- #1 Turing Complete
97% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 5,092 reviews2021
Dev: LevelHead
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 12.0 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Learn CPU architecture with puzzles
Why similar: Programming 52.3% ★, Education 17.8%, Automation 12.6%, Puzzle 6.1%, Building 5.5%
- #2 Opus Magnum
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 6,719 reviews2017
Dev: Zachtronics
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 13.0 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Opus Magnum is the latest open-ended puzzle game from Zachtronics, the creators of SpaceChem, Infinifactory, and SHENZHEN I/O. Design and build machines that assemble potions, poisons, and more using the alchemical engineer’s most advanced tool: the transmutation engine!
Why similar: Programming 48.5% ★, Automation 30.7%, Puzzle 10.9%, Building 3.7%, Sandbox 3%
- #3 SHENZHEN I/O
96% matchVery Positive95% of 4,421 reviews2016
Dev: Zachtronics
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 11.5 hrs≥1hr: 61%
BUILD CIRCUITS. WRITE CODE. RTFM.
Why similar: Programming 56.7% ★, Automation 23.3%, Education 7.5%, Puzzle 5.5%, Building 2.6%
- #4 Virtual Circuit Board
95% matchVery Positive93% of 302 reviews2023
Dev: Reverie Foundry
Windows · Linux
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 21.2 hrs≥1hr: 55%
Virtual Circuit Board is the sandbox drawing-based logic simulator where you can build, program, decorate, and simulate anything from simple monochrome circuits to complex and colorful computers. Play with digital logic in this sandbox-only experience.
Why similar: Programming 29.4% ★, Science 16.2% ★, Automation 15%, Education 12.6%, Building 9.4%
- #5 Alan's Automaton Workshop
94% matchVery Positive83% of 212 reviews2022
Dev: Laputa Labs
Windows · Mac · Linux
Alan's Automaton Workshop is an open-ended programming puzzle game. Start a new business with Alan Turing and his groundbreaking innovation: the Turing Machine. Build unique automatons, and solve all kinds of problems from clients.
Why similar: Programming 34.7% ★, Automation 21.9%, Education 16.1%, Building 9.7%, Sandbox 9.4%
- #6 Prime Mover
94% matchVery Positive89% of 214 reviews2018
Dev: 4Bit Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 6.4 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Retrace the path of the Prime Mover to uncover the story of the Byte of Burden! Prime Mover is an open-ended puzzle game about designing circuit boards.
Why similar: Programming 61.4% ★, Science 12.8% ★, Education 10.7%, Puzzle 10.1%, Simulation 4.9%
- #7 ABI-DOS
92% matchVery Positive93% of 403 reviews2024
Dev: ABI.DOS.SOFTWARE
Windows
Build the most advanced operating system ever created! Can you master the fictional simulation language of this mind-bending machine? Design circuits, automate UBITS (coloured mobile data blocks), and optimize your system. The Admin is always watching, and he’s not what he seems.
Why similar: Programming 35% ★, Automation 21.6%, Education 11.9%, Building 9.3%, Sandbox 8.7%
- #8 OCTOPTICOM
93% matchVery Positive95% of 56 reviews2018
Dev: UP DEVELOPMENT LTD.
Windows · Linux
OCTOPTICOM is an open-ended puzzle programming game about designing and optimizing optical computing devices. Use lasers, mirrors, filters and other components to read, transform and write sequences of colored squares.
Why similar: Programming 41.5% ★, Science 23.5% ★, Education 15.5%, Puzzle 7.9%, Minimalist 5.3%
- #9 Logic World
91% matchVery Positive94% of 349 reviews2021
Dev: Mouse Hat Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Invent a new computer! Logic World is a first-person sandbox simulation game that's all about digital logic. Play alone or with friends, design unique machines, build up layers of complexity, and experience the joy of circuits!
Why similar: Science 22.6% ★, Automation 22.5%, Education 17.5%, Building 13.5%, Sandbox 11.3%
- #10 Craftomation 101: Programming & Craft
91% matchVery Positive85% of 620 reviews2024
Dev: Luden.io
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 5.8 hrs≥1hr: 64%
You land on a frozen planet in a tiny rocket with a robot inside. Harvest and combine materials to discover new ones. Use visual programming to make the robot do the tiresome work for you. Slowly build a gang of self-sustaining robot workers and watch them terraform the planet.
Why similar: Programming 31.9% ★, Automation 21.3%, Education 15.4%, Sandbox 10.4%, Crafting 9.3%
- #11 CHR$(143)
90% matchVery Positive96% of 79 reviews2021
Dev: Nicolas Jean
Windows · Linux
A rich and challenging physics-based puzzle /logic /construction /programming game! Master ballistics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, chemical and nuclear reactions, use automation bricks, build structures, machines, vehicles, produce power, solve puzzles, pierce the fog and defeat CHR$!
Why similar: Programming 33.2% ★, Automation 29.1%, Building 14.3%, Physics 8.8%, Puzzle 6%
- #12 shapez
89% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 15,210 reviews2020
Dev: Tobias SpringerPub: tobspr Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 14.8 hrs≥1hr: 66%
shapez is an easy-going, minimalistic factory building game about the automation of shapes through extraction and satisfying production lines. Adapt to increasingly complex shapes and grow your factory across an infinitely expanding map. Your only limitation is your creativity!
Why similar: Automation 35.7%, Sandbox 14.2%, Crafting 13.2%, Building 10.8%, Management 8.9%
- #13 SpaceChem
89% matchVery Positive92% of 5,057 reviews2011
Dev: Zachtronics
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 66%
Zachtronics is back with an ambitious new design-based puzzle game. Take on the role of a Reactor Engineer working for SpaceChem, the leading chemical synthesizer for frontier colonies. Construct elaborate factories to transform raw materials into valuable chemical products!
Why similar: Programming 52.9% ★, Automation 16.9%, Puzzle 15.2%, Science 9.3% ★, Education 2.6%
- #14 while True: learn()
88% matchVery Positive91% of 8,061 reviews2019
Dev: Luden.io
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 80%
You’re a machine learning specialist who makes neural networks but your cat seems to be better at it. Now you must solve puzzles to build a cat-to-human translation system (who knows what else this cat is capable of!). Earn a fortune, buy kickass cat outfits, learn how machine learning really works!
Why similar: Programming 46.5% ★, Education 16.9%, Science 13.1% ★, Building 6.9%, Sandbox 6.1%
- #15 Upload Labs
86% matchVery Positive92% of 6,472 reviews2025
Dev: EnigmaDev Studios
Windows · Linux
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 20.9 hrs≥1hr: 80%
A sci-fi management game where you build and optimize your computer's system from the ground up. Connect and configure interconnected nodes to efficiently download, process, and upload files. Manage your setup, solve system challenges, and become the ultimate system architect
Why similar: Programming 39.3% ★, Automation 38.6%, Management 9.7%, Sandbox 6.1%, Simulation 5.1%
- #16 The Signal State
87% matchVery Positive87% of 657 reviews2021
Dev: Reckoner IndustriesPub: The Iterative Collective
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Set in a post-apocalyptic future, The Signal State puts your logic skills to the test with complex puzzles inspired by modular synthesizers. Repair machines, rebuild an abandoned farm, and be part of a revolution that will change the fate of agriculture once and for all.
Why similar: Programming 43.2% ★, Automation 30.1%, Sandbox 12.7%, Puzzle 9.1%, Simulation 3.6%
- #17 MOLEK-SYNTEZ
86% matchVery Positive89% of 678 reviews2019
Dev: Zachtronics
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 5.8 hrs≥1hr: 52%
Use the MOLEK-SYNTEZ to create small molecules with various pharmacological effects from the comfort of your small Romanian apartment.
Why similar: Programming 41.7% ★, Science 22.4% ★, Automation 21.8%, Puzzle 8.9%, Simulation 5.2%
- #18 Retro Gadgets
85% matchVery Positive90% of 505 reviews2022
Dev: Licorice ehf
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 60.7 hrs≥1hr: 48%
Retro Gadgets is a sandbox where you build, code, and customize gadgets inspired by old-school electronics.
Why similar: Programming 32.8% ★, Automation 22.2%, Education 15.6%, Building 11.6%, Sandbox 8.1%
- #19 Hard Chip
84% matchVery Positive92% of 53 reviews2024
Dev: Elorth
Windows
Hard Chip is a 3D simulation/puzzle game about building processors focusing on realism. Explore the world of semiconductor chip design and delve into the intricacies of CPU logic, floor planning, and propagation delay.
Why similar: Programming 31.1% ★, Science 18.1% ★, Automation 16.7%, Education 13.3%, Building 10.5%
- #20 Desynced
83% matchVery Positive81% of 1,825 reviews2026
Dev: Stage Games Inc.Pub: Forklift Interactive
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 19.3 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Desynced is a sci-fi strategy game with fully customizable units and behaviors. Gather, build, research, and explore the unknown. Alone or with friends, unveil the mystery of an AI on the edge of self-awareness and uncover the hidden truth in this blend of strategy, automation, and exploration.
Why similar: Programming 34.8% ★, Automation 23.6%, Building 11.5%, Sandbox 11.2%, Management 8.7%
- #21 Quantum Odyssey
84% matchVery Positive94% of 108 reviews2025
Dev: Quarks Interactive
Windows
Master the most counter-intuitive logic in existence. Created by the researchers who defined Quantum Literacy, explore an open-ended puzzle world where you craft real quantum algorithms, solve 500+ challenges, hack other players asynchronously, and gain insights textbooks can’t provide.
Why similar: Programming 29.3% ★, Automation 18.5%, Science 14.4% ★, Education 13.3%, Building 8.5%
- #22 The Farmer Was Replaced
82% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 7,884 reviews2025
Dev: Timon HerzogPub: Metaroot
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 9.8 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Program and optimize a drone to automate a farm and watch it do the work for you. Collect resources to unlock better technology and become the most efficient farmer in the world. Improve your problem solving and coding skills.
Why similar: Programming 44.7% ★, Automation 22.8%, Education 14.2%, Sandbox 6.3%, Puzzle 4.8%
- #23 Learning Factory
82% matchVery Positive86% of 511 reviews2025
Dev: Luden.io
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 9.5 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Build intricate supply chains to meet your feline customers' needs. Discover underground and air transport layers, a vast research tree, procedural worlds, machine learning, and endless automation in this relaxing, enemyless game.
Why similar: Programming 21.1% ★, Automation 16.1%, Science 15.1% ★, Education 11.7%, Building 9.5%
- #24 Kaizen: A Factory Story
79% matchVery Positive93% of 646 reviews2025
Dev: CoincidencePub: Astra Logical
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.4 hrsMean: 7.7 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Kaizen is an open-ended puzzle automation game from the original Zachtronics team, set in 1980s Japan. Design, build, and optimize production lines to create iconic products, like calculators, camcorders, and arcade machines.
Why similar: Programming 38.8% ★, Automation 21.9%, Education 12.8%, Building 8.9%, Puzzle 5.7%
- #25 World of Contraptions
81% matchVery Positive87% of 97 reviews2022
Dev: JCP Games Studio
Windows
World of Contraptions is a physics-based building game in which you build the most varied contraptions to solve the most diverse types of puzzles. Win dozens of levels with different types of obstacles. Design the best contraption for each challenge using a giant collection of blocks.
Why similar: Programming 22.5% ★, Science 17.3% ★, Automation 15.6%, Building 11.1%, Education 10.2%
- #26 Comet 64
81% matchMostly Positive76% of 186 reviews2021
Dev: Onur AyasPub: what sorceress this
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 36 minMean: 4.2 hrs≥1hr: 40%
Comet 64 is a programming puzzle game. The year is 1984. All you got is a Comet 64 home computer and the operator's manual it came with.
Why similar: Programming 36.2% ★, Automation 13.5%, Education 12.2%, Science 10.4% ★, Building 9%
- #27 Autonauts
79% matchVery Positive90% of 4,915 reviews2019
Dev: DenkiPub: Curve Games
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 14.0 hrs≥1hr: 86%
In Autonauts you must build, create, and automate. Start by establishing a colony, crafting bots and teaching them via Scratch-style programming to build an ever evolving autonomous paradise of agriculture, industry and enlightenment.
Why similar: Programming 40.3% ★, Automation 27.2%, Crafting 7.5%, Building 7.2%, Sandbox 6.8%
- #28 Automate It: Factory Puzzle
78% matchMostly Positive77% of 73 reviews2025
Dev: South Blue MoonPub: Forklift Interactive
Windows
Automate It is a factory-building puzzle game that challenges players to find clever solutions within size, power, and time constraints. Design, build, and share your own puzzles with other players. If you want to build it - choose Automate It.
Why similar: Automation 32.2%, Sandbox 18.2%, Building 14.9%, Crafting 10.2%, Puzzle 8.4%
- #29 Factorio
77% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 227,071 reviews2020
Dev: Wube Software LTD.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 44.8 hrsMean: 188.9 hrs≥1hr: 95%
Factorio is a game about building and creating automated factories to produce items of increasing complexity, within an infinite 2D world. Use your imagination to design your factory, combine simple elements into ingenious structures, and finally protect it from the creatures who don't really like you.
Why similar: Automation 45.7%, Sandbox 14.3%, Crafting 12.8%, Building 8.6%, Management 7.6%
- #30 Silicon Zeroes
80% matchVery Positive88% of 281 reviews2017
Dev: PleasingFungus Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 10.2 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Build hardware. Solve puzzles. From the creator of Manufactoria, a new open-ended puzzle game set in Silicon Valley's first startup.
Why similar: Programming 64.7% ★, Education 17.4%, Puzzle 9.7%, Simulation 8.1%
- #31 JOY OF PROGRAMMING - Software Engineering Simulator
78% matchMostly Positive78% of 349 reviews2025
Dev: Prof. SchererPub: PlayWay S.A.
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 1.8 hrs≥1hr: 43%
Use real Python code to automate machines, robots, drones and more: Program self-driving vehicles; crack passwords; apply machine learning; automate logistics; use image processing to guide missiles. Gain real coding skills and solve exciting bite-sized programming challenges.
Why similar: Programming 33.8% ★, Automation 20.5%, Science 16.6% ★, Education 13.1%, Physics 6%
- #32 Beltmatic
76% matchVery Positive94% of 2,009 reviews2024
Dev: Notional Games
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 8.7 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Beltmatic is a casual factory game where you combine numbers using mathematical operations.
Why similar: Automation 31.2%, Education 14.9%, Sandbox 13.5%, Crafting 11.6%, Building 10.3%
- #33 Word Factori
77% matchVery Positive84% of 447 reviews2023
Dev: Star Garden Games
Windows
Median: 1.7 hrsMean: 2.9 hrs≥1hr: 62%
Word Factori is a word-building game where your only resource is the letter "i". Build a chain of factories to bend, rotate, reflect, and merge "i" into more complex letters. Discover secret letter recipes, unlock hidden word art, and optimize your factory chains for high scores.
Why similar: Programming 32.9% ★, Automation 22%, Building 9.9%, Sandbox 9.1%, Management 8.1%
- #34 Bombe
76% matchVery Positive96% of 371 reviews2023
Dev: Charlie Brej
Windows · Mac · Linux
Minesweeper, but you only solve each situation once.
Why similar: Automation 23.9%, Programming 18.1% ★, Education 10.1%, Building 8.9%, Investigation 8.5%
- #35 shapez 2
74% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 13,196 reviews2024
Dev: tobspr Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.7 hrsMean: 27.1 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Dive into a factory-building game with the focus on just that – building huge space factories! Design sprawling multi-level factories and satisfying production lines without limits. Tackle progressively challenging automation goals at your own pace, without the threat of enemies.
Why similar: Automation 32.5%, Management 14%, Building 14%, Sandbox 12.2%, Crafting 12.1%
- #36 MineMogul
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 3,443 reviews2025
Dev: NoodleForge (Gvarados & Diomonder)Pub: NoodleForge
Windows
Median: 6.2 hrsMean: 12.2 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Design and build a factory deep underground in this physics-based automation sandbox. Mine resources, buy machines and master the chaos as you become the ultimate Mine Mogul!
Why similar: Automation 30.3%, Building 14.9%, Crafting 11.5%, Sandbox 10.7%, Management 10%
- #37 MoteMancer
75% matchVery Positive94% of 236 reviews2025
Dev: CyanAvatar Studios
Windows
An alchemical automation game of logistical puzzles across six Elemental planes. Each Element offers unique tools for power, transport, and defense, rewarding adaptation and experimentation. Cultivate your own garden of possibility with dozens of uniquely shaped structures in this Hex-Grid sandbox.
Why similar: Automation 32%, Sandbox 13.5%, Crafting 11.7%, Building 11.1%, Management 9.8%
- #38 MHRD
75% matchVery Positive89% of 433 reviews2017
Dev: Funghisoft
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 75%
MHRD is a hardware design game, in which you design various hardware circuits in a hardware description language. The hardware circuits you design get more complex as you go until you create a fully functional CPU design.
Why similar: Programming 66.3% ★, Education 19.1%, Puzzle 7.8%, Simulation 6.7%
- #39 Dyson Sphere Program
71% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 90,027 reviews2021
Dev: Youthcat StudioPub: Gamirror Games
Windows
Median: 13.2 hrsMean: 75.2 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Build the most efficient intergalactic factory in space simulation strategy game Dyson Sphere Program! Harness the power of stars, collect resources, plan and design production lines and develop your interstellar factory from a small space workshop to a galaxy-wide industrial empire.
Why similar: Automation 44.1%, Building 17.6%, Sandbox 12.6%, Management 11%, Open World 8%
- #40 PC Creator - PC Building Simulator
74% matchMixed65% of 217 reviews2021
Dev: CREATY
Windows
Try yourself as a PC builder and build your dream PC from 200+ real components!Complete different PC building and PC repair orders to upgrade your business: build a PC from zero, install popular OS', upgrade computers, install different programs and games, fix PC parts, and much more.
Why similar: Programming 29% ★, Science 16% ★, Education 9.5%, Sandbox 8.7%, Management 8.6%
- #41 Tea Garden Simulator
73% matchMostly Positive74% of 62 reviews2023
Dev: Flying Robot StudiosPub: SYV Games LLP
Windows
Explore tea production intricacies with real-world research, select ideal terroir and clones, master plucking and processing, and create specialty teas for your unique brand. Unravel new flavors, unleash your inner tea scientist, experiment with endless creative ideas, and grow your Tea empire.
Why similar: Science 28.7% ★, Automation 28.2%, Sandbox 14.4%, Crafting 12.3%, Management 10.9%
- #42 Incremental Factory
72% matchMixed68% of 244 reviews2024
Dev: Significant Steak
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.7 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 61%
Craft and automate an industrial empire from scratch! Experience a strategic game teeming with challenges as you manage resources, overcome hurdles, and optimize production chains. Are you ready to conquer the challenges of Incremental Factory? Your journey starts here... The Factory Must Grow!
Why similar: Automation 36.9%, Crafting 16.2%, Sandbox 13.8%, Building 13.6%, Strategy 5.6%
- #43 Fantastic Contraption Classic 1 & 2
73% matchVery Positive98% of 92 reviews2020
Dev: Northway Games
Windows
The original physics building game is now on PC! Use minimal tools to build an infinite variety of puzzle-solving machines. Featuring over 70 THOUSAND user-generated levels, and includes the sequel Fantastic Contraption Classic 2!
Why similar: Building 19.8%, Physics 15.2%, Education 14.9%, Automation 12%, Sandbox 11.5%
- #44 Manufactoria 2022
72% matchVery Positive96% of 71 reviews2022
Dev: PleasingFungus Games
Windows · Mac
Manufactoria 2022 is a constructive puzzle game about pushing robots around. (It's okay, they don't complain.) Use simple parts to engineer solutions to open-ended problems, then rebuild 'em better! Take a company from your backyard to the soaring heights of success! How hard could it be?
Why similar: Programming 48.5% ★, Automation 34.3%, Puzzle 9.2%, Building 4.9%, Simulation 3.1%
- #45 Replicube
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 610 reviews2025
Dev: Walaber Entertainment LLC
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 7.5 hrs≥1hr: 67%
Replicube is an open-ended programming puzzle game/toy about writing code to replicate 3D voxel-based objects. Solve puzzles, pursue leaderboard glory, or just make art to share with the in-game community.
Why similar: Programming 66.1% ★, Sandbox 17.6%, Puzzle 10.9%, Simulation 5.4%
- #46 Feed the Reactor
69% matchVery Positive82% of 475 reviews2026
Dev: Adam Travers
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 5.8 hrs≥1hr: 94%
An incremental unfolding game about feeding fuel into a reactor. Combine elements to produce energy, unlock exotic technologies and explore a strange galaxy.
Why similar: Management 40.9%, Strategy 24.5%, Simulation 11.2%, Hand-drawn 9.5%, Casual 7%
- #47 Human Resource Machine
71% matchVery Positive94% of 4,614 reviews2015
Dev: Tomorrow Corporation
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Program little office workers to solve puzzles. Be a good employee! The machines are coming... for your job. From the creators of World of Goo and Little Inferno.
Why similar: Programming 60.6% ★, Education 13.5%, Automation 12.2%, Puzzle 8.3%, Simulation 2%
- #48 Beltex
71% matchVery Positive86% of 226 reviews2022
Dev: Notional Games
Windows
Beltex is a casual factory game played on a hex map. Extract numbers. Combine them using mathematical operations. Deliver them using belts across a huge map. Unlock new buildings and upgrades.
Why similar: Automation 33.7%, Sandbox 14.9%, Building 14.2%, Crafting 12%, Top-Down 5.7%
- #49 Stationeers
70% matchVery Positive88% of 8,897 reviews2017
Dev: RocketWerkz
Windows
Median: 9.8 hrsMean: 81.9 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Stationeers puts you in control of the construction and management of a space station to run by yourself or online with your friends. Complex atmospheric, electrical, manufacturing, agriculture, and gravitational systems require your thought and management at all times!
Why similar: Programming 25.7% ★, Automation 17.9%, Science 16.6% ★, Building 9.5%, Sandbox 8.4%
- #50 Masterplan Tycoon
70% matchMostly Positive74% of 729 reviews2023
Dev: Bureau BravinPub: Ravenage Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Welcome to the resource management game where your creativity and logistics skills are put to the test! In this minimalistic simulation you will build interconnected chains of products and open new missions by completing various tasks to create the biggest system you can.
Why similar: Automation 31%, Building 18.6%, Management 14.5%, Puzzle 8%, Minimalist 6.9%
- #51 Center Station Simulator
68% matchVery Positive88% of 555 reviews2024
Dev: Nightmare Phoenix
Windows
Mine, farm, manufacture components and build a wide range of machines in an infinite basement. Forget primitive tasks thanks to automation! And sell your products to your customers! Build a parking, a gas station...
Why similar: Automation 30.1%, Sandbox 19.5%, Building 17.4%, Crafting 15.3%, Management 12.9%
- #52 Sand:box
67% matchVery Positive94% of 1,486 reviews2023
Dev: smellymoo
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 54 minMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 49%
"Falling sand" style particle sandbox, now with circuits and stickmen!
Why similar: Automation 23%, Science 15.9% ★, Sandbox 15.5%, Education 14.6%, Physics 9.8%
- #53 Nimbatus - The Space Drone Constructor
70% matchMostly Positive79% of 2,144 reviews2020
Dev: Stray Fawn StudioPub: Stray Fawn Publishing
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Command the Nimbatus and craft drones out of hundreds of different parts. Survive unknown threats in a fully destructible, procedural universe, compete against other players in different arenas or enjoy complete creative freedom in the sandbox.
Why similar: Programming 31.4% ★, Automation 17.6%, Crafting 10.3%, Building 9.9%, Sandbox 8.8%
- #54 Final Upgrade
69% matchMostly Positive77% of 451 reviews2022
Dev: TaosX
Windows
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 12.2 hrs≥1hr: 67%
Help humanity to spread throughout the cosmos by exploring new worlds, building space factories and setting up trade routes. Research advanced technologies to increase efficiency and unlock new paths of development. Fight off other artificial intelligences in your goal to reach the Final Upgrade!
Why similar: Automation 36.5%, Building 18.4%, Sandbox 14%, Management 12.4%, Open World 8.5%
- #55 Oddsparks: An Automation Adventure
65% matchVery Positive84% of 2,178 reviews2025
Dev: Massive MiniteamPub: HandyGames
Windows
Median: 7.1 hrsMean: 16.0 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Oddsparks is a blend of automation and real-time strategy for both the die-hard fans of the automation genre and the automation-curious. Explore a strange fantasy world, uncover the mysteries of the past, automate your workshops, and go on adventures with your odd & adorable Sparks!
Why similar: Automation 34.9%, Building 28.9%, Sandbox 14.8%, Crafting 13.2%, Open World 8.2%
- #56 ΔV: Rings of Saturn
66% matchVery Positive93% of 3,305 reviews2023
Dev: Kodera Software
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.3 hrsMean: 11.6 hrs≥1hr: 85%
A physics-based mining sim, set in the thickest debris field in Sol. Every action has a reaction, lasers are invisible without a medium, and your thrust is a potent weapon. Find trade, adapt your equipment to your playstyle, hire a crew to help. Unravel the mysteries of the rings, or just get rich.
Why similar: Science 37.7% ★, Physics 17.1%, Sandbox 15%, Top-Down 11.6%, Open World 9.9%
- #57 AutoForge
66% matchVery Positive88% of 450 reviews2024
Dev: Siege Games
Windows
A 2D automation sandbox adventure. Build an automated factory with Mana-powered machines, progress through an expansive tech tree, explore a vast and wonderful world, upgrade yourself with ancient technologies, and defend it all from invasions.
Why similar: Automation 39.1%, Building 20%, Sandbox 18.5%, Crafting 18.3%, Simulation 4.2%
- #58 Automation - The Car Company Tycoon Game
67% matchVery Positive94% of 16,959 reviews2015
Dev: Camshaft Software Ltd
Windows
Median: 9.7 hrsMean: 53.6 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Make your dream cars a reality with Automation’s unparalleled car and engine design tools. Gain a competitive edge through smart engineering and business decisions to help you build an automotive empire. Will you become an industry leader, or just a footnote in automotive history?
Why similar: Building 14.9%, Management 14.3%, Automation 14.2%, Science 14% ★, Sandbox 11.6%
- #59 Signal Maze
66% matchVery Positive96% of 51 reviews2025
Dev: theArkitectPub: IndieArk
Windows
The story takes place in a future company called "RavenTek". R.O.O.T. - A grid, unit, and signal based computing system. Move the units to create signal links, transmit the signals, and activate other units to generate benefits. Are the benefits generated all for the company, or...?
Why similar: Programming 74.1% ★, Puzzle 12.9%, Alternate History 8.6%, Strategy 2.4%, Simulation 1.2%
- #60 Electronics Puzzle Lab
66% matchVery Positive88% of 69 reviews2024
Dev: Sagitta Studios
Windows
Enter the most advanced challenge laboratory of today's games, where electronics and logic merge into challenges that will captivate your mind and awaken the engineer within you!
Why similar: Education 33.5%, Automation 30.1%, Puzzle 12.1%, Top-Down 8.8%, Simulation 6.2%