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
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 May 11th 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 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. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played city builder game, thanks to its 20,412 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.4
153,032
8,329
20,412
players
2. 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 30,725 reviews of which 29,337 were positive and 1,388 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. While seeing 8,706 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among city builder games based on player count.
9.4
29,337
1,388
8,706
players
3. 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 274,549 reviews of which 255,224 were positive and 19,325 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. While seeing 7,829 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among city builder games based on player count.
9.2
255,224
19,325
7,829
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 24,561 reviews of which 19,933 were positive and 4,628 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. With 3,301 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played city builder games.
8.0
19,933
4,628
3,301
players
5. 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, simulation and rts game developed by Slavic Magic and published by Hooded Horse. Released on April 26th 2024 has received 71,057 reviews of which 61,449 were positive and 9,608 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 2,789 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played city builder games.
8.5
61,449
9,608
2,789
players
6. 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 11,714 reviews of which 9,413 were positive and 2,301 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. With 2,526 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played city builder games.
7.9
9,413
2,301
2,526
players
7. 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 21,740 reviews of which 19,848 were positive and 1,892 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 2,036 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played city builder games.
8.9
19,848
1,892
2,036
players
8. 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 122,436 reviews of which 113,264 were positive and 9,172 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 1,855 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played city builder games.
9.1
113,264
9,172
1,855
players
9. Frostpunk 2
Develop, expand, and advance your city in a society survival game set 30 years after an apocalyptic blizzard ravaged Earth. In Frostpunk 2, you face not only the perils of never-ending winter, but also the powerful factions that watch your every step inside the Council Hall. Frostpunk 2 is a strategy, city builder and survival game developed and published by 11 bit studios. Released on September 20th 2024 has received 20,858 reviews of which 15,969 were positive and 4,889 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. With 1,855 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played city builder games.
7.5
15,969
4,889
1,855
players
10. 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 64,455 reviews of which 55,706 were positive and 8,749 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 1,569 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played city builder games.
8.5
55,706
8,749
1,569
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 May 11th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted city builder games.
1. 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 869 reviews of which 629 were positive and 240 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Featuring a massive 96% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for city builder category.
7.0
629
240
-96%
27.50€
1.10€
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 2,103 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 #2 best deal in city builder games.
7.8
1,694
409
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
3. 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. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in city builder games.
7.4
1,976
608
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
4. Stronghold Crusader 2
Stronghold Crusader 2 is the long awaited sequel to the original castle sim. After 12 years Stronghold returns to the desert with a new 3D engine and powerful Havok Physics. Crusader 2 recaptures the original game’s addictive, fast-paced gameplay and authentic castle simulation. Stronghold Crusader 2 is a strategy, medieval and city builder game developed and published by FireFly Studios. Released on September 22nd 2014 has received 16,976 reviews of which 12,251 were positive and 4,725 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for city builder games.
7.1
12,251
4,725
-93%
34.57€
2.42€
5. 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 10,709 reviews of which 8,927 were positive and 1,782 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for city builder games.
8.1
8,927
1,782
-92%
29.13€
2.33€
6. 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 122,436 reviews of which 113,264 were positive and 9,172 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for city builder games.
9.1
113,264
9,172
-91%
30.00€
2.70€
7. Urbek City Builder
Urbek is a city building game where you can build your own neighbourhoods: from nightlife district to industrial district. Don't exhaust your natural resources before you have an educated population to build more efficient structures. Urbek City Builder is a city builder, building and management game developed by Fridus and published by RockGame S.A.. Released on July 13th 2022 has received 1,524 reviews of which 1,382 were positive and 142 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for city builder games.
8.6
1,382
142
-91%
18.78€
1.69€
8. 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 1,636 reviews of which 1,290 were positive and 346 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for city builder games.
7.6
1,290
346
-91%
25.11€
2.26€
9. Surviving the Aftermath
Survive and thrive in a post-apocalyptic future — resources are scarce, but opportunity calls! Build the ultimate disaster proof colony, protect your colonists, and restore civilization to a devastated world. Surviving the Aftermath is a strategy, simulation and city builder game developed by Iceflake Studios and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on November 16th 2021 has received 4,335 reviews of which 3,064 were positive and 1,271 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for city builder games.
6.9
3,064
1,271
-91%
30.78€
2.77€
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 1,630 reviews of which 1,276 were positive and 354 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for city builder games.
7.5
1,276
354
-90%
18.60€
1.86€
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 May 11th 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 7,065 reviews of which 6,154 were positive and 911 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 668 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
6,154
911
668
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 7,976 reviews of which 7,295 were positive and 681 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 335, this city builder game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free city builder games on Steam.
8.9
7,295
681
335
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 medieval game developed and published by FireFly Studios. Released on February 27th 2012 has received 9,320 reviews of which 5,962 were positive and 3,358 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 315, this city builder game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free city builder games on Steam.
6.3
5,962
3,358
315
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 6,183 reviews of which 5,647 were positive and 536 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 235 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
5,647
536
235
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 1,175 reviews of which 827 were positive and 348 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 203 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
827
348
203
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 1,454 reviews of which 1,145 were positive and 309 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 164 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
1,145
309
164
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 533 reviews of which 483 were positive and 50 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
483
50
84
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 2,053 reviews of which 1,866 were positive and 187 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
1,866
187
69
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
43
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 2,582 reviews of which 2,366 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
2,366
216
16
players