Best Colony Sim 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 colony sim games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free colony sim games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Zombie Cure Lab
In a world overrun by the undead, build a lab to fight back with science. Manage survivors, gather vital resources, and turn zombies into allies. Defend your base and research the cure to reclaim humanity.
Worshippers of Cthulhu
LEAD the CULT OF CTHULHU. Decide the fate of your followers, perform eldritch rituals, and master the art of city-building in a world where the line between sanity and madness blurs. Can you endure the horrors you unleash?
Blacksmith Master
Manage your own medieval smithy in Blacksmith Master and supervise the entire process from mining ores and gems to designing and selling finished products. Forge everything from weapons and armor to tools and cooking utensils to fund your craft and become the Blacksmith Master.
Darfall
Darfall is a hero-based RPG city-building game that puts you in the role of a hero who must protect their home and help it grow! During the day, grow your hero’s might, find epic loot, master new abilities, and fortify your settlement. At night, survive the hordes of undead, until you triumph.
Mini Settlers
Mini Settlers is a minimalistic city builder! Settle islands, construct cities, and design efficient logistic networks to fulfill your buildings' needs and fuel population growth to adventure into new worlds.
MEMORIAPOLIS
In Memoriapolis, you're not just building a city, you're shaping a living, evolving civilization. Travel through five major eras, from Antiquity to the Industrial Revolution. Leave your mark on history by navigating the power struggles between rival factions.
Ratopia
Ratopia is a new game that has combined elements of both strategic survival and city building. With plenty of content available, and more planned, enjoy a vast world to adventure and populate with citizens! Build your own economical system to sustain your ideal city of Ratopia.
Survivalist: Invisible Strain
It's ten years since the infection started. Long-established settlements are collapsing, one by one, for unknown reasons. Survivors are running to the hills to escape, hoping for safety in remote places. As another refugee, you're here to carve out a new life for yourself - by any means necessary.
Gnomes
Gnomes is a turn-based tower defense with deep roguelike progression, set in ever-expanding, procedurally generated biomes. Build, farm and defend your village as you push deeper into goblin-infested territory. Unlock powerful upgrades and craft your environment to survive the endless goblin horde
Roman Triumph: Survival City Builder
At the northern fringes of the empire, a new Roman city is born! Manage and grow your city, please the gods, and survive against barbarians and mythological threats to achieve Roman Triumph!
KAISERPUNK
Build a city to rule the world in Kaiserpunk, a grand city builder blending production-focused city building with world conquest in an alternate 20th century world. Manage your city, grow industries, build a military, and defeat rivals to become the greatest empire.
One Lonely Outpost
An alien world sometimes needs a farmer’s touch to bring it to life. In this sci-fi, colonization-life sim, terraform a barren world: turn wastelands into verdant landscapes while exploring, farming, building, and unlocking all the mysteries of this strange new planet.
Stellar Settlers: Space Base Builder
Stellar Settlers is a chill space base/city builder and colony sim game. With unique vertical and horizontal base-building gameplay, settle on 10 hostile alien planets and build your own thriving colony. Get enough materials to build a physics-based Spaceship and try to escape from disasters.
Ale Abbey - Monastery Brewery Tycoon
Build and expand your monastery, craft recipes and brew holy ales in this unique brewery tycoon. No pre-made recipes in Ale Abbey, oh no. It's a canvas for true beer alchemists. It's as simple as: brew, sip, repeat. Welcome to Ale Abbey!
Microtopia
Become the hive mind of a robot ant colony in Microtopia! Use pheromone trails to create, automate and optimize supply chains for your ants to follow. Collect resources, produce goods, feed your queen, grow your colony and fly out to expand the species!
Mind Over Magic
Mind Over Magic is a colony sim set at the site of a cursed magic school. Build and optimize your own magical academy, train powerful Mages, and master mighty relics in order to battle through the Underschool, a mysterious underground dungeon that holds the key to liberation from a deadly curse.
My Little Life
A relaxing life-sim that lives on the bottom of your screen while you do other things.
Foundation
Foundation is a grid-less, laidback medieval city-building game with a focus on organic development, monument construction and resource management.
Exogate Initiative
Build and manage mankind’s first mission across the universe! Create a sprawling facility underground, recruit a diverse group of specialists from around the globe and explore mysterious new worlds through the Exogate.
Settlements Rising
Settlements Rising is a medieval city building and colony management game. It offers a lively colony experience with simulated villagers, dozens of professions and resources, natural disasters, and raids, while providing full control over the colony through trade, production chains and datas.
Airborne Empire
Build your sky city while exploring a vast landscape in this Open World RPG City Builder. Combining the methodical construction and management of a city builder; the unique lift, balance, and propulsion needed for a flying city; and the compelling characters, dangers, and adventures of an RPG!
Idle Colony
A condensed incremental experience, where you build a colony to collect and merge bigger and bigger fruits. Combine game-changing technologies and special upgrades to find the best synergies and take your cash flow to another dimension.
Most played colony sim games on Steam
Take a look at the top colony sim games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 14th 2025.
1. 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 210,517 reviews of which 206,216 were positive and 4,301 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played colony sim game, thanks to its 24,465 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.7
206,216
4,301
24,465
players
2. 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 #2 among colony sim games based on player count.
9.5
124,220
4,170
7,947
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 4,142 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among colony sim games based on player count.
9.4
30,266
1,412
4,142
players
4. WorldBox - God Simulator
WorldBox is the ULTIMATE god simulator and sandbox game. A petri dish for your fantasy civilizations. Create your own world or destroy it using many powers. Watch civilizations grow, form kingdoms, colonize new lands, sail to far continents, wars to ignite, empires to fall and towns to burn! WorldBox - God Simulator is a sandbox, god game and simulation game developed and published by Maxim Karpenko. Released on December 02nd 2021 has received 44,062 reviews of which 41,874 were positive and 2,188 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 4,010 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played colony sim games.
9.3
41,874
2,188
4,010
players
5. They Are Billions
They Are Billions is a Steampunk strategy game set on a post-apocalyptic planet. Build and defend colonies to survive against the billions of the infected that seek to annihilate the few remaining living humans. Can humanity survive after the zombie apocalypse? They Are Billions is a base-building, colony sim and strategy game developed and published by Numantian Games. Released on June 18th 2019 has received 48,765 reviews of which 41,508 were positive and 7,257 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 1,563 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played colony sim games.
8.4
41,508
7,257
1,563
players
6. 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, city builder and simulation game developed by Eremite Games and published by Hooded Horse. Released on December 08th 2023 has received 31,412 reviews of which 29,837 were positive and 1,575 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 1,005 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played colony sim games.
9.3
29,837
1,575
1,005
players
7. Prison Architect
Only the world’s most ruthless Warden can contain the world’s most ruthless inmates. Design and develop your personalized penitentiary in Prison Architect. Prison Architect is a simulation, building and sandbox game developed by Double Eleven and Introversion Software and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on October 06th 2015 has received 72,330 reviews of which 64,439 were positive and 7,891 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 915 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played colony sim games.
8.8
64,439
7,891
915
players
8. Dwarf Fortress
The deepest, most intricate simulation of a world that's ever been created. The legendary Dwarf Fortress is now on Steam. Build a fortress and try to help your dwarves survive against a deeply generated world. Dwarf Fortress is a dwarf, colony sim and strategy game developed by Bay 12 Games and published by Kitfox Games. Released on December 06th 2022 has received 28,579 reviews of which 27,134 were positive and 1,445 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 886 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played colony sim games.
9.3
27,134
1,445
886
players
9. Going Medieval
Build and manage your own castle settlement in a land reclaimed by wilderness. With detailed management, survival strategy, and a moddable sandbox world, Going Medieval challenges you to build the mightiest colony this side of the apocalypse. Going Medieval is a rpg, early access and city builder game developed by Foxy Voxel and published by Mythwright. Released on June 01st 2021 has received 18,506 reviews of which 16,633 were positive and 1,873 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 751 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played colony sim games.
8.8
16,633
1,873
751
players
10. My Singing Monsters
Breed them, feed them, listen to them sing! Create an island full of Singing Monsters, then watch your song evolve as you breed and upgrade them. Design and build unique decorations to make your world look just the way you want. You'll love exploring the wonderful fantasy land of the Monster World! My Singing Monsters is a creature collector, simulation and casual game developed and published by Big Blue Bubble. Released on March 24th 2021 has received 41,701 reviews of which 39,143 were positive and 2,558 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 743 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played colony sim games.
9.2
39,143
2,558
743
players
Best deals on colony sim games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of colony sim games available on Steam right now, updated on June 14th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted colony sim games.
1. 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. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for colony sim category.
7.1
1,921
717
-99%
29.99€
0.47€
2. 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. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in colony sim games.
7.0
633
239
-99%
24.99€
0.38€
3. 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. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in colony sim games.
8.1
1,191
208
-98%
19.50€
0.42€
4. 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. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for colony sim games.
7.7
1,699
415
-98%
18.99€
0.38€
5. 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 6,167 reviews of which 4,856 were positive and 1,311 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for colony sim games.
7.7
4,856
1,311
-98%
19.99€
0.49€
6. Dwarfs!?
Dig! Dig! Dig! Manage the small underground Dwarf base and make it as rich as possible before they meet their inevitable doom. Purchase before May 11th and save! Dwarfs!? is a dwarf, colony sim and pixel graphics game developed by Power of 2 and published by Tripwire Interactive. Released on May 04th 2011 has received 1,040 reviews of which 803 were positive and 237 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for colony sim games.
7.4
803
237
-98%
8.19€
0.23€
7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for colony sim games.
7.0
1,505
575
-98%
20.99€
0.47€
8. Catizens
Inspired by RimWorld and The Sims, Catizens is a colony management simulation game where you watch over unique cats with quirky personalities, as you help them build and grow their settlement while exploring new lands, facing off against wildlife and overcoming the challenges of each environment. Catizens is a colony sim, city builder and building game developed by badopticsgames and published by HeroCraft PC. Released on November 14th 2024 has received 337 reviews of which 283 were positive and 54 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for colony sim games.
7.8
283
54
-97%
17.77€
0.64€
9. Life is Feudal: Forest Village
LiF:Forest Village is a city builder with survival aspects in a realistic harsh medieval world. Shape, build and expand your settlement, grow various food to prevent your villagers from avitaminosis and starvation. Possess them for additional micromanagement or simply to wander around. Life is Feudal: Forest Village is a city builder, colony sim and strategy game developed by Mindillusion and published by Bitbox Ltd.. Released on May 26th 2017 has received 5,890 reviews of which 3,904 were positive and 1,986 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for colony sim games.
6.5
3,904
1,986
-97%
22.99€
0.83€
10. Prison Architect
Only the world’s most ruthless Warden can contain the world’s most ruthless inmates. Design and develop your personalized penitentiary in Prison Architect. Prison Architect is a simulation, building and sandbox game developed by Double Eleven and Introversion Software and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on October 06th 2015 has received 72,330 reviews of which 64,439 were positive and 7,891 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for colony sim games.
8.8
64,439
7,891
-96%
24.99€
1.10€
Free colony sim games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play colony sim games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on June 14th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play colony sim games.
1. My Singing Monsters
Breed them, feed them, listen to them sing! Create an island full of Singing Monsters, then watch your song evolve as you breed and upgrade them. Design and build unique decorations to make your world look just the way you want. You'll love exploring the wonderful fantasy land of the Monster World! My Singing Monsters is a creature collector, simulation and casual game developed and published by Big Blue Bubble. Released on March 24th 2021 has received 41,701 reviews of which 39,143 were positive and 2,558 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 743 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free colony sim games on Steam.
9.2
39,143
2,558
743
players
2. Terraformers: First Steps on Mars
Terraformers: First Steps on Mars is a free prologue of Terraformers, featuring an exclusive challenge to lead humanity's first attempt at settling the Red Planet. Terraformers: First Steps on Mars is a strategy, simulation and colony sim game developed by Asteroid Lab and published by Goblinz Publishing and IndieArk. Released on October 23rd 2021 has received 683 reviews of which 610 were positive and 73 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free colony sim games on Steam.
8.4
610
73
3
players
3. Don't get lost
A procedurally-generated, open-world, first-person colony sim. Build colonies in an infinite world, alone or with friends via Steam or self-hosted multiplayer. Don't get lost is a colony sim, multiplayer and procedural generation game developed by Michael Hutcheon and published by miicck. Released on February 01st 2023 has received 455 reviews of which 363 were positive and 92 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free colony sim games on Steam.
7.5
363
92
1
players
4. Colony Simulator
Can your Colony survive 10 days or more in the desert? Find food, build your colony, recruit new workers, feed your population, craft tools and equipment, cook food and research technologies! Colony Simulator is a simulation, city builder and colony sim game developed and published by Indie Marc. Released on February 08th 2022 has received 422 reviews of which 279 were positive and 143 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free colony sim games on Steam.
6.4
279
143