What is the best game similar to Foundation?

The closest game to Foundation is Kenshi, scoring 84/100 on our similarity scale. They share 11 gameplay attributes, including real-time strategy, sandbox freedom and deep simulation. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.

What are the top games like Foundation?

The three closest games to Foundation are: 1. Kenshi (84/100, 11 shared attributes) 2. Stronghold 2 (79/100, 12 shared attributes) 3. Stronghold 2: Steam Edition (79/100, 12 shared attributes). All share Foundation's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 50 candidates across 16 dimensions.

Is Stronghold 2 similar to Foundation?

Yes, very much so — Stronghold 2 scores 79/100 similarity to Foundation. They share 12 attributes, including real-time strategy and deep simulation. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.

What RTS games are similar to Foundation?

The best RTS games similar to Foundation are Kenshi, Stronghold 2, Stronghold 2: Steam Edition and Tropico 4. All share the RTS genre alongside other key Foundation attributes like real-time strategy, sandbox freedom and deep simulation.

How is similarity to Foundation calculated?

We compare Foundation against every game in our catalog using 16 gameplay attributes: genre, atmosphere, world structure, play modes, combat style, and more. Each category is weighted differently — genre matters more than visual style, for instance. The result is a 0-100 score reflecting how closely a game replicates the Foundation experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.

50 Games like Foundation that you should try

Games like Foundation · Find similar →

More about this game →

Ranking compiled by Lluis Enric Mayans, Founder & Head of ContentUpdated May 19, 2026How this is calculatedOrdered by an attribute-similarity model, not editorial opinion.

Looking for games like Foundation? We analyzed its gameplay DNA — real-time strategy, vibe relaxing and sandbox world — against over 6,700 titles. These 50 alternatives are ranked by real similarity, not marketing tags. Kenshi leads with 84/100, followed by the rest of the list.

iRank78/ 100

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GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

Top games similar to Foundation

50 similar games foundUpdated May 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Foundation. Each one has been evaluated across 16 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.

#1KenshiClosest overall match

iRank85

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloOpen WorldSandbox WorldExplorationBase BuildingManagementIsometric

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

Year 2018Dev Lo-Fi GamesPlaytime ~4hOn PC

✓ Same family of real-time strategy games: real-time strategy, sandbox freedom and deep simulation

≠ Stands apart with deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and stealth mechanics, while skipping vibe relaxing

A free-roaming squad based RPG. Focusing on open-ended sandbox gameplay features rather than a linear story. Be a trader, a thief, a rebel, a warlord, an adventurer, a farmer, a slave, or just food for the cannibals. Research new equipment and craft new gear.

Where it drifts furthest from Foundation: setting.

Genre100Game mode100World100Progression78Visuals71Setting0

Details →

Steam GOG Epic

#2Stronghold 2Closest on setting

iRank83

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloSandbox WorldOpen WorldMedievalHistoricalBase BuildingManagementExplorationIsometric

Steam👍 89%· 5.6KIGDB70· 3

Year 2005Dev Firefly Studios · 2K GamesOn PC

✓ Both are real-time strategy games — sharing real-time strategy, deep simulation and sandbox freedom

≠ Its own twist: combat tactical, melee combat and ranged combat, while skipping survival mechanics

It predates Foundation by 20 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Setting100World100Progression100Visuals65Game mode55

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Steam

#3Stronghold 2: Steam Edition

iRank81

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloSandbox WorldOpen WorldMedievalHistoricalBase BuildingManagementExplorationIsometric

Steam👍 89%· 5.6KRAWG👍 68%· 40

Year 2005Dev FireFly Studios · 2K GamesOn PC

✓ Both are real-time strategy games — sharing real-time strategy, deep simulation and sandbox freedom

≠ Where it differs: brings combat tactical, multiplayer gameplay and visual topdown, while skipping survival mechanics

Stronghold 2 is a real time strategy computer game released in April 2005 in which the player develops a stronghold in the middle ages. It is the sequel to Stronghold, released in 2001, also by Firefly Studios.

It predates Foundation by 20 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Setting100World100Progression100Visuals65Game mode55

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Steam

#4Tropico 4Closest on visuals

iRank80

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloSandbox WorldBase BuildingManagementIsometric

Steam👍 92%· 13KRAWG👍 67%· 511MC78IGDB74· 4

Year 2011Dev Feral Interactive · Kalypso MediaPlaytime ~4hOn PC · Xbox · Apple Macintosh

✓ Nearly identical: real-time strategy, deep simulation and sandbox freedom.

≠ Missing: survival mechanics.

Tropico 4 is a simulator/strategy game, where the player takes control of a small island nation as its president. The game is the fourth installment in the series, which have seen lots of changes throughout its existence.

It predates Foundation by 14 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Visuals100Progression95World86

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Steam GOG Xbox

#5Europa Universalis IV

iRank86

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloSandbox WorldOpen WorldHistoricalMedievalManagementIsometric

Steam👍 88%· 136KRAWG👍 83%· 396MC87IGDB85· 2

Year 2013Dev Paradox Development Studio · Paradox InteractivePlaytime ~6hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Fits the real-time strategy games cluster, with real-time strategy, deep simulation and sandbox freedom

≠ Where it differs: brings turn-based strategy, combat tactical and fantasy world, while skipping survival mechanics

Europa Universalis IV is a global strategy game developed by Paradox Interactive. It is the fifth game in the series, not counting the add-ons. ###Gameplay The game can take place at any time starting from the late Middle Age to the Napolean Wars era.

Where it drifts furthest from Foundation: game mode.

It predates Foundation by 12 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100World100Visuals100Setting88Progression50Game mode34

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Steam GOG Epic

#6Imagine EarthClosest on tone

iRank81

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloRelaxingSandbox WorldBase BuildingManagementIsometric

Steam👍 82%· 955OC80· 12

Year 2021Dev Serious BrothersPlaytime ~2hOn PC · Xbox

✓ Both are real-time strategy games — sharing real-time strategy, deep simulation and sandbox freedom

≠ Stands apart with puzzle design, turn-based strategy and procedural generation, while skipping survival mechanics

Planetary Colonization Imagine Earth is a real-time planet simulation and a build up strategy game. Your job as a space colony manager is to explore and populate distant planets. Build up thriving and profitable colonies on a global scale and trade resources and goods into space.

Where it drifts furthest from Foundation: setting and visuals.

Genre100Game mode100Tone87Progression76World60Visuals33

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Steam GOG Epic

#7Maia

iRank44

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloSandbox WorldBase BuildingManagementEarly Access

Steam👍 44%· 1.1K

Year 2013Dev Simon Roth · Machine StudiosPlaytime ~1hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Both are real-time strategy games — sharing real-time strategy, deep simulation and survival mechanics

≠ Where it differs: brings procedural generation, setting scifi and setting space, while skipping vibe relaxing

About This Game Maia is a strange and hostile alien world, toxic to humans, yet lush with new life. Your mission is to colonise this poison eden, survive it's dangers and establish humanity's first foothold in the stars.

Where it drifts furthest from Foundation: setting.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mixed, against very positive for Foundation.

It predates Foundation by 12 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Progression91World56Setting0

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloNarrativeBase BuildingManagementIsometric

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 dark, oppressive atmosphere, punishing difficulty and post-apocalyptic world, while skipping sandbox freedom

In an ultimately frozen world, people develop steam-powered technology to oppose the overwhelming cold. The city ruler has to manage both the inhabitants and the infrastracture the citizens live in.

Where it drifts furthest from Foundation: setting and tone.

Genre100Game mode100Visuals100Progression96Tone32Setting0

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloSandbox WorldOpen WorldHistoricalMedievalBase BuildingManagementExplorationIsometric

Steam👍 33%· 4.8KRAWG👍 28%· 50IGDB52· 3

Year 2012Dev FireFly StudiosPlaytime ~4hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Fits the real-time strategy games cluster, with real-time strategy, deep simulation and sandbox freedom

≠ Where it differs: brings combat tactical, ranged combat and fantasy world, while skipping survival mechanics

Stronghold 3: Gold is the long-awaited third installment in the award winning castle-building series. Set 10 years after the original, the Wolf it seems, has cheated death and during his painful recovery he’s become even more bitter and twisted. Now he seeks revenge.

Where it drifts furthest from Foundation: game mode.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mostly negative, against very positive for Foundation.

It predates Foundation by 13 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100World100Progression100Visuals100Setting88Game mode49

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloSandbox WorldHistoricalMedievalIsometric

IGDB68· 2

Year 2008Dev Trine Game Studios · JoWooD ProductionsPlaytime ~1hOn PC

✓ Fits the real-time strategy games cluster, with real-time strategy, deep simulation and sandbox freedom

≠ Stands apart with deep RPG systems, multiplayer gameplay and visual third person, while skipping survival mechanics

A life simulation where you control a dynasty through various professions.

It predates Foundation by 17 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Setting100World86Visuals71Game mode55

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Steam

#11Victoria II

iRank87

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloSandbox WorldHistoricalManagementMultiplayer

Steam👍 92%· 20KIGDB76· 1

Year 2010Dev Paradox InteractiveOn Linux · PC · Mac

✓ Both are real-time strategy games — sharing real-time strategy, deep simulation and sandbox freedom

≠ Stands apart with turn-based strategy, combat tactical and multiplayer gameplay, while skipping survival mechanics

Where it drifts furthest from Foundation: progression.

It predates Foundation by 15 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100World86Setting60Game mode54Progression44

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Steam

#12Europa Universalis III

iRank79

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloSandbox WorldHistoricalIsometricMultiplayer

Steam👍 83%· 2.0KIGDB70· 1

Year 2007Dev Paradox InteractiveOn PC · Mac

✓ Fits the real-time strategy games cluster, with real-time strategy, sandbox freedom and deep simulation

≠ Stands apart with turn-based strategy and multiplayer gameplay, while skipping survival mechanics

It predates Foundation by 18 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Visuals100World82Setting61Game mode54

Details →

Steam

#13RollerCoaster Tycoon 2

iRank80

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloSandbox WorldManagementIsometricMultiplayer

Steam👍 90%· 5.8KIGDB60· 1

Year 2002Dev Chris Sawyer Productions · InfogramesOn PC

✓ Same family of real-time strategy games: real-time strategy, deep simulation and sandbox freedom

≠ Stands apart with vibe casual, multiplayer gameplay and visual pixel, while skipping survival mechanics

Where it drifts furthest from Foundation: tone.

It predates Foundation by 23 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Visuals86World85Game mode82Progression53Tone0

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloSandbox WorldIsometricFantasy

IGDB73· 3

Year 2005Dev Lionhead Studios · Feral InteractiveOn PC · Mac

✓ Both are real-time strategy games — sharing real-time strategy, deep simulation and sandbox freedom

≠ Its own twist: deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and fantasy world, while skipping survival mechanics

Where it drifts furthest from Foundation: setting.

It predates Foundation by 20 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Visuals100World86Setting0

Details →

#15Pharaoh

iRank85

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloHistoricalBase BuildingIsometric

Steam👍 92%· 2.5KIGDB70· 1

Year 1999Dev Impressions Games · Sierra EntertainmentOn PC

✓ Nearly identical: real-time strategy, deep simulation and historical setting.

≠ Missing: sandbox freedom.

It predates Foundation by 26 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Visuals100Progression78Setting59

Details →

Steam GOG

Complete list of Foundation alternatives

The full catalog of games sharing gameplay DNA with Foundation, 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.

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition

RTS · Simulation

Black & White

RTS · Puzzle

Medieval II: Total War

RTS · Simulation

Sunless Sea

RTS · Survival

Evil Genius

RTS · Simulation

Banished

RTS · Simulation

Majesty Gold HD

RTS · Simulation

Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition

RTS · Simulation

Total War: Shogun 2

RTS · Turn-Based Strat

Rome: Total War

RTS · Turn-Based Strat

East India Company

RTS · Simulation

Dawn of Discovery

RTS · Simulation

Impossible Creatures Steam Edition

RTS · Simulation

18 Wheels of Steel: American Long Haul

RTS · Simulation

Theme Park

RTS · Simulation

Commander: Conquest of the Americas

RTS · Simulation

Grand Ages: Rome

RTS · Simulation

Anno 1602: Creation of a New World

RTS · Simulation

Desperados: Wanted Dead or Alive

RTS

Rise of Nations

RTS

Theme Hospital

RTS · Simulation

The Settlers III

RTS · Simulation

Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings

RTS

Plague Inc.

RTS · Simulation

Medieval: Total War

RTS · Turn-Based Strat

Shogun: Total War

RTS · Turn-Based Strat

Lazerbait

RTS

Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2

RTS

Napoleon: Total War

RTS · Turn-Based Strat

A Game of Dwarves

RTS · Simulation

Star Wars: Empire at War

RTS · Turn-Based Strat

Knights and Merchants

RTS · Simulation

Cossacks: European Wars

RTS

Pikmin

RTS · Adventure

Patapon

RTS · Puzzle

Explore games similar to Foundation by category

Rankings in the same genre

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best game similar to Foundation?: The closest game to Foundation is Kenshi, scoring 84/100 on our similarity scale. They share 11 gameplay attributes, including real-time strategy, sandbox freedom and deep simulation. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.
What are the top games like Foundation?: The three closest games to Foundation are: 1. Kenshi (84/100, 11 shared attributes) 2. Stronghold 2 (79/100, 12 shared attributes) 3. Stronghold 2: Steam Edition (79/100, 12 shared attributes). All share Foundation's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 50 candidates across 16 dimensions.
Is Stronghold 2 similar to Foundation?: Yes, very much so — Stronghold 2 scores 79/100 similarity to Foundation. They share 12 attributes, including real-time strategy and deep simulation. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.
What RTS games are similar to Foundation?: The best RTS games similar to Foundation are Kenshi, Stronghold 2, Stronghold 2: Steam Edition and Tropico 4. All share the RTS genre alongside other key Foundation attributes like real-time strategy, sandbox freedom and deep simulation.
How is similarity to Foundation calculated?: We compare Foundation against every game in our catalog using 16 gameplay attributes: genre, atmosphere, world structure, play modes, combat style, and more. Each category is weighted differently — genre matters more than visual style, for instance. The result is a 0-100 score reflecting how closely a game replicates the Foundation experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.