5 Survival games like Foundation that you should try

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

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We filtered the 50 games similar to Foundation down to the 5 that fit the “Survival” category. Kenshi, Maia and Frostpunk top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to Foundation.

iRank78/ 100

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GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

The best survival games like Foundation

5 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

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Steam GOG Epic

#2Maia

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

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Steam

#3FrostpunkClosest on visuals

iRank88

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