What is the best game similar to Imagine Earth?

The closest game to Imagine Earth is Kenshi, scoring 73/100 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 Imagine Earth?

The three closest games to Imagine Earth are: 1. Kenshi (73/100, 11 shared attributes) 2. Maia (77/100, 11 shared attributes) 3. Tropico 4 (66/100, 8 shared attributes). All share Imagine Earth's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 50 candidates across 18 dimensions.

Is Maia similar to Imagine Earth?

Yes, very much so — Maia scores 77/100 similarity to Imagine Earth. They share 11 attributes, including real-time strategy and deep simulation. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.

What RTS games are similar to Imagine Earth?

The best RTS games similar to Imagine Earth are Kenshi, Maia, Tropico 4 and Evil Genius. All share the RTS genre alongside other key Imagine Earth attributes like real-time strategy, sandbox freedom and deep simulation.

How is similarity to Imagine Earth calculated?

We compare Imagine Earth against every game in our catalog using 18 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 Imagine Earth experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.

50 Games like Imagine Earth that you should try

Games like Imagine Earth · 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.

If Imagine Earth left you wanting more, this list of 50 similar games is for you. Each one shares part of its essence — real-time strategy, vibe relaxing and sandbox world — and is ranked by a similarity score computed across 18 attributes. Kenshi comes closest (73/100).

iRank69/ 100

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GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

Top games similar to Imagine Earth

50 similar games foundUpdated May 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Imagine Earth. Each one has been evaluated across 18 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 on genre

iRank85

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloSandbox WorldSci-FiPost-ApocalypticBase BuildingCraftingManagementIsometric

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, survival mechanics and adventure storytelling, while skipping puzzle design

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 Imagine Earth: visuals.

Genre100Game mode100Progression82Setting66World52Visuals29

Details →

Steam GOG Epic

#2MaiaClosest overall match

iRank44

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloProceduralSandbox WorldSci-FiSpaceBase BuildingManagementCrafting

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 sandbox freedom

≠ Where it differs: brings survival mechanics and early access, while skipping puzzle design

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.

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

It predates Imagine Earth by 8 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100World100Progression100Setting76

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: puzzle design.

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.

Where it drifts furthest from Imagine Earth: visuals.

It predates Imagine Earth by 10 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Progression79World65Visuals33

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloBase BuildingManagementIsometric

Steam👍 93%· 3.6KRAWG👍 71%· 137MC75IGDB83· 4

Year 2004Dev Elixir Studios · RebellionPlaytime ~2hOn PC · Apple Macintosh

✓ Nearly identical: real-time strategy, deep simulation and puzzle design.

≠ Missing: sandbox freedom.

Everybody wants to rule the world! Achieve global power with EVIL GENIUS, the one and only complete world domination simulator.

Where it drifts furthest from Imagine Earth: visuals.

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

Genre100Game mode100Progression78Visuals33

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloPost-ApocalypticSci-FiBase 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 post-apocalyptic world

≠ Where it differs: brings survival mechanics, strong narrative focus and dark, oppressive atmosphere, 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 Imagine Earth: tone and visuals.

Genre100Game mode100Progression80Setting75Visuals33Tone0

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 puzzle design

Where it drifts furthest from Imagine Earth: setting and visuals.

It predates Imagine Earth by 16 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100World64Visuals33Setting0

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#7RollerCoaster 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 puzzle design

Where it drifts furthest from Imagine Earth: tone and visuals.

It predates Imagine Earth by 19 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode81World63Progression47Visuals33Tone0

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloProceduralBase BuildingManagementIsometric

Steam👍 83%· 414

Year 2014Dev Sergio · Sergio & SimonPlaytime ~2hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Both are real-time strategy games — sharing real-time strategy, deep simulation and procedural generation

≠ Where it differs: brings historical setting and setting medieval, while skipping sandbox freedom

Hearthlands is a medieval/fantasy city-building real time strategy game in which you take a role of a king in a procedurally generated world.

Where it drifts furthest from Imagine Earth: setting and visuals.

Genre100Game mode100Progression78World61Visuals33Setting0

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloSci-FiSpaceBase BuildingManagement3D

Steam👍 76%· 290

Year 2016Dev Squatting Penguins · Ultimate GamesPlaytime ~2hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Both are real-time strategy games — sharing real-time strategy, deep simulation and setting scifi

≠ Where it differs: brings adventure storytelling, vibe casual and fantasy world, while skipping sandbox freedom

Previews:Video game news outlets had this to say on 2 years old beta demo - bear in mind that the game underwent dramatic development since then: "The gameplay so far feels pretty solid, and is very much in line with what you’d expect from a city builder.

Where it drifts furthest from Imagine Earth: tone and visuals.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mostly positive, against very positive for Imagine Earth.

Genre100Game mode100Progression79Setting69Visuals48Tone0

Details →

Steam Nintendo

#10Black & White

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloSandbox WorldIsometricMultiplayerMagic

Year 2001Dev Lionhead Studios · Electronic ArtsOn PC · Mac

✓ Same family of real-time strategy games: real-time strategy, puzzle design and deep simulation

≠ Its own twist: open world exploration, combat magic and multiplayer gameplay, while skipping turn-based strategy

Where it drifts furthest from Imagine Earth: progression and visuals.

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

Genre100Game mode54World53Visuals33Progression0

Details →

#11Medieval II: Total War

iRank94

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloIsometricMultiplayerTacticalMelee

Steam👍 96%· 36KIGDB90· 3

Year 2006Dev The Creative Assembly · SegaOn Linux · PC · Mac

✓ Both are real-time strategy games — sharing real-time strategy, deep simulation and turn-based strategy

≠ Where it differs: brings combat tactical, melee combat and ranged combat, while skipping sandbox freedom

Where it drifts furthest from Imagine Earth: setting and visuals.

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

Genre100Game mode53Visuals33Setting0

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloIsometricMultiplayerTacticalMelee

Steam👍 95%· 17KIGDB91· 3

Year 2004Dev The Creative Assembly · SegaOn Android · PC · iOS

✓ Both are real-time strategy games — sharing real-time strategy, turn-based strategy and deep simulation

≠ Its own twist: combat tactical, melee combat and ranged combat, while skipping sandbox freedom

Where it drifts furthest from Imagine Earth: setting and visuals.

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

Genre100Game mode53Visuals33Setting0

Details →

Steam

#13Star Wars: Empire at War

iRank90

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloSci-FiSpaceIsometricMultiplayer

Steam👍 98%· 42KIGDB73· 2

Year 2006Dev Petroglyph Games · LucasArtsOn PC · Mac

✓ Fits the real-time strategy games cluster, with real-time strategy, turn-based strategy and setting scifi

≠ Stands apart with combat tactical, melee combat and historical setting, while skipping deep simulation

Where it drifts furthest from Imagine Earth: visuals.

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

Genre100Setting71Game mode53Visuals33

Details →

Steam

#14Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds

iRank91

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloSci-FiBase BuildingIsometricMultiplayer

Steam👍 91%· 4.6K

Year 2001Dev LucasArtsOn PC · Mac

✓ Same family of real-time strategy games: real-time strategy, deep simulation and setting scifi

≠ Its own twist: melee combat, multiplayer gameplay and visual 2d, while skipping sandbox freedom

Where it drifts furthest from Imagine Earth: visuals and setting.

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

Genre100Game mode53Progression41Setting38Visuals32

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloSci-FiSpaceBase BuildingIsometric

Steam👍 89%· 3.1KIGDB76· 3

Year 2007Dev Hellbent Games · THQOn PC

✓ Fits the real-time strategy games cluster, with real-time strategy, deep simulation and setting scifi

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

Where it drifts furthest from Imagine Earth: game mode and visuals.

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

Genre100Setting74Progression45Game mode33Visuals33

Details →

Steam GOG

Complete list of Imagine Earth alternatives

The full catalog of games sharing gameplay DNA with Imagine Earth, 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.

Pharaoh

RTS · Simulation

Impossible Creatures Steam Edition

RTS · Simulation

Majesty Gold HD

RTS · Simulation

Theme Park

RTS · Simulation

Patapon

RTS · Puzzle

Commander: Conquest of the Americas

RTS · Simulation

Plague Inc.

RTS · Simulation

East India Company

RTS · Simulation

Theme Hospital

RTS · Simulation

Shogun: Total War

RTS · Turn-Based Strat

Napoleon: Total War

RTS · Turn-Based Strat

Dawn of Discovery

RTS · Simulation

Pikmin

RTS · Adventure

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty

RTS

Sunless Sea

RTS · Survival

A Game of Dwarves

RTS · Simulation

Command & Conquer: Generals

RTS

Lazerbait

RTS

Homeworld

RTS · Adventure

Medieval: Total War

RTS · Turn-Based Strat

Banished

RTS · Simulation

Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2

RTS

StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm

RTS

StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void

RTS

Pikmin 3

RTS · Adventure

World in Conflict

RTS

Knights and Merchants

RTS · Simulation

Command & Conquer

RTS

Rise of Nations

RTS

Command & Conquer: Red Alert

RTS

Anno 1602: Creation of a New World

RTS · Simulation

Desperados: Wanted Dead or Alive

RTS

Dune II: The Building of a Dynasty

RTS

Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings

RTS

Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun

RTS

Explore games similar to Imagine Earth by category

Rankings in the same genre

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best game similar to Imagine Earth?: The closest game to Imagine Earth is Kenshi, scoring 73/100 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 Imagine Earth?: The three closest games to Imagine Earth are: 1. Kenshi (73/100, 11 shared attributes) 2. Maia (77/100, 11 shared attributes) 3. Tropico 4 (66/100, 8 shared attributes). All share Imagine Earth's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 50 candidates across 18 dimensions.
Is Maia similar to Imagine Earth?: Yes, very much so — Maia scores 77/100 similarity to Imagine Earth. They share 11 attributes, including real-time strategy and deep simulation. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.
What RTS games are similar to Imagine Earth?: The best RTS games similar to Imagine Earth are Kenshi, Maia, Tropico 4 and Evil Genius. All share the RTS genre alongside other key Imagine Earth attributes like real-time strategy, sandbox freedom and deep simulation.
How is similarity to Imagine Earth calculated?: We compare Imagine Earth against every game in our catalog using 18 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 Imagine Earth experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.