City-building games is vast and varied, offering a plethora of options for gamers who enjoy building and managing their own metropolises. From relaxing and therapeutic sims to anxiety-inducing micro-management titles, there’s something for everyone. We’ll explore some of the best city-building games of all time, using insights from around the internet to back up our claims.
One of the oldest games on the list, Caesar III, is still considered one of the best city-building games. Developed by Sierra, this game allows players to dynamically build their Roman metropolis, catering to the needs of their citizens while fending off barbarian attacks and obeying the whims of Caesar. Reddit user gaspergou summed up the reasons why this game is so charming: “For anyone who enjoys city builders, I can’t recommend it enough. The challenges of resource distribution, trade, and defense require meticulous grid planning and careful micromanagement. Easily one of the best games of the genre.”
Another game that offers a unique city-building experience is Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic. This game tasks players with building a city in the style of former Soviet cities, complete with tenements, concrete buildings, and industrial planning. A Steam reviewer praised the game, saying: “Currently the best high-complexity city builder out there. It’s finicky, has some unexplained mechanics, but is refreshingly fascinating in its complexity. This is the one I keep coming back to as its vision of urban and industrial planning with a focus on the logistics of building and maintaining a society and its physical infrastructure are a gorgeous look at a slice of mundane reality around us.”
RimWorld (Image via Getty)For those looking for a fantasy world experience, Songs of Syx is a civilization builder that allows players to take control of one of a dozen unique races and factions, building them from a tiny village to a continent-spanning empire. With “Overwhelmingly Positive” reviews on Steam from over 5,000 satisfied players, this game is definitely worth picking up.
Dwarf Fortress is another game that has captured the hearts of many gamers. This fantasy world simulator has a legacy of charming ‘Let’s Play’ series and a dedicated community of players. Reddit user stefanos_paschalis explained: “Best? Dwarf Fortress No Question.” User GoodOldSnek added: “This is the best game I ever played I bought the steam version last Monday. I haven’t had this much fun in years. To be honest not since I was 15 and got a RuneScape membership.”
RimWorld is a more accessible and manageable version of Dwarf Fortress, with a sci-fi twist. This game allows players to build and manage their own colony on a distant planet, making it a great option for those who enjoy city-building games but find Dwarf Fortress too complex. A Steam reviewer noted: “Rimworld is like a simplified, stripped down dwarf fortress. Dwarf Fortress basically born the management simulation genre and a lot of rimworlds mechanics are outright stolen from dwarf fortress.”
Anno 1800 is a simulator of 19th-century trade and progress, offering a deep and complex gameplay experience. The game’s cities are genuinely beautiful, making it a great option for those who enjoy building and managing their own metropolises. With over 23,000 positive reviews on Steam, this game is one of the most played and enjoyed city builders on the platform.
SimCity 4 is another classic game that has stood the test of time. Considered the pinnacle of the SimCity series, this game offers stylish isometric graphics and all the systems and intricacies you’d expect from a masterful city builder. A Reddit thread entitled “Why Simcity4 is a masterpiece despite its flaws and there will be nothing like it” went into more detail about why this game remains a favorite among gamers.
Caesar III (Image via Getty)Frostpunk is a city-building game with a twist, combining survival aspects with metropolis building. Players must make hard decisions to help humanity survive, weathering famines, plagues, and deaths while making morally questionable choices. A Steam reviewer noted: “I love how the game makes you think about the morality of your decisions.”
Manor Lords is a medieval city-building game that simulates creating and surviving in the 14th century. With a complex economic system and large-scale battles, this game offers a unique experience that’s hard to find in other city builders. With a “Very Positive” review score from almost 60k reviewers on Steam, this game is one of the most beloved titles on the platform.
Finally, Cities: Skylines is the benchmark by which all other modern city-building games are held. This game sets the gold standard for city builders, making managing industry, traffic flow, and city planning a joy. While the sequel has improved graphics, the original remains a favorite among gamers, with a huge quantity of content and more polished systems.
City-building games offer a wide range of experiences, from relaxing and therapeutic sims to anxiety-inducing micro-management titles. Whether you’re looking for a classic game like SimCity 4 or a more unique experience like Dwarf Fortress, there’s something for everyone. With so many great options available, gamers can choose the game that suits their style and preferences.
