Games like Dwarf Fortress on Steam
For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free games like Dwarf Fortress are available at the bottom of the page.
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Thriving City: Song
In 960 A.D., the Zhao Song Dynasty was established. As the mayor, you'll need to help the townspeople settle down, cultivate the land and expand. However, when the emperor issues a national mandate, conflicts between factions threaten city development—what strategy will you adopt?
Sweet Transit
Sweet Transit is a unique city builder where the railway is king. Build and automate the dream supply chain for your citizens, giving them all they need to expand quaint villages into bustling cities. Progress from steam power to diesel and beyond in this advanced train-driven experience.
Railway Empire
In Railway Empire, you will create an elaborate and wide-ranging rail network, purchase over 40 different trains modelled in extraordinary detail, and buy or build railway stations, maintenance buildings, factories and tourist attractions to keep your travel network ahead of the competition.
Hollywood Animal
Make movies, even if someone has to die. Take the helm of a major Hollywood studio at the dawn of sound cinema, and guide it through decades of creative achievements and glamor, debauchery and dark deeds, tough choices and unpleasant compromises.
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...
Mashinky
Mashinky is a transport strategy game about trains. The goal is to create your own transport empire on a procedurally generated map. It’s a unique blend of realistic graphics combined with an isometric construction mode and board game-like rules.
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.
Buzz Aldrin's Space Program Manager
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.
Majesty Gold HD
The High Definition edition of Majesty Gold contains main game, the Northern Expansion Pack as well as 2 new quests and several other graphics and gameplay updates.Majesty is a Real-time strategy game with indirect control – your heroes have a will of their own!
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!
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?
Most played games like Dwarf Fortress on Steam
Take a look at the top games like Dwarf Fortress that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 16th 2025.
1. RimWorld
Similarity 80% 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 210,517 reviews of which 206,216 were positive and 4,301 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 game like Dwarf Fortress, thanks to its 26,435 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.7
206,216
4,301
26,435
players
2. Oxygen Not Included
Similarity 62% 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 128,390 reviews of which 124,220 were positive and 4,170 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. While seeing 9,142 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among games like Dwarf Fortress based on player count.
9.5
124,220
4,170
9,142
players
3. Cities: Skylines
Similarity 59% 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. While seeing 6,314 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among games like Dwarf Fortress based on player count.
9.2
256,362
19,408
6,314
players
4. Kenshi
Similarity 47% A free-roaming squad based RPG. Focusing on open-ended sandbox gameplay features rather than a linear story. Be a trader, a thief, a rebel, a warlord, an adventurer, a farmer, a slave, or just food for the cannibals. Train your men up from puny victims to master warriors. Kenshi is a open world, sandbox and rpg game developed and published by Lo-Fi Games. Released on December 06th 2018 has received 98,135 reviews of which 93,712 were positive and 4,423 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 5,665 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played games like Dwarf Fortress.
9.4
93,712
4,423
5,665
players
5. Timberborn
Similarity 49% 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 31,678 reviews of which 30,266 were positive and 1,412 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 4,145 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played games like Dwarf Fortress.
9.4
30,266
1,412
4,145
players
6. Captain of Industry
Similarity 51% 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 7,154 reviews of which 6,737 were positive and 417 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 3,916 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played games like Dwarf Fortress.
9.1
6,737
417
3,916
players
7. Anno 1800
Similarity 51% 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 #7 spot among the most played games like Dwarf Fortress.
8.0
20,368
4,723
3,157
players
8. Transport Fever 2
Similarity 55% 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 #8 spot among the most played games like Dwarf Fortress.
8.9
24,960
2,667
2,477
players
9. Planet Zoo
Similarity 47% 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. Planet Zoo is a management, simulation and building game developed and published by Frontier Developments. Released on November 05th 2019 has received 87,849 reviews of which 80,029 were positive and 7,820 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 2,449 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played games like Dwarf Fortress.
9.0
80,029
7,820
2,449
players
10. Jurassic World Evolution 2
Similarity 54% 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 #10 spot among the most played games like Dwarf Fortress.
8.8
32,817
3,821
2,251
players
Best deals on games like Dwarf Fortress on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of games like Dwarf Fortress 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 Dwarf Fortress.
1. Founders' Fortune
Similarity 81% 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 2,114 reviews of which 1,699 were positive and 415 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for games like Dwarf Fortress.
7.7
1,699
415
-99%
18.99€
0.26€
2. Railroad Corporation
Similarity 47% 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. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in games like Dwarf Fortress.
7.1
1,028
359
-99%
35.10€
0.44€
3. Honey, I Joined a Cult
Similarity 54% 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 1,732 reviews of which 1,279 were positive and 453 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in games like Dwarf Fortress.
7.1
1,279
453
-99%
21.99€
0.40€
4. Aven Colony
Similarity 68% Build a new home for humanity in Aven Colony. Discover Aven Prime - an alien planet of deserts, tundras, and wetlands light years from earth. Build your colonies into massive, sprawling cities whilst dealing with the challenges faced when settling on a new world. Aven Colony is a colony sim, city builder and strategy game developed by Mothership Entertainment LLC and published by Team17 Digital Ltd. Released on July 25th 2017 has received 2,638 reviews of which 1,921 were positive and 717 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for games like Dwarf Fortress.
7.1
1,921
717
-99%
29.99€
0.47€
5. Lords and Villeins
Similarity 68% 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. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for games like Dwarf Fortress.
7.0
633
239
-99%
24.99€
0.38€
6. Naheulbeuk's Dungeon Master
Similarity 51% A dungeon in danger ! Build, manage, and defend your tower in the satirical heroic fantasy universe of Dungeon of Naheulbeuk. From a shaky establishment to an infamous lair! Naheulbeuk's Dungeon Master is a management, simulation and funny game developed by Artefacts Studio and published by Dear Villagers. Released on November 15th 2023 has received 1,408 reviews of which 1,006 were positive and 402 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 99% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for games like Dwarf Fortress.
6.9
1,006
402
-99%
24.99€
0.46€
7. Havendock
Similarity 60% 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. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for games like Dwarf Fortress.
8.1
1,191
208
-98%
19.50€
0.42€
8. Autonauts vs Piratebots
Similarity 52% 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. Autonauts vs Piratebots is a simulation, strategy and automation game developed by Denki and published by Curve Games. Released on July 28th 2022 has received 485 reviews of which 382 were positive and 103 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for games like Dwarf Fortress.
7.4
382
103
-98%
19.99€
0.43€
9. Buzz Aldrin's Space Program Manager
Similarity 45% 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 #9 position in the best deals for games like Dwarf Fortress.
7.3
369
110
-98%
28.99€
0.77€
10. Rise of Industry
Similarity 59% 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 #10 position in the best deals for games like Dwarf Fortress.
7.1
3,001
1,099
-98%
28.99€
0.62€
Free games like Dwarf Fortress on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play games like Dwarf Fortress 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 Dwarf Fortress.
1. DFHack - Dwarf Fortress Modding Engine
Similarity 52% Extensions for Dwarf Fortress, including bugfixes, interface improvements, automation agents, design blueprints, modding building blocks, and other tools. DFHack - Dwarf Fortress Modding Engine is a dwarf, simulation and software game developed and published by The DFHack Team. Released on April 13th 2023 has received 742 reviews of which 737 were positive and 5 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 189 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free games like Dwarf Fortress.
9.3
737
5
189
players
2. Kingdom: Classic
Similarity 49% Kingdom is a 2D sidescrolling strategy/resource management hybrid with a minimalist feel wrapped in a beautiful, modern pixel art aesthetic. Kingdom: Classic is a free to play, strategy and singleplayer game developed by Noio and Licorice and published by Raw Fury. Released on October 21st 2015 has received 22,088 reviews of which 20,023 were positive and 2,065 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free games like Dwarf Fortress.
8.9
20,023
2,065
48
players
3. Simutrans
Similarity 52% Simutrans is a freeware and open-source transportation simulator. Your goal is to establish a successful transport company. Transport passengers, mail and goods by rail, road, ship, and even air. Interconnect districts, cities, public buildings, industries and tourist attractions. Simutrans is a simulation, free to play and trains game developed and published by The Simutrans Team. Released on May 24th 2016 has received 622 reviews of which 468 were positive and 154 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free games like Dwarf Fortress.
7.2
468
154
16
players
4. Oxygen: First Breath
Similarity 75% 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! Oxygen: First Breath is a strategy, base-building and city builder game developed by Turquoise Revival Games and published by GrabTheGames and UpgradePoint. Released on October 07th 2022 has received 1,594 reviews of which 1,432 were positive and 162 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free games like Dwarf Fortress.
8.6
1,432
162
4
players
5. Terra Firma
Similarity 45% Play god and create your own world in this complex simulation. Plate tectonics, wind and water erosion and plant life all develop and interact to produce a world that is viewable from a single tree to kilometres across. Terra Firma is a simulation, strategy and god game game developed and published by Working as Intended. Released on February 20th 2025 has received 359 reviews of which 333 were positive and 26 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free games like Dwarf Fortress.
8.6
333
26
3
players
6. Smart Factory Tycoon: Beginnings
Similarity 55% This is a free version of Smart Factory Tycoon, a game inspired by Little Big Workshop introducing the first productions. Smart Factory Tycoon is a tycoon management game where you design your dream factory with robots, plan all steps of production, research new technologies and become a tycoon! Smart Factory Tycoon: Beginnings is a simulation, strategy and resource management game developed by Turquoise Revival Games and published by GrabTheGames. Released on January 05th 2022 has received 496 reviews of which 385 were positive and 111 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free games like Dwarf Fortress.
7.3
385
111
1
players
7. Espresso Tycoon Prologue: Underwater
Similarity 48% A completely FREE underwater mission from the Espresso Tycoon - a coffee shop simulator. Build your own cafe from scratch, hire staff, create the most delicious recipes in the whole Pacific Ocean and make customers happy! Decorate, manage, and build a successful coffee business in Sydney! Espresso Tycoon Prologue: Underwater is a life sim, sandbox and strategy game developed by DreamWay Games and published by PlayWay S.A.. Released on November 04th 2022 has received 640 reviews of which 576 were positive and 64 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free games like Dwarf Fortress.
8.4
576
64
8. Terraformers: First Steps on Mars
Similarity 55% 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 683 reviews of which 610 were positive and 73 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free games like Dwarf Fortress.
8.4
610
73
9. United Penguin Kingdom: Huddle up
Similarity 57% This free version of the United Penguin Kingdom covers the content from one year of in-game time. 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. United Penguin Kingdom: Huddle up is a strategy, city builder and survival game developed by Turquoise Revival Games and published by GrabTheGames and UpgradePoint. Released on December 19th 2023 has received 616 reviews of which 551 were positive and 65 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free games like Dwarf Fortress.
8.4
551
65
10. Drill Deal: Borehole (Alpha)
Similarity 51% Drill Deal is a unique simulator in a fun style that will draw you for hours. It's a building simulator like never before. Feel the thrill of a drill hitting underwater oil fields. Sell the precious substance and make your oil rig more efficient. Drill Deal: Borehole (Alpha) is a simulation, management and adventure game developed by A2 Softworks and published by Manager Games S.A. and Red Dev Studio S.A.. Released on August 10th 2020 has received 376 reviews of which 327 were positive and 49 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free games like Dwarf Fortress.
8.1
327
49