Victoria 3

21 Sandbox games like Victoria 3 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 50 games similar to Victoria 3 down to the 21 that fit the “Sandbox” category. Crusader Kings III, Crusader Kings II and Ultimate Arena top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to Victoria 3.

iRank73/ 100

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GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

Tags

SoloMultiplayer

Year 2022Dev Paradox Development Studio

Stores

Quick answer

Within the “Sandbox” category, the closest game to Victoria 3 is Crusader Kings III — scoring 89/100 on our similarity scale. Crusader Kings II and Ultimate Arena follow close behind.

#1Crusader Kings III89 #2Crusader Kings II80 #3Ultimate Arena71 #4Songs of Syx68 #5Gnomoria63

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The best sandbox games like Victoria 3

21 similar games foundUpdated May 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Victoria 3. Each one has been evaluated across 10 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

89

Crusader Kings III

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloMultiplayerTacticalSandbox WorldHistoricalManagementIsometric

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

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

✓ If you enjoyed Victoria 3, expect deep simulation, turn-based strategy and sandbox freedom

≠ Where it differs: brings deep RPG systems, real-time strategy and cozy, relaxing feel

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.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100World100Visuals100Progression79

#2Crusader Kings II

80

Crusader Kings II

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

MultiplayerSoloSandbox WorldHistoricalIsometric

Steam👍 91%· 74KRAWG👍 64%· 755MC82IGDB84· 2

Year 2012Dev Paradox Development Studio · Paradox InteractivePlaytime ~3hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ If you enjoyed Victoria 3, expect turn-based strategy, deep simulation and sandbox freedom

≠ Stands apart with deep RPG systems, fantasy world and setting medieval, while skipping combat tactical

Crusader Kings II is a global RTS which takes place in the Middle Ages of Europe. The players will govern a house of nobility of that time, and ensure that its heritage will last for centuries.

Same studio: Paradox Development Studio.

Genre100Game mode100World100Visuals100Setting60

#3Ultimate Arena

71

Ultimate Arena

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloTacticalSandbox WorldHistoricalIsometric

Steam👍 80%· 992RAWG👍 14%· 21

Year 2016Dev TriverskePlaytime ~4hOn PC · Linux

✓ Like Victoria 3, it's known for turn-based strategy, deep simulation and sandbox freedom

≠ Where it differs: brings horror tension, cozy, relaxing feel and strong narrative focus, while skipping multiplayer gameplay

Many will enter, one will win. It has taken a few millennia for the art of the arena to be perfected, but we've finally done it. Ultimate Arena puts you in charge of the greatest battle royale, the one that you pick who fights and the conditions they fight under. Take charge by setting up landmines, deploying care packages, and initiating arena events.

Where it drifts furthest from Victoria 3: visuals.

Genre100Combat100World62Setting57Game mode54Visuals47

68

Songs of Syx

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloTacticalSandbox WorldManagementIsometric

Steam👍 95%· 8.2K

Year 2020Dev Jake the Dev · Jakob de LavalPlaytime ~6hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Like Victoria 3, it's known for deep simulation, sandbox freedom and turn-based strategy

≠ Stands apart with survival mechanics, vibe casual and open world exploration, while skipping historical setting

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 Victoria 3: setting and visuals.

Genre100Combat100World75Game mode54Progression51Visuals34

Steam GOG itch.io

63

Gnomoria

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloSandbox WorldManagementIsometricProcedural

Steam👍 75%· 3.5KRAWG👍 50%· 39

Year 2016Dev Robotronic GamesPlaytime ~3hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Shared with Victoria 3: deep simulation, sandbox freedom and turn-based strategy

≠ Where it differs: brings survival mechanics, roguelike runs and real-time strategy, while skipping combat tactical

Gnomoria is a sandbox village management game where you help lead a small group of gnomes, who have set out on their own, to thrive into a bustling kingdom! Anything you see can be broken down and rebuilt elsewhere.

Where it drifts furthest from Victoria 3: setting and progression.

Genre100Visuals80World73Game mode54Progression38Setting0

#6Your Only Move Is HUSTLE

61

Your Only Move Is HUSTLE

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

TacticalSandbox WorldMeleeNarrativeCozy

Steam👍 96%· 42K

Year 2023Dev Ivy SlyPlaytime ~4hOn PC

✓ Like Victoria 3, it's known for deep simulation, turn-based strategy and sandbox freedom

≠ Stands apart with strong narrative focus, cozy, relaxing feel and melee combat, while skipping historical setting

Equal parts deep, rewarding online PVP experience and creative sandbox for creating intense, shareable fight scenes, Your Only Move Is HUSTLE takes the classic fighting formula and turns it on its head. Take control of an over-powered fighter and use the power of precognition to plan out your every move, down to each moment.

Where it drifts furthest from Victoria 3: setting and visuals.

Genre100World100Combat71Setting0Visuals0

#7Rebuild 3: Gangs of Deadsville

61

Rebuild 3: Gangs of Deadsville

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloSandbox WorldManagementDarkNarrative

Steam👍 86%· 2.0KRAWG👍 48%· 25MC75

Year 2015Dev Northway GamesPlaytime ~3hOn PC · iOS · Android

✓ Like Victoria 3, it's known for deep simulation, turn-based strategy and sandbox freedom

≠ Where it differs: brings survival mechanics, deep RPG systems and horror tension, while skipping combat tactical

It's been a few years since the zombpocalypse turned the world's cities into graveyards and sent the few survivors into hiding. Now you must gather them up and restore civilization to a ruined city, one building at a time.

Where it drifts furthest from Victoria 3: setting and visuals.

Genre100World100Progression61Game mode53Setting0Visuals0

Steam GOG itch.io

#8Dwarf Fortress

55

Dwarf Fortress

GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy

SoloSandbox WorldManagementIsometricStealth

Steam👍 95%· 31KIGDB84OC90· 13

Dev Bay 12 GamesOn Linux · PC · Mac

✓ If you enjoyed Victoria 3, expect deep simulation, sandbox freedom and turn-based strategy

≠ Where it differs: brings survival mechanics, deep RPG systems and roguelike runs, while skipping combat tactical

Where it drifts furthest from Victoria 3: combat and setting.

Genre100Visuals100World56Game mode53Progression50Combat0

#9Victoria IIClosest on setting

49

Victoria II

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloMultiplayerTacticalSandbox WorldHistoricalManagement

Steam👍 92%· 20KIGDB76· 1

Year 2010Dev Paradox InteractiveOn Linux · PC · Mac

✓ Shared with Victoria 3: turn-based strategy, deep simulation and sandbox freedom

≠ Stands apart with real-time strategy, while skipping visual isometric

It predates Victoria 3 by 12 years, with what that implies technically.

Combat100Game mode100Setting100World100Progression100Genre50

48

Stellaris

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloMultiplayerTacticalSandbox WorldHistoricalManagementIsometric

Steam👍 86%· 194KRAWG👍 84%· 693MC78IGDB79· 11OC81· 42

Year 2016Dev Paradox Development Studio · Paradox InteractivePlaytime ~10hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Like Victoria 3, it's known for deep simulation, turn-based strategy and sandbox freedom

≠ Stands apart with real-time strategy, strong narrative focus and procedural generation

Nova Edition Stellaris Nova Edition includes:Digital Original SoundtrackThe Stellaris soundtrack delivers two and a half hours of original music, including bonus tracks and alternate versions not included in the game.

Where it drifts furthest from Victoria 3: setting.

Same studio: Paradox Development Studio.

Combat100Game mode100Visuals100World80Progression74Genre50

#11Europa Universalis III

44

Europa Universalis III

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloMultiplayerSandbox WorldHistoricalIsometric

Steam👍 83%· 2.0KIGDB70· 1

Year 2007Dev Paradox InteractiveOn PC · Mac

✓ If you enjoyed Victoria 3, expect turn-based strategy, sandbox freedom and deep simulation

≠ Stands apart with real-time strategy, while skipping combat tactical

It predates Victoria 3 by 15 years, with what that implies technically.

Game mode100Setting100World100Visuals100Genre50

#12Stronghold 2: Steam Edition

41

Stronghold 2: Steam Edition

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloMultiplayerTacticalSandbox WorldHistoricalManagementIsometric

Steam👍 89%· 5.6KRAWG👍 68%· 40

Year 2005Dev FireFly Studios · 2K GamesOn PC

✓ Shared with Victoria 3: deep simulation, sandbox freedom and sandbox world

≠ Where it differs: brings real-time strategy, open world exploration and setting medieval, while skipping turn-based strategy

Stronghold 2 is a real time strategy computer game released in April 2005 in which the player develops a stronghold in the middle ages. It is the sequel to Stronghold, released in 2001, also by Firefly Studios.

It predates Victoria 3 by 17 years, with what that implies technically.

Combat100Game mode100World82Visuals65Setting60Progression57

#13Stronghold HD (2012)

41

Stronghold HD (2012)

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloMultiplayerTacticalSandbox WorldHistoricalManagementIsometric

Steam👍 96%· 10KRAWG👍 82%· 310MC81

Year 2012Dev FireFly StudiosPlaytime ~3hOn PC · Apple Macintosh

✓ Like Victoria 3, it's known for deep simulation, sandbox freedom and sandbox world

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

Stronghold is a real-time strategy game, the first installment in Firefly Studio’s Stronghold series. Gameplay### The game takes place in Medieval Brittan of XI century.

It predates Victoria 3 by 10 years, with what that implies technically.

Combat100Game mode100World80Visuals77Progression58Setting51

#14Stronghold Crusader

40

Stronghold Crusader

GenreStrategySubgenreTower Defense

SoloMultiplayerTacticalSandbox WorldHistoricalManagementIsometric

Steam👍 98%· 21KIGDB80· 1

Year 2002Dev Firefly Studios · Take-Two InteractiveOn PC

✓ Shared with Victoria 3: deep simulation, sandbox freedom and sandbox world

≠ Its own twist: real-time strategy, tower defense planning and melee combat, while skipping turn-based strategy

It predates Victoria 3 by 20 years, with what that implies technically.

Game mode100World100Visuals80Combat70Progression57Setting54

#15Stronghold 2

39

Stronghold 2

GenreStrategySubgenreRTS

SoloMultiplayerTacticalSandbox WorldHistoricalManagementIsometric

Steam👍 89%· 5.6KIGDB70· 3

Year 2005Dev Firefly Studios · 2K GamesOn PC

✓ Shared with Victoria 3: deep simulation, sandbox freedom and sandbox world

≠ Its own twist: real-time strategy, open world exploration and melee combat, while skipping turn-based strategy

It predates Victoria 3 by 17 years, with what that implies technically.

Game mode100World82Combat68Visuals65Setting60Progression57

Complete list of sandbox games like Victoria 3

The full catalog of games sharing gameplay DNA with Victoria 3, 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.

Stronghold 3 Gold

Stronghold 3 Gold

RTS · Simulation

The Guild II

The Guild II

RTS · Simulation

RollerCoaster Tycoon 2

RollerCoaster Tycoon 2

RTS · Simulation

Planet Coaster

Planet Coaster

Simulation · Sandbox

Prison Architect

Prison Architect

Simulation · Sandbox

SimCity

SimCity

Simulation · Sandbox

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