The Best Resource-management Games

Update : Prospector added at rank #47.
1

Factorio (2020)

View Similar Games
97
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

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

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

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

4

Farmer Against Potatoes Idle (2022)

View Similar Games
94
Review score
Logo of Farmer Against Potatoes Idle Screenshot of Farmer Against Potatoes Idle Screenshot of Farmer Against Potatoes Idle Screenshot of Farmer Against Potatoes Idle

early access PC Windows Android

Pick up your sword and fight off waves of Potatoes by upgrading your stats constantly, use Equipment, choose between different Classes, put your many Talents to good use, and so much more designed to keep you entertained for a long time.


  • idler
  • clicker
  • agriculture
  • resource-management
  • rpg
  • management
  • inventory
  • choices
  • old-school
  • western
  • simulation
  • casual

5

Ostriv (2020)

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

early access PC Windows j

Ostriv is a city-building game that puts you in a role of a governor of an 18th century Ukrainian town to challenge your creative skills and management abilities.


  • colony
  • city-building
  • economy
  • building
  • resource-management
  • simulation
  • base-building
  • management
  • agriculture
  • historical
  • relaxing
  • medieval
  • build
  • replay-value
  • 3d

6

Lost Nova (2022)

View Similar Games
94
Review score
Logo of Lost Nova Screenshot of Lost Nova Screenshot of Lost Nova Screenshot of Lost Nova

PC Windows

Your spaceship crashed on an alien planet. Explore, salvage, craft, trade, manage and upgrade your way back home!

Buy

  • walking-simulator
  • family-friendly
  • resource-management
  • space
  • relaxing
  • open-world
  • colourful
  • crafting
  • exploration
  • sci-fi
  • cute
  • 2d
  • story
  • fantasy
  • funny

7

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

8

Flotsam (2019)

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

PC Windows

The floating garbage town strategy game! Scavenge what precious garbage you can from the ocean's surface and grow your city while doing your best to survive in this colorful post-apocalyptic world.


  • colony
  • survival
  • automation
  • simulation
  • city-building
  • resource-management
  • base-building
  • management
  • building
  • crafting
  • sandbox
  • farming
  • family-friendly
  • exploration
  • construction

9

Airborne Empire (2025)

View Similar Games
91
Review score
Logo of Airborne Empire Screenshot of Airborne Empire Screenshot of Airborne Empire Screenshot of Airborne Empire

early access PC Windows

Build your sky city while exploring a vast landscape in this Open World RPG City Builder. Combining the methodical construction and management of a city builder; the unique lift, balance, and propulsion needed for a flying city; and the compelling characters, dangers, and adventures of an RPG!

Buy

  • city-building
  • base-building
  • real-time
  • resource-management
  • strategy
  • flight
  • colony
  • economy
  • open-world
  • atmospheric
  • survival
  • exploration
  • steampunk
  • community
  • building

10

Mr. Prepper (2021)

View Similar Games
90
Review score
Logo of Mr. Prepper Screenshot of Mr. Prepper Screenshot of Mr. Prepper Screenshot of Mr. Prepper

Nintendo Switch Mac OS Xbox One Playstation 4 PC Windows

In Mr. Prepper, you must build an underground shelter, craft machines, and explore atmospheric locations to survive in a world controlled by an authoritarian government. Will you help Mr. Prepper defy the government and stay alive? This thrilling survival game offers an interesting prepper/survival concept, with a decent variety of items to build and explore. The game will keep you on edge with the slight stress of coming under inspection, all while providing a relaxing experience. Craft, trade, explore, and scavenge your way to success!


What we like:
  • Interesting prepper/survival concept
  • Decent variety of stuff to build
  • Slight stress of coming under inspection
  • Fun exploring the map
  • Relaxing game
What could be improved:
  • Building/crafting loop is low-impact
  • Short replay value
  • UI improvements needed
  • Lots of grinding

  • survival
  • crafting
  • resource-management
  • simulation
  • base-building
  • underground
  • life
  • 2.5d
  • atmospheric
  • management
  • point-and-click
  • economy

Not seeing your game?