9 Survival games like Dwarf Fortress that you should try

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We filtered the 42 games similar to Dwarf Fortress down to the 9 that fit the “Survival” 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

The best survival games like Dwarf Fortress

9 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.

#1Gnomoria

iRank65

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

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Steam GOG

#2Rebuild 3: Gangs of Deadsville

iRank72

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

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Steam GOG itch.io

#3Shelter

iRank74

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

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

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

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Steam GOG

#6Kenshi

iRank85

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

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

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

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

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Steam

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