Best 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 building games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free building games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Sins of a Solar Empire: Trinity®
In Sins of a Solar Empire: Trinity, you are the leader of a civilization embroiled in a galactic war, fighting for the survival of your entire race against relentless foes.
Dungeon Defenders
Create a hero from one of four classes to save Etheria in this 4-player coop Tower Defense Action-RPG. Includes Steam exclusive Portal gun & TF2 familiars!
Cargo! The Quest for Gravity
Create crazy, yet functional, custom vehicles to solve missions with your own unique style!
SpaceChem
Zachtronics is back with an ambitious new design-based puzzle game. Take on the role of a Reactor Engineer working for SpaceChem, the leading chemical synthesizer for frontier colonies. Construct elaborate factories to transform raw materials into valuable chemical products!
Cities in Motion
Manage transportation for commuters in four of the world's greatest cities - Vienna, Helsinki, Berlin, and Amsterdam
The Sims™ 3
The Sims 3: Create the perfect world with full customization at your fingertips. Refine personalities and help fulfill destinies.
The Guild II Renaissance
For centuries Europe has been dominated by the church and nobility. On the shoulders of ordinary people the servants of god and the noble families justified their power and wealth. This was the incontrovertible, divine world order. A truly dark era… In the 14th Century the world order is beginning to transform itself.
SimCity™ 4 Deluxe Edition
SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition includes the bestselling SimCity 4 and the all-new SimCity 4 Rush Hour Expansion Pack. Create the most massive region of cities ever, with a farming town, bedroom community, high-tech commercial center, and industrial backbone.
The Guild II
The Guild 2 is the shining successor of the ultra successful medieval life sim, Europe 1400. The Guild 2 is a unique mixture of RPG and life simulation in an immersive middle ages scenario. The player and his party become part of history and can even change it in real-time. Go back to the dark middle ages and found a new dynasty!
Gratuitous Space Battles
Who needs backstory? Who needs resource-gathering? Diplomacy is so last year. Gratuitous Space Battles cuts right to the chase of sci-fi strategy games, and deals with large, completely unjustified space battles between huge opposing space fleets.
Thrillville®: Off the Rails™
Thrillville™: Off the Rails lives up to its name with 20 death-defying rides! Players can build incredible coasters to leap from one track to another, launch through the air like cannonballs, blast through a burning rings of fire and more!
Evil Genius
Everybody wants to rule the world! Achieve global power with EVIL GENIUS, the one and only complete world domination simulator. All the everyday tasks of the deliciously wicked mastermind are available to experience and master from building your ultra-secret base to developing spectacular super-weapons to carry out your nefarious master...
Restaurant Empire II
Restaurant Empire 2 is the most realistic and comprehensive restaurant business simulation available, featuring 4 cuisines, 600 recipes, 4 huge cities, 2 campaigns with a total of 34 missions, 1400 interior objects, and a mix of business strategy and role-playing gameplay such as cooking contests.
Grand Ages: Rome
As Governor of a Roman Province in the time-honoured Roman Empire, its fortune very much lies in your hands. Choose one of five Roman noble families such as Caesar’s Julii with different abilities to accomplish the comprehensive missions.
World of Goo
World of Goo is a multiple award winning physics based puzzle / construction game made entirely by two guys.
Railroad Tycoon 3
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...
Sid Meier's Railroads!
Sid Meier's Railroads! marks the return of the watershed title in simulation/strategy gaming that launched the popular "tycoon" genre, and inspired a new generation of games. Sid Meier's Railroads!
Garry's Mod
Garry's Mod is a physics sandbox. There aren't any predefined aims or goals. We give you the tools and leave you to play.
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 building games on Steam
Take a look at the top building games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 15th 2025.
1. The Sims™ 4
Play with life and discover the possibilities. Unleash your imagination and create a world of Sims that’s wholly unique. Explore and customize every detail from Sims to homes–and much more. The Sims™ 4 is a life sim, character customization and free to play game developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. Released on June 18th 2020 has received 170,727 reviews of which 149,064 were positive and 21,663 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played building game, thanks to its 27,271 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.6
149,064
21,663
27,271
players
2. Garry's Mod
Garry's Mod is a physics sandbox. There aren't any predefined aims or goals. We give you the tools and leave you to play. Garry's Mod is a sandbox, moddable and multiplayer game developed by Facepunch Studios and published by Valve. Released on November 29th 2006 has received 1,159,707 reviews of which 1,122,546 were positive and 37,161 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 20,558 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among building games based on player count.
9.6
1,122,546
37,161
20,558
players
3. 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 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 7,947 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among building games based on player count.
9.5
124,220
4,170
7,947
players
4. RoadCraft
As the leader of a company specialized in restoring sites devastated by natural disasters, use your construction machinery to restart the local industry. Clear debris and faulty equipment, rebuild roads and bridges damaged by weather, and much more! RoadCraft is a simulation, building and driving game developed by Saber Interactive and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on May 20th 2025 has received 7,668 reviews of which 5,784 were positive and 1,884 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. With 7,131 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played building games.
7.4
5,784
1,884
7,131
players
5. 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. 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 6,067 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played building games.
9.2
256,362
19,408
6,067
players
6. Conan Exiles
An online multiplayer survival game, now with sorcery, set in the lands of Conan the Barbarian. Survive in a vast open world sandbox, build your home into a kingdom, and dominate your enemies in single or multiplayer. Conan Exiles is a survival and open world game developed and published by Funcom. Released on May 08th 2018 has received 107,465 reviews of which 84,575 were positive and 22,890 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 6,059 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played building games.
7.8
84,575
22,890
6,059
players
7. Space Engineers
Space Engineers is a sandbox game about engineering, construction, exploration and survival in space and on planets. Players build space ships, space stations, planetary outposts of various sizes and uses, pilot ships and travel through space to explore planets and gather resources to survive. Space Engineers is a space, sandbox and building game developed and published by Keen Software House. Released on February 28th 2019 has received 132,347 reviews of which 117,204 were positive and 15,143 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 4,375 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played building games.
8.8
117,204
15,143
4,375
players
8. House Flipper 2
Clean your worries away with this relaxing renovation simulator! Buy, fix, sell, and become a local legend. Or grab your power tools and build anything from scratch! With the online 2-4 players co-op mode, you can play both in sandbox and story mode together. House Flipper 2 is a simulation, relaxing and building game developed and published by Frozen District. Released on December 14th 2023 has received 13,691 reviews of which 11,633 were positive and 2,058 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 2,659 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played building games.
8.3
11,633
2,058
2,659
players
9. Construction Simulator
Construction Simulator has returned – larger and more impressive than ever! Fulfil your ambition to become a successful construction entrepreneur by establishing your business from scratch, assisted by your mentor Hape. Construction Simulator is a simulation, multiplayer and building game developed by weltenbauer. Software Entwicklung GmbH and published by astragon Entertainment. Released on September 20th 2022 has received 11,160 reviews of which 9,193 were positive and 1,967 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. With 2,506 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played building games.
8.0
9,193
1,967
2,506
players
10. 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. 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 2,288 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played building games.
9.0
80,029
7,820
2,288
players
Best deals on building games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of building games available on Steam right now, updated on June 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted building games.
1. Transport Fever
Transport Fever is a railroad-focused tycoon game. Players start in 1850 and build up a thriving transport company. As an emerging transport tycoon, the player constructs stations, airports, harbors and makes money by connecting areas requiring transport services. Build up your own Empire! Transport Fever is a flight, city builder and sandbox game developed by Urban Games and published by Good Shepherd Entertainment. Released on November 08th 2016 has received 10,722 reviews of which 8,934 were positive and 1,788 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Featuring a massive 98% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for building category.
8.1
8,934
1,788
-98%
29.99€
0.69€
2. Founders' Fortune
A fantasy village builder focusing on creative building, colonist psychology and base defense. Handle resources, farming, production, tools, diplomacy, families, trading, defense, and research, as well as the wishes, expectations, thoughts, and equipment of every villager. Founders' Fortune is a colony sim, base-building and city builder game developed and published by Dionic Software. Released on December 18th 2020 has received 2,114 reviews of which 1,699 were positive and 415 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in building games.
7.7
1,699
415
-98%
18.99€
0.38€
3. Nebuchadnezzar
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. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in building games.
7.6
1,354
352
-98%
19.99€
0.43€
4. Rover Mechanic Simulator
As an Engineer - crew member of one of the first Mars colonies - you are responsible for repairing and maintaining Mars Rovers. In this advanced simulator you will learn the internal details of various Mars Rovers and their components. Rover Mechanic Simulator is a simulation, indie and building game developed by ▲ Pyramid Games and published by Pyramid Games S.A. and PlayWay S.A.. Released on November 12th 2020 has received 637 reviews of which 489 were positive and 148 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for building games.
7.3
489
148
-98%
11.79€
0.35€
5. As Far As The Eye
Build a mobile village and travel with your tribe toward the center of the world, called The Eye. This roguelike turn-based resource-management game is made of procedural situations, natural events, skill-trees and hard choices. Ready to move? As Far As The Eye is a strategy, building and colony sim game developed by Unexpected and published by Unexpected, Goblinz Publishing and Maple Whispering Limited. Released on September 10th 2020 has received 2,080 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 #5 position in the best deals for building games.
7.0
1,505
575
-98%
20.99€
0.47€
6. Car Mechanic Simulator 2015
New cars, new tools, new options, more parts and much more fun in the next version of Car Mechanic Simulator! Take your wrench! Create and expand your auto repairs service empire. Car Mechanic Simulator 2015 will take you behind the scenes of daily routine in car workshop. Car Mechanic Simulator 2015 is a automobile sim, simulation and singleplayer game developed by Red Dot Games and published by PlayWay S.A.. Released on April 23rd 2015 has received 14,572 reviews of which 13,466 were positive and 1,106 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for building games.
9
13,466
1,106
-97%
19.50€
0.64€
7. Car Mechanic Simulator 2018
Build and expand your repair service empire in this incredibly detailed and highly realistic simulation game, where attention to car detail is astonishing. Find classic, unique cars in the new Barn Find module and Junkyard module. You can even add your self-made car in the Car Editor. Car Mechanic Simulator 2018 is a simulation, automobile sim and driving game developed by Red Dot Games and published by PlayWay S.A.. Released on July 28th 2017 has received 51,521 reviews of which 47,065 were positive and 4,456 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for building games.
9.0
47,065
4,456
-97%
19.50€
0.72€
8. Juno: New Origins
Bring to life anything you can imagine from rockets and airplanes to cars and more. Automate them with a visual programming language. Explore 3D planets and make your own. Share your creations online. Complete contracts, conquer milestones, and unlock technology in the newly added Career Mode. Juno: New Origins is a building, science and space sim game developed and published by Jundroo and LLC. Released on January 26th 2023 has received 3,118 reviews of which 2,807 were positive and 311 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for building games.
8.7
2,807
311
-97%
19.50€
0.63€
9. When Ski Lifts Go Wrong
Ride into a hilarious construction puzzler; packed with over 100 creative physics-based challenges, sports and bloody disasters! Build contraptions to help every passenger reach their destination. Enjoy the sports by controlling your riders away from (or towards if you feel like it) peril! When Ski Lifts Go Wrong is a simulation, indie and building game developed by Hugecalf Studios and published by Curve Games. Released on January 23rd 2019 has received 847 reviews of which 736 were positive and 111 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for building games.
8.2
736
111
-97%
14.99€
0.56€
10. Little Big Workshop
Manage your workers, stations, machines and create awesome stuff as your little big workshop grows into your dream factory! Little Big Workshop is a simulation, strategy and management game developed by Mirage Game Studios and published by HandyGames. Released on October 17th 2019 has received 3,266 reviews of which 2,731 were positive and 535 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for building games.
8.1
2,731
535
-97%
19.99€
0.66€
Free building games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play building games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on June 15th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play building games.
1. The Sims™ 4
Play with life and discover the possibilities. Unleash your imagination and create a world of Sims that’s wholly unique. Explore and customize every detail from Sims to homes–and much more. The Sims™ 4 is a life sim, character customization and free to play game developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. Released on June 18th 2020 has received 170,727 reviews of which 149,064 were positive and 21,663 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 27,271 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free building games on Steam.
8.6
149,064
21,663
27,271
players
2. Muck
Muck is a survival-roguelike. Collect resources, find items & build a base to survive for as long as you can. Muck is a survival, multiplayer and crafting game developed and published by Dani. Released on June 05th 2021 has received 175,857 reviews of which 164,593 were positive and 11,264 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 951, this building game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free building games on Steam.
9.2
164,593
11,264
951
players
3. OpenTTD
OpenTTD is a business simulation game in which players earn money by transporting passengers and cargo via road, rail, water, and air. It is an open-source remake and expansion of the 1995 Chris Sawyer video game Transport Tycoon Deluxe. OpenTTD is a simulation, building and free to play game developed and published by OpenTTD. Released on April 01st 2021 has received 14,394 reviews of which 13,845 were positive and 549 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 499, this building game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free building games on Steam.
9.4
13,845
549
499
players
4. Resonite
Enter a novel digital universe with infinite possibilities. Whether you resonate with people around the world in a casual conversation, playing games and socializing or you riff off each other when creating anything from art to programming complex games, you'll find your place here. Resonite is a early access, casual and sandbox game developed by Yellow Dog Man Studios and Frooxius and published by Yellow Dog Man Studios. Released on October 06th 2023 has received 1,252 reviews of which 1,023 were positive and 229 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 224 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free building games on Steam.
7.8
1,023
229
224
players
5. Infinitode 2 - Infinite Tower Defense
Infinitode 2 - a strategy in the Tower Defense genre, in which the player will have to build towers to protect his base from endless waves of enemies. The game features huge maps, lots of towers, resource miners, upgrade tree and map editor. Infinitode 2 - Infinite Tower Defense is a level editor, tower defense and building game developed and published by Prineside. Released on May 06th 2021 has received 3,674 reviews of which 3,354 were positive and 320 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 183 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free building games on Steam.
8.8
3,354
320
183
players
6. War Planet Online: Global Conquest
Build your army, dominate your region and lead your alliance to conquer the globe! War Planet Online: Global Conquest is a strategy, massively multiplayer and building game developed and published by Gameloft. Released on December 19th 2017 has received 911 reviews of which 579 were positive and 332 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 165 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free building games on Steam.
6.2
579
332
165
players
7. 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 1,194 reviews of which 839 were positive and 355 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 155 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free building games on Steam.
6.8
839
355
155
players
8. Screw Drivers
Crazy physics and high-speed races! Craft vehicles cleverly by combining building blocks and mechanical parts to create powerful drivetrains. Unlock new parts, race for the gold, and challenge your friends in multiplayer. Screw Drivers is a automobile sim, free to play and physics game developed by Creactstudios and published by Headup. Released on June 20th 2024 has received 4,129 reviews of which 3,565 were positive and 564 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 152 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free building games on Steam.
8.3
3,565
564
152
players
9. Zoo 2: Animal Park
Zoo 2: Animal Park – Take care of wild and tame zoo animals in this animal game! Zoo 2: Animal Park is a casual, building and city builder game developed by KING Art and published by upjers. Released on August 24th 2020 has received 1,470 reviews of which 1,158 were positive and 312 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 111 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free building games on Steam.
7.6
1,158
312
111
players
10. SpellForce 3 Versus Edition
The SpellForce 3: Versus Edition gives you the chance to enter the battlefields of Eo for free, letting you test your RTS skills against AI opponents or even other human players. SpellForce 3 Versus Edition is a strategy, rpg and building game developed by Grimlore Games and published by THQ Nordic. Released on November 03rd 2020 has received 1,505 reviews of which 1,132 were positive and 373 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free building games on Steam.
7.2
1,132
373
69
players