{"id":134980,"date":"2023-09-27T16:14:50","date_gmt":"2023-09-27T16:14:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pockettactics.com\/?post_type=guide&p=67599"},"modified":"2023-09-27T16:14:50","modified_gmt":"2023-09-27T16:14:50","slug":"the-best-city-builder-games-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/2023\/09\/27\/the-best-city-builder-games-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"The best city builder games 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"

Who doesn\u2019t want to play the best city builder games<\/strong> on Switch and mobile, right? There\u2019s something so inherently satisfying about building a city. Like some sort of mega-Tetris, the idea of slotting together buildings and maintaining the day-to-day challenges of a city is both fascinating and fun. Honestly, I could have been an architect I reckon, if it wasn\u2019t for all the studying, and being smart, and the cost. So instead let\u2019s dive into some games you can afford, and play today, no degree required. <\/p>\n

Just before we don our hard hats and start assembling the rest of our article, be sure to check out the suburbs of Pocket Tactics for some real hidden gems. Much like an out-of-town restaurant, we\u2019ve had fantastic Yelp reviews for our guides covering the best Switch racing games<\/a>, the best horror games<\/a> on Switch and mobile, the best Switch RPGs<\/a>, the best Switch tactics games<\/a>, and, if just like our mate Bob you love a bit of building, have a look at our guide on the best games like Minecraft<\/a> for Switch and mobile. <\/p>\n

It\u2019s time to get on with our guide to the best city builder games<\/strong> on Switch and mobile. <\/p>\n

<\/span>\"City<\/a> <\/p>\n

Cities: Skyline \u2013 Switch <\/h2>\n

Well, this one is a bit on the nose, isn\u2019t it? Cities: Skyline is a deep and incredibly addictive city builder where you can make the marvelous metropolis of your dreams. This granular simulation game gives you so much control, allowing you to optimize and manipulate the education systems, healthcare, and many other elements to better balance your city\u2019s economy. <\/p>\n

The Switch port sacrifices a bit of visual clarity, but being able to play this incredibly rich sim on the go is well worth it. Developer Colossal Order has optimized the UI incredibly well for Switch, and there\u2019s even Pro Controller support so you can feel the rumble of machinery as you erect your latest skyscrapers. Cities: Skyline on Switch also includes both the After Dark and Snowfall DLC packs. so that\u2019s plenty of building bang for your buck. <\/p>\n

<\/span>\"City<\/a> <\/p>\n

Steamworld Build \u2013 Switch <\/h2>\n

Alright, this is a slightly pre-emptive pick, but we have actually played and absolutely loved this entry in our Steamworld Build preview. Plus, the Steamworld Build release date isn\u2019t far away at all, so you\u2019d better get saving. Developer Thunderful (previously Image & Form) is well recognized for taking concepts and adding a layer of quirky personality to them, and then delivering a stellar game along the way. Steamworld Dig 1&2, Steamworld Heist, Steamworld Quest\u2026 all bangers. Well, they are if you ask us. <\/p>\n

Steamworld Build brings across all of the depth, charm, and smart optimization that the Steamworld franchise is famous for. You balance your city-building abilities above ground with a surprisingly deep (sorry) mining side of the game, as you send units to explore the depths and earn the very elements you need to continue building above ground. It looks great, feels very addictive, and we can\u2019t wait to relax over the holidays with another charming Steamworld entry. <\/p>\n

<\/span>\"City<\/a> <\/p>\n

Dragon Quest Builders 2 \u2013 Switch <\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t judge a book by its cover, and don\u2019t look at Dragon Quest Builders 2 and assume it\u2019s Minecraft with silly JRPG outfits. I mean, it is that, but it\u2019s also so much more. DQB2 takes the mining formula and adds so many smart quality-of-life upgrades that it makes going back to Minecraft feel like a chore. Plus, a lovely storyline propels the narrative and slowly introduces more tasks, building tools, and areas for you to explore. <\/p>\n

On top of just being able to build your basic blocky barrack, as you explore the narrative and visit multiple islands, you befriend the people you meet along the way and bring them back to your home, building a cute community as you progress. You get farm animals, plenty of different building types, some really funny Dragon Quest-themed furniture, and the wholesome feeling of providing refuge for some waifs and strays. There\u2019s a lengthy demo for Dragon Quest Builders 2, so give it a tickle and see if it\u2019s for you. Forgive the sluggish intro, we promise it opens up fairly quickly! <\/p>\n

<\/span>\"City<\/a> <\/p>\n

Civilisation VI \u2013 Switch and mobile <\/h2>\n

The king, the legend, the G.O.A.T. of city-building sim games. As the French band Justice once sang\u2026 \u201cCivilization.\u201d That\u2019s right Justice, what else is there to say? Well, Civ 6 is the latest iteration of the long-running franchise, and it brings along years of smart upgrades, challenges, and attention to detail that many other sim games can never hope to match. <\/p>\n

Build your own personal empire and try to fend off the forces of encroaching countries. Develop tools and resources quickly, and soon you can overpower your foes with the smartest weapons this side of Tyrion using green flames on some pirate boats. What\u2019s more, the extensive Switch port includes scenario packs based on Vikings, Poland (dobry, dobry!), Australia, and Persia. If you\u2019re planning on conquering soon, be sure to check out our Civ 6 tier list first. <\/p>\n

<\/span>\"City<\/a> <\/p>\n

Townscaper \u2013 Switch and mobile <\/h2>\n

Let\u2019s bring things down a notch, with a minimalist city-builder that\u2019s more about vibes than vigorous architectural action. In Townscaper there are no goals, no tasks, no time limit, and definitely no enemies. Your job is just to build. Either use a controller or tap the screen to plop some buildings into an empty water-based void, and before long you\u2019re making the adorable city of your dreams. <\/p>\n

It\u2019s not quite as granular as you might expect, but you can still create towns with a varying degree of tiers, you can swap colors, and even make cute little awnings and balconies. Whether you play on Switch or mobile, this is a cheap and cheerful way to spend a few hours, and it\u2019s especially a lovely and very peaceful way to gain some calm and exert some control when the world feels a little bit too much. Check out our Townscaper review for more information. <\/p>\n

<\/span>\"City<\/a> <\/p>\n

Minecraft \u2013 Switch and mobile <\/h2>\n

Yeah, I know, this isn\u2019t quite a city-builder, but technically you can build a city if you want to \u2013 as long as you have a month to spare. In Minecraft, your ability is only as big as your ambition, and you can create cities, countries, or even the entire world of Westeros (second Game of Thrones mention klaxon). You can choose survival if you want to brave the elements and tackle those dreaded creepers, and there\u2019s something so thrilling about cobbling together your very first tiny little home. <\/p>\n

However, if you just want to build me up, buttercup, then slap that bad boy onto creative and start building like God that one week. Enjoy unlimited resources, the insane depth of Redstone and other interactive elements, and plenty of real estate. Plus, you can watch the mountain of Minecraft YouTube videos to get some tips and even set up a server to share a game world with your pals. Yes, it\u2019s a meme at this point, but there\u2019s a reason Minecraft became the biggest game in the world. If this weary 34-year-old man can still unwind with a pickaxe, then you can give it a go as well. <\/p>\n

<\/span>\"City<\/a> <\/p>\n

The Simpsons: Tapped Out \u2013 mobile <\/h2>\n

I refuse to even entertain the idea that there\u2019s anything in the world that isn\u2019t improved by adding The Simpsons. My childhood skateboard? It had Bart on it, and it ruled. My t-shirt? You\u2019d better believe it, The Simpsons are there making me look rad. GTA? Nah, The Simpsons Hit & Run shows Homer and the crew can make everything better. My parents divorce? Cheers Homer, we got through it together. <\/p>\n

Anyway, uuhhh, The Simpsons: Tapped Out is a free-to-start city-builder, where you create your own approximation of Springfield. Use currency known as donuts to build Moe\u2019s Tavern, Springfield School, the famous tyre fire, and much more. We will say, be careful, as while it\u2019s addictive and very fun, The Simpsons: Tapped Out often feels designed to frustrate you into spending money, and purchase options go as high as the hundreds in an obvious attempt to harpoon those elusive mobile gaming whales. Still, if you can resist the urge, there\u2019s so much to love here. <\/p>\n

\"YouTube <\/div>\n

There you go, folks! That\u2019s all we have for our guide to the best city builder games on Switch and mobile. If you just can\u2019t get enough of that wonderful Duff (or video games), you can also read our argument for The Simpsons: Hit and Run remake<\/a> now. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Who doesn\u2019t want to play the best city builder games on Switch and mobile, right? There\u2019s something so inherently satisfying about building a city. Like some sort of mega-Tetris, the idea of slotting together buildings and maintaining the day-to-day challenges of a city is both fascinating and fun. Honestly, I could have been an architect […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[70],"tags":[1513,121,1514,993,1162,1515],"class_list":["post-134980","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-mobile-game-releases","tag-civilization-vi","tag-minecraft","tag-steamworld-build","tag-strategy","tag-switch","tag-townscaper"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/134980","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=134980"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/134980\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=134980"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=134980"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=134980"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}