City-building games

There are tons of City-building games offering a variety of entertaining yet educational experiences related to City-building. Players can learn about the City-building in an interactive way, as the games are designed to be fun and engaging. The games range from simple arcade-style challenges to more complex strategic puzzles. All these City-building games feature vibrant, colorful graphics and simple, easy-to-understand instructions, so even the youngest players can join in on the fun.

Startopia

Startopia (2001)

Startopia is a video game that combines the humor of Futurama with the challenge of building and managing a giant space station. Players take on the role of an administrator charged with rebuilding and maintaining the station, which resembles the 2001-esque space donut from Futurama. To attract more alien species to their station, players must make it as inviting as possible by constructing facilities such as casinos, entertainment venues, research labs, and trading centers. The goal is to create a thriving hub for all types of aliens while taking care not to anger any particular group or species. With its deep strategy elements reminiscent of Dungeon Keeper combined with its humorous science-fiction setting full of bizarre creatures, Startopia offers hours upon hours of captivating gameplay.
90%
Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey (2017)

Super Mario Odyssey is a revolutionary new 3D sandbox-style game for the Nintendo Switch in which Mario embarks on an epic journey through unknown worlds. Players experience classic running and jumping gameplay, but with added moves such as throwing Mario's cap. They can explore vast 3D worlds aboard their own airship and discover secret areas, hidden items, and collectibles. It is the first sandbox-style Super Mario game since Super Mario 64 and Sunshine and marks a brand new evolution of this beloved series.
90%
Emperor: Rise of the Middle Kingdom

Emperor: Rise of the Middle Kingdom (2002)

In Emperor: Rise of the Middle Kingdom, players are transported back in time to ancient China where they become an emperor tasked with building and managing their own city. Players must build housing to attract citizens, command workers and farmers, construct walls to keep out barbarians, march armies into battle against enemies, promote trade and commerce through taxes, create schools and clinics for their citizens' health needs as well as palaces and gardens for aesthetic purposes. Spanning seven dynasties across 3,000 years of history from 2100 BCE until 1211 CE when Genghis Khan invaded the Middle Kingdom; this game promises a grand journey full of adventure and intrigue that will challenge any budding emperor.
89%
Sid Meier's Civilization V

Sid Meier's Civilization V (2010)

Sid Meier's Civilization V is one of the most popular strategy games in history, with over nine million units sold worldwide. Developed by Firaxis Games, this game offers a range of new ways to play and win; including new tools for managing and expanding your civilization, extensive modding capabilities and intensely competitive multiplayer options. Civilization V will come to life in a beautifully detailed living world, taking the gameplay experience to a whole new level. With its innovative features, it has become an absolute must-have title for gamers all around the world.
86%
Sid Meier's Civilization IV

Sid Meier's Civilization IV (2005)

Sid Meier's Civilization IV is a popular turn-based strategy video game with an easy-to-use interface and improved accessibility. Players can choose from multiple civilizations, each with their own unique tech tree that allows for strategic development of their empires. The game also features LAN, internet, PBEM, and Persistent Turn-Based Server (PTBS) options for multiplayer games as well as team play support. Civ IV comes to life with beautiful 3D graphics featuring dozens of fully animated units, customizable armies, cities and wonders appearing on the map along with wonder movies. It is sure to provide hours of faster paced fun!
86%
Frostpunk

Frostpunk (2018)

Frostpunk is a video game about a frozen world in which people have developed steam-powered technology to survive. This new technology forces society to change and adapt in order to survive the overwhelming cold, as the old ways of life are no longer effective. Players must manage resources, build structures, and make tough moral decisions that will determine the fate of their survivors' lives. The challenge of Frostpunk lies not only in surviving but also thriving amidst such extreme conditions.
85%
SimCity 4

SimCity 4 (2003)

SimCity 4 is an open-ended city-building video game from Electronic Arts. Players have the ability to play both God and Mayor in this game, giving them full control over the creation of their own city. As God, players are able to sculpt mountains, gouge valleys, seed forests, summon volcanoes and tornadoes, call down meteors and lightning strikes. As Mayor they can connect a massive region of cities together that share resources as well as deploy emergency vehicles such as police cars and fire trucks to battle blazes or mobs. Additionally players are also able to place their Sims into their city so that they can get an inside look at what life is like around town. SimCity 4 offers a truly immersive experience for those looking for a complex yet fun building simulator game.
81%
Cities: Skylines

Cities: Skylines (2015)

Cities: Skylines, developed by Colossal Order, is an open-ended city building game with sprawling landscapes and maps that players can explore and expand. At its core is the ability to customize your own city through taxation of different districts. The game also allows for extensive modding, so players can tailor it to their own play style. With endless sandbox gameplay possibilities, Cities: Skylines provides a unique experience for any aspiring mayor!
81%
Tropico 4

Tropico 4 (2011)

In Tropico 4 you take on the role of El Presidente, dictator of a tropical island paradise. In this game, the world is changing and your decisions as leader will shape the future of your nation. As El Presidente, you must adapt to rising and falling geographical powers, dominate new players in the world market and gain support from your people in order to triumph over naysayers. Through shrewd decision making and strategic planning, you can build a thriving democracy or an oppressive dictatorship - it's up to you!
80%
Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic

Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic (2003)

Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic is a fantasy strategy game that offers an enhanced version of the acclaimed empire building, role-playing and tactical combat series. Players explore a mysterious Shadow World with never before seen races in diverse landscapes. There are also options to create unique environments with the map editor and rewrite history through the campaign editor for an ever-changing gaming experience.
78%
Total War: Rome II

Total War: Rome II (2013)

Total War: Rome II is a strategy game that puts players in the shoes of an ancient Roman leader. The goal is to become the world's first superpower by using military, economic, and political tactics. As you gain admiration from your followers, you may also attract jealousy from even your closest allies. Players must be prepared to face potential betrayal while striving for their vision of Rome. They can either fight to save the Republic or take control as Emperor. This game offers an immersive experience into Ancient Rome with its vast war machine and strategic gameplay.
77%
Littlewood

Littlewood (2021)

Littlewood is a relaxing RPG game where players take on the role of rebuilding their town after it has been saved from destruction. Players can build and customize their own personalized village, explore an expansive world, learn new hobbies, and become friends with other characters in the game. With its charming atmosphere and peaceful setting, Littlewood is perfect for those who want to unwind while still enjoying an immersive gaming experience.
77%
Anno 2205

Anno 2205 (2015)

Anno 2205 is a video game that invites players to join humankind's next step into the future with the goal of building a better tomorrow. Players are tasked with conquering Earth, creating rich cities and industrial complexes while also traveling into space in order to ensure their people's future prosperity. With unique challenges to face on both land and in space, Anno 2205 encourages players to build an empire that will stand the test of time.
76%
Anno 2070

Anno 2070 (2011)

Anno 2070 is a video game developed by Related Designs in collaboration with Blue Byte. Set in a near-future world, the game puts players into the shoes of architects who are tasked with adapting to climate change and rising sea levels that have left much of the land uninhabitable. Players must use new technologies and conquer ecological challenges to build their empires from scratch. It's up to them to create the future world through strategic planning, resource management, and diplomacy.
75%
Tropico 5

Tropico 5 (2015)

Tropico 5 is the latest installment in the beloved Tropico series, taking gamers into a new direction of dynasties. Players take control of El Presidente and guide them through centuries as they build their own island nation from early colonial times to modern day. This new game features a host of exciting gameplay elements and all new artwork designed from scratch to create an immersive experience like never before.
74%
Bravely Default

Bravely Default (2014)

Bravely Default is an RPG developed by Square Enix, released in the U.S. in February 2014. It captures the charm and elegance of classic RPGs from yesteryear, while still providing a modern spin on the genre. Players take on the role of a Warrior of Light and set out on an epic quest to save the land of Luxemdarc from destruction. Along their journey they must battle powerful monsters and face personal challenges as they grow into stronger heroes. Bravely Default offers gamers a nostalgic yet fresh experience that will keep them captivated for hours upon hours.
74%
Cities in Motion 2

Cities in Motion 2 (2013)

Cities in Motion 2 is the sequel to the popular mass transit simulation game Cities in Motion. It introduces new features, such as multiplayer game modes, day and night cycle, timetables and dynamic cities. Players have a variety of vehicles to choose from and can build roads with bus lanes. The player's decisions will affect how the city grows; affordable transportation will spawn middle class housing and work places while expensive choices attract business people. The goal of this game is to tackle rush hour by managing transportation timetables and meeting citizens' needs through an efficient network.
72%
Banished

Banished (2014)

Banished is a city-building strategy game in which players control a group of exiled travelers who have chosen to start anew in an unknown land. These exiles come with only the clothes on their backs and a cart filled with supplies from their old home, so they must rely heavily on the townspeople of Banished for survival. Players will need to manage resources carefully while building up their settlement, making sure that all of the town's citizens are provided for and that there is enough food, shelter and other basic necessities available.
71%
Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth

Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth (2014)

Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth is a strategy video game that takes players on an interstellar journey from their home planet of Earth. Players explore and colonize an alien world, building up a new civilization in the process. Along the way, they must make decisions to shape their own unique cultures and societies as they contend with other factions for control over resources and territory. With multiple paths to victory, every playthrough will be different depending on what choices are made throughout the game.
71%
The Settlers 7: Paths to a Kingdom

The Settlers 7: Paths to a Kingdom (2010)

The Settlers: Paths to a Kingdom is the latest game in the award-winning kingdom building strategy series created in 1993. With over 500,000 units sold in the US and 7MM worldwide LTD, it has become one of the best selling strategy brands. The game features richer military, economic and research systems than ever before which allows players to play their way and win. In addition to its campaign mode and fully customizable pre-designed maps, downloadable expansions as well as player-generated content offer endless experiences for gamers. Even more innovative features such as integration with social networks like Facebook and Twitter make this title truly accessible for all types of players.
70%
Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization

Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization (2008)

Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization is a reimagining of the classic 1994 game, combining Sid Meier's addictive "just one more turn" gameplay with newly added features and graphics. Players take on the role of leading one of four European nations in an effort to conquer and rule a New World. On the quest for freedom and independence, players must guide their people away from oppressive motherlands, explore the new land, negotiate trade deals with natives and other nations, fight for power, and ultimately strive for liberation. The game includes improved diplomacy options as well as modding tools to give players greater depth than ever before. No original Civilization IV product is required to play Colonization.
70%
SimCity Societies

SimCity Societies (2007)

SimCity Societies is a video game from Electronic Arts that offers players an innovative way to build their own cities and cultures. This revolutionary new feature allows for the construction of artistic, haunted, green or spiritual cities, as well as any other kind of society imaginable. Players can use the versatile city-builder to create unique societies based on their personal preferences and desires.
69%
Tropico 3: Absolute Power

Tropico 3: Absolute Power (2010)

Tropico 3: Absolute Power is the first official expansion pack for the popular real-time strategy video game Tropico 3. The expansion adds a variety of new features, such as new buildings, edicts and resources, making it even more challenging to manage a tropical island nation. Players will also have access to a wider range of tasks and achievements that they can complete while playing. With improved graphics and sound effects, Tropico 3: Absolute Power provides an immersive experience that allows players to build their own unique kingdom in this exciting Caribbean paradise.
68%
Aven Colony

Aven Colony (2017)

Aven Colony is a video game that puts you in charge of humanity's first extrasolar settlement on Aven Prime, an alien planet light years from earth. The goal is to build and expand your small colonies into massive, sprawling cities while dealing with the harsh realities of an alien world. Features include building infrastructure, managing resources and looking after the well-being of citizens. Players must also discover secrets by deploying teams to take on alien lifeforms and unlock new areas as they tackle both campaign and sandbox modes. Additionally, players must survive extreme conditions such as harsh winters and electrical storms in order to ensure their colony's survival on this cruel environment.
63%
SimCity DS

SimCity DS (2007)

SimCity DS is a video game in the SimCity series, allowing players to create and control their own city with the touch of their finger. Players can use the stylus and built-in microphone controls of the Nintendo DS for an immersive experience, such as blowing into the microphone to put out fires or signing off on mayoral proclamations with your stylus. The wireless data exchange feature also enables players to communicate with each other. Furthermore, there are numerous international landmarks available for players to spice up their cities.
60%
Urban Empire

Urban Empire (2017)

Urban Empire is a unique strategy game that combines city building elements with political scheming and realistic historical events. Players will take on the role of a city ruler, tasked with creating their own virtual metropolis while managing its inhabitants, resources, and laws. Along the way they'll have to navigate social issues as well as unpredictable historical events in order to ensure their city's success over multiple generations. The game offers an unprecedented blend of strategy and world-building for players looking for something new and different from traditional video games.
60%
Townsmen: A Kingdom Rebuilt

Townsmen: A Kingdom Rebuilt (2018)

Townsmen: A Kingdom Rebuilt is a popular medieval city-building and economic simulation game. Players are tasked with managing their economy as they build their dream city from the ground up, choosing from dozens of buildings including churches, taverns and marketplaces. While watching Townies scurry around on their daily routines, players must make sure to keep them happy and well-fed in order to have a successful economy. The game offers complex production chains, diverse scenarios and challenges, plus an unrestricted sandbox gameplay mode for maximum freedom. With Townsmen: A Kingdom Rebuilt, players can experience an all-new entry into this beloved series full of cute Townies and fun town-building action!
50%
Hotel Giant 2

Hotel Giant 2 (2010)

Hotel Giant 2 is a business simulation video game that lets players design, build and manage their own hotel empire. Players must create the best hotels in the world from scratch by choosing from dozens of building materials, furniture, decorations, amenities and more. They must also hire staff to serve guests and maintain the properties while keeping track of profits and losses. The game offers an engaging challenge for anyone looking to test their skills in business management or just have some fun managing a virtual hotel.
50%
Cities XXL

Cities XXL (2015)

Cities XXL is a video game that allows players to design, build, and manage large cities. It features a powerful game engine and new interface that enable players to become mayors of sprawling metropolises. Town-planning includes home locations, retail plots, offices, industry, infrastructure across 47 architectural styles with over 1000 buildings. Players can also manage the happiness of their citizens by providing leisure activities such as landmarks and ecology/pollution management. In addition to traditional structures there are also ecological buildings and upgrades like park-and-ride systems; electric car dealerships; and bike hire stations for a greener approach!
50%
Stronghold 3

Stronghold 3 (2011)

Stronghold 3 is the third game in the critically acclaimed Stronghold series. It gives players the opportunity to build and manage their own castle, while defending it from enemy invaders. Players must construct walls and towers, build an economy, and train a formidable army to protect their stronghold. They can also choose from four different campaigns with various objectives or compete against other players in multiplayer skirmishes for ultimate domination. The graphics have been improved significantly compared to earlier games in the series, making Stronghold 3 one of the most immersive medieval-style strategy experiences available today.
48%