12 Survival games like Timberborn 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 18 games similar to Timberborn down to the 12 that fit the “Survival” category. Surviving Mars, Pacific Drive and Forager top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to Timberborn.

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GenreStrategySubgenreColony Sim

The best survival games like Timberborn

12 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 MarsClosest overall match

iRank78

GenreStrategySubgenreColony 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

GenreStrategySubgenreColony 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

#3ForagerClosest on tone

iRank82

GenreStrategySubgenreColony 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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Steam GOG Xbox

#4Fallout ShelterClosest on world

iRank81

GenreStrategySubgenreColony 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

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Steam Xbox PS

#5Jurassic World Evolution 2

iRank83

GenreStrategySubgenreColony 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

GenreStrategySubgenreColony 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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Steam GOG Nintendo

#7Oxygen Not Included

iRank91

GenreStrategySubgenreColony 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

GenreStrategySubgenreColony 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

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Steam Epic

#9Kenshi

iRank85

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

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

GenreStrategySubgenreCity 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

GenreStrategySubgenreColony 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

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Steam GOG Epic

#12StacklandsClosest on progression

iRank86

GenreStrategySubgenreColony 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

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