Best City Builder 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 city builder games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free city builder games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Diluvian Winds
Diluvian Winds is a relaxing management game set in a small hamlet at the foot of a lighthouse. Welcome weary travelers and work together to expand your hamlet on land, under the sea, or among the clouds.
Oddsparks: An Automation Adventure
Oddsparks is a blend of automation and real-time strategy for both the die-hard fans of the automation genre and the automation-curious. Explore a strange fantasy world, uncover the mysteries of the past, automate your workshops, and go on adventures with your odd & adorable Sparks!
Bellwright
Establish and expand your own settlements, liberate the land and assist its villagers, and recruit others to your cause while learning more about a life you had to leave behind. Command your forces, prove your valor through combat, and cement yourself as the hero of your people.
Sweet Transit
Sweet Transit is a unique city builder where the railway is king. Build and automate the dream supply chain for your citizens, giving them all they need to expand quaint villages into bustling cities. Progress from steam power to diesel and beyond in this advanced train-driven experience.
Infection Free Zone
Choose any real region from the world. Choose your base of operations, then rebuild and readapt the buildings around you to create a self-sustaining settlement. Take charge of a group of survivors from your city. And when the night falls - Defend the zone from the infected!
Laysara: Summit Kingdom
Build and expand your very own settlements in high mountains! Carefully plan production chains and satisfy various needs of your three-caste society while dealing with mountain hazards such as weather breakdowns and avalanches. Are you skilled enough to make your town thrive?
The Lost Village
Once there was a prosperous village of Martials, now none of it remains. As the son of the former Master, you will lead your followers to rebuild this village. Recruit followers and enter the mysterious illusional domain, acquire lost wonders. Will you see the rebirth of ancestors’ glory again?
Dice Kingdoms
Compete against friends in games filled with unpredictable twists and turns. Roll the dice to gather resources and test your adaptability. Lead your kingdom to success through military power, religious knowledge, or architectural ingenuity.
Sons of Valhalla
Sons of Valhalla is a combat and base-building game set in the Viking Age. Build fortresses and lay siege to enemy strongholds, gather warriors and board longboats, and engage in personal combat as you raid and conquer across England.
Pathless Woods
Embark on a cozy open-world survival journey inspired by ancient China's heritage. Gather resources, cultivate crops, build your dream home, and defend it from marauders. Team up with friends to explore and uncover a world where adventure meets serenity.
From Glory To Goo
From Glory To Goo is a Sci-Fi survival RTS set on an alien world. Serve as humanity's bulwark by establishing a colony and supporting your colonists still in orbit. But beware, for The Goo, a relentless and shape-shifting force approaches from all sides, even above and below.
Omega Crafter
Adventure in a vast open-world survival craft game with your programmable sidekick Grammi! Program the Grammi to collect materials, build your town, craft weapons and armor to challenge strong enemies! Play alone or with friends online!
Bulwark Evolution: Falconeer Chronicles
Bulwark: Evolution mixes elements of a chill builder with grand strategy and exploration elements. It's a genre bending experimental game that can be both a peaceful building experience or a total conquest with airships, warbirds and fortresses. It's up to the player to decide.
United Penguin Kingdom
A city-building game where you build a penguin settlement and satisfy the various needs of your penguins while dealing with seals and killer whales. Enjoy the growth of your settlement, become the king, and lead the United Penguin Kingdom.
SUMMERHOUSE
A tiny building game about beautiful lived-in houses. No rules or restrictions, just pure creativity.
SimCity™ 3000 Unlimited
SimCity 3000 Unlimited brings you the classic strategy gaming of SimCity 3000 with all-new scenarios that open up a whole world of city planning and building possibilities! The thrills of the classic SimCity 3000 are here again!
Minami Lane
Welcome to Minami Lane! Build your own street in this tiny cozy, casual management sim! Unlock and customize buildings, manage your shops, and maximize the happiness of your villagers to complete quests and fill your street with love!
Builders of Greece
Immerse yourself in the beautifully recreated golden age of Hellenic city-states. Builders of Greece is a city management game that lets you display your strategic and economic mastery. Build your Polis from scratch, make meaningful decisions, trade, fight and expand to become the ultimate ruler.
Primitive Society Simulator
In this game, you'll be the leader of an ancient tribe, guiding your people to explore the natural world, to hunt, and to farm. As culture and civilization prosper, you shall establish a tribal alliance, a community with a shared future of tribes.
Rail Route
In Rail Route, you will design, construct, upgrade, and automate your railway network in one of the many maps based on real-life cities worldwide. Dispatch the trains to make the traffic flow and the network grow!
CivIdle
CivIdle is an idle/incremental game that allows you to lead your own civilization through thousands of years from ancient times to the modern era. Expand your territory, explore a vast tech tree, build various wonders, and trade with global players: empire must grow and numbers must go up!
Smalland: Survive the Wilds
Experience a big adventure on a tiny scale! Enjoy multiplayer survival in a vast, hazardous world. Preparation is key when you're this small & at the bottom of the food chain. Craft weapons & armour, tame & ride creatures, build encampments & explore a strange new land.
River Town Factory
If possible, would you like to go back to ancient times to start a factory, refine oil, or even build a large computer? With the accidental fall of a meteorite, you traveled back to River Town a thousand years ago and became a workshop owner. And the story will begin from here……
The Universim
Jump straight into managing your own planets as you guide a civilization through the ages. Build the ultimate empire in The Universim, a new breed of God Game in development by Crytivo.Most played city builder games on Steam
Take a look at the top city builder games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 16th 2025.
1. 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. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played city builder game, thanks to its 14,526 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.4
151,527
8,081
14,526
players
2. Cities: Skylines
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 273,442 reviews of which 254,189 were positive and 19,253 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. While seeing 6,037 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among city builder games based on player count.
9.2
254,189
19,253
6,037
players
3. Timberborn
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 30,293 reviews of which 28,922 were positive and 1,371 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 2,696 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among city builder games based on player count.
9.3
28,922
1,371
2,696
players
4. Anno 1800
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 23,986 reviews of which 19,441 were positive and 4,545 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. With 2,518 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played city builder games.
8.0
19,441
4,545
2,518
players
5. Manor Lords
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 70,300 reviews of which 60,884 were positive and 9,416 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 2,124 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played city builder games.
8.5
60,884
9,416
2,124
players
6. Two Point Museum
Curate and manage incredible museums! Explore to discover amazing artifacts. Design and refine the layout, keep staff happy, guests entertained, donations plentiful… and children off the exhibits Two Point Museum is a simulation, casual and strategy game developed by Two Point Studios and published by SEGA. Released on March 04th 2025 has received 4,988 reviews of which 4,722 were positive and 266 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 1,729 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played city builder games.
9.1
4,722
266
1,729
players
7. Nordhold
Enemies are coming! Every decision matters: build your city, grow the economy, and prepare for enemy waves. Strengthen your defenses, adapt your strategy, and unleash your hero’s full potential. This unique Tower Defense will test your skills – are you worthy to claim a place at Valhalla? Nordhold is a rogue-lite, tower defense and city builder game developed by StunForge and published by StunForge and HypeTrain Digital. Released on March 25th 2025 has received 1,515 reviews of which 1,376 were positive and 139 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 1,557 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played city builder games.
8.6
1,376
139
1,557
players
8. Hollywood Animal
Make movies, even if someone has to die. Take the helm of a major Hollywood studio at the dawn of sound cinema, and guide it through decades of creative achievements and glamor, debauchery and dark deeds, tough choices and unpleasant compromises. Hollywood Animal is a early access, simulation and strategy game developed by Weappy Wholesome and published by Weappy Studio. Released on April 10th 2025 has received 1,096 reviews of which 732 were positive and 364 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. With 1,416 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played city builder games.
6.5
732
364
1,416
players
9. 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. Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic is a strategy, simulation and city builder game developed by 3Division and published by Hooded Horse. Released on June 20th 2024 has received 21,524 reviews of which 19,651 were positive and 1,873 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 1,351 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played city builder games.
8.9
19,651
1,873
1,351
players
10. Northgard
Northgard is a critically acclaimed strategy game based on Norse mythology. Lead your clan, uncover the secrets of a mysterious newfound continent and defeat your enemies to conquer the Throne! Northgard is a strategy, city builder and simulation game developed and published by Shiro Games. Released on March 07th 2018 has received 64,080 reviews of which 55,486 were positive and 8,594 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 1,339 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played city builder games.
8.5
55,486
8,594
1,339
players
Best deals on city builder games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of city builder 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 city builder games.
1. Lords and Villeins
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 865 reviews of which 626 were positive and 239 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Featuring a massive 96% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for city builder category.
6.9
626
239
-96%
27.50€
1.10€
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 city builder games.
7.8
1,686
407
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
3. InfraSpace
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 1,611 reviews of which 1,297 were positive and 314 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in city builder games.
7.7
1,297
314
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
4. Stronghold Crusader 2
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 16,919 reviews of which 12,202 were positive and 4,717 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for city builder games.
7.1
12,202
4,717
-95%
34.80€
1.74€
5. 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 #5 position in the best deals for city builder games.
7.4
1,977
608
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
6. Life is Feudal: Forest Village
LiF:Forest Village is a city builder with survival aspects in a realistic harsh medieval world. Shape, build and expand your settlement, grow various food to prevent your villagers from avitaminosis and starvation. Possess them for additional micromanagement or simply to wander around. Life is Feudal: Forest Village is a city builder, colony sim and strategy game developed by Mindillusion and published by Bitbox Ltd.. Released on May 26th 2017 has received 5,873 reviews of which 3,892 were positive and 1,981 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for city builder games.
6.5
3,892
1,981
-93%
24.57€
1.72€
7. 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? Frostpunk is a city builder, survival and resource management game developed and published by 11 bit studios. Released on April 24th 2018 has received 121,609 reviews of which 112,488 were positive and 9,121 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for city builder games.
9.1
112,488
9,121
-91%
30.00€
2.70€
8. Siege Survival: Gloria Victis
A medieval city under siege and a handful of civilians are all that keep the walls from falling. Mixing survival strategy and resource management, build your camp, craft supplies, and scavenge the occupied city to supply the last troops holding back the invaders. Siege Survival: Gloria Victis is a singleplayer, city builder and immersive sim game developed by Black Eye Games and published by Ravenscourt. Released on May 18th 2021 has received 1,627 reviews of which 1,283 were positive and 344 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for city builder games.
7.6
1,283
344
-91%
25.11€
2.26€
9. Parkasaurus
Parkasaurus is a dinosaur tycoon management simulation where you take care of your dinosaurs by constructing well-designed exhibits, researching specialized technologies, and maximizing profits to expand into the ultimate dinosaur theme park. Do you favor development for guests or your dinosaurs? Parkasaurus is a management, city builder and dinosaurs game developed and published by Washbear Studio. Released on August 12th 2020 has received 3,000 reviews of which 2,801 were positive and 199 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for city builder games.
9.0
2,801
199
-90%
20.10€
2.01€
10. Transport Fever
Transport Fever is a railroad-focused tycoon game. Players start in 1850 and build up a thriving transport company. As an emerging transport tycoon, the player constructs stations, airports, harbors and makes money by connecting areas requiring transport services. Build up your own Empire! Transport Fever is a flight, city builder and sandbox game developed by Urban Games and published by Good Shepherd Entertainment. Released on November 08th 2016 has received 10,699 reviews of which 8,917 were positive and 1,782 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for city builder games.
8.1
8,917
1,782
-90%
30.20€
3.02€
Free city builder games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play city builder 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 city builder games.
1. Realm Grinder
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 7,027 reviews of which 6,120 were positive and 907 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 827 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free city builder games on Steam.
8.5
6,120
907
827
players
2. Galaxy Life
The universe is full of Starlings, tiny orange aliens that want to take over the galaxy. Create your own space colony, fight epic battles and discover new planets. Train your soldiers, develop your technology and create unimaginable gadgets. Enjoy this huge social game with friends! Galaxy Life is a strategy, city builder and wargame game developed and published by Phoenix Network. Released on August 31st 2022 has received 7,942 reviews of which 7,269 were positive and 673 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 362, this city builder game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free city builder games on Steam.
8.9
7,269
673
362
players
3. Bloons Monkey City
Create, upgrade, and customize your very own Bloons Monkey City in this groundbreaking blend of city building and tower defense awesomeness! Bloons Monkey City is a free to play, strategy and action game developed and published by Ninja Kiwi. Released on April 10th 2020 has received 6,147 reviews of which 5,613 were positive and 534 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 246, this city builder game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free city builder games on Steam.
8.8
5,613
534
246
players
4. Stronghold Kingdoms
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 9,298 reviews of which 5,950 were positive and 3,348 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 246 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free city builder games on Steam.
6.3
5,950
3,348
246
players
5. Global City
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 169 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free city builder games on Steam.
6.8
818
345
169
players
6. Zoo 2: Animal Park
Zoo 2: Animal Park – Take care of wild and tame zoo animals in this animal game! Zoo 2: Animal Park is a casual, building and city builder game developed by KING Art and published by upjers. Released on August 24th 2020 has received 1,437 reviews of which 1,131 were positive and 306 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 134 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free city builder games on Steam.
7.6
1,131
306
134
players
7. California Escapades
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 city builder games on Steam.
8.4
429
47
90
players
8. Sarah's Adventure: Time Travel
This game unearths the essence of adventure by combining elements of exploration and puzzle-solving. The game’s appeal lies in its interactive gameplay mechanics, where your choices dictate the progression of the story. Sarah's Adventure: Time Travel is a casual, simulation and free to play game developed and published by NUTS POWER ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED. Released on June 25th 2024 has received 2,009 reviews of which 1,825 were positive and 184 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free city builder games on Steam.
8.7
1,825
184
84
players
9. My Free Zoo
A small zoo needs your help! As the new manager, it's your job to boost business. Design the zoo of your dreams. From wolves and polar bears all the way to prehistoric beasts – the further you progress in the game, the more exotic the animals you'll be able to keep in your zoo. Play now and save the zoo! My Free Zoo is a free to play, casual and simulation game developed and published by upjers. Released on November 28th 2017 has received 658 reviews of which 410 were positive and 248 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free city builder games on Steam.
6.1
410
248
39
players
10. Planet S
Planet S is a real-time strategy game where your goal is to colonize multiple planets in a solar system to advance your civilization, build a city and supply it to grow your faction. Planet S is a strategy, city builder and multiplayer game developed and published by Glimmerlight Games. Released on October 28th 2023 has received 2,565 reviews of which 2,352 were positive and 213 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free city builder games on Steam.
8.8
2,352
213
19
players