93
iRank78
StrategyColony Sim
SoloSandbox WorldOpen WorldSpaceSci-FiBase BuildingManagementExplorationIsometric
Steam👍 80%· 28KIGDB74· 7OC77· 60
Year 2018Dev Haemimont Games · Paradox InteractiveOn PS4 · Linux · PC
32 Games like The Universim that you should try
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More about this game →Ranking compiled by Lluis Enric Mayans, Founder & Head of ContentHow this is calculatedOrdered by an attribute-similarity model, not editorial opinion.
The Universim is hard to replace: few games combine deep simulation, vibe casual and sandbox world in quite the same way. We compared The Universim against over 6,700 titles across 14 gameplay attributes and found 32 genuine alternatives — not generic genre suggestions. Surviving Mars, Oxygen Not Included and Jurassic World Evolution 2 lead the list, with Surviving Mars reaching a 93/100 similarity score. Every game here is ranked by how closely it replicates what makes The Universim special.
iRank71/ 100
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Quick answer
The closest game to The Universim is Surviving Mars — scoring 93/100 on our similarity scale. Oxygen Not Included and Jurassic World Evolution 2 follow close behind.
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Top games similar to The Universim
32 similar games foundUpdated May 2026
Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to The Universim. 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.
StrategyColony Sim
SoloSandbox WorldOpen WorldSci-FiSpaceBase BuildingManagementExploration
Steam👍 97%· 140KRAWG👍 85%· 379MC86
Year 2017Dev Klei EntertainmentPlaytime ~7hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux
✓ Both are colony sims — sharing deep simulation, survival mechanics and sandbox freedom
≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, punishing difficulty and multiplayer gameplay, while skipping vibe casual
In the space-colony simulation game Oxygen Not Included you’ll find that scarcities of oxygen, warmth and sustenance are constant threats to your colony's survival.
Where it drifts furthest from The Universim: tone and visuals.
Genre100Setting100Progression91Game mode87World74Tone0
StrategyColony Sim
SoloSandbox WorldOpen WorldSci-FiManagementBase BuildingExplorationIsometric
Steam👍 90%· 46KIGDB72· 5OC79· 81
Year 2021Dev Frontier DevelopmentsOn Xbox · PS4 · PC
✓ Both are colony sims — sharing deep simulation, sandbox freedom and survival mechanics
≠ Stands apart with dark, oppressive atmosphere, strong narrative focus and melee combat, while skipping vibe casual
Where it drifts furthest from The Universim: tone.
Genre100Progression100Visuals100Game mode86World79Setting51
StrategyColony Sim
SoloCasualOpen WorldSandbox WorldExplorationBase BuildingManagementIsometric
Steam👍 90%· 43KIGDB71· 4OC76· 28
Year 2019Dev Hop Frog · Humble BundleOn PS4 · Linux · Android
✓ Both are colony sims — sharing survival mechanics, deep simulation and sandbox freedom
≠ Stands apart with adventure storytelling, deep RPG systems and puzzle design, while skipping procedural generation
Where it drifts furthest from The Universim: setting and visuals.
Genre100World79Progression78Game mode70Tone60Visuals47
StrategyColony Sim
SoloSandbox WorldOpen WorldSci-FiBase BuildingManagementExplorationIsometric
Steam👍 98%· 229KRAWG👍 87%· 808MC83IGDB86· 2OC82· 14
Year 2020Dev Wube SoftwarePlaytime ~20hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux
✓ Same family of colony sims: deep simulation, sandbox freedom and survival mechanics
≠ Where it differs: brings multiplayer gameplay, co op and crafting mechanics, while skipping vibe casual
Factorio is an isometric space real-time strategy developed by Wube Software. ###Story An astronaut is stranded on the surface of a distant unknown planet, that is full with low life forms and fossil fuels. His main objective now is to survive and build a rocket to leave the planet.
Where it drifts furthest from The Universim: game mode and setting.
Genre100Progression86World78Visuals70Setting49Game mode34
75
iRank81
StrategyColony Sim
SoloCasualSandbox WorldSci-FiBase BuildingManagement
Steam👍 88%· 81KIGDB68· 9
Year 2015Dev Bethesda Game Studios · Bethesda SoftworksOn PS4 · Android · PC
✓ Both are colony sims — sharing deep simulation, survival mechanics and sandbox freedom
≠ Where it differs: brings deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and post-apocalyptic world, while skipping open world exploration
Where it drifts furthest from The Universim: visuals and setting.
It predates The Universim by 9 years, with what that implies technically.
Genre100Tone100Game mode85Progression83World46Setting34
StrategyColony Sim
SoloOpen WorldSandbox WorldSci-FiBase BuildingExplorationManagement
Steam👍 97%· 270KRAWG👍 89%· 355IGDB95· 2OC91· 26
Year 2024Dev Coffee Stain StudiosPlaytime ~12hOn PC
✓ Both are colony sims — sharing deep simulation, sandbox freedom and survival mechanics
≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, multiplayer gameplay and co op, while skipping vibe casual
FICSIT - AN INTRODUCTION Welcome to FICSIT Incorporated! A company specialised in the research, development and application of new technology and science, anything to find short-term solutions to long-term problems!
Where it drifts furthest from The Universim: visuals and game mode.
Genre100Progression83World80Setting51Game mode34Visuals0
StrategyColony Sim
SoloSandbox WorldProceduralSci-FiExplorationBase BuildingManagement
Steam👍 83%· 26KRAWG👍 69%· 85IGDB84· 5OC80· 77
Year 2024Dev Ironwood Studio · Kepler InteractivePlaytime ~5hOn PC · PS
✓ Both are colony sims — sharing survival mechanics, deep simulation and sandbox freedom
≠ Where it differs: brings adventure storytelling, horror tension and racing gameplay, while skipping vibe casual
Pacific Drive is a run-based, first-person driving survival game. Your car is your only companion as you navigate a surreal and anomaly-filled reimagining of the Pacific Northwest.
Where it drifts furthest from The Universim: tone and visuals.
Genre100Game mode100World84Progression81Setting29Tone0
StrategyColony Sim
SoloCasualProceduralManagementBase BuildingIsometric
Steam👍 96%· 29KRAWG👍 70%· 60
Year 2022Dev Sokpop CollectivePlaytime ~4hOn PC · Apple Macintosh
✓ Both are colony sims — sharing deep simulation, survival mechanics and vibe casual
≠ Where it differs: brings card game strategy, roguelike runs and turn-based strategy, while skipping sandbox freedom
Stacklands is a village builder where you stack cards to collect food, build structures, and fight creatures. For example, dragging a 'Villager' card on top of a 'Berry Bush' card will spawn 'Berry' cards which the villagers can eat to survive!
Where it drifts furthest from The Universim: setting.
Genre100Game mode100Progression90Tone73Visuals73World54
StrategyColony Sim
SoloBase BuildingManagementStealthTactical
Steam👍 94%· 97KRAWG👍 83%· 1.2KMC83OC85· 57
Year 2014Dev 11 Bit Studios · 11 bit studiosPlaytime ~4hOn PC · PS · iOS
✓ Both are colony sims — sharing survival mechanics, deep simulation and single-player focus
≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, strong narrative focus and dark, oppressive atmosphere, while skipping sandbox freedom
A small town surrounded by war. The usual order is irrevocably violated, you have to survive, but you are not a soldier and certainly not a superhero. The player controls a group of two to four civilians selected from twelve characters. The goal is simple - to survive the war.
Where it drifts furthest from The Universim: tone and setting.
It predates The Universim by 10 years, with what that implies technically.
Genre100Game mode100Progression74Tone0Setting0Visuals0
#11Songs of Syx
46
iRank95
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloCasualSandbox WorldOpen WorldBase BuildingExplorationManagementIsometric
Steam👍 95%· 8.2K
Year 2020Dev Jake the Dev · Jakob de LavalPlaytime ~6hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux
✓ Like The Universim, it's known for deep simulation, sandbox freedom and survival mechanics
≠ Stands apart with turn-based strategy, combat tactical and fantasy world, while skipping procedural generation
Inspired by Nordic mythology and fused with nostalgia from the ’80s-’90s, Songs of Syx aims to deliver a unique city-builder experience on an epic scale. You start off as a colony-sim, and tend to your minions, micromanage your assets and try to stay off your neighbor’s radar.
Where it drifts furthest from The Universim: setting and visuals.
Game mode100Tone100Progression100World80Genre50Visuals34
StrategyCity Builder
SoloCasualSandbox WorldOpen WorldProceduralBase BuildingManagementExplorationIsometric
Steam👍 96%· 15K
Year 2020Dev Tobias Springer · PrismatikaOn PC · iOS · Android
✓ Like The Universim, it's known for sandbox freedom, deep simulation and vibe casual
≠ Where it differs: brings puzzle design, crafting mechanics and visual 2d, while skipping survival mechanics
Do you like automation games? Then you are in the right place! shapez is a relaxed game in which you have to build factories for the automated production of geometric shapes. As the level increases, the shapes become more and more complex, and you have to spread out on the infinite map.
Game mode100Tone100World100Progression84Visuals77Genre50
StrategyCity Builder
SoloOpen WorldSandbox WorldSpaceSci-FiBase BuildingExplorationManagement
Steam👍 98%· 91KRAWG👍 85%· 84
Year 2021Dev Youthcat Studio · Gamera GamePlaytime ~8hOn PC
✓ Like The Universim, it's known for deep simulation, sandbox freedom and open world exploration
≠ Stands apart with visual 3d, visual third person and early access, while skipping survival mechanics
Dyson Sphere Program is a sci-fi simulation game with space, adventure, exploration and factory automation elements where you can build your own galactic industrial empire from scratch. In the distant future, the power of science and technology has ushered a new age to the human race.
Where it drifts furthest from The Universim: visuals.
Game mode100Setting100Progression100World79Genre50Visuals0
StrategyCity Builder
SoloCasualSandbox WorldProceduralSpaceManagementBase Building
Steam👍 97%· 14K
Dev tobspr Games · Gamera GamesPlaytime ~6hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux
✓ Shared with The Universim: deep simulation, sandbox freedom and vibe casual
≠ Stands apart with puzzle design, vibe relaxing and crafting mechanics, while skipping survival mechanics
Dive into a factory-building game where the focus is on just that — building huge factories! Construct sprawling multi-level factories and min-max your layouts without limits. Shapez 2 is tailor-made for enthusiasts who crave the thrill of optimizing production lines and perfecting automation.
Where it drifts furthest from The Universim: visuals.
Game mode100World84Setting83Progression75Tone67Genre50
#15Townscaper
39
iRank86
StrategyCity Builder
SoloCasualSandbox WorldProceduralOpen WorldBase BuildingExplorationIsometric
Steam👍 95%· 21KIGDB80· 1OC73· 16
Year 2020Dev Oskar Stålberg · Raw FuryOn Xbox · Android · PC
✓ Shared with The Universim: sandbox freedom, deep simulation and vibe casual
≠ Its own twist: vibe relaxing, strong narrative focus and cozy, relaxing feel, while skipping survival mechanics
Where it drifts furthest from The Universim: tone.
Game mode100World100Visuals100Progression80Genre50Tone38
Complete list of The Universim alternatives
The full catalog of games sharing gameplay DNA with The Universim, 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.
45
Dwarfs!?
Tower Defense · Simulation
36
Two Point Hospital
Simulation · Sandbox
37
Cities: Skylines
Simulation · Sandbox
36
Dorfromantik
Puzzle · Simulation
46
Maia
RTS · Simulation
33
Tropico 4
RTS · Simulation
33
Tropico Reloaded
Simulation · Sandbox
31
The Mims Beginning
RTS · Simulation
26
Mini Motorways
Simulation · Puzzle
33
Tycoon City: New York
Simulation · Sandbox
27
The Promised Land
Adventure · Simulation
25
Unstoppable Gorg
Tower Defense
20
Poker Night at the Inventory
Deck Builder · Sports
20
Poker Night 2
Deck Builder · Sports
20
iBomber Defense
Tower Defense · RTS
21
Fieldrunners
Tower Defense
19
Abalone
Turn-Based Strat · Deck Builder
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Rankings in the same genre
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best game similar to The Universim?
- The closest game to The Universim is Surviving Mars, scoring 93/100 on our similarity scale. They share 12 gameplay attributes, including deep simulation, survival mechanics and sandbox freedom. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.
- What are the top games like The Universim?
- The three closest games to The Universim are: 1. Surviving Mars (93/100, 12 shared attributes) 2. Oxygen Not Included (80/100, 11 shared attributes) 3. Jurassic World Evolution 2 (78/100, 11 shared attributes). All share The Universim's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 32 candidates across 14 dimensions.
- Is Oxygen Not Included similar to The Universim?
- Yes, very much so — Oxygen Not Included scores 80/100 similarity to The Universim. They share 11 attributes, including deep simulation and survival mechanics. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.
- What Simulation games are similar to The Universim?
- The best Simulation games similar to The Universim are Surviving Mars, Oxygen Not Included, Jurassic World Evolution 2 and Forager. All share the Simulation genre alongside other key The Universim attributes like deep simulation, survival mechanics and sandbox freedom.
- How is similarity to The Universim calculated?
- We compare The Universim against every game in our catalog using 14 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 The Universim experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.