- #1 Pharaoh + Cleopatra
97% matchVery Positive92% of 2,585 reviews2016
Dev: Impressions GamesPub: Activision
Windows
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 18.5 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 50.6%, Colony Sim 17.4%, Strategy 11.4%, Classic 10.3% ★, Historical 7.7%
Why You'll Like It: Developed by the same team, this is the direct sibling to Zeus and shares nearly identical mechanics and charm.
- #2 Pharaoh™: A New Era
96% matchMostly Positive75% of 5,357 reviews2023
Dev: Triskell InteractivePub: Dotemu
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 13.3 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 46%, Colony Sim 32.8%, Historical 7.4%, Strategy 6.6%, Economy 3%
Why You'll Like It: A faithful modern remake of the classic Pharaoh, bringing the beloved formula to contemporary hardware.
- #3 Caesar™ 3
96% matchVery Positive93% of 2,241 reviews2016
Dev: Impressions GamesPub: Activision
Windows
Median: 1.7 hrsMean: 12.3 hrs≥1hr: 56%
Prove your strength of mind and spirit and you just may be crowned Caesar!
Why similar: City Builder 59.8%, Classic 14.6% ★, Strategy 13.6%, Historical 7.5%, Simulation 2.6%
Why You'll Like It: Another pillar of the classic Impressions Games era that offers the same grid-based city-building and management experience.
- #4 Nebuchadnezzar
95% matchMostly Positive79% of 1,834 reviews2021
Dev: Nepos GamesPub: Astra Logical
Windows · Linux
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 7.5 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Create and customize cities in Nebuchadnezzar, a classic isometric city-builder where careful planning and define your rise as a ruler in ancient Mesopotamia.
Why similar: City Builder 52%, Colony Sim 23.1%, Strategy 8%, Historical 7.3%, Economy 3.7%
Why You'll Like It: A modern spiritual successor designed specifically to emulate the classic isometric city-builder style and production mechanics.
- #5 Children of the Nile: Enhanced Edition
94% matchVery Positive85% of 471 reviews2008
Dev: Tilted Mill Entertainment, Inc.
Windows
Median: 48 minMean: 9.8 hrs≥1hr: 46%
Children of the Nile™ is a unique gem of a city-building game, unparalleled in both grandeur and attention to detail.As Pharaoh you will guide your people through thousands of years of history: from simple hunter-gatherers to the creation of an immortal civilization.
Why similar: City Builder 69.3%, Strategy 15.1%, Historical 11.2%, Simulation 4.2%, Singleplayer 0.3%
Why You'll Like It: Features a unique focus on individual citizen needs and historical city management that mirrors the depth of Zeus.
- #6 Builders of Greece
94% matchMixed56% of 592 reviews2025
Dev: BLUM EntertainmentPub: Games Operators
Windows
Median: 1.4 hrsMean: 6.1 hrs≥1hr: 63%
Immerse yourself in the beautifully recreated golden age of Hellenic city-states. Builders of Greece is a city management game that lets you display your strategic and economic mastery. Build your Polis from scratch, make meaningful decisions, trade, fight and expand to become the ultimate ruler.
Why similar: City Builder 51.4%, Mythology 22%, Strategy 11.9%, Historical 8.2%, Simulation 2.9%
Why You'll Like It: A modern take on the Greek city-builder genre that emphasizes urban planning and economic growth.
- #7 Anno 1404 - History Edition
93% matchVery Positive82% of 3,586 reviews2020
Dev: Ubisoft MainzPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 3.3 hrsMean: 31.9 hrs≥1hr: 64%
Relive the captivating gameplay of a true city-building classic with Anno® 1404 History Edition.
Why similar: City Builder 54.3%, Colony Sim 24.5%, Strategy 15%, Simulation 2.9%, Historical 2%
Why You'll Like It: Renowned for its deep production chains and satisfying city-building, it is a must-play for fans of economic management.
- #8 Builders of Egypt
92% matchMostly Negative33% of 505 reviews2025
Dev: Strategy Labs
Windows
Builders of Egypt is a city-building economic strategy taking place in the Nile Valley. Immerse yourself in a world full of pyramids, where you will become a part of the ancient world. Create history, be history!
Why similar: City Builder 52.9%, Mythology 15.3%, Strategy 14.1%, Historical 10.6%, Economy 3.6%
Why You'll Like It: This title is heavily inspired by the classic Impressions engine, focusing on historical city-building and complex resource management.
- #9 Imperium Romanum Gold Edition
91% matchVery Positive85% of 483 reviews2008
Dev: Haemimont GamesPub: Kalypso Media Digital
Windows
Median: 42 minMean: 4.7 hrs≥1hr: 41%
The city builder strategy game Imperium Romanum is set in the time-honoured Roman Empire. As governor of a Roman province, you will devise a strategy to build a well organised, prosperous and commanding settlement. Its fortune very much lies in your own hands.
Why similar: City Builder 39.8%, Colony Sim 35.2%, Strategy 18.2%, Simulation 3.4%, Historical 2.8%
Why You'll Like It: A classic-style city-builder that challenges players to manage Roman provinces with historical accuracy.
- #10 Caesar™ IV
91% matchMostly Positive71% of 871 reviews2016
Dev: Tilted Mill Entertainment, Inc.Pub: Activision
Windows
Median: 36 minMean: 16.2 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 69.3%, Strategy 19.5%, Historical 7.5%, Simulation 3.4%, Singleplayer 0.3%
Why You'll Like It: The 3D evolution of the Caesar series, providing a more modern visual perspective on the classic Roman city-builder formula.
- #11 Tropico Reloaded
90% matchVery Positive88% of 990 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 66.7%, Strategy 14.7%, Classic 12.7% ★, Simulation 4.2%, Economy 1.1%
Why You'll Like It: Offers a humorous but deep management experience that shares the classic city-building DNA of the early 2000s.
- #12 Lethis - Path of Progress
89% matchMixed68% of 1,214 reviews2015
Dev: Triskell Interactive
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 7.9 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Lethis - Path of Progress is a city-builder in a victorian steampunk setting.
Why similar: City Builder 77.7%, Strategy 15.9%, Simulation 3.9%, Isometric 2.2%, Singleplayer 0.4%
Why You'll Like It: A beautiful 2D isometric city-builder that perfectly captures the aesthetic and gameplay loop of classic 90s titles.
- #13 Age of Mythology: Extended Edition
87% matchVery Positive93% of 36,248 reviews2014
Dev: SkyBox LabsPub: Xbox Game Studios
Windows
Median: 6.5 hrsMean: 39.0 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Age of Mythology is back! Choose your god and take to the battlefield in this classic, upgraded with full Steamworks integration and enhanced features.
Why similar: Mythology 43.8%, Classic 26.8% ★, Strategy 24.7%, Historical 2.9%, Simulation 1.2%
Why You'll Like It: While more RTS-focused, it shares the exact mythological theme and Greek aesthetic that makes Zeus so iconic.
- #14 The Settlers® : Heritage of Kings - History Edition
88% matchVery Positive84% of 845 reviews2019
Dev: Ubisoft Blue BytePub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 66.4 hrs≥1hr: 67%
With this modernized History Edition dive into the diversified mix of enthralling build-up matches and exciting real-time fights. Manifold landscapes await to be explored and populated. Includes the main game plus the two expansions.
Why similar: Colony Sim 50.9%, City Builder 35%, Strategy 14.2%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses heavily on supply chain management and building a functional economy in a medieval setting.
- #15 Grand Ages: Rome
89% matchMostly Positive75% of 814 reviews2009
Dev: Haemimont GamesPub: Kalypso Media Digital
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 8.0 hrs≥1hr: 53%
As Governor of a Roman Province in the time-honoured Roman Empire, its fortune very much lies in your hands. Choose one of five Roman noble families such as Caesar’s Julii with different abilities to accomplish the comprehensive missions.
Why similar: City Builder 63.9%, Strategy 21.5%, Historical 10.7%, Simulation 3.5%, Singleplayer 0.4%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the expansion and management of Roman cities with a strong emphasis on historical strategy.
- #16 Anno 1701 History Edition
86% matchVery Positive86% of 224 reviews2024
Dev: Ubisoft MainzPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Rediscover the classic gameplay of 1701 A.D. and its expansion The Sunken Dragon in Anno® 1701 History Edition.
Why similar: City Builder 40.7%, Colony Sim 37.4%, Strategy 11.1%, Historical 5.6%, Simulation 2.8%
Why You'll Like It: A refined entry in the series that emphasizes trade, production, and the growth of a colonial city.
- #17 SimCity™ 3000 Unlimited
84% matchVery Positive84% of 777 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 65.7%, Strategy 17.3%, Classic 10.5% ★, Simulation 5.4%, Singleplayer 1.1%
Why You'll Like It: The gold standard for classic city-building that provides the same satisfying urban planning experience as Zeus.
- #18 Cultures - 8th Wonder of the World
86% matchVery Positive83% of 522 reviews2015
Dev: Funatics SoftwarePub: Daedalic Entertainment
Windows
Median: 18 minMean: 5.1 hrs≥1hr: 35%
Solve the mystery surrounding the 8th Wonder of the World with your heroes and banish evil from the Earth! Play this RTS-Classic.
Why similar: City Builder 64.8%, Strategy 33.1%, Economy 2.2%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses on individual unit management and intricate economic systems within a historical framework.
- #19 Townsmen - A Kingdom Rebuilt
85% matchMostly Positive71% of 1,400 reviews2019
Dev: HandyGames
Windows
Median: 6.4 hrsMean: 14.5 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Townsmen – A Kingdom Rebuilt hands the crown to you: Guide your people from their first steps in a small village to a massive medieval metropolis with thousands of inhabitants.
Why similar: Colony Sim 44%, City Builder 34.9%, Strategy 14.9%, Simulation 3.6%, Economy 1.4%
Why You'll Like It: A charming medieval city-builder that balances resource management with the needs of a growing population.
- #20 Foundation
82% matchVery Positive87% of 24,128 reviews2025
Dev: Polymorph Games
Windows
Median: 11.1 hrsMean: 27.2 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 66.2%, Colony Sim 18.3%, Strategy 10%, Simulation 2.7%, Economy 2.4%
Why You'll Like It: A gridless medieval city-builder that allows for organic growth and complex production chains.
- #21 Constructor Plus
84% matchVery Positive89% of 466 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 63.4%, Strategy 28.7%, Simulation 6.8%, Singleplayer 1.1%
Why You'll Like It: A management-heavy city-builder that offers a unique, satirical take on the genre with deep building mechanics.
- #22 Anno 1503 History Edition
83% matchMostly Positive71% of 133 reviews2024
Dev: Ubisoft MainzPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Experience the classic gameplay of 1503 A.D.: The New World, optimized for current computers with resolutions up to 4K.
Why similar: City Builder 40.6%, Colony Sim 38%, Strategy 10.4%, Historical 5.7%, Simulation 2.9%
Why You'll Like It: A classic entry that prioritizes the slow, methodical growth of a city and its economic infrastructure.
- #23 Anno 1602 History Edition
82% matchMostly Positive79% of 283 reviews2024
Dev: Ubisoft MainzPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 1.1 hrsMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 50%
Relive the beginnings of the Anno® series with Anno® 1602 History Edition, updated and optimized for current computers.
Why similar: City Builder 40.2%, Colony Sim 37.8%, Strategy 11.5%, Historical 5.6%, Simulation 2.5%
Why You'll Like It: The foundational game of the production-chain city-builder genre, offering a classic experience for fans of the style.
- #24 Timberborn
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 41,163 reviews2026
Dev: Mechanistry
Windows · Mac
Median: 10.3 hrsMean: 44.1 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 50.6%, Colony Sim 39.3%, Strategy 8.1%, Simulation 1.9%
Why You'll Like It: A unique colony-sim that introduces water management and vertical building mechanics to the city-building genre.
- #25 Ostriv
81% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 7,621 reviews2020
Dev: yevhen8
Windows
Median: 8.9 hrsMean: 36.5 hrs≥1hr: 87%
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 43.4%, Colony Sim 32.8%, Strategy 10.6%, Historical 7.9%, Economy 2.5%
Why You'll Like It: Offers a highly detailed and realistic approach to historical city-building with complex logistics and seasonal management.
- #26 Banished
80% matchVery Positive90% of 43,296 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 46.3%, Colony Sim 41.2%, Strategy 8.4%, Simulation 1.9%, Historical 0.9%
Why You'll Like It: A challenging colony-sim that forces players to master resource management and survival in a harsh environment.
- #27 Marble Age: Remastered
81% matchVery Positive86% of 402 reviews2020
Dev: Clarus Victoria
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 6.4 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Marble Age is a turn-based historical strategy where your task is to turn a small Ancient Greek village into a flourishing Polis, powerful enough to conquer the known world!
Why similar: City Builder 39.3%, Colony Sim 26.3%, Strategy 15.6%, Historical 10.4%, Simulation 3.7%
Why You'll Like It: A historical strategy game that focuses on the development and survival of an ancient Greek city-state.
- #28 All My Gods
79% matchVery Positive88% of 113 reviews2015
Dev: Qumaron
Windows
Become a Roman god! Don't be shy! Epic game that topped the charts on Big Fish Games and GameHouse!
Why similar: Colony Sim 78.3%, Strategy 17.8%, Simulation 3.8%
Why You'll Like It: A casual take on the god-game genre that incorporates city-building elements and divine intervention.
- #29 MEMORIAPOLIS
75% matchMostly Positive76% of 1,785 reviews2025
Dev: 5PM Studio
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 7.1 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Memoriapolis is a historical city builder where your city grows organically across 5 ages, from Antiquity to the Industrial Revolution. Manage resources, interact with factions, and shape your dynasty toward building a final Wonder with easy, normal, or hard difficulty levels.
Why similar: City Builder 45.9%, Colony Sim 36%, Strategy 8.9%, Historical 6.8%, Simulation 1.7%
- #30 Port Royale 4
78% matchMixed57% of 2,136 reviews2020
Dev: Gaming MindsPub: Kalypso Media
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 12.9 hrs≥1hr: 88%
Set sail and join the colonial powers of Spain, England, France and the Netherlands in their fight for supremacy of the Caribbean in the 17th century.
Why similar: City Builder 51.2%, Strategy 26.4%, Historical 8.5%, Economy 6.8%, Simulation 6.1%
Why You'll Like It: Centers on economic expansion and trade routes in a historical setting, appealing to fans of the production-chain aspect of Zeus.
- #31 RollerCoaster Tycoon®: Deluxe
76% matchVery Positive94% of 8,281 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: Classic 47.2% ★, Strategy 20.2%, City Builder 18.3%, Simulation 9.3%, Isometric 3.1%
- #32 Patrician IV
78% matchMixed56% of 770 reviews2010
Dev: Gaming Minds StudiosPub: Kalypso Media Digital
Windows
Median: 30 minMean: 8.6 hrs≥1hr: 42%
You are a merchant in northern Europe in the late Middle Ages when the Hanseatic League was flourishing. Your goal is to rise to the most successful and influential member of the Hanse, ultimately being elected Elderman, leader of the trading league.
Why similar: Strategy 63.1%, Historical 15%, Economy 12.4%, Simulation 7.2%, Singleplayer 2.3%
Why You'll Like It: Focuses heavily on the economic and trade aspects of city-building, mirroring the complex production chains found in Zeus.
- #33 CaesarIA
77% matchMixed58% of 1,460 reviews2015
Dev: rdt.32
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 30 minMean: 10.7 hrs≥1hr: 33%
CaesarIA is a remake of an old-school economic strategy game, Caesar III which is a masterpiece among the games of this genre in our opinion. There are different economic strategy games and they can be broken down to subtypes but from our viewpoint Caesar encompasses planning, constructing, diplomacy and military campaigns.
Why similar: City Builder 74.3%, Strategy 17.9%, Classic 7.2% ★, Singleplayer 0.6%
- #34 Age of Pyramids
77% matchMostly Negative35% of 87 reviews2022
Dev: Cassagi Entertainment s.r.o.
Windows
Age of Pyramids is a sandbox city builder and simulator set in Ancient Egypt. You take on the city governor and architect’s mantle to build the most incredible city on Earth. You will have to gather dozens of resources to maintain happiness of your people and prosperity.
Why similar: City Builder 45.5%, Colony Sim 31.3%, Strategy 14.8%, Historical 5.7%, Simulation 2.3%
- #35 Celestial Empire
72% matchVery Positive90% of 718 reviews2025
Dev: President StudioPub: PlayWay S.A.
Windows
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 8.6 hrs≥1hr: 64%
Forge an empire under the watchful eyes of the gods! Take care of your people, develop efficient production chains and trade with other landlords. Ensure their survival through harsh winters and disasters.
Why similar: City Builder 35.7%, Colony Sim 24.8%, Mythology 16.2%, Strategy 9.2%, Historical 7.8%
- #36 Sid Meier's Colonization (Classic)
74% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 1,145 reviews2014
Dev: MicroProse Software, IncPub: Atari
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 19.2 hrs≥1hr: 55%
The New World lies before you with all its peril, promise and infinite possibility. Your colonists anxiously follow you to shore. The treasures of an entire continent await you.
Why similar: Classic 49.5% ★, Strategy 25.5%, Historical 9.4%, Simulation 8.6%, Economy 3.2%
- #37 Patron
74% matchMostly Positive72% of 3,194 reviews2021
Dev: Overseer Games
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 6.5 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Patron is a survival city builder with a unique social dynamics system. Gather and produce resources, build your fledgling village into a prosperous city and navigate the intricate social tensions before they reach boiling point.
Why similar: City Builder 42.3%, Colony Sim 39.2%, Strategy 10%, Historical 4.5%, Economy 2.2%
- #38 Paragon Pioneers 2
73% matchVery Positive93% of 59 reviews2024
Dev: Tobias Arlt
Windows · Mac · Linux
Dive into the captivating world of Paragon Pioneers 2, an engaging city-building idle game filled with extensive content promising months of immersive gameplay. Even with limited playtime, you can delve deep into this simulation, experimenting with various strategies to enhance your realm.
Why similar: City Builder 41.9%, Colony Sim 41.4%, Strategy 11.9%, Simulation 3%, Economy 1.7%
- #39 The Pyraplex
73% matchVery Positive99% of 75 reviews2023
Dev: Kairosoft Co.,Ltd
Windows
A pyramid-building adventure of historic proportions!
Why similar: Colony Sim 39.7%, City Builder 37.1%, Strategy 10.8%, Historical 8.7%, Simulation 2.8%
- #40 CivCity: Rome
75% matchMostly Positive71% of 946 reviews2007
Dev: FireFly StudiosPub: 2K
Windows
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 11.3 hrs≥1hr: 52%
CivCity: Rome, an innovative city builder inspired by the world of Sid Meiers Civilization, and created by a collaboration between Firefly Studios and Firaxis Games, invites players to shift focus from building a multi-city empire and zoom-in on the great cities of the Roman Empire, culminating in Rome itself!
Why similar: City Builder 72.7%, Strategy 17.9%, Historical 6.6%, Simulation 2.4%, Singleplayer 0.4%
- #41 Cities XL Platinum
73% matchMixed58% of 1,635 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 81.7%, Strategy 10.8%, Simulation 5.7%, Economy 1.1%, Singleplayer 0.8%
- #42 Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization
72% matchVery Positive87% of 1,572 reviews2008
Dev: Firaxis GamesPub: 2K
Windows · Mac
Median: 30 minMean: 14.1 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 66.4%, Historical 27.9%, Economy 2.3%, Singleplayer 1.9%, Simulation 1.6%
- #43 Rise of Nations: Extended Edition
70% matchVery Positive95% of 15,848 reviews2014
Dev: SkyBox LabsPub: Xbox Game Studios
Windows
Median: 5.7 hrsMean: 18.3 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Rise of Nations is back! Play the updated classic with full Steamworks integration and enhanced features!
Why similar: Classic 35.1% ★, Strategy 31.4%, City Builder 18.6%, Historical 11.1%, Simulation 2.3%
- #44 Pompeii: The Legacy
69% matchVery Positive82% of 280 reviews2026
Dev: Siscia Games
Windows
Rebuild Pompeii from the ashes and lead it through centuries of politics, intrigue, and survival. Shape laws, expand trade across the Empire, guide your city through disasters, and command legions in optional real-time battles. Your legacy begins now.
Why similar: City Builder 38.8%, Colony Sim 36.3%, Strategy 8.8%, Historical 7.4%, Economy 3%
- #45 Marble Age
71% matchVery Positive83% of 747 reviews2015
Dev: Clarus Victoria
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Turn-based historical simulation strategy. Develop the Greek civilization from the small village to the great city-state when it will dominate the world!
Why similar: City Builder 53.4%, Strategy 20%, Historical 15%, Simulation 4.7%, Economy 4.7%
- #46 The Settlers: New Allies
71% matchMixed49% of 1,203 reviews2024
Dev: Ubisoft DüsseldorfPub: Ubisoft
Windows
Median: 5.4 hrsMean: 18.9 hrs≥1hr: 75%
The Settlers®: New Allies is a strategy game with an in-depth build-up experience and real-time strategic battles.
Why similar: City Builder 43.9%, Colony Sim 37.5%, Strategy 13%, Simulation 2.7%, Economy 2.6%
- #47 Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic
67% matchVery Positive91% of 27,069 reviews2024
Dev: 3DivisionPub: Hooded Horse
Windows
Median: 6.2 hrsMean: 71.3 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 41.2%, Colony Sim 33.7%, Strategy 10.6%, Historical 8.2%, Economy 3.2%
- #48 SimCity™ 4 Deluxe Edition
70% matchVery Positive82% of 9,827 reviews2010
Dev: EA - MaxisPub: Electronic Arts
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 13.4 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 60.7%, Strategy 14.1%, Classic 10.3% ★, Isometric 5.7%, Economy 5.2%
- #49 Anno 2070™
71% matchMixed60% of 12,702 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 74.2%, Strategy 19.9%, Simulation 2.7%, Economy 2.6%, Singleplayer 0.6%
- #50 Citadelum
68% matchVery Positive84% of 1,066 reviews2024
Dev: Abylight BarcelonaPub: Abylight Studios
Windows
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 62%
Citadelum is a city builder set in legendary Ancient Rome. Build your own settlement, gather resources and evolve it into a magnificent city. Explore the world, trade and lead your mighty legions in epic tactical battles. Earn the favor of the Gods or challenge them, if you dare.
Why similar: City Builder 63.4%, Historical 12.6%, Strategy 11.6%, Economy 4.6%, Simulation 3.5%
- #51 Celestial Empire: Prologue
67% matchVery Positive86% of 416 reviews2025
Dev: President Studio
Windows
Embrace your duties as a new provincial governor. Experience the beauty of ancient China, design the city of your dreams, and take care of your people’s needs. Earn the Gods’ favor to maintain the Mandate of Heaven for the ruling dynasty.
Why similar: City Builder 33.3%, Colony Sim 31.5%, Mythology 13.7%, Strategy 10.2%, Historical 6.6%
- #52 Nova Roma
65% matchVery Positive94% of 2,244 reviews2026
Dev: Lion ShieldPub: Hooded Horse
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.9 hrsMean: 10.2 hrs≥1hr: 81%
The glory of Rome is at your fingertips in this city-building game where you must appease the gods, enact laws, and develop complex supply chains to meet the needs of your citizens.
Why similar: City Builder 40.3%, Colony Sim 34.3%, Strategy 10.1%, Historical 8.6%, Economy 3.3%
- #53 Stronghold: Definitive Edition
67% matchVery Positive86% of 10,331 reviews2023
Dev: Firefly Studios
Windows
Median: 4.1 hrsMean: 10.4 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Greetings sire! Your stronghold awaits you. Build a castle economy, besiege unforgettable villains and return to the 'castle sim' that started it all. Experience this classic RTS with upgraded visuals, modernised gameplay, Steam multiplayer and a new campaign.
Why similar: City Builder 44.1%, Colony Sim 31.2%, Strategy 10.6%, Historical 6.5%, Isometric 3%
- #54 Age of Mythology: Retold
66% matchVery Positive90% of 23,380 reviews2024
Dev: World's EdgePub: Xbox Game Studios
Windows
Median: 10.3 hrsMean: 40.0 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Play as mythological Gods and smite your enemies in this award-winning, mythological Real-Time Strategy classic given new life. Wage war across timeless campaigns, fierce skirmishes, and god-powered multiplayer modes.
Why similar: Mythology 66.8%, Strategy 30.4%, Singleplayer 2.8%
- #55 Aquatico
69% matchMixed67% of 871 reviews2023
Dev: Digital Reef GamesPub: Overseer Games
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 7.3 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Aquatico is a classic city builder set within the depths of the sea. Strategically build an underwater colony atop the ocean floor and face the challenges that accompany oceanic life.
Why similar: City Builder 45.7%, Colony Sim 39.4%, Strategy 10.4%, Economy 2.9%, Simulation 1.1%
- #56 Pizza Connection 2
70% matchMostly Positive77% of 317 reviews2017
Dev: Assemble Entertainment
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 3.1 hrs≥1hr: 36%
It's your empire... Take control! The game has it all! the depth of gameplay will have you on the edge of your seat for hours on-end. Build, manage, strategize and conquer the competition with the richest gameplay tycoon product ever offered!
Why similar: Strategy 45.1%, Classic 30.8% ★, Simulation 12.2%, Economy 7.7%, Retro 2.4%
- #57 Cultures - Northland
69% matchVery Positive83% of 692 reviews2015
Dev: Funatics SoftwarePub: Daedalic Entertainment
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 88%
The Vikings are back! Get this RTS classic!
Why similar: City Builder 72.4%, Strategy 27%, Singleplayer 0.5%
- #58 El Dorado: The Golden City Builder
68% matchMixed54% of 110 reviews2024
Dev: Hobo BunchPub: Gameparic
Windows
El Dorado is a strategy city-building game in which you plan, build and develop your settlement to conquer Jukatan and earn the title of The Golden City. Become a leader, whom even Gods will bow to. Offer sacrifices to the Gods to earn their favor, but beware and don’t lose yourself in your riches.
Why similar: City Builder 32.6%, Colony Sim 31.1%, Mythology 17%, Strategy 7.9%, Historical 6.2%
- #59 Sid Meier's Civilization® III Complete
68% matchVery Positive89% of 7,781 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 36.4%, Classic 32% ★, City Builder 15.1%, Historical 12.8%, Simulation 1.7%