The Best Construction simulation Games

Update : Prison Architect 2 added at rank #2.
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
  • trains
  • robots
  • simulation
  • base-building
  • sandbox
  • factory-building
  • crafting
  • empire
  • resource-management
  • multiplayer
  • cooperative
  • resource

2

Prison Architect 2 (2024)

View Similar Games
82
Review score
Logo of Prison Architect 2 Screenshot of Prison Architect 2 Screenshot of Prison Architect 2 Screenshot of Prison Architect 2

Android

Design and develop your own personalized penitentiary in Prison Architect 2. The classic prison-builder has broken out into 3D, and it's up to you to contain it!


  • simulation
  • sandbox
  • management
  • construction
  • building
  • strategy
  • top-down
  • base-building
  • economy
  • real-time
  • dog

3

Dwarf Fortress (2022)

View Similar Games
92
Review score
Logo of Dwarf Fortress Screenshot of Dwarf Fortress Screenshot of Dwarf Fortress Screenshot of Dwarf Fortress

PC Windows IOS iPhone Linux

Dwarf Fortress is an incredibly detailed, complex game where you help a colony of dwarves build a settlement by carving out bedrooms, dining halls and other necessary structures from the side of a mountain. You don't control individual dwarves but instead provide instructions for them to follow, with each dwarf having their own needs and wants that you become familiar with as you play.

Buy

What we like:
  • Robust mouse support
  • New tutorial to help new players understand menus
  • Complex web of characters and relationships
  • Simulated world is full of surprises both big and small
  • Ability to create artifacts and engravings that tell stories
What could be improved:
  • Inscrutability can be off-putting for those expecting a more streamlined experience
  • Convoluted user interface can make it difficult to figure out what is even possible in the game or how to access the different menus

  • simulation
  • dwarf
  • management
  • colony
  • construction
  • simulated
  • tile
  • fantasy
  • survival
  • procedural
  • moddable
  • pixel
  • resource-management
  • base-building
  • city-building

4

Tropico 6 (2019)

View Similar Games
90
Review score
Logo of Tropico 6 Screenshot of Tropico 6 Screenshot of Tropico 6 Screenshot of Tropico 6

IOS iPhone Linux Mac OS PC Windows Xbox One

Tropico 6 is a city-building game that offers an engaging mix of elements such as ruling your own island dictatorship, sandbox mode with customizable goals, missions, and easy controller support. You can be a big picture person and make decisions that impact the entire island or get into the minute details of urban planning.


What we like:
  • Engaging mix of elements
  • Sandbox mode with customizable goals
  • Missions
  • Easy controller support:No need for mouse and keyboard or touchscreen
What could be improved:
  • Minor performance issues

  • city-building
  • simulation
  • economy
  • political
  • sandbox
  • management
  • strategy
  • construction
  • military
  • politics

5

Construction Simulator (2017)

View Similar Games
81
Review score
Logo of Construction Simulator Screenshot of Construction Simulator Screenshot of Construction Simulator Screenshot of Construction Simulator

IOS iPhone Android PC Windows

Construction Simulator is back – bigger and better than ever! Take charge of over 70 machines, dozens of them brand new to the franchise, and build to your heart’s content on two huge maps – on your own or with your friends!  


  • construction
  • simulation
  • building
  • driving
  • truck
  • vehicle
  • transportation
  • relaxing

6

Project Highrise (2016)

View Similar Games
84
Review score
Logo of Project Highrise Screenshot of Project Highrise Screenshot of Project Highrise Screenshot of Project Highrise

IOS iPhone Nintendo Switch Playstation 4 Xbox One PC Windows Mac OS Android

Project Highrise is a management sim game that allows you to build and manage your own tower. You must manage basic needs, desires of tenants, take on contracts and loans while making sure to turn a profit. The game offers two modes - Sandbox Mode, where you are given total freedom; and Scenario Mode, where you are given specific tasks with certain constraints.


What we like:
  • Attention-to-detail in managing the building
  • Creative workarounds to keep businesses running
  • Real challenges that require smart solutions
  • Clean presentation
  • Satisfying depth
What could be improved:
  • Menus can be overburdening
  • May need to bumble your way through some problems

  • simulation
  • management
  • building
  • construction
  • tower
  • sandbox
  • sims
  • economy
  • strategy

7

Prison Architect (2015)

View Similar Games
85
Review score
Logo of Prison Architect Screenshot of Prison Architect Screenshot of Prison Architect Screenshot of Prison Architect

Android Linux Mac OS PC Windows Xbox 360 Xbox One IOS iPhone

Prison Architect is a management/strategy game where you must manage an unwilling and unruly population in a prison setting. You must establish order from cooperative parts, feed and house prisoners, and even "get rid of them" them if necessary. There is also an economy of contraband that you must manage, as well as a metagame of making your warden rich by selling the prison to others.


What we like:
  • Engaging story with R-rated elements
  • Challenging economics of running a prison
  • Deep customization of prisoner treatment
  • Dark and realistic atmosphere
  • Metagame of making your warden rich
What could be improved:
  • Limited hotkeys for power users

  • simulation
  • sandbox
  • management
  • construction
  • strategy
  • building

8

Bridge Constructor Portal (2017)

View Similar Games
91
Review score
Logo of Bridge Constructor Portal Screenshot of Bridge Constructor Portal Screenshot of Bridge Constructor Portal Screenshot of Bridge Constructor Portal

IOS iPhone Android Linux Mac OS PC Windows Xbox One Playstation 4 Nintendo Switch

Take on the role of a tester at the Aperture Science Enrichment Center and help guide the little stick folk - Bendies - in their vehicles from their starting point to the nearby exit. Use scaffold planks, strong cables and triangles to create an appropriate structure for them to traverse each test chamber. Enjoy GLaDOS' dark humour as she guides you through your missions!


What we like:
  • Authentic feel with Ellen McLain's voiceover
  • Fun and challenging puzzles
  • Easy-to-use controls
  • In-game handbook of best practices for constructing structures
  • No punishment or limit to money spent on materials
What could be improved:
  • Limited list of different materials available
  • Not much variety between levels

  • physics
  • puzzle
  • construction
  • vehicle
  • simulation
  • building
  • challenging
  • bridge-building

9

Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020)

View Similar Games
91
Review score
Logo of Animal Crossing: New Horizons Screenshot of Animal Crossing: New Horizons Screenshot of Animal Crossing: New Horizons Screenshot of Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Nintendo Switch

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the ultimate game for those who like to potter, or those addicted to the grind. With a new DIY system that adds some Minecraft-like ideas, Nook Miles system for direction and rewards and the ability to invite real-world friends over to trade fruit, this game has it all.

Buy

What we like:
  • Landforming & crafting mechanics revolutionise the experience
  • Vibrant island setting works beautifully
  • Soothing world
  • Beautiful welcoming game that is everything you want it to be
What could be improved:
  • Random islands can be disappointing

  • crafting
  • real-time
  • simulation
  • online
  • card
  • inventory
  • local
  • construction
  • cute
  • relaxing
  • customization
  • multiplayer

10

Poly Bridge 2 (2020)

View Similar Games
87
Review score
Logo of Poly Bridge 2 Screenshot of Poly Bridge 2 Screenshot of Poly Bridge 2 Screenshot of Poly Bridge 2

PC Windows Mac OS IOS iPhone Android Linux

Poly Bridge 2 is a physics-based bridge building game where you have to design and develop bridges in order to get vehicles from point A to point B. You must account for the weight of the vehicles, as well as any obstacles like ships or checkpoints, without causing your bridge to collapse. With over 60 levels and an unlimited amount of trials, you can explore and experiment with your designs at your own pace.


What we like:
  • Unlimited trials
  • Relaxing atmosphere
  • Variety of levels
  • Visuals look great
  • Creative freedom
What could be improved:
  • No progression system
  • Physics can be difficult to understand

  • physics
  • simulation
  • puzzle
  • building
  • sandbox
  • construction
  • bridge-building
  • crafting
  • vehicle
  • editor
  • level
  • feature
  • fun
  • simulation-puzzle
  • early-childhood

Not seeing your game?