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Xenonauts 2

18 Sandbox games like Xenonauts 2 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.

We filtered the 42 games similar to Xenonauts 2 down to the 18 that fit the “Sandbox” category. Crusader Kings III, Rebuild 3: Gangs of Deadsville and Crusader Kings II top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to Xenonauts 2.

iRank83/ 100

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GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy
Tags
Solo
Year 2026Dev Goldhawk Interactive

Quick answer

Within the “Sandbox” category, the closest game to Xenonauts 2 is Crusader Kings III — scoring 84/100 on our similarity scale. Rebuild 3: Gangs of Deadsville and Crusader Kings II follow close behind.

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The best sandbox games like Xenonauts 2

18 similar games foundUpdated May 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Xenonauts 2. Each one has been evaluated across 13 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 III
Crusader Kings III
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloTacticalSandbox WorldHistoricalManagementSkill TreeIsometric
Steam👍 90%· 140KRAWG👍 89%· 465MC86IGDB91· 3OC90· 94
Year 2020Dev Paradox Developement Studios · Paradox InteractivePlaytime ~12hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ If you enjoyed Xenonauts 2, expect deep simulation, deep RPG systems and turn-based strategy

≠ Where it differs: brings real-time strategy, cozy, relaxing feel and strong narrative focus, while skipping setting scifi

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.

Where it drifts furthest from Xenonauts 2: setting.

Genre100Combat100World100Progression100Visuals100Game mode54
Rebuild 3: Gangs of Deadsville
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloSandbox WorldManagementDarkNarrative
Steam👍 86%· 2.0KRAWG👍 48%· 25MC75
Year 2015Dev Northway GamesPlaytime ~3hOn PC · iOS · Android

✓ Like Xenonauts 2, it's known for deep simulation, turn-based strategy and deep RPG systems

≠ Where it differs: brings survival mechanics, horror tension and dark, oppressive atmosphere, 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 Xenonauts 2: setting and visuals.

It predates Xenonauts 2 by 11 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100World100Progression49Setting0Visuals0
Crusader Kings II
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloSandbox WorldHistoricalIsometricMultiplayer
Steam👍 91%· 74KRAWG👍 64%· 755MC82IGDB84· 2
Year 2012Dev Paradox Development Studio · Paradox InteractivePlaytime ~3hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ If you enjoyed Xenonauts 2, expect turn-based strategy, deep simulation and deep RPG systems

≠ Stands apart with fantasy world, setting medieval and multiplayer gameplay, 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.

Where it drifts furthest from Xenonauts 2: setting.

It predates Xenonauts 2 by 14 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100World100Visuals100Game mode53Setting46
Dwarf Fortress
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloSandbox WorldManagementIsometricStealth
Steam👍 95%· 31KIGDB84OC90· 13
Dev Bay 12 GamesOn Linux · PC · Mac

✓ If you enjoyed Xenonauts 2, expect deep simulation, sandbox freedom and deep RPG systems

≠ Where it differs: brings survival mechanics, roguelike runs and open world exploration, while skipping combat tactical

Where it drifts furthest from Xenonauts 2: combat and setting.

Genre100Game mode100Visuals100World61Progression42Combat0
Songs of Syx
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloTacticalSandbox WorldManagementIsometricEarly Access
Steam👍 95%· 8.2K
Year 2020Dev Jake the Dev · Jakob de LavalPlaytime ~6hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Like Xenonauts 2, 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 deep RPG systems

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 Xenonauts 2: setting and visuals.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100World79Progression40Visuals34
Ultimate Arena
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloTacticalSandbox WorldHistoricalIsometric
Steam👍 80%· 992RAWG👍 14%· 21
Year 2016Dev TriverskePlaytime ~4hOn PC · Linux

✓ Like Xenonauts 2, 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 deep RPG systems

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 Xenonauts 2: setting and visuals.

It predates Xenonauts 2 by 10 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100World67Visuals47Setting44
Gnomoria
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloSandbox WorldManagementIsometricProcedural
Steam👍 75%· 3.5KRAWG👍 50%· 39
Year 2016Dev Robotronic GamesPlaytime ~3hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Shared with Xenonauts 2: deep simulation, sandbox freedom and turn-based strategy

≠ Where it differs: brings survival mechanics, roguelike runs and real-time strategy, while skipping deep RPG systems

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 Xenonauts 2: setting and progression.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mostly positive, against very positive for Xenonauts 2.

It predates Xenonauts 2 by 10 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Visuals80World77Progression30Setting0
Your Only Move Is HUSTLE
StrategyGrand Strategy
TacticalSandbox WorldMeleeNarrativeCozy
Steam👍 96%· 42K
Year 2023Dev Ivy SlyPlaytime ~4hOn PC

✓ Like Xenonauts 2, 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 deep RPG systems

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 Xenonauts 2: setting and visuals.

Genre100World100Combat77Setting0Visuals0
Dorfromantik
StrategyCity Builder
SoloTacticalSandbox WorldManagementCasual
Steam👍 96%· 29KRAWG👍 80%· 220OC83· 30
Year 2022Dev Toukana InteractivePlaytime ~3hOn PC · Nintendo

✓ Shared with Xenonauts 2: deep simulation, turn-based strategy and sandbox freedom

≠ Its own twist: puzzle design, card game strategy and vibe casual, while skipping deep RPG systems

Dorfromantik is a relaxing building strategy and puzzle game in which you place tiles to create ever-growing, idyllic village landscapes. With Dorfromantik, you can immerse yourself in a quiet, peaceful world at any time and take a break from everyday life.

Where it drifts furthest from Xenonauts 2: visuals.

Combat100Game mode100World65Genre50Progression50Visuals0
#10Children of the Nile
Children of the Nile
StrategyCity Builder
SoloSandbox WorldHistoricalManagementIsometric
Steam👍 85%· 465MC75IGDB75· 2
Year 2008Dev Tilted Mill EntertainmentPlaytime ~2hOn PC

✓ If you enjoyed Xenonauts 2, expect deep simulation, sandbox freedom and sandbox world

≠ Where it differs: brings base building, while skipping turn-based strategy

Children of the Nile™ is a unique gem of a city-building game, unparalleled in both grandeur and attention to detail. As Pharaoh you will guide your people through thousands of years of history: from simple hunter-gatherers to the creation of an immortal civilization.

Where it drifts furthest from Xenonauts 2: progression.

It predates Xenonauts 2 by 18 years, with what that implies technically.

Game mode100World100Visuals100Setting69Genre50Progression44
Rusty's Retirement
StrategyCity Builder
SoloSandbox WorldSci-FiManagementIsometric
Steam👍 97%· 15K
Year 2024Dev Mister Morris GamesPlaytime ~18hOn PC · Apple Macintosh

✓ If you enjoyed Xenonauts 2, expect deep simulation, sandbox freedom and sandbox world

≠ Stands apart with cozy, relaxing feel, vibe casual and vibe relaxing, while skipping turn-based strategy

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 Xenonauts 2: setting and visuals.

Game mode100World100Progression59Genre50Visuals46Setting38
Two Point Hospital
StrategyCity Builder
SoloSandbox WorldManagementIsometricCasual
Steam👍 92%· 35KIGDB87· 10OC84· 127
Year 2018Dev Two Point Studios · SegaOn PS4 · Linux · PC

✓ Like Xenonauts 2, it's known for deep simulation, sandbox freedom and sandbox world

≠ Where it differs: brings vibe casual and base building, while skipping turn-based strategy

It predates Xenonauts 2 by 8 years, with what that implies technically.

Game mode100World100Visuals100Progression67Genre50
Cities in Motion
StrategyCity Builder
SoloSandbox WorldManagementIsometricBase Building
Steam👍 77%· 1.1KRAWG👍 57%· 47MC70IGDB67· 1
Year 2011Dev Colossal Order · Paradox InteractivePlaytime ~1hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ If you enjoyed Xenonauts 2, expect deep simulation, sandbox freedom and sandbox world

≠ Its own twist: base building, while skipping turn-based strategy

Just UpdatedCities in Motion has just received a Free update to include the German city, Munich!

On reception: its Steam reviews are mostly positive, against very positive for Xenonauts 2.

It predates Xenonauts 2 by 15 years, with what that implies technically.

Game mode100World100Visuals100Progression58Genre50
Tycoon City: New York
StrategyCity Builder
SoloSandbox WorldManagementIsometricBase Building
Steam👍 42%· 285MC67IGDB73· 2
Year 2006Playtime ~2hOn PC

✓ If you enjoyed Xenonauts 2, expect deep simulation, sandbox freedom and sandbox world

≠ Stands apart with base building, while skipping turn-based strategy

Special OfferOfficially Licensed Tycoon City: New York T-Shirts are available on Amazon! About the GameHere's your chance to make it big in the Big Apple... New York City, the city that never sleeps!

On reception: its Steam reviews are mixed, against very positive for Xenonauts 2.

It predates Xenonauts 2 by 20 years, with what that implies technically.

Game mode100World100Visuals100Progression52Genre50
Cities: Skylines
StrategyCity Builder
SoloSandbox WorldManagementIsometricCasual
Steam👍 93%· 289KRAWG👍 87%· 1.5KMC85IGDB76· 13OC83· 91
Year 2015Dev Colossal Order · Paradox InteractivePlaytime ~9hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Shared with Xenonauts 2: deep simulation, sandbox freedom and sandbox world

≠ Stands apart with vibe casual and base building, while skipping turn-based strategy

Cities: Skylines is a traditional city-building game, which allows players to experience urban planning in all aspects including zoning, road placement, transportation, taxation, and improvement of welfare.

Where it drifts furthest from Xenonauts 2: progression.

It predates Xenonauts 2 by 11 years, with what that implies technically.

Game mode100World100Visuals100Genre50Progression44

Complete list of sandbox games like Xenonauts 2

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