Best Colony Sim 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 colony sim games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free colony sim games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Frostpunk 2
Develop, expand, and advance your city in a society survival game set 30 years after an apocalyptic blizzard ravaged Earth. In Frostpunk 2, you face not only the perils of never-ending winter, but also the powerful factions that watch your every step inside the Council Hall.
Fera: The Sundered Tribes
Fera: The Sundered Tribes is an enthralling mixture of monster hunting survival action RPG with village building and tribe management with groundbreaking aerial traversal and combat mechanics.
Drill Core
Corporate greed meets strategic planet-mining in Drill Core! Drill to the heart of planets while managing workers, researching cutting-edge tech, and fortifying against alien attacks. Will you prioritize efficiency and risk your workers' safety, or focus on defense for survival?
Fantasy Map Simulator
Fantasy Map Simulator: Create and watch imaginary worlds evolve over centuries. Design maps, simulate nations, and control destinies. See empires rise and fall on your desktop wallpaper. A unique simulation for history buffs and creative minds.
MEMORIAPOLIS
Memoriapolis invites you to construct a city that spans 2,500 years of history, from Antiquity to the Age of Enlightenment. Choose your culture, manage resources, face historical events, build "Wonders" to achieve the status of Capital of Capitals and leave your mark in history!
Endzone 2
Endzone 2 is a post-apocalyptic survival colony builder, where you embark to secure humanity's survival after a cataclysmic disaster. Discover and repopulate the last habitable grounds, while the survival of your people hinges on your wits, foresight, and resilience in a harsh and unforgiving world.
Odd Realm
Dive into Odd Realm, a mystical colony sim set in a land of fantasy! Lead your settlers to construct a thriving haven, navigating unpredictable seasons, elusive bandits, unseen horrors, and fabled gods. Every choice etches your colony's destiny, igniting a saga of adventure, peril, and triumph.
Mini Settlers
Mini Settlers is a minimalistic city builder! Settle islands, construct cities, and design efficient logistic networks to fulfill your buildings' needs and fuel population growth to adventure into new worlds.
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.
Horticular
You have been magically summoned by mysterious gnomes to restore a long-lost garden. Attract adorable animals, build a lush environment, and immerse yourself in this relaxing garden-builder. Will you manage to reclaim the wasteland or succumb to a looming corruption?
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…
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.
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.
Fabledom
Set in a wholesome fairytale world, Fabledom is a laid-back City builder. Enjoy the growth of your settlement, interact with your neighbors and defend your kingdom from magical creatures. All to find true love and live happily ever after!
Moose Miners
Take control of a mining operation run by moose. They mine and sell the gems. You need to decide where to spend the profits. Hire more miners and upgrade their gear. Buy new rails and minecarts to get deeper into the mine. The deeper you get the more valuable gems you will find.
Echoes of the Plum Grove
A new life awaits in Honeywood! Build a thriving community that will last generations in this cozy farm simulator. Farm, socialize, make friends, cook, craft, forage and uncover the secrets of the island! If someone doesn’t want to be friends? There are always other means.
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.
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.
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!Most played colony sim games on Steam
Take a look at the top colony sim games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 15th 2025.
1. RimWorld
A sci-fi colony sim driven by an intelligent AI storyteller. Generates stories by simulating psychology, ecology, gunplay, melee combat, climate, biomes, diplomacy, interpersonal relationships, art, medicine, trade, and more. RimWorld is a colony sim, base-building and survival game developed and published by Ludeon Studios. Released on October 17th 2018 has received 207,285 reviews of which 203,071 were positive and 4,214 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played colony sim game, thanks to its 35,684 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.7
203,071
4,214
35,684
players
2. 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. While seeing 13,414 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among colony sim games based on player count.
9.5
123,019
4,126
13,414
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 4,780 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among colony sim games based on player count.
9.3
28,922
1,371
4,780
players
4. WorldBox - God Simulator
WorldBox is the ULTIMATE god simulator and sandbox game. A petri dish for your fantasy civilizations. Create your own world or destroy it using many powers. Watch civilizations grow, form kingdoms, colonize new lands, sail to far continents, wars to ignite, empires to fall and towns to burn! WorldBox - God Simulator is a sandbox, god game and simulation game developed and published by Maxim Karpenko. Released on December 02nd 2021 has received 41,859 reviews of which 39,708 were positive and 2,151 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 4,436 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played colony sim games.
9.3
39,708
2,151
4,436
players
5. They Are Billions
They Are Billions is a Steampunk strategy game set on a post-apocalyptic planet. Build and defend colonies to survive against the billions of the infected that seek to annihilate the few remaining living humans. Can humanity survive after the zombie apocalypse? They Are Billions is a base-building, colony sim and strategy game developed and published by Numantian Games. Released on June 18th 2019 has received 48,378 reviews of which 41,188 were positive and 7,190 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 3,861 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played colony sim games.
8.4
41,188
7,190
3,861
players
6. Against the Storm
A dark fantasy city builder where you must rebuild civilization in the face of apocalyptic rains. As the Queen’s Viceroy, lead humans, beavers, lizards, foxes, and harpies to reclaim the wilderness and secure a future for civilization's last survivors. Against the Storm is a strategy, simulation and city builder game developed by Eremite Games and published by Hooded Horse. Released on December 08th 2023 has received 30,816 reviews of which 29,274 were positive and 1,542 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 2,608 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played colony sim games.
9.3
29,274
1,542
2,608
players
7. Stronghold Crusader HD (2012)
The highly anticipated sequel to the best-selling Stronghold, Stronghold Crusader HD throws you into historic battles and castle sieges from the Crusades with fiendish AI opponents, new units, 4 historical campaigns and over 100 unique skirmish missions. Stronghold Crusader HD (2012) is a military, real time tactics and city builder game developed and published by FireFly Studios. Released on October 21st 2013 has received 19,567 reviews of which 19,105 were positive and 462 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 1,396 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played colony sim games.
9.5
19,105
462
1,396
players
8. Prison Architect
Only the world’s most ruthless Warden can contain the world’s most ruthless inmates. Design and develop your personalized penitentiary in Prison Architect. Prison Architect is a simulation, building and sandbox game developed by Double Eleven and Introversion Software and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on October 06th 2015 has received 72,036 reviews of which 64,202 were positive and 7,834 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 1,395 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played colony sim games.
8.8
64,202
7,834
1,395
players
9. Diplomacy is Not an Option
Diplomacy is Not an Option is a strategy game set in a medieval fantasy world. Build your town and defenses, raise huge armies and fight against massive hordes of enemies. How long can you survive? Diplomacy is Not an Option is a strategy, base-building and colony sim game developed and published by Door 407. Released on October 04th 2024 has received 9,122 reviews of which 7,775 were positive and 1,347 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 1,272 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played colony sim games.
8.3
7,775
1,347
1,272
players
10. Dwarf Fortress
The deepest, most intricate simulation of a world that's ever been created. The legendary Dwarf Fortress is now on Steam. Build a fortress and try to help your dwarves survive against a deeply generated world. Dwarf Fortress is a dwarf, colony sim and strategy game developed by Bay 12 Games and published by Kitfox Games. Released on December 06th 2022 has received 28,235 reviews of which 26,807 were positive and 1,428 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 1,269 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played colony sim games.
9.3
26,807
1,428
1,269
players
Best deals on colony sim games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of colony sim games available on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted colony sim 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 colony sim 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 colony sim games.
7.8
1,686
407
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
3. 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. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in colony sim games.
6.5
3,892
1,981
-93%
24.57€
1.72€
4. As Far As The Eye
Build a mobile village and travel with your tribe toward the center of the world, called The Eye. This roguelike turn-based resource-management game is made of procedural situations, natural events, skill-trees and hard choices. Ready to move? As Far As The Eye is a strategy, building and colony sim game developed by Unexpected and published by Unexpected, Goblinz Publishing and Maple Whispering Limited. Released on September 10th 2020 has received 2,072 reviews of which 1,504 were positive and 568 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for colony sim games.
7.0
1,504
568
-89%
20.73€
2.28€
5. Prison Architect
Only the world’s most ruthless Warden can contain the world’s most ruthless inmates. Design and develop your personalized penitentiary in Prison Architect. Prison Architect is a simulation, building and sandbox game developed by Double Eleven and Introversion Software and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on October 06th 2015 has received 72,036 reviews of which 64,202 were positive and 7,834 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for colony sim games.
8.8
64,202
7,834
-88%
25.83€
3.10€
6. Against the Storm
A dark fantasy city builder where you must rebuild civilization in the face of apocalyptic rains. As the Queen’s Viceroy, lead humans, beavers, lizards, foxes, and harpies to reclaim the wilderness and secure a future for civilization's last survivors. Against the Storm is a strategy, simulation and city builder game developed by Eremite Games and published by Hooded Horse. Released on December 08th 2023 has received 30,816 reviews of which 29,274 were positive and 1,542 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for colony sim games.
9.3
29,274
1,542
-87%
30.77€
4.00€
7. Townsmen - A Kingdom Rebuilt
Townsmen – A Kingdom Rebuilt hands the crown to you: Guide your people from their first steps in a small village to a massive medieval metropolis with thousands of inhabitants. Townsmen - A Kingdom Rebuilt is a strategy, simulation and casual game developed and published by HandyGames. Released on February 26th 2019 has received 1,219 reviews of which 847 were positive and 372 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for colony sim games.
6.7
847
372
-87%
19.23€
2.50€
8. Stronghold: Warlords
Besiege Great Khans, Imperial warlords and Shōgun commanders in Stronghold: Warlords, the latest 'castle sim' from Firefly Studios. Command AI warlords across the battlefield as you build a castle economy and new gunpowder-fuelled siege engines! Stronghold: Warlords is a city builder, real time tactics and colony sim game developed and published by FireFly Studios. Released on March 09th 2021 has received 4,950 reviews of which 3,216 were positive and 1,734 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 83% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for colony sim games.
6.4
3,216
1,734
-83%
34.00€
5.78€
9. Fabledom
Set in a wholesome fairytale world, Fabledom is a laid-back City builder. Enjoy the growth of your settlement, interact with your neighbors and defend your kingdom from magical creatures. All to find true love and live happily ever after! Fabledom is a city builder, relaxing and colony sim game developed by Grenaa Games and published by Dear Villagers and Doyoyo Games. Released on May 13th 2024 has received 5,983 reviews of which 5,164 were positive and 819 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 82% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for colony sim games.
8.4
5,164
819
-82%
20.78€
3.74€
10. 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. Stronghold 2: Steam Edition is a city builder, real time tactics and medieval game developed and published by FireFly Studios. It has received 5,195 reviews of which 4,616 were positive and 579 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 81% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for colony sim games.
8.6
4,616
579
-81%
12.53€
2.38€
Free colony sim games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play colony sim games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play colony sim games.
1. My Singing Monsters
Breed them, feed them, listen to them sing! Create an island full of Singing Monsters, then watch your song evolve as you breed and upgrade them. Design and build unique decorations to make your world look just the way you want. You'll love exploring the wonderful fantasy land of the Monster World! My Singing Monsters is a creature collector, simulation and casual game developed and published by Big Blue Bubble. Released on March 24th 2021 has received 40,844 reviews of which 38,368 were positive and 2,476 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 741 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free colony sim games on Steam.
9.2
38,368
2,476
741
players
2. Terraformers: First Steps on Mars
Terraformers: First Steps on Mars is a free prologue of Terraformers, featuring an exclusive challenge to lead humanity's first attempt at settling the Red Planet. Terraformers: First Steps on Mars is a strategy, simulation and colony sim game developed by Asteroid Lab and published by Goblinz Publishing and IndieArk. Released on October 23rd 2021 has received 680 reviews of which 608 were positive and 72 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free colony sim games on Steam.
8.4
608
72
2
players
3. Don't get lost
A procedurally-generated, open-world, first-person colony sim. Build colonies in an infinite world, alone or with friends via Steam or self-hosted multiplayer. Don't get lost is a colony sim, multiplayer and procedural generation game developed by Michael Hutcheon and published by miicck. Released on February 01st 2023 has received 452 reviews of which 360 were positive and 92 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free colony sim games on Steam.
7.5
360
92
1
players
4. Colony Simulator
Can your Colony survive 10 days or more in the desert? Find food, build your colony, recruit new workers, feed your population, craft tools and equipment, cook food and research technologies! Colony Simulator is a simulation, city builder and colony sim game developed and published by Indie Marc. Released on February 08th 2022 has received 422 reviews of which 280 were positive and 142 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free colony sim games on Steam.
6.4
280
142