Frostpunk is one of the best city builder games with a steampunk flair, hands down.
If you’ve played this game before, you’ll know that it’s hard to not get emotionally invested in the story of your citizens and city. The worldbuilding combined with the mechanics and difficult decisions make Frostpunk a truly unforgettable title for strategy fans.
Looking for more games where your decisions determine your story? Here’s 5 immersive, decision based games like Frostpunk to add to your game library today.
Endzone – A World Apart
An ecological disaster has forced humans to hide underground for over a 100 years. Now that it is finally safe enough, humanity returns back to the surface in an attempt to survive in a hostile world, with you as a leader.
Endzone is a city builder and strategy game in which you manage resources and try to protect your people from the natural dangers of the world. Radiation is a silent enemy you have to keep an eye out for, but there are also toxic rains, droughts, and sandstorms that can threaten your colony. Manage your resources well.
Though, just like in Frostpunk, not everything is purely about survival. You must keep your people happy and appeased if you wish for things to function. You’ll need to work through side missions to cater to the needs of your civilians and hopefully keep them willing enough to work for your society.
Endzone is one of the best games like Frostpunk to check out if you’re a fan of deeply strategic games with an apocalyptic flair. This game is an absolute gem, and it’s one of the best city builders that you can find on Steam, too.
Crusader Kings III
Changing up the setting and aesthetic, Crusader Kings III is a strategy game in which you do not build cities, but rather relationships. It is a perfect game for all of those who are fans of medieval PC games with a tactical theme.
You are a ruler of a nation of your choosing, dedicated to managing your relationships with foreign nations, the commoners of your kingdom, your vassals, and maidens. Simple disagreements between your family members and your vassals can eventually spell the end of your whole dynasty.
In this game you should aim to balance your ambitions and plans for the kingdom with the wishes of those around you. Every character has plans of their own and if you stand in their path, some of them will go so far as to take you out.
Your gameplay isn’t solely about you as a single monarch, but your whole dynasty that can rule and shape your nation for generations. It is up to you to make sure that you survive that long, meaning that your actions should be thoughtful.
Anno 1800
Anno 1800 has a cult following in the worlds of city building and strategy PC games, and it’s easy to see why. This game is one of the best picks for people looking for more games like Frostpunk, as it offers the same level of thoughtful strategy and tactical gameplay.
Anno 1800 is set in the 19th century, at the dawn of technological changes and innovation. It’s an immersive city builder and strategy game, putting you at the helm of a new empire. You play as a budding world leader, in charge of expanding your empire, developing technology, and keeping your people happy.
While playing this game, you’ll also need to contend with political rivals and opponents. You can either work on trade negotiations and partnerships, or set out to dominate your foes on the battlefield instead.
Anno 1800 is one of the best games like Frostpunk for players who enjoy thoughtful gameplay that forces them to make tough, meaningful decisions. It’s a beautiful game, too, with a smooth and polished aesthetic. It’s worth taking a look at.
Beholder
Beholder takes a slight deviation from the city building genre, but it is a game where your management skills and decision making can really shine.
In Beholder you work as a building manager in the city of a fictional totalitarian country. You work directly for the government, forced to follow their strict rules and reinforce the constantly changing laws and regulations.
Whereas in Frostpunk you managed resources, here you must manage your tenants by spying on them and questioning them. It is completely up to you who you report, profile, or let be.
You are also a father of 2 children and a husband to a caring wife. You have to make them happy and give them a sense of safety and security in your new home, and lend money for bills, food, and presents.
Every conversation and decision has consequences.
You can help one tenant evade the law or ruin their life to save your skin. Doing your job means your family lives safely and survives the harsh world you live in, but at the expense of the lives of others and your own morals.
This is a kind of game that will truly test your morals and decision making.
This War of Mine
This War of Mine is a game that focuses on a dystopian scenario much closer to reality than an apocalypse: a war between men.
Developed by 11 Bit Studios, you will be met with a familiar art style and approach that you have gotten to enjoy in Frostpunk. It’s a deeply melancholic and dark game.
In this game, you’re in charge of a group of people that have taken refuge inside a building amidst a warzone in the city. During the day, many dangers lurk and you’ll need to scavenge in the dark of the night.
Every decision you make can spell life or death for someone and no decision is truly the ‘right’ one. There are only decisions that will keep you and your people alive longer. Sometimes the price for survival is the life of someone innocent.
The events take inspiration from real life and each character is random and unique. You will never play the same game twice.
