City-building games have always been a key part of the strategy genre, blending creativity with planning and management. Some focus on traffic, others on the economy or city growth, but all attract players who like building and improving systems. The genre includes not just modern cities, but also historical themes, political challenges, and detailed industry management.
Cities: Skylines II
Cities: Skylines II had a rough start in 2023, but it has improved significantly since then. Updates in 2025 and 2026 fixed performance issues, added more modding options, and improved traffic, utilities, and how citizens behave. Some players still prefer the first game, but the sequel is now more stable and complex. It's a great choice for anyone who wants to build big, detailed modern cities.
Transport Fever 3
Transport Fever 3 came out in early 2026 and is all about building transport networks and managing logistics, not just zoning cities. You run railways, roads, shipping routes, and supply chains, and cities grow around what you build. The game rewards long-term planning and the smart use of resources, so it's perfect for players who like watching towns develop through their transport choices.
Anno 117: Pax Romana
Anno 117: Pax Romana takes the series to ancient Rome, swapping modern buildings for aqueducts, public services, and trade routes. The game focuses on managing the economy, production chains, and diplomacy between Roman provinces. It doesn't let you design cities as freely, but its detailed systems and historical setting make it stand out for fans who like both economic and city-building games.
Tropico 7
Tropico 7 keeps the series’ focus on politics and economics in a city-building setting. This new game adds more features for diplomacy, dealing with different groups, and managing the environment. How your city grows depends a lot on your political choices, so you have to balance what people want, the economy, and foreign relations. It still has a deep strategy, but the management is a bit more structured than before.
Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic
Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic isn’t new, but it’s still one of the most detailed city-building games out there. Updates in 2026 continue to improve its complex systems, such as resource production, transport, and worker management. The game requires a lot of planning and has very little automation, so it’s best for experienced players who want a realistic, tough challenge.
No matter if you like building modern cities, running historical economies, or managing detailed industries, there’s a city-building game for you in 2026. Each game on this list brings something different, showing just how varied the genre has become.
