I’m on the hunt for games where you can build intricate colonies or systems and then sit back to enjoy watching them thrive on their own. I love games like Satisfactory, Factorio, RimWorld, and Dwarf Fortress, where I get to meticulously create a lively world. However, I’ve played those to death and am eager for new titles. I’d prefer games that lean more towards colony simulations rather than factory sims, as factory games tend to make me feel a bit lonely. It’s so much more rewarding to see little characters bustling about in a community I’ve built! I’ve already checked out Cities: Skylines, The Sims, OpenTTD, and Mindustry, but I’m looking for more suggestions. Any ideas?
4 Answers
You should definitely check out Hydroneer and Dyson Sphere Program! Both have great systems where you can automate processes and watch them unfold. Oxygen Not Included is also a must-try; it’s got that colony vibe with cute little duplicants running around, and the gameplay has a nice depth to it. Also, Mind Over Magic and Frostpunk are some solid picks! They’ve got interesting mechanics and engaging stories.
Surviving Mars is a great colony sim set on Mars! It has intriguing storylines and a lot of engaging gameplay. Also, check out Gnomoria for a light version of Dwarf Fortress; it offers similar mechanics with a more casual approach. Banished is another fun one, though be careful with food logistics, or your colony might face disaster!
If you’re looking for something with a mix of strategy, try the Age of Empires series! It has a good town-building element alongside military simulations. Or for something different, Final Fantasy 12 allows you to set AI behaviors for your party, which can lead to some cool automation moments.
Songs of Syx is a cool hybrid between a town builder and base builder. You start small with a few townspeople and can grow your population significantly. Plus, there’s an overworld where you can trade and engage in warfare, which adds another layer of fun!
