5 Dark games like Banished that you should try

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We filtered the 49 games similar to Banished down to the 5 that fit the “Dark” category. Sunless Sea, Frostpunk and Plague Inc. top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to Banished.

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

The best dark games like Banished

5 similar games foundUpdated July 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Banished. Each one has been evaluated across 9 real attributes — from combat style and progression mechanics to world structure and visual perspective — so every recommendation is based on how the game actually plays, not just its genre label.

#1Sunless Sea

iRank83

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloDarkHorrorHistoricalIsometric

Steam👍 83%· 9.5KIGDB85· 4OC81· 28

Year 2015Dev Failbetter GamesOn Linux · PC · iOS

✓ Same family of real-time strategy games: real-time strategy, survival mechanics and dark, oppressive atmosphere

≠ Stands apart with deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and roguelike runs, while skipping deep simulation

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloDarkIsometricNarrativeHardcore

Steam👍 93%· 134KRAWG👍 88%· 1.1KMC85IGDB86· 9OC86· 103

Year 2018Dev 11 Bit Studios · 11 bit studiosPlaytime ~6hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Fits the real-time strategy games cluster, with real-time strategy, deep simulation and survival mechanics

≠ Where it differs: brings strong narrative focus, punishing difficulty and post-apocalyptic world, while skipping stealth mechanics

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloDarkHorrorIsometricTactical

IGDB80· 1

Year 2012Dev Ndemic CreationsOn PC · Android · iOS

✓ Same family of real-time strategy games: real-time strategy, deep simulation and dark, oppressive atmosphere

≠ Where it differs: brings combat tactical and setting scifi, while skipping survival mechanics

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#4Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Dark Crusade

iRank90

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloDarkHistoricalIsometricMultiplayer

Steam👍 96%· 9.4KRAWG👍 88%· 319MC87IGDB84· 3

Year 2006Dev Relic Entertainment · SEGAPlaytime ~2hOn PC

✓ Both are real-time strategy games — sharing real-time strategy, dark, oppressive atmosphere and historical setting

≠ Stands apart with combat tactical, melee combat and setting scifi, while skipping deep simulation

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloDarkHorrorIsometricMultiplayer

IGDB10

Year 1997Dev Bullfrog Productions · Electronic ArtsOn PC · Mac

✓ Both are real-time strategy games — sharing real-time strategy, deep simulation and dark, oppressive atmosphere

≠ Its own twist: combat magic, ranged combat and fantasy world, while skipping survival mechanics

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