The art of creation is just that, an art, so much so that there are many video games out there in the world that help you grow and make your own cities and worlds. If you have a PS4, you have many options on that front.
#10 Frostpunk: Console Edition
If you’re looking for a challenge in terms of the world you need to build in, then Frostpunk: Console Edition is the one you’ll need to check out.
Because here, the world has virtually ended in a frozen wave that makes heat the most valuable resource out there. You have to rebuild via humanity’s last city and use the heat that you do have to not just survive, but expand and provide a future for humanity.
But the choices you make as you grow will define the civilization you make. Will you adhere to the wishes of your people? Or expand out of necessity no matter the cost? Jump in the game and find out.
#9 They Are Billions
Oh, you want another grim experience to try and build from? They Are Billions has you covered. Because in this dark tale, the world has been overrun by zombies that literally number in the billions. As such, humanity is down to just thousands, and yet, they’re trying to fight back.
You will command the legions of humanity and the mighty machines they wield and try to take back the various settlements that the zombies have stolen from you. Use various machines and tactics in order to overwhelm them. Just remember, every life lost is a piece of humanity that is ever dwindling. So do what you can to take back the world and ensure that humanity can continue to live!
#8 Planetbase
Planetbase is one of many city builders out there that focus on you trying to make a colony in outer space. In this case, you’ll be sent to one of four different remote planets and expected to build things up from the ground up.
And we do mean “from the ground up”. You’ll need to go and find resources, choose what kind of buildings to have, how to ensure you can be self-sufficient and so on. The game is honestly rooted in plausibility in terms of what you will have to do in order to survive. As such, each playthrough will be different because you’ll learn and adapt from past mistakes in order to make the best colony possible.
#7 Tropico 6
If you’re looking for something…uh…more sinister and yet fun, then Tropico 6 is for you. Because in this game you’ll play as El Presidente, the dictator who is determined to make his own empire/paradise, and isn’t afraid to do dirty tricks to get it to happen.
This time around though, you’ll have an entire archipelago to shape. With you being able to build in multiple spots at once for the very first time. Plus, you’ll be able to send out your followers to other nations in order to take some of their landmarks for yourself because…you like them more.
So live large and in charge in Tropico 6 and see what your kingdom can be like.
#6 Aven Colony
We already showed you one alien world colony-building title, so…let’s show you another! In Aven Colony, you’ll head to an alien world to try and build up a human presence there. The difference this time around is that this world is not exactly the most hospitable and has all manner of things that’ll try and kill you if you’re not careful.
There is low oxygen on the planet, there are also elemental disasters like electrical storms, alien beings, and so on and so forth.
So surviving will not be easy here. You’ll need to build up your colony to both survive and defend itself, else be wiped out by the will of the planet.
#5 Islanders
Many would admit that it takes a lot of work to make a city building game exciting, as well as playing them to their fullest. That’s where a title like Islanders comes in. Because here, you’re not expected to make the grandest of cities or worlds. Rather, you’re put on a random island and asked to build there to your hearts content.
Then, when you’re ready for a new challenge, you go and build on a new island! The team wanted to make an atmospheric and relaxing title that was still rewarding as you build up on your islands.
So go take part in one of these island builds and see what you make.
#4 The Colonists
Here’s a fun twist on the formula for you. In The Colonists, you play not as people, but self-replicating robots! Yeah, they were built to replicate human civilization in certain ways, and now, on a planet on their own, they can build their dream settlement.
In the game you’ll actually have a bit of a campaign mode as you help these robots make their new home that is just for them. Or, you can enter the sandbox mode in order to have complete unfettered access to the world and the game’s mechanics to make something truly special.
Have fun controlling the robots!
#3 Surviving Mars
Mars is a place that we as humans are trying to get to one day, but if you want to know the challenges of trying to get there, Surviving Mars can help with that.
Because in this game you will be a part of a space program that is trying to colonize Mars, and you’ll have to build up humanity’s first colony there from scratch and make sure that everything in there works the way it needs to. You’ll need to get resources, construct buildings to manage all sorts of needs, and of course, keep the people alive.
Will you be able to make Mars a place where we can truly live? Jump into the game and find out!
#2 Prison Architect
How about something a bit different now? In Prison Architect, you’ll be in charge of making and maintaining a prison that is full of prisoners wanting to get out. But obviously, you can’t let that happen.
The twist here is that you have to be very thoughtful about the who construction of your prison. If you just try and contain them in the smallest possible area, they’ll rebel. But if you give them too much leeway, they’ll escape. What’s more, certain prisoners need to be put in special cells in order to keep them locked up.
You can also take the challenge of being a prisoner and escaping other people’s prisons if you want!
#1 Cities: Skylines
Once upon a time, the best city-building game was that of SimCity and its spinoffs, and they were truly some of the best around. But in Cities: Skylines, you have arguably their spiritual successor, and their better.
Because this title isn’t just about making your city, it’s about making it a city that actually works! What a concept, right? But we’re serious here, you can’t just plop buildings next to one another and expect it to run. You’ll need to be thoughtful, and careful as you expand it.
With the various DLC the game has you’ll have no shortage of adventures to go and enjoy as you build up your world one building at a time.
