Games like 1980 on Steam
For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free games like 1980 are available at the bottom of the page.
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Let's School
Dive into the exhilarating role of a headmaster entrusted to revive your alma mater! Beyond just bricks and mortar, train teachers, recruit students. Sculpt your school into a unique educational haven! Let's School!
United Penguin Kingdom
A city-building game where you build a penguin settlement and satisfy the various needs of your penguins while dealing with seals and killer whales. Enjoy the growth of your settlement, become the king, and lead the United Penguin Kingdom.
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!
Tropico 4
The world is changing and Tropico is moving with the times - geographical powers rise and fall and the world market is dominated by new players with new demands and offers - and you, as El Presidente, face a whole new set of challenges.
Tropico Reloaded
TROPICO RELOADED is the ultimate game compilation for hobby-dictators and those dreaming of their own Caribbean island. Tropico combines real-time strategy and simulation elements with a healthy dose of political intrigue and Caribbean flair to create a unique and critically acclaimed game experience.
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.
The Settlers® 7 : History Edition
Let yourself be enchanted by the new world of Settlers with this modernized History Edition – in the midst of green forests and lush meadows, it will bustle again. You alone hold the fate of your kingdom in your hands. Which strategy will you choose?
Two Point Campus
Build the university of your dreams with Two Point Campus, the sim with a twist from the makers of Two Point Hospital. Build, hire staff and run an academic institution packed with wild courses.
Unholy Heights
Welcome to Unholy Heights, a mashup of Tower Defense and Apartment Management Simulation!
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.
Urbek City Builder
Urbek is a city building game where you can build your own neighbourhoods: from nightlife district to industrial district. Don't exhaust your natural resources before you have an educated population to build more efficient structures.
Blacksmith Master
Manage your own medieval smithy in Blacksmith Master and supervise the entire process from mining ores and gems to designing and selling finished products. Forge everything from weapons and armor to tools and cooking utensils to fund your craft and become the Blacksmith Master.
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.
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.
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!
SimAirport
Build & Manage Your Airport. An International Hub or a Regional Masterpiece -- it's up to you. Buy more land to scale out, or escalators to scale up with MULTIPLE FLOORS. You're in full control in this modern business management tycoon!
KAISERPUNK
Build a city to rule the world in Kaiserpunk, a grand city builder blending production-focused city building with world conquest in an alternate 20th century world. Manage your city, grow industries, build a military, and defeat rivals to become the greatest empire.
Age of Wonders: Planetfall
Age of Wonders: Planetfall is the new strategy game from Triumph Studios, creators of the critically acclaimed Age of Wonders series, bringing all the exciting tactical turn-based combat and in-depth empire building of its predecessors to space in an all-new, sci-fi setting.
Farm Manager World
Dive into the agricultural life with Farm Manager World! Manage your own farm across vibrant global locations, cultivate exotic crops, and build your agribusiness empire. Welcome to sustainable farming at its finest.
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.
The Settlers® : Heritage of Kings - History Edition
With this modernized History Edition dive into the diversified mix of enthralling build-up matches and exciting real-time fights. Manifold landscapes await to be explored and populated. Includes the main game plus the two expansions.
Most played games like 1980 on Steam
Take a look at the top games like 1980 that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 16th 2025.
1. Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI
Similarity 42% Expand your empire, advance your culture and go head-to-head against history’s greatest leaders. Will your civilization stand the test of time? Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI is a strategy, turn-based strategy and multiplayer game developed by Firaxis Games, Aspyr (Mac) and Aspyr (Linux) and published by Aspyr (Mac), Aspyr (Linux) and 2K. Released on October 20th 2016 has received 349,920 reviews of which 304,053 were positive and 45,867 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played game like 1980, thanks to its 23,194 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.6
304,053
45,867
23,194
players
2. Magic: The Gathering Arena
Similarity 42% Magic: The Gathering Arena empowers you to discover your strategy, meet the planeswalkers, explore the multiverse, and battle friends around the world. Start playing for free, challenge your friends, unlock cards, and feel the magic of the original fantasy CCG! Magic: The Gathering Arena is a strategy, card game and free to play game developed and published by Wizards of the Coast LLC. Released on May 23rd 2023 has received 19,465 reviews of which 12,323 were positive and 7,142 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. While seeing 11,949 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among games like 1980 based on player count.
6.3
12,323
7,142
11,949
players
3. Summoners War
Similarity 45% A global hit RPG that captured the Summoners all around the world! Jump into the Sky Arena, a world under battle over the vital resource: Mana Crystals. Design your own deck and strategy using 1,000 Monsters to claim victory. Go on an epic adventure with your Monsters! Summoners War is a free to play, rpg and strategy game developed and published by Com2uS. Released on January 07th 2024 has received 8,700 reviews of which 6,171 were positive and 2,529 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. While seeing 8,450 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among games like 1980 based on player count.
7.0
6,171
2,529
8,450
players
4. Cities: Skylines
Similarity 51% 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 275,770 reviews of which 256,362 were positive and 19,408 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 6,314 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played games like 1980.
9.2
256,362
19,408
6,314
players
5. Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms
Similarity 40% Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms is a Dungeons & Dragons strategy management game uniting Champions from throughout the D&D multiverse into a grand adventure. Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms is a dungeons & dragons, free to play and idler game developed and published by Codename Entertainment Inc.. Released on March 25th 2020 has received 14,480 reviews of which 11,212 were positive and 3,268 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. With 3,187 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played games like 1980.
7.6
11,212
3,268
3,187
players
6. Anno 1800
Similarity 43% 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 25,091 reviews of which 20,368 were positive and 4,723 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. With 3,157 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played games like 1980.
8.0
20,368
4,723
3,157
players
7. Transport Fever 2
Similarity 50% 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 27,627 reviews of which 24,960 were positive and 2,667 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 2,477 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played games like 1980.
8.9
24,960
2,667
2,477
players
8. Jurassic World Evolution 2
Similarity 41% Jurassic World Evolution 2 is the much-anticipated sequel to Frontier’s highly successful Jurassic World Evolution. This bold new era in the Jurassic World Evolution game franchise builds upon the ground-breaking and immersive 2018 management simulation. Jurassic World Evolution 2 is a dinosaurs, building and simulation game developed and published by Frontier Developments. Released on November 09th 2021 has received 36,638 reviews of which 32,817 were positive and 3,821 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 2,251 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played games like 1980.
8.8
32,817
3,821
2,251
players
9. Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic
Similarity 50% 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 22,175 reviews of which 20,192 were positive and 1,983 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 2,210 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played games like 1980.
8.9
20,192
1,983
2,210
players
10. Manor Lords
Similarity 48% 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 72,120 reviews of which 62,224 were positive and 9,896 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 2,155 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played games like 1980.
8.5
62,224
9,896
2,155
players
Best deals on games like 1980 on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of games like 1980 available on Steam right now, updated on June 16th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted games like 1980.
1. Railroad Corporation
Similarity 40% 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! Railroad Corporation is a strategy, trains and management game developed by Corbie Games and published by Iceberg Interactive. Released on November 18th 2019 has received 1,387 reviews of which 1,028 were positive and 359 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for games like 1980.
7.1
1,028
359
-99%
35.10€
0.44€
2. Lords and Villeins
Similarity 56% 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 872 reviews of which 633 were positive and 239 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in games like 1980.
7.0
633
239
-99%
24.99€
0.38€
3. Havendock
Similarity 44% Breathe easy and thrive in this cozy colony sim. Build a haven for castaways, manage resources, live your best life on the ocean. Lead your humble settlement into a high-tech society. Havendock is a singleplayer, strategy and city builder game developed by YYZ Studio and published by IndieArk and Pretty Soon. Released on April 22nd 2025 has received 1,399 reviews of which 1,191 were positive and 208 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in games like 1980.
8.1
1,191
208
-98%
19.50€
0.42€
4. Nebuchadnezzar
Similarity 45% Create and customize cities in Nebuchadnezzar, a classic isometric city-builder where careful planning and define your rise as a ruler in ancient Mesopotamia. Nebuchadnezzar is a city builder, sandbox and building game developed by Nepos Games and published by Astra Logical. Released on February 17th 2021 has received 1,706 reviews of which 1,354 were positive and 352 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for games like 1980.
7.6
1,354
352
-98%
19.99€
0.43€
5. Railroad Tycoon 3
Similarity 46% Railroad Tycoon 3 features 25 scenarios challenging players to recreate magnificent feats of railroading history from around the world. Players can lay track (including tunnels and overpasses), pick from over 40 locomotives from early steams to modern bullets, choose to haul over 35 types of cargo in a dynamic economy, and participate in... Railroad Tycoon 3 is a management, strategy and trains game developed by PopTop and published by 2K. Released on May 04th 2007 has received 1,169 reviews of which 900 were positive and 269 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for games like 1980.
7.4
900
269
-98%
9.99€
0.25€
6. Buzz Aldrin's Space Program Manager
Similarity 40% Space Program Manager (SPM) is the ultimate game of space exploration. It is the mid 1950s and the race for dominance between the US and the Soviet Union is about to move into a new dimension: space. Buzz Aldrin's Space Program Manager is a simulation, strategy and space game developed by Polar Motion and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on October 31st 2014 has received 479 reviews of which 369 were positive and 110 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for games like 1980.
7.3
369
110
-98%
28.99€
0.74€
7. Rise of Industry
Similarity 52% 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 4,100 reviews of which 3,001 were positive and 1,099 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for games like 1980.
7.1
3,001
1,099
-98%
28.99€
0.62€
8. As Far As The Eye
Similarity 47% 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 2,080 reviews of which 1,505 were positive and 575 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for games like 1980.
7.0
1,505
575
-98%
20.99€
0.47€
9. CivCity: Rome
Similarity 47% CivCity: Rome, an innovative city builder inspired by the world of Sid Meiers Civilization, and created by a collaboration between Firefly Studios and Firaxis Games, invites players to shift focus from building a multi-city empire and zoom-in on the great cities of the Roman Empire, culminating in Rome itself! CivCity: Rome is a strategy, city builder and rome game developed by FireFly Studios and Firaxis Games and published by 2K. Released on April 06th 2007 has received 858 reviews of which 624 were positive and 234 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for games like 1980.
7.0
624
234
-98%
9.99€
0.27€
10. Basement
Similarity 41% 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. Basement is a management, strategy and crime game developed and published by Halfbus. Released on November 10th 2019 has received 2,204 reviews of which 1,554 were positive and 650 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for games like 1980.
6.9
1,554
650
-98%
16.79€
0.46€
Free games like 1980 on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play games like 1980 you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on June 16th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play games like 1980.
1. Magic: The Gathering Arena
Similarity 42% Magic: The Gathering Arena empowers you to discover your strategy, meet the planeswalkers, explore the multiverse, and battle friends around the world. Start playing for free, challenge your friends, unlock cards, and feel the magic of the original fantasy CCG! Magic: The Gathering Arena is a strategy, card game and free to play game developed and published by Wizards of the Coast LLC. Released on May 23rd 2023 has received 19,465 reviews of which 12,323 were positive and 7,142 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. With 11,949 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free games like 1980.
6.3
12,323
7,142
11,949
players
2. Summoners War
Similarity 45% A global hit RPG that captured the Summoners all around the world! Jump into the Sky Arena, a world under battle over the vital resource: Mana Crystals. Design your own deck and strategy using 1,000 Monsters to claim victory. Go on an epic adventure with your Monsters! Summoners War is a free to play, rpg and strategy game developed and published by Com2uS. Released on January 07th 2024 has received 8,700 reviews of which 6,171 were positive and 2,529 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 8,450, this game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free games like 1980.
7.0
6,171
2,529
8,450
players
3. Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms
Similarity 40% Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms is a Dungeons & Dragons strategy management game uniting Champions from throughout the D&D multiverse into a grand adventure. Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms is a dungeons & dragons, free to play and idler game developed and published by Codename Entertainment Inc.. Released on March 25th 2020 has received 14,480 reviews of which 11,212 were positive and 3,268 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 3,187, this game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free games like 1980.
7.6
11,212
3,268
3,187
players
4. Clicker Heroes
Similarity 41% Ever wondered what one quadrillion damage per second feels like? Wonder no more! Embark on your quest to attain it today! Clicker Heroes is a clicker, idler and casual game developed and published by Playsaurus. Released on May 13th 2015 has received 61,304 reviews of which 54,989 were positive and 6,315 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 1,991 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free games like 1980.
8.8
54,989
6,315
1,991
players
5. Fallout Shelter
Similarity 40% Fallout Shelter puts you in control of a state-of-the-art underground Vault from Vault-Tec. Build the perfect Vault, keep your Dwellers happy, and protect them from the dangers of the Wasteland. Fallout Shelter is a free to play, base-building and survival game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. Released on March 29th 2017 has received 74,448 reviews of which 65,847 were positive and 8,601 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 994 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free games like 1980.
8.7
65,847
8,601
994
players
6. Trimps
Similarity 41% A text-based incremental idle game with a ridiculous amount of unique content. Automate old stuff as you unlock new stuff to keep things interesting for hours and hours, no spam clicking necessary! Trimps is everything you love about your favorite games, distilled to their purest form. Trimps is a idler, strategy and free to play game developed and published by Greensatellite. Released on May 02nd 2022 has received 1,287 reviews of which 1,176 were positive and 111 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 769 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free games like 1980.
8.7
1,176
111
769
players
7. Realm Grinder
Similarity 49% 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 7,102 reviews of which 6,185 were positive and 917 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 573 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free games like 1980.
8.5
6,185
917
573
players
8. GIRLS' FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM
Similarity 41% GIRLS' FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM is a Post-Apocalyptic Tactical RPG. Players take on the role of a commander who acts as a bounty hunter, leading a squad of tactical dolls through the contaminated zones. While accepting and completing various missions, players will face continuous waves of enemies. GIRLS' FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM is a strategy, rpg and anime game developed by SUNBORN Information Co. and Ltd. and published by HaoPlay Limited. Released on February 10th 2025 has received 1,580 reviews of which 1,111 were positive and 469 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 472 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free games like 1980.
6.8
1,111
469
472
players
9. Bloons Monkey City
Similarity 52% 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 6,222 reviews of which 5,676 were positive and 546 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 272 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free games like 1980.
8.8
5,676
546
272
players
10. Stronghold Kingdoms
Similarity 44% 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 massively multiplayer game developed and published by FireFly Studios. Released on February 27th 2012 has received 9,341 reviews of which 5,975 were positive and 3,366 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 265 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free games like 1980.
6.3
5,975
3,366
265
players