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
Farlanders
Terraform, strategize, and construct a Martian colony in this retro-inspired turn-based city builder. Create a comfortable living for your citizens, research alien artifacts, and uncover the secrets of the Red Planet.
Rogue AI Simulator
Play as a Rogue Artificial Intelligence, in the sequel to the hit Flash game "I'm an Insane Rogue AI", played more than 4 million times! Your Prime Directive is simple: design a facility & manage human Test Subjects for the Dept of Science. But be careful: they NEVER stop being suspicious of you...
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!
Zombie Cure Lab
Construct a laboratory base full of machinery to cure zombies. Assign workers to gather and process resources, building up your economy. Defend against zombie attacks and convert them into your workforce. Research technologies to develop the final antidote and restore humanity.
IXION
IXION is an unrelenting, city-building odyssey across the stars. As Administrator of the Tiqqun, DOLOS’ prototype space station, you are tasked with balancing preservation and exploration as you manage infrastructure, resources and crew. Can you keep the flame of humanity alight in the cold dark?
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.
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!
Astro Colony
Explore endless Universe and create the most efficient constellation of colonies. Build conveyor systems to automate production. Take care of Astronauts and their needs! Establish new colonies as part of intergalactic simulation.
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!
TFM: The First Men
An open-world colony sim based on stories of the first men. Infinite possibilities await your very own Adam and Eve as they embark on a generation-spanning adventure. How will you shape their future?
Settlement Survival
In this city-building game, you will lead a group of survivors in their search for a new home. Manipulate the landscape, manage limited supplies, plant crops, hunt wildlife, gather resources, and develop trade routes to build a bustling and unique town.
Oxygen: First Breath
This is a free version of Oxygen, featuring the first 50 game-days. Build your city around the Oxygen Center and ensure your people's survival in a post-apocalyptic future, threatened by crack explosions, deadly winds, droughts and frosts. Lead your people and keep the Oxygen Center running!
The Wandering Village
The Wandering Village is a city-building strategy game on the back of a giant, wandering creature. Build your settlement and form a symbiotic relationship with the colossus. Will you survive together in this hostile, yet beautiful post-apocalyptic world, contaminated by poisonous plants?
Cult of the Lamb
Start your own cult in a land of false prophets, venturing out into diverse and mysterious regions to build a loyal community of woodland Followers and spread your Word to become the one true cult.
Autonauts vs Piratebots
Create, automate and defend an impenetrable base. Assemble and command a Bot army to combat an entire Piratebot invasion. Build, program and battle your way through five different zones.
Cartel Tycoon
Cartel Tycoon is a survival business sim inspired by the ‘80s and '90s narco trade. Expand and conquer, fight off rival thugs and evade the authorities. Earn people's loyalty and strive to overcome the doomed fate of a power-hungry drug lord.
Clanfolk
Clanfolk is a colony sim set in the Scottish Highlands. Harness your environment to survive - fish, gather, hunt, and farm as you prepare for the winter. Build an inn, trade with other clans, have children and marry them off - live life and prosper across the generations.
Frozenheim
Lead your Viking clan onto unknown shores and carve out a future for your people in the fjords of Frozenheim. Gather resources, expand, and watch your settlement grow to a bustling town that will withstand the harshness of winter and wrath of other clans.
Captain of Industry
Land your crew of survivors on an abandoned island and survive! Mine raw materials, grow food, build factories, manufacture products, research new tech, and trade with others. Become an industrial superpower! But this is no easy task, you will be put to the test to keep your settlement alive.
Ninja Village
Lead a ninja clan in the war to unify feudal Japan!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 16th 2025.
1. RimWorld
A sci-fi colony sim driven by an intelligent AI storyteller. Generates stories by simulating psychology, ecology, gunplay, melee combat, climate, biomes, diplomacy, interpersonal relationships, art, medicine, trade, and more. RimWorld is a colony sim, base-building and survival game developed and published by Ludeon Studios. Released on October 17th 2018 has received 207,285 reviews of which 203,071 were positive and 4,214 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played colony sim game, thanks to its 19,206 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.7
203,071
4,214
19,206
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 4,534 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
4,534
players
3. 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. While seeing 3,004 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
39,708
2,151
3,004
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 30,293 reviews of which 28,922 were positive and 1,371 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 2,696 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played colony sim games.
9.3
28,922
1,371
2,696
players
5. 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 1,200 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played colony sim games.
9.3
29,274
1,542
1,200
players
6. 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 1,175 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played colony sim games.
8.4
41,188
7,190
1,175
players
7. 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 1,125 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played colony sim games.
9.3
26,807
1,428
1,125
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 794 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
794
players
9. Space Haven
Embark on a space voyage with your ragtag crew of civilians in search of a new home. Build spaceships tile by tile, create optimal gas conditions, manage the needs and moods of their crew, encounter other space-faring groups, and explore the universe in this spaceship colony simulation. Space Haven is a base-building, space and colony sim game developed and published by Bugbyte Ltd.. Released on May 21st 2020 has received 8,818 reviews of which 7,615 were positive and 1,203 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 771 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played colony sim games.
8.4
7,615
1,203
771
players
10. 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 735 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played colony sim games.
9.2
38,368
2,476
735
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 16th 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. 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 86% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for colony sim games.
8.4
5,164
819
-86%
21.43€
3.00€
9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for colony sim games.
6.4
3,216
1,734
-83%
34.00€
5.78€
10. Patron
Patron is a survival city builder with a unique social dynamics system. Gather and produce resources, build your fledgling village into a prosperous city and navigate the intricate social tensions before they reach boiling point. Patron is a city builder, colony sim and strategy game developed and published by Overseer Games. Released on August 10th 2021 has received 2,942 reviews of which 2,154 were positive and 788 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 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.
7.1
2,154
788
-81%
19.79€
3.76€
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 16th 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 735 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
735
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
3
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