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
F1® Manager 2024
Lead your team to glory in F1® Manager 2024. A new Formula 1® season has arrived, and with it, the most comprehensive F1® management experience to date. Build a legacy with one of 10 official F1® constructors or create your own team for the very first time.
Norland
Lead your noble family in this medieval colony sim, facing off against class conflict, religious struggle, and political treachery. Tend to your people’s needs, uncover the lost knowledge of a fallen empire, and engage in nefarious plots against your enemies.
Ocean Keeper: Dome Survival
Explore dungeons, fight hordes of monsters and survive on a huge map. This is Ocean Keeper - an action roguelike with tower defense elements. Mine resources in caves, customize your Mech Spider, upgrade different weapons and face dangerous bosses that won't leave you a chance!
Gladiator Guild Manager
A strategic autobattler sim where you build a team of gladiators, compete in arenas, plan fight tactics, and form alliances. Combine fighters, beasts, and mages, develop and equip them to optimize your well-oiled fighting machine, dominate the championships, and leave your mark on the world.
ASKA
Lay claim to unspoiled lands and pave the way for a fierce Viking tribe. Craft the ultimate settlement solo or together with up to x3 friends. Trust in the Gods and the power of the Eye of Odin and summon intelligent NPC villagers to provide camaraderie and relief from the toils of survival.
Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic
Build a soviet republic from an impoverished country into a rich industrial superpower in a city builder with intricate production chains and a fully simulated global economy. Manage the lives of your citizens from education to work and party loyalty to criminal activity.
Republic of Pirates
Establish and grow a pirate utopia during the Golden Age of Piracy. Create a resource-based economy, engage in real-time naval combat, and navigate diplomatic relationships with rival powers. Explore the far reaches of the Caribbean in search of the ultimate fortune and glory…
Pax Dei
Welcome to a vast, social sandbox MMO inspired by the legends of the medieval era. Here, myths are real, ghosts exist, and magic is unquestioned. Join thousands of players as you explore the land, build your home, forge your reputation, and craft your own stories. What world will you make?
TFC: The Fertile Crescent
Gather resources, build your base, and lead your people to victory in this captivating reimagining of classic base-building RTS, set in the Bronze Age. Secure fertile land, fend off raids, and stockpile food to generate knowledge and unlock powerful village advancements.
Ad Fundum
Take control of a giant mech and dive into an exciting underground adventure in a dieselpunk world! Dig deep, collect valuable minerals, upgrade wisely, explore diverse locations, uncover ancient secrets, and try not to explode! Will you save the world or vanish in the depths below?
Empires of the Undergrowth
Command swarms of warriors at an unprecedented scale of warfare in this blend of RTS and base-building. Lead ant colonies against the many fearsome threats of the insect world, while building intricate nests, developing pheromone-based tactics, and evolving to meet growing dangers.
clickyland
clickyland is a tower defense village builder where clicks are your main resource. Use clicks to harvest resources, fight enemies and manage your village, but use them wisely as you only get 20 clicks every day! Can you reach day 100?
ContractVille
Plan, design, build, and decorate your dream house in an open-world. Smash walls, sketch your layout, then build and decorate every inch—inside and garden. In an open world, tackle each renovation solo or with up to 4 friends. Pick up that hammer and start creating - Your dream house is waiting!
Night of the Dead
'Night of the Dead' is an open-world game that combines elements of exploration, tower defense, survival, and crafting. Traverse a world dominated by zombies while collecting various resources and powerful equipment. Build a fortress to survive the hordes of zombies that swarm every night!
Soulmask
Escaping a deadly sacrificial ritual, you find an ancient mystical mask on your journey. This mask holds potent knowledge, changing the world you knew. Face the harsh challenges of nature, survive, rally followers, and build your own tribe. Explore and unveil the truths behind the enigmatic mask.
Thriving City: Song
In 960 A.D., the Zhao Song Dynasty was established. As the mayor, you'll need to help the townspeople settle down, cultivate the land and expand. However, when the emperor issues a national mandate, conflicts between factions threaten city development—what strategy will you adopt?
Stellar Initiative
Stellar Initiative is a roguelike tower defense game where you land on the planet and use your orbit ship to deliver buildings and support you with fire. Complete missions, install new upgrades, discover powerful artifacts, and find the best strategy!
Galacticare
Build, manage and optimise intergalactic hospitals! Recruit staff to satisfy the whims of various alien species, and cure their bizarre illnesses - for money! Save the (literal) Galaxy in story mode, or head into sandbox to design the hospital of your dreams.
Taora : Survival
Taora is an open world survival game with unique character building and crafting. Build and upgrade your base, and survive the zombie apocalypse !
Survival: Fountain of Youth
Survival: Fountain of Youth is a challenging single-player open-world adventure game set on the Caribbean islands. Survive as a shipwrecked 16th-century explorer, craft tools and shelter, and uncover the secrets of both an ancient civilization and your own fate.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 17th 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 19,632 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.7
203,071
4,214
19,632
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 15,418 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
15,418
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 15,281 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
15,281
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 14,702 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
14,702
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 7,921 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
7,921
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 7,301 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
7,301
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 4,669 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
4,669
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 4,177 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
4,177
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 3,519 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
3,519
players
10. 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 3,204 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played base-building games.
8.3
40,165
7,346
3,204
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 17th 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 17th 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 3,204 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
3,204
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 2,971, 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
2,971
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 956, 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
956
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 508 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
508
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 149 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
149
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 725 reviews of which 525 were positive and 200 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
525
200
82
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
51
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
42
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
14
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
7
players