Best City Builder 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 city builder games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free city builder games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Port Royale 3
The Caribbean, in the turbulent 17th Century. The mighty kingdoms of Spain, England, France and the Netherlands fight over the colonies. And there you are, a young sea captain whose only goal is to become the most powerful man in the New World.
Stronghold Kingdoms
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!
Cities in Motion
Manage transportation for commuters in four of the world's greatest cities - Vienna, Helsinki, Berlin, and Amsterdam
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.
Majesty 2
In the world of Majesty, you are the ruler of the kingdom Ardania. At your service are your loyal and somewhat obnoxious subordinates, who have their own minds about how things should be done. In fact, Majesty is the only game where your heroes decide on their own what should be done and when, leaving you to try to control them through...
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!
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.
Port Royale 2
The Caribbean in the 17th Century - Trade with over 60 towns, create your own production facilities, expand your trading empire and influence the development of the New World. As pirates and military fleets threaten your trade convoys, you'll need escort ships.
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.
Imperium Romanum Gold Edition
The city builder strategy game Imperium Romanum is set in the time-honoured Roman Empire. As governor of a Roman province, you will devise a strategy to build a well organised, prosperous and commanding settlement. Its fortune very much lies in your own hands.
Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization
Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization is the third offering in the award winning Civilization IV series. A re-imagining of the classic Colonization game Sid Meier created in 1994, Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization is a total conversion of the Civilization IV engine into a game experience in which players will lead a European...
Children of the Nile: Enhanced Edition
Children of the Nile™ is a unique gem of a city-building game, unparalleled in both grandeur and attention to detail.As Pharaoh you will guide your people through thousands of years of history: from simple hunter-gatherers to the creation of an immortal civilization.
CivCity: Rome
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!
Sid Meier's Civilization® III Complete
Sid Meier's Civilization III: Complete, the latest offering in the Sid Meier's Civilization III franchise, provides gaming fans with Sid Meier's Civilization III, the highly-addictive journey of discovery.
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 city builder games on Steam
Take a look at the top city builder games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 15th 2025.
1. 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 162,462 reviews of which 154,061 were positive and 8,401 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played city builder game, thanks to its 17,203 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.4
154,061
8,401
17,203
players
2. 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. While seeing 6,752 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among city builder games based on player count.
9.2
256,362
19,408
6,752
players
3. Timberborn
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. While seeing 4,618 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among city builder games based on player count.
9.4
30,266
1,412
4,618
players
4. Anno 1800
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 3,737 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played city builder games.
8.0
20,368
4,723
3,737
players
5. Bellwright
Establish and expand your own settlements, liberate the land and assist its villagers, and recruit others to your cause while learning more about a life you had to leave behind. Command your forces, prove your valor through combat, and cement yourself as the hero of your people. Bellwright is a survival, open world and crafting game developed by Donkey Crew and published by Donkey Crew and Snail Games USA. Released on April 23rd 2024 has received 11,996 reviews of which 9,666 were positive and 2,330 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. With 2,537 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played city builder games.
7.9
9,666
2,330
2,537
players
6. 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. 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 2,515 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played city builder games.
8.9
20,192
1,983
2,515
players
7. Manor Lords
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 2,355 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played city builder games.
8.5
62,224
9,896
2,355
players
8. Northgard
Northgard is a critically acclaimed strategy game based on Norse mythology. Lead your clan, uncover the secrets of a mysterious newfound continent and defeat your enemies to conquer the Throne! Northgard is a strategy, city builder and simulation game developed and published by Shiro Games. Released on March 07th 2018 has received 64,695 reviews of which 55,844 were positive and 8,851 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 2,196 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played city builder games.
8.5
55,844
8,851
2,196
players
9. Planet Coaster 2
Build and customise thrilling roller coasters and incredible water slides, manage the ultimate theme park experience, and share your epic creations. Are you ready to ride the wave? Planet Coaster 2 is a simulation, strategy and building game developed and published by Frontier Developments. Released on November 06th 2024 has received 9,316 reviews of which 6,074 were positive and 3,242 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. With 1,419 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played city builder games.
6.4
6,074
3,242
1,419
players
10. Frostpunk
Frostpunk is the first society survival game. As the ruler of the last city on Earth, it is your duty to manage both its citizens and infrastructure. What decisions will you make to ensure your society's survival? What will you do when pushed to breaking point? Who will you become in the process? Frostpunk is a city builder, survival and resource management game developed and published by 11 bit studios. Released on April 24th 2018 has received 123,546 reviews of which 114,315 were positive and 9,231 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 1,394 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played city builder games.
9.1
114,315
9,231
1,394
players
Best deals on city builder games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of city builder 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 city builder games.
1. 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. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for city builder category.
7.7
1,699
415
-99%
18.99€
0.26€
2. InfraSpace
Create an extrasolar efficiency utopia from scratch! In this sci-fi city builder you need to start mining operations, plan production, and lay down transportation routes to ensure a smooth supply chain. InfraSpace is a city builder, automation and transportation game developed and published by Dionic Software. Released on September 22nd 2023 has received 1,667 reviews of which 1,333 were positive and 334 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in city builder games.
7.7
1,333
334
-99%
19.99€
0.39€
3. Aven Colony
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. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in city builder games.
7.1
1,921
717
-99%
29.99€
0.47€
4. Driftland: The Magic Revival
After a devastating war between ancient mages, a powerful spell is all that holds together the shattered planet of Driftland. Take on the role of a powerful mage capable of moving and connecting floating lands, develop a mighty empire, and restore Driftland to its former glory! Driftland: The Magic Revival is a rts, 4x and god game game developed and published by Star Drifters. Released on April 18th 2019 has received 1,930 reviews of which 1,407 were positive and 523 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 city builder games.
7.1
1,407
523
-99%
16.99€
0.31€
5. 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! 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 city builder games.
7.0
633
239
-99%
24.99€
0.38€
6. 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. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for city builder games.
8.1
8,934
1,788
-98%
29.99€
0.68€
7. Havendock
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 city builder games.
8.1
1,191
208
-98%
19.50€
0.42€
8. 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. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for city builder games.
7.6
1,354
352
-98%
19.99€
0.43€
9. Siege Survival: Gloria Victis
A medieval city under siege and a handful of civilians are all that keep the walls from falling. Mixing survival strategy and resource management, build your camp, craft supplies, and scavenge the occupied city to supply the last troops holding back the invaders. Siege Survival: Gloria Victis is a singleplayer, city builder and immersive sim game developed by Black Eye Games and published by Ravenscourt. Released on May 18th 2021 has received 1,641 reviews of which 1,295 were positive and 346 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for city builder games.
7.6
1,295
346
-98%
24.99€
0.54€
10. Before We Leave
Before We Leave is a city building game set in a cozy corner of the universe. Nurture your Peeps and their surroundings while rebuilding and rediscovering civilisation. Settle new lands and planets while avoiding hungry Space Whales. Before We Leave is a city builder, casual and economy game developed by Balancing Monkey Games and published by Team17. Released on May 13th 2021 has received 1,637 reviews of which 1,283 were positive and 354 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for city builder games.
7.5
1,283
354
-98%
17.99€
0.48€
Free city builder games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play city builder 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 city builder games.
1. Realm Grinder
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. With 558 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free city builder games on Steam.
8.5
6,185
917
558
players
2. Galaxy Life
The universe is full of Starlings, tiny orange aliens that want to take over the galaxy. Create your own space colony, fight epic battles and discover new planets. Train your soldiers, develop your technology and create unimaginable gadgets. Enjoy this huge social game with friends! Galaxy Life is a strategy, city builder and wargame game developed and published by Phoenix Network. Released on August 31st 2022 has received 8,033 reviews of which 7,347 were positive and 686 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 357, this city builder game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free city builder games on Steam.
8.9
7,347
686
357
players
3. Stronghold Kingdoms
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. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 286, this city builder game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free city builder games on Steam.
6.3
5,975
3,366
286
players
4. Bloons Monkey City
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 257 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free city builder games on Steam.
8.8
5,676
546
257
players
5. 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 145 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free city builder games on Steam.
6.8
839
355
145
players
6. 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 139 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free city builder games on Steam.
7.6
1,158
312
139
players
7. California Escapades
In this simulation and adventure game, explore 19th-century Gold Rush California. Join Jim and Emma to build and manage your farm and city. Plant crops, raise animals, construct buildings, complete missions, uncover secrets, and collect treasures. Start your adventure now! California Escapades is a casual, simulation and strategy game developed and published by NUTS POWER ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED. Released on September 03rd 2024 has received 575 reviews of which 523 were positive and 52 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free city builder games on Steam.
8.5
523
52
81
players
8. Sarah's Adventure: Time Travel
This game unearths the essence of adventure by combining elements of exploration and puzzle-solving. The game’s appeal lies in its interactive gameplay mechanics, where your choices dictate the progression of the story. Sarah's Adventure: Time Travel is a casual, simulation and free to play game developed and published by NUTS POWER ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED. Released on June 25th 2024 has received 2,107 reviews of which 1,916 were positive and 191 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free city builder games on Steam.
8.7
1,916
191
66
players
9. My Free Zoo
A small zoo needs your help! As the new manager, it's your job to boost business. Design the zoo of your dreams. From wolves and polar bears all the way to prehistoric beasts – the further you progress in the game, the more exotic the animals you'll be able to keep in your zoo. Play now and save the zoo! My Free Zoo is a free to play, casual and simulation game developed and published by upjers. Released on November 28th 2017 has received 662 reviews of which 415 were positive and 247 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free city builder games on Steam.
6.1
415
247
44
players
10. Planet S
Planet S is a real-time strategy game where your goal is to colonize multiple planets in a solar system to advance your civilization, build a city and supply it to grow your faction. Planet S is a strategy, city builder and multiplayer game developed and published by Glimmerlight Games. Released on October 28th 2023 has received 2,603 reviews of which 2,387 were positive and 216 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free city builder games on Steam.
8.8
2,387
216
15
players