- #1 Cities: Skylines
97% matchVery Positive93% of 292,422 reviews2015
Dev: Colossal OrderPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 10.0 hrsMean: 66.1 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 37.3%, Building 13.8%, Management 10%, Economy 9.8%, Sandbox 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: Widely considered the spiritual successor to SimCity 4, it offers unparalleled depth in city planning and traffic management.
- #2 Cities: Skylines II
96% matchMixed56% of 92,848 reviews2023
Dev: Iceflake StudiosPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows
Median: 23.7 hrsMean: 77.2 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 31.6%, Building 13.9%, Economy 12.6%, Sandbox 11%, Management 10.2%
Why You'll Like It: The modern evolution of the genre, providing massive scale and highly detailed simulation mechanics for city builders.
- #3 SimCity™ 3000 Unlimited
96% matchVery Positive84% of 790 reviews2024
Dev: MaxisPub: Electronic Arts
Windows
Median: 12 minMean: 3.3 hrs≥1hr: 31%
SimCity 3000 Unlimited brings you the classic strategy gaming of SimCity 3000 with all-new scenarios that open up a whole world of city planning and building possibilities! The thrills of the classic SimCity 3000 are here again!
Why similar: City Builder 54.8%, Simulation 16.3%, Strategy 13.7%, Classic 8.7% ★, Casual 5.5%
Why You'll Like It: The direct predecessor to SimCity 4, capturing the classic aesthetic and core gameplay loop that defined the series.
- #4 Anno 1800
95% matchVery Positive81% of 32,498 reviews2019
Dev: Ubisoft MainzPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 9.8 hrsMean: 40.8 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Anno 1800™ – Lead the Industrial Revolution! Welcome to the dawn of the Industrial Age. The path you choose will define your world. Are you an innovator or an exploiter? A conqueror or a liberator? How the world remembers your name is up to you.
Why similar: City Builder 44.3%, Economy 19.3%, Strategy 8.7%, Sandbox 7.2%, Simulation 6.6%
Why You'll Like It: Combines intricate supply chain management with beautiful city building in a historical industrial setting.
- #5 Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic
94% matchVery Positive91% of 27,451 reviews2024
Dev: 3DivisionPub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Median: 6.2 hrsMean: 71.7 hrs≥1hr: 76%
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 22.6%, Base Building 14.4%, Economy 14%, Building 11.7%, Management 10.2%
Why You'll Like It: Offers an incredibly deep and complex economic simulation that challenges players to manage every aspect of a planned economy.
- #6 Tropico 6
94% matchVery Positive88% of 29,546 reviews2019
Dev: Limbic EntertainmentPub: Kalypso Media
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 27.0 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 35.3%, Economy 17.9%, Management 12.5%, Sandbox 9%, Strategy 8.1%
Why You'll Like It: Blends city building with political management and economic strategy in a vibrant, humorous setting.
- #7 Foundation
92% matchVery Positive87% of 24,287 reviews2025
Dev: Polymorph Games
Windows
Median: 11.1 hrsMean: 27.6 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 39%, Economy 11.2%, Sandbox 9.7%, Building 9.7%, Management 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: Features a unique gridless building system that allows for organic, historical city growth.
- #8 Banished
93% matchVery Positive90% of 43,352 reviews2014
Dev: Shining Rock Software LLC
Windows
Median: 7.7 hrsMean: 27.1 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 53.3%, Sandbox 11.1%, Strategy 9.2%, Simulation 8%, Economy 7.2%
Why You'll Like It: A challenging city-builder that focuses on survival and resource management in a harsh, isolated environment.
- #9 Anno 1404 - History Edition
91% matchVery Positive82% of 3,619 reviews2020
Dev: Ubisoft MainzPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 31.7 hrs≥1hr: 64%
Relive the captivating gameplay of a true city-building classic with Anno® 1404 History Edition.
Why similar: City Builder 40.2%, Building 19.3%, Management 13.5%, Strategy 10.6%, Simulation 7.8%
Why You'll Like It: A classic entry in the series that excels at balancing complex trade routes and population needs.
- #10 Frostpunk
90% matchVery Positive93% of 137,667 reviews2018
Dev: 11 bit studios
Windows
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 45.1%, Building 13.1%, Base Building 12.2%, Strategy 9%, Economy 7.9%
Why You'll Like It: A high-stakes society survival game that forces players to make difficult management decisions under extreme conditions.
- #11 RollerCoaster Tycoon® 2: Triple Thrill Pack
91% matchVery Positive90% of 5,872 reviews2014
Dev: Chris Sawyer ProductionsPub: Atari
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 10.1 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 20.6%, Classic 14.4% ★, Sandbox 13.2%, Building 12.1%, Simulation 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: A timeless management classic that shares the same isometric charm and strategic depth as SimCity 4.
- #12 TheoTown
89% matchVery Positive95% of 4,842 reviews2019
Dev: LobbyPub: blueflower
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 20.3 hrs≥1hr: 74%
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 24.2%, Isometric 14.1%, Building 12.7%, Sandbox 12.3%, Management 10.9%
Why You'll Like It: A pixel-art city builder that serves as a direct homage to the classic SimCity experience.
- #13 Urbek City Builder
88% matchVery Positive89% of 1,999 reviews2022
Dev: FridusPub: RockGame S.A.
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 10.3 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 27.4%, Economy 15.7%, Building 15.4%, Management 13.1%, Sandbox 12.7%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on urban planning and resource management without the need for traditional money-based economies.
- #14 Project Highrise
89% matchVery Positive85% of 4,823 reviews2016
Dev: SomaSimPub: Kasedo Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 8.7 hrsMean: 32.0 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Project Highrise is a skyscraper construction and management sim...
Why similar: Management 24.7%, Building 23.8%, Simulation 10.4%, Economy 10.4%, Sandbox 9.8%
Why You'll Like It: Shifts the focus to vertical city building, requiring careful management of tenants and infrastructure within a skyscraper.
- #15 Timberborn
86% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 41,938 reviews2026
Dev: Mechanistry
Windows · Mac
Median: 10.1 hrsMean: 44.4 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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 33.3%, Base Building 16.9%, Building 14.4%, Sandbox 13.3%, Management 12.4%
Why You'll Like It: Introduces innovative water management and vertical construction mechanics to the city-building genre.
- #16 Planet Coaster
86% matchVery Positive91% of 72,226 reviews2016
Dev: Frontier Developments
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 22.4 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 18.5%, Management 13.5%, Sandbox 13.2%, Economy 11.6%, God Game 11.2% ★
Why You'll Like It: Offers deep creative building tools and complex management systems for those who enjoy the sandbox nature of SimCity.
- #17 Parkitect
85% matchVery Positive94% of 8,154 reviews2018
Dev: Texel Raptor
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.8 hrsMean: 18.4 hrs≥1hr: 85%
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: City Builder 15.8%, Economy 14.6%, Building 12.4%, Isometric 12%, Management 11%
Why You'll Like It: A detailed theme park management game that captures the classic simulation feel of early tycoon games.
- #18 Railway Empire
84% matchVery Positive83% of 9,734 reviews2018
Dev: Gaming Minds StudiosPub: Kalypso Media
Windows · Linux
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 12.4 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 19.2%, Management 17.1%, City Builder 14.2%, Building 13.8%, Strategy 10.4%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the logistics and economic expansion aspects of city building through the lens of a massive rail network.
- #19 Cities in Motion
84% matchMostly Positive77% of 1,096 reviews2011
Dev: Colossal OrderPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 54 minMean: 10.8 hrs≥1hr: 49%
Manage transportation for commuters in four of the world's greatest cities - Vienna, Helsinki, Berlin, and Amsterdam
Why similar: City Builder 25.2%, Management 22%, Simulation 16.3%, Economy 15.1%, Sandbox 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses specifically on the public transportation aspect of city building, which is a core component of the SimCity experience.
- #20 Tropico 4
83% matchVery Positive92% of 12,763 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 43.1%, Management 13.9%, Sandbox 8.8%, Economy 8.5%, Strategy 7.7%
Why You'll Like It: A fan-favorite in the series that perfectly balances political satire with deep economic management.
- #21 Citystate
82% matchMostly Positive75% of 815 reviews2018
Dev: Andy Sztark
Windows
Median: 2.1 hrsMean: 8.7 hrs≥1hr: 62%
Create a 21st century micro-nation and experiment with economic and political ideals. Futuristic skyscrapers or spreading slums, the Nation relies on your economic and city planning skills.
Why similar: City Builder 34%, Economy 15.1%, Building 12%, Management 9.4%, Sandbox 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: A political city-builder where your policy decisions directly impact the economic and social development of your nation.
- #22 Townscaper
80% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 21,651 reviews2021
Dev: Oskar StålbergPub: Raw Fury
Windows · Mac
Median: 42 minMean: 8.5 hrs≥1hr: 43%
Instant town building toy. Place housing blocks and watch them transform, piece by piece, into idyllic ocean-side towns, pastoral gardens, or sweeping cities on the sea.
Why similar: City Builder 35.3%, Building 22.6%, Sandbox 20.7%, Simulation 7.4%, Family Friendly 5.6%
Why You'll Like It: A relaxing, purely creative building experience that strips away the management to focus on the joy of construction.
- #23 Sid Meier's Civilization® IV
82% matchVery Positive92% of 3,677 reviews2006
Dev: Firaxis GamesPub: 2K
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 9.9 hrs≥1hr: 51%
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 35.9%, Moddable 17.7%, Classic 14.6% ★, Economy 10.9%, Multiplayer 8.2%
Why You'll Like It: Offers deep 4X strategy and city management that rewards long-term planning and economic foresight.
- #24 Rise of Nations: Extended Edition
81% matchVery Positive95% of 15,915 reviews2014
Dev: SkyBox LabsPub: Xbox Game Studios
Windows
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 18.4 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Rise of Nations is back! Play the updated classic with full Steamworks integration and enhanced features!
Why similar: Classic 27.6% ★, Strategy 23.7%, City Builder 14.7%, Base Building 11.6%, Simulation 6.6%
Why You'll Like It: Provides a macro-strategy experience that spans history, appealing to players who enjoy the regional development aspect of SimCity.
- #25 Railway Empire 2
79% matchMostly Positive73% of 2,687 reviews2023
Dev: Gaming Minds StudiosPub: Kalypso Media
Windows
Median: 8.6 hrsMean: 27.4 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Don the coat of a clever entrepreneur, take over a small railway company in the early 1800s and turn your steam engines into the workhorses of the economy. Grow your company into the largest railway company of the continent and outsmart your competitors.
Why similar: City Builder 20.4%, Economy 16.7%, Management 13.1%, Sandbox 12.9%, Building 12.7%
Why You'll Like It: Expands on the logistical challenges of the first game with improved graphics and more complex network management.
- #26 Smart City Plan
81% 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 24.4%, Building 13.5%, Economy 13.2%, Sandbox 11.2%, Management 10.1%
Why You'll Like It: A modern take on urban planning that emphasizes the technical and logistical challenges of running a city.
- #27 Cliff Empire
79% matchVery Positive87% of 4,378 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 26.4%, Economy 16.5%, Base Building 12.3%, Building 11.6%, Management 10.9%
Why You'll Like It: A unique city-builder that tasks players with managing multiple small cities on cliffs above a post-apocalyptic world.
- #28 Ostriv
78% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 7,692 reviews2020
Dev: yevhen8
Windows
Median: 8.8 hrsMean: 36.1 hrs≥1hr: 88%
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 26.9%, Base Building 14.1%, Economy 12.2%, Building 11.9%, Management 10.7%
Why You'll Like It: A historical town-building game that emphasizes realistic logistics and organic, gridless development.
- #29 Industries of Titan
78% matchMixed62% of 1,618 reviews2023
Dev: Brace Yourself Games
Windows
Median: 5.4 hrsMean: 14.3 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Create a sprawling industrial city. Compete with other rival corporations on Titan for resources, territory, and power. Seek victory via technology, influence, warfare, or the wealth extracted from your citizens. Stake your claim to the Industries of Titan in this innovative sim/strategy game!
Why similar: City Builder 39.1%, Base Building 23.4%, Building 19.6%, Strategy 8.8%, Simulation 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: Combines industrial city building with tactical combat in a distinct, stylized sci-fi setting.
- #30 RollerCoaster Tycoon®: Deluxe
77% matchVery Positive94% of 8,330 reviews2014
Dev: Chris Sawyer ProductionsPub: Atari
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 14.8 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 22.1%, Sandbox 15.6%, Classic 15.4% ★, Building 12.8%, Simulation 11%
- #31 Town to City
72% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 7,135 reviews2026
Dev: Galaxy GrovePub: Kwalee
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 8.5 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Build an idyllic 19th century Mediterranean town and help it flourish into a prosperous city. Freely place and customise each element to create the perfect home for your growing population in this cozy city builder from the creators of Station to Station.
Why similar: City Builder 33.8%, Building 14.8%, Economy 14.2%, Sandbox 10.6%, Management 10.5%
- #32 RollerCoaster Tycoon® 3: Platinum
76% matchVery Positive92% of 5,245 reviews2008
Dev: Frontier
Windows
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 12.1 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 21.6%, Building 18%, Sandbox 17.6%, Simulation 10.4%, Economy 9.7%
- #33 RollerCoaster Tycoon® 3: Complete Edition
75% matchVery Positive87% of 3,024 reviews2020
Dev: Frontier DevelopmentsPub: Atari
Windows · Mac
Median: 48 minMean: 8.0 hrs≥1hr: 44%
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 25.8%, Management 18.5%, Building 18.1%, Sandbox 13.1%, Strategy 7.2%
- #34 Cities XL Platinum
77% matchMixed58% of 1,637 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 49.4%, Simulation 12.4%, Sandbox 11.4%, Management 10.7%, Strategy 6.2%
- #35 The Sims™ Legacy Collection
73% matchMostly Positive73% of 2,469 reviews2025
Dev: MAXISPub: Electronic Arts
Windows
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 8.2 hrs≥1hr: 62%
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 21.4%, Sandbox 21.2%, Management 18.3%, Immersive Sim 14.1%, Simulation 7%
- #36 Tropico 5
74% matchMostly Positive79% of 14,424 reviews2014
Dev: Haemimont GamesPub: Kalypso Media Digital
Windows · Linux
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 23.0 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Return to the remote island nation of Tropico and expand your Dynasty’s reign from the early colonial period to beyond the 21st Century, facing new challenges including advanced trading mechanics, technology and scientific research, as well as cooperative and competitive MULTIPLAYER.
Why similar: City Builder 42.1%, Sandbox 13.5%, Economy 13.1%, Strategy 11.5%, Simulation 8.6%
- #37 Anno 2070™
75% matchMixed60% of 12,721 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 47.5%, Economy 13.5%, Strategy 12.1%, Management 6.8%, Building 6.6%
- #38 The Sims™ 3
73% matchVery Positive86% of 34,390 reviews2011
Dev: The Sims StudioPub: Electronic Arts
Windows
Median: 14.2 hrsMean: 87.9 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 28.9%, Sandbox 26%, Simulation 20.1%, Moddable 12.1%, Casual 4.3%
- #39 Cities XXL
76% matchMixed41% of 2,367 reviews2015
Dev: Focus Entertainment
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 50.8 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 31.3%, Economy 15.4%, Building 13.7%, Management 10.1%, Sandbox 9.1%
- #40 Tropico Reloaded
74% matchVery Positive88% of 994 reviews2009
Dev: PopTop SoftwarePub: Kalypso Media Digital
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 7.8 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 44.1%, Management 13.2%, Simulation 10%, Strategy 9.3%, Sandbox 8.7%
- #41 Sid Meier's Civilization® III Complete
73% matchVery Positive89% of 7,820 reviews2006
Dev: Firaxis GamesPub: 2K
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 19.9 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 33.9%, Classic 31.2% ★, City Builder 14.7%, Simulation 6.1%, Multiplayer 5.1%
- #42 Transport Fever 2
71% matchVery Positive90% of 33,029 reviews2019
Dev: Urban GamesPub: Good Shepherd Entertainment
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 15.1 hrsMean: 65.2 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 24.7%, Economy 15.7%, Management 15.1%, Building 10.1%, Sandbox 9.7%
- #43 RollerCoaster Tycoon® Classic
72% matchVery Positive91% of 3,145 reviews2017
Dev: Origin8 Technologies Ltd.Pub: Atari
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 61.6 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Create incredible parks in the original rollercoaster sim from Chris Sawyer.
Why similar: Management 34.5%, Classic 13.2% ★, Simulation 12.5%, Sandbox 10.7%, Strategy 10.3%
- #44 Prison Architect
71% matchVery Positive85% of 76,934 reviews2015
Dev: Introversion SoftwarePub: Paradox Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.0 hrsMean: 30.3 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 18.9%, Base Building 15.5%, Building 13.8%, Sandbox 12%, Management 11%
- #45 SimAirport
70% matchMostly Positive79% of 4,050 reviews2020
Dev: LVGameDev LLC
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 21.4 hrs≥1hr: 86%
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 22.2%, Economy 15.5%, Base Building 15.4%, Building 12.6%, Management 11.5%
- #46 Planet Coaster 2
67% matchMostly Positive74% of 14,789 reviews2024
Dev: Frontier Developments
Windows
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 31.8 hrs≥1hr: 84%
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 20.7% ★, City Builder 18.4%, Building 13%, Sandbox 12.3%, Economy 11.5%
- #47 Planet Zoo
68% matchVery Positive91% of 97,899 reviews2019
Dev: Frontier Developments
Windows
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 31.9 hrs≥1hr: 81%
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 19.6%, Management 17.4%, Building 16.3%, Economy 13.3%, Sandbox 13.2%
- #48 Game Dev Tycoon
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 45,135 reviews2013
Dev: Greenheart Games 💚
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.0 hrsMean: 15.5 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 39.4%, Economy 17.5%, Simulation 15.7%, Strategy 8.1%, Moddable 6.3%
- #49 Train Simulator Classic
70% matchMostly Positive72% of 29,473 reviews2015
Dev: Dovetail GamesPub: Dovetail Games - Trains
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 44.6 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%, Building 13.1%, Moddable 11%, Realistic 10.9%, Sandbox 10.4%
- #50 Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization
69% matchVery Positive87% of 1,583 reviews2008
Dev: Firaxis GamesPub: 2K
Windows · Mac
Median: 30 minMean: 14.2 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 52.8%, Moddable 16.1%, Economy 15.2%, Multiplayer 9.4%, Simulation 4.7%
- #51 RollerCoaster Tycoon World™
71% matchMostly Negative25% of 5,897 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 26.9%, Management 22.5%, Sandbox 20.7%, Simulation 14.2%, Strategy 9%
- #52 Pharaoh + Cleopatra
68% matchVery Positive92% of 2,587 reviews2016
Dev: Impressions GamesPub: Activision
Windows
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 18.7 hrs≥1hr: 55%
Immerse yourself in Ancient Egypt from the age of the great pyramids to the final years of the New Kingdom.
Why similar: City Builder 63.2%, Strategy 13.6%, Classic 12.8% ★, Simulation 9.8%, Singleplayer 0.6%
- #53 Subway Builder
66% matchMixed60% of 422 reviews2026
Dev: Colin MillerPub: Borough Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Subway Builder is a hyperrealistic transit simulation game. Build a new subway system from the ground up while dealing with real-world constraints and costs. Craft the subway system your city deserves.
Why similar: City Builder 28.4%, Building 14.3%, Management 12.4%, Strategy 9.9%, Simulation 8.3%
- #54 Transport Tycoon Deluxe
66% matchMixed57% of 60 reviews2026
Dev: Chris SawyerPub: Atari
Windows · Mac · Linux
Transport Tycoon Deluxe challenges you to become the ultimate Transport Tycoon by creating a transit empire. Build a network of trains, trucks, ships, planes, and more to grow your business, make money, and fend off rivals in this 1995 building sim from Chris Sawyer.
Why similar: City Builder 28.3%, Building 15%, Economy 14.7%, Isometric 12%, Management 10%
- #55 Airport CEO
67% matchVery Positive83% of 8,359 reviews2021
Dev: Apog Labs
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.8 hrsMean: 27.1 hrs≥1hr: 72%
Build and manage an international airport!
Why similar: City Builder 14.6%, Economy 11.5%, Building 10.8%, Management 10.5%, Base Building 10.4%
- #56 Block'hood
68% matchMostly Positive74% of 1,258 reviews2017
Dev: Plethora ProjectPub: Devolver Digital
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 54 minMean: 18.9 hrs≥1hr: 48%
Block’hood is a neighborhood-building simulator that celebrates the diversity and experimentation of cities and the unique ecosystems within them. Budding city planners will have access to 200+ building blocks to combine and to create unique neighborhoods and discover the implications of their designs.
Why similar: City Builder 41.7%, Sandbox 17%, Building 12.2%, Isometric 10.3%, Simulation 9%
- #57 Cities in Motion 2
70% matchMixed57% of 2,548 reviews2013
Dev: Colossal OrderPub: Paradox Interactive
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.3 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 26.9%, Management 18.2%, Simulation 12.8%, Sandbox 12.4%, Economy 10.8%
- #58 Anno 117: Pax Romana
64% matchMixed69% of 12,872 reviews2025
Dev: Ubisoft MainzPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 14.7 hrsMean: 29.2 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 30.7%, Economy 16.6%, Building 13.7%, Sandbox 13.4%, Management 9.1%
- #59 Transport Fever
67% matchVery Positive83% of 10,857 reviews2016
Dev: Urban GamesPub: Good Shepherd Entertainment
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 8.7 hrsMean: 47.7 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Transport Fever is a railroad-focused tycoon game. Players start in 1850 and build up a thriving transport company. As an emerging transport tycoon, the player constructs stations, airports, harbors and makes money by connecting areas requiring transport services. Build up your own Empire!
Why similar: City Builder 24%, Economy 16.9%, Building 14.3%, Sandbox 13.2%, Management 12.2%