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
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...
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 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 May 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 208,648 reviews of which 204,410 were positive and 4,238 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played colony sim game, thanks to its 18,349 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.7
204,410
4,238
18,349
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 6,818 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among colony sim games based on player count.
9.4
29,337
1,388
6,818
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 127,764 reviews of which 123,608 were positive and 4,156 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. While seeing 4,224 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among colony sim games based on player count.
9.5
123,608
4,156
4,224
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 43,064 reviews of which 40,917 were positive and 2,147 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 1,742 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played colony sim games.
9.3
40,917
2,147
1,742
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 48,532 reviews of which 41,321 were positive and 7,211 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 1,213 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played colony sim games.
8.4
41,321
7,211
1,213
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, simulation and city builder game developed by Eremite Games and published by Hooded Horse. Released on December 08th 2023 has received 31,062 reviews of which 29,506 were positive and 1,556 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 1,096 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played colony sim games.
9.3
29,506
1,556
1,096
players
7. 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 28,441 reviews of which 27,003 were positive and 1,438 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 1,063 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played colony sim games.
9.3
27,003
1,438
1,063
players
8. Diplomacy is Not an Option
Diplomacy is Not an Option is a strategy game set in a medieval fantasy world. Build your town and defenses, raise huge armies and fight against massive hordes of enemies. How long can you survive? Diplomacy is Not an Option is a strategy, base-building and colony sim game developed and published by Door 407. Released on October 04th 2024 has received 9,336 reviews of which 7,950 were positive and 1,386 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 1,030 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played colony sim games.
8.3
7,950
1,386
1,030
players
9. 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. Ratopia is a building, colony sim and base-building game developed and published by Cassel Games. Released on April 30th 2025 has received 3,471 reviews of which 3,037 were positive and 434 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 1,003 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played colony sim games.
8.4
3,037
434
1,003
players
10. Kingdoms and Castles
Kingdoms and Castles is a city-building simulation game about growing a kingdom from a tiny hamlet to a sprawling city and imposing castle. Make trade agreements, alliance, and war with neighboring AI controlled kingdoms. Each villager and resource is individually simulated. Kingdoms and Castles is a city builder, colony sim and strategy game developed and published by Lion Shield and LLC. Released on July 20th 2017 has received 29,461 reviews of which 27,500 were positive and 1,961 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 841 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played colony sim games.
9.1
27,500
1,961
841
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 May 14th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted colony sim 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 871 reviews of which 630 were positive and 241 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Featuring a massive 96% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for colony sim category.
6.9
630
241
-96%
27.50€
1.10€
2. CryoFall
CryoFall is a sci-fi colony simulation survival game set on a forgotten planet in a distant future. Master technology, agriculture, trading, industry, cybernetics, exploration, and more! CryoFall is a colony sim, crafting and pve game developed by AtomicTorch Studio and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on April 29th 2021 has received 6,148 reviews of which 4,844 were positive and 1,304 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in colony sim games.
7.7
4,844
1,304
-93%
20.00€
1.40€
3. Against the Storm
A dark fantasy city builder where you must rebuild civilization in the face of apocalyptic rains. As the Queen’s Viceroy, lead humans, beavers, lizards, foxes, and harpies to reclaim the wilderness and secure a future for civilization's last survivors. Against the Storm is a strategy, simulation and city builder game developed by Eremite Games and published by Hooded Horse. Released on December 08th 2023 has received 31,062 reviews of which 29,506 were positive and 1,556 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 89% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in colony sim games.
9.3
29,506
1,556
-89%
29.55€
3.25€
4. 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 1,508 were positive and 572 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for colony sim games.
7.0
1,508
572
-89%
20.73€
2.28€
5. Diplomacy is Not an Option
Diplomacy is Not an Option is a strategy game set in a medieval fantasy world. Build your town and defenses, raise huge armies and fight against massive hordes of enemies. How long can you survive? Diplomacy is Not an Option is a strategy, base-building and colony sim game developed and published by Door 407. Released on October 04th 2024 has received 9,336 reviews of which 7,950 were positive and 1,386 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for colony sim games.
8.3
7,950
1,386
-88%
29.08€
3.49€
6. Fabledom
Set in a wholesome fairytale world, Fabledom is a laid-back City builder. Enjoy the growth of your settlement, interact with your neighbors and defend your kingdom from magical creatures. All to find true love and live happily ever after! Fabledom is a city builder, relaxing and colony sim game developed by Grenaa Games and published by Dear Villagers and Doyoyo Games. Released on May 13th 2024 has received 6,119 reviews of which 5,267 were positive and 852 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for colony sim games.
8.4
5,267
852
-87%
20.69€
2.69€
7. Stronghold: Warlords
Besiege Great Khans, Imperial warlords and Shōgun commanders in Stronghold: Warlords, the latest 'castle sim' from Firefly Studios. Command AI warlords across the battlefield as you build a castle economy and new gunpowder-fuelled siege engines! Stronghold: Warlords is a city builder, real time tactics and colony sim game developed and published by FireFly Studios. Released on March 09th 2021 has received 4,997 reviews of which 3,248 were positive and 1,749 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 83% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for colony sim games.
6.4
3,248
1,749
-83%
34.00€
5.78€
8. Craft The World
Craft The World is a unique sandbox strategy game, the mix of Dungeon Keeper, Terraria and Dwarf Fortress.Explore a random generated world populated by dangerous creatures, build a dwarf fortress, gather resources, and craft all the items, weapons, and armor you need. Craft The World is a dwarf, colony sim and crafting game developed by Dekovir Entertainment and published by Black Maple Games. Released on November 24th 2014 has received 15,891 reviews of which 14,065 were positive and 1,826 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 80% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for colony sim games.
8.6
14,065
1,826
-80%
18.65€
3.73€
9. Paleon
Your time machine is broken. And it looks like you are stuck in the past. Try to create your own civilization and return home! Paleon is a colony sim, simulation and survival game developed and published by Paleodev. Released on October 27th 2023 has received 343 reviews of which 283 were positive and 60 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 80% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for colony sim games.
7.7
283
60
-80%
8.19€
1.63€
10. 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. Stronghold 2: Steam Edition is a city builder, real time tactics and medieval game developed and published by FireFly Studios. It has received 5,218 reviews of which 4,632 were positive and 586 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 79% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for colony sim games.
8.6
4,632
586
-79%
12.48€
2.62€
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 May 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 41,317 reviews of which 38,810 were positive and 2,507 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 802 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
38,810
2,507
802
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 684 reviews of which 611 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
611
73
1
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 453 reviews of which 361 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
361
92
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 421 reviews of which 278 were positive and 143 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free colony sim games on Steam.
6.3
278
143