The Best Base-building Games

Update : Learning Factory added at rank #29.
1

Factorio (2020)

View Similar Games
98
Review score
Logo of Factorio Screenshot of Factorio Screenshot of Factorio Screenshot of Factorio

PC Windows Nintendo Switch Mac OS Linux

Factorio is an absorbing factory management game. You play the role of a handy person who needs to build a rocket and craft almost anything with little more than spit and elbow grease. Automation is the key to success as you establish production chains and assembly lines to make sure all the hard work is done for you.


What we like:
  • Complex puzzle-solving
  • Open-ended gameplay
  • Automation mechanics
  • Creative assembly lines
  • Captivating story
What could be improved:
  • Tedious combat
  • Limited environmental resources
  • Environmental consequences of mass manufacturing

  • management
  • construction
  • automation
  • robots
  • simulation
  • base-building
  • trains
  • crafting
  • empire
  • sandbox
  • resource-management
  • multiplayer
  • cooperative
  • resource
  • aliens

2

Dyson Sphere Program (2021)

View Similar Games
97
Review score
Logo of Dyson Sphere Program Screenshot of Dyson Sphere Program Screenshot of Dyson Sphere Program Screenshot of Dyson Sphere Program

early access PC Windows

In Dyson Sphere Program, you'll become a space engineer, building Dyson Spheres and managing interplanetary logistics. Explore the universe, gather resources, and design efficient production lines. Will you construct a galactic empire from scratch? Harness the power of the stars and find out!


What we like:
  • Perfect for automation game enthusiasts
  • Unique interplanetary logistics
  • High-quality factory building and logistics
  • Multiple end-game goals and achievements
  • Not reliant on Dyson Sphere completion
What could be improved:
  • Improvements needed in mid-to-late game
  • Challenging planet navigation in late game

  • automation
  • space
  • base-building
  • factory
  • resource-management
  • building
  • simulation
  • sandbox
  • management
  • sci-fi
  • city-building
  • open-world
  • empire

3

Critter Cove (2024)

View Similar Games
97
Review score
Logo of Critter Cove Screenshot of Critter Cove Screenshot of Critter Cove Screenshot of Critter Cove

early access PC Windows

A deep, open world life sim and town building game set in a cozy post-apocalyptic paradise. Restore an old town, sail across a mysterious archipelago. Hunt for relics and farm, fish & craft everything you need. Can you help turn Critter Cove into a thriving tourist town once again?

Buy

  • cozy
  • fishing
  • sailing
  • base-building
  • simulation
  • cooking
  • agriculture
  • nature
  • farming
  • management
  • relaxing
  • life
  • character
  • customization
  • open-world

4

Empires of the Undergrowth (2017)

View Similar Games
97
Review score
Logo of Empires of the Undergrowth Screenshot of Empires of the Undergrowth Screenshot of Empires of the Undergrowth Screenshot of Empires of the Undergrowth

PC Windows Mac OS Linux

Command swarms of warriors at an unprecedented scale of warfare in this blend of RTS and base-building. Lead ant colonies against the many fearsome threats of the insect world, while building intricate nests, developing pheromone-based tactics, and evolving to meet growing dangers.


  • strategy
  • simulation
  • colony
  • automation
  • management
  • moddable
  • real-time
  • base-building
  • city-building
  • resource-management
  • building
  • sandbox
  • economy
  • documentary
  • replay-value

5

Utopia Must Fall (2024)

View Similar Games
97
Review score
Logo of Utopia Must Fall Screenshot of Utopia Must Fall Screenshot of Utopia Must Fall Screenshot of Utopia Must Fall

early access Mac OS PC Windows

Defend humanity's last surviving metropolis from mysterious alien machinations in this challenging base-defense arcade shooter. Featuring rapid upgrade progression, procedurally generated attack waves, dark humor and laser-sharp aesthetics.

Buy

  • dark
  • arcade
  • rogue-like
  • shoot-em-up
  • base-building
  • humor
  • tower-defense
  • bullet-hell
  • procedural
  • perma-death
  • comedy
  • abstract
  • sci-fi
  • minimalist
  • shooter

6

The Genesis Project (2022)

View Similar Games
95
Review score
Logo of The Genesis Project Screenshot of The Genesis Project Screenshot of The Genesis Project Screenshot of The Genesis Project

early access PC Windows Linux Mac OS

The Genesis Project is an attempt to replicate Sburb from the popular webcomic Homestuck, made by Andrew Hussie.

Buy

  • rpg
  • party
  • memes
  • base-building
  • building
  • dungeon-crawler
  • action-adventure
  • character
  • 3d
  • tag
  • exploration
  • customization
  • crafting
  • management
  • fantasy

7

shapez (2020)

View Similar Games
94
Review score
Logo of shapez Screenshot of shapez Screenshot of shapez Screenshot of shapez

Linux Mac OS PC Windows

shapez is a game about building factories to automate the creation and processing of increasingly complex shapes across an infinitely expanding map.


  • automation
  • base-building
  • resource-management
  • sandbox
  • crafting
  • open-source
  • management
  • building
  • moddable
  • idler
  • abstract
  • open-world

8

Captain of Industry (2022)

View Similar Games
94
Review score
Logo of Captain of Industry Screenshot of Captain of Industry Screenshot of Captain of Industry Screenshot of Captain of Industry

j PC Windows

Embark on an adventure in Captain of Industry, where you transform an abandoned island into a thriving civilization. Mine, farm, and innovate your way to the stars by building rockets, trading with allies, and fending off pirates. With over 150 unique products and the ability to shape the terrain itself, your strategic decisions pave the path to success. Can you conquer the challenges and reach space?

Buy

What we like:
  • Real-time terrain deformation
  • Wide variety of solutions for challenges
  • Handy tools like blueprinting
  • Engaging gameplay
  • Actively developed with promising potential
What could be improved:
  • Lacks clear end goals
  • Some gameplay issues need refining

  • automation
  • mining
  • transportation
  • colony
  • base-building
  • agriculture
  • moddable
  • city-building
  • resource-management
  • logic
  • simulation
  • economy
  • building
  • management
  • survival

9

shapez 2 (2024)

View Similar Games
93
Review score
Logo of shapez 2 Screenshot of shapez 2 Screenshot of shapez 2 Screenshot of shapez 2

early access Linux Android PC Windows Mac OS

Dive into a factory-building game where the focus is on just that — building huge factories! Construct sprawling multi-level factories and min-max your layouts without limits. Shapez 2 is tailor-made for enthusiasts who crave the thrill of optimizing production lines and perfecting automation.


  • automation
  • trains
  • transportation
  • base-building
  • factory-building
  • building
  • logic
  • space
  • resource-management
  • sandbox
  • crafting
  • simulation
  • relaxing
  • programming
  • puzzle

10

Cataclismo (2024)

View Similar Games
93
Review score
Logo of Cataclismo Screenshot of Cataclismo Screenshot of Cataclismo Screenshot of Cataclismo

early access PC Windows

Design and build fortresses brick by brick to stand against endless hordes of Horrors in this real-time strategy game with resource management, siege defense, and exploration. Lead from the ramparts, push back the darkness, and hold fast against the creatures of the Mist.


  • real-time
  • city-building
  • colony
  • strategy
  • grand-strategy
  • moddable
  • 4x
  • resource-management
  • base-building
  • tower-defense
  • economy
  • building
  • simulation
  • sandbox
  • historical

Not seeing your game?