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
MachiaVillain
Machiavillain is an evil mansion management and strategy game, inspired by Dungeon Keeper, Prison Architect and all the horror movie clichés! Build your own manor, raise your monsters, set up your traps, and exterminate your victims. But to gain reputation you'll have to slay by the horror movie rules!
Judgment: Apocalypse Survival Simulation
Build, scavenge, craft, and perform occult rituals to survive in a demon-infested, post-apocalyptic colony simulation. Will you survive Judgment day?
A Total War Saga: THRONES OF BRITANNIA
From the multi-award-winning strategy series, A Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia combines huge real-time battles with engrossing turn-based campaign, set at a critical flashpoint in history. Anglo-Saxons, Gaelic clans and Viking settlers clash for control. What Kingdom will you build?
Zero-K
With 100+ truly unique units, Zero-K is an RTS of freedom and creativity, tempered by a decade of refinement. Sculpt land into a castle and throw invaders off it with a Jugglenaut. Explore a massive campaign, solo or co-op. Hop online for epic 32 player battles or fast paced 1v1, on 100s of maps.
Frostpunk
Frostpunk is the first society survival game. As the ruler of the last city on Earth, it is your duty to manage both its citizens and infrastructure. What decisions will you make to ensure your society's survival? What will you do when pushed to breaking point? Who will you become in the process?
Steampunk Tower 2
Steampunk Tower 2 is an action-strategy game set in the alternative Steampunk universe. In Lord Bingham’s military service there is a new secret weapon under your command, the gigantic aircraft Carrier transporting the Battle Tower.
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.
Empires Apart
An exciting free-to-play Real Time Strategy game set in medieval times. Uniquely designed factions, customization options, singleplayer and multiplayer gameplay. Gather resources, raise an army and lead your civilization to victory in a classic RTS, brought to the modern age.
OF MICE AND SAND -REVISED-
On a desert planet in the farthest reaches of space, mice await your command! Direct their mobile fortress, and seek the legendary city of gold!
CONFLICT OF NATIONS: WORLD WAR 3
This Long Term Strategy Game lets you take control of the armed forces of your nation. Become responsible for its military expansion, technological research and economic development. Form alliances and wage total war for global dominance on the battlefields of World War 3.
Surviving Mars
There will be challenges to overcome. Execute your strategy and improve your colony’s chances of survival while unlocking the mysteries of this alien world. Are you ready? Mars is waiting for you.
Crest - an indirect god sim
Your word is gospel in this god sim set in Sub-Saharan Africa. Influence and try to control your followers using commandments but beware, free will leaves these open to interpretation. Will you create a flourishing civilization or lead them to death and destruction?
METAL GEAR SURVIVE
METAL GEAR SURVIVE builds upon MGSV’s stealth action gameplay with elements of exploration and survival creating a bold new experience. *An internet connection is required to play the game.
Regions Of Ruin
Regions of Ruin is a 2D pixel side-scrolling RPG with town-building, where you explore, fight and build into an open world that progressively challenges you and your settlement, and threatens the extinction of the dwarven race.
Subnautica
Descend into the depths of an alien underwater world filled with wonder and peril. Craft equipment, pilot submarines and out-smart wildlife to explore lush coral reefs, volcanoes, cave systems, and more - all while trying to survive.
Wooden Battles
Build a wooden fort, place your units, watch the mayhem!
Army Men RTS
Army Men RTS brings you back to the days of staging battles with tiny plastic soldiers in your backyard...except these green soldiers carry out your every command!
Stationeers
Stationeers puts you in control of the construction and management of a space station to run by yourself or online with your friends. Complex atmospheric, electrical, manufacturing, agriculture, and gravitational systems require your thought and management at all times!
March of Empires
Claim your title as Shogun, Highland King, Northern Tsar or Desert Sultan and join this genre-redefining strategy game where you will wage constant war for real territorial conquest! Fortify your castle, fuel a massive army, and enter the ultimate fight for realm domination!
SpellForce 3 Reforced
SpellForce 3 - The perfect blend between RTS and RPG!
Hold Your Own
A single player open world sandbox, crafting and survival FPS game set in a multi-island land where you'll fight to survive. Build your base, hunt and craft to defend yourself from aggressive wildlife, enemies or friends. Do you have what it takes to Hold Your Own?
ELEX
ELEX is a handcrafted action role-playing experience from the award-winning creators of the Gothic series, set in a brand new post-apocalyptic Science Fantasy universe that puts players into a huge seamless game world full of original characters, mutated creatures, deep moral choices and powerful action.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 16th 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 19,206 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.7
203,071
4,214
19,206
players
2. 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 228,332 reviews of which 221,780 were positive and 6,552 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 15,164 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among base-building games based on player count.
9.6
221,780
6,552
15,164
players
3. 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 14,526 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among base-building games based on player count.
9.4
151,527
8,081
14,526
players
4. 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 14,006 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played base-building games.
9.6
206,226
6,396
14,006
players
5. 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 7,727 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played base-building games.
8.6
64,121
9,814
7,727
players
6. 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 6,919 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played base-building games.
8.5
67,670
10,914
6,919
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 4,534 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
4,534
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 4,060 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
4,060
players
9. Forever Skies
A first-person survival game set on a post-apocalyptic, ecologically ruined Earth. Play solo or with up to 3 friends as you build, upgrade, and fly a high-tech airship. Scavenge resources, craft tools, and face dangers on the surface as you hunt for a cure to save humanity. Forever Skies is a singleplayer, exploration and co-op game developed and published by Far From Home. Released on April 14th 2025 has received 5,719 reviews of which 4,833 were positive and 886 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 3,539 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played base-building games.
8.2
4,833
886
3,539
players
10. Foxhole
Foxhole is a massively multiplayer game where thousands of players shape the outcome of a persistent online war. Every individual soldier is a player that contributes to the war effort through logistics, base building, reconnaissance, combat, and more. Foxhole is a massively multiplayer, wargame and military game developed and published by Siege Camp. Released on September 28th 2022 has received 42,952 reviews of which 35,894 were positive and 7,058 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 3,195 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played base-building games.
8.2
35,894
7,058
3,195
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 16th 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. Ashes of the Singularity: Escalation
A massive-scale real-time strategy game where you command entire armies on a dynamic battlefield. Conquer multiple worlds across several single-player campaigns; or play with your friends in multiplayer combat. Ashes of the Singularity: Escalation is a rts, base-building and pvp game developed by Stardock Entertainment and Oxide Games and published by Stardock Entertainment. Released on November 10th 2016 has received 4,738 reviews of which 3,526 were positive and 1,212 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 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.
7.3
3,526
1,212
-94%
29.17€
1.75€
5. 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 #5 position in the best deals for base-building games.
6
713
449
-94%
19.83€
1.19€
6. 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 2,612 reviews of which 2,448 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 #6 position in the best deals for base-building games.
9.0
2,448
164
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for base-building games.
7.4
1,977
608
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for base-building games.
6.5
741
368
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
9. shapez
shapez is an easy-going, minimalistic factory building game about the automation of shapes through extraction and satisfying production lines. Adapt to increasingly complex shapes and grow your factory across an infinitely expanding map. Your only limitation is your creativity! shapez is a automation, base-building and resource management game developed by Tobias Springer and published by tobspr Games and Doyoyo Games. Released on June 07th 2020 has received 13,510 reviews of which 13,000 were positive and 510 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 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.
9.4
13,000
510
-89%
9.64€
1.06€
10. 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 #10 position in the best deals for base-building games.
8.3
1,861
278
-89%
22.82€
2.51€
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 16th 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 3,068 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
3,068
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 2,783, 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
2,783
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 962, 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
962
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 433 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
433
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 150 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
150
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
69
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
56
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
41
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
19
players
10. Retro Commander
Retro Commander is a post-apocalyptic real-time strategy wargame (RTS). Retro Commander is a strategy, rts and base-building game developed and published by Noble Master LLC. Released on November 24th 2023 has received 302 reviews of which 229 were positive and 73 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free base-building games on Steam.
7.1
229
73
8
players