Dwarf Fortress

27 Turn-Based Strat games like Dwarf Fortress that you should try

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We filtered the 42 games similar to Dwarf Fortress down to the 27 that fit the “Turn-Based Strat” 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 “Turn-Based Strat” 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 turn-Based Strat games like Dwarf Fortress

27 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

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

#9Ultimate 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

#10Travellin 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

#11Your 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

#12Desktop Dungeons

49

Desktop Dungeons

GenreStrategySubgenreTycoon / Management

SoloProceduralFantasyManagementIsometric

Steam👍 84%· 2.3KRAWG👍 50%· 48MC82IGDB86· 2

Year 2013Dev Finji · QCF DesignPlaytime ~4hOn PC · iOS · Android

✓ Shared with Dwarf Fortress: roguelike runs, deep RPG systems and turn-based strategy

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, puzzle design and vibe casual, while skipping deep simulation

#13Sid Meier's Colonization (Classic)

94

Sid Meier's Colonization (Classic)

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloFantasyBase BuildingManagementIsometric

Steam👍 96%· 1.1K

Year 2014Dev MicroProse Software · Nightdive StudiosPlaytime ~1hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

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

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, historical setting and visual pixel, while skipping survival mechanics

#14Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization

85

Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloFantasyBase BuildingIsometricMultiplayer

Steam👍 87%· 1.5KRAWG👍 69%· 163MC83IGDB77· 3

Year 2008Dev Aspyr Media · 2K GamesPlaytime ~1hOn PC · iOS · Apple Macintosh

✓ If you enjoyed Dwarf Fortress, expect turn-based strategy, deep simulation and fantasy world

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, historical setting and multiplayer gameplay, while skipping survival mechanics

#15Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri

81

Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloIsometricMultiplayerSpaceSci-Fi

Steam👍 91%· 581IGDB91· 1

Year 1999Dev Firaxis Games · Electronic ArtsOn Linux · PC · Mac

✓ Like Dwarf Fortress, it's known for turn-based strategy, deep simulation and single-player focus

≠ Its own twist: setting space, setting scifi and post-apocalyptic world, while skipping survival mechanics

Complete list of turn-Based Strat 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.

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

Triple Town

Triple Town

Puzzle · Turn-Based Strat

Card City Nights

Card City Nights

Deck Builder · Adventure

Hitman Go

Hitman Go

Puzzle · Turn-Based Strat

Guardians of Graxia

Guardians of Graxia

Turn-Based Strat · Deck Builder

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