Who doesn’t like city building games? Getting to create your own civilization is a feat in itself. While you would think PC players have the upper hand when it comes to it, that’s not the case. Some of the best city building games for consoles like PS5 also exist. So if you’re a console gamer and in the mood, keep reading as I mark down the best city building games for PS5 right here.
Remember, since not many city builder games have launched for PS5, we will mention some of the games from PS4 that run in backward compatibility on PS5. With that said, here are my picks:
1. Cities Skyline
- Developer(s): Colossal Order
- Release Date: 15 February, 2023
One of the most popular city building games on PC, just so happens to be available on the PS5 too. Developed by Colossal Order, Cities Skyline brings over the familiar gameplay you’d expect from the PC version onto a console, giving PS5 players a taste of what to expect from the game.
Be it building various zones, managing budgets, or creating something pretty; everything is included here. So, if you want to enjoy this niche genre, you should try this game!
2. Frostpunk
- Developer(s): 11-bit Studios
- Release Date: October 11, 2019
A recurring city builder that gained quite a recognition for its choice-based gameplay is Frostpunk. Touted to be one of the best city building games for PS5, Frostpunk puts you in charge of running an entire steampunk city amidst an ice age.
You ensure your colony survives while passing hard-hitting decisions and keeping them in contempt. We loved it so much we decided to include it in the best city building games for Xbox too.
3. Tropico 6
- Developer(s): Limbic Entertainment, Realmforge Studios
- Release Date: March 31, 2022
The latest in the long-running President city builder, Tropico 6, will allow you to fulfill your dreams of becoming a president. Your task is to govern a tropical island inspired by island nations like Cuba.
In addition to the standard building mechanics, you can manage trade between countries and exert control over the region as you see fit. Become an oppressive ruler or a leader who serves the people’s best interests in this highly acclaimed PS5 city-building game.
4. Surviving Mars
- Developer(s): Haemimont Games
- Release Date: March 15, 2018
There are a few games out there that I suggest over and over. Surviving Mars is one of them. It caters to a unique niche of gamers who have longed to conquer the planet Mars. The game allows you to live your dreams of being a Mars colonist, especially if you’re a sci-fi fan.
You can choose from various structures, create zones, and uncover secrets across the planets in each playthrough. You’ll enjoy this city builder if you enjoy Asimov’s works thereby making it one of the best city building games for PS5.
5. Airborne Kingdom
- Developer(s): The Wandering Band, indie.io
- Release Date: December 17, 2020
The Airborne Kingdom is a unique city-building game in which you create a kingdom not on the surface but in the skies. The game tasks you with creating a floating city, keeping air balance and propulsion in mind.
It fits a cozy playstyle, where you can relax and enjoy, or a hardcore, optimized building experience. Regardless of how you play it, the game will allow you to live your dreams of creating floating cities.
6. Lethis: Path to Progress
- Developer(s): Triskell Interactive
- Release Date: May 10, 2022
Lethis: Path of Progress is set in a backdrop where condensed steam rapidly led to urbanization and modernity. With the onset of the Industrial Revolution, you are tasked with building a sprawling Victorian Steampunk city, choosing from over 40 different buildings and over 24 different resources to manage.
While it doesn’t have the looks of its competitor, the 2D art certainly makes it a charming experience and deserves a spot in our best city building games for PS5 list.
7. The Colonists
- Developer(s): Codebyfire
- Release Date: May 4, 2021
Inspired by games like The Settlers and Anno, The Colonists is a cozy colony settlement game where you create a sprawling community on randomly generated maps. With a 14-mission campaign, you can either try to finish it or go through the usual building affairs in the sandbox mode.
And the game features cute robots doing the work! This is another cozy builder I highly recommend for players looking to chill out.
8. Before We Leave
- Developer(s): Balancing Monkey Games
- Release Date: April 5, 2022
A comfy city builder, Before We Leave allows you to construct your ideal city after the settlers emerge on the surface, leaving their underground homes. You’ll perform the standard tasks of a city-builder while safeguarding your citizens from troubles.
I always suggest this game to players who’d rather have something comfortable, and Before We Leave fits that niche very well. However, if you do prefer a serious city building game for PS5, try the selections above.
9. Aven Colony
- Developer(s): Mothership Entertainment
- Release Date: July 25, 2017
Aven Colony is a sci-fi city-builder game that challenges you to construct a futuristic city on Aven Prime. You’ll encounter different biomes and alien inhabitants while battling the challenges of this alien planet to establish a thriving colony for humanity.
The game also includes a full day and night and season cycle to add tension! So, you’d probably have a tense time ensuring your colony’s survival through the harsh cold.
10. Endzone: A World Apart
- Developer(s): Gentlymad Studios
- Release Date: May 19, 2022
Endzone is a post-apocalyptic city-building game where you restart a civilization on a damaged Earth. The goal is straightforward – you’ve left your bunker with other settlers after a post-apocalyptic fallout, and now it is up to you people to revive the earth.
Create a thriving settlement and survive through various seasons of drought, toxic rains, sandstorms in what we consider to be one of the best city building PS5 games.
And these are the best city building games for PS5 you should play. Each game gives a unique experience and lets you live your zoning and planning dreams. So, have you played any of these city building games? Let us know in the comments below!
Sanmay Chakrabarti
