City Builder games have become a cherished genre, allowing players to unleash their creativity and strategic thinking while constructing and managing their own virtual metropolises. With an abundance of titles available, each offering distinct features and experiences, enthusiasts of urban planning and management will find themselves immersed in captivating gameplay. Below is a curated list of the Best City Builder Games to create your dream cities.
Table of Content
Cities Skylines
Cities Skylines, developed by Colossal Order and published by Paradox Interactive, stands as a pinnacle in the City Builder genre. This game offers unparalleled freedom and creativity for players to design and manage their cities. Emphasizing urban planning, infrastructure development, and a responsive simulation, Cities Skylines provides a realistic and rewarding experience. With meticulous attention to detail, players can lay down roads, build districts, manage public services, and handle economic fluctuations. The modding community further enhances the game's depth, offering an extensive array of user-created content that expands the already vast gameplay possibilities.
Developer: Colossal Order
Publisher: Paradox Interactive
Release Date: March 10, 2015
Platform: PC
Anno 1800
Anno 1800, developed by Ubisoft Mainz and published by Ubisoft, transports players back to the dawn of the Industrial Revolution. Set in the 19th century, this captivating City Builder allows players to establish sprawling cities, navigate trade routes, and indulge in diplomatic affairs with other AI-controlled nations. The blend of strategic city-building and naval exploration gives Anno 1800 its unique appeal. Lush visuals, historical authenticity, and engaging gameplay mechanics make it an excellent choice for history buffs and strategy enthusiasts alike.
Developer: Ubisoft Mainz
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release Date: February 16, 2019
Platform: PC
Dorfromantik
In contrast to the grandeur of some City Builder titles, Dorfromantik, developed by Toukana Interactive, presents a tranquil and meditative experience. Emphasizing simplicity and aesthetics, this game tasks players with placing hexagonal tiles to build picturesque landscapes. With no time constraints or explicit objectives, Dorfromantik offers a calming experience, allowing players to immerse themselves in the process of creating harmonious landscapes.
Developer: Toukana Interactive
Publisher: Toukana Interactive
Release Date: April 28, 2022
Platform: PC
Frostpunk
Venturing into the realm of survival City Builders, Frostpunk, developed and published by 11 bit studios, presents a post-apocalyptic world engulfed in an eternal winter. As the leader of the last surviving city, players must manage resources, make difficult moral choices, and ensure the survival of their citizens in the icy wasteland. The narrative-driven gameplay, coupled with challenging decision-making scenarios, sets Frostpunk apart as a gripping and emotionally intense City Builder.
Developer: 11 bit Studios
Publisher: 11 bit Studios
Release Date: April 24, 2018
Platform: PC
Simcity Series
No Best City Builder Games list would be complete without mentioning the game that pioneered the genre – Simcity. Developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts, the classic Simcity series has left an indelible mark on the gaming industry. From its early iterations to the modern reimaginations, Simcity has maintained its core essence of empowering players to build, grow, and manage their virtual cities. Despite the passage of time, the enduring charm and addictive gameplay of Simcity remain unparalleled.
Developer: EA Maxis
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Release Date: 1989 - 2013
Platform: PC, Mac, Android, iOS
Surviving Mars
In Surviving Mars, developed by Haemimont Games and published by Paradox Interactive, players are tasked with colonizing and sustaining life on the enigmatic planet Mars. Combining elements of City Building and survival, this game challenges players to overcome the harsh Martian environment while ensuring the well-being of their colonists. The engaging sci-fi setting, dynamic challenges, and resource management mechanics provide a thrilling experience for those seeking a unique and futuristic City Builder adventure.
Developer: Haemimont Games
Publisher: Paradox Interactive
Release Date: March 16, 2018
Platform: PC
Tropico Series
The Tropico series, developed by Limbic Entertainment and published by Kalypso Media, lets players embrace their inner dictator and govern a tropical island nation. Throughout various installments of the series, players assume the role of "El Presidente" and must make strategic decisions to lead their nation towards prosperity or tyranny. With a delightful blend of humor, politics, and management, the Tropico series stands out as an entertaining and addictive City Builder franchise.
Developer: Limbic Entertainment
Publisher: Kalypso Media
Release Date: 2001–present
Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Settlement Survival
Settlement Survival, developed and published by Gleamer Studio, offers a unique blend of City Building and real-time strategy in a post-apocalyptic world. As the leader of a group of survivors, players must gather resources, build defenses, and fend off hostile threats.
The challenging survival mechanics and immersive atmosphere create a gripping experience, challenging players' resourcefulness and decision-making skills.
Developer: Gleamer Studio
Publisher: Gleamer Studio
Release Date: October 24, 2022
Platform: PC
Townscraper
Townscraper, developed by Oskar Stålberg, offers a unique City Building experience that feels more like a digital zen garden. This LSI keyword-rich game enables players to construct idyllic coastal towns by merely placing and removing building blocks. With no goals or limitations, Townscraper fosters a soothing creative process, appealing to both casual players and urban planning enthusiasts.
Developer: Oskar Stålberg
Publisher: Raw Fury
Release Date: August 27, 2021
Platform: PC
Airborne Kingdom
In Airborne Kingdom, developed by The Wandering Band, players build and manage a flying city. The unique concept of a floating metropolis adds an exciting twist to traditional City Builders. By exploring the skies, gathering resources, and attracting new citizens, players experience a truly distinctive and visually striking City Building adventure.
Developer: The Wandering Band
Publisher: Freedom Games
Release Date: March 7, 2022
Platform: PC
Rimworld
Rimworld, developed by Ludeon Studios, offers a blend of City Building, survival, and storytelling in a procedurally generated world. Players manage a group of crash-landed colonists, guiding them towards survival while experiencing unique narratives driven by random events. The emergent storytelling, complex NPC interactions, and strategic challenges ensure every playthrough of Rimworld is an engaging and unpredictable experience.
Developer: Ludeon Studios
Publisher: Ludeon Studios
Release Date: October 17, 2018
Platform: PC
Timberborn
Timberborn, developed and published by Mechanistry, reimagines City Building from the perspective of industrious beavers. In a world void of humans, players must build efficient and sustainable beaver settlements. The game's focus on ecological management and clever engineering adds depth to the traditional City Builder formula, making Timberborn a fresh and ecologically conscious gaming experience.
Developer: Mechanistry
Publisher: Mechanistry
Release Date: September 15, 2021 (Early Access)
Platform: PC
Farthest Frontier
Farthest Frontier, developed by Crate Entertainment, places players in the role of pioneers, settling new lands, and building thriving communities. From constructing buildings to farming and trading, players must ensure the prosperity and survival of their settlement. With its nostalgic pixel art style and engaging mechanics, Farthest Frontier captivates players with its charming and challenging City Building gameplay.
Developer: Crate Entertainment
Publisher: Crate Entertainment
Release Date: August 9, 2022 (Early Access)
Platform: PC
The Tenants
The Tenants, developed by Ancient Forge and published by Frozen District, offers a unique twist on the City Building genre. Instead of constructing cities, players are tasked with managing rental properties, dealing with tenants, and making strategic decisions to expand their property empire. The focus on real estate management and the art of negotiation makes The Tenants a distinct and refreshing addition to the City Builder games collection.
Developer: Ancient Forge
Publisher: Frozen District
Release Date: March 25, 2021
Platform: PC
Banished
Banished, developed by Shining Rock Software, presents a challenging survival City Builder experience. Players lead a group of exiled travelers and must guide them towards establishing a thriving settlement in a harsh and unforgiving wilderness. The emphasis on resource management and population dynamics adds depth to Banished, ensuring players face a constant struggle for survival and prosperity.
Developer: Shining Rock Software LLC
Publisher: Shining Rock Software LLC
Release Date: February 18, 2014
Platform: PC
