- #1 Tropico 6
97% 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 52.1%, Management 11.8%, Strategy 9.7%, Simulation 8%, Economy 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: The most modern iteration of the series, expanding on the island-management and political satire that defined the fourth entry.
- #2 Tropico 5
96% 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 53.4%, Strategy 11.8%, Simulation 9.3%, Sandbox 6.6%, Management 6.3%
Why You'll Like It: Continues the series' signature blend of city-building and political maneuvering across multiple historical eras.
- #3 Tropico 3
96% matchVery Positive89% of 1,951 reviews2009
Dev: Haemimont GamesPub: Kalypso Media Digital
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 11.0 hrs≥1hr: 39%
Become the dictator of a remote island during the Cold War. Charm, persuade, intimidate, oppress, or cheat your people to stay in power! Are you a kind and generous leader? A corrupt and ruthless tyrant ruling with an iron fist?
Why similar: City Builder 48.6%, Management 11.2%, Simulation 11.2%, Strategy 9.9%, Sandbox 4.8%
Why You'll Like It: A direct predecessor that shares the same core gameplay loop and satirical tone as Tropico 4.
- #4 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 45.8%, Management 13.3%, Strategy 8.9%, Simulation 8.8%, Economy 8.1%
Why You'll Like It: Offers an incredibly deep and complex economic simulation that rewards the kind of micromanagement found in the Tropico series.
- #5 Tropico Reloaded
95% 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 54.5%, Management 10.5%, Simulation 10.4%, Strategy 9.3%, Great Soundtrack 4.8%
Why You'll Like It: The classic experience that established the franchise's unique focus on being a dictator managing a Caribbean island.
- #6 Evil Genius 2: World Domination
94% matchMixed69% of 13,253 reviews2021
Dev: Rebellion
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 19.7 hrs≥1hr: 86%
A satirical spy-fi lair builder where YOU are the criminal mastermind! Construct your base, train your minions, defend your operations from the Forces of Justice, and achieve global domination!
Why similar: Management 25.8%, Strategy 25.3%, Simulation 18.3%, Sandbox 9.7%, Building 8.7%
Why You'll Like It: Combines base-building with a heavy dose of humor and the role of a villain managing their own secret lair.
- #7 Anno 1800
93% 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 61.2%, Strategy 9.7%, Simulation 7.8%, Economy 7.7%, Management 4.4%
Why You'll Like It: Provides a polished and satisfying economic city-building experience with complex supply chains and trade management.
- #8 Cities: Skylines
92% 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 56.8%, Management 9.8%, Simulation 7.9%, Sandbox 5.2%, Strategy 5.1%
Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for modern city-building, offering deep infrastructure and traffic management tools.
- #9 Cartel Tycoon
91% matchMostly Positive76% of 3,818 reviews2022
Dev: Moon MoosePub: tinyBuild
Windows
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 16.5 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Cartel Tycoon is a survival business sim inspired by the ‘80s and '90s narco trade. Expand and conquer, fight off rival thugs and evade the authorities. Earn people's loyalty and strive to overcome the doomed fate of a power-hungry drug lord.
Why similar: City Builder 38.6%, Management 14.6%, Sandbox 8.2%, Economy 8.2%, Strategy 7.7%
Why You'll Like It: Features a similar management-heavy focus on illicit economy and political influence within a tropical setting.
- #10 Two Point Hospital
91% matchVery Positive92% of 35,001 reviews2018
Dev: Two Point StudiosPub: SEGA
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 35.4 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Design stunning hospitals, cure peculiar illnesses and manage troublesome staff as you spread your budding healthcare organisation across Two Point County.
Why similar: Management 29.9%, Simulation 19.6%, City Builder 18.8%, Building 7.7%, Sandbox 7.3%
Why You'll Like It: Captures the lighthearted, humorous management style while tasking players with optimizing complex facility layouts.
- #11 Constructor Plus
90% matchVery Positive89% of 468 reviews2019
Dev: System 3
Windows
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 8.6 hrs≥1hr: 57%
Constructor Plus is the definitive building simulation for the modern day tycoon. Build your dream town full of crackpot undesirables, businesses, and quirky tenants whilst fending off your rivals in the eagerly awaited sequel to Constructor HD. With almost 3 times more content, building just got bigger!
Why similar: City Builder 51%, Strategy 17.8%, Simulation 16.7%, Comedy 9.7%, Building 3.8%
Why You'll Like It: A quirky management game that pairs city-building with a satirical, competitive edge similar to Tropico.
- #12 Prison Architect
89% 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 39.4%, Management 14.8%, Sandbox 9.8%, Simulation 9.6%, Strategy 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: A management sim that balances complex facility construction with the humorous and often chaotic nature of prison life.
- #13 Frostpunk
88% 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 59.6%, Strategy 9.6%, Management 6.6%, Resource Management 4.9%, Real-Time with Pause 4.6% ★
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the high-stakes political and moral decisions required to keep a society functioning under extreme pressure.
- #14 Banished
87% 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 66.4%, Strategy 9.3%, Simulation 8.4%, Sandbox 5.4%, Management 3.9%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the survival and resource management aspects of building a settlement in a challenging environment.
- #15 Two Point Campus
84% matchVery Positive88% of 8,220 reviews2022
Dev: Two Point StudiosPub: SEGA
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 20.1 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 38%, Management 19.3%, Simulation 9.6%, Strategy 8.4%, Sandbox 7.5%
Why You'll Like It: Extends the humorous management style of its predecessor to the unique challenges of running a university.
- #16 Rise of Industry
85% matchMostly Positive73% of 4,197 reviews2019
Dev: Dapper Penguin StudiosPub: Kasedo Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 10.8 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Put your entrepreneurial skills to the test in the first title in the ROI series as you create & optimise intricate production lines. As an early 20th-Century industrialist, grow your empire & adapt to an ever-changing business landscape with unexpected events that could lead to boom…or bust.
Why similar: City Builder 41%, Management 17.4%, Economy 9.5%, Strategy 9.2%, Simulation 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: A pure economic management game that focuses on building production lines and managing supply chains.
- #17 Anno 2070™
86% 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 60.3%, Strategy 12.4%, Simulation 6.7%, Management 5.5%, Economy 4.9%
Why You'll Like It: A futuristic take on the Anno series that emphasizes resource management and environmental impact.
- #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: City Builder 26.4%, Management 20.4%, Strategy 15.6%, Simulation 13.4%, Economy 10.2%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the logistical and economic management of a growing transportation network.
- #19 Urban Empire
86% matchMostly Negative34% of 2,463 reviews2017
Dev: Reborn GamesPub: Kalypso Media Digital
Windows
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 7.9 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Urban Empire is a ‘City Ruler’, pioneering a new breed of strategy game that combines city builder features with political scheming and adds profound social and historical events into the mix, creating a whole new gameplay experience.
Why similar: City Builder 49.1%, Management 15%, Strategy 13.4%, Simulation 11.7%, Economy 7.9%
Why You'll Like It: Blends city-building with political-sim elements, requiring players to navigate council politics to pass legislation.
- #20 Game Dev Tycoon
83% 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 45%, Simulation 23.6%, Strategy 11.6%, Economy 8.9%, Sandbox 3.8%
Why You'll Like It: A lighthearted management game that tracks the history of the gaming industry through a simplified business simulation.
- #21 Cities: Skylines II
82% 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 52.9%, Management 11%, Simulation 9.2%, Sandbox 7.1%, Economy 6%
Why You'll Like It: An expansive city-builder that offers even more granular control over city services and economic simulation.
- #22 The Guild 3
82% matchMixed60% of 8,036 reviews2022
Dev: Purple LampPub: THQ Nordic
Windows
Median: 6.6 hrsMean: 16.3 hrs≥1hr: 78%
The Guild 3 is a fascinating trade and life simulation that takes place during the late Middle Ages. Step into the shoes of a citizen, acquire businesses and mansions, produce goods and trade them, start intrigues in politics and society, love, hate, bribe, fight and live through good and bad times!
Why similar: Economy 25.9%, Simulation 21.3%, Strategy 19.1%, Management 11.5%, Sandbox 11.1%
Why You'll Like It: A life and business simulation that emphasizes political influence and economic growth in a historical setting.
- #23 RimWorld
81% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 247,065 reviews2018
Dev: Ludeon Studios
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 59.4 hrsMean: 267.8 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: City Builder 41.1%, Management 18.8%, Sandbox 11.9%, Strategy 10.9%, Simulation 10.4%
Why You'll Like It: Provides deep colony management and emergent storytelling that forces players to make difficult decisions to ensure survival.
- #24 Foundation
79% 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 59%, Management 8.9%, Simulation 7.3%, Strategy 6.9%, Sandbox 5.7%
Why You'll Like It: A grid-less city-builder that focuses on organic growth and resource management in a medieval setting.
- #25 Against the Storm
79% matchVery Positive94% of 37,624 reviews2023
Dev: Eremite GamesPub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Median: 5.4 hrsMean: 28.9 hrs≥1hr: 83%
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 41.3%, Management 13.7%, Sandbox 8.4%, Strategy 8.1%, Simulation 7.9%
Why You'll Like It: A roguelite city-builder that forces players to adapt to constantly changing conditions and resource constraints.
- #26 Project Highrise
81% 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 30.5%, Simulation 17%, City Builder 16.1%, Strategy 13.9%, Building 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: A management game centered on the construction and operation of a skyscraper, requiring careful tenant balancing.
- #27 Dungeons 3
80% matchVery Positive94% of 18,731 reviews2017
Dev: Realmforge StudiosPub: Kalypso Media
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 11.3 hrs≥1hr: 89%
At last, the Dungeon Lord has successfully united the forces of evil and established his dark empire. Time for the next step in his most diabolical quest: expansion!
Why similar: Management 22.5%, Strategy 16.6%, Comedy 15.6%, Simulation 13.5%, Economy 12.4%
Why You'll Like It: Features a witty narrator and humorous tone while tasking players with building and managing an underground dungeon.
- #28 Jurassic World Evolution 2
78% matchVery Positive90% of 47,186 reviews2021
Dev: Frontier Developments
Windows
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 23.1 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Jurassic World Evolution 2 is the much-anticipated sequel to Frontier’s highly successful Jurassic World Evolution. This bold new era in the Jurassic World Evolution game franchise builds upon the ground-breaking and immersive 2018 management simulation.
Why similar: City Builder 35.1%, Management 18.5%, Sandbox 11%, Simulation 10.3%, Strategy 8%
Why You'll Like It: Combines park management with the logistical challenges of keeping dangerous creatures contained.
- #29 Cliff Empire
78% 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 46.8%, Management 12.4%, Strategy 8.6%, Economy 8.4%, Simulation 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: A unique city-builder that tasks players with managing multiple small colonies on cliff tops to survive a post-apocalyptic world.
- #30 Planet Coaster
76% 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: City Builder 20.2%, Management 18.9%, Simulation 13.7%, Sandbox 11.1%, Great Soundtrack 9%
- #31 SimCity™ 4 Deluxe Edition
77% matchVery Positive82% of 9,877 reviews2010
Dev: EA - MaxisPub: Electronic Arts
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 13.5 hrs≥1hr: 54%
SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition includes the bestselling SimCity 4 and the all-new SimCity 4 Rush Hour Expansion Pack. Create the most massive region of cities ever, with a farming town, bedroom community, high-tech commercial center, and industrial backbone.
Why similar: City Builder 43.1%, Management 13.9%, Sandbox 8.8%, Economy 8.5%, Strategy 7.7%
- #32 Citystate
77% 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 46.8%, Simulation 9%, Management 8.3%, Strategy 8.3%, Economy 6%
- #33 RollerCoaster Tycoon® 3: Platinum
75% 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 26.5%, Simulation 16.9%, Sandbox 13%, City Builder 9.3%, Real-Time with Pause 9.2% ★
- #34 Citystate II
74% matchMostly Positive74% of 1,141 reviews2021
Dev: Andy Sztark
Windows
Median: 4.8 hrsMean: 10.3 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 49%, Management 12.9%, Economy 9.2%, Simulation 8.1%, Sandbox 7.2%
- #35 Evil Genius
75% matchVery Positive93% of 3,616 reviews2009
Dev: Elixir StudiosPub: Rebellion
Windows
Median: 1.7 hrsMean: 14.0 hrs≥1hr: 56%
Everybody wants to rule the world! Achieve global power with EVIL GENIUS, the one and only complete world domination simulator. All the everyday tasks of the deliciously wicked mastermind are available to experience and master from building your ultra-secret base to developing spectacular super-weapons to carry out your nefarious master...
Why similar: Strategy 24.4%, Comedy 17.8%, Management 15.1%, Real-Time with Pause 15% ★, Simulation 10.6%
- #36 Cities XL Platinum
76% 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 62.5%, Simulation 13.3%, Management 8.7%, Strategy 6.3%, Sandbox 5.6%
- #37 Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad with Rising Storm
73% matchVery Positive93% of 38,136 reviews2011
Dev: Tripwire Interactive
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 27.3 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Contains full Rising Storm content as well!
Why similar: Simulation 79.8%, Singleplayer 10.4%, Atmospheric 9.8%
- #38 Cities in Motion
74% 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 37.1%, Management 20.8%, Simulation 20.3%, Strategy 8.1%, Economy 6.3%
- #39 Anno 1404 - History Edition
71% 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 56.8%, Management 12.3%, Strategy 12.1%, Simulation 9.3%, Building 5%
- #40 XCOM: Enemy Unknown
71% matchVery Positive93% of 58,745 reviews2012
Dev: Firaxis GamesPub: 2K
Windows · Linux
Median: 10.8 hrsMean: 35.0 hrs≥1hr: 93%
The XCOM: Enemy Unknown - Slingshot Pack is Now Available!
Why similar: Strategy 85.1%, Addictive 7.5% ★, Singleplayer 5.8%, Atmospheric 1.6%
- #41 Dungeons 2
72% matchVery Positive82% of 5,286 reviews2015
Dev: Realmforge StudiosPub: Kalypso Media Digital
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 8.0 hrs≥1hr: 92%
The Dungeon Lord is back – and this time he’s serious! In Dungeons 2, fulfil the Dungeon Lord’s insatiable quest for vengeance by recruiting fearsome new monsters from all corners of the underworld in order to undertake his evil bidding.
Why similar: Management 30.4%, Strategy 27.6%, Comedy 15.6%, Simulation 11.2%, RTS 6.3%
- #42 Sid Meier's Civilization® V
70% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 210,966 reviews2010
Dev: Firaxis GamesPub: 2K
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 28.9 hrsMean: 125.4 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Create, discover, and download new player-created maps, scenarios, interfaces, and more!
Why similar: Strategy 58.9%, Economy 11%, Addictive 9.8% ★, Great Soundtrack 8.9%, Simulation 8.3%
- #43 Cities in Motion 2
73% 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 40.3%, Management 17.6%, Simulation 16.2%, Strategy 11.5%, Sandbox 7.2%
- #44 Anno 2205™
71% matchMostly Positive70% of 6,365 reviews2015
Dev: Blue BytePub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 10.1 hrsMean: 54.2 hrs≥1hr: 90%
In Anno 2205™, you join humankind‘s next step into the future with the promise to build a better tomorrow. You conquer Earth, establishing rich, bustling cities and grand industrial complexes, but to secure the prosperity of your people, you must travel into space.
Why similar: City Builder 58.1%, Strategy 10.8%, Management 8.2%, Simulation 7.6%, Economy 6.4%
- #45 Anno 117: Pax Romana
67% 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 47.4%, Strategy 9.7%, Management 9.1%, Simulation 8.8%, Sandbox 8%
- #46 Cities XXL
73% 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 54.2%, Management 11.3%, Simulation 9.2%, Economy 7.6%, Strategy 6.7%
- #47 Pocket City 2
67% matchVery Positive94% of 146 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 53.9%, Strategy 10.9%, Sandbox 10.6%, Economy 9.2%, Simulation 4.6%
- #48 Democracy 3
70% matchMostly Positive74% of 7,255 reviews2013
Dev: Positech Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 10.8 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Have you ever wanted to be president? or prime-minister? Convinced you could do a better job of running the country? Let's face it, you could hardly do a worse job than our current political leaders.
Why similar: Simulation 28.6%, Strategy 22.3%, Management 14.9%, Political Sim 13.5% ★, Economy 10.2%
- #49 Sniper Elite V2
69% matchVery Positive88% of 25,500 reviews
Dev: Rebellion
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 16.5 hrs≥1hr: 87%
In the dark days of the end of World War Two amidst the ruins of Berlin, one bullet can change history…
Why similar: Strategy 42.8%, Simulation 40%, Singleplayer 17.2%
- #50 RollerCoaster Tycoon®: Deluxe
69% 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 29.8%, Simulation 19.6%, City Builder 12.6%, Sandbox 12.6%, Strategy 10.7%
- #51 The Bureau: XCOM Declassified
70% matchMostly Positive70% of 12,092 reviews2013
Dev: 2K MarinPub: 2K
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 14.5 hrs≥1hr: 86%
The year is 1962 and the Cold War has the nation gripped by fear. A top-secret government unit called The Bureau begins investigating a series of mysterious attacks by an enemy more powerful than communism.
Why similar: Strategy 61.4%, Cold War 23.8% ★, Singleplayer 11.7%, Atmospheric 3.1%
- #52 Trade Conquest
66% matchMixed70% of 76 reviews2024
Dev: GrandPaw Games
Windows
Turn wealth into political power in this modern Grand Strategy game. Build a global economic empire, manipulate governments, and challenge the world's superpowers through Economic supremacy or military Conquest.
Why similar: Real-Time with Pause 26.4% ★, Management 18.3%, Economy 13.1%, Simulation 11.3%, Strategy 6.4%
- #53 Railroad Tycoon 3
69% matchMostly Positive77% of 1,268 reviews2007
Dev: PopTopPub: 2K
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 12.0 hrs≥1hr: 37%
Railroad Tycoon 3 features 25 scenarios challenging players to recreate magnificent feats of railroading history from around the world. Players can lay track (including tunnels and overpasses), pick from over 40 locomotives from early steams to modern bullets, choose to haul over 35 types of cargo in a dynamic economy, and participate in...
Why similar: Management 44.9%, Strategy 17.3%, Real-Time with Pause 13% ★, Simulation 8.7%, Economy 7.7%
- #54 Democracy 4
66% matchVery Positive82% of 6,409 reviews2022
Dev: Positech Games
Windows
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 13.0 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Democracy 4 lets you take the role of President / Prime minister, govern the country (choosing its policies, laws and other actions), and both transform the country as you see fit, while trying to retain enough popularity to get re-elected...
Why similar: Management 31.4%, Strategy 19.5%, Economy 18.6%, Simulation 17.1%, Political Sim 6.4% ★
- #55 Smart City Plan
68% 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 36.4%, Real-Time with Pause 11.9% ★, Strategy 11.3%, Simulation 11.2%, Management 9.7%
- #56 Microlandia
64% matchVery Positive88% of 171 reviews2025
Dev: Information Superhighway Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Build a cozy little city on top of a brutally honest economy. Every citizen is simulated, one by one: they work, pay rent, get sick, go broke and turn to crime. Set taxes and policy, win elections, and survive a newspaper that blames you for everything.
Why similar: City Builder 50.8%, Management 14.9%, Economy 9.5%, Simulation 8.9%, Sandbox 6.1%
- #57 Caesar™ IV
68% matchMostly Positive70% of 875 reviews2016
Dev: Tilted Mill Entertainment, Inc.Pub: Activision
Windows
Median: 36 minMean: 16.0 hrs≥1hr: 44%
Starting as governor of a newly formed province in the Roman Empire your goal is simple: advance up the empire's political ladder to become the next Caesar.
Why similar: City Builder 72.9%, Strategy 15.8%, Simulation 11%, Singleplayer 0.3%
- #58 Industry Giant 2
67% matchVery Positive86% of 1,027 reviews2015
Dev: Fancy Bytes, ReactorPub: Toplitz Productions
Windows
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 10.2 hrs≥1hr: 51%
Economic booms, stock market crashes, oil crises, upswings, triumphs... Now you can become the greatest power in industry!
Why similar: Strategy 31.1%, Simulation 28.6%, Management 23.7%, Economy 16.6%