- #1 Screeps: Arena
97% matchVery Positive85% of 124 reviews2025
Dev: Screeps, LLC
Windows · Mac · Linux
Screeps: Arena is an online asynchronous PvP strategy game for programming enthusiasts. You write real JavaScript to control your units, and they fight autonomously against other players in a 1v1 match-based arena environment.
Why similar: Programming 17.7% ★, Automation 11.7%, Artificial Intelligence 11%, RTS 9.9%, Economy 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: A direct spin-off that focuses on competitive, asynchronous programming battles in a dedicated arena environment.
- #2 Adventure Land - The Code MMORPG
96% matchVery Positive83% of 139 reviews2019
Dev: Kaan Soral
Windows · Mac · Linux
Adventure Land is an experimental Indie MMORPG. ANYONE can Code not just one, but up to 4 characters! You can play manually, use the given default Javascript Code, or learn programming to do more! Going open-source at 10,000 installs!
Why similar: Programming 61.5% ★, Massively Multiplayer 32.2%, Simulation 6.3%
Why You'll Like It: An MMO that allows you to control your character entirely through JavaScript, mirroring the core appeal of Screeps.
- #3 Bitburner
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 7,237 reviews2021
Dev: Fulcrum Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Bitburner is a programming-based incremental game. Write scripts in JavaScript to automate gameplay, learn skills, play minigames, solve puzzles, and more in this cyberpunk text-based incremental RPG.
Why similar: Programming 48.2% ★, Hacking 26.5% ★, Automation 17.9%, Sandbox 3.3%, Simulation 2.4%
Why You'll Like It: A terminal-based hacking game that requires writing scripts to automate tasks and progress through a persistent world.
- #4 Desynced
95% matchMostly Positive80% of 1,936 reviews2026
Dev: Stage Games Inc.Pub: Forklift Interactive
Windows
Median: 4.5 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 29.7% ★, Automation 18.2%, RTS 13.9%, Base Building 12.4%, Sandbox 9.6%
Why You'll Like It: A strategy game where you use a visual logic system to program autonomous units and manage a complex base.
- #5 Autonauts
94% matchVery Positive90% of 4,933 reviews2019
Dev: DenkiPub: Curve Games
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 13.9 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 35.7% ★, Automation 21.7%, Colony Sim 14.4%, Base Building 10.5%, Sandbox 6.1%
Why You'll Like It: Uses a visual programming language to teach robots how to automate tasks, perfect for players who enjoy the logic of Screeps.
- #6 Factorio
94% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 229,554 reviews2020
Dev: Wube Software LTD.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 44.9 hrsMean: 190.4 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 39.7%, Base Building 25.1%, Sandbox 14%, Open World 7.4%, Building 6.9%
Why You'll Like It: The definitive automation game that challenges you to design complex, self-sustaining systems through logic and resource management.
- #7 SHENZHEN I/O
93% matchVery Positive95% of 4,452 reviews2016
Dev: Zachtronics
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 11.5 hrs≥1hr: 61%
BUILD CIRCUITS. WRITE CODE. RTFM.
Why similar: Programming 59.2% ★, Automation 22%, Difficult 7.3%, Hacking 3.5% ★, Simulation 3.1%
Why You'll Like It: A challenging puzzle game that requires writing assembly-like code to build circuits and solve complex engineering problems.
- #8 TIS-100
92% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 4,067 reviews2015
Dev: Zachtronics
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 52%
TIS-100 is an open-ended programming game by Zachtronics, the creators of SpaceChem and Infinifactory, in which you rewrite corrupted code segments to repair the TIS-100 and unlock its secrets. It’s the assembly language programming game you never asked for!
Why similar: Programming 66.4% ★, Hacking 17% ★, Difficult 8%, Automation 5.6%, Simulation 3.1%
Why You'll Like It: A hardcore programming puzzle game that forces you to write low-level assembly code to repair a corrupted computer.
- #9 Grey Hack
91% matchVery Positive90% of 1,825 reviews2017
Dev: Loading Home
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 12.5 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Grey Hack is a massively multiplayer hacking simulator game. You're a hacker with full freedom to act as you wish on a vast network of procedurally generated computers.
Why similar: Hacking 40.4% ★, Programming 31.5% ★, Massively Multiplayer 15.3%, Simulation 4.4%, Sandbox 3.6%
Why You'll Like It: A persistent, multiplayer hacking simulation that requires terminal commands and scripting to succeed.
- #10 EXAPUNKS
91% matchVery Positive95% of 1,867 reviews2018
Dev: Zachtronics
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 11.9 hrs≥1hr: 58%
The year is 1997. You used to be a hacker, but now you have the phage. You made a deal: one hack, one dose. There’s nothing left to lose… except your life.
Why similar: Programming 45.1% ★, Hacking 28.2% ★, Automation 16.2%, Difficult 4.4%, Sandbox 3.3%
Why You'll Like It: Features a hacking-themed programming environment where you write scripts to infiltrate systems and manipulate data.
- #11 Mindustry
90% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 26,625 reviews2019
Dev: AnukenDev
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 27.5 hrs≥1hr: 76%
An open-ended factory management game with RTS and tower defense elements.
Why similar: Automation 31.9%, Base Building 24.5%, RTS 11.3%, Sandbox 10.9%, Building 9.9%
Why You'll Like It: Combines tower defense with complex automation, requiring you to manage supply chains and logic-based unit behavior.
- #12 Turing Complete
89% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 5,204 reviews2021
Dev: LevelHead
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 12.1 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Learn CPU architecture with puzzles
Why similar: Programming 56.3% ★, Hacking 15.7% ★, Automation 11.9%, Building 4.9%, Simulation 4.6%
Why You'll Like It: Allows you to build a computer from the ground up using logic gates, providing a deep understanding of how code interacts with hardware.
- #13 The Farmer Was Replaced
88% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 8,430 reviews2025
Dev: Timon HerzogPub: Metaroot
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 11.3 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 45.5% ★, Automation 19.8%, Artificial Intelligence 12%, Minimalist 6.6%, Sandbox 5.9%
Why You'll Like It: A unique idler game where you use Python-like code to automate a farm and optimize production efficiency.
- #14 Dyson Sphere Program
89% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 90,697 reviews2021
Dev: Youthcat StudioPub: Gamirror Games
Windows
Median: 13.1 hrsMean: 75.1 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 33.2%, Base Building 21.5%, Building 12.2%, Open World 11.4%, Sandbox 10.7%
Why You'll Like It: A massive-scale automation game that challenges you to optimize production lines across multiple planets.
- #15 ABI-DOS
87% matchVery Positive93% of 416 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 34.2% ★, Hacking 21.5% ★, Automation 19.2%, Sandbox 8.7%, Building 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: A programming-based puzzle game that focuses on automation and logic flow in a highly technical environment.
- #16 GLADIABOTS - AI Combat Arena
86% matchVery Positive89% of 894 reviews2019
Dev: GFX47
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 6.9 hrs≥1hr: 56%
Assemble your robot squad, construct their AI and send them in the battle arena to see your strategy play out. Iterate, improve and repeat until you outsmart all your opponents and friends online.
Why similar: Artificial Intelligence 45%, Programming 21.4% ★, PvP 14.1%, Strategy 13.4%, Automation 3.3%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on designing the AI behavior of your units before they enter combat, emphasizing strategic programming over twitch reflexes.
- #17 Oxygen Not Included
84% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 140,434 reviews2019
Dev: Klei Entertainment
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.9 hrsMean: 68.0 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Oxygen Not Included is a space-colony simulation game. Deep inside an alien space rock your industrious crew will need to master science, overcome strange new lifeforms, and harness incredible space tech to survive, and possibly, thrive.
Why similar: Colony Sim 40.1%, Base Building 25.1%, Building 11%, Sandbox 8.7%, Difficult 4.6%
Why You'll Like It: A colony simulation game that requires complex automation and gas/liquid management to keep your base running.
- #18 World Wide Hack
86% matchMixed63% of 82 reviews2021
Dev: Lotus Innovations
Windows · Linux
Reveal company secrets while hacking and exploring their quantum simulation networks. Fights for control with other players, coop with your faction, gather best tools, build most secure servers, write scripts and webs, or choose to be solo hacker who makes the right choices to change the world.
Why similar: Hacking 27.4% ★, Programming 25.7% ★, Massively Multiplayer 17%, Sandbox 8.1%, PvP 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: A persistent, browser-based hacking MMO that focuses on social engineering and scripting to dominate the network.
- #19 Infinifactory
85% matchVery Positive95% of 2,465 reviews2015
Dev: Zachtronics
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 8.8 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Infinifactory is a sandbox puzzle game by Zachtronics, the creators of SpaceChem and Infiniminer. Build factories that assemble products for your alien overlords, and try not to die in the process.
Why similar: Programming 38.1% ★, Automation 24.6%, Building 12.6%, Sandbox 12.1%, Difficult 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: A 3D puzzle game from Zachtronics that tasks you with building automated assembly lines to manufacture alien products.
- #20 Craftomation 101: Programming & Craft
84% matchVery Positive85% of 624 reviews2024
Dev: Luden.io
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 6.6 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 40.2% ★, Automation 24.3%, Base Building 14.1%, Sandbox 13.3%, Strategy 4.8%
Why You'll Like It: An educational game that teaches the basics of programming through the automation of small robots on a frozen planet.
- #21 Stationeers
83% matchVery Positive88% of 9,014 reviews2017
Dev: RocketWerkz
Windows
Median: 10.2 hrsMean: 83.9 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: Colony Sim 27.3%, Automation 26.8%, Base Building 18.8%, Sandbox 14.1%, Building 13%
Why You'll Like It: A survival game that emphasizes logic circuits and atmospheric automation to keep your space station functional.
- #22 Astro Colony
82% matchVery Positive82% of 2,526 reviews2022
Dev: Terad Games
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 16.3 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Explore endless Universe and create the most efficient constellation of colonies. Build conveyor systems to automate production. Take care of Astronauts and their needs! Establish new colonies as part of intergalactic simulation.
Why similar: Automation 23.9%, Colony Sim 22.2%, Base Building 19.1%, Building 9.4%, Sandbox 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: A base-building game that relies heavily on automated conveyor systems and resource management in space.
- #23 shapez
81% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 15,453 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 35.4%, Base Building 20.9%, Sandbox 15.8%, Building 9.8%, Open World 9%
Why You'll Like It: A pure automation game that focuses on the logic of processing and combining shapes in an infinite, expanding factory.
- #24 The Colonists
82% matchVery Positive86% of 1,222 reviews2018
Dev: CodebyfirePub: Mode 7
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 12.2 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Build a new home for your team of robots as they begin a new life for themselves on a distant planet where they can fulfil their ultimate dream: to be human.
Why similar: Colony Sim 21.5%, Automation 20.4%, Economy 14.7%, Base Building 11.2%, Building 10.1%
Why You'll Like It: A city-building game that uses a logic-based system to automate the transport of resources between buildings.
- #25 Upload Labs
79% matchVery Positive92% of 7,397 reviews2025
Dev: EnigmaDev Studios
Windows · Linux
Median: 5.2 hrsMean: 21.2 hrs≥1hr: 79%
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 32.9% ★, Automation 28.6%, Hacking 18% ★, Economy 9%, Simulation 6.7%
Why You'll Like It: A programming-focused idler game where you automate data processing to climb the corporate ladder.
- #26 Plasma
80% matchVery Positive90% of 1,093 reviews2023
Dev: Dry CactusPub: Dry Licorice
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 37%
Plasma is a pure engineering sandbox. Use advanced visual programming and robotics tools to create anything you can imagine.
Why similar: Programming 35.3% ★, Automation 20.2%, Sandbox 15.9%, Building 11.1%, Base Building 7.3%
Why You'll Like It: A physics-based sandbox that allows you to build complex machines using a visual logic and programming interface.
- #27 Hacknet
81% matchVery Positive94% of 25,910 reviews2015
Dev: Team Fractal AlligatorPub: Fellow Traveller
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 13.2 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Hacknet is an immersive, terminal-based hacking simulator for PC. Dive down a rabbit hoIe as you follow the instructions of a recently deceased hacker, whose death may not have been the accident the media reports.
Why similar: Hacking 82.5% ★, Programming 12.5% ★, Difficult 3.2%, Simulation 1.9%
Why You'll Like It: A terminal-based hacking simulator that captures the feel of writing scripts to bypass security systems.
- #28 Replicube
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 683 reviews2025
Dev: Walaber Entertainment LLC
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 69%
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 73.8% ★, Sandbox 17.5%, Simulation 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: A simulation game that integrates programming and puzzle-solving to manipulate objects in a sandbox environment.
- #29 Quantum Odyssey
78% matchVery Positive93% of 119 reviews2025
Dev: Quarks Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Design, optimize, and reverse-engineer real quantum algorithms in an open-ended Zachlike puzzle game. Solve 500+ optimization challenges, hack player creations, and master quantum logic without coding.
Why similar: Programming 28.9% ★, Hacking 24.1% ★, Automation 16.9%, Difficult 9.3%, Sandbox 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: An educational puzzle game that uses programming and logic to teach the principles of quantum computing.
- #30 Icaria
77% matchVery Positive91% of 58 reviews2025
Dev: Blindsight Games LLC
Windows
Icaria is a robot colony builder where everything can be programmed. Build factories, design logistic networks, terraform the landscape, and explore an unknown alien world.
Why similar: Programming 27.2% ★, Automation 17%, Colony Sim 15.7%, Base Building 11.5%, Sandbox 8.8%
- #31 Creeper World 3: Arc Eternal
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 4,794 reviews2014
Dev: Knuckle Cracker
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.4 hrsMean: 78.4 hrs≥1hr: 78%
Creeper World 3 is what happens when cellular automata takes over a strategy simulation. Instead of discrete units that attack your base, a fluid-like substance spreads over the terraformable terrain. Your base, your weapons, your strategy... you must adapt them all.
Why similar: RTS 44.6%, Strategy 27%, Base Building 18.6%, Simulation 6.8%, Sandbox 2.9%
Why You'll Like It: A strategy game that requires building automated defense networks to survive against an encroaching, fluid-like enemy.
- #32 Logic World
77% matchVery Positive94% of 353 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: Programming 26.4% ★, Hacking 19.5% ★, Automation 13.9%, Base Building 9%, Building 7.9%
- #33 Dwarf Fortress
75% matchVery Positive95% of 31,055 reviews2022
Dev: Bay 12 GamesPub: Kitfox Games
Windows · Linux
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 38.6 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 29.7%, Base Building 19.6%, Sandbox 15.5%, Building 14.1%, Strategy 7.2%
- #34 JOY OF PROGRAMMING - Software Engineering Simulator
76% matchMostly Positive78% of 375 reviews2025
Dev: Prof. SchererPub: PlayWay S.A.
Windows
Median: 54 minMean: 1.9 hrs≥1hr: 41%
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 36.8% ★, Hacking 25.4% ★, Automation 24.2%, Difficult 7.4%, Simulation 4%
- #35 Empires of the Undergrowth
73% matchVery Positive94% of 17,871 reviews2024
Dev: Slug DiscoPub: Hooded Horse
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 18.4 hrs≥1hr: 82%
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: Colony Sim 23.3%, Economy 16.1%, Base Building 15.9%, Sandbox 12.3%, Building 11.3%
- #36 Mechanica
76% matchMixed63% of 635 reviews2020
Dev: Deimos Interactive
Windows
Mechanica is a multiplayer open-world survival game involving building and programming. Create your own bases, defenses, manufacturing systems and more. Explore the map and expand the scope and complexity of your creations.
Why similar: Programming 45% ★, Base Building 17.6%, Automation 14.7%, Building 12.5%, Sandbox 10.2%
- #37 PlanetX
74% matchMixed67% of 51 reviews2025
Dev: Giedrius Talzunas
Windows · Mac
PlanetX is a real-time strategy MMO set on a spherical planet. Players expand territories, construct buildings, and manage resources to develop their empire. The ultimate goal is to conquer the entire planet by claiming all land plots and outpacing rivals in strategic growth and domination.
Why similar: Colony Sim 26.5%, RTS 19.7%, Economy 14.8%, Building 10.7%, Base Building 7.7%
- #38 Colony Survival
74% matchVery Positive92% of 8,872 reviews2017
Dev: Pipliz
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 9.6 hrsMean: 28.2 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Colony Survival is a unique first-person strategy game developed by a two-man team. Build your own colony in a voxel world. Command guards, farmers, miners and other colonists. Defend your colony against the horde of monsters that attacks every night!
Why similar: Colony Sim 36.1%, Base Building 20.2%, Building 12.6%, Sandbox 11.5%, Open World 9.5%
- #39 Caves of Qud
71% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 12,292 reviews2024
Dev: Freehold GamesPub: Kitfox Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.8 hrsMean: 35.0 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Inhabit a deeply-simulated science fantasy world and chisel through layers of thousand-year-old civilizations. Build a character from over a hundred mutations and cybernetics. The award-winning sandbox roguelike & RPG full of robots, deep lore, and sentient plants.
Why similar: Turn-Based Combat 42%, Open World 35.1%, Difficult 22.9%
- #40 hackmud
75% matchMostly Positive77% of 842 reviews2016
Dev: ComCODE
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 70.0 hrs≥1hr: 83%
hackmud is a retro cyberpunk RPG where you play a digital persona in a chaotic, unpredictable, and often goofy abandoned internet. Enter a 90s hacker movie filled with scripts, scams, and sabotage. Explore the world of digital secrets and forge your legacy through cunning, creativity, or disruption.
Why similar: Programming 39.7% ★, Hacking 36.8% ★, Massively Multiplayer 19.1%, Simulation 4.4%
- #41 Nimbatus - The Space Drone Constructor
73% matchMostly Positive79% of 2,148 reviews2020
Dev: Stray Fawn StudioPub: Stray Fawn Publishing
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 5.0 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 39.4% ★, Automation 20%, Sandbox 11.2%, Building 10.3%, Open World 9.6%
- #42 Autonauts vs Piratebots
72% matchMostly Positive77% of 517 reviews2022
Dev: DenkiPub: Curve Games
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 6.3 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Create, automate and defend an impenetrable base. Assemble and command a Bot army to combat an entire Piratebot invasion. Build, program and battle your way through five different zones.
Why similar: Programming 23.2% ★, Automation 23.1%, Colony Sim 16.8%, Sandbox 11.5%, Building 8.9%
- #43 Modulus: Factory Automation
69% matchVery Positive92% of 699 reviews2026
Dev: Happy VolcanoPub: Kwalee
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 14.2 hrs≥1hr: 73%
Build, automate, & optimize production lines across sky islands with real spatial constraints. Every production line is an open-ended puzzle: which operators to use, how to route your belts and how to fit your factory into the landscape. Your solutions, like your factories, are uniquely your own.
Why similar: Automation 29.9%, Base Building 18.3%, Sandbox 14.6%, Building 14.6%, Open World 8.9%
- #44 The Crust
70% matchMostly Positive77% of 3,542 reviews2024
Dev: VEOM StudioPub: Crytivo
Windows
Median: 7.0 hrsMean: 23.2 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Automate a lunar base as you become the savior of humanity exploring the future on the moon. Mine, craft, research, and trade resources with Earth in this gripping narrative basebuilder.
Why similar: Colony Sim 23.1%, Automation 22.6%, Base Building 16.5%, Sandbox 10.7%, RTS 10%
- #45 Per Aspera
71% matchMostly Positive76% of 5,702 reviews2020
Dev: Tlön IndustriesPub: Raw Fury
Windows
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 11.9 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Make Mars your own! Take control of the world’s most sophisticated AI (AMI) and terraform the surface of the Red Planet for a city-building experience on a planetary scale. Transform this barren world into a lush paradise and explore the surface for any ancient secrets that may be waiting.
Why similar: Colony Sim 24.6%, Automation 24.2%, Base Building 16.8%, Sandbox 11.8%, Building 11.7%
- #46 Eden Crafters
68% matchVery Positive86% of 2,425 reviews2026
Dev: Osaris Games
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 13.3 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Eden Crafters is a solo or co-op open-world survival, crafting, and factory-building game where you transform a hostile planet into a habitable haven for humanity. Build, automate, and terraform. Control the climate, create a breathable atmosphere, and turn toxic lakes into water: shape a new world!
Why similar: Automation 27.7%, Base Building 18.2%, Colony Sim 15.2%, Sandbox 13%, Open World 11.5%
- #47 Mob Factory
70% matchMostly Positive73% of 477 reviews2023
Dev: LiterallyEveryone Games
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 7.7 hrs≥1hr: 64%
Mob factory is an tower defense and automation game for the lazy adventurer. Smelt down enemy loot into turrets & factories to automate an ever expanding dungeon from the comfort of your tower.
Why similar: Automation 30.8%, Base Building 17%, Open World 11.5%, RTS 11.2%, Sandbox 10.5%
- #48 FOUNDRY
69% matchVery Positive81% of 3,779 reviews2024
Dev: Channel 3 EntertainmentPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows
Median: 7.3 hrsMean: 46.3 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Build a sophisticated robot factory optimized to perfection in an infinite voxel world. Mine and harvest resources, automate your production lines and manage complex systems while researching your way to become the galaxy’s leading robotics megacorp.
Why similar: Automation 27.5%, Base Building 19.2%, Sandbox 14.5%, Open World 13.4%, Building 13.4%
- #49 Perpetuum
72% matchMostly Positive73% of 808 reviews2014
Dev: Avatar CreationsPub: Gamestorm Ltd
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 21.7 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Perpetuum is a persistent, sandbox, single server, massively multiplayer sci-fi rpg (MMORPG). Control huge robots and mechs to gain access to an alien planet's resources and knowledge, amass huge wealth, or even claim part of the world for yourself using terraforming and complex infrastructure.
Why similar: Massively Multiplayer 52.7%, Sandbox 21.5%, Open World 14.6%, PvP 11.2%
- #50 Oasis Mission: Colony Sim
69% matchMixed62% of 116 reviews2025
Dev: Lunar pug studio
Windows · Mac
A Sci-Fi colony and strategy sim with a complex economy, immersive logistics, and a war against the rise of the machines! Build your colony and ensure supplies for your people. Automate industrial ships and create combat groups to defend against waves of enemies.
Why similar: Colony Sim 22.3%, Automation 21%, RTS 15.3%, Base Building 13.4%, Economy 13.3%
- #51 CodeSpells
73% matchMostly Negative39% of 265 reviews2015
Dev: ThoughtSTEM, LLC
Windows · Mac
Craft any magical spell you can imagine using the most powerful tool there is: code. CodeSpells is currently an unguided, sandbox experience for the bravest wizards who want to help the developers steer the game's development.
Why similar: Programming 76% ★, Sandbox 15.7%, Simulation 8.3%
- #52 Soulmask
65% matchMostly Positive77% of 21,464 reviews2026
Dev: CampFire StudioPub: Qooland Games
Windows
Median: 13.8 hrsMean: 68.1 hrs≥1hr: 91%
Don the Ancient Mask. Wield the power of gods. Possess any of your tribespeople, recruit followers, and build a thriving automated civilization. Survive, expand, and forge your own legacy across a vast ancient open world — together with friends.
Why similar: Colony Sim 21.8%, Automation 19.8%, Base Building 14.6%, Open World 10.9%, Sandbox 10.7%
- #53 Sim Companies
68% matchVery Positive80% of 1,031 reviews2023
Dev: Sim Companies s.r.o.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 89.8 hrs≥1hr: 51%
Become a Business Tycoon. Build your own company from the ground up. Do business in a virtual economy with players all around the world! Gain valuable business skills for free. An advanced, proprietary, Economy simulation model is used to deliver the best gaming experience.
Why similar: Economy 26.1%, Massively Multiplayer 16.4%, Sandbox 16.1%, Building 14.5%, Difficult 13.8%
- #54 Microtopia
67% matchVery Positive87% of 928 reviews2025
Dev: Cordyceps CollectivePub: Goblinz Publishing
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 9.6 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Become the hive mind of a robot ant colony in Microtopia! Use pheromone trails to create, automate and optimize supply chains for your ants to follow. Collect resources, produce goods, feed your queen, grow your colony and fly out to expand the species!
Why similar: Colony Sim 27.4%, Automation 25.9%, Base Building 16.6%, Sandbox 13.8%, Building 8.7%
- #55 Automation Empire
70% matchMixed66% of 2,635 reviews2019
Dev: DOG HOGGLER
Windows
Median: 7.6 hrsMean: 19.3 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Build and manage a massive industrial network of factories, mines, and farms. Employ a fleet of trains, trucks, and robotic drones. In the age of automation, efficiency is survival!
Why similar: Automation 29.9%, Base Building 18.7%, Economy 14.1%, Sandbox 12.5%, Building 10.7%
- #56 Automata Empire
71% matchMixed70% of 53 reviews2016
Dev: Nonadecimal Creative
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 3.5 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Seize power and build an empire of fuzzy cellular automata monsters! Herd hundreds of mindless subjects to smash your rivals' castles and steal their territory in this RTS inspired by Conway's Game of Life.
Why similar: Programming 25.9% ★, Automation 19.7%, Artificial Intelligence 16%, RTS 13.9%, Base Building 13.4%
- #57 RimWorld
66% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 239,676 reviews2018
Dev: Ludeon Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 59.8 hrsMean: 262.8 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 36.1%, Base Building 23%, Sandbox 12.8%, Building 8.7%, Open World 8.7%
- #58 Microtopia: Prologue
66% matchVery Positive95% of 118 reviews2024
Dev: Cordyceps CollectivePub: Goblinz Publishing
Windows
Become the hive mind of a robot ant colony in this free version of Microtopia! Use pheromone trails to create, automate and optimize supply chains for your ants to follow. Collect resources, produce goods, feed your queen, grow your colony and fly out to expand the species!
Why similar: Colony Sim 25.3%, Automation 24.5%, Base Building 16.5%, Sandbox 12.7%, Building 11.1%
- #59 Alan's Automaton Workshop
67% 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 46% ★, Automation 26.2%, Sandbox 12.7%, Building 10.7%, Simulation 4.4%
- #60 FortressCraft Evolved!
68% matchMostly Positive72% of 3,057 reviews2015
Dev: ProjectorGamesPub: Digital Tribe
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 13.6 hrs≥1hr: 72%
FortressCraft Evolved is a unique blend of Voxel Landscapes, Tower Defense, Crafting, Logistics, Exploration, Combat and Assembly lines. Players begin by crash-landing on a strange alien world, left with only a small handful of starting machines.
Why similar: Automation 33.9%, Sandbox 17.5%, Building 14.8%, Base Building 14.7%, Open World 9.4%