Top 10 Multiplayer City Building Games That Will Change How You Play
Are you ready to embark on an epic journey to build your own city, all while competing or cooperating with friends? Multiplayer city building games have become a phenomenon, bringing a blend of creativity and strategy right into your living room. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 multiplayer city building games that will completely transform your gaming experience. Let's dive in!
1. Cities: Skylines – A New Era of City Development
This game isn't just another city builder; it's a comprehensive simulator that puts you in charge of everything from public transportation to zoning. With extensive mods and online multiplayer options, you can collaborate with friends or challenge them to create the best city. Cities: Skylines has incredibly detailed graphics and a realistic game design, making it a must-try for any enthusiast.
2. SimCity (2013) – A Classic with a Multiplayer Twist
There’s something special about the SimCity franchise. The 2013 edition enhances the classic formula by adding multiplayer features. Work together with friends to develop regional strategies or compete to see who can create the most thriving metropolis. The game design encourages teamwork, urging players to specialize in different aspects like economy or infrastructure.
3. Anno 1800 – Building and Battling
Anno 1800 blends city building with real-time strategy and diplomacy. Set in the industrial era, you can trade, negotiate, and collaborate with friends. Its captivating gameplay allows for extensive city planning while engaging in naval battles. Multiplayer mode ensures that every game feels fresh and exciting!
4. Planetbase – Survival Meets City Building
What if you could build a city on a distant planet? That’s where Planetbase comes in! While primarily a single player game, it pushes the boundaries with community challenges and shared experiences. Build a colony, manage resources, and survive the harsh conditions of alien worlds—you’ll want your friends by your side!
5. Banished – A City Building Challenge
Banished is not your typical city builder. Here, you control a group of exiled travelers focused on survival. The game presents a new challenge as you need to manage resources meticulously. While it’s a single-player game, it encourages sharing strategies and tips, especially for challenging scenarios like starvation and population control.
6. Tropico 6 – Become the Ultimate Dictator
Take on the role of El Presidente in Tropico 6! This game blends humor with strategic gameplay. Build your paradise while navigating through politics and ecology. With online multiplayer and co-op modes, you can challenge friends in wacky scenarios while managing your island's growth and sustainability.
7. Factorio – Automation and Multiplayer Collaboration
If you're into complex logistics and automation, Factorio is the game for you. While its primary focus isn’t city building, the intricate assembly lines you create feel like urban planning. Collaborate with friends to create massive factories and defend against alien creatures together.
8. Surviving Mars – City Building on Mars
Surviving Mars allows players to build and maintain a colony on the red planet. The game is challenging yet addictive, and with its multiplayer features, you can collaborate with friends on resource management and colony expansion. It’s a unique twist on city building, offering an interplanetary experience.
9. Frostpunk – The Harsh Reality of Survival
In Frostpunk, you’re not just building a city; you’re managing a society on the brink of collapse due to a frozen apocalypse. Its cooperative multiplayer mode encourages players to collaborate on critical decisions about society survival and ethics in a chilling atmosphere. This game will definitely change your perspective on city building!
10. Kingdoms and Castles – Simple Yet Beautiful
Kingdoms and Castles is a more casual city-building game that’s relaxing yet engaging. You can build your kingdom, manage resources, and defend against Viking raids. With its charming graphics, it’s perfect for playing with friends in a laid-back environment.
Table: Comparison of Multiplayer City Building Games
| Game Title | Release Year | Unique Feature | Multiplayer Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cities: Skylines | 2015 | Extensive modding community | Highly versatile |
| SimCity (2013) | 2013 | Global collaboration | Competitive and cooperative |
| Anno 1800 | 2019 | Trade and battle | Co-op and competitive |
| Planetbase | 2016 | Building on another planet | Community challenges |
| Banished | 2014 | Resource management challenge | None |
| Tropico 6 | 2019 | Dictatorship simulation | Co-op and challenges |
| Factorio | 2020 | Automation and defense | Collaborative multiplayer |
| Surviving Mars | 2018 | Martian survival | Cooperative mode |
| Frostpunk | 2018 | Survivor ethics | Co-op mode |
| Kingdoms and Castles | 2017 | Casual gameplay | Local multiplayer |
Key Takeaways
- Multiplayer city building games offer a fresh perspective on creativity and strategy.
- Collaboration can enhance gameplay, especially in resource management and strategic planning.
- Each game brings unique features that cater to different types of players.
- Engaging visuals and compelling narratives can significantly enhance game enjoyment.
Conclusion
Multiplayer city building games are not just about constructing buildings; they’re about fostering teamwork, engaging in strategic interactions, and exploring creativity in a fun and competitive environment. Whether you prefer the intense challenges of Frostpunk or the casual maneuvering of Kingdoms and Castles, there’s something for every type of gamer among these titles. So gather your friends and get ready to change how you play!
