Games like Prison Architect on Steam
For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free games like Prison Architect are available at the bottom of the page.
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Overcrowd: A Commute 'Em Up
Design and build the most efficient metro stations known to man! Excavate. Expand. Set staff priorities. And manage the commuter flow. Overcrowd is a 2.5D management/tycoon/simulator set below the bustling city of Lubdon Town.
Odd Realm
Dive into Odd Realm, a mystical colony sim set in a land of fantasy! Lead your settlers to construct a thriving haven, navigating unpredictable seasons, elusive bandits, unseen horrors, and fabled gods. Every choice etches your colony's destiny, igniting a saga of adventure, peril, and triumph.
Kingdom: Classic
Kingdom is a 2D sidescrolling strategy/resource management hybrid with a minimalist feel wrapped in a beautiful, modern pixel art aesthetic.
New Cycle
New Cycle is a city building game with focus on survival. After an apocalyptic series of solar flares, human society has been thrown into disarray. Establish a settlement and develop it all the way from humble beginnings to industrial metropolis.
One Military Camp
Build your own military camp, manage the economy, recruit the best candidates and train them to become elite specialists. Send them on missions across the land to end the war once and for all!
Captain of Industry
Land your crew of survivors on an abandoned island and survive! Mine raw materials, grow food, build factories, manufacture products, research new tech, and trade with others. Become an industrial superpower! But this is no easy task, you will be put to the test to keep your settlement alive.
STATIONflow
STATIONflow is a game about controlling the flow of thousands of passengers by building and managing an efficient underground train station.
Rebuild 3: Gangs of Deadsville
Rebuild a ruined city in this post-apocalyptic mix of strategy and simulation. Manage survivors, scavenge for food and supplies, deal with rival gangs, illness, interpersonal strife and zombie attacks.
Townsmen - A Kingdom Rebuilt
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.
Project AURA
Project Aura is a micro management game where you lead a Colony of Climate Disaster Survivors. You have been assigned the mission to build an habitat capable of survival in this new unknown world.
1849
1849 is a city management game set during the California Gold Rush. Your task is to build towns, populate them with workers, and make sure that they are housed, fed, and entertained. You’ll have to manage and coordinate extensive production and trade networks to make sure your towns thrive.
Mob Factory
Mob factory is an tower defense and automation game for the lazy adventurer. Smelt down enemy loot into turrets & factories to automate an ever expanding dungeon from the comfort of your tower.
Autonauts vs Piratebots
Create, automate and defend an impenetrable base. Assemble and command a Bot army to combat an entire Piratebot invasion. Build, program and battle your way through five different zones.
Anvil Saga
Anvil Saga is a management sim with RPG elements where you take control of a blacksmith shop amidst the Hundred Years' War. Each decision you make impacts the story and gameplay.
Techtonica
Techtonica is a first-person factory automation game with a gripping mystery about mining your way out from the depths of an alien planet. Explore bioluminescent caves, mold destructible terrain, construct a massive subterranean factory. Dig your way toward answers & discover the secrets of Calyx.
Automation Empire
Build and manage a massive industrial network of factories, mines, and farms. Employ a fleet of trains, trucks, and robotic drones. In the age of automation, efficiency is survival!
Internet Cafe Evolution
This is a business simulation + construction game. It tells the evolution history of Internet cafes that began in the 1990s, and imagines the future of internet cafes. There are also some small emotional stories.
Oxygen: First Breath
This is a free version of Oxygen, featuring the first 50 game-days. Build your city around the Oxygen Center and ensure your people's survival in a post-apocalyptic future, threatened by crack explosions, deadly winds, droughts and frosts. Lead your people and keep the Oxygen Center running!
Startup Company
Startup Company is a business simulation sandbox game where you’re the CEO of a new company. Your job is to build your very own website and compete against the largest tech giants on the planet!
Basement
Basement is a strategy game, where you start doing illegal business to fund the development of your dream video game. It won't be easy, so get ready to deal with other gangs, cops, crazy junkies, mysterious investor and even ghosts from the past.
RollerCoaster Tycoon® 2: Triple Thrill Pack
This compilation includes the entire RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 series, with the original game as well as the Time Twister and Wacky Worlds expansions.
Craft The World
Craft The World is a unique sandbox strategy game, the mix of Dungeon Keeper, Terraria and Dwarf Fortress.Explore a random generated world populated by dangerous creatures, build a dwarf fortress, gather resources, and craft all the items, weapons, and armor you need.
Banished
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.Most played games like Prison Architect on Steam
Take a look at the top games like Prison Architect that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 22nd 2025.
1. RimWorld
Similarity 76% 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. RimWorld is a colony sim, base-building and survival game developed and published by Ludeon Studios. Released on October 17th 2018 has received 207,748 reviews of which 203,531 were positive and 4,217 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played game like Prison Architect, thanks to its 21,353 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.7
203,531
4,217
21,353
players
2. Factorio
Similarity 77% Factorio is a game about building and creating automated factories to produce items of increasing complexity, within an infinite 2D world. Use your imagination to design your factory, combine simple elements into ingenious structures, and finally protect it from the creatures who don't really like you. Factorio is a automation, base-building and resource management game developed and published by Wube Software LTD.. Released on August 14th 2020 has received 212,987 reviews of which 206,579 were positive and 6,408 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 15,669 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among games like Prison Architect based on player count.
9.6
206,579
6,408
15,669
players
3. Cities: Skylines
Similarity 65% 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. Cities: Skylines is a city builder, simulation and building game developed by Colossal Order Ltd. and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on March 10th 2015 has received 273,857 reviews of which 254,575 were positive and 19,282 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. While seeing 6,424 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among games like Prison Architect based on player count.
9.2
254,575
19,282
6,424
players
4. Oxygen Not Included
Similarity 76% Oxygen Not Included is a space-colony simulation game. Deep inside an alien space rock your industrious crew will need to master science, overcome strange new lifeforms, and harness incredible space tech to survive, and possibly, thrive. Oxygen Not Included is a colony sim, base-building and survival game developed and published by Klei Entertainment. Released on July 30th 2019 has received 127,429 reviews of which 123,288 were positive and 4,141 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 4,825 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played games like Prison Architect.
9.5
123,288
4,141
4,825
players
5. Planet Zoo
Similarity 66% Build a world for wildlife in Planet Zoo. From the developers of Planet Coaster and Zoo Tycoon comes the ultimate zoo sim. Construct detailed habitats, manage your zoo, and meet authentic living animals who think, feel and explore the world you create around them. Planet Zoo is a management, simulation and building game developed and published by Frontier Developments. Released on November 05th 2019 has received 86,771 reviews of which 79,042 were positive and 7,729 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 4,000 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played games like Prison Architect.
9.0
79,042
7,729
4,000
players
6. Kenshi
Similarity 60% A free-roaming squad based RPG. Focusing on open-ended sandbox gameplay features rather than a linear story. Be a trader, a thief, a rebel, a warlord, an adventurer, a farmer, a slave, or just food for the cannibals. Train your men up from puny victims to master warriors. Kenshi is a open world, sandbox and rpg game developed and published by Lo-Fi Games. Released on December 06th 2018 has received 95,672 reviews of which 91,353 were positive and 4,319 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 3,782 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played games like Prison Architect.
9.4
91,353
4,319
3,782
players
7. X4: Foundations
Similarity 59% X4: FOUNDATIONS brings our most sophisticated universe SIMULATION ever. Fly every ship, EXPLORE space or manage an empire; TRADE, FIGHT, BUILD and THINK carefully, while you embark on an epic journey. Experience tons of improvements with the massive 7.50 Update! X4: Foundations is a space sim, simulation and sandbox game developed and published by Egosoft. Released on November 30th 2018 has received 23,304 reviews of which 18,494 were positive and 4,810 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 3,304 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played games like Prison Architect.
7.8
18,494
4,810
3,304
players
8. Timberborn
Similarity 63% Humans are long gone. In a world struck by droughts and toxic waste, will your lumberpunk beavers do any better? A city-building game featuring ingenious animals, vertical architecture, water physics, and terraforming. Contains high amounts of wood. Timberborn is a city builder, voxel and colony sim game developed and published by Mechanistry. Released on September 15th 2021 has received 30,487 reviews of which 29,108 were positive and 1,379 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 2,801 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played games like Prison Architect.
9.3
29,108
1,379
2,801
players
9. Anno 1800
Similarity 63% 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. Anno 1800 is a city builder, strategy and simulation game developed by Ubisoft Mainz and published by Ubisoft. Released on April 16th 2019 has received 24,235 reviews of which 19,663 were positive and 4,572 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. With 2,673 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played games like Prison Architect.
8.0
19,663
4,572
2,673
players
10. Manor Lords
Similarity 79% Manor Lords is a medieval strategy game featuring in-depth city building, large-scale tactical battles, and complex economic and social simulations. Rule your lands as a medieval lord – the seasons pass, the weather changes, and cities rise and fall. Manor Lords is a strategy, city builder and simulation game developed by Slavic Magic and published by Hooded Horse. Released on April 26th 2024 has received 70,570 reviews of which 61,069 were positive and 9,501 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 2,390 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played games like Prison Architect.
8.5
61,069
9,501
2,390
players
Best deals on games like Prison Architect on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of games like Prison Architect available on Steam right now, updated on April 22nd 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted games like Prison Architect.
1. Railroad Corporation
Similarity 62% Relive the pioneering spirit of the Golden Age of Steam by establishing your own railroad empire across 19th century North America. Bring settlements together, produce and trade goods and develop new technologies to stay ahead of the competition. Want more? RAILROAD CORPORATION 2 Out Now! Railroad Corporation is a strategy, trains and management game developed by Corbie Games and published by Iceberg Interactive. Released on November 18th 2019 has received 1,376 reviews of which 1,019 were positive and 357 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Featuring a massive 96% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for games like Prison Architect.
7.1
1,019
357
-96%
34.25€
1.37€
2. Naheulbeuk's Dungeon Master
Similarity 60% A dungeon in danger ! Build, manage, and defend your tower in the satirical heroic fantasy universe of Dungeon of Naheulbeuk. From a shaky establishment to an infamous lair! Naheulbeuk's Dungeon Master is a management, simulation and funny game developed by Artefacts Studio and published by Dear Villagers. Released on November 15th 2023 has received 1,381 reviews of which 993 were positive and 388 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 96% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in games like Prison Architect.
6.9
993
388
-96%
25.00€
1.00€
3. Lords and Villeins
Similarity 81% Build a prosperous settlement in a unique simulation of a feudal economy - each family runs their shop, owns their goods, and trades with other villagers in a free market. You will manage the land, build houses, organise events, set taxes, and balance supply and demand while engaging in diplomacy! Lords and Villeins is a colony sim, strategy and city builder game developed by Honestly Games and published by Fulqrum Publishing. Released on November 10th 2022 has received 868 reviews of which 628 were positive and 240 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 96% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in games like Prison Architect.
6.9
628
240
-96%
27.50€
1.10€
4. Founders' Fortune
Similarity 75% A fantasy village builder focusing on creative building, colonist psychology and base defense. Handle resources, farming, production, tools, diplomacy, families, trading, defense, and research, as well as the wishes, expectations, thoughts, and equipment of every villager. Founders' Fortune is a colony sim, base-building and city builder game developed and published by Dionic Software. Released on December 18th 2020 has received 2,097 reviews of which 1,688 were positive and 409 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for games like Prison Architect.
7.7
1,688
409
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
5. InfraSpace
Similarity 72% Create an extrasolar efficiency utopia from scratch! In this sci-fi city builder you need to start mining operations, plan production, and lay down transportation routes to ensure a smooth supply chain. InfraSpace is a city builder, automation and transportation game developed and published by Dionic Software. Released on September 22nd 2023 has received 1,617 reviews of which 1,299 were positive and 318 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for games like Prison Architect.
7.7
1,299
318
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
6. Autonauts vs Piratebots
Similarity 68% Create, automate and defend an impenetrable base. Assemble and command a Bot army to combat an entire Piratebot invasion. Build, program and battle your way through five different zones. Autonauts vs Piratebots is a simulation, strategy and automation game developed by Denki and published by Curve Games. Released on July 28th 2022 has received 480 reviews of which 380 were positive and 100 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for games like Prison Architect.
7.5
380
100
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
7. Honey, I Joined a Cult
Similarity 72% It's time to start working towards that ultimate goal of enlightenment, faith and money…lots and lots of money! Become the ultimate tycoon - create, customise, and manage your own cult whilst listening to funky music. Welcome to Honey, I Joined a Cult! Honey, I Joined a Cult is a simulation, base-building and resource management game developed by Sole Survivor Games and published by Team17. Released on November 03rd 2022 has received 1,716 reviews of which 1,270 were positive and 446 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for games like Prison Architect.
7.2
1,270
446
-95%
23.40€
1.17€
8. Stronghold Crusader 2
Similarity 61% Stronghold Crusader 2 is the long awaited sequel to the original castle sim. After 12 years Stronghold returns to the desert with a new 3D engine and powerful Havok Physics. Crusader 2 recaptures the original game’s addictive, fast-paced gameplay and authentic castle simulation. Stronghold Crusader 2 is a strategy, medieval and city builder game developed and published by FireFly Studios. Released on September 22nd 2014 has received 16,932 reviews of which 12,215 were positive and 4,717 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for games like Prison Architect.
7.1
12,215
4,717
-93%
34.57€
2.42€
9. Pure Farming 2018
Similarity 58% Use the latest technology and state-of-the-art licensed machines to manage all aspects of modern farming. Travel between Europe, Asia, and both Americas to plant region-specific crops such as hemp, coffee beans, and olives. Farm your way thanks to three unique game modes tailored to both simulation veterans and newcomers to farming games. Pure Farming 2018 is a farming sim, simulation and open world game developed by Ice Flames and published by Techland Publishing. Released on March 13th 2018 has received 1,636 reviews of which 1,197 were positive and 439 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for games like Prison Architect.
7.1
1,197
439
-93%
20.57€
1.44€
10. Rise of Industry
Similarity 70% 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. Rise of Industry is a management, strategy and economy game developed by Dapper Penguin Studios and published by Kasedo Games. Released on May 02nd 2019 has received 4,089 reviews of which 2,995 were positive and 1,094 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for games like Prison Architect.
7.1
2,995
1,094
-92%
30.63€
2.45€
Free games like Prison Architect on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play games like Prison Architect you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 22nd 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play games like Prison Architect.
1. Fallout Shelter
Similarity 65% Fallout Shelter puts you in control of a state-of-the-art underground Vault from Vault-Tec. Build the perfect Vault, keep your Dwellers happy, and protect them from the dangers of the Wasteland. Fallout Shelter is a free to play, base-building and survival game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. Released on March 29th 2017 has received 73,819 reviews of which 65,306 were positive and 8,513 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 1,043 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free games like Prison Architect.
8.7
65,306
8,513
1,043
players
2. Realm Grinder
Similarity 60% Grow your realm, build alliances, and explore one of the deepest idle RPGs ever! Realm Grinder is a free to play, clicker and pixel graphics game developed by Divine Games and published by Kongregate. Released on June 15th 2017 has received 7,047 reviews of which 6,139 were positive and 908 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 898, this game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free games like Prison Architect.
8.5
6,139
908
898
players
3. OpenTTD
Similarity 73% OpenTTD is a business simulation game in which players earn money by transporting passengers and cargo via road, rail, water, and air. It is an open-source remake and expansion of the 1995 Chris Sawyer video game Transport Tycoon Deluxe. OpenTTD is a simulation, building and free to play game developed and published by OpenTTD. Released on April 01st 2021 has received 14,159 reviews of which 13,616 were positive and 543 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 451, this game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free games like Prison Architect.
9.4
13,616
543
451
players
4. Stronghold Kingdoms
Similarity 61% A massively multiplayer grand strategy game, Stronghold Kingdoms is about forging alliances, political mind games, city-building and castle sieges with thousands of other players! Stronghold Kingdoms is a strategy, free to play and medieval game developed and published by FireFly Studios. Released on February 27th 2012 has received 9,307 reviews of which 5,953 were positive and 3,354 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 276 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free games like Prison Architect.
6.3
5,953
3,354
276
players
5. Global City
Similarity 58% Become the mayor and build the city of your dreams! In this game, anything is possible. Whatever you can imagine in a city-building and development simulator, you can do. Start from the very beginning and unlock new possibilities for developing your city in Global City! Global City is a city builder, strategy and building game developed by Red Brix Wall and published by MY.GAMES. Released on November 30th 2021 has received 1,163 reviews of which 818 were positive and 345 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 166 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free games like Prison Architect.
6.8
818
345
166
players
6. Sim Companies
Similarity 62% Become a Business Tycoon. Build your own company from the ground up. Do business in a virtual economy with players all around the world! Gain valuable business skills for free. An advanced, proprietary, Economy simulation model is used to deliver the best gaming experience. Sim Companies is a economy, capitalism and simulation game developed and published by Sim Companies s.r.o.. Released on August 31st 2023 has received 832 reviews of which 666 were positive and 166 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 137 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free games like Prison Architect.
7.6
666
166
137
players
7. California Escapades
Similarity 59% In this simulation and adventure game, explore 19th-century Gold Rush California. Join Jim and Emma to build and manage your farm and city. Plant crops, raise animals, construct buildings, complete missions, uncover secrets, and collect treasures. Start your adventure now! California Escapades is a casual, simulation and strategy game developed and published by NUTS POWER ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED. Released on September 03rd 2024 has received 476 reviews of which 429 were positive and 47 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free games like Prison Architect.
8.4
429
47
74
players
8. Kingdom: Classic
Similarity 69% Kingdom is a 2D sidescrolling strategy/resource management hybrid with a minimalist feel wrapped in a beautiful, modern pixel art aesthetic. Kingdom: Classic is a free to play, singleplayer and strategy game developed by Noio and Licorice and published by Raw Fury. Released on October 21st 2015 has received 21,997 reviews of which 19,946 were positive and 2,051 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free games like Prison Architect.
8.9
19,946
2,051
59
players
9. Industry Idle
Similarity 63% Industry Idle is an idle game that combines factory building, resource management and market trading. Design & build your base, expand & scale up your productions, improve & optimize your economy. Plus all the incremental game goodies: offline earnings, prestige to unlock more powerful upgrades. Industry Idle is a automation, idler and resource management game developed and published by Fish Pond Studio. Released on September 13th 2024 has received 1,352 reviews of which 1,053 were positive and 299 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free games like Prison Architect.
7.5
1,053
299
55
players
10. Simutrans
Similarity 73% Simutrans is a freeware and open-source transportation simulator. Your goal is to establish a successful transport company. Transport passengers, mail and goods by rail, road, ship, and even air. Interconnect districts, cities, public buildings, industries and tourist attractions. Simutrans is a simulation, free to play and trains game developed and published by The Simutrans Team. Released on May 24th 2016 has received 616 reviews of which 465 were positive and 151 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free games like Prison Architect.
7.2
465
151
18
players