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
Sid Meier's Civilization® III Complete
Sid Meier's Civilization III: Complete, the latest offering in the Sid Meier's Civilization III franchise, provides gaming fans with Sid Meier's Civilization III, the highly-addictive journey of discovery.
Stronghold 2: Steam Edition
Tax, torture or treat your peasants! Rehabilitate criminals or sentence them to death? Decide as you enjoy jousting over a lavish banquet, all while under siege from the warmongering Lord Barclay.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 20th 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 22,167 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.4
151,527
8,081
22,167
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 273,857 reviews of which 254,575 were positive and 19,282 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. While seeing 11,636 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
254,575
19,282
11,636
players
3. 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 24,235 reviews of which 19,663 were positive and 4,572 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. While seeing 4,760 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among city builder games based on player count.
8.0
19,663
4,572
4,760
players
4. 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 30,487 reviews of which 29,108 were positive and 1,379 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 3,546 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played city builder games.
9.3
29,108
1,379
3,546
players
5. Transport Fever 2
The classic transport simulation genre has a new gold standard with Transport Fever 2. Discover a whole new world by navigating transport routes through land, water and air. May progress and prosperity find their way! Transport Fever 2 is a simulation, strategy and management game developed by Urban Games and published by Good Shepherd Entertainment. Released on December 11th 2019 has received 27,053 reviews of which 24,440 were positive and 2,613 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 3,525 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played city builder games.
8.9
24,440
2,613
3,525
players
6. 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 70,570 reviews of which 61,069 were positive and 9,501 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 3,173 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played city builder games.
8.5
61,069
9,501
3,173
players
7. 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 2,751 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played city builder games.
8.5
55,486
8,594
2,751
players
8. 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 21,602 reviews of which 19,724 were positive and 1,878 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 2,689 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played city builder games.
8.9
19,724
1,878
2,689
players
9. Kingdom Two Crowns
Gather coins, build defenses and reclaim your fallen Kingdom. Explore and uncover secrets, unlock new technologies and protect your crown versus waves of Greed monsters that come at night. Kingdom is a solo or co-op micro-strategy and tower defense game set in an atmospheric pixel world. Kingdom Two Crowns is a tower defense, minimalist and city builder game developed by Stumpy🐙Squid, Fury Studios and Coatsink and published by Raw Fury. Released on December 11th 2018 has received 7,063 reviews of which 6,244 were positive and 819 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 2,283 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played city builder games.
8.6
6,244
819
2,283
players
10. 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 5,278 reviews of which 4,988 were positive and 290 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 2,171 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played city builder games.
9.1
4,988
290
2,171
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 20th 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 868 reviews of which 628 were positive and 240 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
628
240
-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 2,097 reviews of which 1,688 were positive and 409 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in city builder games.
7.7
1,688
409
-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. 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 #4 position in the best deals for city builder games.
7.4
1,977
608
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
5. 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 16,932 reviews of which 12,215 were positive and 4,717 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for city builder games.
7.1
12,215
4,717
-93%
34.57€
2.42€
6. Rise of Industry
Put your entrepreneurial skills to the test in the first title in the ROI series as you create & optimise intricate production lines. As an early 20th-Century industrialist, grow your empire & adapt to an ever-changing business landscape with unexpected events that could lead to boom…or bust. Rise of Industry is a management, strategy and economy game developed by Dapper Penguin Studios and published by Kasedo Games. Released on May 02nd 2019 has received 4,089 reviews of which 2,995 were positive and 1,094 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for city builder games.
7.1
2,995
1,094
-92%
30.63€
2.45€
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 121,977 reviews of which 112,830 were positive and 9,147 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
112,830
9,147
-91%
30.00€
2.70€
8. Tropico 5
Return to the remote island nation of Tropico and expand your Dynasty’s reign from the early colonial period to beyond the 21st Century, facing new challenges including advanced trading mechanics, technology and scientific research, as well as cooperative and competitive MULTIPLAYER. Tropico 5 is a strategy, city builder and simulation game developed by Haemimont Games and published by Kalypso Media Digital. Released on May 23rd 2014 has received 14,096 reviews of which 11,067 were positive and 3,029 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 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.
7.7
11,067
3,029
-91%
19.22€
1.73€
9. 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 1,629 reviews of which 1,284 were positive and 345 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for city builder games.
7.6
1,284
345
-91%
25.11€
2.26€
10. Surviving the Aftermath
Survive and thrive in a post-apocalyptic future — resources are scarce, but opportunity calls! Build the ultimate disaster proof colony, protect your colonists, and restore civilization to a devastated world. Surviving the Aftermath is a strategy, simulation and city builder game developed by Iceflake Studios and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on November 16th 2021 has received 4,326 reviews of which 3,055 were positive and 1,271 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for city builder games.
6.9
3,055
1,271
-91%
30.78€
2.77€
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 20th 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 7,047 reviews of which 6,139 were positive and 908 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 974 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
6,139
908
974
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 373, this city builder game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free city builder games on Steam.
8.9
7,269
673
373
players
3. 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 9,307 reviews of which 5,953 were positive and 3,354 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 362, this city builder game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free city builder games on Steam.
6.3
5,953
3,354
362
players
4. 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. Attracting a solid base of 267 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free city builder games on Steam.
8.8
5,613
534
267
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 183 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
183
players
6. 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. Attracting a solid base of 171 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free city builder games on Steam.
8.4
429
47
171
players
7. 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. Attracting a solid base of 163 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free city builder games on Steam.
8.7
1,825
184
163
players
8. 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 113 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free city builder games on Steam.
7.6
1,131
306
113
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
64
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
17
players