Dwarf Fortress

35 Simulation games like Dwarf Fortress that you should try

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We filtered the 42 games similar to Dwarf Fortress down to the 35 that fit the “Simulation” category. Gnomoria, Rebuild 3: Gangs of Deadsville and Shelter top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to Dwarf Fortress.

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GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

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Within the “Simulation” category, the closest game to Dwarf Fortress is Gnomoria — scoring 96/100 on our similarity scale. Rebuild 3: Gangs of Deadsville and Shelter follow close behind.

#1Gnomoria96 #2Rebuild 3: Gangs of Deadsville88 #3Shelter85 #4Songs of Syx82 #5MASSIVE CHALICE82

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The best simulation games like Dwarf Fortress

35 similar games foundUpdated July 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Dwarf Fortress. Each one has been evaluated across 19 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.

96

Gnomoria

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloSandbox WorldProceduralFantasyBase BuildingCraftingManagementIsometric

Steam👍 75%· 3.5KRAWG👍 50%· 39

Year 2016Dev Robotronic GamesPlaytime ~3hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Shared with Dwarf Fortress: deep simulation, sandbox freedom and survival mechanics

≠ Where it differs: brings real-time strategy, visual pixel and visual 2d, while skipping deep RPG systems

#2Rebuild 3: Gangs of Deadsville

88

Rebuild 3: Gangs of Deadsville

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloSandbox WorldBase BuildingManagementDark

Steam👍 86%· 2.0KRAWG👍 48%· 25MC75

Year 2015Dev Northway GamesPlaytime ~3hOn PC · iOS · Android

✓ Like Dwarf Fortress, it's known for deep simulation, survival mechanics and turn-based strategy

≠ Where it differs: brings horror tension, dark, oppressive atmosphere and strong narrative focus, while skipping roguelike runs

Steam GOG itch.io

85

Shelter

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloStealthOpen WorldExplorationNarrative

Steam👍 85%· 3.7KRAWG👍 62%· 128MC69IGDB75· 2

Year 2013Dev Might and Delight · 4EversGamesPlaytime ~2hOn PC · iOS · Apple Macintosh

✓ Shared with Dwarf Fortress: deep simulation, survival mechanics and turn-based strategy

≠ Where it differs: brings adventure storytelling, strong narrative focus and cozy, relaxing feel, while skipping sandbox freedom

82

Songs of Syx

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloSandbox WorldOpen WorldFantasyBase BuildingExplorationManagementIsometric

Steam👍 95%· 8.2K

Year 2020Dev Jake the Dev · Jakob de LavalPlaytime ~6hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Like Dwarf Fortress, it's known for deep simulation, sandbox freedom and turn-based strategy

≠ Stands apart with vibe casual, combat tactical and setting medieval, while skipping deep RPG systems

Steam GOG itch.io

#5MASSIVE CHALICE

82

MASSIVE CHALICE

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloFantasyCraftingManagementTactical

Steam👍 72%· 1.9KRAWG👍 36%· 131MC73IGDB70· 3OC74· 32

Year 2015Dev Double Fine ProductionsPlaytime ~3hOn PC · Xbox · Apple Macintosh

✓ If you enjoyed Dwarf Fortress, expect deep simulation, turn-based strategy and roguelike runs

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, combat tactical and combat magic, while skipping survival mechanics

#6Crusader Kings II

82

Crusader Kings II

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloSandbox WorldFantasyIsometricFree to Play

Steam👍 91%· 74KRAWG👍 64%· 755MC82IGDB84· 2

Year 2012Dev Paradox Development Studio · Paradox InteractivePlaytime ~3hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ If you enjoyed Dwarf Fortress, expect turn-based strategy, deep simulation and deep RPG systems

≠ Stands apart with historical setting, setting medieval and multiplayer gameplay, while skipping survival mechanics

#7Crusader Kings III

71

Crusader Kings III

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloSandbox WorldManagementIsometricMultiplayer

Steam👍 90%· 140KRAWG👍 89%· 465MC86IGDB91· 3OC90· 94

Year 2020Dev Paradox Developement Studios · Paradox InteractivePlaytime ~12hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ If you enjoyed Dwarf Fortress, expect deep simulation, deep RPG systems and turn-based strategy

≠ Where it differs: brings real-time strategy, cozy, relaxing feel and strong narrative focus, while skipping survival mechanics

#8Rise to Ruins

50

Rise to Ruins

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloSandbox WorldProceduralFantasyBase BuildingManagement

Steam👍 88%· 7.7KRAWG👍 68%· 40

Year 2019Dev Raymond Doerr · SixtyGig GamesPlaytime ~3hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Shared with Dwarf Fortress: deep simulation, survival mechanics and sandbox freedom

≠ Its own twist: tower defense planning, visual pixel and visual 2d, while skipping deep RPG systems

50

Kenshi

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloStealthOpen WorldSandbox WorldFantasyExplorationBase BuildingCraftingManagementIsometric

Steam👍 96%· 112KRAWG👍 77%· 191MC75IGDB84· 1

Year 2018Dev Lo-Fi GamesPlaytime ~4hOn PC

✓ Like Dwarf Fortress, it's known for sandbox freedom, deep simulation and deep RPG systems

≠ Stands apart with real-time strategy, adventure storytelling and setting scifi, while skipping turn-based strategy

49

Stacklands

GenreStrategySubgenreColony Sim

SoloProceduralFantasyManagementBase BuildingIsometric

Steam👍 96%· 29KRAWG👍 70%· 60

Year 2022Dev Sokpop CollectivePlaytime ~4hOn PC · Apple Macintosh

✓ Shared with Dwarf Fortress: deep simulation, survival mechanics and roguelike runs

≠ Where it differs: brings card game strategy, vibe casual and cozy, relaxing feel, while skipping sandbox freedom

#11My Time at Portia

48

My Time at Portia

GenreStrategySubgenreCity Builder

SoloOpen WorldSandbox WorldFantasyExplorationCraftingBase Building

Steam👍 92%· 44KIGDB70· 10OC75· 70

Year 2019Dev Pathea Games · Team17On PS4 · Android · PC

✓ If you enjoyed Dwarf Fortress, expect deep simulation, deep RPG systems and survival mechanics

≠ Stands apart with adventure storytelling, cozy, relaxing feel and vibe casual, while skipping turn-based strategy

#12Ultimate Arena

82

Ultimate Arena

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloSandbox WorldProceduralFantasyIsometric

Steam👍 80%· 992RAWG👍 14%· 21

Year 2016Dev TriverskePlaytime ~4hOn PC · Linux

✓ Like Dwarf Fortress, it's known for turn-based strategy, deep simulation and sandbox freedom

≠ Where it differs: brings horror tension, cozy, relaxing feel and strong narrative focus, while skipping survival mechanics

#13Travellin Cats in China

76

Travellin Cats in China

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloOpen WorldManagementTacticalNarrative

Steam👍 92%· 1.0K

Dev KremlingamesPlaytime ~4hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Like Dwarf Fortress, it's known for deep simulation, deep RPG systems and turn-based strategy

≠ Stands apart with strong narrative focus, combat tactical and historical setting, while skipping survival mechanics

#14Your Only Move Is HUSTLE

74

Your Only Move Is HUSTLE

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

Sandbox WorldMeleeTacticalNarrativeCozy

Steam👍 96%· 42K

Year 2023Dev Ivy SlyPlaytime ~4hOn PC

✓ Like Dwarf Fortress, it's known for deep simulation, turn-based strategy and sandbox freedom

≠ Stands apart with strong narrative focus, cozy, relaxing feel and melee combat, while skipping survival mechanics

51

Dwarfs!?

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloOpen WorldSandbox WorldProceduralFantasyBase BuildingManagementIsometricFree to Play

Steam👍 78%· 1.1KRAWG👍 18%· 56

Year 2011Dev Power of 2 · Tripwire InteractivePlaytime ~1hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ If you enjoyed Dwarf Fortress, expect deep simulation, sandbox freedom and survival mechanics

≠ Stands apart with tower defense planning, precision platforming and vibe casual, while skipping deep RPG systems

Complete list of simulation games like Dwarf Fortress

The full catalog of games sharing gameplay DNA with Dwarf Fortress, ordered from highest to lowest similarity score. Use the filters above to narrow down by genre, setting or game mode and find the alternative that best fits your playstyle.

Black & White 2

Black & White 2

RTS · Simulation

WorldBox

WorldBox

Sandbox · Simulation

Sid Meier's Colonization (Classic)

Sid Meier's Colonization (Classic)

Simulation · Adventure

Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization

Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization

Turn-Based Strat · Simulation

Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri

Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri

Turn-Based Strat · Simulation

Pokémon Stadium 2

Pokémon Stadium 2

Simulation · Turn-Based Strat

Sid Meier's Civilization® V

Sid Meier's Civilization® V

Turn-Based Strat · Simulation

Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution

Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution

Simulation · Turn-Based Strat

Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI

Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI

Simulation · Turn-Based Strat

Advance Wars: Dual Strike

Advance Wars: Dual Strike

Simulation · Turn-Based Strat

Advance Wars

Advance Wars

Simulation · Turn-Based Strat

Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth

Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth

Turn-Based Strat · Simulation

Turmoil

Turmoil

Simulation · Turn-Based Strat

shapez

shapez

Sandbox · Simulation

Townscaper

Townscaper

Sandbox · Simulation

Cities: Skylines

Cities: Skylines

Simulation · Sandbox

Tropico 4

Tropico 4

RTS · Simulation

Tycoon City: New York

Tycoon City: New York

Simulation · Sandbox

Tropico Reloaded

Tropico Reloaded

Simulation · Sandbox

A Game of Dwarves

A Game of Dwarves

RTS · Simulation

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