Best Base-Building 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 base-building games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free base-building games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts
The next chapter in the #1 rated RTS franchise thrusts players into a hellish war torn landscape to command two battle-hardened armies in relentless campaigns for honor and country. Players lead the tenacious British 2nd Army during the heroic World War II liberation of Caen, France, and command the German Panzer Elite as they struggle...
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Anniversary Edition
All of Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War in one glorious package. Play the genre-defining classic real time strategy game in all its blood-soaked glory, including four complete campaigns and nine full-fledged factions.
Company of Heroes - Legacy Edition
Delivering a visceral WWII gaming experience, Company of Heroes redefines RTS by bringing the sacrifice of heroic soldiers, war-ravaged environments, and dynamic battlefields to life. This legacy version also grants access to the latest version of COH, just called "Company of Heroes".
X-COM: Terror From the Deep
The war continues... X-COM: UFO Defense brought you to a galactic battlefield. X-COM: Terror from the Deep brings the alien terror into a totally new dimension.Seeking to take advantage of a weakened Earth, X-COM's deep space foes unexpectedly change strategy and launch a powerful second front against planet Earth.
Company of Heroes
Delivering a visceral WWII gaming experience, Company of Heroes redefines RTS by bringing the sacrifice of heroic soldiers, war-ravaged environments, and dynamic battlefields to life. Please visit the "Company of Heroes - Legacy Edition" page for additional user reviews.
Earth 2160
After the destruction of the EARTH in 2150, the leaders of the Eurasian Dynasty escaped on board an evacuation fleet. Now they are fighting for the survival of the human species. Their base is one large building comprising of smaller variable parts.
SpellForce 2 - Anniversary Edition
SpellForce 2 - Anniversary Edition presents the award-winning SpellForce saga hits: "SpellForce 2 – Shadow Wars" and the add-on "SpellForce 2 – Dragon Storm" for a spectacular game experience!
Stronghold 2: Steam Edition
Tax, torture or treat your peasants! Rehabilitate criminals or sentence them to death? Decide as you enjoy jousting over a lavish banquet, all while under siege from the warmongering Lord Barclay.Most played base-building games on Steam
Take a look at the top base-building games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of May 11th 2025.
1. V Rising
Awaken as a Vampire. Hunt for blood in nearby settlements to regain your strength and evade the scorching sun to survive. Raise your castle and thrive in an ever-changing, open world full of mystery. Gain allies online and conquer the land of the living. V Rising is a survival, open world and base-building game developed and published by Stunlock Studios. Released on May 08th 2024 has received 114,412 reviews of which 101,676 were positive and 12,736 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played base-building game, thanks to its 50,116 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.8
101,676
12,736
50,116
players
2. 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 208,648 reviews of which 204,410 were positive and 4,238 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. While seeing 23,256 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among base-building games based on player count.
9.7
204,410
4,238
23,256
players
3. 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. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is a strategy, rts and city builder game developed by Forgotten Empires, Tantalus Media, Wicked Witch, World's Edge and CaptureAge and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on November 14th 2019 has received 161,361 reviews of which 153,032 were positive and 8,329 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. While seeing 20,412 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among base-building games based on player count.
9.4
153,032
8,329
20,412
players
4. 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 213,813 reviews of which 207,392 were positive and 6,421 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 18,837 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played base-building games.
9.6
207,392
6,421
18,837
players
5. Satisfactory
Satisfactory is a first-person open-world factory building game with a dash of exploration and combat. Play alone or with friends, explore an alien planet, create multi-story factories, and enter conveyor belt heaven! Satisfactory is a base-building, automation and open world game developed by Coffee Stain Studios and published by Coffee Stain Publishing. Released on September 10th 2024 has received 229,520 reviews of which 222,959 were positive and 6,561 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 17,182 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played base-building games.
9.6
222,959
6,561
17,182
players
6. Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition
Celebrating its first year of delighting millions of global players, the award-winning and best-selling strategy franchise continues with Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition, putting you at the center of even more epic historical battles that shaped the world. Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition is a strategy, rts and base-building game developed by Relic Entertainment, Forgotten Empires, Climax Studios and World's Edge and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on October 28th 2021 has received 79,904 reviews of which 68,738 were positive and 11,166 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 9,232 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played base-building games.
8.5
68,738
11,166
9,232
players
7. Enshrouded
You are Flameborn, last ember of hope of a dying race. Awaken, survive the terror of a corrupting fog, and reclaim the lost beauty of your kingdom. Venture into a vast world, vanquish punishing bosses, build grand halls and forge your path in this co-op survival action RPG for up to 16 players. Enshrouded is a open world, survival and base-building game developed and published by Keen Games GmbH. Released on January 24th 2024 has received 75,274 reviews of which 65,223 were positive and 10,051 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 8,706 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played base-building games.
8.5
65,223
10,051
8,706
players
8. 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 127,764 reviews of which 123,608 were positive and 4,156 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 5,601 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played base-building games.
9.5
123,608
4,156
5,601
players
9. Grounded
The world is a vast, beautiful and dangerous place – especially when you have been shrunk to the size of an ant. Can you thrive alongside the hordes of giant insects, fighting to survive the perils of the backyard? Grounded is a survival, multiplayer and co-op game developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on September 27th 2022 has received 83,411 reviews of which 74,493 were positive and 8,918 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 5,207 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played base-building games.
8.8
74,493
8,918
5,207
players
10. Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition offers players a trial of this historical single & multiplayer RTS experience. *Note: To unlock all features of the game please see the “Base Game” product. Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition is a strategy, base-building and rts game developed by World's Edge, Tantalus Media and Forgotten Empires and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on October 15th 2020 has received 47,950 reviews of which 40,571 were positive and 7,379 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 4,163 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played base-building games.
8.3
40,571
7,379
4,163
players
Best deals on base-building games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of base-building games available on Steam right now, updated on May 11th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted base-building games.
1. Nova Lands
Nova Lands is a factory building, exploration, and island management game. Explore, engage in combat, and automate your industry. The planet you’re on is full of mysteries, creatures, people, and things to do. Welcome to your new home amongst the stars! Nova Lands is a automation, base-building and sandbox game developed by BEHEMUTT and published by HypeTrain Digital. Released on June 22nd 2023 has received 2,728 reviews of which 2,467 were positive and 261 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for base-building category.
8.7
2,467
261
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
2. Black Skylands
Become the captain of an airship and explore the world of the skies, gather resources and build powerful weapons, uncover ancient secrets and fight beneath your ship's sails. Black Skylands is a pixel graphics, open world and sandbox game developed by Hungry Couch Games and published by tinyBuild. Released on August 15th 2023 has received 3,851 reviews of which 3,196 were positive and 655 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in base-building games.
8.0
3,196
655
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
3. 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 2,103 reviews of which 1,694 were positive and 409 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in base-building games.
7.8
1,694
409
-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 1,722 reviews of which 1,273 were positive and 449 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for base-building games.
7.1
1,273
449
-95%
24.00€
1.20€
5. Ashes of the Singularity: Escalation
A massive-scale real-time strategy game where you command entire armies on a dynamic battlefield. Conquer multiple worlds across several single-player campaigns; or play with your friends in multiplayer combat. Ashes of the Singularity: Escalation is a rts, base-building and pvp game developed by Stardock Entertainment and Oxide Games and published by Stardock Entertainment. Released on November 10th 2016 has received 4,752 reviews of which 3,539 were positive and 1,213 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for base-building games.
7.3
3,539
1,213
-94%
29.17€
1.75€
6. Patch Quest
In a labyrinth surrounded by vicious monsters, Explorers must rely on their Lasso to survive! Capture and tame ANY monster to leap, glide, surf, tunnel and websling through a treacherous, patchwork maze. This roguelike/metroidvania seems cute, but it’s a deceptively difficult bullet-hell challenge! Patch Quest is a adventure, creature collector and rogue-lite game developed by Lychee Game Labs and published by Curve Games. Released on March 02nd 2023 has received 2,618 reviews of which 2,453 were positive and 165 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for base-building games.
9.0
2,453
165
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
7. CryoFall
CryoFall is a sci-fi colony simulation survival game set on a forgotten planet in a distant future. Master technology, agriculture, trading, industry, cybernetics, exploration, and more! CryoFall is a colony sim, crafting and pve game developed by AtomicTorch Studio and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on April 29th 2021 has received 6,148 reviews of which 4,844 were positive and 1,304 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for base-building games.
7.7
4,844
1,304
-93%
20.00€
1.40€
8. Medieval Kingdom Wars
Rewrite medieval history through bloody siege combat in a fusion of RTS and Grand Strategy genres. Rule, build, and serve your King as a minor lord in medieval Europe. Experience siege, field and naval combat with an unseen degree of brutality. Rogue-like progression, epic towns and battles await… Medieval Kingdom Wars is a grand strategy, rts and medieval game developed by Reverie World Studios and published by indie.io. Released on January 03rd 2019 has received 2,584 reviews of which 1,976 were positive and 608 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for base-building games.
7.4
1,976
608
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
9. 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 31,062 reviews of which 29,506 were positive and 1,556 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for base-building games.
9.3
29,506
1,556
-89%
30.55€
3.36€
10. Airborne Kingdom
The sky city builder awaits. Create your own flying kingdom and lead it on a quest across an expansive world. Explore the varied landscape, build up a floating metropolis, aid struggling people below, uncover lost secrets and, ultimately, bring back the Airborne Kingdom legend. Airborne Kingdom is a city builder, base-building and exploration game developed by The Wandering Band LLC and published by indie.io. Released on March 07th 2022 has received 2,149 reviews of which 1,867 were positive and 282 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for base-building games.
8.3
1,867
282
-89%
22.82€
2.51€
Free base-building games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play base-building games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on May 11th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play base-building games.
1. Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition offers players a trial of this historical single & multiplayer RTS experience. *Note: To unlock all features of the game please see the “Base Game” product. Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition is a strategy, base-building and rts game developed by World's Edge, Tantalus Media and Forgotten Empires and published by Xbox Game Studios. Released on October 15th 2020 has received 47,950 reviews of which 40,571 were positive and 7,379 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 4,163 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free base-building games on Steam.
8.3
40,571
7,379
4,163
players
2. Shop Titans
Shop Titans is the ultimate RPG shopkeeper simulation. Craft powerful equipment, stock your shop and sell to aspiring heroes… at a markup! Hire heroes and explore dungeons to gather valuable materials to craft with. There’s never a dull moment in the world of Shop Titans! Shop Titans is a idler, shop keeper and medieval game developed and published by Kabam Games and Inc.. Released on May 05th 2020 has received 16,826 reviews of which 13,180 were positive and 3,646 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 3,326, this base-building game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free base-building games on Steam.
7.7
13,180
3,646
3,326
players
3. Fallout Shelter
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 74,049 reviews of which 65,504 were positive and 8,545 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 974, this base-building game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free base-building games on Steam.
8.7
65,504
8,545
974
players
4. War Selection
War Selection is a compelling RTS game featuring base building, resource extraction and warfare. Evolve from a stone age tribe to a distinct industrial nation with unique game mechanics and battle for supremacy with dozens of players on a unique procedurally generated map. War Selection is a strategy, base-building and free to play game developed and published by Glyph Worlds. Released on October 08th 2019 has received 21,781 reviews of which 18,700 were positive and 3,081 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 697 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free base-building games on Steam.
8.4
18,700
3,081
697
players
5. Pixel Starships
Pixel Starships is an FTL-style online sci-fi strategy builder and management game with a competitive PVP tournament. Set in the retro galaxy, your role is to explore space, meet aliens, and develop your ship, crew and AI. The game contains deep strategic and 4x elements. PSS is community-driven. Pixel Starships is a sci-fi, space and strategy game developed and published by SavySoda. Released on May 23rd 2023 has received 2,709 reviews of which 1,990 were positive and 719 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 146 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free base-building games on Steam.
7.1
1,990
719
146
players
6. Tribal Wars
Compete in hardcore PvP strategy in persistent game worlds where real time resource and troop management in coordination with other players is required to expand your kingdom from one village to hundreds as you conquer the map in this winner takes all medieval contest. Tribal Wars is a strategy, massively multiplayer and base-building game developed and published by InnoGames. Released on November 12th 2020 has received 731 reviews of which 526 were positive and 205 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free base-building games on Steam.
6.9
526
205
85
players
7. Kingdom: Classic
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, singleplayer and strategy game developed by Noio and Licorice and published by Raw Fury. Released on October 21st 2015 has received 22,028 reviews of which 19,971 were positive and 2,057 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free base-building games on Steam.
8.9
19,971
2,057
65
players
8. XERA: Survival
Action-focused, open world survival shooter, PvPvE against fellow mercenaries and lethal XOIDS. Raid for resources alone or with team-mates, build and defend your base, stash your gear and survive against the odds. You are the hunters. You are the hunted. And the robots never sleep… XERA: Survival is a base-building, open world survival craft and multiplayer game developed and published by Spotted Kiwi Interactive. Released on September 26th 2021 has received 7,768 reviews of which 5,186 were positive and 2,582 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free base-building games on Steam.
6.6
5,186
2,582
51
players
9. Warzone 2100
In the late 21st century, the world's civilizations are wiped out by a series of nuclear strikes, seemingly caused by a massive malfunction of the new NASDA (North American Strategic Defense Agency) strategic defense system. Warzone 2100 is a strategy, free to play and rts game developed by Pumpkin Studios, Underdone Gaming and Warzone 2100 Project and published by Underdone Gaming. Released on February 18th 2020 has received 1,488 reviews of which 1,345 were positive and 143 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free base-building games on Steam.
8.6
1,345
143
19
players
10. Space Commander: War and Trade
Fight, explore the stars, trade, and lead your fleet across the galaxySpace Commander: War and Trade is an ultimate single player space-sim featuring spectacular graphics, intuitive combat and deep mechanics. Space Commander: War and Trade is a action, rpg and base-building game developed and published by Home Net Games. Released on November 04th 2020 has received 650 reviews of which 439 were positive and 211 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free base-building games on Steam.
6.5
439
211
7
players