- #1 Genesis Factory
97% matchNo user reviews
Dev: qm_mofan
Windows
Genesis Factory is a factory-building automation sim where you program your workers. Mine, cut, pump, and forge raw materials, then code workers with a visual flowchart to gather, carry, produce, and stockpile. Research blueprints, logistics, and drones to grow a self-running empire.
Why similar: Simulation 28.8%, Strategy 24.9%, Programming 17.5% ★, Automation 12.5%, Puzzle 10.6%
- #2 Bridge2Code
96% matchMostly Positive78% of 18 reviews2021
Dev: Damon Wang
Windows · Mac
Bridge2Code is a bridge-building game where you can code a bridge using a simple programming language. Your goal is to create a bridge that can support a car going from the start to the end.
Why similar: Simulation 30%, Strategy 25.8%, Programming 25.1% ★, Puzzle 12.8%, 2D 5.7%
- #3 Selfless Heroes
95% matchPositive80% of 46 reviews2020
Dev: Félicien Brochu
Windows · Linux
Solve puzzles by designing an AI for a team of selfless heroes. Test your algorithm, optimize it, and emerge victorious from the dungeon!
Why similar: Simulation 29.8%, Strategy 27.4%, Programming 26.7% ★, Puzzle 8.6%, Indie 4%
- #4 Robot Programmer
94% matchPositive100% of 10 reviews2022
Dev: ZeroPub: Zero Cores
Windows · Mac
Uncover your hidden programming talent! Code your own robots with simple instructions to explore 40+ logical based puzzles.
Why similar: Programming 30.5% ★, Automation 22.2%, Simulation 17.9%, Puzzle 11.9%, Strategy 10.8%
- #5 Simple Railroad
94% matchPositive80% of 10 reviews2019
Dev: Turnip games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Build railways between towns. Manage trains by traffic lights and rail switches. Restore locomotives in your hangar.
Why similar: Simulation 43.3%, Strategy 41.1%, Puzzle 10%, Indie 5.6%
- #6 Phasewright
93% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: Lucaren
Windows
A pulse crosses one cell per tick — the longer way arrives later. From that one rule you build machines out of light: lay conduits, split colours, hit the beat. Quiet, untimed, free.
Why similar: Simulation 25%, Strategy 21.9%, Programming 14.1% ★, Automation 14.1%, Puzzle 10.6%
- #7 Automachef
92% matchMostly Positive72% of 925 reviews2019
Dev: Rhombico GamesPub: Team17 Digital Ltd
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Welcome to Automachef, a resource management puzzler where you design kitchens, program machinery and watch your genius come to life! It’s time to engineer tomorrow’s kitchen, today!
Why similar: Simulation 35.9%, Automation 25.8%, Programming 17.2% ★, Puzzle 12%, Strategy 4.5%
- #8 Cloud Arch Simulator
91% matchNo user reviews2027
Dev: Jose MoralesPub: Bare Metal Games
Windows
A reverse tower-defense puzzle for engineers. Architect cloud systems that survive brutal traffic surges — place CDNs, caches, load balancers and databases, hit deploy, and watch your design hold or collapse under a live storm. Real patterns, real tradeoffs, a live YAML mirror.
Why similar: Programming 31.9% ★, Automation 22.3%, Simulation 18.3%, Strategy 15.5%, Puzzle 9.2%
- #9 Sufficiently Advanced Witchcraft
91% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: The Rook & The Raven
Windows · Mac · Linux
"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic!" Practice witchcraft, summon daemons, harness crystal vibrations, and never EVER let the Magic Smoke escape as you help the villagers, protect the kingdom, and strive to unlock magic's deepest secrets in this cozy, witchy sim!
Why similar: Programming 32.7% ★, Simulation 20.6%, Automation 15.6%, Magic 11.9%, Strategy 11.6%
- #10 MOLEK-SYNTEZ
89% matchVery Positive89% of 694 reviews2019
Dev: Zachtronics
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 5.8 hrs≥1hr: 52%
Use the MOLEK-SYNTEZ to create small molecules with various pharmacological effects from the comfort of your small Romanian apartment.
Why similar: Programming 33.4% ★, Simulation 27.6%, Automation 19.9%, Puzzle 15.9%, Indie 2%
- #11 Trader Ascent
89% match1 user reviews0% of 1 reviews2026
Dev: Sole Luna Studio
Windows
Build your financial empire through options trading and real estate investing. Compete against rival funds, manage risk and stress, and rise from nothing to financial dominance.
Why similar: Simulation 47.6%, Strategy 40.4%, 2D 8.2%, Indie 2.2%, Singleplayer 1.7%
- #12 HUNGER
90% matchMostly Negative32% of 21 reviews2017
Dev: Black Smerch
Windows
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 98%
HUNGER — a survival game about a soldier on an unexplored island. There are settlers there, but their civilization is on the brink of extinction: a pandemic, chaos, cannibals. The shamans are trying to create a cure, but to no avail. There is no salvation — madness has consumed the island.
Why similar: Simulation 46.1%, Strategy 42.3%, 2D 5.8%, Indie 5.8%
- #13 Finite State Automaton Challenges
87% matchMostly Positive75% of 12 reviews2023
Dev: Tramolly Game
Windows · Mac
In this game, we will play with the simplest automaton model, Finite State Automaton, and use it to cope with 80 challenges.
Why similar: Programming 39.1% ★, Automation 28%, Strategy 14.5%, Puzzle 12.9%, Relaxing 2.6%
- #14 Ruins to Rumble
88% matchMostly Negative35% of 26 reviews2019
Dev: Sugoi YellowPub: GrabTheGames
Windows
Ruins to Rumble is a sandbox colony survival in a 2D side scroller environment. Build, fight, explore and defend to claim victory against other factions and monsters.
Why similar: Simulation 41.2%, Strategy 35.4%, Fantasy 9.4%, 2D 8.4%, Indie 5.6%
- #15 Airport Simulator 2019
86% matchMostly Negative29% of 155 reviews2018
Dev: KittehfacePub: Toplitz
Windows
Airport Simulator 2019 places you as the manager of a major international airport. Your duties range from planning and allocating personnel to procuring and maintaining a vehicle fleet, facility maintenance and handling ever larger aircraft from a variety of airlines.
Why similar: Simulation 53.6%, Strategy 46.4%
- #16 EEP Train Simulator Mission
86% matchNegative19% of 16 reviews2017
Dev: Trend Redaktions- und Verlagsgesellschaft mbH
Windows
Are you ready for a job in the railways industrie?EEP TS Mission is a true innovation. For the first time in the history of EEP, the world's most successful railway simulation , you have the opportunity to take on complex tasks in the railway industrie inmidst realistic scenarios.And there's plenty of work to do.
Why similar: Simulation 53.6%, Strategy 46.4%
- #17 Soviet Monsters: Ekranoplans
85% matchMostly Negative38% of 34 reviews2016
Dev: santasco.comPub: IV Productions
Windows
You are in charge of the day to day running of the Ekranoplan program. Manage resources and staff to keep your craft operational. When a mission arrives from on high you must be ready to face the challenge and pilot your Ekranoplan / command the crew to a successful and glorious outcome!
Why similar: Simulation 54.1%, Strategy 45.9%
- #18 Nightclub Emporium
84% matchNegative13% of 16 reviews2015
Dev: United Independent Entertainment
Windows
Start your own enterprising odyssey and turn night into day as the boss of your very own Nightclub Emporium!
Why similar: Simulation 54.5%, Strategy 45.5%
- #19 Carpe Deal 'Em
84% match9 user reviews56% of 9 reviews2016
Dev: DDD Wares
Windows · Linux
Carpe Deal 'Em is a life simulator / card game hybrid, with elements from the visual novel / CYOA genres.
Why similar: Simulation 52.6%, Strategy 47.4%
- #20 The Race for the White House 2016
83% matchMixed45% of 29 reviews2016
Dev: Eversim
Windows
Play as a real-world candidate and completely immerse yourself into the 2016 presidential election! Travel around the United States, try to woo voters across the country, create your own political agenda, skillfully manage your campaign budget... and perhaps you will be the next White House occupant!
Why similar: Simulation 52.4%, Strategy 47.6%
- #21 Ironclads 2: War of the Pacific
82% matchMixed66% of 41 reviews2016
Dev: Totem GamesPub: Strategy First
Windows
Create your fleet and army, hunt the enemy's fleet, hide your weak squadrons in protected ports until reinforcements arrive, blockade enemy trade routes, struggle for dominance over the seas! Command a battle formation and experience the power of iron and steam!
Why similar: Simulation 52.4%, Strategy 47.6%
- #22 Traffic Giant
81% matchMostly Positive77% of 176 reviews2018
Dev: QLOCPub: Toplitz Productions
Windows
Traffic Giant is an amazing simulation game that brings public transport on the right track.
Why similar: Simulation 52.4%, Strategy 47.6%
- #23 Cosmic Buddies Town
81% match5 user reviews20% of 5 reviews2018
Dev: Ghost ClustersPub: Funbox Media Ltd
Windows
Part of an Animated Educational series for children between 1 to 7 years old – this time, we need to get straight to work helping the Cosmic Buddies build their town! Collect wood, food and other resources to turn a deserted island into your dream adventure land!
Why similar: Simulation 52.4%, Strategy 47.6%
- #24 Hotel Giant
79% matchMixed71% of 24 reviews2019
Dev: QLOCPub: Toplitz Productions
Windows
Become the ultimate hotel-mogul! You now have the chance to prove your managerial and planning skills in the hotel industry.
Why similar: Simulation 51.9%, Strategy 48.1%
- #25 Wars of Succession
78% matchPositive84% of 37 reviews2018
Dev: AgeodPub: Slitherine Ltd.
Windows
Ageod’s Wars of Succession is a new game designed to cover two major wars that consumed Europe at the eve of the 18th Century.
Why similar: Simulation 51.8%, Strategy 48.2%
- #26 M.U.D. TV
79% matchMixed41% of 190 reviews2010
Dev: Realmforge StudiosPub: Kalypso Media Digital
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 6.3 hrs≥1hr: 48%
Always wanted to see if you can hack the day-to-day life of a TV producer? Here's your chance! M.U.D. TV is your ticket to the weird wild world of television.
Why similar: Simulation 52%, Strategy 48%
- #27 Conflict of Heroes: Awakening the Bear
77% matchMixed60% of 39 reviews2016
Dev: Western Civilization SoftwarePub: Slitherine Ltd.
Windows
This exciting new release is a faithful adaptation of the renowned Conflict of Heroes board game that won the Origins Historical Game of the Year, Charles Roberts Wargame of the Year and the James F. Dunnigan Design Elegance Award, as well as many others!
Why similar: Simulation 51.3%, Strategy 48.7%
- #28 IndustrySim Virtual Platform
75% matchNo user reviews
Dev: IndustrySim Ltd.
Windows
IndustrySim Virtual Platform is an award-winning, industry-themed serious game about constructing, operating and managing an industrial environment. The professional-level simulation engine, along with real-life events and gamification, enables you to learn and experiment while having a lot of gameplay fun.
Why similar: Simulation 51.3%, Strategy 48.7%
- #29 Industry Transporters
78% matchMostly Negative25% of 48 reviews2015
Dev: Markus FickPub: MK game production
Windows
An economic simulation where you build up production chains as effectively as possible on a large scale terrain. You can choose from a large variety of wares and buildings to build up your production chain and use up to 4 types of transportation.
Why similar: Simulation 51.3%, Strategy 48.7%
- #30 ALVAROK
77% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2017
Dev: StudioGIWPub: Zoo Corporation
Windows
Japanese Indie developer StudioGIW is back with ALVAROK, a fun and easy-to-play Tactical Defense game. Play locally with friends or hone your skills against the computer with its built-in deep learning AI system. Adapt and strategize, utilize your various troops to defend and attack simultaneously.
Why similar: Simulation 51.3%, Strategy 48.7%
- #31 Nature Zen
73% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Team Octane
Windows · Linux
Nature Zen the first game created by Team Octane. In the game the player plays as god, manipulating the terrain that animals live on. Will you create an ecosystem full of happy animals, or will everything go extinct because of a lack of food in the area.
Why similar: Simulation 51.3%, Strategy 48.7%
- #32 Noble In Exile / 落魄之家
74% matchMixed50% of 12 reviews2019
Dev: LemoNeko Software
Windows
As one of a once noble family, design and build your own ancient Chinese town using your remaining resources and influence. Plan and manage every industry and every store individually. Casual on simulation, hardcore on management.
Why similar: Simulation 51.3%, Strategy 48.7%
- #33 Oligopoly: Industrial Revolution
74% matchMixed44% of 16 reviews2018
Dev: Viny Game Studio
Windows · Linux
Oligopoly is a strategy game where you have to set up the production, distribution and trade of various goods. Exploit natural resources, build factories and infrastructures, produce goods and distribute them using trucks, trains or ships.
Why similar: Simulation 51.3%, Strategy 48.7%
- #34 Shop Tycoon The Boss
73% matchMixed40% of 10 reviews2018
Dev: JNA Game
Windows
Shop tycoon the Boss is a store simulation.You have to run your store as well as possible.There are as few as possible when running the storerestrictions. Making it pretty realistic.Every decision you take has always consequences.In the rest of the game.Will you become our new Shop owner?
Why similar: Simulation 51.3%, Strategy 48.7%
- #35 Cosmic Cash
72% match4 user reviews50% of 4 reviews2019
Dev: Rabbit Hole Studios
Windows
Ever wonder what baby a slot machine and a classic shooter would make? Well wonder no more! Cosmic Cash combines the retro action packed feel of arcade shooters with the thrill of winning big at the slots.
Why similar: Simulation 51.3%, Strategy 48.7%
- #36 The Great Art Race
72% matchMostly Positive75% of 187 reviews
Dev: Ascaron Entertainment ltd.Pub: Assemble Entertainment
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 4.9 hrs≥1hr: 34%
The famous art collection of your family was stolen. By investing the profits of your coffee or tobacco plantations you might have the chance to save the heritage of your ancestors – but only if you manage your colonial enterprise wisely.
Why similar: Simulation 51.3%, Strategy 48.7%
- #37 Antiquitas
71% matchMostly Positive78% of 18 reviews2018
Dev: Ape Apps
Windows · Mac · Linux
Build a thriving Roman empire in this offline city-building simulation game.
Why similar: Simulation 50.5%, Strategy 49.5%
- #38 Genterra
67% match1 user reviews100% of 1 reviews2026
Dev: The Bunker Studios
Windows
Humanity needs out. Genterra Corporation requires an Architect. From a remote terminal on Earth, deploy automated factories across four planets, each with its own resources, to build the rescue rocket. ARIA will guide you. Productivity is mandatory.
Why similar: Simulation 32.2%, Strategy 27.9%, Automation 25.8%, 2D 6.6%, Fantasy 5.6%
- #39 Dungeon Manager ZV
70% matchMixed68% of 76 reviews2015
Dev: StudioGIWPub: Zoo Corporation
Windows
Japan’s megahit dungeon simulation game is now in English and available globally. Manage your own dungeon and micro-manage your zombies, monsters, minions and traps. Think strategically to summon your forces, level them up and defend against endless invaders and boss units.
Why similar: Simulation 50.2%, Strategy 49.8%
- #40 Lukewarm Ironclad
67% matchNo user reviews
Dev: Ethereal Crack
Windows
You thought that you've had terrible bosses before? Wrong. It is now up to you to lay tracks, harass unionized workers, build resorts, blow up towns, bring in tourists, irreparably alter the weather, and overall make a lot of cash. Puzzle meets strategy in this live-action business simulation game.
Why similar: Strategy 51.1%, Simulation 48.9%
- #41 Blueprint Factory
67% matchNo user reviews2027
Dev: Smiling Panda Studios
Windows
Every machine follows your instructions. Build automated factories with intuitive visual programming, solve clever automation puzzles, and watch your factory come to life.
Why similar: Programming 29.6% ★, Automation 26.6%, Puzzle 13.6%, Strategy 13.3%, Simulation 11.6%
- #42 Opus Magnum
65% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 7,277 reviews2017
Dev: Zachtronics
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 13.4 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Opus Magnum is the latest open-ended puzzle game from Zachtronics, the creators of SpaceChem, Infinifactory, and SHENZHEN I/O. Design and build machines that assemble potions, poisons, and more using the alchemical engineer’s most advanced tool: the transmutation engine!
Why similar: Programming 37.1% ★, Automation 27.2%, Puzzle 18.1%, Simulation 13.4%, Indie 2.2%
- #43 TerTD
68% match2 user reviews50% of 2 reviews2019
Dev: TeraHard
Windows
TerTD is a mix of tower defense and real-time strategy. The player can build various types of towers and choose your favorite upgrades. Defeat the enemy and get the victory!
Why similar: Simulation 50%, Strategy 50%
- #44 Police Tactics: Imperio
68% matchMixed62% of 423 reviews2016
Dev: CyberphobX Ltd.Pub: astragon Entertainment
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 7.8 hrs≥1hr: 89%
In POLICE TACTICS: IMPERIO you start your career as an aspiring police chief in Newport Falls, a city that is dirty and corrupt to its core. You are responsible for upholding law and order. Coordinate the emergency vehicles and personnel of the municipal precinct and put a stop to crime.
Why similar: Strategy 50.4%, Simulation 49.6%
- #45 Narco Tycoon
66% matchNo user reviews
Dev: TBDPub: SIG Publishing
Windows
Narco Tycoon is a simulation game about building a drug empire. Manage and develop your own drug factories. Employ the best people in the "industry" and invest in new technologies. Influence local politics, destroy your rivals or take over their business. Become the real Drug Lord!
Why similar: Simulation 44.6%, Strategy 43.2%, Indie 5.8%, Atmospheric 4.9%, Singleplayer 1.5%
- #46 EggOS: Incremental Game Dev
66% matchNo user reviews2026
Dev: codeWonderland Development
Windows · Mac · Linux
The bank wants a million dollars or your house. Boot up EggOS, a playable fake desktop, and make games to pay it back: coding, dart-throwing, slot machines, mini-games, and a deep prestige tree. Beat the bank, then do it all again, faster.
Why similar: Simulation 32.8%, Programming 30.8% ★, Automation 27%, 2D 6.9%, Indie 1.5%