scale infrastructure planning and management.
- #15 Norland
86% matchVery Positive82% of 9,662 reviews2024
Dev: Long JauntPub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 17.2 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: City Builder 23.8%, Economy 14%, Historical 11.9%, Sandbox 11%, Building 10.8%
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.
- #16 Nebuchadnezzar
87% 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 26.5%, Economy 13.2%, RTS 11.6%, Sandbox 10.6%, Building 10.2%
Why You'll Like It: A classic-style isometric city builder that features deep production chains and historical city planning.
- #17 Ostriv
86% 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 28.6%, Historical 12%, Economy 11.4%, Building 10.3%, Sandbox 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: Provides a highly detailed and realistic approach to historical town building with a focus on individual citizen needs.
- #18 Kingdoms Reborn
85% matchVery Positive91% of 9,531 reviews2020
Dev: Earthshine
Windows
Median: 10.0 hrsMean: 24.2 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 41.9%, Economy 11.7%, RTS 10.2%, Management 8.3%, Building 7.2%
Why You'll Like It: A multiplayer-focused city builder that incorporates card-based progression to keep the gameplay dynamic.
- #19 Sid Meier's Civilization VII
84% matchMixed48% of 53,475 reviews2025
Dev: Firaxis GamesPub: 2K
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 17.4 hrsMean: 44.1 hrs≥1hr: 93%
The award-winning strategy game franchise returns with a revolutionary new chapter. Sid Meier's Civilization® VII empowers you to build the greatest empire the world has ever known!
Why similar: City Builder 34.5%, Economy 20.8%, Historical 19%, Strategy 10.3%, Simulation 9.1%
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.
- #20 Ancient Cities
84% matchMixed63% of 2,108 reviews2023
Dev: Uncasual Games
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 11.2 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 34.1%, Historical 13.9%, Economy 11.5%, Strategy 10.1%, Building 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: A survival-focused city builder that emphasizes the historical development of a settlement through the ages.
- #21 Dawn of Man
83% matchVery Positive87% of 17,635 reviews2019
Dev: Madruga Works
Windows · Mac
Median: 10.9 hrsMean: 29.7 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 50%, Strategy 8.8%, Historical 8.8%, Sandbox 7.2%, Economy 6.4%
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.
- #22 Tropico 6
82% matchVery Positive88% of 28,783 reviews2019
Dev: Limbic EntertainmentPub: Kalypso Media
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 26.9 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 34.5%, Economy 15.1%, Strategy 9.7%, Management 8%, Sandbox 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: Provides a lighthearted but deep approach to economic and political management within a sandbox city-building framework.
- #23 Victoria 3
82% matchMostly Positive71% of 58,205 reviews2022
Dev: Paradox Development StudioPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 15.1 hrsMean: 114.1 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 21%, Historical 17.4%, Political 16.9% ★, Sandbox 10.1%, Strategy 8.9%
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 Nova Roma
80% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 670 reviews2026
Dev: Lion ShieldPub: Hooded Horse
Windows · Mac
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 23.9%, Economy 13.9%, Historical 12.1%, Building 10.8%, Sandbox 10.8%
Why You'll Like It: A newer title focusing on Roman city-building, expansion, and the management of a growing provincial capital.
- #25 Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition
81% matchVery Positive86% of 91,161 reviews2021
Dev: World's EdgePub: Xbox Game Studios
Windows
Median: 14.3 hrsMean: 75.8 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 31.3%, City Builder 24.4%, Strategy 16%, Historical 11%, Resource Management 8.1%
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 28,231 reviews2021
Dev: AMPLITUDE Studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 7.5 hrsMean: 33.0 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 37.7%, Strategy 20.9%, Historical 18.9%, Management 8.2%, Multiplayer 5.9%
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 Positive95% of 35,504 reviews2023
Dev: Eremite GamesPub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 28.3 hrs≥1hr: 84%
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 23.7%, Economy 13.5%, Historical 12%, Building 11.1%, Sandbox 10.9%
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 25,240 reviews2024
Dev: 11 bit studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 8.1 hrsMean: 19.4 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 56.2%, Strategy 15.4%, Resource Management 13.4%, Simulation 6.1%, Management 5.4%
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 3,136 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 35.5%, Economy 12.6%, Strategy 9.6%, Building 9.5%, Historical 8.7%
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 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 49.5%, Strategy 10.3%, Sandbox 9%, Simulation 8.4%, Economy 5.7%
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 Positive89% of 615 reviews2025
Dev: President StudioPub: PlayWay S.A.
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 9.0 hrs≥1hr: 65%
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 15.3%, RTS 11%, Political 9.7% ★, Economy 9.2%, Historical 7.6%
- #32 MEMORIAPOLIS
76% matchMostly Positive77% of 1,686 reviews2025
Dev: 5PM Studio
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 6.5 hrs≥1hr: 84%
In Memoriapolis, you're not just building a city, you're shaping a living, evolving civilization. Travel through five major eras, from Antiquity to the Industrial Revolution. Leave your mark on history by navigating the power struggles between rival factions.
Why similar: City Builder 35.4%, Building 13.1%, Historical 12.1%, Management 9.1%, Strategy 7.9%
- #33 Roman Triumph: Survival City Builder
75% matchVery Positive85% of 729 reviews2025
Dev: Coreffect InteractivePub: Forklift Interactive
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 7.2 hrs≥1hr: 72%
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 15.7% ★, RTS 15.5%, Building 10.5%, Sandbox 10.3%
- #34 Millennia
75% matchMixed67% of 3,746 reviews2024
Dev: C Prompt GamesPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows
Median: 14.3 hrsMean: 34.4 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 22.2%, Political 21.1% ★, Historical 19.7%, Strategy 13.1%, Simulation 10.2%
- #35 Anno 2205™
77% matchMostly Positive70% of 6,263 reviews2015
Dev: Blue BytePub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 10.1 hrsMean: 54.9 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 38.7%, Economy 12.8%, Strategy 10.8%, RTS 9.4%, Simulation 6.8%
- #36 Anno 2070™
77% 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 40%, Strategy 12.4%, RTS 12.2%, Economy 9.8%, Simulation 5.9%
- #37 Kingdoms and Castles
74% matchVery Positive93% of 30,837 reviews2017
Dev: Lion Shield, LLC
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 16.0 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 43.8%, Building 12.2%, Sandbox 9.3%, Strategy 9.1%, RTS 6.8%
- #38 Whiskerwood
71% matchVery Positive93% of 2,769 reviews2025
Dev: Minakata DynamicsPub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Median: 9.0 hrsMean: 15.3 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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%, Economy 13.8%, Historical 11.8%, Sandbox 10.9%, Building 10.9%
- #39 ENDLESS™ Legend 2
72% matchVery Positive84% of 2,346 reviews2025
Dev: AMPLITUDE StudiosPub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Median: 5.1 hrsMean: 11.3 hrs≥1hr: 80%
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: Economy 21.1%, Historical 20%, Sandbox 17.1%, Management 12.6%, Strategy 11.9%
- #40 Europa Universalis V
71% matchMostly Positive72% of 26,573 reviews2025
Dev: Paradox TintoPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows
Median: 45.3 hrsMean: 90.7 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: Historical 21.4%, Economy 18.7%, Resource Management 15.6%, Strategy 12.5%, Building 11.8%
- #41 Pompeii: The Legacy
71% matchVery Positive86% of 187 reviews2025
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 28.6%, Rome 19% ★, Economy 15.2%, Historical 12.4%, Strategy 7.5%
- #42 Tropico 5
73% matchMostly Positive79% of 14,325 reviews2014
Dev: Haemimont GamesPub: Kalypso Media Digital
Windows · Linux
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 22.1 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%, Strategy 12.9%, Sandbox 10.9%, Economy 10.4%, Simulation 9.1%
- #43 Imperium Romanum Gold Edition
74% matchVery Positive85% of 472 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 38.2%, Rome 21.4% ★, Strategy 20.2%, Simulation 13.5%, Historical 6.1%
- #44 Settlement Survival
70% 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 35.5%, Building 14.6%, Sandbox 10.2%, Economy 10.2%, Management 9.2%
- #45 Timberborn
66% 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 43.4%, Sandbox 15.4%, Building 15.3%, Management 10.8%, Strategy 8.2%
- #46 Empire Architect
73% 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 27.9%, Economy 10.9%, Building 9.3%, RTS 9.1%, Rome 8.6% ★
- #47 Railway Empire 2
70% 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: City Builder 20.2%, Economy 14.1%, Sandbox 11.1%, Historical 10.4%, Building 10.1%
- #48 Ara History Untold: Anniversary Edition
69% matchMixed70% of 2,201 reviews2024
Dev: Oxide GamesPub: Xbox Game Studios
Windows
Median: 7.8 hrsMean: 18.8 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Build a nation starting at any point in human history and compete for supremacy in this epic turn-based strategy game. Engage in diplomacy, fight wars, and go head-to-head with other leaders from history.
Why similar: Historical 28.1%, Strategy 20.3%, City Builder 16.7%, Resource Management 15.4%, Management 15.2%
- #49 Empire City Simulator
70% matchMixed61% of 75 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 26.9%, Rome 15.8% ★, Historical 12.7%, Economy 11%, Building 9.8%
- #50 Captain of Industry
68% matchVery Positive91% of 10,408 reviews2022
Dev: MaFi Games
Windows
Median: 9.7 hrsMean: 80.7 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Build an industrial empire on a remote island. Mine resources, reshape terrain with excavators, grow food, construct factories, lay train tracks, and trade with the outside world. Research 100+ technologies to advance from basic metal smelting all the way to nuclear power and space flight.
Why similar: Economy 20.6%, City Builder 20.4%, Resource Management 15.7%, Building 12.1%, Management 10.4%
- #51 Old World
68% matchVery Positive82% of 6,135 reviews2022
Dev: Mohawk GamesPub: Hooded Horse
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 11.7 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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: Economy 22%, Historical 20.8%, Sandbox 15.2%, Management 12.8%, Strategy 11.9%
- #52 Stronghold: Definitive Edition
67% matchVery Positive86% of 9,888 reviews2023
Dev: Firefly Studios
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 10.2 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 26.5%, RTS 14.6%, Economy 12.3%, Sandbox 9.8%, Building 9.7%
- #53 Urban Empire
73% matchMostly Negative34% of 2,462 reviews2017
Dev: Reborn GamesPub: Kalypso Media Digital
Windows
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 8.0 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: City Builder 34%, Economy 16.5%, Strategy 13.9%, Simulation 10.9%, Management 10.5%
- #54 Railway Empire
69% 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: Economy 16.9%, City Builder 14.5%, Strategy 12.8%, Management 11.3%, Building 11.2%
- #55 Builders of Egypt
69% matchMostly Negative36% of 461 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 26.5%, Economy 12.4%, Historical 12.1%, Building 10.7%, RTS 10.5%
- #56 Anno 1602 History Edition
67% matchMostly Positive77% of 244 reviews2024
Dev: Ubisoft MainzPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 48%
Relive the beginnings of the Anno® series with Anno® 1602 History Edition, updated and optimized for current computers.
Why similar: City Builder 26.9%, RTS 17.6%, Economy 10.5%, Strategy 8.9%, Building 8.8%
- #57 Transport Fever
68% matchVery Positive83% of 10,800 reviews2016
Dev: Urban GamesPub: Good Shepherd Entertainment
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.7 hrsMean: 47.9 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Transport Fever is a railroad-focused tycoon game. Players start in 1850 and build up a thriving transport company. As an emerging transport tycoon, the player constructs stations, airports, harbors and makes money by connecting areas requiring transport services. Build up your own Empire!
Why similar: City Builder 27.9%, Economy 16.8%, Sandbox 13.4%, Building 13.2%, Management 9.2%
- #58 Anno 1503 History Edition
67% matchMostly Positive75% of 109 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 26.9%, RTS 17.5%, Economy 10.5%, Building 8.8%, Historical 8.6%
- #59 Going Medieval
62% matchVery Positive89% of 20,287 reviews2026
Dev: Foxy VoxelPub: Mythwright
Windows
Median: 7.9 hrsMean: 30.8 hrs≥1hr: 82%
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 28.4%, Economy 17.5%, Historical 14.4%, Sandbox 13.7%, Management 9.8%