5 Best Games Like SteamWorld Build

Nothing beats the novelty that comes with multi-genre games, and SteamWorld Build is no exception. Like other games in the SteamWorld series, SteamWorld Build is all about strategy, and if you're not up to it, the game will push you to your wit's end. Still, the game's complexity is what makes it fun. It's also not that hard, and players can try out different strategies without the fear of losing.

A mix of city buildings and dungeons, SteamWorld Build has something that'll appeal to every player in strategy-type games. Unlike other city-building games that focus on medieval or historical settings, SteamWorld Build focuses mostly on city building, epic battles, and managing resources while retaining a bit of retro thanks to its steampunk mechanics.

Understandably, only a few games come close to SteamWorld Build. Here are the five best games, like SteamWorld Build.

5. Distant Worlds: Universe

The first thing you're sure to notice about Distant Worlds: Universe is its focus on a sci-fi, post-apocalyptic style where humanity is forced to seek refuge in the stars. However, the game has several elements that make it similar to SteamWorld Build, and if you have an eye for sci-fi games, you'll be in for a treat.

Players can expect to engage in resource mobilization and management, city building, and a couple of battles here and there. But it doesn't stop at that with Distant Worlds: Universe. The city building, resource management, and wars can, and players must be prepared to scale up to interplanetary levels. Depending on what you're looking for in a video game, this might make it appeal to you more or be a dealbreaker.

Out of all the games on this list, Distant Worlds: Universe takes strategy and tactics to a much grander scale. As expected, building empires and engaging in multiple interplanetary battles can seem too complex, and the game may not appeal to some players. But if you wish SteamWorld Build could accommodate your wild ambitions, Distant Worlds: Universe is the best game like SteamWorld Build you can get.

4. Anno 1800

Since its release, Ubisoft's Anno 1800 has and continues to lure more players into its fanbase. In contrast to other games on this list, Anno 1800 is based entirely on Earth and, more specifically, during the 19th century. In this game, players rule and make critical decisions on city building, resource exploitation, and mobilization, among others. If you're open to it, you can try to position your domain as the pioneering force through diplomacy, war, and trade with your neighbors.

Critics haven't been particularly forgiving of Anno 1800‘s complex gameplay and mechanics. To some, the sheer amount of tact that goes into the game may make it unsuitable for beginner or intermediate players. While this may be true to some extent, the challenge makes Anno 1800 the most replayable game on this list. It's like the novelty never wears off, and once you're done with the game, you can always go back to it and have a completely different experience.

3. Age of Wonders: Planetfall

Third on this list is Age of Wonders: Planetfall. In this game, players take on the role of leaders commanding factions on a distant planetary settlement. After the collapse of a human-led intergalactic federation, several splinter groups emerged, each with different units, specializations, and even gameplay. If you’ve played the most recent addition to the series, Age of Wonders 4, you can note several similarities.

One of the primary objectives the player must accomplish as faction leader is to decide where to place settlements and fortifications and direct their construction. This is similar to city building in SteamWorld Build, but in Age of Wonders: Planetfall, most focus is on strengthening fortifications to have an edge in battle. As faction leaders, players can customize their fighting units and even command them into positions on the battlefield.

If you're looking for a game like SteamWorld Build with a sci-fi twist and more epic battle scenes, you should try Age of Wonders: Planetfall. The thing about Age of Wonders: Planetfall is that you'll never get tired of it. There's so much to choose from and explore.

2. Unclaimed World

This list wouldn't be complete without mentioning Unclaimed World. The game is set on a planet colony that humans inhabited when interstellar travel became possible. It's similar to SteamWorld Build in many respects, with the player taking on the role of colony manager or administrator.

The player must ensure enough food to feed the population and adequate defenses to prevent attacks. As if that's not enough, players must also figure out how to protect the population and recover from extreme weather conditions. Refactored Games didn't spare anything with the level of detail in the game's simulation.

Still, some critics argue it's a “slow game,” but this can also be attributed to the challenge this game poses to players. Unclaimed World is fun to play, but it can easily frustrate even the keenest player. However, once you learn the ropes, it's all a breeze, and the reward you get from more exciting challenges is worth the trouble.

1. Imagine Earth

Imagine Earth Topps, our five best games, like SteamWorld Build. If there's any game that comes close to (and some may even argue is better than) SteamWorld Build, it's Imagine Earth. Set in a faraway planetary colony, Imagine Earth combines city building, resource mobilization, trading, and battles for survival in one game.

The game also has realistic elements built into the storyline. With Earth uninhabitable due to the irreversible effects of ecological collapse, players must also make conscious efforts to avoid this on Imagine Earth. In this game, there's always a chance to test all the ecological collapse intervention strategies you've thought of.

Imagine Earth is a never-ending tussle. Players must manage the resources, keep the planetary colony bustling, and engage in interplanetary trade, all while fending off enemy hordes that try to reverse any gains. If you thought SteamWorld Build was tough, you might want to think again. While some players may not agree, it's comparable to the SteamWorld Build.

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