- #1 Children of the Nile: Alexandria
97% matchVery Positive85% of 168 reviews2008
Dev: Tilted Mill Entertainment, Inc.
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 12.6 hrs≥1hr: 44%
Children of the Nile: Alexandria is an addition to the base Children of the Nile game, adding a new mini-campaign focused on the rise of the city of Alexandria. Using the unique city-building dynamics of Children of the Nile, you will carve out a new dynasty to rule all of Egypt, and build the greatest city of the ancient world!
Why similar: City Builder 40.2%, Simulation 25.7%, Strategy 18.5%, Historical 8%, Sandbox 7.2%
- #2 新城镇
96% matchMostly Positive71% of 14 reviews2022
Dev: 初稿
Windows
这是一个休闲放置类的城市模拟游戏,玩家可以通过人口增长和发展经济来建造更多的建筑,在游戏中体验从小乡镇发展成为大城市的过程。
Why similar: City Builder 38.1%, Strategy 21.3%, Simulation 21.1%, Sandbox 17.6%, Indie 1.1%
- #3 PlayFortress
96% matchMixed50% of 16 reviews2016
Dev: PlayFortress
Windows
PlayFortress is a castle building game where the player controls characters such as the Lord, Master Mason and Engineer, using them to construct elaborate castle fortifications and settlements whilst managing their economy.
Why similar: Simulation 29.8%, Strategy 28.4%, City Builder 25.5%, Sandbox 13.7%, Indie 2.6%
- #4 City Life 2008
95% matchVery Positive81% of 254 reviews2008
Dev: Monte CristoPub: Focus Entertainment
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 5.5 hrs≥1hr: 44%
Construct the city of the 21st Century with City Life! City Life 2008 Edition is a next-generation City Builder. Its 3D game engine provides a level of detail and animation unprecedented in the City Builder genre, with total freedom of construction.
Why similar: City Builder 44.1%, Simulation 29.1%, Strategy 26.8%
- #5 SugarMill
94% matchMixed49% of 80 reviews2019
Dev: Aatlantis Code
Windows
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 86%
SugarMill comes to break the rules of village building simulation. Get ready to deal with food expiration, thirst, real-world measurements, and transportation of goods with horse-drawn carriages.
Why similar: City Builder 36.6%, Simulation 26.6%, Strategy 24.8%, Sandbox 8.1%, Indie 3.4%
- #6 Community Inc
94% matchMostly Negative40% of 199 reviews2017
Dev: T4 InteractivePub: tinyBuild
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.3 hrs≥1hr: 89%
As a new Manager, build a happy community and trade with other races... for profit. Yes, that's right, we need their happiness so we can power up our portals. The Lings, your workers, will obey you and help you with your village. But beware, they can cause a lot of problems too.
Why similar: City Builder 33.9%, Simulation 32.6%, Strategy 29.3%, Indie 4.1%
- #7 Children of the Nile: Enhanced Edition
92% matchVery Positive85% of 471 reviews2008
Dev: Tilted Mill Entertainment, Inc.
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 9.8 hrs≥1hr: 46%
Children of the Nile™ is a unique gem of a city-building game, unparalleled in both grandeur and attention to detail.As Pharaoh you will guide your people through thousands of years of history: from simple hunter-gatherers to the creation of an immortal civilization.
Why similar: City Builder 44.1%, Simulation 20%, Strategy 17.1%, Historical 14.2%, Sandbox 4.3%
- #8 Tropico 5
91% 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 42.7%, Strategy 21.8%, Simulation 18.1%, Sandbox 13.3%, Historical 2.9%
- #9 Cities XL Platinum
91% matchMixed58% of 1,635 reviews2013
Dev: Focus Entertainment
Windows
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 5.8 hrs≥1hr: 51%
Build cities, shape a world.Cities XL Platinum lets you design, build and link up cities of all shapes and sizes around the Cities XL planet!Build more impressive cities than ever before! Cities XL Platinum offers a huge variety of over 1,000 buildings and constructions (including 50 brand new structures), that you can freely place on...
Why similar: City Builder 50.3%, Simulation 26%, Strategy 11.8%, Sandbox 11.3%, Singleplayer 0.7%
- #10 Town of Honor
89% matchNo user reviews100% of 1 reviews2026
Dev: Craftsoft
Windows
“Town of Honor” is a town-building simulation game with roguelike elements set in a remote rural town. As mayor, you must construct buildings, produce and process resources, keep residents happy, and win regular elections.
Why similar: City Builder 44.6%, Simulation 27.8%, Strategy 25.1%, Indie 1.4%, Singleplayer 1%
- #11 Forebearers
90% matchMixed48% of 109 reviews2019
Dev: Sandspire Interactive
Windows
This city-building strategy game puts you as the chieftain of a tribe driven away from their homeland. Now you must rebuild and defend your tribe from both the elements and your old enemies.
Why similar: City Builder 51.3%, Strategy 22.9%, Simulation 22.7%, Indie 3%
- #12 BlockUrbs
89% matchPositive85% of 25 reviews2024
Dev: HidingDev Games
Windows
BlockUrbs is a small city builder game where you can place a variety of structures and roads on tiles to create tiny, detailed and beautiful city sections without worrying about any goals or scores.
Why similar: City Builder 43.5%, Simulation 23.9%, Strategy 19%, Sandbox 11.7%, Indie 1.2%
- #13 Pixel Airport Tycoon
87% match8 user reviews95% of 18 reviews2026
Dev: hans-juergen mueller
Windows
Build your own airport from the ground up! Construct terminals, runways, and refueling stations, manage baggage handling and catering, research new technologies, and expand your grounds. Become the most successful airport manager – tile by tile!
Why similar: City Builder 35.3%, Simulation 29.5%, Strategy 25.6%, 2D 4.1%, Atmospheric 3.7%
- #14 Villagers
88% matchMixed53% of 389 reviews2016
Dev: bumblebee.Pub: Avanquest Software Publishing Ltd
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Villagers is a beautifully illustrated and richly detailed town-building game where you build a thriving community using the people and resources around you. Success or failure depends on your ability to create a town that can grow and prosper, and overcome the harsh realities of medieval life!
Why similar: City Builder 48.4%, Simulation 24.6%, Strategy 24.4%, Indie 2.6%
- #15 SimCity™ 3000 Unlimited
86% matchVery Positive84% of 777 reviews2024
Dev: MaxisPub: Electronic Arts
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 3.3 hrs≥1hr: 31%
SimCity 3000 Unlimited brings you the classic strategy gaming of SimCity 3000 with all-new scenarios that open up a whole world of city planning and building possibilities! The thrills of the classic SimCity 3000 are here again!
Why similar: City Builder 47.5%, Simulation 29.3%, Strategy 22.2%, Singleplayer 1.1%
- #16 Distant Kingdoms
86% matchMixed44% of 303 reviews2021
Dev: Orthrus Studios
Windows
A unique blend of City Building, Social Management, Exploration and Adventure gameplay, Distant Kingdoms brings a rich fantasy world to life. Help the Humans, Dwarves, Elves and Orcs of Talam, begin anew in the fabled land of Ineron.
Why similar: City Builder 53.9%, Simulation 23.4%, Strategy 19.8%, Indie 2.9%
- #17 Kingdom and Taxes
85% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Room 402 Games
Windows
Build, expand, and optimize a medieval kingdom on a hex grid, creating efficient production chains while the King's taxes grow every year.
Why similar: City Builder 34.4%, Simulation 33.9%, Strategy 29.1%, Indie 1.4%, Singleplayer 1.1%
- #18 Block'hood
84% matchMostly Positive74% of 1,258 reviews2017
Dev: Plethora ProjectPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 54 minMean: 18.9 hrs≥1hr: 48%
Block’hood is a neighborhood-building simulator that celebrates the diversity and experimentation of cities and the unique ecosystems within them. Budding city planners will have access to 200+ building blocks to combine and to create unique neighborhoods and discover the implications of their designs.
Why similar: City Builder 45.5%, Simulation 20.3%, Sandbox 18%, Strategy 13.8%, Indie 1.9%
- #19 Bastide
82% matchMostly Positive72% of 355 reviews2020
Dev: MedievalNexus
Windows
Build. Survive. Thrive. Bastide is a 13th-century city-building strategy game where you transform a vulnerable peasant village into a fortified town. Manage your workforce and protect your people from the constant threats of starvation, disease, winter, and bandits.
Why similar: City Builder 39.3%, Strategy 29%, Simulation 28.3%, Indie 3.3%
- #20 Towns
83% matchMostly Negative27% of 2,837 reviews2012
Dev: Xavi Canal, Ben PalgiPub: SMP
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 17.6 hrs≥1hr: 53%
The game brings a fresh new take on the city building/management genre by introducing many RPG features. In Towns you manage a settlement on top of an active dungeon. Instead of playing the hero who delves deep into the dungeon, how about playing the town that houses and caters to the hero's needs?
Why similar: City Builder 45.5%, Sandbox 20.6%, Simulation 15.8%, Strategy 14.7%, Indie 2.5%
- #21 Constructor Plus
81% matchVery Positive89% of 466 reviews2019
Dev: System 3
Windows
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 8.6 hrs≥1hr: 57%
Constructor Plus is the definitive building simulation for the modern day tycoon. Build your dream town full of crackpot undesirables, businesses, and quirky tenants whilst fending off your rivals in the eagerly awaited sequel to Constructor HD. With almost 3 times more content, building just got bigger!
Why similar: City Builder 36.8%, Strategy 29.7%, Simulation 29.4%, Indie 3.2%, Singleplayer 0.9%
- #22 Metropolis
82% match9 user reviews11% of 9 reviews2018
Dev: Studio by the Bay
Windows
Metropolis - The Ultimate City Simulator. In a game of construction, politics and real estate, build and manage your city to become the most liveable city in the world.
Why similar: City Builder 36.4%, Simulation 32.5%, Strategy 31%
- #23 My Retro World
81% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: RewindApp
Windows
Build the retro world of your dreams: from chill vaporwave vibes to neon retrowave skylines, from 90s suburbs to futuristic cityscapes, all in the most nostalgic sandbox...
Why similar: City Builder 32.7%, Simulation 20.3%, Sandbox 19.6%, 1980s 13%, 1990's 9.2%
- #24 Floodpunk
79% match2 user reviews100% of 2 reviews2025
Dev: Floodpunk LLC
Windows · Mac
Build up your island in this resource management strategy game, battling the rising tides and the incoming flood. Grow your industry. Build the tower. Escape the flood!
Why similar: City Builder 42%, Strategy 21.2%, Simulation 18.3%, Arcade 13.7%, 2D 3%
- #25 Age of Pyramids
80% matchMostly Negative35% of 87 reviews2022
Dev: Cassagi Entertainment s.r.o.
Windows
Age of Pyramids is a sandbox city builder and simulator set in Ancient Egypt. You take on the city governor and architect’s mantle to build the most incredible city on Earth. You will have to gather dozens of resources to maintain happiness of your people and prosperity.
Why similar: City Builder 38.8%, Strategy 22.4%, Simulation 14.8%, Sandbox 13.9%, Historical 9.7%
- #26 Parkdens
79% matchNo user reviews2028
Dev: HidingDev Games
Windows
Parkdens is a minimalistic and relaxing nature park building game where you can place tiles and choose variety of objects ranging from statues, sitting areas, shelters to bushes, playgrounds, trees etc. to populate the placed tiles.
Why similar: City Builder 38.6%, Simulation 30.2%, Sandbox 18.9%, Strategy 10.1%, Indie 1.4%
- #27 Geopogo Cities: Windsor–Detroit
78% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Geopogo
Windows
A real-world city-building simulation where you shape the future of downtown Windsor–Detroit. Zone, redevelop, and experiment with growth using real map data in a living urban sandbox.
Why similar: City Builder 33%, Simulation 25%, Strategy 22.8%, Sandbox 16.4%, Atmospheric 2.8%
- #28 Ant Queen
78% matchMixed65% of 283 reviews2016
Dev: inVantage Technologies
Windows · Mac · Linux
Begin a journey like no other, become the Ant Queen and establish your empire. Ant Queen is a simulation game where you breed different types of ants to ultimately conquer your surroundings and achieve a stable ant colony.
Why similar: Simulation 37.1%, Strategy 36.5%, Sandbox 21.9%, Indie 4.5%
- #29 Dubai Simulator
77% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Mobilway S.A.Pub: PlayWay S.A.
Windows
In Dubai Simulator, you'll have the chance to design and build your dream city, complete with towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, luxurious resorts, and awe-inspiring landmarks.
Why similar: City Builder 35.3%, Simulation 28.8%, Sandbox 17.5%, Strategy 16.9%, Indie 1.1%
- #30 COLD AISLE: Data Center Tycoon
77% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Velmirestudios
Windows
Build your own data center business from an empty industrial hall. Order hardware, install servers and GPUs, connect power and networking, manage cooling and capacity, and grow from your first rack into a market-leading company.
Why similar: Simulation 39.4%, Strategy 33.9%, Sandbox 23.7%, Indie 1.7%, Singleplayer 1.3%
- #31 Rivalry warlord Sengoku
75% match5 user reviews100% of 5 reviews2024
Dev: Static ossan games
Windows
A turn-based Sengoku simulation game that can be played by vassal!
Why similar: Simulation 34.4%, Strategy 28.1%, Historical 19.8%, Turn-Based Tactics 10.7%, 2D 4.6%
- #32 SuperCitycon
76% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Sunapie Games
Windows · Mac
A retro city-building game with huge maps, a sandbox mode, a map creator, and strategic tycoon puzzles. Build, create, and solve as you craft the city of your dreams!
Why similar: City Builder 39.5%, Simulation 23.9%, Strategy 19.1%, Sandbox 15.9%, Indie 1%
- #33 Pharaoh + Cleopatra
74% matchVery Positive92% of 2,585 reviews2016
Dev: Impressions GamesPub: Activision
Windows
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 18.5 hrs≥1hr: 55%
Immerse yourself in Ancient Egypt from the age of the great pyramids to the final years of the New Kingdom.
Why similar: City Builder 49.1%, Strategy 19.7%, Simulation 15.7%, Historical 14.9%, Singleplayer 0.6%
- #34 Caesar™ IV
74% 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 47.8%, Strategy 23.9%, Simulation 17.6%, Historical 10.3%, Singleplayer 0.3%
- #35 Space Station Alpha
75% matchMixed46% of 78 reviews2015
Dev: NuclearFirecracker
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6 minMean: 19.2 hrs≥1hr: 32%
Build and manage a space station in the outer reaches of space. The challenges will be many, oxygen will escape through every tiny hole in the hull, you'll contend with asteroid showers and nebulous alien blobs.
Why similar: City Builder 39.7%, Simulation 31.4%, Strategy 25.5%, Indie 3.5%
- #36 Mr.Sound
73% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Trinity Games Studio LTDA
Windows
Build the ultimate nightclub. Set the vibe. Run the night. Mr. Sound is a first-person nightclub management simulator where you design your venue, manage your business, and keep the crowd coming back for more. Every night is a new challenge, make it legendary.
Why similar: City Builder 28.9%, Simulation 22.3%, Sandbox 14.6%, Arcade 12.4%, 1980s 8.9%
- #37 PyramidValley: Reborn
71% matchVery Positive88% of 89 reviews2025
Dev: AuthenTiiq
Windows · Mac · Linux
Immerse yourself in ancient Egypt with PyramidValley, a management game where you develop your pharaonic city by constructing iconic monuments and gathering various resources to ensure prosperity.
Why similar: City Builder 35.1%, Sandbox 20.1%, Simulation 19.2%, Strategy 12.8%, Historical 8.1%
- #38 ATLASPIA: The Tower Manager
73% matchNo user reviews
Dev: IGM Studio
Windows · Mac
This is a tower-building simulation where you place offices, homes, shops, restaurants, hotels, and more inside a growing high-rise. People move autonomously toward their destinations, using elevators as the building comes to life. Balance profit and expansion as you create a busy tower of your own.
Why similar: City Builder 30.6%, Simulation 23.9%, Strategy 20.9%, Sandbox 14.1%, 1990's 7.7%
- #39 Construction Company
72% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Single Game Production
Windows
Your grandfather's construction company is now in your hands. Take over a business burdened by debt and lead it to success. Hire workers, build crews, purchase equipment, complete contracts, expand your office, and turn the company into a thriving construction empire.
Why similar: City Builder 33%, Simulation 26.9%, Strategy 23.4%, Sandbox 16.3%, Singleplayer 0.5%
- #40 Mini Mayor: 12 Years
72% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Symbolic
Windows
Build your city and survive elections in this city-building management sandbox. Choose campaign promises, manage approval, and aim for three terms. Your choices shape the story and outcome. Will you develop the city or use your power to build your personal fortune?
Why similar: City Builder 38.2%, Simulation 21.4%, Strategy 21.3%, Sandbox 16.1%, 2D 2.3%
- #41 古都千年
71% matchNo user reviews
Dev: LingoPub: Gumeng Game
Windows
A Silk Road town sim. Manage production, survive harsh seasons and diseases, witness residents' lives from birth to death, send expeditions to trade, and encounter historical figures across changing dynasties.
Why similar: City Builder 34.3%, Simulation 29.3%, Strategy 25.3%, Historical 10.4%, Singleplayer 0.7%
- #42 City Masterplan
71% matchNo user reviews
Dev: 1:1 Studio
Windows
Break the grid and build a true 1:1 scale metropolis. City Masterplan is a realistic city builder where traffic, citizens, and economy form a fully simulated system. Design complex road networks freely, manage real congestion, and shape a city through the decisions you make.
Why similar: City Builder 35.2%, Simulation 25.2%, Strategy 22.3%, Sandbox 15.9%, Indie 0.9%
- #43 温室之城(Glass City : The Dust)
70% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Intellicentrum
Windows
Glass City : The Dust is a distinctive sim game. Control your character, trying to survival in a glasshouse, making profit from planting, crafting, and so on. Competing with AI, and trying to make the population of city grow, keep the people from contacting deadly germs.
Why similar: City Builder 46.3%, Simulation 25.8%, Strategy 24.6%, Indie 3.3%
- #44 Bonanza Burger
69% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Dawg Patch Games
Windows
Bonanza Burger: Build, manage, and compete! Design your restaurant, hire a top-notch team, and battle rival managers. Conquer challenges, expand, and prove you're the ultimate fast-food mogul!
Why similar: City Builder 33.1%, Simulation 26.7%, Strategy 23.3%, Sandbox 16.4%, Singleplayer 0.4%
- #45 Ethics Empire
68% match3 user reviews100% of 3 reviews2026
Dev: Nullgrid Studios
Windows
Become the richest business owner in this strategy-based simulator, choose your playstyle trying to balance ethics and profits in this chaotic low poly world. Will you keep your ethical businesses thriving or will you let it all crumble down for a quick buck?
Why similar: City Builder 31%, Strategy 28%, Simulation 25.6%, Sandbox 13.7%, Indie 1.2%
- #46 Thirty Years' War
70% matchMixed66% of 53 reviews2016
Dev: AgeodPub: Slitherine Ltd.
Windows
Thirty Years War is a new game designed by developer HQ covering one of the darkest ages of European history. The Thirty Years War is the series of conflicts between Catholics and Protestants in the Holy Roman Empire and its surroundings, between 1618 and 1648.
Why similar: Simulation 43.5%, Strategy 42.6%, Historical 13.9%
- #47 Tropico Reloaded
69% matchVery Positive88% of 990 reviews2009
Dev: PopTop SoftwarePub: Kalypso Media Digital
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 7.7 hrs≥1hr: 40%
TROPICO RELOADED is the ultimate game compilation for hobby-dictators and those dreaming of their own Caribbean island. Tropico combines real-time strategy and simulation elements with a healthy dose of political intrigue and Caribbean flair to create a unique and critically acclaimed game experience.
Why similar: City Builder 48.4%, Simulation 22.7%, Strategy 19%, Sandbox 9.3%, Singleplayer 0.6%
- #48 My Tiny Park
68% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Cold Cabin
Windows
My Tiny Park is a management sim where you design and manage parks of all kinds - from schoolyard playgrounds to sprawling nature reserves. Balance budgets, attract visitors, and craft the perfect outdoor space in this relaxing yet strategic game!
Why similar: City Builder 35.9%, Simulation 26.5%, Sandbox 18%, Strategy 10.7%, 1990's 6%
- #49 Anno 1800
66% 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 51.7%, Strategy 18.9%, Simulation 16.1%, Sandbox 8.2%, Historical 4.7%
- #50 Life In Planet
68% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Batuhan YılmazPub: Codeks Studio
Windows
Build, arrive, and move into new regions and planets in the depths of space. Whether you will establish a colony and trade or train soldiers and fight, everything is in your hands.
Why similar: City Builder 31.5%, Simulation 26.2%, Strategy 22.9%, Sandbox 18.1%, Indie 1%
- #51 Constructor
67% matchMostly Positive77% of 767 reviews2017
Dev: System 3
Windows
Median: 1.7 hrsMean: 6.4 hrs≥1hr: 59%
You can’t rise to the top without taking a few others down. If that means engaging in a workplace accidents, dodgy deals, and a shifty trick or two then so be it! You're going to need every trick in the book if you want to go from small-time slumlord to property tycoon!
Why similar: City Builder 44.6%, Strategy 28.2%, Simulation 27.2%
- #52 Squirrel Forest
67% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Squadrant Games
Windows
Deforestation is an apocalypse for squirrels. Only a few trees are left standing. Squirrels are put in danger and forced to act. Two brothers Zen and Ven decide to restore harmony in the forest by uniting fellow survivors and embarking on a journey to replant the forest. They need you to help them!
Why similar: Simulation 40.9%, Strategy 38.3%, City Builder 15.6%, Indie 5.3%
- #53 Hexters
67% matchPositive85% of 26 reviews2017
Dev: Draconus Entertainment Ltd
Windows · Mac · Linux
Unique procedurally generated city-building strategy / action game with single player campaign story. Inspired by Tron, Darwinia, Anno, Settlers etc.
Why similar: City Builder 64.8%, Strategy 18.1%, Simulation 15.2%, Indie 2%
- #54 Tropico 4
65% matchVery Positive92% of 12,733 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 52.2%, Simulation 18.8%, Strategy 17.3%, Sandbox 10.3%, Atmospheric 0.7%