Best Resource Management 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 resource management games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free resource management games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Stronghold Legends: Steam Edition
Catapult werewolves over castle walls, incinerate troops with dragon fire and command the Knights of the Round Table! This remaster of the mythical ‘castle sim’ features Steam multiplayer, Workshop support, new maps, achievements and DLC campaigns.
Mad Games Tycoon
Form your own game studio set in the early 1980s in a small garage. Develop your own game ideas, create a team and develop megahit video games. Research new technologies, train your staff and upgrade your office space, going from a lowly garage to a huge building. Expand your business and dominate the world market for video games!
The Final Station
Travel by train through a dying world. Look after your passengers, keep your train operational, and make sure you can always reach the next station. Make your way through swarms of infected at each station. Explore mysterious and abandoned stations looking for supplies and survivors.
The Hive
The Hive is a strategy game with RPG elements where you assume command as the insectoid hivemind. Build and expand your underground colony, harvest resources, and evolve your swarm using DNA. Will you survive in this hostile yet beautiful underworld?
Frozen State
Frozen State is a brutal, survival game set in a world embraced by the man-made ice age meant to protect mankind from pestilent hybrids. Bitter cold and numbing fear are the constant companions in the journey through the retro-futuristic Frozen State world.
Just Deserts
Just Deserts is a sci-fi action dating sim where you play as a soldier who must protect a city from mysterious alien attack, while at the same time you will also be seeking to capture the heart of your dream girl(s)! Theme song by Vesuvia [Ecky], vocal track by iMochi
12 Labours of Hercules V: Kids of Hellas (Platinum Edition)
With your help, Hercules must return the kids home, blow up the factory that produces the evil toys, and lead a strategic operation to destroy Ares' command transmitter in 12 Labours of Hercules V: Kids of Hellas!
Simutrans
Simutrans is a freeware and open-source transportation simulator. Your goal is to establish a successful transport company. Transport passengers, mail and goods by rail, road, ship, and even air. Interconnect districts, cities, public buildings, industries and tourist attractions.
Blueprint Tycoon
Build your settlement, gather goods, ensure maximum efficiency and make a profit!
Offworld Trading Company
Mars has been colonized, and Earth's corporate titans fight to dominate this new market. Competition is fierce in this fast-paced economic RTS from Civilization IV Lead Designer, Soren Johnson.
NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION: Sphere of Influence - Ascension
In the simulation game series "Nobunaga's Ambition", players aim to unify Japan in the troubled times of the Warring States era. In this release we include "Officer Play" for the first time in the series, allowing players to advance from retainer to Castle Lord and then on to Daimyo.
Polaris Sector
Can anyone build an empire in a place like this? Other factions are naturally suspicious of newcomers and may wage war at the first sign of unidentified craft. Here, a natural death is an uncommon luxury.
Governor of Poker 3
Governor of Poker 3 is the best multiplayer poker game with a great design. In this multi-player version of Governor of Poker you compete live with thousands of real poker players to prove you are the number 1 Texas Hold ’em poker star!
12 Labours of Hercules IV: Mother Nature (Platinum Edition)
The legendary hero Hercules and his wife Megara are back, ready to embark on their next adventure! The Gods are outraged at their defeat and have summoned a fearsome beast who can match Hercules's god-like strength.
Gnomes Garden
Dry summer withered the king’s beloved garden and the surrounding gardens of the kingdom alike. The ruler has fallen ill and the kingdom is in danger. Help the princess save the gardens and make the king better again.
Romance of the Three Kingdoms Maker
"Romance of the Three Kingdoms Maker" celebrates the 30th anniversary of the "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" series. It has been realized through a collaboration between the creators of the "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" series, Koei Tecmo Games, and the creators of the "TSUKURU" series, KADOKAWA.
Thea: The Awakening
Thea: The Awakening is a turn-based strategic survival game inspired by the Slavic mythology and set in a procedural dark fantasy world infused with non-linear story and unique combat system.
Dungeon Warfare
Dungeon Warfare is a challenging tower defense strategy game where you become a dungeon lord to defend your dungeons with deadliest of traps and insidious contraptions against greedy adventurers and wanna-be heroes.
Anno 2205™
In Anno 2205™, you join humankind‘s next step into the future with the promise to build a better tomorrow. You conquer Earth, establishing rich, bustling cities and grand industrial complexes, but to secure the prosperity of your people, you must travel into space.
Kingdom: Classic
Kingdom is a 2D sidescrolling strategy/resource management hybrid with a minimalist feel wrapped in a beautiful, modern pixel art aesthetic.
Most played resource management games on Steam
Take a look at the top resource management games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of June 16th 2025.
1. Factorio
Factorio is a game about building and creating automated factories to produce items of increasing complexity, within an infinite 2D world. Use your imagination to design your factory, combine simple elements into ingenious structures, and finally protect it from the creatures who don't really like you. Factorio is a automation, base-building and resource management game developed and published by Wube Software LTD.. Released on August 14th 2020 has received 215,209 reviews of which 208,770 were positive and 6,439 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played resource management game, thanks to its 21,076 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.6
208,770
6,439
21,076
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 9,589 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among resource management games based on player count.
9.5
124,220
4,170
9,589
players
3. Captain of Industry
Land your crew of survivors on an abandoned island and survive! Mine raw materials, grow food, build factories, manufacture products, research new tech, and trade with others. Become an industrial superpower! But this is no easy task, you will be put to the test to keep your settlement alive. Captain of Industry is a base-building, automation and resource management game developed and published by MaFi Games. Released on May 31st 2022 has received 7,154 reviews of which 6,737 were positive and 417 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. While seeing 4,520 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among resource management games based on player count.
9.1
6,737
417
4,520
players
4. Farmer Against Potatoes Idle
Pick up your sword and fight off waves of Potatoes by upgrading your stats constantly, use Equipment, choose between different Classes, put your many Talents to good use, and so much more designed to keep you entertained for a long time. Farmer Against Potatoes Idle is a idler, casual and clicker game developed and published by Oni Gaming. Released on September 05th 2024 has received 7,184 reviews of which 6,844 were positive and 340 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 1,837 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played resource management games.
9.2
6,844
340
1,837
players
5. 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 #5 spot among the most played resource management games.
9.1
114,315
9,231
1,394
players
6. FOUNDRY
Build a sophisticated robot factory optimized to perfection in an infinite voxel world. Mine and harvest resources, automate your production lines and manage complex systems while researching your way to become the galaxy’s leading robotics megacorp. FOUNDRY is a early access, automation and base-building game developed by Channel 3 Entertainment and published by Paradox Interactive. Released on May 02nd 2024 has received 2,783 reviews of which 2,197 were positive and 586 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. With 1,149 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played resource management games.
7.6
2,197
586
1,149
players
7. Mindustry
An open-ended factory management game with RTS and tower defense elements. Mindustry is a base-building, resource management and tower defense game developed and published by AnukenDev. Released on September 26th 2019 has received 22,266 reviews of which 21,329 were positive and 937 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 582 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played resource management games.
9.4
21,329
937
582
players
8. 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 21,628 reviews of which 16,477 were positive and 5,151 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. With 505 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played resource management games.
7.5
16,477
5,151
505
players
9. 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 real-time with pause, resource management and simulation game developed and published by Door 407. Released on October 04th 2024 has received 9,673 reviews of which 8,217 were positive and 1,456 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 495 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played resource management games.
8.3
8,217
1,456
495
players
10. Airport CEO
Build and manage an international airport! Airport CEO is a flight, resource management and moddable game developed and published by Apog Labs. Released on March 04th 2021 has received 7,684 reviews of which 6,433 were positive and 1,251 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. With 458 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played resource management games.
8.1
6,433
1,251
458
players
Best deals on resource management games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of resource management games available on Steam right now, updated on June 16th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted resource management games.
1. 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. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for resource management category.
7.7
1,333
334
-99%
19.99€
0.39€
2. Honey, I Joined a Cult
It's time to start working towards that ultimate goal of enlightenment, faith and money…lots and lots of money! Become the ultimate tycoon - create, customise, and manage your own cult whilst listening to funky music. Welcome to Honey, I Joined a Cult! Honey, I Joined a Cult is a simulation, base-building and resource management game developed by Sole Survivor Games and published by Team17. Released on November 03rd 2022 has received 1,732 reviews of which 1,279 were positive and 453 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in resource management games.
7.1
1,279
453
-99%
21.99€
0.40€
3. The Pale Beyond
You didn’t ask to lead this expedition, but here you are. Stuck in the ice, Captain missing, miles from civilisation. Someone has to take charge. Manage your meagre resources, balance safety and morale, make the hard calls, and head in the only direction you can - through The Pale Beyond. The Pale Beyond is a resource management, survival and choices matter game developed by Bellular Studios and published by Fellow Traveller. Released on February 24th 2023 has received 1,862 reviews of which 1,658 were positive and 204 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in resource management games.
8.5
1,658
204
-98%
19.50€
0.55€
4. Hexarchy
Hexarchy is an innovative, fast-paced, historical 4x strategy game where you use cards and deckbuilding to make your decisions. Single-player and online multiplayer. Hexarchy is a turn-based, card game and resource management game developed by Main Tank Software and published by Yogscast Games and Gamersky Games. Released on October 19th 2023 has received 1,155 reviews of which 942 were positive and 213 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for resource management games.
7.8
942
213
-98%
19.50€
0.58€
5. Help Will Come Tomorrow
In an uninhabitable Siberian wilderness, in a wake of October Revolution, a group of passengers survives the mysterious catastrophe of Trans-Siberian railway train. They must endure in a harsh ice-clad climate until rescue arrives. Facing many dangers, their own weaknesses and, their own prejudice. Help Will Come Tomorrow is a survival, adventure and resource management game developed by Arclight Creations and published by Klabater. Released on April 21st 2020 has received 893 reviews of which 714 were positive and 179 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for resource management games.
7.6
714
179
-98%
19.99€
0.46€
6. 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 #6 position in the best deals for resource management games.
7.6
1,295
346
-98%
24.99€
0.54€
7. Cartel Tycoon
Cartel Tycoon is a survival business sim inspired by the ‘80s and '90s narco trade. Expand and conquer, fight off rival thugs and evade the authorities. Earn people's loyalty and strive to overcome the doomed fate of a power-hungry drug lord. Cartel Tycoon is a top-down, rts and resource management game developed by Moon Moose and published by tinyBuild. Released on July 26th 2022 has received 3,536 reviews of which 2,699 were positive and 837 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for resource management games.
7.4
2,699
837
-98%
28.99€
0.73€
8. Automachef
Welcome to Automachef, a resource management puzzler where you design kitchens, program machinery and watch your genius come to life! It’s time to engineer tomorrow’s kitchen, today! Automachef is a simulation, indie and automation game developed by Rhombico Games and published by Team17 Digital Ltd. Released on July 23rd 2019 has received 863 reviews of which 622 were positive and 241 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for resource management games.
6.9
622
241
-98%
14.99€
0.37€
9. Kardboard Kings: Card Shop Simulator
Open your own Card shop by the seaside! Buy, trade and sell Cards, OR keep them for your own collection! Earn reputation with customers, beat your shop goals, unlock new decorations, and host exciting events to bring everyone to the best Card shop in town! Kardboard Kings: Card Shop Simulator is a funny, 2d and capitalism game developed by Henry's House, Oscar Brittain and Rob Gross and published by Akupara Games. Released on February 10th 2022 has received 440 reviews of which 319 were positive and 121 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for resource management games.
6.9
319
121
-98%
19.50€
0.49€
10. The Hive
The Hive is a strategy game with RPG elements where you assume command as the insectoid hivemind. Build and expand your underground colony, harvest resources, and evolve your swarm using DNA. Will you survive in this hostile yet beautiful underworld? The Hive is a rts, strategy and rpg game developed and published by Skydome Entertainment. Released on August 25th 2016 has received 387 reviews of which 279 were positive and 108 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for resource management games.
6.8
279
108
-98%
19.99€
0.51€
Free resource management games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play resource management games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on June 16th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play resource management games.
1. Farmer Against Potatoes Idle
Pick up your sword and fight off waves of Potatoes by upgrading your stats constantly, use Equipment, choose between different Classes, put your many Talents to good use, and so much more designed to keep you entertained for a long time. Farmer Against Potatoes Idle is a idler, casual and clicker game developed and published by Oni Gaming. Released on September 05th 2024 has received 7,184 reviews of which 6,844 were positive and 340 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 1,837 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free resource management games on Steam.
9.2
6,844
340
1,837
players
2. Industry Idle
Industry Idle is an idle game that combines factory building, resource management and market trading. Design & build your base, expand & scale up your productions, improve & optimize your economy. Plus all the incremental game goodies: offline earnings, prestige to unlock more powerful upgrades. Industry Idle is a automation, idler and resource management game developed by FishPond and published by Fish Pond Studio. Released on September 13th 2024 has received 1,360 reviews of which 1,058 were positive and 302 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free resource management games on Steam.
7.5
1,058
302
46
players
3. Magic Archery
Train a commoner to become the greatest archer in this short incremental game! Increase your stats, gather wealth from quests, buy upgrades, and infuse your arrows with magic. Magic Archery is a clicker, idler and fantasy game developed and published by Barribob. Released on October 04th 2024 has received 5,794 reviews of which 5,726 were positive and 68 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free resource management games on Steam.
9.5
5,726
68
44
players
4. Prosperous Universe
In Prosperous Universe start your galactic empire by trading on the real-time market exchange with other real players. Build your 1st base from humble beginnings & watch as your business flourishes with complex supply chain strategies. Economics, politics & realism fuel this immersive business MMO. Prosperous Universe is a early access, economy and resource management game developed and published by simulogics. Released on April 20th 2022 has received 898 reviews of which 675 were positive and 223 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free resource management games on Steam.
7.2
675
223
32
players
5. Pacifish
Pacifish is an incremental fishing management game with several mechanics to interact with and improve. It can be played both idly, or more actively to progress faster. Pacifish is a casual, idler and resource management game developed and published by Conifer Studios. Released on June 07th 2022 has received 671 reviews of which 560 were positive and 111 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free resource management games on Steam.
7.9
560
111
9
players
6. Cookard
Cookard is a cooking game where you run a restaurant by stacking cards to prepare and serve dishes to customers. Cookard is a card game, free to play and cooking game developed and published by Panitia GameDev and Cliffbite Game. Released on May 10th 2024 has received 1,953 reviews of which 1,885 were positive and 68 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free resource management games on Steam.
9.2
1,885
68
8
players
7. Outpath: First Journey
Outpath: First Journey is a prologue chapter of the main game, Outpath. An experimental clicker base building game. Craft, gather & manage resources, build your base and buy more islands to exploit and expand! Outpath: First Journey is a base building, resource management and crafting game developed by David Moralejo Sánchez and published by GrabTheGames and UpgradePoint. Released on December 17th 2022 has received 4,717 reviews of which 4,584 were positive and 133 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free resource management games on Steam.
9.4
4,584
133
6
players
8. Beecarbonize
Do you have what it takes to save the planet? Beecarbonize is an environmental card strategy game with climate change as your opponent. Beecarbonize is a strategy, resource management and card game game developed and published by Charles Games. Released on August 01st 2023 has received 1,980 reviews of which 1,850 were positive and 130 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free resource management games on Steam.
8.9
1,850
130
6
players
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played free resource management games on Steam.
8.4
610
73
4
players
10. Bakso Simulator
Create the most successful bakso business in this world! Bakso Simulator is a simulation, cooking and resource management game developed and published by Akhir Pekan Studio. Released on October 08th 2022 has received 1,634 reviews of which 1,496 were positive and 138 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free resource management games on Steam.
8.7
1,496
138
2
players