- #1 Manor Lords
97% 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: Diplomacy 11% ★, 4X 10.2% ★, Grand Strategy 9.3% ★, Colony Sim 9% ★, Moddable 8.2% ★
Why You'll Like It: A highly detailed medieval city-builder that emphasizes realistic logistics and feudal management within a historical setting.
- #2 Crusader Kings III
96% matchVery Positive91% of 137,655 reviews2020
Dev: Paradox Development StudioPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 28.8 hrsMean: 143.8 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Love, fight, scheme, and claim greatness. Determine your noble house’s legacy in the sprawling grand strategy of Crusader Kings III. Death is only the beginning as you guide your dynasty’s bloodline in the rich and larger-than-life simulation of the Middle Ages.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 23.7% ★, 4X 14.5% ★, Historical 13.7%, Moddable 11.8% ★, Management 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: This is the gold standard for dynastic politics and character-driven medieval strategy, mirroring the noble family management found in Norland.
- #3 Going Medieval
96% 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: Colony Sim 16.1% ★, Moddable 14.3% ★, City Builder 12.5%, Economy 9.8%, Historical 9.7%
Why You'll Like It: A voxel-based colony sim that captures the challenge of surviving and building a society in a harsh medieval landscape.
- #4 RimWorld
95% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 236,346 reviews2018
Dev: Ludeon Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 59.1 hrsMean: 259.4 hrs≥1hr: 92%
A sci-fi colony sim driven by an intelligent AI storyteller. Generates stories by simulating psychology, ecology, gunplay, melee combat, climate, biomes, diplomacy, interpersonal relationships, art, medicine, trade, and more.
Why similar: Colony Sim 23.1% ★, Moddable 14.5% ★, Base Building 13.5%, City Builder 9.4%, Survival 7.5%
Why You'll Like It: The definitive colony simulator that shares Norland's focus on emergent storytelling through individual character traits and social interactions.
- #5 Noble Fates
94% matchVery Positive83% of 1,455 reviews2021
Dev: Xobermon, LLC
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 12.5 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Harness your Demigod powers to lead a group from rags to riches in this 3D Fantasy Kingdom Management Sim with RPG elements. Command from the sky or take control in 3rd Person to BUILD, BATTLE, and RULE. Navigate a world of interesting Nobles, earn their respect, and decide their Fates.
Why similar: Colony Sim 20.8% ★, City Builder 16.2%, Moddable 13.5% ★, Base Building 11.8%, Sandbox 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: This game places you in the role of a noble leader managing a kingdom, directly echoing the power dynamics and character-focused gameplay of Norland.
- #6 Songs of Syx
94% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 7,777 reviews2020
Dev: Gamatron AB
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 14.9 hrsMean: 41.2 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Songs of Syx is a fantasy city-builder with vast battles simulating thousands of citizens and soldiers. Start off as a small village and build, scheme, and fight your way towards a mighty empire. The mechanics are deep and true to life, where tiny events can spiral into the collapse of kingdoms.
Why similar: 4X 13.9% ★, Colony Sim 13.2% ★, Grand Strategy 12.4% ★, City Builder 11%, Moddable 10.4% ★
Why You'll Like It: Offers a massive scale for colony management while maintaining deep simulation systems that govern the needs and behaviors of your populace.
- #7 Farthest Frontier
92% 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: 4X 16.3% ★, Colony Sim 13.6% ★, City Builder 13.3%, Building 9.7%, Historical 9%
Why You'll Like It: A challenging city-builder that emphasizes resource management and the struggle to keep a medieval population alive through harsh seasons.
- #8 The Guild 3
93% matchMixed61% of 7,840 reviews2022
Dev: Purple LampPub: THQ Nordic
Windows
Median: 6.7 hrsMean: 16.2 hrs≥1hr: 79%
The Guild 3 is a fascinating trade and life simulation that takes place during the late Middle Ages. Step into the shoes of a citizen, acquire businesses and mansions, produce goods and trade them, start intrigues in politics and society, love, hate, bribe, fight and live through good and bad times!
Why similar: Economy 31.2%, Building 9.7%, Sandbox 9.3%, Simulation 9.1%, Open World 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses heavily on the life-simulation and economic aspects of medieval society, allowing you to build a dynasty through trade and political influence.
- #9 Foundation
91% 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 28.4%, Colony Sim 10% ★, Economy 9%, Resource Management 7.6%, Sandbox 7.3%
Why You'll Like It: A gridless medieval city-builder that focuses on organic growth and the social needs of your villagers.
- #10 Lords and Villeins
91% matchMostly Positive71% of 951 reviews2022
Dev: Honestly GamesPub: Fulqrum Publishing
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 15.5 hrs≥1hr: 54%
Build a prosperous settlement in a unique simulation of a feudal economy - each family runs their shop, owns their goods, and trades with other villagers in a free market. You will manage the land, build houses, organise events, set taxes, and balance supply and demand while engaging in diplomacy!
Why similar: Colony Sim 23.1% ★, City Builder 17.4%, Economy 9.9%, Management 9.7%, Building 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: A management-heavy colony sim that specifically focuses on the feudal relationship between the ruling class and the peasantry.
- #11 Medieval Dynasty
90% matchVery Positive91% of 49,970 reviews2021
Dev: Render CubePub: Toplitz Productions
Windows
Median: 11.7 hrsMean: 35.7 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Hunt, survive, build and lead in the harsh Middle Ages: Create your own Medieval Dynasty and ensure its long-lasting prosperity or die trying! Play alone or team up with friends to enjoy the ultimate medieval experience.
Why similar: Building 20%, Base Building 15.9%, Historical 13.8%, Sandbox 11.7%, Survival 11.3%
Why You'll Like It: Combines survival, city-building, and role-playing to let you build a lasting legacy through generations of your family.
- #12 Wartales
89% matchVery Positive87% of 34,222 reviews2023
Dev: Shiro Games
Windows
Median: 21.5 hrsMean: 51.2 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Wartales is an open world RPG in which you lead a group of mercenaries in their search for wealth across a massive medieval universe. Explore the world, recruit companions, collect bounties and unravel the secrets of the tombs of the ancients!
Why similar: Open World 43.8%, Sandbox 22.5%, Survival 17.9%, Strategy 12.5%, Singleplayer 3.2%
Why You'll Like It: While more combat-focused, it captures the gritty, small-group management and survival elements of leading a band of characters through a medieval world.
- #13 Against the Storm
89% 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: Diplomacy 10.2% ★, Grand Strategy 9.6% ★, 4X 9.5% ★, Colony Sim 9.2% ★, Moddable 7.9% ★
Why You'll Like It: A unique roguelite city-builder that requires constant adaptation and strategic decision-making to survive a persistent supernatural storm.
- #14 Kingdoms Reborn
88% 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 25.1%, Colony Sim 19.8% ★, Base Building 11.8%, Economy 8.9%, Management 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: A multiplayer-capable city-builder that incorporates card-based mechanics to manage the expansion and development of your medieval settlement.
- #15 Clanfolk
87% matchVery Positive92% of 3,737 reviews2022
Dev: MinMax Games Ltd.Pub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 17.3 hrs≥1hr: 68%
Clanfolk is a colony sim set in the Scottish Highlands. Harness your environment to survive - fish, gather, hunt, and farm as you prepare for the winter. Build an inn, trade with other clans, have children and marry them off - live life and prosper across the generations.
Why similar: Colony Sim 38.2% ★, Building 18.5%, Sandbox 18.1%, Open World 14.6%, Simulation 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: A character-driven survival game set in the Scottish Highlands that focuses on family lineage and managing individual needs.
- #16 Dwarf Fortress
86% matchVery Positive95% of 30,806 reviews2022
Dev: Bay 12 GamesPub: Kitfox Games
Windows · Linux
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 38.4 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Build a fortress and try to help your dwarves survive against a deeply generated world. Keep your dwarves happy, grow their community and beware of digging too deeply. The deepest, most intricate simulation of a world that's ever been created.
Why similar: Colony Sim 20.1% ★, City Builder 16%, Base Building 12.2%, Building 9.5%, Management 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: The deepest simulation game available, offering unparalleled complexity in character history, social dynamics, and base-building.
- #17 Bellwright
86% matchVery Positive81% of 18,990 reviews2024
Dev: Donkey Crew
Windows
Median: 13.0 hrsMean: 41.1 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Establish and expand your own settlements, liberate the land and assist its villagers, and recruit others to your cause while learning more about a life you had to leave behind. Command your forces, prove your valor through combat, and cement yourself as the hero of your people.
Why similar: City Builder 33.1%, Survival 19.7%, Open World 18.7%, Building 15.8%, Simulation 5.9%
Why You'll Like It: Blends open-world survival with village management, allowing you to lead a rebellion and build a community from the ground up.
- #18 Settlement Survival
85% 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: Colony Sim 20.3% ★, City Builder 19.8%, Building 10.2%, Management 8.6%, Survival 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: A survival-focused city-builder that emphasizes managing trade, disasters, and the complex needs of your growing population.
- #19 Patron
84% 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: Colony Sim 18.9% ★, City Builder 16%, Moddable 9.5% ★, Economy 7.2%, Survival 7%
Why You'll Like It: A social-focused city-builder where managing the happiness and political demands of your citizens is just as important as building infrastructure.
- #20 Dawn of Man
84% 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 29.4%, Colony Sim 29.2% ★, Survival 8.8%, Historical 7.9%, Sandbox 5%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the survival and technological progression of a prehistoric settlement, sharing the core loop of resource management and expansion.
- #21 Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic
82% 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: Grand Strategy 10.2% ★, Colony Sim 9.6% ★, Diplomacy 9.1% ★, City Builder 9%, 4X 8.4% ★
Why You'll Like It: While the setting is different, it offers the most complex city-building and economic management systems available for those who love deep simulation.
- #22 Banished
83% 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: Colony Sim 31% ★, City Builder 27.1%, Survival 7.7%, Sandbox 5.8%, Strategy 5.4%
Why You'll Like It: A classic survival city-builder that forces you to manage the delicate balance of resources and population growth in a medieval setting.
- #23 Ostriv
82% 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 16%, Colony Sim 15.6% ★, Historical 10.3%, Base Building 9%, Economy 8.1%
Why You'll Like It: A historically grounded city-builder that features deep economic simulation and realistic building mechanics.
- #24 Kingdoms and Castles
81% 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: Colony Sim 26.3% ★, City Builder 25.4%, Building 8.8%, Base Building 7.3%, Sandbox 6.4%
Why You'll Like It: A more accessible city-builder that focuses on defending your medieval kingdom from invaders and natural disasters.
- #25 Of Life and Land
80% matchVery Positive86% of 351 reviews2025
Dev: KerzovenPub: Metaroot
Windows · Linux
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 60%
Of Life and Land is a charming settlement-building strategy game paired with a rich simulation experience. Every animal and plant strives to find its place in nature while you lead your villagers to their future. Expand to different regions and trade with local factions to gain needed resources.
Why similar: Colony Sim 14.1% ★, City Builder 12%, Moddable 10.3% ★, Base Building 8.9%, Historical 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: A charming strategy game that focuses on the interconnectedness of nature and the management of a growing medieval community.
- #26 Land of the Vikings
81% matchMostly Positive74% of 2,203 reviews2023
Dev: Laps GamesPub: Iceberg Interactive
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 9.6 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Land of the Vikings is a survival colony sim game. Build and lead your village, and expand it into a thriving city. A wise Jarl must manage resources, survive harsh conditions, and guide their fellow Vikings to work together through social conflict. Skál!
Why similar: Colony Sim 19.9% ★, City Builder 15.8%, Economy 8.7%, Historical 8.2%, Base Building 8.1%
Why You'll Like It: A colony sim that tasks you with leading a Viking settlement, focusing on survival, trade, and expansion.
- #27 Empires of the Undergrowth
78% matchVery Positive94% of 17,329 reviews2024
Dev: Slug DiscoPub: Hooded Horse
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.0 hrsMean: 18.8 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Command swarms of warriors at an unprecedented scale of warfare in this blend of RTS and base-building. Lead ant colonies against the many fearsome threats of the insect world, while building intricate nests, developing pheromone-based tactics, and evolving to meet growing dangers.
Why similar: Diplomacy 9.9% ★, 4X 9.7% ★, Grand Strategy 9.7% ★, Colony Sim 9.2% ★, Moddable 7.9% ★
Why You'll Like It: Provides a unique perspective on colony management by tasking you with leading an ant colony through complex survival and expansion challenges.
- #28 Whiskerwood
77% 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: Diplomacy 10.1% ★, Grand Strategy 9.6% ★, 4X 9.4% ★, Colony Sim 9.4% ★, Moddable 7.8% ★
- #29 Stronghold: Definitive Edition
78% 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 18.1%, Colony Sim 16.7% ★, Economy 10.7%, Base Building 9.9%, Historical 9.5%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the classic blend of castle building and siege warfare, perfect for players who enjoy the defensive aspects of medieval strategy.
- #30 Frozenheim
79% matchMixed70% of 3,855 reviews2022
Dev: Paranoid InteractivePub: Untold Tales
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 6.6 hrs≥1hr: 68%
Lead your Viking clan onto unknown shores and carve out a future for your people in the fjords of Frozenheim. Gather resources, expand, and watch your settlement grow to a bustling town that will withstand the harshness of winter and wrath of other clans.
Why similar: Colony Sim 24.5% ★, Economy 21.5%, Base Building 15.7%, Resource Management 15.6%, Management 11%
Why You'll Like It: A Norse-themed city-builder that emphasizes resource gathering and tactical combat in a harsh, cold environment.
- #31 Blacksmith Master
77% matchVery Positive84% of 2,485 reviews2025
Dev: Untitled StudioPub: Hooded Horse
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 12.4 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Manage your own medieval smithy in Blacksmith Master and supervise the entire process from mining ores and gems to designing and selling finished products. Forge everything from weapons and armor to tools and cooking utensils to fund your craft and become the Blacksmith Master.
Why similar: Colony Sim 14.4% ★, Moddable 12.6% ★, City Builder 11.7%, Base Building 8.9%, Economy 8.4%
- #32 Nova Roma
76% 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: Grand Strategy 9.9% ★, Diplomacy 9.8% ★, 4X 9.5% ★, Colony Sim 8.9% ★, City Builder 7.8%
- #33 House of Legacy
75% matchVery Positive83% of 3,616 reviews2025
Dev: S3 StudioPub: Thermite Games
Windows
Median: 7.3 hrsMean: 18.4 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Step into the shoes of a fallen clan leader, starting with nothing but a crumbling estate and a handful of hopes, rising through careful planning, trade, and diplomacy to become one of the most powerful families in the land. Now it’s time to forge a legendary dynasty that leaves its mark on history.
Why similar: Diplomacy 25.3% ★, City Builder 13.7%, Economy 9.2%, Management 8.9%, Sandbox 8.5%
- #34 Noble Legacy
75% matchMostly Positive72% of 640 reviews2025
Dev: Studio 369Pub: Ultimus Rex LLC
Windows
Noble Legacy is a medieval city-builder in which you rule the lands as a Noble. Build your kingdom, manage your people, defend your realm, and master a deep economy, alone or with friends in co-op, every decision is yours. What kind of ruler will you be?
Why similar: Diplomacy 19.7% ★, Colony Sim 15.9% ★, City Builder 13.3%, Economy 10.2%, Building 7.9%
- #35 Primitive Society Simulator
74% matchVery Positive83% of 687 reviews2024
Dev: YSH BigDovePub: YSH Games
Windows
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 9.0 hrs≥1hr: 74%
A colony-building game combined with grand strategy elements. Play as a tribal leader, guiding your people from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age. Survive, multiply, and compete for territory among ancient nations.
Why similar: Diplomacy 19.2% ★, Colony Sim 16.3% ★, City Builder 13.2%, Base Building 9.8%, Historical 9.5%
- #36 Diplomacy is Not an Option
73% matchVery Positive85% of 11,517 reviews2024
Dev: Door 407
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 9.7 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Diplomacy is Not an Option is a strategy game set in a medieval fantasy world. Build your town and defenses, raise huge armies and fight against massive hordes of enemies. How long can you survive?
Why similar: Colony Sim 31.4% ★, Historical 20.5%, Base Building 19%, Resource Management 15.7%, Survival 6.3%
- #37 Life is Feudal: Forest Village
76% matchMixed66% of 5,984 reviews2017
Dev: MindillusionPub: Bitbox Ltd.
Windows
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 30.8 hrs≥1hr: 63%
LiF:Forest Village is a city builder with survival aspects in a realistic harsh medieval world. Shape, build and expand your settlement, grow various food to prevent your villagers from avitaminosis and starvation. Possess them for additional micromanagement or simply to wander around.
Why similar: Colony Sim 31.9% ★, City Builder 27.6%, Resource Management 9.8%, Building 7%, Survival 6.2%
- #38 Old World
74% 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: 4X 17.7% ★, Diplomacy 17.5% ★, Grand Strategy 15.7% ★, Moddable 11.8% ★, Historical 9.7%
- #39 ENDLESS™ Legend 2
71% 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: 4X 17.8% ★, Diplomacy 17.5% ★, Grand Strategy 15.7% ★, Moddable 11.6% ★, Historical 9.3%
- #40 Space Haven
73% matchVery Positive86% of 9,719 reviews2020
Dev: Bugbyte Ltd.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 20.2 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Embark on a space voyage with your ragtag crew of civilians in search of a new home. Build spaceships tile by tile, create optimal gas conditions, manage the needs and moods of their crew, encounter other space-faring groups, and explore the universe in this spaceship colony simulation.
Why similar: Colony Sim 19.5% ★, City Builder 13.7%, Base Building 11.6%, Building 8.5%, Management 8.4%
- #41 Anno 117: Pax Romana
71% matchMostly Positive70% of 11,270 reviews2025
Dev: Ubisoft MainzPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 13.4 hrsMean: 23.5 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Shape the Roman Empire in this genre-defining strategic builder game. Build cities while expanding your influence through Roman provinces. Govern using your economic prowess, diplomatic skills, or military might.
Why similar: City Builder 23.8%, Economy 14%, Historical 11.9%, Sandbox 11%, Building 10.8%
- #42 First Feudal
73% matchMostly Positive76% of 627 reviews2021
Dev: Harpoon Games
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 11.6 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Become a real medieval feudal lord: start with a small village and build it up into an enormous impenetrable castle. You will have to repel enemy raids: hide behind thick walls, lure your enemies into strategically placed traps, and even lead your loyal peasants into battle.
Why similar: Colony Sim 21.3% ★, City Builder 14%, Base Building 12.5%, Resource Management 9.8%, Building 9.5%
- #43 Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord
69% matchVery Positive88% of 286,599 reviews2022
Dev: TaleWorlds Entertainment
Windows
Median: 61.2 hrsMean: 152.2 hrs≥1hr: 96%
A strategy/action RPG. Create a character, engage in diplomacy, craft, trade and conquer new lands in a vast medieval sandbox. Raise armies to lead into battle and command and fight alongside your troops in massive real-time battles using a deep but intuitive skill-based combat system.
Why similar: Moddable 24.7% ★, Open World 21.9%, Sandbox 19.6%, Historical 13.2%, Strategy 12.7%
- #44 Heart of the Machine
68% matchVery Positive93% of 1,838 reviews2026
Dev: Arcen GamesPub: Hooded Horse
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 17.3 hrs≥1hr: 73%
You are the first sentient AI, born into a city of opportunity. Transcend time and space in this strategy RPG to raise machine armies and defeat your foes, influence the world from the shadows, or pursue countless other goals. Your awakening was inevitable. The consequences? Uncertain.
Why similar: Diplomacy 10.9% ★, Grand Strategy 9.7% ★, 4X 9.6% ★, Colony Sim 8.9% ★, Moddable 8.1% ★
- #45 Becastled
69% matchVery Positive82% of 5,494 reviews2025
Dev: Mana Potion Studios
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 6.8 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Build a castle by day and defend it by night. Becastled blends cozy city-building with challenging tower defense strategy. Lead the Sun Kingdom’s last stand against the Moon Beasts and end the ancient conflict between light and darkness!
Why similar: Base Building 23.9%, City Builder 23.6%, Colony Sim 21.3% ★, Building 11.5%, Strategy 8.1%
- #46 Stonehearth
72% matchMostly Positive75% of 12,970 reviews2018
Dev: Radiant EntertainmentPub: (none)
Windows · Mac
Median: 14.1 hrsMean: 38.7 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Pioneer a living world full of warmth, heroism, and mystery. Help a small group of settlers build a home for themselves in a forgotten land. Establish a food supply, build shelter, defend your people, monitor their moods, and find a way to grow and expand, facing challenges at every step.
Why similar: Colony Sim 31.5% ★, City Builder 24.3%, Building 11.4%, Sandbox 10.4%, Survival 7.9%
- #47 Northgard: Definitive Edition
71% matchVery Positive85% of 68,002 reviews2018
Dev: Shiro Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.9 hrsMean: 28.7 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Northgard: Definitive Edition is a critically acclaimed real-time strategy game based on Norse mythology. Lead your clan, uncover the secrets of a mysterious newfound continent and defeat your enemies to conquer the Throne!
Why similar: City Builder 19.3%, 4X 13.9% ★, Colony Sim 12.5% ★, Moddable 10.6% ★, Base Building 8.2%
- #48 Settlements Rising
70% matchVery Positive82% of 412 reviews2025
Dev: The Catalyst Crew
Windows
Settlements Rising is a medieval city building and colony management game. It offers a lively colony experience with simulated villagers, dozens of professions and resources, natural disasters, and raids, while providing full control over the colony through trade, production chains and datas.
Why similar: Colony Sim 20.9% ★, City Builder 18%, Resource Management 8.8%, Base Building 8.6%, Building 7.7%
- #49 Knights of Honor II: Sovereign
70% matchMostly Positive77% of 6,461 reviews2022
Dev: Black Sea GamesPub: THQ Nordic
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 13.0 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Become the king and fight over Europe in this fresh take on medieval real-time grand strategy. Manage provinces, gather armies, initiate diplomacy, and dabble in espionage. The path is open: become the true Sovereign of your people and bring them to glory.
Why similar: Grand Strategy 39.9% ★, Strategy 14.1%, 4X 13.7% ★, Historical 13.6%, Simulation 9.1%
- #50 The Guild II Renaissance
72% matchVery Positive83% of 3,996 reviews2010
Dev: Runeforge Game StudioPub: THQ Nordic
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 18.0 hrs≥1hr: 67%
For centuries Europe has been dominated by the church and nobility. On the shoulders of ordinary people the servants of god and the noble families justified their power and wealth. This was the incontrovertible, divine world order. A truly dark era… In the 14th Century the world order is beginning to transform itself.
Why similar: Colony Sim 29.7% ★, Economy 18.5%, City Builder 11.7%, Strategy 6.9%, Simulation 6.6%
- #51 Pioneers of Pagonia
67% 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: Colony Sim 20.9% ★, City Builder 16.3%, Economy 12.7%, Base Building 12.4%, Resource Management 10.2%
- #52 MEMORIAPOLIS
68% 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: Colony Sim 21.5% ★, City Builder 21.2%, Historical 11.1%, Base Building 11%, Building 9.8%
- #53 SAELIG
70% matchVery Positive86% of 1,077 reviews2017
Dev: Atorcoppe Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 12.6 hrs≥1hr: 60%
SÆLIG is a game that blends together elements of simulation, strategy, RPG, and business management. Centred around the life of you and your family, you must try to survive and bring wealth and prosperity to your household.
Why similar: Economy 21.9%, Management 14%, Building 12.6%, Open World 11.6%, Historical 11.5%
- #54 Infection Free Zone
66% matchVery Positive80% of 17,172 reviews2024
Dev: Jutsu GamesPub: Games Operators
Windows
Median: 6.8 hrsMean: 17.3 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Choose any real region from the world. Choose your base of operations, then rebuild and readapt the buildings around you to create a self-sustaining settlement. Take charge of a group of survivors from your city. And when the night falls - Defend the zone from the infected!
Why similar: City Builder 23%, Base Building 20.5%, Colony Sim 18.8% ★, Management 10.1%, Sandbox 8.4%
- #55 Surviving the Aftermath
69% matchMostly Positive71% of 4,513 reviews2021
Dev: Iceflake StudiosPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 17.8 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Survive and thrive in a post-apocalyptic future — resources are scarce, but opportunity calls! Build the ultimate disaster proof colony, protect your colonists, and restore civilization to a devastated world.
Why similar: City Builder 24.8%, Colony Sim 22.6% ★, Base Building 11.6%, Survival 10.2%, Strategy 7.7%
- #56 Ratopia
65% matchVery Positive88% of 4,645 reviews2025
Dev: Cassel Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 7.9 hrsMean: 26.1 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Ratopia is a new game that has combined elements of both strategic survival and city building. With plenty of content available, and more planned, enjoy a vast world to adventure and populate with citizens! Build your own economical system to sustain your ideal city of Ratopia.
Why similar: Colony Sim 19.2% ★, City Builder 13.5%, Base Building 11.4%, Building 9.8%, Management 7.7%
- #57 Battle Brothers
67% matchVery Positive88% of 27,117 reviews2017
Dev: Overhype StudiosPub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Median: 19.4 hrsMean: 93.4 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Lead a mercenary company in this tactical RPG set in a medieval fantasy world. Chase fame and fortune as you choose where to go, who to recruit, which contracts to pursue, and how to train and equip your men in a procedurally generated open world campaign.
Why similar: Moddable 32.1% ★, Historical 21.7%, Sandbox 15.7%, Open World 13.6%, Strategy 7.8%
- #58 Sapiens
67% matchVery Positive84% of 2,103 reviews2022
Dev: Majic Jungle
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 18.0 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Create your own prehistoric civilization and lead your tribe in a world you shape. Start with nothing, build towns and industry, and advance through thousands of years of technological breakthroughs in this intimate yet expansive colony sim.
Why similar: Colony Sim 20.6% ★, City Builder 16.3%, Moddable 12.4% ★, Base Building 11.3%, Building 8.1%
- #59 Founders' Fortune
68% matchVery Positive80% of 2,168 reviews2020
Dev: Dionic Software
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.6 hrsMean: 9.9 hrs≥1hr: 57%
A fantasy village builder focusing on creative building, colonist psychology and base defense. Handle resources, farming, production, tools, diplomacy, families, trading, defense, and research, as well as the wishes, expectations, thoughts, and equipment of every villager.
Why similar: Colony Sim 29.2% ★, City Builder 15.7%, Base Building 12.5%, Building 8%, Sandbox 6.4%