Best Resource Management 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 resource management games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free resource management games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Tank Mechanic Simulator
Renovate & build II World War tanks. Experience highly detailed & realistic simulation game. Take tanks fully apart by using different tools. Transform them from rusty and ruined to fully working. Check them on the training ground, sell or put into your own museum.
VenusBlood FRONTIER International
Loki Muspelheim, an exiled member of demon nobility strives for the throne of the Dark Lord who has wronged him. To succeed the throne and exact his revenge, he must obtain the hidden treasure on the Floating Continent of Yggdrasil, protected by the goddesses of the seasons and their Chief God Odin.
Through the Darkest of Times
Berlin 1933. “Adolf Hitler is chancellor!” We all know the consequences this message bore. Unspeakable horrors and suffering would sweep across the world. Few would stand and fight the monstrosity that was the German Reich. Will you? Lead an underground resistance group Through the Darkest of Times.
ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS XIV
Triumph over the land, take charge of the fate of China! Conquer territories and fly your colors!
Mad Tower Tycoon
Design your own skyscraper with more than 100 Floors. Rent offices, apartments or shops and build a financially lucrative skyscraper. Build cinemas, bars or a theater to satisfy your visitors and create an effective transport system with elevators and stairs.
AO Tennis 2
AO Tennis 2 is the only tennis experience designed for and by its community. Create your own players, stadiums and legendary matches. Enter the competition to reach the top of world tennis in Career Mode.
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!
Ylands
Adventure awaits you and your friends in the world of Ylands! Gather resources, craft tools, construct anything and everything, and explore the lands! Build a ship and set sail, encountering mythical animals, a wide variety of sea-life, enemies of all kinds and much more!
Automation Empire
Build and manage a massive industrial network of factories, mines, and farms. Employ a fleet of trains, trucks, and robotic drones. In the age of automation, efficiency is survival!
Railroad Corporation
Relive the pioneering spirit of the Golden Age of Steam by establishing your own railroad empire across 19th century North America. Bring settlements together, produce and trade goods and develop new technologies to stay ahead of the competition. Want more? RAILROAD CORPORATION 2 Out Now!
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.
Basement
Basement is a strategy game, where you start doing illegal business to fund the development of your dream video game. It won't be easy, so get ready to deal with other gangs, cops, crazy junkies, mysterious investor and even ghosts from the past.
Planet Zoo
Build a world for wildlife in Planet Zoo. From the developers of Planet Coaster and Zoo Tycoon comes the ultimate zoo sim. Construct detailed habitats, manage your zoo, and meet authentic living animals who think, feel and explore the world you create around them.
Mars Power Industries Deluxe
Mysterious puzzle inspired by 2001:Space Odyssey. Manage resources, solve challenging puzzles and uncover what lies beneath the surface! Year after year, strange happenings plague our tiny colony, darkness devours Mars. Your job as an Electrician? Bring light where darkness reigns!
Little Big Workshop
Manage your workers, stations, machines and create awesome stuff as your little big workshop grows into your dream factory!
Six Ages: Ride Like the Wind
Life between myths. Lead your clan into legend or obscurity. Plan ahead as you read this challenging storybook strategy game, immersing you in the land of old gods and magic also seen in King of Dragon Pass.
Rise to Ruins
A brutal godlike village sim that melds the god game, management, and tower defense genres! Fight off hoards of monsters at night, and expand your village in the day time. Inspired by games like Black and White, Rimworld, and Dwarf Fortress but not quite like any of them.
Crying Suns
Crying Suns is a tactical rogue-lite that puts you in the role of a space fleet commander as you explore a mysteriously fallen empire. In this story rich experience inspired by Dune and Foundation, each successful run will uncover the truth about the Empire... and yourself as well.
Rec Center Tycoon - Management Simulator
Design, build and manage a recreation center! Host fitness classes, build swimming pools, arcade & entertainment areas, build event rooms to host parties & much more. With endless customisation, Rec Center Tycoon goes much more in-depth than your average business management simulator.
Fantasy General II
The fantasy wargaming classic is back! Lead powerful heroes and mighty armies into battle in this critically acclaimed turn-based strategy milestone. Level up and train your units and guide them through a gripping story campaign to decide the fate of a world on the brink of destruction.Most played resource management games on Steam
Take a look at the top resource management games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 19th 2025.
1. Factorio
Factorio is a game about building and creating automated factories to produce items of increasing complexity, within an infinite 2D world. Use your imagination to design your factory, combine simple elements into ingenious structures, and finally protect it from the creatures who don't really like you. Factorio is a automation, base-building and resource management game developed and published by Wube Software LTD.. Released on August 14th 2020 has received 212,622 reviews of which 206,226 were positive and 6,396 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played resource management game, thanks to its 18,327 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.6
206,226
6,396
18,327
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 5,652 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among resource management games based on player count.
9.5
123,019
4,126
5,652
players
3. Farmer Against Potatoes Idle
Pick up your sword and fight off waves of Potatoes by upgrading your stats constantly, use Equipment, choose between different Classes, put your many Talents to good use, and so much more designed to keep you entertained for a long time. Farmer Against Potatoes Idle is a idler, casual and clicker game developed and published by Oni Gaming. Released on September 05th 2024 has received 7,010 reviews of which 6,689 were positive and 321 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. While seeing 2,159 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among resource management games based on player count.
9.2
6,689
321
2,159
players
4. 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. With 1,395 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played resource management games.
9.1
112,830
9,147
1,395
players
5. Galaxy Idle Clicker
Embark on an interstellar journey with Galaxy Idle Clicker! Conquer galaxies, upgrade your spaceship, and face off against a myriad of enemy ships. With engaging minigames, powerful upgrades, GIC delivers an unparalleled idle space adventure. Join the cosmic conquest today and dominate the universe! Galaxy Idle Clicker is a idler, casual and clicker game developed and published by Soehnle. Released on July 18th 2024 has received 621 reviews of which 473 were positive and 148 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. With 1,220 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played resource management games.
7.2
473
148
1,220
players
6. 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. Captain of Industry is a base-building, automation and resource management game developed and published by MaFi Games. Released on May 31st 2022 has received 6,473 reviews of which 6,107 were positive and 366 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 1,014 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played resource management games.
9.1
6,107
366
1,014
players
7. Mindustry
An open-ended factory management game with RTS and tower defense elements. Mindustry is a base-building, resource management and tower defense game developed and published by AnukenDev. Released on September 26th 2019 has received 21,477 reviews of which 20,586 were positive and 891 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 582 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played resource management games.
9.4
20,586
891
582
players
8. 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. Frostpunk 2 is a strategy, city builder and survival game developed and published by 11 bit studios. Released on September 20th 2024 has received 20,654 reviews of which 15,833 were positive and 4,821 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. With 412 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played resource management games.
7.5
15,833
4,821
412
players
9. 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? IXION is a space, city builder and strategy game developed by Bulwark Studios and published by Kasedo Games. Released on December 07th 2022 has received 15,462 reviews of which 12,098 were positive and 3,364 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. With 339 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played resource management games.
7.7
12,098
3,364
339
players
10. shapez
shapez is an easy-going, minimalistic factory building game about the automation of shapes through extraction and satisfying production lines. Adapt to increasingly complex shapes and grow your factory across an infinitely expanding map. Your only limitation is your creativity! shapez is a automation, base-building and resource management game developed by Tobias Springer and published by tobspr Games and Doyoyo Games. Released on June 07th 2020 has received 13,510 reviews of which 13,000 were positive and 510 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 281 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played resource management games.
9.4
13,000
510
281
players
Best deals on resource management games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of resource management games available on Steam right now, updated on April 19th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted resource management games.
1. The Pale Beyond
You didn’t ask to lead this expedition, but here you are. Stuck in the ice, Captain missing, miles from civilisation. Someone has to take charge. Manage your meagre resources, balance safety and morale, make the hard calls, and head in the only direction you can - through The Pale Beyond. The Pale Beyond is a resource management, survival and choices matter game developed by Bellular Studios and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on February 24th 2023 has received 1,814 reviews of which 1,615 were positive and 199 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for resource management category.
8.5
1,615
199
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
2. Hexarchy
Hexarchy is an innovative, fast-paced, historical 4x strategy game where you use cards and deckbuilding to make your decisions. Single-player and online multiplayer. Hexarchy is a turn-based, card game and resource management game developed by Main Tank Software and published by Yogscast Games and Gamersky Games. Released on October 19th 2023 has received 1,120 reviews of which 915 were positive and 205 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 resource management games.
7.8
915
205
-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 resource management games.
7.7
1,297
314
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
4. Honey, I Joined a Cult
It's time to start working towards that ultimate goal of enlightenment, faith and money…lots and lots of money! Become the ultimate tycoon - create, customise, and manage your own cult whilst listening to funky music. Welcome to Honey, I Joined a Cult! Honey, I Joined a Cult is a simulation, base-building and resource management game developed by Sole Survivor Games and published by Team17. Released on November 03rd 2022 has received 1,716 reviews of which 1,270 were positive and 446 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for resource management games.
7.2
1,270
446
-95%
23.40€
1.17€
5. Help Will Come Tomorrow
In an uninhabitable Siberian wilderness, in a wake of October Revolution, a group of passengers survives the mysterious catastrophe of Trans-Siberian railway train. They must endure in a harsh ice-clad climate until rescue arrives. Facing many dangers, their own weaknesses and, their own prejudice. Help Will Come Tomorrow is a survival, adventure and resource management game developed by Arclight Creations and published by Klabater. Released on April 21st 2020 has received 886 reviews of which 709 were positive and 177 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for resource management games.
7.6
709
177
-94%
19.67€
1.18€
6. 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 #6 position in the best deals for resource management games.
9.1
112,830
9,147
-91%
30.00€
2.70€
7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for resource management games.
7.6
1,284
345
-91%
25.11€
2.26€
8. 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. Cartel Tycoon is a top-down, rts and resource management game developed by Moon Moose and published by tinyBuild. Released on July 26th 2022 has received 3,514 reviews of which 2,684 were positive and 830 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for resource management games.
7.4
2,684
830
-91%
27.78€
2.50€
9. Train Valley
Build railways, manage traffic and stay accident-free. Play in Europe, America, Japan and USSR in 1830-2020. Complete the story mode from the Gold Rush of 1849 to the first manned spaceflight, and then explore the random mode. Management. Construction. Trains. Welcome to Train Valley! Train Valley is a replay value, resource management and indie game developed by Alexey Davydov, Sergey Dvoynikov, Timofey Shargorodskiy and Flazm and published by Flazm and META Publishing. Released on September 16th 2015 has received 3,289 reviews of which 2,952 were positive and 337 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for resource management games.
8.6
2,952
337
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
10. Godlike Burger
In Godlike Burger you run the craziest restaurant of the galaxy! Stun, poison and kill customers in many devious ways… and turn them into burger meat! And don’t worry: Alien customers will keep coming if you are smart about it, because cannibalism is just too damn tasty. Godlike Burger is a cooking, time management and resource management game developed by Liquid Pug and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on April 21st 2022 has received 773 reviews of which 588 were positive and 185 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for resource management games.
7.3
588
185
-89%
20.00€
2.20€
Free resource management games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play resource management games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 19th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play resource management games.
1. Farmer Against Potatoes Idle
Pick up your sword and fight off waves of Potatoes by upgrading your stats constantly, use Equipment, choose between different Classes, put your many Talents to good use, and so much more designed to keep you entertained for a long time. Farmer Against Potatoes Idle is a idler, casual and clicker game developed and published by Oni Gaming. Released on September 05th 2024 has received 7,010 reviews of which 6,689 were positive and 321 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 2,159 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free resource management games on Steam.
9.2
6,689
321
2,159
players
2. Galaxy Idle Clicker
Embark on an interstellar journey with Galaxy Idle Clicker! Conquer galaxies, upgrade your spaceship, and face off against a myriad of enemy ships. With engaging minigames, powerful upgrades, GIC delivers an unparalleled idle space adventure. Join the cosmic conquest today and dominate the universe! Galaxy Idle Clicker is a idler, casual and clicker game developed and published by Soehnle. Released on July 18th 2024 has received 621 reviews of which 473 were positive and 148 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 1,220, this resource management game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free resource management games on Steam.
7.2
473
148
1,220
players
3. 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. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 183, this resource management game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free resource management games on Steam.
6.8
818
345
183
players
4. Industry Idle
Industry Idle is an idle game that combines factory building, resource management and market trading. Design & build your base, expand & scale up your productions, improve & optimize your economy. Plus all the incremental game goodies: offline earnings, prestige to unlock more powerful upgrades. Industry Idle is a automation, idler and resource management game developed and published by Fish Pond Studio. Released on September 13th 2024 has received 1,352 reviews of which 1,053 were positive and 299 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free resource management games on Steam.
7.5
1,053
299
49
players
5. Magic Archery
Train a commoner to become the greatest archer in this short incremental game! Increase your stats, gather wealth from quests, buy upgrades, and infuse your arrows with magic. Magic Archery is a clicker, idler and fantasy game developed and published by Barribob. Released on October 04th 2024 has received 5,346 reviews of which 5,285 were positive and 61 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free resource management games on Steam.
9.5
5,285
61
45
players
6. Prosperous Universe
In Prosperous Universe start your galactic empire by trading on the real-time market exchange with other real players. Build your 1st base from humble beginnings & watch as your business flourishes with complex supply chain strategies. Economics, politics & realism fuel this immersive business MMO. Prosperous Universe is a early access, economy and resource management game developed and published by simulogics. Released on April 20th 2022 has received 883 reviews of which 665 were positive and 218 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free resource management games on Steam.
7.2
665
218
22
players
7. Cookard
Cookard is a cooking game where you run a restaurant by stacking cards to prepare and serve dishes to customers. Cookard is a free to play, card game and cooking game developed and published by Panitia GameDev and Cliffbite Game. Released on May 10th 2024 has received 1,875 reviews of which 1,813 were positive and 62 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free resource management games on Steam.
9.2
1,813
62
16
players
8. Pacifish
Pacifish is an incremental fishing management game with several mechanics to interact with and improve. It can be played both idly, or more actively to progress faster. Pacifish is a casual, idler and resource management game developed and published by Conifer Studios. Released on June 07th 2022 has received 666 reviews of which 555 were positive and 111 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free resource management games on Steam.
7.9
555
111
7
players
9. Beecarbonize
Do you have what it takes to save the planet? Beecarbonize is an environmental card strategy game with climate change as your opponent. Beecarbonize is a strategy, card game and resource management game developed and published by Charles Games. Released on August 01st 2023 has received 1,957 reviews of which 1,828 were positive and 129 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free resource management games on Steam.
8.9
1,828
129
5
players
10. 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 #10 spot among the most played free resource management games on Steam.
8.4
608
72
5
players