10 Most Realistic Base-Building Games, Ranked (2024)

Many games on the market allow players to build incredible bases. In some of these, players must optimize the space for everything to run smoothly, while in others, players may opt for massive structures. The essence of base-building games lies in this mechanic, providing players with great freedom of choice. Survival games and management sims are the most common places to find base-building mechanics, but they can appear in any genre.

Some base-building games stand out for their realism among the vast array of options available. This is not only due to immersive graphics, but also their settings and mechanics. These features immerse players into the game's universe, making the experience more engaging and authentic. Thus, it is possible to experience realistic mechanics even in fantastical settings.

10 Grounded

Base Building In Miniature Form

Grounded

Survival Horror

RPG

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:82/100 Critics Recommend:83%

Platform(s)

Xbox Series X|S , Nintendo Switch , Xbox One , PC , PlayStation 4 , PlayStation 5

Released

September 27, 2022

Developer(s)

Obsidian Entertainment

Inspired by the classic 1980s film Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, Grounded is a game full of interesting ideas. The realism lies in the setting, where characters are shrunk to the size of insects and must survive in their own backyard, adapting to this new reality.

The developers made creative use of the environment to create resources for players to use in their constructions. For example, instead of wood collected from trees, players must use resources made of grass or weeds, fitting perfectly with the game's premise. This not only makes Grounded one of the most realistic base-building games on the market, but also one of the most fun.

9 Valheim

The Nordic World Needs Protection

Valheim

Sandbox

Survival

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:85/100 Critics Recommend:90%

Platform(s)

Linux , PC , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S

Released

February 2, 2021

Developer(s)

Iron Gate AB

Inspired by Norse mythology, Valheim transports players to the tenth Norse realm, where they must prove their worth to the gods by facing monsters that threaten the land. The base-building mechanic is essential for game progression, allowing for the construction of complex 3D structures.

Valheim stands out for its realism in construction, incorporating a physics system that directly influences buildings. Players can erect multi-story buildings, but must be cautious of the structure, as without proper support, the weight can cause collapses. This element requires careful planning, making each completed construction a significant achievement.

8 Going Medieval

Challenges In A Plague-Devastated World

Going Medieval

City Builder

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Platform(s)

PC

Released

June 1, 2021

Developer

Foxy Voxel

Inspired by games like Rimworld, Going Medieval is about helping a small group of people survive the adversities of the medieval period by building a home where they can protect themselves from the weather and bandit attacks. The title tries to bring more realistic mechanics to players, and succeeds in many aspects.

Set in a post-calamity world, players must guide survivors and build a secure settlement. With simple 3D tools, it's possible to design everything from wooden huts to stone castles. The multi-level system allows players to create cold chambers in the lower levels to protect food, and it's crucial to build traps and defenses to protect settlers from bandits and barbarians. These little touches do a lot for the game's sense of realism.

7 Medieval Dynasty

Building Villages

Medieval Dynasty

Open-World

Strategy

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:73/100

Platform(s)

PC , PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S

Released

December 17, 2020

Developer

Render Cube

There are various conceptions of base-buildings, and most of the time, players opt to create a single mega-building. However, it is also possible to build separate structures. One example can be seen in Medieval Dynasty, where the game's goal is to construct a village that survives through time.

The game features constructions and settings faithful to the medieval era, although some artistic liberties were taken for player enjoyment. For those who enjoy the mechanics, there are other games in the franchise that take players to different settings, such as feudal Japan.

6 Bellwright

Rebuilding And Fighting For Justice

Bellwright

Survival

Open-World

RPG

Systems

Platform(s)

PC

Released

April 23, 2024

Bellwright puts players in the role of a hero unjustly accused, challenging the tyrannical Sovereign and leading a rebellion. In the game, base-building is essential to support the fight for freedom. Characters can construct settlements of varying sizes. It's also possible to create various complex and realistic structures, such as caves or even huge castles.

However, this requires good resource management, as well as base defense, which is crucial in Bellwright. Players must organize workers to gather resources, train soldiers to protect the settlements, and develop technologies to improve construction. Here, players have the freedom to create a formidable army or focus on optimizing the base, making the game engaging for genre fans.

5 Sons Of The Forest

Surviving A Hostile Forest

Sons of the Forest

Survival

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:78/100 Critics Recommend:86%

Platform(s)

PC

Released

February 23, 2023

Publisher(s)

Newnight

Sons of the Forest offers an immersive survival experience on a remote island full of cannibals. The game's realism is evident in both its detailed graphics and base-building mechanics. Every element, from lighting fires to constructing complexes, is done with precision.

The changing seasons add an extra challenge, requiring players to adapt their strategies as the environment changes. The construction mechanics, though detailed and realistic, can be laborious, as many logs are needed to build anything. This makes players work harder on each structure, making multiplayer more satisfying.

4 Green Hell

Surviving The Amazon Jungle

Green Hell

Survival

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:79/100

Platform(s)

Nintendo Switch , PC , PlayStation 4 , PlayStation 5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S

Released

September 5, 2019

Developer(s)

Creepy Jar

Green Hell is an open-world survival simulator set in the Amazon jungle, where players face realistic challenges to their survival. The game's immersive atmosphere captures the essence of this unexplored ecosystem, filled with natural dangers and exotic creatures.

The setting is meticulously detailed, reflecting the diverse flora and fauna of the Amazon. Players need to use real survival techniques to build shelters, craft tools, and hunt. The jungle not only presents physical challenges, but also tests mental resilience, creating an intense and authentic experience of survival in one of the world's most hostile and beautiful environments.

3 7 Days To Die

Multiple Options To Defend Against Zombie Hordes

7 Days to Die

Survival

Horror

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Platform(s)

Linux , macOS , PC , PlayStation 4 , PlayStation 5 , Xbox One

Released

December 13, 2013

Developer(s)

The Fun Pimps

A standard mechanic in many zombie apocalypse games is building bases to rest and store resources. 7 Days to Die is one such title that aims to provide an authentic experience. The game's physics require extreme care in fortress construction. Something as small as a poorly placed block can compromise the entire structure, leading to collapses that complicate players' plans.

Additionally, the durability of construction is constantly tested by zombie hordes, requiring strategic planning and appropriate materials. The attention to detail and understanding of the game's physics make 7 Days to Die an immersive and intense experience, providing players with a space to exercise their creativity.

2 Project Zomboid

Building Bases In The Zombie Apocalypse

Project Zomboid

Survival Horror

Systems

Platform(s)

PC

Released

November 8, 2013

Developer(s)

The Indie Stone

Despite being in early access for years, Project Zomboid has proven to be one of the most incredible zombie apocalypse games on the market. The game may not have stunning graphics, but its mechanics make it one of the most realistic in the genre, forcing players to consider various factors when planning their next moves.

This also includes the game's base-building mechanics. Although not the game's main focus, players will eventually need a place to rest. Therefore, players have access to various tools to reinforce the defenses of one of the game's houses or even build their own base from scratch while keeping the zombies at bay.

1 Dwarf Fortress

One Of The Most Complex Base-Building Games Ever

Dwarf Fortress

Roguelike

Strategy

Simulation

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:90/100 Critics Recommend:90%

Platform(s)

Linux , macOS , Microsoft Windows

Released

August 8, 2006

Developer

Bay 12 Games, Tarn Adams, Zach Adams

The simplicity of Dwarf Fortress' graphics can hide the complexity of the game's mechanics. Players who want to experience a colony sim with the freedom to build bases should check out this title. Base-building in the game requires detailed attention and planning. For instance, if characters encounter a mountain lake, significant effort will be needed to drain the water without flooding the entire base.

Realism in Dwarf Fortress goes beyond resource management and construction. Mechanics include challenges like dealing with floods, ensuring security against invaders, and maintaining the morale of the dwarves. This level of detail and realism makes the game a unique and rewarding experience for base-building game fans.