20 Games Like Frostpunk: Top Survival Strategy Picks

From older RTS favorites like

They Are Billions

and

Banished

to newer games like

Endzone: A World Apart

, you’ll find similar worlds that test your strategy, leadership, and humanity.

Our Top Picks for Games Like Frostpunk

If you’re looking for the best survival city builders that feel like Frostpunk, start with these three. Each one mixes strategy, resource management, and tough choices that will keep you thinking every step of the way. Here are my suggestions:

They Are Billions

RTS

A steampunk world where you must build and defend your city from huge zombie armies. Every wall, tower, and worker matters. One mistake, and the infected will destroy everything. It’s intense, smart, and perfect for anyone who loves surviving under pressure.

Frostpunk 2

CITY BUILDER

The sequel goes even deeper into city building and moral choices. You must lead a divided society, manage resources, and keep hope alive in a frozen world. It’s about more than staying warm – it’s about keeping your people united when the cold world wants to tear them apart.

Age of Empires RTS A classic strategy game where you build kingdoms, gather resources, and lead great civilizations through history. It’s not about ice and survival, but the focus on building, growth, and leadership makes it a great pick for fans of Frostpunk.

These three games capture what makes Frostpunk special – hard choices, careful planning, and the fight to keep your people alive. Keep reading to discover 17 more games that will test your leadership and your will to survive.

20 Best Games Like Frostpunk to Challenge Your Survival Skills

Get ready to explore the toughest survival city builders ever made. These strategy games will test your ability to manage resources, make hard choices, and keep your people alive when the world turns against you. How many of these games like Frostpunk have you played?

They Are Billions

Survival Strategy Against the Infected

Our score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Type of game
Real-time strategy (RTS), survival city builder
PC, PS4, Xbox One
Creator/s
Numantian Games
Average playtime
60–100 hours
Metacritic score

They Are Billions

drops you into a
steampunk post-apocalyptic world
where the last humans are fighting to survive. Your job is to
build
,
expand
, and
defend

your colony against massive waves of infected enemies. Every decision counts – one weak point, and everything you’ve built can fall apart in seconds.

Pro tip

Start small and focus on defenses early. Expanding too fast without protecting your core base will almost always lead to disaster.

The game shines thanks to its “one life per run” survival mode, which keeps the pressure high. You’ll upgrade technologies, strengthen your economy, and perfect your strategy over dozens of replayable maps. The mix of tension, control, and resource management makes every moment feel urgent and rewarding.

Final Verdict:

If you loved Frostpunk’s sense of urgency and survival under pressure, you’ll feel right at home here. It’s one of the most intense strategy games ever made and a must-play for anyone who enjoys testing their city-building and leadership skills.

Frostpunk 2

City Builder in a Frozen Wasteland

Our score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Type of game
Survival city builder, strategy
PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Creator/s
11 Bit Studios
Average playtime

40–80 hours (estimated)

Metacritic score

Frostpunk 2

takes you back into a world where the cold never ends. Set decades after the first game, people are trying to rebuild their cities and survive in a frozen wasteland. As the leader, you must make tough choices, manage resources, and keep your society together while the world falls apart.

You’ll build huge frozen cities, plan layouts your own way, and deal with hard moral decisions that affect every citizen. Bigger maps, better tools, and more freedom make this sequel feel more alive – but also more dangerous. Your every move can change how people live, work, and hope.

Pro tip

Watch your people’s beliefs. As the city grows, different groups will want different things – and choosing sides can lead to real trouble.

With beautiful icy landscapes and a focus on human survival,

Frostpunk 2

takes the series to a new level. It’s about more than staying warm – it’s about keeping your people united when everything seems lost.

Final Verdict:

If you liked Frostpunk, you’ll love how

Frostpunk 2

builds on it. It’s bigger, deeper, and full of emotional choices that test what it means to protect humanity.

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition

Historical Strategy With High Replay Value

Our score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Type of game
Real-time strategy (RTS), historical city builder
PC, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
1997 / Definitive Edition 2019
Creator/s
World’s Edge / Forgotten Empires
Average playtime
50–120 hours
Metacritic score
Age of Empires
is a
classic strategy game
where you build your own
civilization
and lead it through history. This game stands proudly among Age of Empires-style strategy games, offering deep planning and epic historical campaigns. The
Definitive Edition
updates the 1997 game with
4K graphics
, a new soundtrack, and easier controls. It’s all about
gathering resources
,
building cities
, and
training armies

to take on rival nations.

You start with a few workers and slowly grow your town by collecting food, wood, and gold. As your people advance, you unlock new technologies and build stronger armies. Each story campaign is based on real events, so you get to learn history while playing.

Pro tip

Gather food first! A strong food supply means faster growth, more villagers, and a better chance to win big battles later.

With better visuals and smoother gameplay,

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition

feels both new and familiar. It’s great for players who like
strategy
,
resource management

, and the challenge of building a strong city from almost nothing.

Final Verdict:

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition

shines for its mix of
history
,
strategy
, and
creativity
. Instead of surviving the cold like in
Frostpunk
, you’ll be building civilizations that
grow
,
fight
, and
thrive

– a great choice for players who love planning and watching their cities rise.

Empire Earth

Civilization Survival Across the Ages

Our score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Type of game
Real-time strategy (RTS), civilization builder
PC
Creator/s
Stainless Steel Studios / Sierra Entertainment
Average playtime
60–150 hours
Metacritic score

Empire Earth

lets you build and lead your
civilization from the Stone Age to the Space Age
. You’ll
gather resources
,
train armies
, and
develop technology
as your people move through 14 different time periods. Every new age brings new
buildings
,
units
, and
tools

to help your empire grow stronger.

What makes

Empire Earth

special is how it shows the progress of humanity. You start with simple huts and swords, but end with futuristic cities, laser weapons, and flying machines. It’s exciting to see how your small village slowly becomes a powerful empire that stands the test of time.

Pro tip

Don’t level up too fast. Build a strong economy first so you have the resources to stay safe when enemies attack later.

The game offers tons of replay value with big campaigns and different ways to play. You can build peacefully, prepare for war, or just enjoy watching your city grow across centuries. It’s a great pick for players who like strategy and seeing how their choices shape the future.

Final Verdict:

Empire Earth

is perfect for players who love games like Frostpunk but want a longer, history-based challenge. It’s all about building, surviving, and guiding your people through the ages.

Rise of Nations: Extended Edition

Nation-Building With Harsh Decisions

Our score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type of game Real-time strategy (RTS), empire builder PC 2014 (original 2003)

Creator/s
SkyBox Labs / Xbox Game Studios
Average playtime
40–100 hours
Metacritic score
tbd

Rise of Nations: Extended Edition

is a
strategy game
where you grow a small town into a huge nation. You’ll
build cities
,
collect resources
, and
lead armies
to take over new lands. The game moves through time, starting in the
ancient era
and ending in the
modern age
, showing how your
civilization grows and changes
. This makes the game one of the
best 4X games

our there.

What makes Rise of Nations special is how smoothly it connects city-building with war strategy. You don’t just fight battles – you manage borders, balance your economy, and keep your people safe while expanding your empire. Every decision matters, and one mistake can change the course of your nation’s history.

Pro tip

Take new land early. A bigger territory gives you more resources and helps your nation stay strong when wars begin.

Each nation has special powers and wonders that make it unique, and the border system gives your world a realistic feel. The updated edition makes everything smoother, from faster controls to clearer graphics, while keeping the charm of the original game.

Final Verdict:

Rise of Nations: Extended Edition

is perfect for players who like strategy games that mix building and conquest. It gives you the freedom to grow your empire your way – through brains, battles, or both – and rewards careful planning and smart use of resources.

Stronghold: Warlords

Fortress Defense in Brutal Times

Our score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type of game Real-time strategy (RTS), castle builder PC Creator/s Firefly Studios Average playtime 40–80 hours Metacritic score

Stronghold: Warlords

is a castle-building strategy game set in ancient East Asia. You’ll build fortresses, train armies, and protect your people while trying to grow your kingdom. Each mission challenges you to keep your economy running and your walls standing during tough sieges.

The game has beautiful Asian landscapes and detailed castles that you can design however you want. You’ll collect resources, build defenses, and use smart planning to outlast enemies. With powerful warlords to command and different campaigns to play, every battle feels exciting and full of action.

Pro tip

Make friends with nearby warlords early. They can send you extra troops, gold, and supplies when the fighting gets hard.

What makes

Stronghold: Warlords

special is how it mixes strategy and creativity. You can spend time designing the perfect base or jump into big wars to test your strength as a leader. Fans who enjoy mixing strategy with close combat might also like our guide to the best tactical RPG games.

Final Verdict:

Stronghold: Warlords

combines smart city planning with thrilling siege battles. It’s a solid pick for players who love building strong defenses, managing resources, and proving their strategy skills under pressure.

Northgard

Viking Survival and Clan Strategy

Our score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Type of game
Real-time strategy (RTS), survival city builder
PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mobile
Creator/s
Shiro Games
Average playtime
40–100 hours
Metacritic score

Northgard

is a
Viking strategy game
where you lead a small clan trying to
survive
the kind of cold and dangerous land most people wouldn’t. You’ll
build villages
,
gather food
, and
fight enemies

as you explore new areas and grow stronger.

Each clan has its own special skills, like farming faster or fighting harder, which makes every game feel different. You’ll also need to deal with changing seasons – warm summers help you grow, but harsh winters test your planning and resource skills.

Pro tip Always save food and firewood before winter. A bad storm can wipe out your clan if you don’t plan ahead.

The game’s colorful world and calm music make it easy to enjoy while still giving you a challenge. You can play alone or with friends in multiplayer, making every match a new story of survival and teamwork.

Final Verdict:

Northgard

is a great choice for fans of games like Frostpunk who enjoy strategy and survival. It’s fun, smart, and lets you feel like a true Viking leader.

Factorio

Automation Strategy for Harsh Environments

Our score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type of game Strategy, automation, base builder PC, Nintendo Switch Creator/s Wube Software Average playtime 100+ hours Metacritic score

Factorio

is a factory-building game where you crash on an alien planet and must build machines to survive. You’ll mine resources, make tools, and set up production lines that grow bigger and faster over time. As your base expands, you’ll also need to fight off alien attacks to keep your machines safe.

The game’s simple top-down look hides deep gameplay. Every new machine connects to another, creating massive automated systems that are satisfying to design and improve. You can spend hours organizing belts, robots, and power grids to make everything run perfectly.

Pro tip

Leave plenty of space between your machines. You’ll need room to expand your factory as it grows.

You can also play co-op with friends or use mods to change how the game works, adding endless ways to play. It’s a game about planning, building, and problem-solving that never really ends. As part of the growing world of games like Factorio, this title rewards players who love automation, efficiency, and creative problem-solving.

Final Verdict:

Factorio

is a must-play for anyone who enjoys strategy and building games. It turns simple ideas into complex, satisfying systems, making it perfect for players who love solving problems and watching their creations come to life.

Conan Unconquered

Defend Against Relentless Armies

Our score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type of game Real-time strategy (RTS), survival base builder PC Creator/s Petroglyph Games / Funcom Average playtime 30–60 hours Metacritic score

Conan Unconquered

is a survival strategy game set in the world of Conan the Barbarian. You must build your base, train soldiers, and defend your city from huge waves of enemies. Each round gets harder, testing how well you can gather resources and keep your walls standing.

The game mixes fantasy and strategy, with deadly monsters, magic, and big armies to fight. You can play alone or with a friend, building strong defenses and working together to survive. Its desert setting, fire-filled battles, and dark style make it feel like you’re fighting for every inch of ground.

Pro tip Build walls, traps, and towers early. It’s much easier to stop enemies before they reach your city.

What makes

Conan Unconquered

different is that it’s about lasting as long as you can, not taking over new lands. You win by surviving, not by conquering.

Final Verdict:

Conan Unconquered

is great for fans of games like Frostpunk who want more action and fighting. It’s tough, fast, and all about using smart strategy to stay alive.

Starcraft II

Futuristic Strategy With Life-or-Death Choices

Our score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type of game Real-time strategy (RTS), sci-fi PC Creator/s Blizzard Entertainment Average playtime 50–200 hours Metacritic score

Starcraft II

is a sci-fi strategy game where three groups – the Terran, Protoss, and Zerg –fight for control of space. You’ll build bases, gather resources, and command armies in battles that test your speed and decision-making. Each group has its own look, units, and fighting style, making every match feel different.

The game’s story campaign is full of exciting missions and movie-style scenes that make it feel like you’re part of an epic war. If you love commanding armies and leading huge battles, you can find more epic fights in our best war games roundup. You can also play online with friends or other players, where matches are fast, intense, and always fair thanks to great balance.

Pro tip Start each match by building workers and gathering resources quickly. A strong economy helps you win faster.

Starcraft II

is known for its smooth gameplay and endless replay value. Whether you like to attack fast or build up slowly, there’s always a strategy that works for you.

Final Verdict:

Starcraft II

is a must-play for anyone who enjoys strategy, planning, and action. It’s fast, smart, and full of exciting battles that keep you coming back.

Empire Earth 3

Civilization Management With Survival Stakes

Our score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Type of game
Real-time strategy (RTS), civilization builder
PC
Creator/s
Mad Doc Software / Sierra Entertainment
Average playtime
50–120 hours
Metacritic score

Empire Earth 3

lets you
lead your people through history
, starting in the
Stone Age
and moving all the way to the
future
. You’ll
build cities
,
gather resources
, and
fight battles

as your world changes around you. Every new age brings new buildings, weapons, and technologies to master.

The game includes weather and seasonal changes that can help or hurt your progress. Snow slows down armies, while storms or heat can make it harder to keep your economy running. These small details make survival as important as winning wars.

Pro tip

Plan your attacks around the weather. Storms can hide your army’s movement but may also weaken your troops.

You can expand your empire, defend your cities, and explore the world while watching your civilization grow from simple huts to futuristic skyscrapers.

Final Verdict:

Empire Earth 3

is a solid choice for players who like strategy games with a mix of building, survival, and history. Watching your civilization grow through the ages while facing new challenges makes every moment feel rewarding.

Banished

Exile Survival and Community Management

Our score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type of game City builder, survival strategy PC Creator/s Shining Rock Software Average playtime 40–100 hours Metacritic score

Banished

is a village-building game where a group of exiled people must survive and rebuild their lives in a wild land. You’ll build homes, grow crops, and keep your people warm and fed as the seasons change.

There are no enemies or battles – your biggest challenge is nature. Harsh winters, sickness, and food shortages can quickly destroy your village if you don’t plan carefully. You can also trade with merchants to get rare goods and help your town grow.

Pro tip

Always store extra food and firewood. A bad winter can wipe out your village fast.

The game looks simple but feels deep. Watching families grow and survive over time gives a real sense of progress and makes every choice matter.

Final Verdict:

Banished

is a calm yet challenging city-building game that rewards smart planning. It’s perfect for players who enjoy guiding small communities and watching them grow through hard work and survival.

Surviving the Aftermath

Post-Apocalyptic Colony Strategy

Our score
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
☆
★
Type of game
Survival city builder, strategy
PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Creator/s
Iceflake Studios / Paradox Interactive
Average playtime
50–120 hours
Metacritic score

Surviving the Aftermath

is a
city-building survival game
set after a huge disaster wipes out most of the world. You lead a group of survivors trying to
rebuild
,
find food and water
, and
stay alive

in a dangerous, changing world.

You’ll build shelters, collect materials, and defend your people from bandits and harsh weather. Every decision counts – one bad move can put your whole colony at risk. You can also send people out to explore the wasteland, bringing back supplies or new survivors to help your community grow. The game’s ability to test your leadership under pressure makes it one of the best survival games.

Pro tip Build medical tents and wells early. Without clean water and healthcare, your survivors won’t last long.

The game’s world looks rough and broken, but slowly comes back to life as you rebuild. Each playthrough feels different, with new events and challenges that keep things exciting.

Final Verdict:

Surviving the Aftermath

is perfect for fans of games like Frostpunk who enjoy tough survival and rebuilding stories. It’s a game about hope, teamwork, and making the best of a broken world.

Kingdoms Reborn [Rebuild Civilization in a Harsh World]

Our score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type of game City builder, colony simulation PC 2020 (Early Access)

Creator/s Earthshine Average playtime 50–150 hours Metacritic score N/A (Early Access)

Kingdoms Reborn

is a city-building game where you help people rebuild society after the fall of the old world. You start with a few settlers and slowly grow your town by gathering resources, building houses, and keeping everyone happy and fed.

The game uses cards to unlock new buildings and upgrades, which makes each playthrough feel different. Every world is randomly generated, so you’ll always face new challenges and landscapes. You can also play with friends online, working together or competing to build the best kingdom.

Pro tip

Make sure your people are happy early on. Happy citizens work harder and help your city grow faster.

The world is bright and peaceful, making it a relaxing game even when times get tough. Building a thriving city from nothing feels rewarding and fun.

Final Verdict:

Kingdoms Reborn

is perfect for players who like city-building and strategy games with a peaceful tone. It’s fun, creative, and gives you endless ways to grow your own thriving kingdom.

Caesar IV

Roman City Building With Survival Challenges

Our score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type of game City builder, historical strategy PC Creator/s Tilted Mill Entertainment / Sierra Entertainment Average playtime 40–100 hours Metacritic score

Caesar IV

is a city-building game set in ancient Rome, where you play as a governor running your own Roman city. You’ll build homes, farms, and markets, while keeping your people happy with food, religion, and jobs.

The game looks great for its time, with detailed 3D cities full of temples, roads, and statues. You can play campaign mode to climb the ranks of Roman power or sandbox mode to build freely without limits.

Pro tip

Keep houses close to food markets and temples. It makes people happier and keeps your city running smoothly.

Keeping balance is key – if you forget food, people will go hungry; if you ignore the army, invaders might strike. It’s all about smart planning and steady growth.

Final Verdict:

Caesar IV

offers a classic city-building experience full of charm and challenge. It’s perfect for anyone who loves planning, problem-solving, and watching their Roman city come to life.