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Timberborn

18 Games like Timberborn that you should try

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Ranking compiled by Lluis Enric Mayans, Founder & Head of ContentHow this is calculatedOrdered by an attribute-similarity model, not editorial opinion.

Timberborn is hard to replace: few games combine deep simulation, cozy, relaxing feel and sandbox world in quite the same way. We compared Timberborn against over 6,700 titles across 12 gameplay attributes and found 18 genuine alternatives — not generic genre suggestions. Surviving Mars, Pacific Drive and Forager lead the list, with Surviving Mars reaching a 76/100 similarity score. Every game here is ranked by how closely it replicates what makes Timberborn special.

iRank89/ 100

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GenreStrategySubgenreColony Sim
Tags
CozySolo
Year 2026Dev Mechanistry
Stores
Steam ↗GOG ↗Epic ↗

Quick answer

The closest game to Timberborn is Surviving Mars — scoring 76/100 on our similarity scale. Pacific Drive and Forager follow close behind.

#1Surviving Mars76#2Pacific Drive75#3Forager74#4Fallout Shelter72#5Jurassic World Evolution 268
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Top games similar to Timberborn

18 similar games foundUpdated May 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Timberborn. Each one has been evaluated across 12 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.

#1Surviving Mars
76
iRank78
Surviving Mars
StrategyColony Sim
SoloSandbox WorldBase BuildingManagementIsometric
Steam👍 80%· 28KIGDB74· 7OC77· 60
Year 2018Dev Haemimont Games · Paradox InteractiveOn PS4 · Linux · PC

✓ Fits the colony sims cluster, with deep simulation, survival mechanics and sandbox freedom

≠ Stands apart with open world exploration, setting space and setting scifi, while skipping cozy, relaxing feel

Where it drifts furthest from Timberborn: setting.

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Timberborn.

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

Genre100Game mode100Progression97World90Visuals62Setting0
Details →
SteamGOGEpic
#2Pacific Drive
75
iRank79
Pacific Drive
StrategyColony Sim
SoloSandbox WorldPost-ApocalypticBase BuildingManagement3D
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 cozy, relaxing feel

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 Timberborn: tone.

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Timberborn.

Genre100Game mode100World72Progression67Setting57Visuals53
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Steam
#3Forager
74
iRank82
Forager
StrategyColony Sim
SoloCozySandbox WorldBase 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 post-apocalyptic world

Where it drifts furthest from Timberborn: setting and visuals.

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Timberborn.

Genre100Tone85World72Game mode69Progression67Visuals37
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SteamGOGXbox
#4Fallout Shelter
72
iRank81
Fallout Shelter
StrategyColony Sim
SoloSandbox WorldPost-ApocalypticBase 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 vibe casual, while skipping cozy, relaxing feel

Where it drifts furthest from Timberborn: tone and visuals.

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Timberborn.

It predates Timberborn by 11 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100World100Progression93Game mode84Setting78Tone0
Details →
SteamXboxPS
#5Jurassic World Evolution 2
68
iRank83
Jurassic World Evolution 2
StrategyColony Sim
SoloSandbox WorldManagementBase BuildingIsometric
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 open world exploration, while skipping cozy, relaxing feel

Where it drifts furthest from Timberborn: tone and setting.

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Timberborn.

Genre100Progression93Game mode85World83Visuals62Tone0
Details →
SteamEpicXbox
#6Oxygen Not Included
65
iRank91
Oxygen Not Included
StrategyColony Sim
SoloSandbox WorldBase BuildingManagementMultiplayer
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 open world exploration, while skipping cozy, relaxing feel

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 Timberborn: tone and setting.

It predates Timberborn by 9 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100World89Progression88Game mode86Tone0Setting0
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SteamEpic
#7Factorio
65
iRank89
Factorio
StrategyColony Sim
SoloSandbox WorldBase BuildingManagementIsometric
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 open world exploration, setting scifi and multiplayer gameplay, while skipping cozy, relaxing feel

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 Timberborn: setting and game mode.

Genre100World83Progression80Visuals49Game mode33Setting0
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SteamGOGNintendo
#8Satisfactory
64
iRank94
Satisfactory
StrategyColony Sim
SoloSandbox WorldBase BuildingManagementEarly Access
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, open world exploration and setting scifi, while skipping cozy, relaxing feel

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 Timberborn: setting and visuals.

Genre100Progression72World68Game mode33Setting0Visuals0
Details →
SteamEpic
#9This War of Mine
58
iRank88
This War of Mine
StrategyColony Sim
SoloPost-ApocalypticBase BuildingManagementStealth
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 post-apocalyptic world

≠ 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 Timberborn: tone and visuals.

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Timberborn.

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

Genre100Game mode100Progression84Setting55Tone0Visuals0
Details →
SteamGOGEpic
#10Stacklands
47
iRank86
Stacklands
StrategyColony Sim
SoloCozyManagementBase BuildingIsometric
Steam👍 96%· 29KRAWG👍 70%· 60
Year 2022Dev Sokpop CollectivePlaytime ~4hOn PC · Apple Macintosh

✓ Both are colony sims — sharing deep simulation, survival mechanics and cozy, relaxing feel

≠ 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 Timberborn: world and setting.

Genre100Game mode100Progression100Tone60Visuals50Setting0
Details →
Steamitch.io
#11Kenshi
42
iRank85
Kenshi
StrategyRTS
SoloSandbox WorldPost-ApocalypticBase BuildingManagementIsometric
Steam👍 96%· 112KRAWG👍 77%· 191MC75IGDB84· 1
Year 2018Dev Lo-Fi GamesPlaytime ~4hOn PC

✓ Like Timberborn, it's known for sandbox freedom, deep simulation and survival mechanics

≠ Stands apart with real-time strategy, deep RPG systems and adventure storytelling, while skipping cozy, relaxing feel

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.

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

Game mode100World69Setting64Progression64Genre50Visuals50
Details →
SteamGOGEpic
#12Rusty's Retirement
39
iRank97
Rusty's Retirement
StrategyCity Builder
SoloCozySandbox WorldPost-ApocalypticManagementBase BuildingIsometric
Steam👍 97%· 15K
Year 2024Dev Mister Morris GamesPlaytime ~18hOn PC · Apple Macintosh

✓ If you enjoyed Timberborn, expect deep simulation, sandbox freedom and cozy, relaxing feel

≠ Stands apart with vibe casual, vibe relaxing and fantasy world, while skipping survival mechanics

Rusty's Retirement is an idle-farming simulator designed to sit at the bottom of your screen allowing you to work on other tasks while caring for your farm! Grow crops: Plant crops and watch Rusty get to work as he waters, nurtures, and harvests.

Where it drifts furthest from Timberborn: visuals and tone.

Game mode100World100Progression100Setting65Genre50Tone48
Details →
Steam
#13My Time at Portia
41
iRank82
My Time at Portia
StrategyCity Builder
SoloCozySandbox WorldPost-ApocalypticBase Building
Steam👍 92%· 44KIGDB70· 10OC75· 70
Year 2019Dev Pathea Games · Team17On PS4 · Android · PC

✓ If you enjoyed Timberborn, expect deep simulation, survival mechanics and sandbox freedom

≠ Stands apart with deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and vibe casual, while skipping resource management

Where it drifts furthest from Timberborn: visuals and progression.

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Timberborn.

Game mode100Setting78World65Tone58Genre50Progression38
Details →
SteamGOGEpic
#14Tropico 4
36
iRank80
Tropico 4
StrategyRTS
SoloSandbox WorldBase BuildingManagementIsometric
Steam👍 92%· 13KRAWG👍 67%· 511MC78IGDB74· 4
Year 2011Dev Feral Interactive · Kalypso MediaPlaytime ~4hOn PC · Xbox · Apple Macintosh

✓ If you enjoyed Timberborn, expect deep simulation, sandbox freedom and sandbox world

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

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Timberborn.

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

Game mode100World100Progression100Visuals62Genre50
Details →
SteamGOGXbox
#15Tropico Reloaded
36
iRank77
Tropico Reloaded
StrategyCity Builder
SoloSandbox WorldBase BuildingManagementIsometric
Steam👍 88%· 971RAWG👍 57%· 47IGDB82· 2
Year 2003Dev Frog City Software · Kalypso MediaPlaytime ~1hOn PC

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

≠ Missing: survival mechanics.

TROPICO RELOADED is the ultimate game compilation for hobby-dictators and those dreaming of their own Caribbean island.

On reception: its Steam reviews are very positive, against overwhelmingly positive for Timberborn.

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

Game mode100World100Progression100Visuals62Genre50
Details →
SteamGOG

Complete list of Timberborn alternatives

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

Tropico 3
34

Tropico 3

Simulation · Sandbox

Cities in Motion
36

Cities in Motion

Simulation · Sandbox

Tycoon City: New York
36

Tycoon City: New York

Simulation · Sandbox

Explore games similar to Timberborn by category

Recent releases similar to Timberborn

Newest titles in the list, for anyone who has already played the classics.

2024Pacific Drive2024Satisfactory2024Rusty's Retirement

Rankings in the same genre

Best Colony Sim GamesBest Strategy Games

Frequently asked questions

What is the best game similar to Timberborn?
The closest game to Timberborn is Surviving Mars, scoring 76/100 on our similarity scale. They share 8 gameplay attributes, including deep simulation, survival mechanics and sandbox freedom. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.
What are the top games like Timberborn?
The three closest games to Timberborn are: 1. Surviving Mars (76/100, 8 shared attributes) 2. Pacific Drive (75/100, 9 shared attributes) 3. Forager (74/100, 9 shared attributes). All share Timberborn's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 18 candidates across 12 dimensions.
Is Pacific Drive similar to Timberborn?
Yes, very much so — Pacific Drive scores 75/100 similarity to Timberborn. They share 9 attributes, including survival mechanics and deep simulation. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.
What Simulation games are similar to Timberborn?
The best Simulation games similar to Timberborn are Surviving Mars, Pacific Drive, Forager and Fallout Shelter. All share the Simulation genre alongside other key Timberborn attributes like deep simulation, survival mechanics and sandbox freedom.
How is similarity to Timberborn calculated?
We compare Timberborn against every game in our catalog using 12 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 Timberborn experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.