- #1 Cities: Skylines
97% matchVery Positive93% of 286,936 reviews2015
Dev: Colossal OrderPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 10.0 hrsMean: 65.0 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Cities: Skylines is a modern take on the classic city simulation. The game introduces new game play elements to realize the thrill and hardships of creating and maintaining a real city whilst expanding on some well-established tropes of the city building experience.
Why similar: City Builder 36.5%, Building 13.6%, Economy 10.5%, Management 10.4%, Sandbox 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: Widely considered the true spiritual successor to the SimCity formula with modern depth and extensive modding support.
- #2 Cities: Skylines II
96% matchMixed54% of 86,513 reviews2023
Dev: Iceflake StudiosPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows
Median: 23.8 hrsMean: 72.6 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Raise a city from the ground up and transform it into a thriving metropolis with the most realistic city builder ever. Push your creativity and problem-solving to build on a scale you've never experienced. With deep simulation and a living economy, this is world-building without limits.
Why similar: City Builder 30.4%, Building 13.5%, Economy 13.3%, Sandbox 10.7%, Management 10.4%
Why You'll Like It: The latest evolution in the genre, offering massive scale and highly detailed simulation mechanics for urban planning enthusiasts.
- #3 Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic
96% 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: City Builder 21.2%, Economy 14.7%, Base Building 14.1%, Building 11.4%, Management 10.6%
Why You'll Like It: Provides an incredibly deep and complex economic simulation that challenges players with intricate supply chains and infrastructure management.
- #4 Tropico 6
95% matchVery Positive88% of 28,783 reviews2019
Dev: Limbic EntertainmentPub: Kalypso Media
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 26.9 hrs≥1hr: 88%
El Presidente is back! Prove yourself once again as a feared dictator or peace-loving statesman on the island state of Tropico and shape the fate of your very own banana republic through four distinctive eras.
Why similar: City Builder 34%, Economy 19.1%, Management 12.9%, Sandbox 8.8%, Strategy 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: Balances traditional city-building with political management and economic growth in a charming, satirical setting.
- #5 Foundation
94% 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 37.7%, Economy 12.2%, Sandbox 9.7%, Building 9.6%, Management 9.5%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on organic, gridless city growth that allows for more natural-looking settlements compared to traditional grid-based builders.
- #6 Anno 1800
94% matchVery Positive81% of 30,897 reviews2019
Dev: Ubisoft MainzPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 9.7 hrsMean: 39.6 hrs≥1hr: 88%
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 42.8%, Economy 20.7%, Strategy 8.8%, Sandbox 7.1%, Simulation 6.8%
Why You'll Like It: Combines sophisticated logistical city-building with a rich historical setting and complex trade route management.
- #7 Timberborn
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 38,007 reviews2026
Dev: Mechanistry
Windows · Mac
Median: 9.8 hrsMean: 40.3 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Humans are long gone. In a world struck by droughts and toxic waste, will your lumberpunk beavers do any better? A sandbox city-building game featuring ingenious animals, vertical architecture, water physics, and terraforming. Contains high amounts of wood.
Why similar: City Builder 32.2%, Base Building 16.8%, Building 14.4%, Sandbox 13.4%, Management 13.2%
Why You'll Like It: Introduces unique vertical building and water management mechanics that force players to rethink traditional city planning.
- #8 Banished
93% 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: City Builder 52.1%, Sandbox 11.1%, Strategy 9.4%, Simulation 8.1%, Economy 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: A challenging survival-focused city-builder that emphasizes population stability and resource management in a harsh environment.
- #9 Frostpunk
92% matchVery Positive93% of 132,545 reviews2018
Dev: 11 bit studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.2 hrsMean: 22.4 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Frostpunk is the first society survival game. As the ruler of the last city on Earth, it is your duty to manage both its citizens and infrastructure. What decisions will you make to ensure your society's survival? What will you do when pushed to breaking point? Who will you become in the process?
Why similar: City Builder 44%, Building 13.1%, Base Building 12.2%, Strategy 9.1%, Economy 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: Adds a high-stakes survival layer to the traditional city-building loop, forcing difficult moral and management decisions.
- #10 Parkitect
91% matchVery Positive94% of 7,997 reviews2018
Dev: Texel Raptor
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.8 hrsMean: 18.2 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Parkitect is a business simulation game that charges you with the construction and management of theme parks! Bringing back the best of classic theme park games with many new features and content on top. Now supports online co-op with up to 8 players!
Why similar: Economy 15.7%, City Builder 15.3%, Building 12.1%, Isometric 11.8%, Management 11.4%
Why You'll Like It: Captures the classic management feel of older tycoon games while providing modern, intuitive building tools.
- #11 Planet Zoo
90% matchVery Positive91% of 93,912 reviews2019
Dev: Frontier Developments
Windows
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 34.2 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Build a world for wildlife in Planet Zoo. From the developers of Planet Coaster and Zoo Tycoon comes the ultimate zoo sim. Construct detailed habitats, manage your zoo, and meet authentic living animals who think, feel and explore the world you create around them.
Why similar: City Builder 19.2%, Management 17.8%, Building 15.8%, Economy 14.3%, Sandbox 13%
Why You'll Like It: Provides deep management tools and creative building systems for designing complex, living environments.
- #12 Prison Architect
89% matchVery Positive89% of 73,112 reviews2015
Dev: Introversion SoftwarePub: Paradox Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.0 hrsMean: 30.1 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Only the world’s most ruthless Warden can contain the world’s most ruthless inmates. Design and develop your personalized penitentiary in Prison Architect.
Why similar: City Builder 18.4%, Base Building 15.4%, Building 13.5%, Sandbox 11.9%, Management 11.4%
Why You'll Like It: Offers a detailed management simulation with a heavy focus on layout, infrastructure, and operational efficiency.
- #13 Project Highrise
89% matchVery Positive85% of 4,730 reviews2016
Dev: SomaSimPub: Kasedo Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 8.7 hrsMean: 32.1 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Project Highrise is a skyscraper construction and management sim...
Why similar: Management 25.5%, Building 23.2%, Economy 10.7%, Simulation 10.6%, Sandbox 9.4%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the vertical city-building aspect, challenging players to manage the complex needs of commercial and residential tenants.
- #14 SimCity™ 3000 Unlimited
87% matchVery Positive85% of 706 reviews2024
Dev: MaxisPub: Electronic Arts
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 3.3 hrs≥1hr: 32%
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 53%, Simulation 17.1%, Strategy 14.5%, Classic 8.6% ★, Casual 5.7%
Why You'll Like It: The direct predecessor that shares the same iconic aesthetic and core simulation mechanics as SimCity 4.
- #15 Cities in Motion
88% matchMostly Positive77% of 1,080 reviews2011
Dev: Colossal OrderPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 54 minMean: 10.6 hrs≥1hr: 49%
Manage transportation for commuters in four of the world's greatest cities - Vienna, Helsinki, Berlin, and Amsterdam
Why similar: City Builder 24.1%, Management 22.7%, Simulation 16.4%, Economy 15.9%, Sandbox 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses specifically on the transportation infrastructure management that was a core component of SimCity 4.
- #16 Urbek City Builder
85% matchVery Positive90% of 1,808 reviews2022
Dev: FridusPub: RockGame S.A.
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 10.0 hrs≥1hr: 74%
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 26.4%, Economy 16.8%, Building 15%, Management 13.5%, Sandbox 12.5%
Why You'll Like It: A grid-based city builder that emphasizes neighborhood development and resource management without the need for traditional money.
- #17 Tropico 4
86% matchVery Positive92% of 12,642 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 42%, Management 14.4%, Economy 9.2%, Sandbox 8.7%, Strategy 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: Often considered the peak of the series for its perfect balance of charm, humor, and economic management.
- #18 Cities XL Platinum
86% matchMixed58% of 1,631 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 48.3%, Simulation 12.6%, Sandbox 11.2%, Management 11.2%, Strategy 6.3%
Why You'll Like It: A classic city-builder that attempted to expand on the regional scale and economic complexity of the SimCity series.
- #19 Anno 1404 - History Edition
84% matchVery Positive82% of 3,444 reviews2020
Dev: Ubisoft MainzPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 31.4 hrs≥1hr: 64%
Relive the captivating gameplay of a true city-building classic with Anno® 1404 History Edition.
Why similar: City Builder 39.7%, Building 18.9%, Management 14.2%, Strategy 10.8%, Simulation 7.9%
Why You'll Like It: A classic entry in the series that excels at logistical and economic city management in a beautiful historical setting.
- #20 Pharaoh™: A New Era
84% matchMostly Positive75% of 5,128 reviews2023
Dev: Triskell InteractivePub: Dotemu
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 12.6 hrs≥1hr: 85%
The legendary city-builder returns! Lead the creation of one of the greatest civilizations the world has ever seen in this HD remake with modernized UI. Build monuments, manage your population and explore 4,000 years of history through over a hundred hours of gameplay.
Why similar: City Builder 29.8%, Economy 17%, Building 14.7%, Management 13.5%, Base Building 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: A faithful modernization of a classic city-builder that shares the grid-based planning roots of SimCity 4.
- #21 RollerCoaster Tycoon® 2: Triple Thrill Pack
83% matchVery Positive90% of 5,710 reviews2014
Dev: Chris Sawyer ProductionsPub: Atari
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 10.0 hrs≥1hr: 38%
This compilation includes the entire RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 series, with the original game as well as the Time Twister and Wacky Worlds expansions.
Why similar: Management 21.2%, Classic 13.4% ★, Sandbox 13%, Building 11.7%, Economy 10.2%
Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for classic management games with deep simulation roots and iconic gameplay.
- #22 Planet Coaster
82% matchVery Positive91% of 71,331 reviews2016
Dev: Frontier Developments
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 22.2 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Planet Coaster® - the future of coaster park simulation games has arrived! Surprise, delight and thrill incredible crowds as you build your coaster park empire - let your imagination run wild, and share your success with the world.
Why similar: Building 18.1%, Management 14%, Sandbox 13%, Economy 12.5%, God Game 10.9% ★
Why You'll Like It: Offers unparalleled creative building tools for those who enjoy the aesthetic and design side of management games.
- #23 Against the Storm
78% 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: City Builder 19.6%, Economy 14.4%, Base Building 14.4%, Building 11.6%, Management 10.8%
Why You'll Like It: A roguelite city-builder that forces players to adapt to changing environments and strict resource constraints.
- #24 Cliff Empire
81% matchVery Positive87% of 4,340 reviews2019
Dev: Lion's Shade
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 15.2 hrs≥1hr: 79%
After a nuclear war life on the surface became impossible. A 300m thick radioactive fog covered the Earth. We are looking for bold active people to manage the process of restoring life on Earth. Join!
Why similar: City Builder 25.3%, Economy 17.7%, Base Building 12.1%, Building 11.4%, Management 11.2%
Why You'll Like It: A unique city-builder that tasks players with managing multiple small, resource-dependent cities across cliff tops.
- #25 Tropico 5
81% matchMostly Positive79% of 14,325 reviews2014
Dev: Haemimont GamesPub: Kalypso Media Digital
Windows · Linux
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 22.1 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 40.9%, Economy 14%, Sandbox 13.4%, Strategy 11.6%, Simulation 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: Expands the series with a dynasty system and multiplayer, offering a fresh take on the political city-builder.
- #26 Endzone - A World Apart
80% matchMostly Positive77% of 9,807 reviews2021
Dev: Gentlymad StudiosPub: Assemble Entertainment
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 9.1 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Endzone is a post-apocalyptic survival city builder, where you start a new civilization with a group of people after an ecological disaster. Build them a new home and ensure their survival in a shattered world, threatened by constant radiation, toxic rain, sandstorms and droughts.
Why similar: City Builder 39.4%, Base Building 16.8%, Building 8.9%, Strategy 8%, Sandbox 6.7%
Why You'll Like It: A post-apocalyptic city-builder that emphasizes survival, radiation management, and infrastructure development.
- #27 Dawn of Man
79% 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 60.6%, Sandbox 10.2%, Economy 10.1%, Strategy 9.2%, Simulation 6.3%
Why You'll Like It: A survival-focused city-builder that tracks the development of a settlement through the ages of human history.
- #28 Ostriv
79% 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 25.7%, Base Building 14.2%, Economy 13.2%, Building 11.7%, Management 11%
Why You'll Like It: A realistic city-builder that focuses on historical accuracy and complex, realistic supply chains.
- #29 Captain of Industry
78% matchVery Positive91% of 10,408 reviews2022
Dev: MaFi Games
Windows
Median: 9.7 hrsMean: 80.7 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Build an industrial empire on a remote island. Mine resources, reshape terrain with excavators, grow food, construct factories, lay train tracks, and trade with the outside world. Research 100+ technologies to advance from basic metal smelting all the way to nuclear power and space flight.
Why similar: Base Building 25.9%, Economy 19.6%, City Builder 15.1%, Management 12.6%, Building 11.4%
Why You'll Like It: A deep logistics and factory-building game that appeals to the industrial management side of city-building.
- #30 RollerCoaster Tycoon®: Deluxe
77% matchVery Positive94% of 8,087 reviews2014
Dev: Chris Sawyer ProductionsPub: Atari
Windows
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 14.9 hrs≥1hr: 54%
One of the best games from acclaimed Tycoon series, with well designed gameplay mechanics, appealing graphics, and really high re-playability value. There’s no limit to what you can create so design and build the most thrilling roller coaster the world has ever seen!
Why similar: Management 23.1%, Sandbox 15.6%, Classic 14.5% ★, Building 12.6%, Simulation 11.2%
- #31 RollerCoaster Tycoon® 3: Platinum
77% matchVery Positive92% of 5,223 reviews2008
Dev: Frontier
Windows
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 12.0 hrs≥1hr: 64%
Rollercoaster Tycoon 3 Platinum combines the excitement of rollercoasters with the fun of a great strategy simulation. RCT3 Platinum combines the roller coaster theme park fun of the Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 with included expansion packs Soaked! and Wild! Now enjoy more options than ever.
Why similar: Management 22.3%, Building 17.7%, Sandbox 17.3%, Simulation 10.5%, Economy 10.4%
- #32 RollerCoaster Tycoon® 3: Complete Edition
75% matchVery Positive88% of 2,812 reviews2020
Dev: Frontier DevelopmentsPub: Atari
Windows · Mac
Median: 48 minMean: 8.4 hrs≥1hr: 45%
Build the park of a lifetime and rediscover the critically acclaimed rollercoaster simulation bestseller. Feel the thrill of a genre-defining classic, complete with two huge expansion packs.
Why similar: City Builder 25.2%, Management 18.9%, Building 18%, Sandbox 13.1%, Strategy 7.4%
- #33 TheoTown
73% matchVery Positive94% of 4,350 reviews2019
Dev: Lobby DivinusPub: blueflower
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 19.1 hrs≥1hr: 73%
Build and manage your dream city in this captivating simulation game. Create unique urban landscapes and enjoy compatibility with the mobile versions. Unleash your creativity and shape the metropolis of your dreams.
Why similar: City Builder 23.5%, Isometric 14.2%, Building 12.7%, Sandbox 12.3%, Management 11.5%
- #34 The Sims™ 3
74% matchVery Positive86% of 33,933 reviews2011
Dev: The Sims StudioPub: Electronic Arts
Windows
Median: 14.2 hrsMean: 88.1 hrs≥1hr: 87%
The Sims 3: Create the perfect world with full customization at your fingertips. Refine personalities and help fulfill destinies.
Why similar: Building 28.7%, Sandbox 26%, Simulation 20.5%, Moddable 11.9% ★, Casual 4.3%
- #35 Anno 2070™
76% matchMixed60% of 12,622 reviews2011
Dev: Blue BytePub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 10.5 hrsMean: 30.9 hrs≥1hr: 90%
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 46.1%, Economy 14.5%, Strategy 12.3%, Management 7%, Building 6.4%
- #36 Tropico Reloaded
75% matchVery Positive88% of 970 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 43.3%, Management 13.7%, Simulation 10.2%, Strategy 9.5%, Sandbox 8.9%
- #37 Rise of Nations: Extended Edition
73% matchVery Positive95% of 15,511 reviews2014
Dev: SkyBox LabsPub: Xbox Game Studios
Windows
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 18.0 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Rise of Nations is back! Play the updated classic with full Steamworks integration and enhanced features!
Why similar: Classic 26.3% ★, Strategy 24.5%, City Builder 14.6%, Base Building 11.9%, Simulation 6.9%
- #38 Sid Meier's Civilization® III Complete
74% matchVery Positive89% of 7,586 reviews2006
Dev: Firaxis GamesPub: 2K
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 20.0 hrs≥1hr: 33%
Sid Meier's Civilization III: Complete, the latest offering in the Sid Meier's Civilization III franchise, provides gaming fans with Sid Meier's Civilization III, the highly-addictive journey of discovery.
Why similar: Strategy 35.6%, Classic 29.9% ★, City Builder 14.1%, Simulation 6.3%, Multiplayer 5.3%
- #39 Cities XXL
76% matchMixed40% of 2,356 reviews2015
Dev: Focus Entertainment
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 51.1 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Design, build, and manage the world’s largest and most diverse cities in Cities XXL. Bigger and better than ever before with a more powerful game engine and new interface, become the mayor of your very own sprawling metropolis.
Why similar: City Builder 30.4%, Economy 16.5%, Building 13.4%, Management 10.5%, Sandbox 9%
- #40 The Sims™ Legacy Collection
71% matchMostly Positive71% of 2,246 reviews2025
Dev: MAXISPub: Electronic Arts
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 7.2 hrs≥1hr: 63%
The original game you know and love. For Windows 10/11. Create a neighborhood of Sims and guide their lives through careers and romance. Or create chaos with open-ended gameplay that lets you shape their destinies.
Why similar: Building 21%, Sandbox 20.9%, Management 19.1%, Immersive Sim 14.3%, Simulation 7.2%
- #41 SimAirport
72% matchMostly Positive79% of 4,012 reviews2020
Dev: LVGameDev LLC
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 21.1 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Build & Manage Your Airport. An International Hub or a Regional Masterpiece -- it's up to you. Buy more land to scale out, or escalators to scale up with MULTIPLE FLOORS. You're in full control in this modern business management tycoon!
Why similar: City Builder 21.4%, Economy 16.6%, Base Building 15.2%, Building 12.3%, Management 11.9%
- #42 Sid Meier's Civilization® IV
73% matchVery Positive92% of 3,559 reviews2006
Dev: Firaxis GamesPub: 2K
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 10.0 hrs≥1hr: 52%
With over 6 million units sold and unprecedented critical acclaim from fans and press around the world, Sid Meier's Civilization is recognized as one of the greatest PC game franchises of all-time. Now, Sid Meier and Firaxis Games will take this incredibly fun and addictive game to new heights by adding new ways to play and win, new...
Why similar: Strategy 36.4%, Moddable 17.3% ★, Classic 13.4% ★, Economy 11.8%, Multiplayer 8.1%
- #43 Anno 117: Pax Romana
67% 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 29.3%, Economy 17.4%, Building 13.5%, Sandbox 13.5%, Management 9.5%
- #44 Block'hood
71% matchMostly Positive74% of 1,256 reviews2017
Dev: Plethora ProjectPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 54 minMean: 19.0 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 41.3%, Sandbox 17%, Building 12.2%, Isometric 9.9%, Simulation 9.4%
- #45 RollerCoaster Tycoon® Classic
70% matchVery Positive91% of 2,924 reviews2017
Dev: Origin8 Technologies Ltd.Pub: Atari
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 61.3 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Create incredible parks in the original rollercoaster sim from Chris Sawyer.
Why similar: Management 35.5%, Simulation 12.8%, Classic 12.2% ★, Strategy 11.1%, Sandbox 10.8%
- #46 Planet Coaster 2
67% matchMostly Positive72% of 12,780 reviews2024
Dev: Frontier Developments
Windows
Median: 6.1 hrsMean: 32.1 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Build and customise thrilling roller coasters and incredible water slides, manage the ultimate theme park experience, and share your epic creations. Are you ready to ride the wave?
Why similar: God Game 21% ★, City Builder 18%, Building 12.9%, Sandbox 12.3%, Economy 12.1%
- #47 Citystate II
69% matchMostly Positive74% of 1,099 reviews2021
Dev: Andy Sztark
Windows
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 9.6 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Create your own Nation, build cities and bring prosperity to your people. Citystate II is a unique city-builder featuring realistic economics and complex political options. Slums or skyscrapers, experiment and bring about your vision of the ideal society.
Why similar: City Builder 28.4%, Economy 20.5%, Building 14.1%, Management 12.3%, Sandbox 11.1%
- #48 Cities in Motion 2
72% matchMixed58% of 2,494 reviews2013
Dev: Colossal OrderPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Cities in Motion 2 is the sequel to the popular mass transit simulation game Cities in Motion. Build, manage and lead your transportation network to provide cities with their ever changing needs. CIM2 introduces new features including multiplayer game modes, day and night cycles, timetables and dynamic cities.
Why similar: City Builder 26%, Management 18.8%, Simulation 12.8%, Sandbox 12.2%, Economy 11.6%
- #49 Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization
70% matchVery Positive87% of 1,513 reviews2008
Dev: Firaxis GamesPub: 2K
Windows · Mac
Median: 30 minMean: 13.7 hrs≥1hr: 41%
Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization is the third offering in the award winning Civilization IV series. A re-imagining of the classic Colonization game Sid Meier created in 1994, Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization is a total conversion of the Civilization IV engine into a game experience in which players will lead a European...
Why similar: Strategy 53.8%, Moddable 15.9% ★, Economy 15.1%, Multiplayer 9%, Simulation 4.4%
- #50 Game Dev Tycoon
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 44,663 reviews2013
Dev: Greenheart Games 💚
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.0 hrsMean: 15.4 hrs≥1hr: 94%
In Game Dev Tycoon you replay the history of the gaming industry by starting your own video game development company in the 80s. Create best selling games. Research new technologies and invent new game types. Become the leader of the market and gain worldwide fans.
Why similar: Management 39.7%, Economy 18.2%, Simulation 15.6%, Strategy 8%, Moddable 6% ★
- #51 Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 4,918 reviews2007
Dev: Firaxis GamesPub: 2K
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 44.4 hrs≥1hr: 68%
Sid Meier's Civilization IV®: Beyond the Sword is the second expansion pack for Civilization IV - the 2005 PC Game of the Year that has become a worldwide hit.
Why similar: Strategy 50.7%, Moddable 27.3% ★, Classic 10.6% ★, Multiplayer 9.4%, Singleplayer 2.1%
- #52 Smart City Plan
70% matchMixed65% of 121 reviews2020
Dev: Ambiera
Windows
Smart City Plan is a modern old-school style city builder game: Plan zones, roads, public transport like trains, trams, buses, subways and even the hypertube. Set taxes and policies and implement smart city technologies.
Why similar: City Builder 23.7%, Economy 14.2%, Building 13.2%, Sandbox 11%, Management 10.4%
- #53 Railway Empire
68% matchVery Positive83% of 9,620 reviews2018
Dev: Gaming Minds StudiosPub: Kalypso Media
Windows · Linux
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 12.3 hrs≥1hr: 89%
In Railway Empire, you will create an elaborate and wide-ranging rail network, purchase over 40 different trains modelled in extraordinary detail, and buy or build railway stations, maintenance buildings, factories and tourist attractions to keep your travel network ahead of the competition.
Why similar: Economy 21.6%, Management 18.4%, City Builder 14.3%, Building 14.1%, Strategy 10.9%
- #54 Train Simulator Classic
68% matchMostly Positive71% of 29,028 reviews2015
Dev: Dovetail GamesPub: Dovetail Games - Trains
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 44.3 hrs≥1hr: 80%
The ultimate railway hobby for more than 15 years! From historic steam locomotives to modern high-speed and heavy freight trains, and routes around the world, Train Simulator Classic is the simulation made by railfans for railfans.
Why similar: Simulation 39.7%, Building 13%, Moddable 10.7% ★, Realistic 10.5%, Sandbox 10.3%
- #55 RollerCoaster Tycoon World™
71% matchMostly Negative25% of 5,847 reviews2016
Dev: Nvizzio CreationsPub: Atari
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 9.7 hrs≥1hr: 82%
RollerCoaster Tycoon World™ is the newest installment in the legendary RCT franchise. This next-generation theme park simulation and building game includes fan-favorite features along with incredible new advancements!
Why similar: Building 26.4%, Management 23.2%, Sandbox 20.5%, Simulation 14.3%, Strategy 9.1%
- #56 Transport Fever 2
66% matchVery Positive91% of 31,208 reviews2019
Dev: Urban GamesPub: Good Shepherd Entertainment
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 15.7 hrsMean: 65.7 hrs≥1hr: 84%
The classic transport simulation genre has a new gold standard with Transport Fever 2. Discover a whole new world by navigating transport routes through land, water and air. May progress and prosperity find their way!
Why similar: City Builder 23.7%, Economy 16.7%, Management 15.4%, Building 10.1%, Sandbox 9.6%
- #57 Two Point Campus
65% matchVery Positive88% of 7,816 reviews2022
Dev: Two Point StudiosPub: SEGA
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.4 hrsMean: 19.6 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Build the university of your dreams with Two Point Campus, the sim with a twist from the makers of Two Point Hospital. Build, hire staff and run an academic institution packed with wild courses.
Why similar: City Builder 20.9%, Management 17.3%, Building 14.9%, Isometric 11.4%, Sandbox 11%
- #58 Highrise City
66% matchMostly Positive78% of 1,282 reviews2023
Dev: Fourexo EntertainmentPub: Deck13
Windows
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 13.0 hrs≥1hr: 69%
Highrise City offers a new spin on City Simulations & Tycoon games expanding the economy and resource management aspect. Experience a modern take on the genre enriched with a complex resource based economy system.
Why similar: City Builder 25.1%, Economy 12.5%, Immersive Sim 12.3%, Sandbox 12.1%, Building 10.9%
- #59 Pocket City 2
64% matchVery Positive94% of 128 reviews2025
Dev: Codebrew Games Inc.
Windows · Mac
A city-building game with a unique twist—step inside and experience your city firsthand! Plan roads, zones, and infrastructure while growing your economy, managing resources, and unlocking special buildings. Host events, build mega projects, and watch your city thrive in a dynamic world.
Why similar: City Builder 27.4%, Economy 18.2%, Base Building 15%, Sandbox 14.1%, Building 8.3%