9 Games like Heart of the Machine on Xbox 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 42 games similar to Heart of the Machine down to the 9 that fit the “Xbox” category. Crusader Kings III, MASSIVE CHALICE and Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to Heart of the Machine.

iRank88/ 100

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GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

The best games like Heart of the Machine on Xbox

9 similar games foundUpdated May 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Heart of the Machine. Each one has been evaluated across 14 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.

#1Crusader Kings IIIClosest overall match

iRank89

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloTacticalSandbox WorldHistoricalManagementIsometric

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

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

✓ If you enjoyed Heart of the Machine, 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

A grand strategy game about dynasties rather than borders: characters have traits, stress, secrets and lifespans, and most of the story comes from managing relatives who want what you have. Far more approachable than CK2. Warfare is the shallow part, and once you understand the systems the difficulty largely disappears past the first century.

Genre100Combat100World100Visuals100Game mode55Setting53

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Steam

#2MASSIVE CHALICEClosest on game mode

iRank65

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloTacticalHistoricalManagementMagic

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

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

✓ If you enjoyed Heart of the Machine, expect deep simulation, turn-based strategy and deep RPG systems

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, roguelike runs and combat magic, while skipping sandbox freedom

Massive Chalice is a fantasy turn-based tactical game in the vein of XCOM. ###Plot The player assumes the role of an immortal leader in a fantasy kingdom. A dark power called Cadence repeatedly attacks the kingdom, corrupting everything it touches.

Where it drifts furthest from Heart of the Machine: progression.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mostly positive, against very positive for Heart of the Machine.

It predates Heart of the Machine by 11 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Combat71Setting52Progression46

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Steam GOG Xbox

#3Sid Meier’s Civilization® VIClosest on progression

iRank88

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloTacticalHistoricalBase BuildingManagementIsometric

Steam👍 86%· 374KRAWG👍 88%· 1.4KMC88IGDB87· 20OC89· 95

Year 2016Dev Aspyr Media · 2K GamesPlaytime ~15hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Like Heart of the Machine, it's known for deep simulation, turn-based strategy and combat tactical

≠ Its own twist: fantasy world and multiplayer gameplay, while skipping sandbox freedom

The sixth installment in Sid Meier’s Civilization series.

It predates Heart of the Machine by 10 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Progression100Visuals100Setting65Game mode55

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Steam Epic Xbox

#4TurmoilClosest on setting

iRank86

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloTacticalHistoricalManagementMultiplayer

Steam👍 93%· 16KOC72· 11

Year 2016Dev Gamious · PlaydigiousOn PS4 · Linux · Android

✓ Like Heart of the Machine, it's known for deep simulation, turn-based strategy and combat tactical

≠ Where it differs: brings vibe relaxing, multiplayer gameplay and co op, while skipping sandbox freedom

Where it drifts furthest from Heart of the Machine: visuals and game mode.

It predates Heart of the Machine by 10 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Setting76Progression67Game mode31Visuals0

GenreStrategySubgenreCity Builder

SoloSandbox WorldManagementBase BuildingIsometric

Steam👍 92%· 35KIGDB87· 10OC84· 127

Year 2018Dev Two Point Studios · SegaOn PS4 · Linux · PC

✓ Like Heart of the Machine, it's known for deep simulation, sandbox freedom and sandbox world

≠ Where it differs: brings vibe casual, while skipping turn-based strategy

It predates Heart of the Machine by 8 years, with what that implies technically.

Game mode100World100Progression100Visuals100Genre50

GenreStrategySubgenreCity Builder

SoloSandbox WorldBase BuildingManagementIsometric

Steam👍 93%· 289KRAWG👍 87%· 1.5KMC85IGDB76· 13OC83· 91

Year 2015Dev Colossal Order · Paradox InteractivePlaytime ~9hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Shared with Heart of the Machine: deep simulation, sandbox freedom and sandbox world

≠ Stands apart with vibe casual, while skipping turn-based strategy

Cities: Skylines is a traditional city-building game, which allows players to experience urban planning in all aspects including zoning, road placement, transportation, taxation, and improvement of welfare.

It predates Heart of the Machine by 11 years, with what that implies technically.

Game mode100World100Progression100Visuals100Genre50

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloSandbox WorldBase BuildingManagementIsometric

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

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

✓ If you enjoyed Heart of the Machine, expect deep simulation, sandbox freedom and sandbox world

≠ Where it differs: brings real-time strategy, while skipping turn-based strategy

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 Heart of the Machine by 15 years, with what that implies technically.

Game mode100World100Progression100Visuals100Genre50

GenreStrategySubgenreCity Builder

SoloSandbox WorldBase BuildingManagement

Steam👍 89%· 1.9KRAWG👍 60%· 273MC79

Year 2009Dev Haemimont Games · Kalypso MediaPlaytime ~1hOn PC · Xbox

✓ Nearly identical: deep simulation, sandbox freedom and sandbox world.

≠ Missing: turn-based strategy.

According to the story, you play as "El Presidente" and head a small island country in Latin America. The action takes place in the midst of the cold war, which has an impact on the course of events.

It predates Heart of the Machine by 17 years, with what that implies technically.

Game mode100World100Progression100Genre50

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Steam Xbox

#9Defense Grid: The Awakening

iRank82

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloTacticalSci-FiIsometric

Steam👍 96%· 5.3KRAWG👍 59%· 106MC81IGDB86· 2

Year 2008Dev Hidden Path EntertainmentPlaytime ~4hOn PC · Xbox · Apple Macintosh

✓ If you enjoyed Heart of the Machine, expect deep simulation, combat tactical and setting scifi

≠ Stands apart with tower defense planning and real-time strategy, while skipping turn-based strategy

###Microsoft’s tower defence The game is one in the genre of tower defense, developed by Hidden Path Entertainment for PC and Xbox 360. Later it was ported to the Mac, and for other consoles in 2013.

It predates Heart of the Machine by 18 years, with what that implies technically.

Combat100Game mode100Visuals100Setting52Genre50

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Steam Epic

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