Games Like Pharaoh™: A New Era

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 23.3%, Trading 12%, Economy 10.4%, Colony Sim 9.8%, Building 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: A modern love letter to the classic Impressions Games style, focusing on grid-based building and complex production chains.

Prove your strength of mind and spirit and you just may be crowned Caesar!

Why similar: City Builder 56.7%, Historical 18.4%, Strategy 7.7%, Simulation 7.7%, Management 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: This is the direct mechanical predecessor to Pharaoh, sharing the same iconic walker-based logistics and city-building systems.

Zeus + Poseidon delivers hundreds of hours of gameplay in one game!

Why similar: City Builder 46%, Colony Sim 32.8%, Historical 7.4%, Strategy 6.6%, Economy 3%

Why You'll Like It: Developed by the same team as the original Pharaoh, this title offers the same classic city-building experience with a focus on Greek mythology.

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 48.1%, Historical 20.1%, Management 11.8%, Simulation 9%, Strategy 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: A unique city-builder that emphasizes the needs and daily lives of individual citizens along the Nile, much like the population management in Pharaoh.

Relive the captivating gameplay of a true city-building classic with Anno® 1404 History Edition.

Why similar: City Builder 37.2%, Colony Sim 15.8%, Building 15.3%, Management 10.9%, Simulation 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for production chain management and logistics, offering a deeper economic layer than Pharaoh while maintaining a historical aesthetic.

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 26.7%, Colony Sim 17.8%, Economy 11%, Building 10.5%, Historical 10.1%

Why You'll Like It: Combines classic castle-building with resource management, capturing the same satisfaction of building a functional, self-sustaining medieval settlement.

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 31.1%, Historical 16.1%, Building 13.6%, Economy 13.1%, Management 10.3%

Why You'll Like It: This title directly mirrors the setting and gameplay loop of Pharaoh, focusing on the construction and management of Ancient Egyptian cities.

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 20%, Colony Sim 15.4%, Diplomacy 10.5% ★, Historical 10.2%, Economy 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: Offers the most complex logistics and resource management systems in the genre, perfect for players who want to push their planning skills to the limit.

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 48.5%, Economy 16.4%, Resource Management 7.4%, Simulation 6.3%, Strategy 6%

Why You'll Like It: Features incredibly deep supply chain management and city expansion that will appeal to players who enjoy the economic complexity of Pharaoh.

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 17.8%, Colony Sim 15.2%, Diplomacy 14.3% ★, Historical 9.6%, Economy 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A modern, roguelite take on city-building that emphasizes resource management and adapting to changing environmental conditions.

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 31.1%, Colony Sim 23.1%, Building 13.8%, Management 10.9%, Economy 5.6%

Why You'll Like It: A colony-sim that forces players to balance population growth with limited resources and environmental challenges.

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 22.5%, Colony Sim 20.9%, Economy 12.4%, Building 11.5%, Management 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the intricate supply chains and settlement building that made the classic city-builders so addictive.

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: Diplomacy 31.2% ★, Historical 21.4%, Economy 17.9%, Management 15.4%, Simulation 7.1%

Why You'll Like It: A historical 4X strategy game that emphasizes character-driven management and empire building in the ancient world.

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 25.2%, Historical 13%, Level Editor 12.9%, Building 12.3%, Economy 11.4%

Why You'll Like It: A Roman-themed city-builder that incorporates similar resource management and monument-building mechanics to the Pharaoh series.

An ecosystem City Builder in a unique world. Build your settlement, manage your workers and optimize your resources. Analyzing your environment, spreading new plants, and harvesting them are key to prosperity.

Why similar: City Builder 17.1%, Colony Sim 14.1%, Diplomacy 13.9% ★, Trading 10.5%, Economy 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: A colony-sim that emphasizes resource management and environmental adaptation in a stylized, challenging setting.

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 42.2%, Historical 24.1%, Management 12.5%, Strategy 12.1%, Building 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: Allows players to guide a civilization through historical eras, providing a broader scope for those who enjoy the historical progression of Pharaoh.

Build an empire in a single sitting. All the strategy of a classic 4X in a faster format, which also shines in multiplayer.

Why similar: City Builder 28.9%, Historical 18.1%, Economy 16.5%, Management 13.5%, Resource Management 10.8%

Why You'll Like It: A streamlined strategy game that captures the historical flavor and empire-building scale of the Bronze Age.

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 27.5%, Colony Sim 24%, Economy 8.8%, Building 8%, Historical 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: A survival-focused city-builder that requires careful resource management and social policy decisions to keep your colony thriving.

Townsmen – A Kingdom Rebuilt hands the crown to you: Guide your people from their first steps in a small village to a massive medieval metropolis with thousands of inhabitants.

Why similar: Colony Sim 33.7%, City Builder 28.4%, Simulation 9.1%, Building 7.4%, Strategy 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: A charming medieval city-builder that focuses on managing the needs of your citizens and maintaining a stable economy.

Wage total war across the ancient world from the Aegean to Mesopotamia in this free addition to Total War: PHARAOH. Challenge the Bronze Age Collapse by building your own dynasty and leading your faction to victory with new cultures, new units and dramatic new battle mechanics.

Why similar: Historical 61%, Strategy 32.5%, Atmospheric 4.8%, Singleplayer 1.7%

Why You'll Like It: An expanded version of the Total War experience that adds significant depth to the Egyptian historical setting.

Dive into the exhilarating role of a headmaster entrusted to revive your alma mater! Beyond just bricks and mortar, train teachers, recruit students. Sculpt your school into a unique educational haven! Let's School!

Why similar: City Builder 32.7%, Management 15.8%, Building 14.5%, Economy 13%, Education 12.2%

Why You'll Like It: While themed around a school, the management and building mechanics offer a similar satisfaction to the population-focused systems in Pharaoh.

Immerse yourself in Ancient Egypt from the age of the great pyramids to the final years of the New Kingdom.

Why similar: City Builder 50%, Historical 19.7%, Colony Sim 16.2%, Strategy 6.7%, Simulation 6.7%

Why You'll Like It: The original classic that started it all, essential for any fan of the series looking to experience the roots of the genre.

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 33.6%, Economy 14%, Building 13%, Historical 12.4%, Management 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: An upcoming title that promises to bring the high-production value of the Anno series to the Roman era.

In Total War: PHARAOH, the newest entry in the award-winning grand strategy series, immerse yourself in ancient Egypt at the zenith of its power and experience the dramatic events that threaten its destruction.

Why similar: Historical 50.8%, Strategy 21.2%, Management 18.4%, Atmospheric 5%, Singleplayer 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a deep dive into the historical setting of Ancient Egypt, though it leans more into grand strategy and tactical combat.

Memoriapolis is a historical city builder where your city grows organically across 5 ages, from Antiquity to the Industrial Revolution. Manage resources, interact with factions, and shape your dynasty toward building a final Wonder with easy, normal, or hard difficulty levels.

Why similar: City Builder 28.2%, Colony Sim 20.8%, Building 11.3%, Historical 10.9%, Management 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: A city-builder that focuses on the evolution of a city through different historical eras, mirroring the long-term growth seen in Pharaoh.

Give rise to wonders of the Aztec Civilization as you build your own magnificent metropolis in this ancient city builder. From humble beginnings build, trade, manage and conquer to become Tlatoani (Emperor).

Why similar: City Builder 17.5%, Colony Sim 15.4%, Diplomacy 12.6% ★, Trading 10.5%, Historical 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: A historical city-builder that focuses on the unique urban planning and resource challenges of the Aztec civilization.

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 18.4%, Colony Sim 14.7%, Diplomacy 13.2% ★, Historical 10.2%, Economy 9.3%

Build a sprawling pirate haven, raise a fleet to explore the high seas, and take on the Crown to keep the Age of Piracy alive! From ale to flintlock pistols, and from scallywags to swashbucklers, you’ll need to manage complex production chains and govern a rowdy crew to reign supreme over the seas!

Why similar: City Builder 19.1%, Colony Sim 15.2%, Diplomacy 10.9% ★, Historical 10.5%, Economy 9.5%

A pyramid-building adventure of historic proportions!

Why similar: Colony Sim 23.5%, City Builder 23.3%, Historical 14.2%, Building 11.3%, Resource Management 8%

Why You'll Like It: A casual simulation game that focuses on the construction of pyramids and managing the workforce, echoing the monument-building of Pharaoh.

Mini Settlers is a minimalistic city builder! Settle islands, construct cities, and design efficient logistic networks to fulfill your buildings' needs and fuel population growth to adventure into new worlds.

Why similar: City Builder 25.8%, Colony Sim 25.4%, Management 11.9%, Building 11.9%, Base Building 8.1%

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 39.7%, Colony Sim 33.3%, Simulation 5.1%, Strategy 4.3%, Economy 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: A pure survival city-builder that focuses on resource management and population sustainability in a harsh, unforgiving environment.

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 38.1%, Colony Sim 24.6%, Historical 12.3%, Strategy 7.4%, Resource Management 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: A strategy-focused city-builder that leans heavily into the Egyptian theme and the logistics of monument construction.

Rebuild Pompeii from the ashes and lead it through centuries of politics, intrigue, and survival. Shape laws, expand trade across the Empire, guide your city through disasters, and command legions in optional real-time battles. Your legacy begins now.

Why similar: City Builder 26.8%, Colony Sim 23.6%, Historical 13.2%, Economy 12.9%, Resource Management 5.4%

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 23%, Colony Sim 15%, Historical 13.1%, Economy 12.5%, Building 11.7%

Welcome to Paleo Pines, a charming island known for its friendly dinosaurs, quirky townsfolk, and mysterious past. Befriend dinos and enlist their help to fix up your ranch and farm crops to create your cozy dino sanctuary! Then set out with your companion, Lucky, to uncover the island’s secrets.

Why similar: Simulation 83%, Singleplayer 17%

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 52%, Simulation 13.8%, Historical 13.5%, Management 11.9%, Strategy 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: An expansion that adds more depth to the population simulation and historical context of the base game.

Rise of Nations is back! Play the updated classic with full Steamworks integration and enhanced features!

Why similar: Historical 33.1%, Strategy 21.5%, City Builder 21.3%, Simulation 8.2%, Base Building 6.5%

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 17.5%, Colony Sim 15.7%, Diplomacy 13.8% ★, Historical 9.8%, Economy 9.2%

Do you know how did Ancient Egypt looked like before the Great Pyramids? Lead the future Egyptian citizens all the way through the historical hardships to the Unification of Lower and Upper Egypt, and you will find out!

Why similar: City Builder 22.9%, Historical 17.2%, Building 15.3%, Management 10.8%, Education 8.7%

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: City Builder 25.2%, Colony Sim 24.6%, Management 11.3%, Building 11.1%, Economy 10.2%

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 24.6%, Colony Sim 17.5%, Historical 11.6%, Building 9.4%, Economy 8.7%

A desert gardening survival game. Start from a tiny spring and cultivate a blooming garden. Explore a vast world amid the sands and uncover its mysteries. Can you defend against the relentless forces of nature and mysterious wraith corruption, to bring life to a dying world?

Why similar: Base Building 35%, Simulation 33.9%, Strategy 24.5%, Singleplayer 6.6%

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%, Historical 21.9%, Resource Management 14.4%, Level Editor 11.5%, Base Building 9.4%

Urbek is a city building game where you can build your own neighbourhoods: from nightlife district to industrial district. Don't exhaust your natural resources before you have an educated population to build more efficient structures.

Why similar: City Builder 33.3%, Building 16.1%, Economy 14.7%, Management 13.8%, Resource Management 10.1%

​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 50.1%, Historical 15%, Simulation 11.4%, Resource Management 7.3%, Isometric 6.9%

Sumerians is a city building game set in ancient Mesopotamia. Attract new citizens and grow by expanding your irrigation system, building walls, palaces, temples and ziggurats. Research new technologies, manage your production, hire workers, and trade.

Why similar: City Builder 27.2%, Historical 12.7%, Economy 9.4%, Trading 9.2%, Simulation 8%

Put your entrepreneurial skills to the test in the first title in the ROI series as you create & optimise intricate production lines. As an early 20th-Century industrialist, grow your empire & adapt to an ever-changing business landscape with unexpected events that could lead to boom…or bust.

Why similar: City Builder 23.4%, Economy 14.7%, Management 13.4%, Trading 11.8%, Resource Management 8.2%

Embrace your duties as a new provincial governor. Experience the beauty of ancient China, design the city of your dreams, and take care of your people’s needs. Earn the Gods’ favor to maintain the Mandate of Heaven for the ruling dynasty.

Why similar: City Builder 21.9%, Colony Sim 19.5%, Historical 11.2%, Building 10.4%, Management 9.4%

Artisan TD is a puzzle-oriented Tower Defense game where you must survive by building mazes.

Why similar: Building 53.8%, Management 23.3%, Strategy 19.5%, Singleplayer 3.3%

Enemies are coming! Every decision matters: build your city, grow the economy, and prepare for enemy waves. Strengthen your defenses, adapt your strategy, and unleash your hero’s full potential. This unique Tower Defense will test your skills – are you worthy to claim a place at Valhalla?

Why similar: City Builder 45.9%, Management 20.9%, Base Building 12.8%, Resource Management 11%, Strategy 8.2%

In Godlike Burger you run the craziest restaurant of the galaxy! Stun, poison and kill customers in many devious ways… and turn them into burger meat! And don’t worry: Alien customers will keep coming if you are smart about it, because cannibalism is just too damn tasty.

Why similar: Resource Management 36.5%, Management 25.5%, Strategy 12.6%, Isometric 11.6%, Simulation 10.1%

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 29.4%, Historical 15.7%, Building 11.6%, Economy 10.8%, Management 8%

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: City Builder 18%, Colony Sim 16.4%, Diplomacy 15.6% ★, Trading 10.1%, Historical 9.6%

Age of Empires, the pivotal real-time strategy game that launched a 20-year legacy returns with modernized gameplay, all-new 4K visuals, 8-person multiplayer battles and a host of other new features. Welcome back to history.

Why similar: City Builder 43.5%, Historical 25.1%, Strategy 14.7%, Base Building 12.6%, Isometric 2.2%

Marble Age is a turn-based historical strategy where your task is to turn a small Ancient Greek village into a flourishing Polis, powerful enough to conquer the known world!

Why similar: City Builder 19%, Historical 13%, Building 12%, Colony Sim 12%, Economy 9.9%

On a journey to great magical might, explore and control the lands of Eo in this ever-changing turn-based strategy role-playing game. Field armies and heroes in tactical combat, finish hundreds of quests, and gather spells and artefacts to become the most powerful mage of all.

Why similar: Strategy 82.3%, Singleplayer 17.7%

SAY ANYTHING in this bizarre dungeon adventure where words control everything. Fill in the blanks with text or voice to uncover lost abilities, embark on strange quests, and solve mindbending riddles. Can you conquer the crypt and uncover the mystery at the heart of CRYPTMASTER?

El Dorado is a strategy city-building game in which you plan, build and develop your settlement to conquer Jukatan and earn the title of The Golden City. Become a leader, whom even Gods will bow to. Offer sacrifices to the Gods to earn their favor, but beware and don’t lose yourself in your riches.

Why similar: City Builder 19.1%, Colony Sim 17.2%, Building 9.5%, Historical 9.4%, Economy 9.1%

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 49.7%, Economy 10.9%, Strategy 8%, Resource Management 7.6%, Management 6.1%

The Pegasus Expedition is a story-driven sci-fi grand strategy game set in a key moment for humankind’s survival. Facing an overwhelming threat at home, humanity sends expeditions to the Pegasus Galaxy in a desperate attempt to find a refuge for the population of Earth.

Why similar: Diplomacy 53% ★, Management 23.7%, Simulation 9.6%, Strategy 8.7%, Atmospheric 2.7%