Best Base-Building games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated base-building games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free base-building games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Ares Virus2
The "Ares Virus" series of games is widely acclaimed for its unique combat and individual style of painting. Now that the sequel is back, it will give you an unprecedented experience.
Builder Simulator
Builder Simulator is the perfect game for those who want to build a house, from the ground up, one brick at a time. On easy, the game will guide and teach you by showing you full instruction, but on hard you will get no help - instead rely on your builder skills and make everything yourself.
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.
Warlord: Britannia
Lead a Roman expeditionary force into the heart of Ancient Britain! Recruit, promote, and upgrade your legionaries while constructing a series of fortified marching camps. Use Roman tactics and strategies to conquer the entire island and become Warlord!
Keplerth
Welcome to Keplerth! Try to survive on a hostile alien planet in this 2D sandbox RPG, where you can choose to live alone or fight side by side with your friends in the online multiplayer mode. Survive, build, farm, fight, and explore your way to victory in this open-world adventure!
Decision: Red Daze
Decision: Red Daze is an action RPG with a unique mix of survival and tower defense mechanics. Explore an apocalyptic wasteland, build a safe haven, and lead your team of specialists in a hopeless world, searching for a cure for the infectious disease that turns people into monsters.
SCP Strategy
Take control of the SCP Foundation. For the general good, find, contain, and protect SCP objects. Develop your foundation and protect it from hostile organizations, in the last resort destroy them and capture SCP objects held there.
Spirits of the Hellements - TD
Assemble legendary Spirits and defend against the endless hordes of Hell. A tower defense where you must shape the battlefield and create a maze using the three Hellements. Use Fire, Lightning, and Wind tiles to trap your enemies, or augment your defenses.
King Arthur: Knight's Tale
A unique hybrid between turn-based tactical games and traditional, character-centric RPGs. Knight's Tale is a modern retelling of a classic Arthurian mythology story filtered through the dark fantasy tropes, a twist on the traditional tales of chivalry.
Warpips
Warpips is the ultimate quick to learn but amazingly deep tug-of-war strategy game. Deploy the right composition of soldiers, tanks, helicopters and planes in this tight, streamlined strategy-focused war game. Compose the best army, research the right tech; overwhelm your enemy!
Dungeon Alchemist
Dungeon Alchemist is mapmaking software for tabletop RPG's that enables you to make amazing, high-quality maps in seconds!
No Place Like Home
Humanity Trashed the Earth and left for Mars. Only few remained. EXPLORE the world. Clean the environment, CRAFT with recycled resources. Domesticate animals. Rebuild your village. Restore environment and run your own post-apo FARM as there is No Place Like Home!
Capybara Spa
Build your own capybara spa in this relaxing point and click simulation game! Grow fruits, craft soaps and clean towels to pamper the capybaras during their visit. Furnish the mountain with gardens, baths and decorations to design the best capybara spa!
Airborne Kingdom
The sky city builder awaits. Create your own flying kingdom and lead it on a quest across an expansive world. Explore the varied landscape, build up a floating metropolis, aid struggling people below, uncover lost secrets and, ultimately, bring back the Airborne Kingdom legend.
Animallica
In Animallica you are racing against extinction after a deadly virus ravaged the world. As the lone survivor of the last conservation center on Earth, the fate of every single animal and plant species lies in your hands.
Mechs V Kaijus - Tower Defense
Mechs V Kaijus is an addictive hardcore tower defense gameplay. In Mechs V Kaijus you take on the role of Commander of a powerful Mechs squadron. Improve your Mech, strategically place towers and factories on the battlefield. Deploy support units on the battlefield, and save our civilization.
Power to the People
Build and maintain a power grid for a constantly growing population, while fighting off all kinds of disasters in this thrilling resource management experience. It's time for you to give "Power to the People"! Do you have what it takes to keep the lights on?
Solargene
Lead a space corporation in the sci-fi simulator Solargene! Manage personnel, design and develop colonies and orbital stations throughout the solar system! Extract resources, establish logistics, research new technologies, trade and complete missions
Rogue Tower
Rogue Tower is a tower defense game with roguelike elements and a continuously expanding path which you can influence. Unlock, build, upgrade, expand, defend.
Garden of the Sea (VR)
You wake up on a small island in a magical world. Grow your garden, nurture local creatures, furnish your home or adventure across the seas to explore more islands and gather new resources. This world is for you.Most played base-building games on Steam
Take a look at the top base-building games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 15th 2025.
1. RimWorld
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 207,285 reviews of which 203,071 were positive and 4,214 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 base-building game, thanks to its 35,684 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.7
203,071
4,214
35,684
players
2. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
42 Civilizations, 229 Campaign Missions, Singleplayer, Co-Op, Multiplayer, In-Game Editor, Mods, Cross-play...It is good to be the king. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is a strategy, rts and city builder game developed by Forgotten Empires, Tantalus Media, Wicked Witch, World's Edge and CaptureAge and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on November 14th 2019 has received 159,608 reviews of which 151,527 were positive and 8,081 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. While seeing 28,305 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among base-building games based on player count.
9.4
151,527
8,081
28,305
players
3. Satisfactory
Satisfactory is a first-person open-world factory building game with a dash of exploration and combat. Play alone or with friends, explore an alien planet, create multi-story factories, and enter conveyor belt heaven! Satisfactory is a base-building, automation and open world game developed by Coffee Stain Studios and published by Coffee Stain Publishing. Released on September 10th 2024 has received 227,499 reviews of which 220,958 were positive and 6,541 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 26,621 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among base-building games based on player count.
9.6
220,958
6,541
26,621
players
4. Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition
Celebrating its first year of delighting millions of global players, the award-winning and best-selling strategy franchise continues with Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition, putting you at the center of even more epic historical battles that shaped the world. Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition is a strategy, rts and base-building game developed by Relic Entertainment, Forgotten Empires, Climax Studios and World's Edge and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on October 28th 2021 has received 78,584 reviews of which 67,670 were positive and 10,914 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 24,322 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played base-building games.
8.5
67,670
10,914
24,322
players
5. Factorio
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 212,622 reviews of which 206,226 were positive and 6,396 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 23,861 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played base-building games.
9.6
206,226
6,396
23,861
players
6. Enshrouded
You are Flameborn, last ember of hope of a dying race. Awaken, survive the terror of a corrupting fog, and reclaim the lost beauty of your kingdom. Venture into a vast world, vanquish punishing bosses, build grand halls and forge your path in this co-op survival action RPG for up to 16 players. Enshrouded is a open world, survival and base-building game developed and published by Keen Games GmbH. Released on January 24th 2024 has received 73,935 reviews of which 64,121 were positive and 9,814 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 14,319 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played base-building games.
8.6
64,121
9,814
14,319
players
7. Oxygen Not Included
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 127,145 reviews of which 123,019 were positive and 4,126 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 13,414 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played base-building games.
9.5
123,019
4,126
13,414
players
8. V Rising
Awaken as a Vampire. Hunt for blood in nearby settlements to regain your strength and evade the scorching sun to survive. Raise your castle and thrive in an ever-changing, open world full of mystery. Gain allies online and conquer the land of the living. V Rising is a survival, open world and base-building game developed and published by Stunlock Studios. Released on May 08th 2024 has received 111,089 reviews of which 98,770 were positive and 12,319 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 6,497 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played base-building games.
8.8
98,770
12,319
6,497
players
9. Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition offers players a trial of this historical single & multiplayer RTS experience. *Note: To unlock all features of the game please see the “Base Game” product. Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition is a strategy, base-building and rts game developed by World's Edge, Tantalus Media and Forgotten Empires and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on October 15th 2020 has received 47,511 reviews of which 40,165 were positive and 7,346 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 6,235 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played base-building games.
8.3
40,165
7,346
6,235
players
10. Dyson Sphere Program
Build the most efficient intergalactic factory in space simulation strategy game Dyson Sphere Program! Harness the power of stars, collect resources, plan and design production lines and develop your interstellar factory from a small space workshop to a galaxy-wide industrial empire. Dyson Sphere Program is a automation, space and base-building game developed by Youthcat Studio and published by Gamera Games. Released on January 20th 2021 has received 84,564 reviews of which 82,585 were positive and 1,979 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 5,796 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played base-building games.
9.6
82,585
1,979
5,796
players
Best deals on base-building games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of base-building games available on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted base-building games.
1. Black Skylands
Become the captain of an airship and explore the world of the skies, gather resources and build powerful weapons, uncover ancient secrets and fight beneath your ship's sails. Black Skylands is a pixel graphics, open world and sandbox game developed by Hungry Couch Games and published by tinyBuild. Released on August 15th 2023 has received 3,806 reviews of which 3,155 were positive and 651 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for base-building category.
8.0
3,155
651
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
2. Founders' Fortune
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 2,093 reviews of which 1,686 were positive and 407 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in base-building games.
7.8
1,686
407
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
3. Honey, I Joined a Cult
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 1,713 reviews of which 1,268 were positive and 445 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in base-building games.
7.2
1,268
445
-95%
23.40€
1.17€
4. Snowtopia: Ski Resort Builder
Build your ideal ski resort. Keep skiers smiling with fresh pistes and fine facilities. Ski, build and chill in the wintry world of Snowtopia where everyone is welcome! Snowtopia: Ski Resort Builder is a simulation, building and management game developed by TeaForTwo and published by Goblinz Publishing and Maple Whispering Limited. Released on December 14th 2022 has received 1,162 reviews of which 713 were positive and 449 were negative resulting in a rating of 6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for base-building games.
6
713
449
-94%
19.83€
1.19€
5. Patch Quest
In a labyrinth surrounded by vicious monsters, Explorers must rely on their Lasso to survive! Capture and tame ANY monster to leap, glide, surf, tunnel and websling through a treacherous, patchwork maze. This roguelike/metroidvania seems cute, but it’s a deceptively difficult bullet-hell challenge! Patch Quest is a adventure, rogue-lite and creature collector game developed by Lychee Game Labs and published by Curve Games. Released on March 02nd 2023 has received 2,609 reviews of which 2,445 were positive and 164 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for base-building games.
9.0
2,445
164
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
6. Medieval Kingdom Wars
Rewrite medieval history through bloody siege combat in a fusion of RTS and Grand Strategy genres. Rule, build, and serve your King as a minor lord in medieval Europe. Experience siege, field and naval combat with an unseen degree of brutality. Rogue-like progression, epic towns and battles await… Medieval Kingdom Wars is a grand strategy, rts and medieval game developed by Reverie World Studios and published by indie.io. Released on January 03rd 2019 has received 2,585 reviews of which 1,977 were positive and 608 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for base-building games.
7.4
1,977
608
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
7. Garbage
Experience the struggle which a homeless man goes through in a humorous manner. Primitive elements of contemporary life that we take for granted, such as staying warm, well-nourished, and hygienic, will become an issue. Garbage is a simulation, management and strategy game developed by Homebased and published by GrabTheGames and UpgradePoint. Released on June 04th 2021 has received 1,109 reviews of which 741 were positive and 368 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for base-building games.
6.5
741
368
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
8. Mr. Prepper
Mr. Prepper is about being prepared. You know something is wrong. The risk of a nuclear war is in the air and you need to get ready for what's coming. Mr. Prepper is a survival, simulation and base-building game developed by Rejected Games and published by Rejected Games and PlayWay S.A.. Released on March 18th 2021 has received 4,828 reviews of which 3,903 were positive and 925 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for base-building games.
7.8
3,903
925
-90%
18.60€
1.86€
9. Airborne Kingdom
The sky city builder awaits. Create your own flying kingdom and lead it on a quest across an expansive world. Explore the varied landscape, build up a floating metropolis, aid struggling people below, uncover lost secrets and, ultimately, bring back the Airborne Kingdom legend. Airborne Kingdom is a city builder, base-building and exploration game developed by The Wandering Band LLC and published by indie.io. Released on March 07th 2022 has received 2,139 reviews of which 1,861 were positive and 278 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for base-building games.
8.3
1,861
278
-89%
22.82€
2.51€
10. Stranded: Alien Dawn
Brave a new world in Stranded: Alien Dawn, a planet survival sim placing the fate of a small marooned group in your hands. Forge your story through compelling and immersive strategic gameplay as you make vital decisions to protect your survivors. Stranded: Alien Dawn is a survival, base-building and simulation game developed by Haemimont Games and published by Frontier Foundry. Released on April 25th 2023 has received 9,755 reviews of which 8,292 were positive and 1,463 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for base-building games.
8.3
8,292
1,463
-89%
35.36€
3.89€
Free base-building games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play base-building games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play base-building games.
1. Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition offers players a trial of this historical single & multiplayer RTS experience. *Note: To unlock all features of the game please see the “Base Game” product. Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition is a strategy, base-building and rts game developed by World's Edge, Tantalus Media and Forgotten Empires and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on October 15th 2020 has received 47,511 reviews of which 40,165 were positive and 7,346 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 6,235 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free base-building games on Steam.
8.3
40,165
7,346
6,235
players
2. Shop Titans
Shop Titans is the ultimate RPG shopkeeper simulation. Craft powerful equipment, stock your shop and sell to aspiring heroes… at a markup! Hire heroes and explore dungeons to gather valuable materials to craft with. There’s never a dull moment in the world of Shop Titans! Shop Titans is a idler, shop keeper and medieval game developed and published by Kabam Games and Inc.. Released on May 05th 2020 has received 16,750 reviews of which 13,121 were positive and 3,629 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 4,991, this base-building game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free base-building games on Steam.
7.7
13,121
3,629
4,991
players
3. Fallout Shelter
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 73,710 reviews of which 65,209 were positive and 8,501 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 1,524, this base-building game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free base-building games on Steam.
8.7
65,209
8,501
1,524
players
4. War Selection
War Selection is a compelling RTS game featuring base building, resource extraction and warfare. Evolve from a stone age tribe to a distinct industrial nation with unique game mechanics and battle for supremacy with dozens of players on a unique procedurally generated map. War Selection is a strategy, base-building and free to play game developed and published by Glyph Worlds. Released on October 08th 2019 has received 21,670 reviews of which 18,620 were positive and 3,050 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,203 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free base-building games on Steam.
8.4
18,620
3,050
1,203
players
5. Pixel Starships
Pixel Starships is an FTL-style online sci-fi strategy builder and management game with a competitive PVP tournament. Set in the retro galaxy, your role is to explore space, meet aliens, and develop your ship, crew and AI. The game contains deep strategic and 4x elements. PSS is community-driven. Pixel Starships is a sci-fi, space and strategy game developed and published by SavySoda. Released on May 23rd 2023 has received 2,684 reviews of which 1,976 were positive and 708 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 192 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free base-building games on Steam.
7.1
1,976
708
192
players
6. Tribal Wars
Compete in hardcore PvP strategy in persistent game worlds where real time resource and troop management in coordination with other players is required to expand your kingdom from one village to hundreds as you conquer the map in this winner takes all medieval contest. Tribal Wars is a strategy, massively multiplayer and base-building game developed and published by InnoGames. Released on November 12th 2020 has received 723 reviews of which 524 were positive and 199 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free base-building games on Steam.
6.9
524
199
98
players
7. Kingdom: Classic
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 21,983 reviews of which 19,934 were positive and 2,049 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free base-building games on Steam.
8.9
19,934
2,049
72
players
8. XERA: Survival
Action-focused, open world survival shooter, PvPvE against fellow mercenaries and lethal XOIDS. Raid for resources alone or with team-mates, build and defend your base, stash your gear and survive against the odds. You are the hunters. You are the hunted. And the robots never sleep… XERA: Survival is a base-building, multiplayer and open world survival craft game developed and published by Spotted Kiwi Interactive. Released on September 26th 2021 has received 7,766 reviews of which 5,188 were positive and 2,578 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free base-building games on Steam.
6.6
5,188
2,578
48
players
9. Warzone 2100
In the late 21st century, the world's civilizations are wiped out by a series of nuclear strikes, seemingly caused by a massive malfunction of the new NASDA (North American Strategic Defense Agency) strategic defense system. Warzone 2100 is a strategy, free to play and rts game developed by Pumpkin Studios, Underdone Gaming and Warzone 2100 Project and published by Underdone Gaming. Released on February 18th 2020 has received 1,479 reviews of which 1,336 were positive and 143 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free base-building games on Steam.
8.6
1,336
143
35
players
10. Space Commander: War and Trade
Fight, explore the stars, trade, and lead your fleet across the galaxySpace Commander: War and Trade is an ultimate single player space-sim featuring spectacular graphics, intuitive combat and deep mechanics. Space Commander: War and Trade is a action, rpg and base-building game developed and published by Home Net Games. Released on November 04th 2020 has received 649 reviews of which 438 were positive and 211 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free base-building games on Steam.
6.5
438
211
12
players