There are plenty of strategy games like Frostpunk, so we picked our favorite ones that resemble the style, mechanics, and gameplay of Frostpunk the most. In this list, we will be looking for games that have a good amount of complexity, have a good story, and are fun to play, above all else. While some of these games don’t have every aspect of Frostpunk, they do resemble Frostpunk in some way, whether that is resource management, story-telling, or the distinct survival atmosphere. While Frostpunk 2 is just around the corner, we will have to find alternatives in the meantime, and who knows, maybe some of these games will “outperform” Frostpunk and become your new favorites. There are plenty of other games to scratch that “strategy” itch, so we’ve picked 13 strategy games like Frostpunk.
13. Cliff Empire
Image Credits: Lion’s Shade
We’re starting our list with Cliff Empire with a great vertical twist. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where 300m tall radioactive fog has covered our planet. Now you’re in charge where you must build a city and manage resources like energy, food, and water. So what’s the twist? Unlike in other games like Frostpunk here you’re building and spreading your “empire” vertically instead of horizontally. Another resource that you’ll have to master managing is space, or lack of space if you will.
If you’re a fan of architecture, minimalism, and overall space design, you’ll like Cliff Empire. Don’t get me wrong it’s not Autodesk nor Chief Architect. If you’re a fan of vertical building, and futuristic building design in hopes of survival, then Cliff Empire is what you’re up to next.
12. Surviving the Aftermath
Image Credits: Iceflake Studios
Surviving the Aftermath is something like Frostpunk with less frost and more Fallout punk added to the mix. In this game, you’re building and managing a colony in the aftermath of a global catastrophe that is not revealed. Just like in games like Frostpunk, you’ll have to manage radiation, natural disasters, and hostile environments. Gathering resources and resource management is similar to Surviving Mars since it was developed by the same studios.
Now what are the differences? This is more of a rebuilding society from the ruins of civilization kinda game. In Surviving the Aftermath you’re more focused on exploration, expansion, and dealing with bandits and mutants. Just as I said if you’re a fan of Fallout and you love city builders then you’ve hit a jackpot.
11. Anno 1800
Image Credits: Ubisoft
Since we’re currently experiencing the start of the 4th industrial revolution regarding AI, it’s impossible not to mention Anno 1800. This is by far one of my favorite games like Frostpunk as it’s a pure city-builder RTS game with some great graphics. Just the tone isn’t as dark as it is in Frostpunk but the mechanics are great. Building and managing a city with crazy things that people did back in the day and with Homo Sapients experiencing industry, revolution, atheism, and illumination after Dark Ages, it’s brilliant.
Since we’re on the brink of 4th it’s time to revisit 2nd industrial revolution. The game isn’t a dystopian one but it rather captures a vibrant and historical era with rapid industrialization and urbanization. It kinda resembles the 2020s since there are new diseases, class division is worsening, there are new technologies that people can’t understand, and environmental impacts. Simply said balance the progress and happiness of your citizens. Industrial revolution no.4 here we come!
10. Planetbase
Image Credits: Madruga Works
If you want to build a colony ahead of Elon Musk, then try Planetbase. It’s the first game on this list developed by Madruga Works who are making awesome games like Frostpunk. In Planetabase you’re on an alien planet and your colony must survive, grow and you must maintain that. Now in Frostpunk where it’s all more dystopian here, it’s all more logical and technical. That makes it maybe less interesting for some of you folks, but it’s fun if you want to replay the game.
Games like Frostpunk aren’t all about management and neither is Planetbase, but there aren’t so many life-or-death situations. Game mechanics aren’t that hard and it’s overall easier game than Frostpunk. If you want a calmer version focused on stunning sci-fi graphics set in a more peaceful tone then Planetbase is just what you’re looking for.
9. Oxygen Not Included
Image Credits:Klei Entertainment
A survival game that makes resource management and survival look easy peasy when compared to Oxygen Not Included. Just kidding the games are different enough so each one is challenging in its way. Unlike other games like Frostpunk, Oxygen Not Included is probably the most complex, science-driven environmental survival game that you can find. Anyway, you’re controlling a group of 3 duplicants (colonists) who find themselves on an asteroid. You’ll have to know game mechanics well before you start to manage oxygen, food, and water, and deal with challenges such as temperature control, disease, and stress…
The graphics of this game are cartoonish so if you’re not a fan of that it might bother you. Some of the players will find it similar to Dome Keeper since your colony needs to grow and it becomes harder to control everything. Others might not like it since lacks that moral decision and the story isn’t as good as it can be.
8. Dawn of Man
Image Credits: Madruga Works
A bit slower version of prehistory Frostpunk is the best definition of Dawn of Man. You’re playing as a prehistoric civilization that needs to go from the Paleolithic age until the Iron Age. You’ll be fighting mostly against other animals that are trying to rip your colony apart as well as harsh weather conditions. Resource management isn’t that simple as you’ll have to manage a bunch of things and trust me it feels real.
Now the problem is for most Forstpunk fans that the game feels a bit slow as I’ve said. There aren’t any fast-paced decisions that you’d have to me. Yet another astonishing thing about the game is the visuals, which are perfectly capturing the prehistoric Earth. Animals, plants, topography, it’s all just perfect. If you’re a fan of visually stunning city-builder strategy games like Frostpunk, give Dawn of Man a go. This is the second game on the list developed by Madruga Works.
7. Banished
Image Credits: Shining Rock Software
Banished is similar to Frostpunk in a lot of aspects. You are set in an isolated settlement that is founded by exiled travelers. Your job is to survive by building the correct infrastructure, managing resources, and dealing with adversities like fires, depression, disease, weather, and starvation…you know, the regular stuff.
The graphics and art style of the game are timeless. The main downside of the game is the lack of complexity and replayability that some other games like Frostpunk offer today. Nevertheless, if you love the idea of a simple town manager, give Banished a chance.
6. Surviving Mars
Image Credits: Paradox Interactive
Surviving Mars is a unique city builder because of its setting in (you guessed it) Mars and is made by Paradox Interactive, a studio that is responsible for Stellaris, a game we love. The game revolves around managing your resources, and building a good infrastructure, and employs some interesting ways of doing so. It can be rough for beginners so take your time in learning the game. The game has some resemblance to a Sim City style of gameplay, with some aspects of Civ-type games of population management. If you like these types of games and the whole Elon Musk Mars colony aspect, we suggest you try it.
Note: We highly encourage you to get the Space Race and Green Planet DLCs, as they provide a lot of important content that makes the game much more enjoyable. Project Laika DLC (more buildings) is also fine, and other DLCs are not necessary at all.
5. Rimworld
Image Credits: Ludeon Studios, Double Eleven
If you’re into strategy games, chances are that you’ve seen or heard of Rimworld. It is in its essence a sci-fi colony simulation that explores various aspects of biology, geography, military tech, ecology, climate, and much more. The game is the peak of management system/survival types and also has very cool stories and plot twists. Each playthrough will be unique and once you get into this game, the replayability will be very high.
The game shines through the colonists that you have and their backstories, character traits, and high customization. It combines aspects of science, human nature, resources management, and game events in a very exciting way. Moreover, the game has been around for a long time so be assured that it is running smoothly, and has a lot of content in it. If you skimmed over Rimworld a few times, we suggest you give this game a chance.
4. Factorio
Image Credits: Wube Software
While Factorio is a city-builder, it has the same unique mysterious survival atmosphere as Frostpunk. The game’s mechanics and overall progression are satisfactory and we consider it one of the best games of all time. The reason for this is the developer’s ability to execute this idea of automation perfectly.
It combines this unique element of automating everything in the game with the survival/gatherer mechanics. Moreover, the game itself has been optimized and updated regularly for the last 5+ years, even though it’s essentially a single-player game with no micro-transaction shenanigans.
3. IXION
Image Credits: Bulwark Studios
IXION is a relatively new game that heavily resembles a Frostpunk-style game. The “soul” of this game is its story and uncovering the secrets behind the lore of the whole universe that the game tries to present to you. The theme, music, and various aspects of building the infrastructure are very engaging, but there are some issues.
The game is not beginner-friendly, especially if you haven’t played too many strategy games. Some of the micromanaging systems can be frustrating and the game can punish you if you make a few mistakes that are not that obvious. Nevertheless, if you tried to get into it and like this type of game, the theme, and the story are excellent and we highly recommend it.
2. This War Of Mine
Image Credits: 11 Bit Studios
Firstly, we have to mention that This War Of Mine is a game from 11Bit Studios, the game that made Frostpunk. Naturally, this is a plus from the start. The game is in a warzone setting and heavily revolves around a story aspect of the war itself, rather than combat. Each playthrough will be different and the dark atmosphere of war can’t be missed. That’s why it was our second pick as the best game like Frostpunk.
It isn’t for the lighthearted since it wants to convey the horrible sides of war itself. The situations you get yourself into, the atmosphere, and the music itself paint a depressive feeling. The goal of the game is to survive until a ceasefire is called and you will probably fail for some random reason for the first few times.
1. They Are Billions
Image Credits: Numatian Games, Blitworks
This game is similar to Frostpunk in a survival sense, but the game itself is much more combat-oriented than Frostpunk. It sometimes feels like playing Civilization 5 and Starcraft 2 combined. The game has a lot of systems and heavily relies on your skills for planning and finding optimal strategies for resource management, this part is similar to Frostpunk.
Where the divergence comes from is the combat system. The game has a lot of RTS elements that require you to micromanage your troops when fighting enemy invader zombies. Even though the combat system is not complex, it is executed in a good way, and playing it feels satisfactory. All in all, we would consider They Are Billions as one of the top picks when looking for games like Frostpunk.
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