City building games have long been a classic favourite in the gaming community. Since the release of the original SimCity in 1989, the genre of city building games has evolved significantly since the early 2000s. There’s something for everyone, from indie games and minimalist building experiences to classic titles like Cities: Skylines and Tropico 6. So, let’s dive into our compiled list of best city building games on PC.
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1. Cities: Skylines
Cities: Skylines, along with its expansion packs, is arguably one of the best city building games on PC ever, even dethroning SimCity. This modern version of SimCity offers all the essential gameplay elements you could wish for, with new mechanics added, such as creating green cities or enhancing tourist attractions.
The main scenario in this city simulation takes around 45 hours to complete. Still, you can continue building your city as you wish. Cities: Skylines also boasts mod support and a thriving community that continually creates new assets and custom maps.
If you love city building games, this is a must-try, especially with frequent sales and the sequel, Cities: Skylines II, on the horizon. Cities: Skylines is available on PC, Linux, Mac, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
2. Surviving Mars
From the creators of Tropico 3, 4, 5 and the publisher of Cities: Skylines, Surviving Mars stands as one of the best city-building games on PC. It blends traditional city building with science fiction elements, as the game is set on Mars.
The art style resembles the Tropico games, and the gameplay involves working on infrastructure, citizens, and industry. But the challenge of building on Mars adds unique considerations like securing colonies from Earth, managing oxygen levels, and maintaining space domes.
If you enjoy city building with survival and space exploration twists, Surviving Mars is a top pick. It’s available on Linux, PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One X.
3. Tropico 6
Tropico 6 continues the classic city building tradition, mixing it with a “Dictator simulator” where you play as the ruler, El Presidente. Since its origins in 2001, the game has allowed players to embrace or fight corruption, creating their unique gameplay style.
The game offers unconventional mechanics like shady backroom deals in the Lobbyisto expansion or turning El Presidente into a social media influencer in the Spitter expansion. Whether you’re ready for conventional management or want to explore a unique twist, Tropico 6 offers an enjoyable experience as one of the best city building games.
You can find Tropico 6 on PC, Linux, Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
4. Islanders
Islanders is a unique twist on city building games, focusing on minimalism in its user interface and gameplay mechanics. There are no skill or research trees, trade, or resources — the game’s essence lies in the act of building itself.
In Islanders, you place buildings from your inventory, scoring based on their placement. As you fill an island, you can move on to a new one, all set to a light and dreamy soundtrack. With a main story gameplay of around 6 hours, Islanders offers a refreshing experience for those looking for a Zen-like city building game without the complexities of resource management.
You can play the Islanders on PC and Nintendo Switch.
5. Northgard
Northgard stands out as a city building game where you take charge of a Viking Clan, exploring and building on newfound land. Unlike traditional city building games, It blends strategy elements, akin to games like Civilization VI. Here you’ll build and trade, and battle with rival clans.
The main story can be finished in around 15 hours, but to explore every aspect of Northgard, you may find yourself engaged for about 140 hours. As one of the best city building games, it offers a unique blend of building and strategy.
Northgard is available on PC, Linux, Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
This variety is reflected in our list of the five best city building games on PC, each with unique mechanics and gameplay, ensuring you can find the perfect match for your management cravings.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Is Cities: Skylines 2 Coming Out?
Cities Skylines II, one of 2023’s most anticipated city-building games, is set for release on October 24, 2023. Available for pre-purchase now on Steam, it will be accessible on PS5, PC, Xbox Series X|S.
Is Surviving Mars Worth It?
Surviving Mars remains a compelling choice for fans of single-player city-building games with a space theme, even five years after its release. With around 50 hours of the captivating main story and side missions and over 120 hours of gameplay for completionists, it offers a rich experience.
Will There Ever Be a New SimCity?
We don’t foresee a new SimCity game from Maxis or EA Games. Although Cities: Skylines and the upcoming Cities: Skylines 2 offer similar experiences, EA Games has yet to show any intention of reviving SimCity. Those craving the classic can still purchase SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition on Steam.
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