When it comes to fun city building games, they are like a virtual world where you get to create and shape your dream city. It’s a mix of fun and challenge, letting you make decisions about how your city looks and grows. Whether you’re into planning or just want to unwind, these city building games offer a relaxing yet engaging experience. Welcome to the realm of city building games, where the power to construct and shape thriving urban landscapes rests in your hands. From laying the foundations of bustling metropolises to managing intricate infrastructures From mediaeval cities to friendly neighbourhoods, there’s something for everyone.
This article holds the list of the ten best city building games you can play right now on different devices, offering a variety of experiences in the world of building simulations. If you enjoy planning cities or want a relaxing way to unwind after work, these city building games are a great choice for you.
1. Which genre do city building games belong to?
City building games belong to the simulation genre and focus on allowing players to create and manage virtual cities. In these city building games, players take on the role of a city planner or mayor, tasked with constructing and developing a city from the ground up. The gameplay typically involves tasks such as zoning for residential, commercial, and industrial areas, managing infrastructure like roads and utilities, and addressing the needs and satisfaction of virtual citizens.
The genre often combines elements of strategy, creativity, and resource management, providing players with the opportunity to design, grow, and sustain their own urban landscapes. Popular examples include SimCity, Cities: Skylines, and Townscaper.
2. What makes city building games fun?
1. Creativity and design
The ability to design and shape a city from scratch allows players to unleash their creativity and build unique urban landscapes.
2. Strategic planning
City building games often require strategic thinking, from managing resources to planning infrastructure, providing a satisfying challenge for players.
3. Dynamic challenges
The inclusion of dynamic elements such as disasters, population growth, and economic shifts keeps the city building games engaging and prevents monotony.
4. Progression and unlockables
The sense of progression and the ability to unlock new buildings, technologies, and features provide a rewarding experience for players as they advance.
5. Realism and simulation
The realistic simulation of city dynamics and the consequences of player decisions add depth and immersion to the gaming experience.
6. Continuous learning
The complexity of managing various aspects of a city encourages continuous learning, making the game intellectually stimulating and enjoyable.
7. Aesthetic enjoyment
Visually appealing graphics, intricate details, and the ability to customise the aesthetics of the city contribute to the overall enjoyment of the game.
8. Sense of accomplishment
Successfully building and managing a thriving city provides a profound sense of accomplishment, making the gameplay rewarding and satisfying.
2. Top 10 best city building games to play in 2023
1. Cities: Skylines II
Cities: Skylines 2, the sequel to the popular city building game was released this year on October 24, 2023. You can play it on PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Created by Colossal Order and published by Paradox Interactive, this simulator and strategy game takes the best parts of SimCity and builds on them, offering an enjoyable experience for hours.
Starting with a small plot of land on six maps, you’ll develop your city by adding residents, businesses, schools, and more. The game presents challenges like emergencies and traffic management. Known for long-term support, just like its predecessor, Cities: Skylines 2 promises a rich gaming experience.
2. Tropico 6
Developed by Limbic Entertainment, Tropico 6 is available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Assume the role of El Presidente and shape your own island paradise, whether you opt for a tyrannical dictatorship or a peaceful rule. The game shifts its focus to political affairs, introducing a new research tree to refine your political strategies.
Unlike its predecessors, Tropico 6 allows you to build and manage multiple cities spread across diverse islands, each with unique challenges. Constructing transport systems becomes essential for connecting your burgeoning empire. Deliver speeches, make promises, and customise your palace to solidify your leadership in this tropical world.
3. Townscaper
Townscaper is one of the best and most addictive city building games that players can experience. Developed by Oskar Stalberg, this sandbox-style game gives you much freedom to build up your little towns, cities, and more. You can even make up cities in the sky if you’d like. You simply have to start block by block and choose from different colours to build and expand your own miniature city.
The game is all about building and having fun. Whether you want big structures or cosy little towns, the game lets you create colourful houses, bridges, and more. You can enjoy your designs and have a relaxing time bringing them to life in this delightful indie game.
4. Frostpunk
Frostpunk stands out in the city-building genre as a challenging game with a survival and strategy twist. Set in the late 19th century during a global volcanic winter, players lead an Arctic settlement, making crucial decisions to survive and exploring for resources and survivors.
Developed by 11 Bit Studios, Frostpunk immerses players in a frozen world where careful resource management and town expansion are vital for success. Released on April 24, 2018, it’s available on PlayStation 4, offering a unique and rewarding city-building experience in extreme conditions.
5. Surviving Mars
Excited about building on Mars? Surviving Mars is the game for you. It’s like a regular city builder but on the Red Planet. Instead of worrying about regular city stuff like electricity, here, you deal with oxygen and space domes. It’s not just about getting people to your Martian colony; the real challenge is keeping them alive.
Made by the same folks who brought you Cities: Skylines, Surviving Mars has lots of extra content, with options like Green Planet for terraforming and Space Race for a global competition to colonise Mars. It’s like Cities: Skylines but set in space, and it’s not just a game; it’s a mix of survival, exploration, and building that’s always fun.
6. Anno 1880
Anno 1800 is a game you can play on your computer (Microsoft Windows), falling into the Simulator and Strategy categories. Created by Ubisoft Blue Byte and published by Ubisoft, this game transports you to the Industrial Age. Your journey begins with a trade port and a small piece of land, and your goal is to turn a simple farming village into a bustling manufacturing hub.
The main focus here is on production and industry, with an emphasis on building and managing supply chains to make as much money as possible through trade. While you may need to defend your industry occasionally, Anno 1800 stands out because it prioritises economic and trade elements over warfare or keeping citizens happy. If you’re interested in different historical periods, Anno 1404 takes you to the age of colonisation, and Anno 2070 jumps ahead to near-future industry.
7. Kingdoms Reborn
In Kingdoms Reborn, the primary focus revolves around resource management and enhancing the lives of your residents. From choosing their location to providing food and luxuries, you have the power to expand and attract more residents to your evolving domain. The game’s world map and citizens are dynamically generated, allowing you to transform a small mediaeval hamlet into a thriving global empire effortlessly.
Whether you prefer friendly collaboration or competitive gameplay, Kingdoms Reborn offers a unique online experience where you can interact with other players in real time on the same map. Developed by Earthshine, Kingdoms Reborn is available on Microsoft Windows, providing an engaging and interactive world for players to explore together.
8. Aven Colony
In Aven Colony, developed by Mothership Entertainment and available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, and PC, you find yourself making a home on an alien planet. Unlike typical moves, this one involves colonising an unfamiliar world with its own challenges. Facing low oxygen levels, wild electrical storms, and erupting toxic gas, the goal is to settle and expand successfully.
The planet offers various biomes, each with its own characteristics, like wetlands providing a good water source, while deserts offer fewer resources. Starting as the colony’s governor, you manage its welfare and development, with the potential to rise to the rank of president. With secrets to uncover and a vast new world to explore, Aven Colony offers a unique challenge as you strive to create a comfortable settlement for your people.
9. Caesar Series
The Caesar Series city building games provide an opportunity to step into the role of a city planner in the Roman Empire. With an isometric view, players can carefully design and develop their city-states, aiming for prosperity. Yet, the real challenge lies in skillfully managing crucial elements like Culture, Prosperity, Peace, and Favour ratings.
Success in these city building games depends on making strategic decisions to keep these ratings at their optimum levels. It’s a fulfilling experience for those who enjoy the intricate balance of planning and decision-making in the virtual realm of ancient city-building.
10. SimCity 4
Playable on PC (Microsoft Windows) and Mac, SimCity 4 falls within the Simulator and Strategy genres. Developed by Maxis and published by Aspyr Media and Electronic Arts, this classic city building games remains a key player despite Cities: Skylines taking the lead in city-building games. Released in 2003, SimCity 4 invites players on a nostalgic journey, allowing them to construct interconnected cities, manage public transit, trigger natural disasters, and meet the diverse needs of citizens.
However, given its 18-year age, it’s recommended to enhance the gaming experience with mods and bug fixes to address potential frequent crashes and game-breaking bugs. So, if you are looking for some of the awesome city building games on PC, SimCity 4 is clearly a great choice to make.
3. Tips and strategies for mastering city building games
1. Start small, plan Big
Begin with a well-organised and efficient small city before expanding to larger projects. Planning ahead prevents future issues.
2. Balanced development
Maintain a balance between residential, commercial, and industrial zones to ensure your city’s growth and prosperity.
3. Infrastructure is key
Prioritise building essential infrastructure like roads, power lines, and water systems early on to support your city’s expansion.
4. Economy management
Keep a close eye on your city’s budget, taxes, and expenses. A stable economy is crucial for sustained growth.
5. Public services and happiness
Provide essential services such as healthcare, education, and recreation to keep your citizens happy and attract more residents.
6. Adapt to challenges
Be prepared to handle disasters, crises, or sudden population spikes. Flexibility is the only answer to overcoming unpredicted challenges.
7. Utilise upgrades and specialisations
Take advantage of upgrades and specialisations for buildings to maximise efficiency and improve the overall functionality of your city.
8. Explore research and technologies
Invest in research and technologies to unlock new buildings and services that can propel your city into the future.
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Conclusion
While these city building games may seem challenging especially if you are a newbie, the list mentioned in this article has options that make it easy for beginners to have fun. The genre has cool city building games for everyone, from challenging ones like Frostpunk to simpler ones like Islanders. Exciting sequels like Cities Skylines 2 are also on the way, making it an exciting time for city building games fans! For more exciting gaming information, visit Nowandlive.
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